Archives for June 2022

Keeping the destination visible on the Swiss market, the Tourism Seychelles team reinforced its collaboration with partners in Switzerland during the months of May and June with a series of activities.

In partnership with Turkish Airlines, the team invited nine agents from different Tour Operators based in the French-Speaking side of Switzerland to Seychelles in May. The successful educational visit was also supported by hotel partners and Destination Management Companies (DMCs) who work closely with the Tour Operators in Seychelles.

Continuing with their efforts to entice the market that month, Tourism Seychelles and the Tour Operator Ferien & Reisen von Ihrem Reiseveranstalter (FTI) facilitated the screening of a two-week Mega screen advert in the German-speaking part of Switzerland and the delivery of 45,000 dedicated Seychelles flyers to various homes in the area. Their efforts were amplified with the participation of various hotel partners from Seychelles.

Tourism Seychelles, together with Travelhouse in the Hotelplan group, also launched a five-week Seychelles window branding.

This took place in more than 65 Travelhouse, Hotelplan and independent travel agencies with the collaboration of Constance Ephélia Hotel and Resort.

The month of May ended with a B2C after-work event with Let’s Go Tours in Schaffhausen, presenting the Seychelles Islands to over 25 potential travellers.

The Switzerland team began the month of June with a five-day sales blitz with Let’s Go Tours, where they met over 140 agents and media partners in the German-speaking part of the country. The sales blitz announced the launch of a sales challenge to Seychelles whereby agents who book the destination with Let’s Go Tours until mid-July will win a holiday for two sponsored by Edelweiss Air, Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa, Hotel L’Archipel and Tourism Seychelles.

Finally, but surely not the last time the partners will hear of the beautiful destination, Tourism Seychelles participated in the Seychelles B2B soirée in mid-June held in Valais. The event, which welcomed over 20 participants, also saw the engagement of Acajou Beach Resort and Etihad Airways. All partners had the chance to present their products and meet the participants individually.

As of week 24, Switzerland remains among the top 10 countries for Seychelles visitor arrivals, with 6,447 visitors compared to 6,458 in 2019.

MEDIA CONTACT: Tourism Seychelles, [email protected] 

More than 500 influencers and media professionals meet to discuss recent developments in the influencer marketing industry

The Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) announced its entry into a strategic partnership with OMNES Media to host the Arab Influencers Gathering, ‘City Talk’, next October at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre in the Dead Sea, Jordan.

The announcement came during a meeting held by the JTB with OMNES Media at the JTB’s headquarters in the capital, Amman, during which the strategic partnership agreement was signed by Dr. Abdul Razzaq Arabiyat, Director General of JTB, and Mr. Fahed Aldeeb, CEO of OMNES Media.

Scheduled to be held from October 2-5, 2022, City Talk will bring together more than 500 social media influencers and specialists in the influencer marketing industry from different countries of the Arab world to review and discuss the industry’s recent and most important developments. It features 6 panel discussions and 6 workshops, in addition to daily meetings with the most prominent influential Arab personalities in order to come up with recommendations and solutions to many of the issues under discussion.

The gathering will also organize a field tour to a number of tourist facilities and destinations in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, during which the JTB will shed light on the historical, natural and cultural heritage of these destinations, which will provide rich material for the participating influencers.

Commenting on the agreement, Dr. Abdul Razzaq Arabiyat said:

“We are honored to host City Talk at the Dead Sea, one of the most important tourist destinations at the local and international levels.”

“Organizing this prestigious event is in line with the JTB’s strategy to support conference and exhibition tourism by hosting the most prominent regional and global events and harnessing such events in promoting Jordan and its unique tourist destinations.”

The gathering will provide rich content with information and experiences related to the influencer marketing industry through working papers, presentations and panel discussions that will be presented by speakers, exhibitors and participants on many related topics. “The event is an opportunity for fruitful cooperation and exchange of experiences between the various groups of attendees from inside and outside Jordan,” Arabiyat added.

