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The Seychelles Tourism Board Brings Island Paradise to Turkey’s Travel Trade Fair

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The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) was present at the 13th edition of the Travel Turkey Izmir Tourism Fair, one of the most significant tourism fairs in Turkey, Fuarizmir, on November 5, 2019.

Alongside numerous global tourism players, the STB was represented by its Director for Italy, Turkey, Israel and the Mediterranean, Mrs. Monette Rose and Marketing Executive and Ms. Gretel Banane, showcasing the attractions and services the archipelago has to offer its visitors.

In line with its marketing strategy to increase the destination’s visibility, the STB’s participation to the Travel Turkey Izmir Tourism Fair provided an ideal occasion to meet the potential holidaymakers in Turkey and to showcase Seychelles as a unique holiday destination.

This year’s fair featured the idea of “Alternative Tourism,” focusing on tourism activities such as water sports, rafting, underwater, culture-arts, nature-adventure. This trendy concept encourages tourists to interact with the local environment and communities, making holidays more personal and authentic. With its vibrant culture and unique aspects to offer visitors, alternative tourism is the ideal concept for the Seychelles.

Additionally, the fair successfully provided the platform for the Island to receive exposure, with the Seychelles stand sparking vast interest. Additionally, the audience, consisting of Turkish trade and the general public, gained more knowledge on the destination through a stage presentation.

The international event also gave the STB team the opportunity to extend their knowledge of the Turkish market on matters such as trends and recent developments.

Speaking after the event, the STB Director for Italy, Turkey, Israel and the Mediterranean, Mrs. Monette Rose commented that the event was a successful one for STB, as it gave the destination a boost on the market.

“Turkey has a great potential, especially because there is a direct flight by Turkish Airlines and Seychelles can definitely plan a more expansive presence on this market,” said Monette Rose, “It is the first time we attend this travel fair in the touristic region of Izmir and it was a great success.”

MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, [email protected]  www.seychelles.travel

What’s new in the Islands of The Bahamas this December

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The weather may be cooling down in the U.S., but The Bahamas is heating up this winter. With numerous awards under its belt, The Bahamas is top-of-mind as people around the world set their 2020 travel plans. From continued reopenings on Grand Bahama Island, to a new craft cocktail bar in Nassau to exciting cultural events such as the vibrant celebration of Junkanoo, there is no better time than now to see just why it’s always “Better in The Bahamas”.

NEWS

The Bahamas Sees Increase in Year-over-Year Bookings – Expedia reported an increase across all major areas in The Bahamas comparing November 2017 – October 2018 bookings to November 2018 – October 2019, including air tickets, room nights and passengers. The islands had a 0.5% increase in air tickets, a 6.7% increase in room nights and a 3.7% increase in cruise passengers.

Grand Bahama Island Hotels Reopen – Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour, a resort that played a key role in Hurricane Dorian relief efforts, reopened in early November. Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach is scheduled to reopen Dec. 10 and is offering 40% off as part of its grand reopening celebration. Grand Lucayan Lighthouse Pointe, Taino Beach Resort & Clubs and more are also open and welcoming visitors this travel season.

Balearia Caribbean Resumes Regular Service to Grand Bahama Island – Balearia Caribbean has resumed its regular sailing to Grand Bahama Island following Hurricane Dorian and increased services with an additional Saturday sailing. The fast ferry service will continue supporting relief efforts on The Abacos and Grand Bahama Island through its partnership with Reach Out Ministries.

Craft Cocktail Bar Opens in Nassau – The Bahamas’ first and only craft cocktail bar, Bon Vivants, recently opened in Nassau’s Sandyport area with a 23-page menu featuring more than 48 drinks ranging from classic cocktails, spirits and wines to colorful adult-versions of childhood favorites. The postcard worthy bar boasts oversized rattan chairs, lush colorful wallpaper, a vintage cocktail glass collection and hosts Jazz nights each Wednesday. Bon Vivants doubles as a café in the daylight hours offering various coffees and pastries.

