October 2022

This year sees MICE & TOURISM around the Worlde-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

BUREAU ITALIA

Months Separate us from

of Gudeg,

Host Regional

luxury

ENIT

for Italy

George Papadakis

STATES OF AMERICA

Caroline-Artemis

Welcome to the October edition of the MICE & TOURISM around the World e Magazine!

Since the last edition, we could not have imagined that we would begin the October edition with a new King of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, the Commonwealth and realms.

For many of you, it is impossible to understand the huge effect the loss of HM Queen Elizabeth II has on us as a nation. This is a momentous turning point in the history of the United Kingdom.

Her Majesty was the Monarchy and the Monarchy was Her Majesty and now that unique and continuous bond has been broken. It feels like the earth has shifted on its axis and we all now see things in a new light

For many in the UK, the Queen was more than a sovereign; she was a bridge between tradition and the future, of both the monarchy and for the country. She was probably the only person who could, without question, unite the country and without trying, see that affect ripple outwards across the world, be it to nations she was head of state of, or those she had once visited. She was indeed The Queen of the World.

It is hard to imagine a Britain without Queen Elizabeth II. She stood for all that was British and was an integral part of our identity. HM was a truly remarkable woman who served her country with dedication, dignity, loyalty and grace.

We have seen an outpouring of grief following her death and as HM so eloquently once said; “Grief is the price we pay for love.” Thank Your Majesty

May you rest in peace for eternity

Hail King Charles III.

Long Live the King!

Caroline Artemis Laspas

Queen Elizabeth II - 1926-2022

MIAMI, Florida

A Tropical Medical Tourism Destination

by Caroline Artemis Laspas

Plaka, Athens

Medical tourism was a rapidly growing sector before the pandemic, but now many of us are seeking a vacation with a focus on our positive health and welfare. Therefore there is growing trend among many of us to choose a destination we can combine a vacation with medical treatments, big or small!

All over the world, destinations see the potential for huge economic gains by tapping into the medical tourism market and one destination offering top class medical facilities with the added bonus of some tropical flair is Miami Florida, USA

Why Miami? Firstly, Miami is internationally accessible, making it a destination for medical treatment for patients from across the USA, Latin America, the Caribbean and globally.

Miami in its own right is a popular destination, with a temperate climate all year round, world renowned beaches, plenty of entertainment and places to eat, a wide variety of accommodation, as well as a highly multilingual community.

It is also regularly chosen as the destination to host medical and health care meetings and conventions.

What Miami also has is award winning health care, with top quality medical care and technology, offering treatments ranging from orthopaedic ailments to eye problems, cardiac services, cancer care and cosmetic surgery.

Miami is known as the ‘Gateway of the Americas’ due to its close proximity to South America, Central America and the Caribbean. It has a modern infrastructure and a great public transport system including an elevated rail system connecting to one of the city’s largest medical centres. Many of the city’s large medical facilities offer free shuttle services for patients, allowing for easy transfer to doctor appointments and follow up care.

The hospitals are ready to welcome international medical patients with many offering medical concierge services ranging from help with accommodation and passport/ visa arrangements. Many also have access to 24 hour, on call Doctors.

For international patients there are special rates for long term accommodation as well as onsite apartments at some medical facilities. There are language assistants and staff able to help arrange all the necessary hospital and diagnostic appointments. It is clear that Miami is a medical destination that aims to make your trip to the city one that is easy and efficient combined with top rate care.

Miami is also a leading research centre with multi million dollar investments in research facilities dedicated to finding cures for diseases.

Ambulatory and outpatient programmes are available across Greater Miami and are known for their state of the art facilities and treatment plans.

With caring doctors, therapists and nurses on hand to offer compassionate support and guidance, many of the ambulatory care facilities have overnight rooms or are partnered with hospitals if needed.

Once you have received from your treatment, the attractions of Miami and the surrounding area await! From golden beaches, water sports, the Everglades, shopping, museums, relaxing spas, a wide variety of dining and exciting nightlife. Miami will not only improve your health but will lift your heart and soul too!

Miami is a world leader in terms of cosmetic doctors. The city’s plastic surgeons are innovators and international leaders in cosmetic surgery both elective and medical.

The Miami Children’s Hospital is South Florida’s only licensed specialty hospital exclusively for children. The hospital is renowned for excellence and is ranked among the best children’s hospitals in the USA.

The Doctors represent over 40 paediatric sub specialties. Globally recognised, to ensure the best care and ease of access for international children and their families, the hospital’s Global Health Services department offers coordinated, comprehensive services.

Baptist Health South Florida is the region’s largest not for profit health care organisation, which manages 7 hospitals in Greater Miami; Baptist Hospital of Miami, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Baptist Cardiac and Vascular Institute, South Miami Hospital, Homestead Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital. Baptist Health South Florida gets 12,000 patients from over 100 countries annually. 70% come from the English and Spanish speaking countries of the Caribbean, Central America and the northern part of South America. An increasing number are coming from the Middle East.

Other highly ranked health care offerings include Mercy Hospital, with over 700 doctors representing 27 medical specialties.

Mount Sinai Medical Centre; a private facility, but is a ‘not for profit’ medical centre, ranked as one of the top in the country, for neurology/ neurosurgery and geriatrics.

The Jackson Memorial Hospital is the southernmost Level 1 adult and paediatric trauma centre in the United States.

Finally, the University of Miami Health System is South Florida’s only university based health care system.

Miami also has a wide variety of medical spas which offer treatments including, skin rejuvenation, medical weight loss, laser hair removal, non invasive anti aging procedures, facials, massages and laser and light technologies. The medical spas offer the atmosphere of a spa, but have medical technology and expertise on site.

Put yourself in the Spotlight

Airlines & Aviation News

The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) is considering more thorough regulation of private jet flights across the EU. Proposals could see higher taxes or banning, resulting in the entire private business jet sector from operating and from being at the forefront of developing sustainable technologies.

Business aviation has always been at the forefront of innovative technologies that can improve the efficiency of aviation. It has seen its commitment to reducing its environment impact and emissions per hour, per flight, per business aircraft, decrease by 36% over the last 15 years.

The European business aviation industry employs almost 400,000 people and contributes close to €90 billion to the European GDP annually. It serves as a lifeline for communities, be it for medical transport or as a tool to help governments and businesses that also generates local economic development. Business aviation was the one airline sector that was maintained during the pandemic

There is a balance to be made between continuing with environmental action and supporting economic growth while being sustainable without sacrificing the modern day necessity of business flying, which connects citizens, companies and communities to economic opportunities.

UNITED AND EMIRATES EXPAND MARKET PRESENCE THROUGH NEW AGREEMENT

United will launch a new direct flight between Newark/New York and Dubai starting in March 2023, From there passengers can travel on Emirates or its sister airline flydubai to more than 100 different cities.

Starting in November, Emirates customers flying into 3 of the nation's biggest business hubs Chicago, San Francisco and Houston will have access to nearly 200 U.S. cities in the United network most of which only require a one stop connection. At 8 other U.S. airports served by Emirates Boston, Dallas, LA, Miami, JFK, Orlando, Seattle and Washington DC both airlines will have an interline arrangement in place.

"This agreement unites two iconic, flag carrier airlines who share a common commitment to creating the best customer experience in the skies," said United CEO Scott Kirby. "United's new flight to Dubai and our complementary networks will make global travel easier for millions of our customers, helping boost local economies and strengthen cultural ties.

"Two of the biggest and best known airlines in the world are joining hands to fly people better to more places, at a time when travel demand is rebounding with a vengeance. It's a significant partnership that will unlock tremendous consumer benefit and bring the United Arab Emirates and the United States even closer," said Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline.

