ITB Berlin Archives | For Immediate Release | Official News Wire for the Travel Industry

IGLTA honors ITB Berlin for its commitment to LGBT+ travel segment

April 17, 2019 by Forimmediaterelease

The reward for promoting awareness and acceptance of the LGBT+ Community in the global tourism industry: at the Annual Global Convention, which will take place from 24 to 27 April at the Hilton Midtown New York City, the International LGBT+ Travel Association (IGLTA) will present ITB Berlin with the Vanguard Award.

Every year, together with the IGLTA Foundation (www.iglta.org/The-IGLTA-Foundation), the public charity subsidiary of the IGLTA, the directors’ board presents the IGLTA Honors. The recipients are individuals, companies or organizations who have improved relations within the tourism community and raised awareness of LGBT+ travel around the world. The LGBT Travel Pavilion of ITB Berlin celebrated its debut back in 2010, and since then has become a highly-regarded role model for the presentation of the gay and lesbian travel segment at an international travel show. In addition to the extensive display area with its own conference venue, supporting events such as the LGBT+ Media Brunch, networking events, informative lectures, the LGBT+ ITB Convention Seminar – which since 2 years also includes the bestowal of an ITB Pioneer Award -, and, as of this year the International LGBT+ Leadership Summit, attract many visitors.

ITB’s commitment has made it possible to also position this segment at ITB Asia in Singapore and organize international ITB Academies on this topic as recently in Malta and Japan.

”ITB Berlin is proud to occupy a pioneering role in this important subject, and to be the recipient of such a prestigious award for its continuing efforts to promote international recognition of LGBT+ travel“, said Rika Jean-François, CSR officer of ITB Berlin and responsible for this segment. ”What began as a few community pioneers exhibiting here and there around ITB Berlin has over the years become a recognized platform. Together with our partner Diversity Tourism we have created a globally unique forum.“

”We have got to the point now where at ITB Berlin we have created one of the liveliest and most diverse LGBT+ Travel Pavilions possible, with exhibitors and people taking part in discussion rounds from around the world“, is how Thomas Bömkes, LGBT+ consultant for ITB Berlin and Managing Director of Diversity Tourism GmbH described this market’s rising prospects. Rika Jean-François added: ”This award will give us the strength to continue defending LGBT+ travelers against discrimination in every country in the world and to ensure that they, just like any other travelers, can visit places where also local people are respected regardless of their sexual orientation.” Thomas Bömkes pointed out, that the economic potential of this travel market cannot be underestimated: “Studies have shown that accepting diversity can contribute significantly to a destination’s economic success.“

LGBT tourism has been represented at ITB Berlin since the Nineties. As a result of ITB Berlin’s CSR policy which promotes diversity and defends human rights in tourism and due to the keen interest expressed by exhibitors and visitors, Gay & Lesbian Travel was officially declared a segment in its own right at ITB Berlin 2010. Openness, creativity and lively interaction are the dominant features of this segment that has become one of the most wide-ranging at ITB Berlin. The LGBT Travel Pavilion currently boasts the world’s largest display of products for the gay and lesbian travel market of any trade show in the world.

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IGLTA Foundation adds industry leaders from Google & Airbnb to its Board

March 26, 2019 by Forimmediaterelease

The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association Foundation announced today that Dougal Mckenzie, Head of Industry, Travel, at Google, and Maria Cuba, Global Diversity Lead for Airbnb’s Experiences platform have been appointed to its board of directors. The Foundation is the philanthropic arm of IGLTA.

Mckenzie, who holds both law and commerce degrees from his native Auckland, helps companies adapt to changes in consumer behavior resulting from tech advancements. Cuba is one of Airbnb’s earliest employees and the founder of their Latino Employee Group “Juntos.” Her role focuses on creating equitable opportunities and representation for all communities.

“We are honored to welcome these two dynamic additions to our Foundation board,” said IGLTAF Board Chair Reginald Charlot. “Dougal Mckenzie, a leader in advancing travel technology, and Maria Cuba, a champion for diversity in the global marketplace, will bring valuable insights to the table as we focus on our mission: education, research and leadership development to create a more welcoming travel landscape worldwide.”