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

The Bahamas Included in Frommer’s  ‘Best Places to Go in 2020’ List – The Bahamas was listed as one of the top travel destinations for 2020 by Frommer’s, which encouraged travelers to trade the “overtouristed” spots for destinations with no shortage of culture, adventure, food and scenery.

Fodor’s 2020 Go List Features The Bahamas – Fodor’s included The Bahamas in its 2020 Go List, an annual list that highlights the most talked about destinations to consider for the New Year.

The Bahamas Named the World’s Leading Wedding Destination – The Bahamas was named the World’s Leading Wedding Destination at the 26th annual World Travel Awards. Known for its pristine beaches, iconic waters and luxurious resorts, The Bahamas has always been beloved for destination weddings. The World Travel Awards celebrates key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries.

The Bahamas Honored in Recommend’s 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards – The Bahamas was named a favorite destination among travel advisors in Recommend’s 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards.

PROMOTIONS AND OFFERS

For a complete, up-to-date listing of deals and packages for The Bahamas, visit www.bahamas.com/deals-packages.  

Valentines Resort Island Hopping Offer – Pre-book an air/ferry-inclusive vacation package for four to six consecutive nights at Valentines Resort & Marina and receive a $75 inbound and outbound flight credit. Offer is valid for flights originating and ending in Nassau or Freeport.

Suite Dreams at Warwick Paradise Island – Experience Bahamian luxury with the most stunning views of beautiful Nassau Harbour with up to 30% off at Warwick Paradise Island. Stay for two or more nights and receive a $100 Amber Spa Credit per person or a $350 Amber Spa Credit per person when staying five nights or more.

An Exumas Bucket List Day Tour – Get 25% off Staniel Air’s 5-Star rated Bucket List Day Tour when you fly from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, using the code BAHAMAS2019 at checkout. The package includes stops to experience the Swimming Pigs of Big Major Cay, Compass Cay’s Nurse Sharks, Thunderball Grotto and more.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Stay up-to-date with the latest events and happenings in The Bahamas: www.bahamas.com/events

HERO World Challenge (December 1 – December 7) – The invitation-only tournament hosted by Tiger Woods and comprised of the top ranked golfers in the world will be played at Albany, Bahamas, Dec. 1 – Dec.7. Golf Channel and NBC will provide live television coverage of the HERO World Challenge. For more information, visit HeroWorldChallenge.com.

The Jonas Brothers at Atlantis (December 30) – GRAMMY-nominated band, the Jonas Brothers, will perform at Atlantis, Paradise Island on December 30, 2019. The performance is a part of the resort’s acclaimed entertainment series, Atlantis LIVE. This will be the multiplatinum trio’s fifth time performing for Atlantis LIVE and 10 years since their last Atlantis performance. Tickets are available for purchase at jonasbrothersatlantis.com.

Junkanoo (December 26; January 1) – Considered the cultural event of the year, Junkanoo is a vibrant and one-of-a-kind celebration of Bahamian culture. From eye-popping and colorful costumes to lively dancing and music, see Junkanoo performers rush the main streets of Nassau as their groups compete for Best of the Best title. For more information, visit NassauParadiseIsland.com/Your-Guide-to-Junkanoo.

ABOUT THE BAHAMAS

With over 700 islands and cays, and 15 of the 16 unique island destinations currently open for business, The Bahamas lies just 55 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy fly away escape that transports travelers away from their everyday. The Islands Of The Bahamas have world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the earth’s most spectacular water and beaches waiting for families, couples and adventurers. Explore all the islands have to offer at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram to see why It’s Better in The Bahamas.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Anita Johnson-Patty, General Manager, Global Communications

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

[email protected]

Weber Shandwick, Public Relations

[email protected]

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation hosts top-tier media and influencers post-Hurricane Dorian

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Nearly 20 Leading Journalists and Social Media Influencers Attend Familiarization Trips to Tell The Bahamas’ Open For Business Story

In the months following Hurricane Dorian, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation (BMOTA) has mobilized and set up a steady stream of group and individual familiarization trips to continue telling the world that The Bahamas is “Open For Business.” From November 2019 into the New Year, top-tier media and social influencers are coming to The Islands Of The Bahamas to discover the country’s culture, cuisine and communities and help spread the message that most of the islands are welcoming visitors.