AEGEAN AIRLINES

FINANCIAL RESULTS

AEGEAN has announced its financial and operating results for the 2nd quarter and the 1st half of the year 2022.

Passenger traffic has significantly increased by 171% in the Q2 of 2022, reaching 3.3 million passengers from 1.2 million in the same period of 2021

Load factors have also improved at 79.2%, 23% higher compared with the Q2 of 2021. AEGEAN has restored its capacity at 86% in the Q2, following the easing of covid related measures.

The significant increase in flight activity and demand has contributed to a 201% increase in consolidated revenue in the Q2, which stood at UK£285 million from UK£94.5 million in the Q2 of 2021. Despite the more than double fuel cost (compared with 2019), the airline reported profit after taxes of UK£9.4 million in the Q2 of 2022 from losses after taxes of UK£29.5 million in the same period in 2021.

Overall, for the first half of the year, consolidated revenues increased by 193%, with passenger traffic up 187% and available seats 101% compared to the first half of 2021.

In the first half of 2022 losses after taxes amounted to UK£24 million from losses of UK£68 million.

NEW LOW-COST AIRLINE FOR DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

The Dominican Republic has a new low cost airline called Arajet, with its hub in Santo Domingo. It aims to build a route network of 22 destinations in 12 countries.

Arajet will continue expanding its operations with the addition of routes to Saint Maarten in the Caribbean, Lima in Peru, Mexico City, Monterrey and Cancun in Mexico and Guatemala City in Guatemala.

Then it will add Curaçao, San José in Costa Rica, Quito and Guayaquil in Ecuador, Medellín and Bogotá in Colombia as well as destinations in North America

THIS WINTER IBERIA TO OFFER MORE FLIGHTS & SEATS TO USA

The US is a priority markets for Iberia and it is where the airline deploys its greatest capacity; this summer it offered flights to 8 destinations: Dallas and Washington DC (new routes), New York, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, Boston and San Francisco, as well as Puerto Rico.

This winter season, from 29th October, Iberia will offer more frequencies and seats than it did in the same period of 2019; 589,000 seats, an increase of 15% compared to 2019, and around 2,000 flights, 21% more than in 2019.

The Dallas flights were initially launched to operate in the summer only, but will be maintained during the winter season, initially 3 times a week, which will gradually increase to daily flights in June 2023. It will use greater capacity A330 aircraft equipped with Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins.

In addition, Iberia will increase flights in several US destinations compared to last winter. In Miami it will go from 10 to 14 weekly frequencies, 2 daily flights and in New York, from 10 to 13 weekly frequencies reaching 14 in March 2023.

Increased flights to Los Angeles will begin in April 2023, operating with an A350 aircraft, offering greater capacity.

BRITISH AIRWAYS AND QATAR AIRWAYS COMPLETE EXPANSION TO FORM THE LARGEST AIRLINE JOINT BUSINESS

Qatar Airways and British Airways have completed the latest phase in the expansion of their partnership, offering global connectivity between more countries than any other airline joint business.

The airlines have added 42 new countries to their shared network, including Italy, the Maldives, Norway, Singapore, and Sweden, giving passengers enhanced access between destinations in Europe and the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Oceania.

Customers will now benefit from even greater choices in prices and schedules with options for direct flights as well as connections via hubs in London and Doha. This is all part of Qatar Airways and British Airways' plan to “Move Further Together” by enhancing the joint network and providing passengers with the best of both airlines.

The expansion will enable seamless connecting journeys on single tickets through Doha and London, bringing the total number of destinations served by the 2 airlines to 185 across more than 60 countries. The complementary networks access dozens of countries that no other alliance or joint business provides. The partnership also ensures access to more cities around the world than ever before, continuing to support global trade, tourism, investment, and cultural connection.

TRANSAVIA

LAUNCH DIRECT FLIGHT: MONTPELLIER-MADRID

Transavia will fly a new route this winter from Montpellier Madrid. The low cost subsidiary of Air France will fly twice a week from 30th October.

The connection will offer travellers the chance to discover the Spanish city’s many museums and its wonderful gastronomy.

Construction of a new garage to serve electric vehicles has begun at London’s Gatwick Airport. The new London Gatwick Electric Forecourt will be the first in the world at an international airport serving the tens of millions of passengers as well as staff, taxis and local communities.

Once completed, it will enable 36 electric vehicles to be charged simultaneously, with high power chargers capable of delivering up to 350kW, adding 100 miles of range in less than 10 minutes.

Multiple charging connectors will cater for all types of electric vehicles with contactless payment accepted, making it easier to charge. The site will also be supplied with 100% renewable net zero carbon energy generated by its own hybrid solar farms.

While charging, visitors can enjoy a coffee, a comfortable waiting lounge with free super fast WiFi, convenience retail, children’s play area and a dedicated educational space to increase awareness around electric vehicles.

NEW JETSTAR CEO

The Qantas Group has appointed Stephanie Tully as the new Chief Executive Officer of Jetstar.

This follows the announcement in June that current Jetstar CEO, Gareth Evans, will leave his role by the end of calendar 2022.

Ms Tully joined the national carrier in 2004 and has worked across operational, commercial, marketing and customer loyalty functions in progressively more senior roles. She has been a Group Executive and Chief Customer Officer since 2019.

CATHAY PACIFIC DROPS 10 PLACES IN SKYTRAX WORLD’S TOP 100 AIRLINES RANKINGS FOR 2022

Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific has dropped to 16th place in the latest Skytrax’s ranking of the World’s Top 100 Airlines. The airline has dropped from 6th to 16th place.

The new rankings, released at the 2022 World Airline Awards ceremony, saw Qatar Airways take the top spot. Singapore Airlines came in 2nd while Emirates was in 3rd place

Cathay Pacific recorded a net annual loss of UK£686 million in 2021 and carried just 717,059 passengers last year, 84% down from 2020 and 98% fewer than in 2019.

LONDON’s AIRPORTS CHAOS CONTINUES

The schools are back and the main holiday period for UK travellers is over, but still there are huge queues for check in and security at terminals across London’s airports. With more than 8 rows of passengers waiting to get through security this week at T5, the cancelled flights aimed at easing these scenes, seen earlier in the year, seem to have achieved very little in making the remaining travel experience for travellers any easier.

The C919 narrow body passenger jet is now certified to fly. Single aisle C919, manufactured by the state owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) is expected to compete with Boeing’s 737 and Airbus’ A320

INDIA AVIATION BOOM

India’s aviation business has quickly recovered pre pandemic levels and with many new start up airlines and new routes expected, the Indian government aims to develop 220 new airports by 2025.

By 2027 it is predicted that India will have 1,200 aircraft and 400 million passengers. The Airports Authority of India and private airport operators are readily investing UK£9.85 billion through to 2025 to be ready for the demand.

It is not only big cities that will benefit from this national aviation expansion. Plans are underway for small, underserved and remote airports to be upgraded under the subsidised Regional Connectivity Scheme. With 400 regional routes, another 600 are planned to connect to 156 airports.

PLANE ERA HAS ARRIVED

by N.M. Laspas

A lot has changed over the past few years and as nothing stays the same forever, it is interesting to see just where the changes have occurred in terms of the new jet set and how they choose to travel.

After the 2 year health crisis (2020 2022), many of us still have it in the back of our minds when boarding a plane with hundreds of other passengers, ‘what am I going to catch sitting here?’

For this reason alone, the rise of private jet hire has increased hugely in recent years, as people just feel safer travelling together in a smaller group.

Travelling in a smaller hired plan has other benefits too, including smaller airports and avoiding large airport crowds and much of the time, avoiding the high level of airport security and the lengthy walks to get to the aircraft. With private hire, often you will be driven to the bottom of the stairs to board the plane.