The new appointees begin their tenure at the board meeting prior to IGLTA’s 36th Annual Global Convention in New York City, 24-27 April. (igltaconvention.org) The current IGLTAF board members are: Reginald Charlot, NYC & Company, Chair; Pamela Herr, Aspen Gay Ski Week, Vice Chair; Tanya Churchmuch, MuchPR, Secretary; Don Richardson, Brand USA, Treasurer; Theresa Belpulsi, Destination DC; Selisse Berry, Founder of Out & Equal; Eddie Canaday, Visit Salt Lake; Rika Jean-François, ITB Berlin; Tom Kiely, Visit West Hollywood; Jim McMichael, Las Vegas CVA; Gary Murakami, MGM Resorts International, Immediate Past Chair; Tom Nichols, Arcus Foundation; Scott Seed, Hospitality Brand Marketing Professional; Carmen Strong, Disney Destinations; and John Tanzella, IGLTA.

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Thailand wins Best Asian Destination Award by German marketing website GoAsia

March 12, 2019 by Forimmediaterelease

Tourism Authority of Thailand news first on FIR:

Berlin, 12 March 2019 – Thailand was voted the “Best Asia Destination” in the annual GoAsia Awards 2019 presented at the Internationale Tourismus Börse (ITB) 2019, the world’s leading travel trade show.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn (above photo, left), Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said, “We are indeed very proud that the influential readers and users of the reputed GoAsia website have voted us as the Best Asian Destination. We are humbled by their confidence. These awards will be a constant source of motivation for us to continue working hard to maintain this confidence in the years to come.”

Go Asia (www.goasia.de) is a B2B tourism platform run by tour operators. The Go Asia Awards 2019 are based on a comprehensive online survey among all registered users (sales representatives, travel agents, and tourists). This year, more than 3,000 people cast their votes for a total of 40 countries/destinations.

The Go Asia initiative was founded in 2003 in order to facilitate tourism marketing in German-speaking regions. Members get access to the Go Asia website, participation in exhibitions and trade fairs, media relations and training initiatives.

Thailand has always figured very highly on the awards list.

– In 2014, Thailand won the “Most Popular Tourist Destination in Asia” award.

– In 2010, Thailand won the “Best Asian Destination” award. The Tourism Authority of Thailand was voted the “Best Asian Tourist Board in Germany” award.

– In 2009, Thailand won the “Most Favoured Asian Destination” award. The Tourism Authority of Thailand was voted the “Best Asian Tourist Board in Germany” award. Prior to this, the Kingdom of Thailand had received the Go Asia Award for “Best Destination in Asia” for four consecutive years from 2005.

Germany is Thailand’s third largest source market from Europe, second only to the UK. In 2018, Thailand recorded 889,777 German visitors, up by 4.66% over 2017, generating an estimated 57.643 billion Baht, up by 8.30% in tourism revenue.

In 2018, Swiss visitors to Thailand totalled 207,596, (-0.92%), generating an estimated 17.508 billion Baht, (-1.10%) in tourism revenue. Austrian visitors to Thailand totalled 116,779, up by 11.45%, generating an estimated 9.096 billion Baht in tourism revenue, (+13.95%).

Ms. Denduen Luengcheng, Director of the TAT Frankfurt Office said that in the past few years, TAT has been stepping up its marketing activities in German secondary cities in order to attract more German visitors to destinations like Ko Chang in Trat and Khanom in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, as well as Chumphon and Ranong.

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand

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Ten Thai provinces nationwide prominently showcased at ITB 2019

March 11, 2019 by Forimmediaterelease

Tourism Authority of Thailand news first on FIR:

Berlin, 11 March,2019 – Thailand’s northernmost province of Chiang Rai, home of the famous cave rescue operation of the “Wild Boars” team of young footballers in June-July 2018, was one of ten provinces from all four regions of Thailand that were prominently showcased at the ITB Berlin 2019, the world’s largest travel trade show.

The 10 provinces – Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Sukhothai, Nan, Trat, Chanthaburi, Chumphon, Ranong, Trang and Nakhon Si Thammarat – have been chosen because they are a good combination of beach and culture with unique ways of life, gastronomic delights and interesting attractions to cater to discerning European visitors.

They have been selected as part of the TAT’s strategy to better distribute and disseminate visitor arrivals around the country, create jobs, and ensure a more equitable spread of income and economic progress.

Trade visitors to the Thai pavilion were able to find wide-ranging information about these provinces. They were also mentioned by Minister of Tourism and Sports H.E. Weerasak Kowsurat in his speech at the networking lunch to be hosted by TAT for prominent members of the European travel trade and media.

According to Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), “Europe is a very sophisticated source market where we are targetting more repeat travellers and first-time visitors from some of the emerging destinations. These 10 provinces will be perfect destinations for these very specific niche-market customers.”