The trips will drive positive and educational coverage of the destination, in print, online and social media, during the critical travel-booking season.

“With more than 700 islands and cays, there is so much to discover in The Bahamas,” said Mrs. Joy Jibrilu, Director General at The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation. “Hosting influential media and storytellers to deliver our ’Open For Business’ message in a way that resonates with their readers and followers is a key part of our multi-phased post-hurricane campaign. The coverage we receive from these visits will be crucial in inspiring travel to our country, speaking to all the important reasons why now is the time to visit.”

In November, the BMOTA hosted its first group press trip following Hurricane Dorian. Top-tier travel and lifestyle journalists, contributing to Delta Sky, the Daily Beast, TravelPulse, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler and others, visited Nassau Paradise Island, Eleuthera and Harbour Island to discover the ease of island hopping in The Bahamas and get a first-hand account of the Bahamian people’s resilience despite the devastating hurricane season. Stories will not only highlight BMOTA’s “Open For Business” messaging, but will position the islands as must-visit travel destinations this season and beyond.

The BMOTA also hosted South Florida travel and lifestyle influencer, The Style Bungalow, in Harbour Island, in November. She experienced the quiet island lifestyle while also visiting some of the world’s most Instagram-worthy spots, including The Pink Sands Beach, the pastel-hued homes, Bahama House and much more. The Style Bungalow shared that The Bahamas is “Open For Business” with her 211K+ Instagram followers and highlighted the quick flight from Florida as another reason why everyone, including Floridians, should visit.

The Ministry is working diligently to keep this momentum of top-tier media and influencers visiting The Bahamas alive. Aligning with the Hero World Challenge in December, the BMTOA will be hosting five quality sports, travel and lifestyle media to promote Nassau and Exuma as premier golf destinations. Journalists from Forbes, GOLF.com, BroBible and GOLF Monthly will experience top golf courses in Nassau, including Royal Blue Golf Course at Baha Mar, Ocean Club Golf Course at Atlantis and Exuma’s Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Course.

The Ministry’s visiting journalist program continues to be an unqualified success. Through the People-To-People Experience, visiting journalists are able to connect with the Bahamian people and get an experience like no other while sharing meals and conversations. An additional slate of individual trips took place on a rolling basis. Reporters with The Washington Post and Jamaque Paradis Magazine visited in the past two months while travel influencer, Get Lost With Jackie, a journalist from The Zoe Report and two of The Boston Globe writers are scheduled to come early in 2020 to cover an array of topics from Junkanoo to fly-fishing.

ABOUT THE BAHAMAS

With over 700 islands and cays, and 15 of the 16 unique island destinations currently open for business, The Bahamas lies just 55 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy fly away escape that transports travelers away from their everyday. The Islands Of The Bahamas have world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the earth’s most spectacular water and beaches waiting for families, couples and adventurers. Explore all the islands have to offer at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram to see why It’s Better in The Bahamas.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Anita Johnson-Patty

General Manager, Global Communications

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

[email protected] 

Weber Shandwick

Public Relations

[email protected]

Love is in the air on Grand Bahama Island

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Grand Bahama Island welcomed its first international destination wedding since Hurricane Dorian this past weekend.

Fay Rickhuss and Thomas Doyle from England were married in a beautiful ceremony at the Grand Lucayan Lighthouse Pointe Gazebo on November 9, followed by a reception on Spanish Main. The wedding group included some 28 guests, friends and family who accompanied the couple from England.

The bride and groom were determined to be married on Grand Bahama island, as the bride’s father had been treated at the Immunology Center some years ago. When their flights were cancelled, they opted to arrive on Balearia Caribbean Cruise Line.

The couple also started a hurricane fund for the island.