If you hire a private plane, it takes off when you arrive, it will not leave without you, and so the stress of getting to the airport on time is reduced as well as no lengthy check in times.

Once inside the aircraft, the experience really changes with small cabins, luxury seats and often a glass of bubbly once you are comfortably seated.

During the health crisis period when airlines were forced to ground services, it was the smaller private planes which were able to still continue flying as the same safety bubbles were maintained.

In 2021 the private jet hire sector boomed. There were 3.3 million private jet flights around the world, the highest number on record and 7% greater than the previous high seen in 2019. The growth was driven by the USA and Europe.

Now that life has got back to normal, you would expect the hiring of private planes would decrease, especially given the environmental impact each aircraft has. But this has not been the case.

Having been left with no control of their lives and travel, people are seeing the value of being able to make the travel part of their vacation, very much part of the whole trip and they are looking for travel options that offer a controlled, flexible experience, something a commercial flight cannot offer.

Many European jet companies are seeing demand from customers continue to increase, by up to 26% in Europe, and by 21% for requests from the rest of the world. Over 70% of those choosing the travel privately are new to the sector, having never flown by private jet before

This has led to some jet companies struggling to find enough planes to meet demand. Industry forecasts for the next 10 years predict between 6,362 and 7,300 new jet deliveries to meet demand.

In addition, regular airlines have started to use smaller fast jets to cover the high request from their customers for private luxury trips, such as Qatar Executive who have invested in several Gulfstream jets G650ER aircraft that operate non stop from Doha to New York in approximately 13hours and from Doha to Seoul in just over 8hrs. With the ability to fly faster and further than any other business jet, the G650ER / Gulfstream is ideally suited for the need for flights going half way around the globe, in comfortable luxury.

However, with the forecast for 2022 was looking good, but the market has slowed considerably due to current fuel prices being at a premium; but the seed has been sown and private jet flyers are here to stay.

Flying by private jet has never been a budget option, but many companies would prefer to have a full plane than not flying, so there are ways to seek a reasonably priced flight by private jet.

A number of private hire companies now offer a halfway house known as ‘semi private planes’. These use the larger private planes compared to normal private jets that seat between 6 20 people, but here you share the plane with a few fellow passengers. There are only a limited number of destinations on offer but it seems that there is a gap in the airline market for such an offering with fares costing approximately UK£160 each way per person (depending on destination). This gives the private flying experience at a fraction of the normal cost

One area that private jets will never win is the environmental impact they have. Generally, they pollute between 5 14 times more than commercial airlines on a per passenger basis.

Many companies are encouraging passengers to carbon offset their flight, while others have switched to using biofuels, as well as looking at electric, hydrogen and hybrid powered aircraft. It all sounds good, but in the end the most reliable way to reduce emissions from flights is to fly less, so if you have one flight to take in a year, why not make it one with a private jet!

Flying by private jet is big business. Private charters are thriving, especially as more people have discovered the many positive benefits.

Qatar Executive’s fleet operates 3 Bombardier Global 5000s, one Bombardier Global XRS, one Airbus A319ACJ and another Airbus A319 Air Ambulance aircraft, making Qatar Airways among the 1st to offer this kind of exclusive luxury services.

& Events

Warsaw is all set yet again to host the Grand edition of the MEET THE BIDDER smart fair.

Taking place on 23 November 2022 at the Arche Krakowska Hotel, the event will again bring together suppliers and buyers to conduct business in a dedicated environment

This year will see, not only a Welcome Drink but also a Welcome Dinner for participants as well as a special ‘Breakfast with Press’, followed by a Press Briefing for exhibitors and Polish and international media

Following dedicated meetings during the morning, the afternoon will be more of a networking event concluding with a farewell dinner.

BURNOUT EXPERT KELLY SWINGLER TO SPEAK AT WORLD TRAVEL MARKET LONDON

World renowned executive coach, burnout expert, inspirational speaker and author, Kelly Swingler, will be sharing her experience on how to have a successful career without jeopardising wellbeing at this year’s World Travel Market London, 7 9 November 2022 at ExCel.

Kelly, who is author of the acclaimed book, Mind The Gap: A Story of Burnout, Breakthrough and Beyond, will share her advice and insight about helping people achieve and lead a core led life in a must attend session organised by the Association of Women Travel Executives.

In 2013, after a 15 year leadership career, Kelly was burnt out, exhausted and missing out on life with her family. She realised that the way we are all working, isn’t working. Since then, she has helped women from all over the world to succeed without giving up their career or jeopardising their wellbeing.

In a 2022 study called The Exhaustion Gap, which looked at the effects of Covid 19, two thirds of women said they felt burnt out.

The study also highlighted the fact that women have been set back in terms of their careers over the past two years, with 66% not receiving any sort of pay rise since the start of the pandemic.

Two thirds (64%) of women said they wished they had more time for themselves, while 53% want more time to invest in themselves, and their interests and hobbies. Twice as many women as men reported feeling more isolated since the pandemic. It is well documented that women bore most of the home schooling responsibilities during the recent global pandemic, on top of juggling their regular jobs whilst working from home as well as the increased cooking and cleaning duties that came as part of repeated lockdowns.

During MEET THE BIDDER, Hosted Buyers will be treated to the stunning city of Cracow as a post tour.

THE UK SPACE

The Space sector gathered last month at the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre for the Space Comm Expo 2022

The aim was to focus on revolutionising the UK space sector. The UK space industry contributed £16.5 billion turnover, £5.3 billion exports, 47,000 direct jobs and 2,300 apprentices to the UK in 2021 alone, according to new research.

Space Comm Expo is the UK’s biggest space focused event, with a presence of over 150 exhibitors, thousands of attendees and 80 keynote speakers and experts across the programme. 65% bigger than the inaugural event in 2021, more than 35% of the businesses exhibiting at the event were international, with 20% of the show floor from the US alone.

DIGITAL TRAVEL EUROPE

THE Networking Event for Digital Leaders from Europe’s Top Airlines, Hotels & OTAs A Unique Opportunity to Benchmark with Your Peers!

Customer’s behaviour has shifted dramatically so it is critical to adopt to and predict their needs.

Only at Digital Travel with its inspirational keynotes, small group interactive learning, fun networking events and hundreds of peers to connect with will you discover how Europe’s top travel companies are:

•Building digital first strategies to respond to customer preferences in real time

•Reducing reliance on third parties to drive direct sales and build customer loyalty

•Leveraging innovative tools to reduce friction across the booking process and improve CX

Be inspired and learn from our 2022 speakers from Air France KLM, LOT Polish Airlines, Marriott Hotels, easyHotel, Tripadvisor, Kiwi.com, Trivago and many more.

Be Among the Leaders. Join 200+ Attendees from Airlines, Hotels & OTAs including: Trivago, Lufthansa, Ryanair, easyJet, AirSerbia, Radisson Hotel Group, Accor, Skyscanner, and more.

BAE Systems announced at the event that its plan to launch its 1st multi sensor satellite cluster, known as Azalea™, into low Earth orbit in 2024 to deliver high quality information and intelligence in real time from space to military customers.

Space-Comm Expo will return to Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre 6-7 September 2023

CONVENTION BUREAU ITALIA AND ENIT UNVEIL UNCONVENTIONAL LOCATIONS FOR ITALY AT HAND 2022 CAMPANIA

In less than just two months, some of the best European MICE buyers will once again have the chance to discovery Italy’s timeless beauty during the 4th edition of Italy at Hand 2022 Campania, an edition that will be remembered for being the starting point of its evolution. The event will include 3 days of networking, distinguished by the seamless integration of business and entertainment.