For his part, Fahed Aldeeb said: “We are pleased to launch the 1st edition of City Talk, the Arab Influencers Gathering, from Jordan, in cooperation with the JTB, and we look forward to promote Jordan as a destination for all social influencers and specialists and those interested in influencer marketing industry at the Arab level.”

The CEO of OMNES Media, the organizer of the gathering, added: “City Talk serves as a specialized platform for Arab influencers of all levels and specializations. It will be presented with Arabic content, and will tackle many important topics, in addition to highlighting the latest developments and the most important challenges of this industry from the perspective of the influencer, brands and agencies.”

City Talk is scheduled to be organized annually in a different Arab city each year with the aim of getting acquainted with the latest developments in the influencer marketing industry and opening up prospects for cooperation between the various parties, as well as promoting the host country through the participating influencers from different countries of the Arab world. The event will be broadcast free of charge via the forum’s digital platform and social media networks.

MEDIA CONTACT:  OMNES Media [email protected]

Hot on the heels of an exuberant IMEX in Frankfurt last month and winning the AEO Best International Trade Show Award (Americas) last Friday, June 24, registration has formally opened for IMEX America, October 11 – 13, 2022, at Mandalay Bay. As usual Smart Monday, powered by MPI, takes place the day before the trade show opens, on Monday, October 10.

Says Carina Bauer, IMEX CEO: “After a tumultuous few years for the global industry both exhibitors and buyers alike have been feeling their way back into the market. We’re delighted that they’ve used our recent IMEX shows to catalyze business and reset for the future. Now, and together, we move into a new phase with sights firmly set on 2023, ‘24 and beyond. Yes, there are challenges, but we believe – and recent experience proves it – that the best way to tap into business is to keep showing up to promote your hotel group, venue, destination, technology, association or other organization.”

“The phrase ‘if you don’t go, you won’t know’ has never been more fitting.”

In the past four weeks IMEX America has signed contracts and received dozens of enquiries from suppliers who were either not ready or not able to take part in 2021’s autumn show. Repeat business from a range of big or familiar brands is already strong while the pipeline of new enquiries is also healthy and encouraging.

Based on feedback combined with current learning trends and industry intelligence, the IMEX team has restructured the education tracks available and devised a theme for the IMEX America education program: ‘Pathways to Clarity’. The theme is a recognition of the confusion and complexity that has crept into daily work and personal life since the pandemic. It aims to provide tools, insights and lessons to help everyone move forward with confidence, simplicity, and clear thinking.

Practicing what they preach, the team has simplified the number of education tracks from 10 to four, each taking place in its own dedicated education theater to make planning and attending easier. The four new tracks are: People; Sustainability, Climate Change and Nature; Future and Experience.

Attendee registration remains free for all buyer and supplier types.

The IMEX Group runs two market-leading international trade shows for the global business events, meetings, and incentive travel industry. Company and show information including Mission, Vision and Values is here. 

• IMEX America 2022 takes place at the Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, and opens with Smart Monday, powered by MPI on Monday October 10, followed by the three-day trade show October 11-13. 

• IMEX in Frankfurt 2023 will be May 23-25 at Messe Frankfurt. 

• Recent industry awards include: AEO Best International Trade Show, Americas, for IMEX America 2021.

eTurboNews is a media partner for IMEX America.

MEDIA CONTACT: Emma Blake: [email protected]

Orlando Residents Will Enjoy Weekly Flights to Freeport

Beginning Thursday, June 30, 2022, Bahamasair will relaunch a weekly nonstop flight from Orlando International Airport (MCO) in Florida to Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO) in Freeport, The Bahamas. Travelers can book these flights now and start planning their adventure in The Bahamas’ second largest city.

Bahamasair’s weekly nonstop flights from Orlando will operate every Thursday from June 30 with return service on Mondays through September 10. Introductory fares start as low as $297 round trip.

Grand Bahama Island (GBI) offers the perfect combination of cultural experiences and natural wonders, featuring beautiful beaches, reef-lined coves and tropical mangroves as well as a variety of all-inclusive resorts and pristine golf courses. There are also many incredible eco-adventures to experience, from kayaking and dolphin watching to Jeep safaris and bike tours.