“We are thrilled that Fay and Tom chose to celebrate their vows here on Grand Bahama Island, and we wish them a long and happy life together,” said Ian Rolle, Acting Chairman, the GBITB’s Board of Directors. “This is a wonderful vote of confidence in our island, and we are grateful for their support.”

MEDIA CONTACT:

Carmel Churchill 

T: 242-727-9002

E: [email protected]

President of Doncar Hospitality Management Services Limited 

Sales & Marketing Consultant for the Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation joins forces with VIP hotel and tour operator delegation for largest media blitz in BTO Canada history!

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The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation delegates lead by Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar, as well as numerous industry partners took media outlets and tour operators in Canada on a whirlwind tour of the Islands of the Bahamas, solidifying the messaging of the Bahamas being a viable destination for the Canadian tourists, despite the impact of Hurricane Dorian. “Following Hurricane Dorian, we felt that it was absolutely critical to come and let the Canadian market know that we are open for business and to introduce The Bahamas to new aspects of the Canadian market,” remarked Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Director General, Joy Jibrilu, “as far west as Vancouver, there is huge potential to market the country.”

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation joins forces with VIP hotel and tour operator delegation for largest media blitz in BTO Canada history
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation joins forces with VIP hotel and tour operator delegation for largest media blitz in BTO Canada history

Canada is the second largest country in the world and the second largest source market for visitor arrivals to The Bahamas next to the United States. Throughout the first seven months of 2019 an estimated 3.7 million Canadian arrivals to the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America representing a YOY increase of 4.3%. Canadian visitor arrivals to The Bahamas increased by 14% YOY in 2017-2018. During the months of January through September, Canadian arrivals paced 10.5% ahead of the same in 2018. “The tourism industry had an historic year in 2018 and has maintained momentum right up to Dorian’s arrival. International arrivals to the Bahamas increased by just over 13% in August, including 2.1% growth from Canada. Air capacity from Canada was up 7% and fall bookings were looking strong,” remarked D’Aguilar, “it’s not business as usual in the Bahamas- that will be years away but this is a major step to be present in the Canadian market to regain momentum.”

Joining this promotional expedition with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation included Fred Lounsberry, CEO, Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, Karin Salinas, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Baha Mar, Ana Cerna, Director of International Marketing for Rosewood Baha Mar, Bryan Gay Sr. Vice President of Sales at Atlantis Paradise Island, Sydney Engel, Director of Public Relations for Atlantis Paradise Island, Amy Mecl, Vice President Leisure Sales for Atlantis Paradise Island, Franco Pill Vice President of Business Development for Atlantis Paradise Island, Yasmine Strachan Director of Sales, Comfort Suites Paradise Island, Sobieda Feliz, Director of Sales Warwick Paradise Island, Phillippe Gringas, Associate Director of Sales, Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Lilly Carr, Leisure Sales Manager, Rosewood Baha Mar, Cristina Diaz, Leisure Sales Manager, Melia, James Burrows, Group Sales Manager, SLS Baha Mar, Robert Garzaroli, Principle, Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant, Elaine and Brent Carnegie, Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, Regia Knowles, Director of Operations Sunrise Beach Club, Hedda Smith, Sales Manager, Superclub Breezes, L’Oreal Sweeting, Out Islands Promotion Board, Jeff Todd, Communications Manager, Grand Isle Resort & Spa, Barbara Dirnberger, National Sales Manager, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Lines, Carmel Churchill, Sales Manager, Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board, Barbara Spychalla, Operations Manager, Valentines Resort & Marina, William Saunders Jr. Director, Majestic Tours Bahamas, Juan Moss, CEO Leisure Travel and Tours, Michael Symonette, CEO, Bahamas Experience Tours, Juan Carlos Ruiz, Sales Manager Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach, Craig Thomas Director of Sales and Marketing, Margaritaville Bahamas, Donne Nixon, Business Development Manager Sandals Resorts, Krista Cardona Sales Manager, Air Canada Vacations, Emily Spadafora, Andrei Losinski and Christopher Brothers, Sales Managers WestJet Vacations, Lorraine Brisbois corporate manager, Sunwing Vacations and Nancy Drolet Business Development Manager, Caribbean Tourism Organization.