This year there will be 40 of the best Italian MICE suppliers meeting 55 buyers, with 4 signature activities connected to the emotions, images, sensations, and inspirations sparked by Italy’s identity and its traditions and in depth post tours discovering Campania’s hidden gems.

The event always takes place in multiple destinations in Campania, underlining Italy’s advantage of being a quintessential ‘multi destination’ for MICE events. The 3 unconventional venues that will be hosting the main B2B event in Napoli are infused with the all Italian balance between a glorious historical and cultural heritage and the perks of a modern, mature MICE Destination. Palazzo Caracciolo

Italy at Hand’s opening night will take place at Palazzo Caracciolo, a hotel located in a historical building right in the thriving heart of Napoli, imbued with the warmth and beauty of the city. The building is steeped in history, having not only been the residence of the aristocratic Caracciolo family, but also that of the King of Naples, Joachim Murat, Napoleonic commander, and statesman: truly a venue fit for kings.

Napoli, as almost every coastal city, is a city with the sea in its DNA; a city whose port saw a prolific cultural and commercial exchange over the centuries since the times of the Greeks and the Romans. No other venue could better reflect that thriving atmosphere of exchange than Napoli’s Stazione Marittima (Italian for ‘maritime station’) that will host Italy at Hand’s B2B sessions on November 17th and 18th. The Stazione boasts a modern congress centre with 18 multi purpose rooms distributed over an area of 3,300sq.m with a maximum capacity of about 1800 pax.

The third venue is also deeply rooted into Napoli’s glorious past, a true masterpiece of Gothic and Baroque art: The Donnaregina Monumental Complex Diocesan Museum of Naples will host Italy at Hand’s Gala Dinner which will have participants embark on a journey through centuries of history. The Monumental Complex is made of a cloister and 2 different churches who differ in age and style: Donnaregina Vecchia, which dates back to the 14th century and the 17th century church

Donnaregina Monumental Complex

Donnaregina Nuova, built in the Baroque style.

IBTM WORLD REVEALS DETAILS OF ASSOCIATION LEADERS’ FORUM

IBTM World 2022, which will take place at Fira, Barcelona, from the 29th November to 1st of December, has revealed first details of its Association Leaders’ Forum, scheduled for the day before the official start of the event.

The Association Leaders’ Forum, curated by Stylianos Filopoulos, International Associations Expert, will consider the role that associations can play in our changeable world. Through the sharing of case studies, interactive sessions and round table discussions, the tailored programme will explore issues such as sustainability, diversity and inclusion, socioeconomic instability, wellbeing, and creativity, and discuss how associations can leverage these challenges and opportunities to increase the impact of their future events.

One of the highlights of the Forum is the Presidents’ Talk, which will open the programme and bring together all 5 Association Executive Society leaders. This interactive session is an opportunity for association professionals to hear how different global associations innovated and solved problems in the design and delivery of their own international events, as well as a chance to discover different cultures and celebrate diversity and points of convergence.

In partnership with MeetDenmark, the programme features an innovative session to help design the future of in person events through Lego Serious Play. This interactive session will enable delegates to share ideas and learn what in person events of purpose driven organisations will look like in the future. It will also enable them to experience new and innovative formats through play and reflect on the impact of events gamification

IBTM World 2022 will focus on ‘culture creation’ as its theme, bringing together attendees to discover how modern business challenges are creating opportunities across the industry, and exploring the convergence of events and business culture.

With the theme ‘The Return to Growth: Challenges ahead for Cruise Lines and Destinations’ the Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum returns live with a 2 day Conference and Exhibition that will take place on 25 26 April 2023 in Greece’s 2nd largest city and port, Thessaloniki. The decision to hold the event there, instead of Athens, was made in the spirit of the forum’s central theme that focuses on sustainability strategies and the importance of introducing more destination and port alternatives to dilute impact and optimise cruise traffic management in the Mediterranean.

Among panel topics will be the necessity for regions and cruise lines to cooperate in expanding itinerary range, increasing infrastructure viability and popularity of alternative ports of call and finally, managing call concentrations to defuse over tourism phenomena.

The conference will take a spherical approach on sustainability challenges that come from cruising growth in the Mediterranean and examine ideas from a variety of angles that include commercial, tourism, operational technical and infrastructure development points of view.

Thessaloniki is a good example of a highly viable transit call and turnaround alternative. Both city and port invested in a serious effort to elevate both cruise friendliness and tourist infrastructure and it seems to be paying off, going from 6 cruise ship arrivals in 2019 to 60 in 2022, 50% of them home porting. The presence of a significantly upgraded International Airport and nearby emerging markets with surface access could potentially increase this port’s strategic importance.

The city was recently listed by Conde Nast Traveller among the 22 “most underestimated” European destinations. Thessaloniki enjoys a UNESCO World Heritage listing for its Byzantine and Paleo Christian monuments and as Greece’s No1 destination for gastronomy. It has a unique old world charm and is peppered with rare architectural, cultural and historic wonders, including a Jewish heritage that is among Europe’s most significant. It is also close to a world class archaeological destination with ancient Macedonian Kingdom sites and a stunning museum dedicated to Phillip and his son Alexander the Great.

Thessaloniki is just one of many Mediterranean examples that have yet to be appreciated for their true worth and Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum's goal is to instigate a new approach to cruise geography and destination development that could contribute towards a sustainable cruising future in this highly popular, multifaceted and profitable region.

THE GLOBAL WELLNESS SUMMIT HAS PARTNERED WITH MYNDSTREAM

The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) has partnered with music for wellbeing leader Myndstream, a label that is home to award winning artists with billions of streams. They will bring stunning performances and cutting edge musical experiments to delegates each day of the conference being held in Tel Aviv, Israel from Oct 31 to Nov 3.

An experiential keynote from Myndstream’s Freddie Moross on the powerful impact of music on wellness will include a guest appearance by Derek Paravicini, an artist with autism whose dazzling piano improvisations have wowed audiences around the world. His YouTube videos have gathered millions of plays and his TED Talk has generated more than 1.6 million views. Adam Ockelford, professor of music at London’s University of Roehampton, and Paravacini’s teacher and mentor since he was 5 years old, will speak about music’s impact on autism.

Each day, Myndstream will present creative experiences with music designed for wellbeing. Palm Reading, the talented musical duo of Charlie Laubacher and Skooby Laposky, creates ambient compositions generated directly from plant life and natural environments capturing plant biodata at an exact moment in time (whether their photosynthesis or water uptake cycles) to then give them a musical voice. These artists will unveil a musical and video performance aligned with the conference’s 2022 theme of “Open Hearts, Open Minds. Open for Business.” They will blend the “music” of plants from both the Israeli and Palestinian territories to illustrate nature and music as healers that transcend political and cultural divides.

The GWS named music for wellness a top global trend in 2020, and the experiments, platforms, apps and evidence have since spawned. Myndstream will bring their amazing talent, together with new ideas, techniques and technologies in music for wellbeing, to GWS attendees.

CO’Met THE NEWEST EVENTS SPACE, NEAR PARIS, FRANCE

A brand new events space in France provides the opportunity to host, in a same location, at the same time, national and international sports, cultural and economic events.

With its modular spaces, CO’Met is unique in its possibilities of use and its services. On the same place, 4 exceptional spaces connected to each other are articulated according to your project:

Sports Arena and major events up to 10,000 seats

Congress Centre with an auditorium of 1,000 seats and 1 5 seminar rooms

A modular Exhibition Hall of 35,000sq.m.

All in the immediate vicinity of the Zenith d'Orléans offering plenty of accommodation options.

Orléans: New conference centre 1hr from Paris

One of the largest Palais des Congrès in France with a 1,000 seat auditorium and 800m2 of committee rooms, and 4 exceptional interconnected spaces.