Here are some brief highlights of each of the 10 provinces:

Chiang Rai: Tham Luang Cave is becoming a major tourist spot. The Cave itself is undergoing renovations to prepare for the expected numbers with completion projected by the end of this year. Tourists can visit the exhibition about the entire mission of the rescue of the “Wild Boars” team of young footballers in June-July 2018. Other interesting tourist attractions include the Pang Ha community where visitors can learn about the Karen ethnic group’s wisdom on how to make natural paper without cutting down any trees.

Tham Lunag Khun Nam Nang Non Forest Park, Chiang Rai

Mae Hong Son: Known as the “Switzerland of Thailand,” this province straddles the border with Myanmar, not far from Chiang Mai. Mae Hong Son is characterised by nature and cultural integration between the Tai Yai ethnic group and Thai people. It is famous for embroidered woven fabrics from various types of hilltribes. “Mae Hong Son Doister CraftStay” tour focuses on getting visitors to experience the history of the local art and craftwork.

Ban Rak Thai Yunnan Chinese Village, Mae Hong Son

Trang: Located in South Thailand, Trang is known as a “foodie haven” and offers a beach getaway for those who prefer an off-the-beaten track holiday; such as, Ko Muk and Tham Morakot or Emerald Cave. Trang is also recognised as a habitat to the largest group of dugong marine species. At the Ban Nam Rap community, travellers can join in saving the sea cows by planting sea grass, which is the staple food for dugongs.

Falang Beach on Muk Island of Hat Chao Mai National Marine Park, Trang

Ranong: This hidden gem on the Andaman coast is home to secluded beach getaways; such as, Ko Phayam. In addition, an organic farm tour on the island implements the sufficiency economy and way of life to manage community-based tourism. Highlighted activities include learning how to tap a rubber tree, processing raw cashew nuts info finished products, and collecting vegetables from a farm for cooking.

Khao Khwai Bay on Payam Island, Ranong

Chanthaburi: Chanthaburi is an emerging tourism city close to the border with Cambodia on the rapidly emerging Eastern Economic Corridor. It is most famous for that well-known fruit “durian”. The Chanthaboon community along the riverside greatly reflect the simplicity of life. Baan Luang Rajmaitri Historic Inn in Chanthaburi won the Award of Merit in the annual UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2015.

Chanthaboon Waterfront at Thaluang Road, Chanthaburi

Sukhothai: Sukhothai literally means “Dawn of Happiness.” In Sukhothai’s golden era, this city was the centre of Southeast Asia and the ruins from that glorious time have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to ruins of royal palaces, Buddhist temples, and historical monuments, and the remains of ancient moats, walls, and city gates form a rectangular shape.

Tra Phang Ngoen Temple, Sukhothai Historial Park, Sukhothai

Trat: A small province in Thailand’s East, bordering Cambodia on the east, with the Khao Banthat mountain range forming a natural demarcation, with the Gulf of Thailand to the south. Trat encompasses over 50 islands of varying size, long white sandy beaches and unspoiled coral reefs. It is also a major fruit growing and fishing area.

Wai Island, Mu Ko Chang National Park, Trat

Nakhon Si Thammarat: This province has long been a centre of culture and trade in Thailand’s South. Historically, there was a city-state here called Ligor, well-known throughout Asia as part of an important trade route connecting the city with Trang on the west coast, a trading port between the Western and Eastern worlds. Visitors can enjoy folk performances; such as, Talung and Manohra, and this fascinating city is also a centre of Buddhism in the Southern region.

Buddha Park in Niranam Temple, Nakhon Si Thammarat

Chumphon: Located in Southern Thailand, this is a great location for culture and beauty. The most popular is the Chumphon Archipelago National Park with many beautiful islands and beaches, one of which is over 100 km long. Great diving spots can be experienced at various islands. The Blue Crab Community Research Centre in Pathiu district aims to replenish the dwindling population of blue crabs along the Chumphon coast.

Bigeye Yellow Snappers at Chumphon Pinnacle, Chumphon

Nan: Nan is the frontier town of the Eastern Lanna Kingdom and has a mix of cultures from the high mountain ranges to the plains. It boasts interesting temples; such as, Wat Phumin, which features a famous painting of the ‘Whisper of Love’ as well as a Lanna cultural atmosphere and many unique local agricultural products and handicrafts. The main road is lined with many coffee cafés from where guests can enjoy panoramic views of rice fields with mountains in the distance. The cafés brew espresso drinks from locally-sourced Arabica beans.

Doi Pu Chalon, San Pa Sak Village, Nan

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand

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Guyana Tourism together with SUNx to bring Climate Change education

March 10, 2019 by forimmediaterelease.net -

Guyana which has been named the #1 “Best of Ecotourism” destination and one of the world’s Top 10 Sustainable Destinations at this week’s ITB Berlin is teaming up with SUN^x to bring Climate Change education into its Travel & Tourism sector.