Ministry of Tourism officials are hopeful that the media blitz will strengthen sales efforts and add an intimate appeal to the Canadian tourist to visit the Bahamas. “We’ve had a record-breaking year with the Canadian market, and we are looking to continue that trend.” stated Jibrilu.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Rissie Demeritte

[email protected]
Senior Manager, Domestic Communications

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

World Tourism Awards 2019 presented to Matthew D. Upchurch of Virtuoso, Asilia Africa, Nikoi Island/ The Island Foundation and Me to We

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The 2019 World Tourism Awards were presented today, November 4, 2019, during the opening day of WTM London at Excel London. The honorees were Matthew D. Upchurch of Virtuoso, Asilia Africa, Nikoi Island/ The Island Foundation and Me to We (we.org). Peter Greenberg, CBS News Travel Editor and multi-Emmy award-winning investigative reporter and world-renowned travel expert, hosted the Awards presentation.

The World Tourism Awards, now celebrating its 22nd Anniversary, is co-sponsored by The New York Times, United Airlines, The Travel Corporation and Reed Travel Exhibitions. Inaugurated in 1997, the World Tourism Awards were established to “recognise individuals, companies, organisations, destinations and attractions for outstanding initiatives related to the travel and tourism industry, and in fostering sustainable tourism and developing programmes that give back to local communities.”

Presenting the Awards on behalf of the sponsors were: Patrick Falconer, Executive Director, The New York Times;Shannon Guihan, Chief Treadright and Sustainability Officer, The Travel Corporation; Bob Schumacher, Managing Director Sales, UK, Ireland and Off-Line Sales, United Airlines and Jeannette Gilbert, Head of Marketing & Communications WTM Portfolio, Reed Travel Exhibitions.

The World Tourism Awards honored Matthew D. Upchurch, CTC, Chairman & CEO of Virtuoso, in recognition of Virtuoso’s commitment to sustainable tourism practices; and its mission to make sustainability a greater factor in consumer choice when traveling – to preserve, protect and advance the local culture, environment and economies of the lands they visit and to increase success for those who are dedicated to travel as a force for good. Accepting the Award was Matthew D. Upchurch, CTC, Chairman and CEO of Virtuoso.

A World Tourism Award was also presented to Asilia Africa, in recognition of Asilia’s multi-pronged approach to make a positive impact on the local communities, wildlife and vital ecosystems of East Africa. Through this holistic approach, they are able to empower these crucial wilderness areas as well as the people who call them home. Fiona Herring, Agent Relationship Manager- Europe, accepted the Award on behalf of Asilia Africa.

Nikoi Island/ The Island Foundation also received a World Tourism Award in recognition of Nikoi Island and its commitment to sustainability by having a positive impact on the local culture, community, conservation; and for establishing the Island Foundation in 2010, which is transforming education for Riau’s island communities through the creation of 8 learning centers. Accepting the Award on behalf of The Island Foundation, Ed Jenne, Chairman.

ME TO WE (WE.ORG) was honored with a World Tourism Award in recognition of ME TO WE’s impact through its partnership with WE Charity; providing more than 1 million people with clean water, building 1,500 schools overseas, and empowering children with access to education; and of course, providing volunteer travel to those looking to change the world. Aaron Sapra,ME to WE, Global Director, accepted the Award on behalf of Me to We.

The Award itself, Caring for Our World, sponsored by VisitMalta, was specially designed and handcrafted on the Mediterranean Island of Malta by Mdina Glass, and celebrates the qualities of leadership and vision that inspire others to care for all people around the Globe.

The Award ceremony was followed by a reception hosted by United Airlines.