Composed of an auditorium, seminar rooms and a restaurant opening onto a large landscaped exterior terrace with forest views.

A 1,000 seat auditorium

Seminar rooms to accommodate up to 720 guests

The dining room offers over 1,200sq.m of space and can accommodate 650 guests seated Open area with the potential of exhibition spaces

The Exhibition Centre consists of 14,592 sq.m of space, in a single block (pillar free). It can be divided into 4 separate halls. The 4 halls are each equipped with stores, a catering kitchen, an individual entrance hall and toilets, so that they can function as independent units. (Hall 1:2,202sqm, Hall 2:2,162sqm, Hall 3:4,409sqm, Hall 4:5,819sqm)

The Arena

Able to host the majority of indoor sports, concerts and large scale shows.

An integral crown of boxes comprising between 9 and 30 seats

A large range of premium seats including courtside seats

A VIP area of over 1,000m², partitionable into several lounges

A ‘Clean Stadium’ programme for organisers

REGISTRATION ON B2BALKAN PLATFORM

ON 14TH OCTOBER ‘TOURISM &TRAVEL SHOW ALBANIA’

Don't miss a unique opportunity of business and networking, a chance to share your innovative ideas and future trends of tourism sector, with Balkan Partners and International Tourism industry, meeting in TIRANA from all of the EU countries.

B2BALKAN Platform is a special feature dedicated to Balkan Regional Tourism Opportunities and will take place in October 14, 2022 during the Tourism & Travel Show Trade Fair.

Tourism & Travel Show Albania is the new, Exhibition Conference area, dedicated to the most important trends and developments shaping the tourism sector in the Balkan Region, able to combine in just two days the discovery of the new presentation and promotion opportunities for products and services, new partnerships, and information, education on the latest developments in the sector and sectoral policy development.

Participating in the B2B Event through B2BALKAN PLATFORM at “TOURISM &TRAVEL SHOW ALBANIA”, you’ll have the chance to:

•Discover tourism future trends and product innovations in the Balkan Region

•Meet representatives from the best regional tourism offer and have access to new exciting business opportunities.

•Use the online Prescheduled Appointment System during the previous three weeks to the event and search and contact the exhibitors in order to create your own schedule of appointments.

MACARON BRAND UNVEILS EVENT SPACE PERFECT FOR WORKSHOPS, HEN PARTIES AND EVENTS

Oh La La! Macarons (ohlalamacarons.com), producers of the finest, hand made award winning macarons, has opened a new event space in London, designed as the perfect place to host workshops, pop ups and content creation sessions. The light and airy space, on Kirby Street in London’s Farringdon, is a spacious blank canvas which can be dressed according to a brand’s needs and comes equipped with a fully fitted kitchen too. The space also features a beautiful fully licensed bar for creating cocktails to accompany macarons as part of the events held there.

With events back in everyone’s diaries and the whole of the UK keen to get together again, the space is perfectly timed to capitalise on hen parties for long postponed weddings, corporate team building days for hardworking staff and brands looking for a unique and beautiful space to shoot exciting new content. The space measures up at an impressive 1350 sq.ft and is priced from UK£300 for a half day hire or UK£85 for a Macaron workshop tailored to guests.

Boasting an expertise background in events, Oh La La! created the world’s first ‘Macarons & Martini Workshop’ in London: fabulous experiences designed to bring the art of macaron making to life. The workshops are still a huge hit with people looking to organise stylish celebrations and networking and team building days out with a difference and the new Kirby Street Kitchen is perfect for hosting these events.

During an event experience with Oh La La!, guests will discover the baking secrets behind the delicate art of macaron making. Skilled bartenders will introduce attendees to the world of mixology, to shake up signature cocktails and develop their very own Martini recipe. There’s an abundance of pre made macaron shells to decorate, fill with numerous flavours and create a box to take home to delight friends and family and guests are greeted with delicious cocktails (or alcohol free mocktails) which are unlimited throughout the experience.

The Oh La La! event space is also a hugely popular choice for those looking for something unique in its approach to events and business. The bakery is female owned, run and socially conscious as well as being very mindful of its impact on the environment with low to zero food waste and recycled and recyclable packaging. Oh La La! also uses only the finest locally and ethically sourced ingredients, and specially curates its ranges tailored to the British seasons.

www.ohlalamacarons.com

OTDYKH LEISURE 2022

MORE THAN 50 REGIONS AND COUNTRIES WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE EXHIBITION

RECREATION Leisure 2022 is the main business event in Russia before the autumn winter tourist season, which brings together more than 10,000 industry professionals in the field of tourism to the heads of large Russian and foreign companies, as well as tourism leaders in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation.

More than 50 Russian and foreign destinations Egypt, Tunisia, Cuba, Uganda, Belarus, Venezuela, Uzbekistan, individual stands of host companies and hotels from 14 countries of the world will be participating at Leisure 2022. Egypt is the Partner Country. For the 1st time in 10 years, Venezuela will participate with its own booth.

The business programme of the OTDYKH Leisure exhibition will be traditionally diversified and rich with new formats of events. The main track of events will be focused on domestic tourism. In open discussions, tour operators and travel agents, heads of regional tourism offices, experts and practitioners will discuss current events and changes that have taken place in the domestic tourism industry, analyse support measures and identify new incentives and directions for the development of domestic tourism.

NEW FOR 2023

For 39 years, International Confex has held its position as the leading exhibition for the events industry, bringing together the largest gathering of event professionals in the UK. Confex is where event organisers discover suppliers, venues, and service providers to help them plan their future events as well as catch up with their events industry family.

International Confex has a world class conference programme which is central to the show. Discover 100+ talks taking place across two days. For 2023 the event is offering new features.

Spicing up the floorplan and maximising your time on site!

•A Buddy Up System to combat imposter syndrome and welcome first time visitors to Confex

•A VIP only area showing the latest event tech

•A passport showing the businesses making headway in sustainability and diversity.

INTERNATIONAL TOURISM EXPO IN GUILIN, CHINA

The 2022 China ASEAN Expo Tourism Exhibition was hosted in Guilin, in South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region last month.

Vietnam was the Guest of Honour for the event and the Minister of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Ministry of Vietnam, along with other Beijing based diplomats representing Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, Laos and the Philippines as well as representatives of the ASEAN China Centre also took part.

This year’s tourism exhibition, had the theme ‘sharing new opportunities of the RCEP and working together for new development in culture and tourism’, which aimed to boost exchange and cooperation in the tourism sector among RCEP member states and facilitate the autonomous region’s endeavour to turn Guangxi into a global tourist destination and Guilin a global tourist city.

By joining forces with the tourism departments and organisations of ASEAN countries, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China hopes to “carry out all round, multi layer, high efficiency exchanges and cooperation in culture and tourism via the effective platform of the China ASEAN Expo Tourism Exhibition, making greater contributions to the construction of a shared future for China and ASEAN countries”

This year's event was held both online and in person with an on site exhibition area reaching 25,000sq.m and 7 exhibition halls. With Vietnam as the Guest of Honour and Gansu the Thematic Province, the 3 day event gathered over 300 exhibitors and agencies from 50 overseas countries and regions, and 20 domestic provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities.

ONLY 4 MONTHS SEPARATE US FROM CONVENTA 2023.

Will you be joining us in Ljubljana, Slovenia?

The 15th Conventa Experience will be held from 1 2 February 2023 in Ljubljana, Slovenia. This means that only 4 months separate us from the most important regional MICE event of the year.

We are inviting you to be part of another amazing Conventa experience. A boutique event that will connect you with meetings industry suppliers from 16 countries.