“Travel is back in a big way this summer, and we are ready for it.”

“We are making travel for Floridians easier than ever with more nonstop service to The Bahamas,” said the Honorable I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. “Florida remains a priority market for The Bahamas, and we are thrilled to expand our flight offerings from the state with these weekly nonstop options from Orlando on Bahamasair.”

There are activities for every kind of traveler throughout Grand Bahama, as well as new developments to check out:

• Lucayan National Park — Lucayan National Park is the second most visited park in The Bahamas. The 40-acre park is home to one of the world’s longest charted underwater cave systems, as well as beautiful pine forests, mangrove creeks, coral reefs and the world-famous Gold Rock Beach.
• Coral Vita — Coral Vita, a high-tech coral farm that aims to restore dying reefs, is now open to the public. Using cutting edge micro fragmenting technology, the farm grows coral 50 percent faster than normal growth rates and plants the newly grown coral back into degraded reefs in order to bring them back to life.
• Grand Lucayan Sale — A rebirth is on the horizon for Grand Bahama Island as an offer has been accepted for the purchase of Grand Lucayan, a beachfront resort located in the bustling city of Freeport. Electra America Hospitality Group (EAHG), a real estate investment firm, has entered into an agreement with Lucayan Renewal Holdings to buy the resort for $100 million, with nearly $300 million in renovations planned. The agreement is projected to be completed by summer 2022, with renovations and construction to follow.
• Goombay Summer Festival- At the festival, you can experience live Bahamian music, great local cuisine, authentically Bahamian Arts and Crafts, Junkanoo and lots more. This event is held every week on Thursdays from 6.00 pm to Midnight in July at Taino beach.

For those looking further ahead to winter escapes, nonstop flights from Orlando to GBI will return 17 November 2022 – 12 January 2023 and are available to book now.  To learn more about The Bahamas, head to Bahamas.com. Those ready to pack their bags can book their flights today on Bahamasair.com.   

ABOUT THE BAHAMAS

The Bahamas has over 700 islands and cays, as well as 16 unique island destinations. Located only 50 miles off the coast of Florida, it offers a quick and easy way for travelers to escape their everyday. The island nation also boasts world-class fishing, diving, boating, and thousands of miles of the Earth’s most spectacular beaches for families, couples and adventurers to explore. See why It’s Better in The Bahamas at bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram .

MEDIA CONTACT:

Anita Johnson-Patty

Director Global Communications

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation

[email protected]

The IMEX Group has won Best International Show – Americas at the recent AEO Excellence Awards. The awards held last Friday on June 24, 2020, honored IMEX America 2021 which took place in November last year at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas.

Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, explains why the show was a milestone moment for the team and the wider industry: “IMEX America 2021 was our first show in over two years and enabled us to reunite with our events industry family – we’re delighted to commemorate it with this award. 

“IMEX America was the first international event on American soil after the US government lifted travel restrictions – in fact, the show took place on the day the borders opened.

“Organizing a show under these challenging conditions took a Herculean effort from the team, but the appreciation and elation of the global industry who joined us onsite made it all worthwhile.”

Registration has formally opened for IMEX America which will run from October 11 – 13, 2022, at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Attendee registration remains free for all buyer and supplier types. 

The IMEX Group runs two market-leading international trade shows for the global business events, meetings, and incentive travel industry. Company and show information including Mission, Vision and Values is here. 

• IMEX America 2022 takes place at the Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, and opens with Smart Monday, powered by MPI on Monday, October 10, followed by the three-day trade show running from October 11-13. The king of conventions, one of North America’s top convention destinations, Las Vegas is one-of-a-kind, offering endless entertainment, fabulous hospitality, and world-class meeting facilities.

• IMEX in Frankfurt 2023 will be May 23-25 at Messe Frankfurt. 

• Recent industry awards include: AEO Best International Trade Show, Americas, for IMEX America 2021.

eTurboNews is a media partner for IMEX.

MEDIA CONTACT: Emma Blake: [email protected]