Matthew D. Upchurch, CTC, Chairman & CEO of Virtuoso; Asilia Africa; Nikoi Island/The Island Foundation; ME TO WE (we.org) will receive 2019 World Tourism Awards

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The 2019 World Tourism Awards will be presented to  Matthew D. Upchurch, CTC, Chairman & CEO of Virtuoso; Asilia Africa; Nikoi Island/ The Island Foundation; and Me To We (WE.ORG), on the opening day of World Travel Market (WTM) London, November 4, 2019 at ExCel London.  The awards are co-sponsored by The New York Times, The Travel Corporation, United Airlines and host sponsor Reed Travel Exhibitions. Emmy Award-winning journalist, Peter Greenberg, CBS News Travel Editor and world-renowned travel expert, will host the award presentation.

The distinguished 2019 Honorees are being recognized for outstanding initiatives related to the travel and tourism industry, and for fostering sustainable tourism and developing programs that give back to local communities.

The World Tourism Awards will honor Matthew D. Upchurch, CTC, Chairman & CEO of Virtuoso, in recognition of Virtuoso’s commitment to sustainable tourism practices; and its mission to make sustainability a greater factor in consumer choice when traveling – to preserve, protect and advance the local culture, environment and economies of the lands they visit and to increase success for those who are dedicated to travel as a force for good.

A World Tourism Award will also be presented to Asilia Africa, in recognition of Asilia’s multi-pronged approach to make a positive impact on the local communities, wildlife and vital ecosystems of East Africa. Through this holistic approach, they are able to empower these crucial wilderness areas as well as the people who call them home

Nikoi Island/ The Island Foundation will also receive a World Tourism Award in recognition of Nikoi Island and its commitment to sustainability by having a positive impact on the local culture, community, conservation; and for establishing the Island Foundation in 2010, which is transforming education for Riau’s island communities through the creation of 8 learning centers.

ME TO WE (WE.ORG) will be honored with a World Tourism Award in recognition of ME TO WE’s impact through its partnership with WE Charity; providing more than 1 million people with clean water, building 1,500 schools overseas, and empowering children with access to education; and of course, providing volunteer travel to those looking to change the world.

The Award itself, Caring for Our World, sponsored by VisitMalta, was specially designed and handcrafted on the Mediterranean Island of Malta by Mdina Glass.and celebrates the qualities of leadership and vision that inspire others to care for all people around the Globe.

About the World Tourism Awards

The World Tourism Awards, celebrating its 22nd Anniversary, are presented annually at World Travel Market (WTM) London and sponsored by The New York Times, The Travel Corporation, United Airlines and host sponsor Reed Travel Exhibitions. It was inaugurated to “recognize individuals, companies, organizations, destinations and attractions for outstanding initiatives related to the travel and tourism industry, and for fostering sustainable tourism and developing programs that give back to local communities.”  

The Award ceremony will take place on Monday Nov. 4, 2019, at WTM London, 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM, at Excel Centre, London, Platinum Suite 3 Level 3 and will be hosted by Peter Greenberg, CBS News Travel Editor. The Ceremony will be followed by a special reception hosted by United Airlines.

About World Travel Market

World Travel Market (WTM) portfolio comprises eight leading B2B events across four continents, generating more than $7 billion of industry deals. The events include:

WTM London, the leading global event for the travel industry, is the must-attend three-day exhibition for the worldwide travel and tourism industry. About 50,000 senior travel industry professionals, government ministers and international media visit ExCeL London every November, generating about £3.4 billion in travel industry contracts.

Next event: Monday 4 – Wednesday 6 November 2019 – London #IdeasArriveHere

Editorial Contact World Tourism Awards:

The Bradford Group:

Karen Hoffman/ Amanda Benedetto

The Bradford Group

Tel: 212 447 0027

E-mail: [email protected]

Editorial Contact World Travel Market:

Julia Newbound  

T: +44 (0)20 8910 7056 / M: +44 (0)7775 036 858

E-mail: [email protected]

Gabriela Reyes

Account Manager

The Bradford Group

347 Fifth Ave. Suite 1205

New York, New York 10016

T (212) 447-0027

F (212) 725-8253

[email protected]

www.bradfordglobalmarketing.com

Announcing the finalists for the annual WTM World Responsible Tourism Awards

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The WTM World Responsible Tourism Gold and Silver Award finalists have been announced for 2019. After an extensive process, the panel of expert judges have decided on 14 global businesses, destinations and organisations to receive the prestigious awards.