A networking opportunity that includes VIP attendance at all social events, complimentary flights and accommodation, as well as legendary fam trips, and plenty of opportunities for informal meetings.

ATF 2023

CITY OF GUDEG, INDONESIA TO HOST REGIONAL EVENT

Indonesia is preparing to host the 2023 ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF). This event will be held in Yogyakarta in January 2023.

ATF 2023 will bear the theme, ‘Empower Talents, Embrace Technology, Recover Tourism’. The region is seeing that recovery together is the way forward for the economic growth of the region.

Participants from ATF 2023 consist of 10 ASEAN member countries along with Japan, Korea, and China. And later there will be two big agendas that will be held in Yogyakarta, namely the meeting.

MINISTERS’ SUMMIT CHALLENGES SECTOR TO RETHINK TOURISM INDUSTRY AT WORLD TRAVEL MARKET LONDON 2022

Tourism leaders from across the globe will convene again for the Ministers’ Summit at World Travel Market London, 7 9 November 2022.

The summit, which is organised in association with UNWTO and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) will facilitate a debate around ways to reimagine the sector’s future driving its economic development while tackling the climate crisis.

The world’s largest annual gathering of tourism ministers will take place on Tuesday 8 November 2022 during World Travel Market the foremost global event for the travel industry, where ‘The Future of Travel Starts Now’.

Ministers’ Summit at World Travel Market, in association with UNWTO and WTTC Rethinking Tourism takes place on Tuesday 8 November 2022, on World Travel Market London’s Future Stage from 10.30 12.30.

For registration, please visit https://www.wtm.com/london/en gb/enquire.html

Nicaragua

the new luxury destination

by Alesia Gonzales

The Mukul Beach

The Latin American country of Nicaragua is not one you would immediately think of as a luxury destination, but that is its secret!

Over recent years, it has developed some unique and luxury resorts and hotels spread across the country giving rise to offering some truly spectacular dream vacation destinations.

Nicaragua is known for its authenticity, a magical paradise and a destination growing at a fast rate as an alternative to the luxury on offer at other Latin American destinations like Mexico and Costa Rica.

For many years, Nicaragua witnessed war and political instability, but it is now a safe destination with a rapidly growing economy.

Tourism is developing at a great pace too as the country offers quiet unpopulated beaches, great surf destinations, and a growing number of boutique hotels which give the intimate and traditional free of Nicaragua gone by, but with all the modern amenities. Indeed, many of its colonial buildings have been beautifully transformed into some of Central America's most atmospheric hotels.

Here are some to the best luxury offerings the country has to offer.

XALLI OMETEPE BEACH HOTEL: Located between two volcanoes, you may feel you entered the land that time forget but in a pure luxury environment. Local produce welcomes you at most meals too!

MUKUL: Sitting on the pristine Pacific coast, Mukul which means ‘secret’ in Chorotega was the country first ‘super luxury’ resort and offers a world class spa and 18hole golf course. Amid the luxury, at its heart is Nicaraguan history, products and arts, seen throughout the property.

JICARO ISLAND ECO LODGE: Located in the middle of Lake Nicaragua, the hotel offers wonderful views, secluded accommodation in a paradise location.

MORGANS ROCK: Tucked away in tropical rainforest with the sound of waves and birdsong, this eco lodge has an organic farm, a forest restoration project that combines top luxury throughout your stay.

MESON NADI: An ideal retreat for luxury surfers, as it is close to the popular Popoyo beach, the tropical Meson Nadi offers contemporary décor with a laid back intimacy as it only has 6 rooms.

CALALA ISLAND: A 5* resort located on a private island aims for rustic luxury. Remote but with all that you could want from a luxury palm tree secluded hide away. Jicaro island

AQUA WELLNESS RESORT: Located in a lush tropical forest within a private beach cove on the Nicaragua’s Pacific ‘Emerald Coast’, it provides important forest and beach habitat along the northern edge of the Paso del Istmo Biological Corridor. With the biological importance of this area, Paso Pacifico and Aqua Wellness Resort joined forces allowing the resort and its guests to contribute to wildlife protection and reforestation; while Paso Pacífico provides technical input to carry out successful conservation projects.

Rancho Santana and Playa

Calala Island

Lake Nicaragua

Cathédral of Inmaculada Concepción de María, Grenada

Sightseeing while in Nicaragua must include a visit to the Spanish colonial city of Granada, with its cobbled streets and wonderful architecture and plenty of cafes. Luxury offerings here include the El Jicaro Island Ecolodge, Hotel Darío, Hotel Los Patios, La Gran Francia and Tribal Hotel. In the town of León, the top hotel is the Hotel El Convento.

As a major cigar producing nation, you cannot leave the country without taking a course in learning how to hand roll a cigar at the famous Mombacho Cigars Company. Some hotels can also arrange private lessons. Also not to be missed is a tour of the 365 found cross Lake Nicaragua.

These lush tropical tiny islands are spread across the Asese peninsula and were formed when the Mombacho volcano erupted its cone into the lake thousands of years ago. On the Isla de Silvio Pellas (privately owned by the Pellas family) time can be spent looking at the stunning views of the volcano, participating in water sports, relaxing on sun decks along with a prepared BBQ and entertainment.

Neighbouring Monkey Island allows one to feed friendly animals. Visiting the 731m high Cerro Negro Volcano located in the Cordillera Los Maribios mountain range, offers a unique experience of ‘ash boarding’; think surfing the waves, but this is on fine volcanic ash! Take a trip to the beach town of San Juan del Sur, or charter a small boat, to tour local coves and beaches and if you are lucky the captain may take you oyster catching and fishing and then cook your catch for lunch!

Nicaragua is now definitely on the luxury tourism map and with that comes many other new luxury properties and high end resorts like the yoga resort ‘Yemaya’ on the Corn Islands.

Nicaragua is a truly wonderful place to explore, especially in luxury, but it is still a must visit destination whatever your budget. It offers a blend of elegant colonial architecture and pristine rainforest just waiting to be discovered.

Cordillera Los Maribios Mountain range

Corn Islands

An

with

Mr. George Papadakis

Manager

Hermes Hotel

Athens, Greece

As tourism begins to return to major tourist hotspots across the world, here we talk to the General Manager, Mr George Papadakis from the Boutique Hermes Hotel, Athens-Greece, part of the Athens Hotels Group The hotel is located in the heart of the city. Here we discover more about this unique property and how tourism in Athens is returning through the eyes of the hotel.

Tell us a bit about the long history of the Hermes, when did it become a boutique hotel and what prompted that change; what makes it a must-stay in Athens?

Hermes was built in 1965 and worked as a city hotel until 2002 when it was bought by us.

We renovated it as a Boutique hotel in order to meet the need for this kind of hotels for the 2004 Olympic Games.

What makes it a must, is the location.

Syndagma square, Athens

Does the hotel have plans for expansion or new facilities in the future (eg meeting facilities)?

Unfortunately the size of the hotel does not allow new facilities.

From where do most of your guests come from and have you noticed a shift in source markets since health crisis?

Most of our clients come from USA, Australia, Europe and Latin market

What are the new challenges you are facing in running the hotel post covid?

Due to covid a lot of things had to change, but hopefully from 2023 things are going to return the way they were.

What is the current status of the tourism sector in Athens today and how is it attracting visitors?

Tourism is booming right now. The municipality of Athens is working on the infrastructures so that it can offer a better surrounding.

With many newly opened and renovated hotels in the city, across many categories, how can you compete in such a tough market?

The only thing we can offer is a better service and the family hotel environment.

19, Apollonos street Athens, Greece tel. 0030 210 323 55 14 hermes@athenshotelsgroup.com

You are part of the Athens Hotel Group. Tell us briefly about the collaboration?