Guyana’s ITB Award reflects its authentic Green Tourism, its holistic approach to sustainable destination management, and integration into the quality of life for all its citizens.

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“Being recognized as a leading sustainable destination is a great honour and it’s very timely, with the potential the government to advance development, modernize the economy, and positively transform the lives of all citizens” stated Brian T. Mullis, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority. “ The Green State Agenda gives a tremendous lead and we will do all we can to strengthen inter-ministerial and multi-stakeholder collaboration to maximize the positive socio-economic and conservation outcomes from tourism.”

As an immediate step Mullis announced an SDG17 Partnership between the Guyana Tourism Authority and the SUN^x Program – a legacy program for Maurice Strong, the father of Sustainable Development – to kickstart its “Plan For Our Kids” in Guyana.

Professor Geoffrey Lipman, co-founder of SUN^x noted its lifetime learning system for Climate Friendly Travel ~ measured: green: 2050 proof. SUN^x plans to use it to create 100,000 STRONG Climate Champions by 2030, across all UN States to support transformation to the New Climate Economy. “We will enrol a top Guyanese Student, as a beach head for the program in the country and work with the stakeholders in the sector to boost membership in the years ahead. Our strategic vision is for the sector to conform to Paris Climate Targets by 2030 and we believe that the “Plan For Our Kids” will make a big difference”.

The Strong Universal Network SUN^x is a program of the EU-based, not for profit Green Growth and Travelism Institute, and a legacy to the late Maurice Strong – Sustainable Development Pioneer. Its goal is to promote Climate Friendly Travel with good & bad effects measured and managed coherently: with Green Growth at the core and, 2050-proof in line with the Paris Accords, and the W.E.F. 4^th Industrial Revolution.
www.thesunprogram.com/

The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) is a semiautonomous governmental organisation responsible for developing and promoting sustainable tourism in Guyana through collaboration with sister agencies and the tourism private sector in order to maximise local socio-economic and conservation outcomes and improve the visitors’ experience. GTA is focused on Guyana becoming recognised locally and internationally as a premier destination for protecting its natural and cultural heritage, providing authentic experiences, and maximizing local economic benefits. For more information, visit www.guyanatourism.com

Responsible Tourism leads Thailand Networking Lunch at ITB Berlin 2019

March 8, 2019 by Forimmediaterelease

Tourism Authority of Thailand news first on FIR:

Berlin, 8 March, 2019 – Thailand Networking Lunch at the ITB Berlin 2019, hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), takes place on Friday, 8 March, with a focus on ‘Responsible Tourism’ and ‘Tourism for All’.

H.E. Weerasak Kowsurat, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said the direction of Thailand’s tourism industry in 2019 would be focussed on the promotion of ‘Responsible Tourism’, which formed another shade of Thai tourism in line with the ongoing marketing communications concept of ‘Amazing Thailand: Open to the New Shades.’

He said this year’s Thailand Networking Lunch was aimed at promoting responsible tourism projects and environmental initiatives initiated by TAT along with both the public and private sectors.

“At this networking event, as well as at the Thai Pavilion at the ITB Berlin 2019, Thailand is highlighting potential products from emerging destinations that focus on responsible tourism with an aim to ensure sustainability and preserve they own local identity,” the Minister added.

These 10 provinces can be conveniently accessed as add-ons to major destinations like Chiang Mai and Bangkok. They are Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Sukhothai, Nan, Trat, Chanthaburi, Chumphon, Ranong, Trang and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Each offers interesting attractions, unique gastronomic delights and local ways of life for visitors to experience.

“These aim to minimise the impact of ‘over-tourism’, better spread tourism flow and benefits, and raise environmental consciousness across the entire industry through several responsible tourism initiatives that TAT has been initiating under partnerships with relevant stakeholders,” the Minister said.

They include the ‘Upcycling the Oceans, Thailand’, and the ‘Travel Thailand in Style, Reduce Plastic Waste’. Also, since November 2017, a smoking ban has been in place at many Thai beaches, while national parks and zoos nationwide now ban plastic bags and other single-use plastics.

To instil environmental consciousness, participants will receive a souvenir pair of Tlejourn flip-flops made in Pattani province from recycled ocean debris. These are a product of the collaboration between Trash Hero volunteers, polymer scientists of the Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus, designer brands and the people of Pattani.

In addition to responsible tourism, ‘Tourism for All’ is being embraced in Thailand and highlighted in the function.

The Minister said, “Last year saw a group of wheelchair travellers from Europe visit Asia’s first underwater museum in Phang Nga province. We are seeing a growing number of visitors in this segment and are improving the facilities to cater to them.”