The esteemed panel of industry professionals filtered through masses of applications to find the best of the best to fit within six categories; Wildlife and Nature Conservation, Reducing Carbon & Other Greenhouse Gases, Benefiting Local People, Transparent Reporting, Reducing Plastic Waste and Coping with Success, dealing with Overtourism.

The 2019 WTM World Responsible Tourism Gold and Silver Award finalists are:

“To become a Finalist in the WTM World Responsible Tourism Awards is a significant achievement, it marks you out as a leader in Responsible Tourism; it carries a responsibility to exercise leadership,” said Chair of the Judges Harold Goodwin.

“Our purpose in organising the Awards has not changed since they were launched back in 2004 – we want to encourage change in the industry, to single out for recognition those who are taking responsibility and can evidence that they are having a positive impact, that they are making tourism better.”

There will also be an overall winner to be announced at WTM London, on Wednesday 6th November 2019 as part of WTM World Responsible Tourism Day – the largest day of responsible tourism day in the world.

About World Travel Market

World Travel Market (WTM) portfolio comprises eight leading B2B events across four continents, generating more than $7 billion of industry deals. The events are:

WTM London, the leading global event for the travel industry, is the must-attend three-day exhibition for the worldwide travel and tourism industry. About 50,000 senior travel industry professionals, government ministers and international media visit ExCeL London every November, generating about £3.4 billion in travel industry contracts. http://london.wtm.com/.

Next event: Monday 4 – Wednesday 6 November 2019 – London #IdeasArriveHere

About Reed Exhibitions

Reed Exhibitions is the world’s leading events business, enhancing the power of face-to-face through data and digital tools at more than 500 events a year, in more than 43 countries, attracting more than seven million participants. Reed’s events are held in the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific and Africa and organised by 41 fully staffed offices. Reed Exhibitions serves 43 industry sectors with trade and consumer events. It is part of RELX Group plc, a world-leading provider of information solutions for professional customers across industries.

About Reed Travel Exhibitions

Reed Travel Exhibitions is the world’s leading travel and tourism event’s organiser with a growing portfolio of more than 22 international travel and tourism trade events in Europe, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Our events are market leaders in their sectors, whether they are global and regional leisure travel trade events, or specialist events for meetings, incentives, conference, events (MICE) industry, business travel, luxury travel, travel technology as well as golf, spa and ski travel. We have more than 35 years’ experience in organising world-leading travel exhibitions.

More information, please contact:

Julia Newbound – WTM Portfolio Press & PR Lead

E: [email protected]

T: +44 (0)20 8910 7056 / M: +44 (0)7775 036 858

Nicole Smart – WTM Portfolio PR & Events Consultant

E: [email protected]

T: +44 (0)20 8910 7032/ M: +44 (0)79 1955 5510

American collaborators in key US cities enjoy a feel of the Seychelles Islands

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Seychelles’ visibility in the United States of America received an added boost during the month of June following the Seychelles North America Roadshow, organized by the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) in four major US cities in the states of Florida and California respectively.

The series of workshops started in Washington, DC, on Monday, June 10, in the cities of Fort Lauderdale, San Diego, and ending in Orange County in Los Angeles on Friday, June 14.

During the roadshow, the STB Regional Director for Africa and the Americas, Mr. David Germain, who headed the Seychelles delegation, maximized on the opportunity to increase the knowledge of the North American trade partners on the destination.

The delegation was comprised of representatives from the Seychelles national airline, Seychelles Destination Management Companies (DMC), and hotel partners, who on their part, emphasized on the training of the new American collaborators on the various products and services available in Seychelles.

The Air Seychelles North America office was represented by Sascha Henckell, and representing the DMCs were Mr. Lorenzo Giani from 7° South and Mr. Eric Renard from Creole Travel Services.