There isn’t really a collaboration because all three hotels belong to us and we are operating them as one.

Athens and Greece in general, is looking to extend the classic summer tourist season. Does the Hermes have good year round occupancy levels and how do you think Athens can extend its season, or do you think it is already at saturation point?

Definitely Athens can extend its season.

Just look around at all the antiquities and museums that people can visit year round. Yes, Hermes has a very good year round occupancy of 85%.

What do you personally think Athens is missing or could improve on to become an even more desirable city break destination? Cleanliness and an easier way for travellers to move around.

Can you tell our readers your favourite places to go in Athens (tourist or other)?

Acropolis, Sounion and visit the Athens Riviera as well as Plaka.

TOURISM News

Africa,

&

LIFTS RESTRICTIONS ON FOREIGN TOURISTS

Japan will open its doors to foreign tourists, after more than 2 years of closed borders due to the Covid pandemic.

From 11 October, tourists will be able to visit the country without a visa, and will no longer need to go through a travel agency. The cap on arrivals will also be lifted. Japan has allowed visitors since June, but they had to be part of tours.

The move comes as Taiwan and Hong Kong also relaxed entry rules for visitors. Taiwan will drop quarantine requirements for international arrivals by mid October, while Hong Kong will remove hotel quarantine to stay at home requirements from 26 September.

The country has also announced a domestic travel incentive scheme that will give discounts on travel, theme park prices, sporting events and concerts to citizens and residents equal to UK£69. The aim is to help stimulate the economy, however, like everywhere in the world the cost of living crisis may have an effect on the success of the scheme.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA LEADING THE WORLD'S LARGEST TRAVEL MARKET

The latest report from the WTTC (World Travel and Tourism Council), points to the United States remaining the largest and most powerful travel and tourism market in the world. Although in No.1 position, the US travel and tourism sector's contribution to the nation's economy fell by UK£645 billion in 2019, to just under UK£1.2 trillion in 2021

There were no change in the top 3 countries; China ranks 2nd and Germany ranks 3rd.

In terms of international traveller spending, France, who was in 4th place before the pandemic, has now overtaken Spain, China and the US and is now in 1st place.

WTTC predicts that global business travel is expected to grow more than 41% this year and over the next 10 years business travel is predicted to grow 5.5% annually and may return faster in the region from Asia Pacific.

By 2032 China could overtake the USA and become the world's largest travel and tourism market. China's travel and tourism sector contribution to GDP could reach UK£3.6 trillion by 2032, making it the most powerful travel and tourism market in the world.

FOUNTAINS ABBEY VOTED JOINT-TOP BRITISH HERITAGE ATTRACTION

Fountains Abbey has been voted as Britain's best heritage attraction. The survey was carried out my ‘Which?’ looked at value for money, helpfulness of staff and lack of crowds.

The ancient abbey ruins near Ripon, North Yorkshire, shared 1st place with Royal Yacht Britannia, moored in Edinburgh, Scotland.

The attractions beat the others like Stonehenge and Westminster Abbey.

The abbey which is managed by the National Trust is one of the largest Cistercian abbey ruins in Europe. It was a thriving monastic community for 400 years until the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539.

Those who rated the attraction highly in the survey praised the "calm atmosphere' and "leisurely walks" on offer in more than 800 acres of grounds.

The Royal Yacht Britannia now docked permanently on the Firth of Forth in Leith, served the Royal Family for more than 44 years, clocking up over one million nautical miles and visiting 135 countries. It was decommissioned in 1997 with great sadness by the late Queen Elizabeth II. Which? surveyed nearly 3000 members about 6,719 experiences.

DOCK IN MEXICO

The Ministry of Tourism has confirmed that from January August, 4.2 million cruise passengers arrived at different Mexican ports. They arrived on 1,517 cruise ships.

These arrivals represented an income in foreign exchange of UK£239 million, with the average spending being UK£66

The ports that received the largest number of cruise passengers in Mexico were: Cozumel and Mahahual, in Quintana Roo; Ensenada, Lower California; Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur; Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco; and Mazatlan, Sinaloa; which represented 95.3% of the total number of passengers.

In the first 7 months of 2022, Cozumel, Quintana Roo registered 645 arrivals, and about 1.5 million passengers. Mahahual, Quintana Roo had 296 arrivals, with 670,208 cruise passengers. Ensenada, BC, recorded the arrival of 177 cruise ships, arriving 347,615 passengers; and in Cabo San Lucas, BCS, 124 vessels arrived, accounting for 254,832 passengers.

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, registered the arrival of 97 cruise ships and 215,102 passengers, while in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, 78 arrivals and 190,143 cruise passengers were reported.

Tourism in Cancun continues to grow, with arrival figures already exceeding 2019 figures. Air passenger traffic reached 2.72 million last August, which was 25.7% higher compared to August 2019.

For 2022, passenger traffic in Cancun stands at 20,217 million, a growth of 45% compared to the same period last year and an increase of 13.7% compared to the first 8 months of 2019. Cancun has seen grown also due to new air bridges from cities in the USA

EGYPT NEW SARCOPHAGUS DISCOVERED A DIGNITARY OF RAMSES II

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has revealed the discovery of a red granite sarcophagus, found in the necropolis of Saqqara, belonging to Ptah em uya, ‘a high official’ of Ramses II, pharaoh who reigned over Egypt in the 13th century BC.

The discovery was made at the site of Saqqara, just over 15kms south of the pyramids of Giza. The dignitary found would have been ‘responsible for the offerings to all the gods of Upper and Lower Egypt’. The Saqqara site has revealed many archaeological treasures in recent years, including an area containing 250 sarcophagi and 150 bronze statues.

Cairo is hoping these new discoveries will help revive tourism, especially with the inauguration of the ‘Great Egyptian Museum’, billed as the ‘largest archaeological museum in the world’. It is due to open this year.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

INFLATION INCREASED BUSINESS TURNOVER

A report by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT), said that the turnover for all businesses and activities of the Greek economy during the Q2 of 2022 was UK£97.55 billion against UK£70 billion in the Q2 of 2021; an increase of 39.3%.

The largest increase in turnover in the Q2 of 2022 compared to the Q2 of 2021 was by businesses in the ‘accommodation and catering services activities’, by 128.8%, i.e. activities related to tourism.

Paros Island, Greece

ELSTAT data for July saw turnover reach UK£32.5 billion, marking an increase of 44.4% compared to July 2021 (UK£22.5 billion). The largest increase in turnover in July 2022 compared to July 2021 was presented by businesses in the ‘accommodation and food service activities’ sector, by 55.1%.

VENEZUELA OPEN TO RUSSIAN TOURISM

The Venezuela Ministry of Tourism aims to welcome 100,000 Russian tourists within 6 months.

Due to the establishment of a direct air connection between the two countries with the flag carrier Conviasa, it was possible to achieve 40,000 Russian tourists to Venezuela between September 2021 and March 2022. From October to December it is expected about 40,000 more tourists, with the projection of reaching 100,000 in the next 6 months.

Starting from October there will be 5 flights a week with other Russian airlines looking to add to the route offering, thereby increasing capacity on the route.

CENTOPORTE TRAIN CELEBRATES 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF GENOA-VENTIMIGLIA RAILWAY Island

The Centoporte train recently travelled the Voltri Ventimiglia line to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the railway section. It was part of a convoy from the 1930s, era that was organised by Trenitalia and the Region.

The train carriages had many doors allowing for rapid ascents and descents of passengers. The convoy travelled with stops to pick up passengers, at Principe, Sampierdarena, Sestri Ponente Airport, Voltri, Savona, Spotorno Noli, Finale, Pietra, Loano, Albenga, Alassio, Diano, Imperia, Taggia Arma, Sanremo, and Bordighera. The main stop was in Taggia, where the Centoporte stopped about an hour, giving travellers time to visit the National Transport Museum.