The hotel partners participating in the roadshow through the presence of their representatives were the Four Seasons Hotel Mahé & Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island represented by Karen Lipka Whitaker, the Constance Hotels & Resorts Seychelles represented by Barbara Gajotto, Lylie Moolman on behalf of Giltedge Ocean Travel, and Mr. Lorenzo Giani for Tsogo Sun Hotels, the Paradise Sun & Maia.

Speaking about the initiative to have such an important outreach on the North American market, STB Regional Director for Africa and the Americas, Mr. David Germain, mentioned that the event was organized with the objective of raising the destination’s profile in the North American region.

“This was the first edition of the “Seychelles North America Roadshow,” he said.

“Our exhibitors and participants were extremely pleased with the outcome of the workshops in the various cities, as they had face-to face-meetings with the trade partners, established working relationships, and provided them with the necessary tools and support required to better sell Seychelles in North America.”

The Seychelles North America Roadshow is expected to become a yearly event and has been included in the STB marketing activity plan for the North American Market next year, 2020, taking place in the United States again during the month of June in the following cities: Dallas, Philadelphia, a city in North Carolina, and Atlanta.

According to figures from the National Bureau of Statistics, 4,867 visitors from North America visited Seychelles from January to May this 2019 with visitors travelling from Mexico, Canada, and the United States representing an increase of 8 percent over the 2018 figures for the same period.

MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, [email protected]   www.seychelles.travel

Seychelles Islands converge to Russia to meet partners in Moscow and St. Petersburg

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The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) hit Moscow and St Petersburg in full flare, as a Seychelles oasis was created by the STB team in Russia to welcome together more than 100 Russian travel trade and press.

The events, which included interaction with key players in Russia and press interviews with various media partners, culminated with an elegant dinner in each city and coincided with the STB Chief Executive’s second visit to Russia.

The STB Chief Executive, Mrs. Sherin Francis was accompanied by the organisation’s Regional Director for Europe Mrs. Bernadette Willemin, STB Director for Scandinavia, Russia & CIS Ms. Karen Confait and STB representative in Russia, Ms. Olga Demina.

The two appreciation dinners held on April 15 and April 17, 2019 took place in the cosy and stylish Modus Restaurant in Moscow and NOK Restaurant, the new gastronomic hub in St. Petersburg respectively.

The STB team present seized the opportunity to engage with the significant trade partners on the Russian market, evaluate the performance of the market and establish future collaborative plans.

The created décor provided idyllic surroundings for the guests present to get memorable pictures and network with the partners from Seychelles and their colleagues.

As part of the mesmerising elements to the events, the venues in Moscow and St. Petersburg were turned into greenhouses by the local florists and decorated with the palm leaves and exotic flowers.

The evening commenced with the welcome speech delivered by the STB representative in Russia Ms Olga Demina, who also introduced Mrs. Francis for her speech.

During her speech, Mrs. Francis, stressed on the STB’s confidence that the Russian market will continue its expansion.  “We have big hopes for the promising and growing Russian market and are very happy to see the increasing interest in the Seychelles. I would like to thank all our partners who have been supporting our destination for more than 10 years and hope that our relationships will grow even stronger in the future,” said the STB Chief Executive Mrs. Francis.

The STB Chief Executive’s address was followed by a short destination presentation from the Director of Europe Mrs. Bernadette Willemin.

The guests were welcomed to a three-course dinner during which they had the time to network in an informal and luxurious atmosphere with all partners and received a small present from the STB to end the night on a memorable note.

All together the event gathered 21 partners, among which were Constance Hotels & Resorts, Banyan Tree Seychelles, 7°South, Creole Travel Services, Four Seasons Seychelles, MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa.

Also present were representatives from Raffles Seychelles, AVANI Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa, Hilton Hotels, North Island, JA Enchanted Island Resort, Fregate Island Private, Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Eden Bleu Hotel, Savoy Resort & Spa Seychelles & Coral Strand Hotel.

Airline partners such as Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Etihad Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and Qatar Airways also attended the events.

MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, [email protected]  www.seychelles.travel