CHINA EASES ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR SOME FOREIGNERS

There are new changes to the entry visa policy to the People's Republic of China.

Holders of valid APEC business travel cards and foreign students who have a valid study residence permit do not need to apply for a new visa for China and can enter China.

Chinese embassies are now accepting X1 visa applications from students who are going to study in China for more than 6 months. Short term study X2 visa applications are not yet accepted.

Relatives (spouse, parents, children under 18, in laws) of foreign students who have valid study visas (X1) or residence permits may also apply for a private matter visa (S1 or S2).

FINLAND TRIAL OF DIGITAL PASSPORT

European citizens could soon not need to carry a physical passport to travel around the continent. Finland is the 1st country in the EU to test a mobile app passport, allowing passengers to travel paperless from spring 2023.

The digital passport scheme will be tested at Helsinki airport and only for travel to and from Finland and Croatia.

The new app will provide digital copies of travel documents and users will be able to submit information to border authorities before traveling abroad.

Other EU member states are encouraged to test the digital passport app for mobile phones before it is launched across the entire European Union.

POSITIVE RISE IN INTERNATIONAL VISITORS TO UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

International visitors not resident in the US increased by 134.9% compared to June 2021. Figures for June 2022 saw international outbound travel volume (US citizen visitor departures) from the United States total 8,680,304, up 82% year on year and reaching 83% of June 2019 departures.

Total non resident international visitor volume to the United States reached 4,062,569, an increase of 134.9% compared to June 2021 and represents 64.2% of the total pre Covid 19 visitor figures for June 2019. The number of foreign visitors to the United States reached 2,065,607 an increase of 162.7% from June 2021.

Indianapolis, USA Colombia was the only country in the top 20 that reported a decrease in visitor arrivals for June 2022 compared to June 2021 ( 32%).

The largest number of international visitor arrivals came from Canada (1,002,156), Mexico (994,806), the United Kingdom (266,656), India (141,109) and Germany (129,039). These top 5 markets accounted for 59.2% of total international arrivals.

In the first half of 2022, international arrivals increased by 170.7% year on year. The 20,732,271 arrivals in the first half of 2022 were 93.8% of calendar year 2021 arrivals, but only 55.6% of arrivals before 2020.

RECORD VISITORS TO QATAR

Qatar Tourism has announced that the number of visitors to the state rose to a record 151,000 visitors in July, the highest number of arrivals during a summer month since 2017; an increase of 297%.

Qatar has also updated its Covid 19 requirements for incoming travellers, making travel even easier for those preparing to visit the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in November, by removing its travel red list and mask mandate.

Visitors to Qatar must present a negative PCR test result, valid for 48 hours, or a negative rapid antigen test result, valid for 24 hours.

In readiness for the world’s eyes on the state for the FIF World Cup, it will add 105 new hotels and serviced apartments to its portfolio of properties. New hotels include the recently opened Pullman Doha West Bay and The Double Tree by Hilton Downtown Hotel, as well as the upcoming The Outpost Al Barari and Katara Hills LXR Hotels & Resorts with 15 luxury villas each with private pools (opening in October).

THE EUROPEAN TRAVEL VISA SCHEME POSTPONED UNTIL NOVEMBER 2023

Scheduled for May 2023, the implementation of ETIAS, the EU travel visa scheme is postponed to November 2023.

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is aimed at all visitors who currently do not need a visa to enter Europe and specifically in the countries of the Schengen Area.

LIMASSOL, CYPRUS TO... GREECE AND ISRAEL!

This year the ferry route from Limassol Piraeus saw around 8,000 passengers and 2,000 cars take the boat trip. It is a state subsidised route, but if more people use it, then it could become more common. It is currently contracted to make 22 round trips a year, but the goal is to make it a once a week trip, making is sustainable

There is also talk of the route expanding out to sail to Israel. The trip would promote religious tourism and be cheaper than flying.

QUITO NEW METRO SERVICES

The metro will become the 1st underground transportation system in Ecuador and will travel through the capital from north to south in just 34mins, helping Quito to become sustainable. The 22km route will connect Quitumbe with El Labrador, through 15 stations, in record time. It will have capacity for 1,230 passengers, among 6 cars for each train, with a length of 109m.

Quito joins a growing number of capital cities committed to sustainable mobility as well as improving the quality of life of its inhabitants and tourists.

For tourists, the Quito Metro will offer a much faster, cheaper and more efficient mobility option to get to the different attractions of the city. The stations have been strategically located in tourist areas such as La Carolina parks, in the modern area of the city; El Ejido, located in the area of the centenary La Mariscal neighbourhood; and La Alameda the area that marks the beginning of the patrimonial Historical Centre.

The metro has also considered the MICE sector with the benefit of El Labrador station being located next to the Quito Metropolitan Convention Centre, facilitating access to participants in congresses, conventions, fairs and exhibitions.

CAMBODIA HOSPITALITY COMEBACK

Across the country the recovery post pandemic has been slow, but positive. In the first 7 months of 2022, Cambodia welcomed 740,000 international tourists; a 560% increase from the same period of 2021. Recent investments by many hotels in both Phnom Penn and Siem Reap are helping boost the hospitality sector growth. Hyatt has seen the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh integrate modern buildings with a 20th century French bungalow. Growth for luxury hotel brands has been strong in recent years, thanks to buoyant year over year economic growth. Shihanouk is also one of the most attractive cities in Cambodia, for investment in the hospitality sector

Limassol cruise terminal, Cyprus

The Municipality of Quito, Ecuador, will inaugurate the Quito Metro next December.

Preah Sihanouk, Cambodia

HOKKAIDO TOURISM ORGANISATION LAUNCHES ONLINE TRAINING PLATFORM FOR TRAVEL AGENTS

With its unique culture, gorgeous sights and glorious weather, Japan is a popular destination.

Most visitors opt to follow the Golden Route, which winds its way around the most historic sites on the main island of Honshu, covering Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Mt Fuji, Hiroshima etc. It is a great holiday for a newcomer but Japan has so much more to offer!

Hokkaido is Japan's 2nd largest island has it all: unique history, high culture, incredible wildlife, unspoiled wilderness and grand adventure. Its people are the proud stewards of several UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites and it’s the perfect destination for a Golden Route tour extension for people who want to see a very different side of Japan.

The Hokkaido Tourism Organisation has therefore launched a new online platform to teach travel partners all about the unique destination and ultimate to help sell holidays! The portal contains a vast range of useful information, from the basics such as flight information and the best times to visit, to more detailed information on the best attractions, activities and stays.

Hokkaido is Japan’s its most northern territory. It has a population of 5.16 million making it much less densely packed than the mainland with nearly 2 million living in Sapporo, the capital. It is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Sea of Japan to the west, and the Sea of Okhotsk to the north. It is famed for its magnificent mountains, including the Daisetsuzan Range, which offer phenomenal landscapes and scenic views, as well as fantastic outdoor activities including hiking, boating and winter sports. Hokkaido has a distinctive natural environment, with four very different seasons.

Hokkaido is habitat to many species of protected wildlife, and there are substantial nature reserves here, including the Shiretoko Peninsula home to sacred brown bears and huge whales, orcas and dolphins and Kushiro Marsh, which hosts many rare birds and animals, including the red crested crane, a symbol of Japan.

The new online learning platform will introduce you to all that Hokkaido has to offer. It is taught in a quiz format, making it easy to learn in small chunks, and you’ll find out all the answers you need! The first course has already hit the platform, while the 2nd course arrives in early 2023.