TAT’s Thailand Networking Lunch was attended by 37 European tour operators and 14 members of the media. The event also welcomed two guest speakers, Mr. Steffen Noll, CEO of Reisen Erleben, who has been operating Handicap World Travel, offering recommendations on tourists with the physical challenges segment for Thailand, and Ms. Maren Fischer, a Youtuber from website Urlaubsguru, sharing experiences in the emerging tourism destination of Chumphon.

In 2018, European visitors to Thailand increased 3.86% to 6.76 million, generating an estimated 13 billion Euros. Russia remained the largest source market with arrivals of 1.47 million, followed next by the United Kingdom (987,456 arrivals), Germany (889,777) and France (749,643). For 2019, the revenue of the Europe market is expected to grow further to 11.53 percent.

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand

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Jamaica is PATWA’s Destination of the Year

March 7, 2019 by forimmediaterelease.net -

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett and Director of Tourism, Donovan White accept the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association’s (PATWA) International Travel Award for Destination of the Year, which was given to Jamaica

Jamaica was today presented with the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association’s (PATWA) International Travel Award for Destination of the Year, in Berlin, Germany.

Speaking at the ceremony, Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett said, “Jamaica is truly honoured to once again receive a prestigious award from the internationally recognized PATWA organization.

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Our country has been continuously creating innovative initiatives aimed at improving the destination, as well as bolstering our marketing efforts in new and emerging markets. I am very happy that we have been recognized for our hard work, during this event, among other leading destinations.”

The Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA), a professional organisation of travel writers, which was founded in 1998, organizes the event. The awards recognize individuals and organisations that have excelled and/or are involved in the promotion of tourism from different sectors of the travel trade and service providers related directly or indirectly to the industry.

The Minister also noted that locally, the industry continues to break records for arrivals and revenue earned, making it a critical industry in the country’s growth agenda.

“Destination Jamaica has been performing exceptionally well. I am very proud to say that each year we continue to see an increase in the number of visitors to our shores – most of which have been to our island at least once before. This I am sure can be credited to our beautiful attractions and of course friendly people, who have also been able to earn from the industry,” he said.

The total visitor arrivals for 2016 stood at 3,837,243 with 2,181,684 being stopovers. In 2017, total arrivals broke the 4 million mark to end the year at 4,276,189. The record-breaking streak continued into 2018 when the country welcomed 4,318,600 visitors.

The statistics show that last year stopover arrivals exceeded the previous year by 5.1 percent but when compared to 2016, growth was a whopping 13.3 percent. The USA market in particular, grew by 7.5 percent in 2018 over 2017.

Preliminary figures for airport arrivals for the period of January 1 to February 17 2019 show Montego Bay recording 275,902 and Kingston 44,400 for a total of 320,602. That is 31,172 or 10.2 percent increase in arrivals over the 2018 corresponding period.

The country also welcomed 469,000 cruise passengers, last month, which is 43,000 more tourists compared to the corresponding time last year

Projected figures for the 2018/19 fiscal year show gross earnings at US$3.334 billion, an 8.8 percent increase over the last fiscal year. Stopover arrivals are also projected at 2.713 million, which is a 6.2 percent increase.

The ceremony forms part of ITB Berlin, which is the largest tourism tradeshow in the world – the foremost business platform for global touristic offers and a prime marketplace and driving force behind the international tourism industry. It highlights hotels, tourist boards, tour operators, airlines among others related to the travel industry. ITB is also the ideal forum for establishing new customer contacts and conducting business.

The Minister is joined by Director of Tourism, Donovan White and the Jamaica Tourist Board’s Events Manager, Lorna Robinson. He will return to the island on March 9, 2019.

TAT to lead another strong showing for Thailand at ITB Berlin 2019

March 7, 2019 by Forimmediaterelease

Tourism Authority of Thailand news first on FIR:

Berlin, 6 March, 2019 – Thailand is fielding its usual strong presence at the ITB Berlin 2019, which is held from 6 to 10 March at Messe Berlin in the German capital. This year marks the 53rd staging of the world’s leading annual travel trade show and the 45^th time the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is participating as an exhibitor.

From left: Ms. Supranee Pongpat, TAT Executive Director of Europe, Africa and Middle East Region; Ms. Somradee Chitchong, TAT Deputy Governor for Administration; Mrs. Srisuda Wanapinyosak, TAT Deputy Governor, International Marketing – Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas: Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat, Minister of Tourism and Sports; Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor; Mr. Charun Ohnmee, TAT Deputy Governor for Policy and Planning; Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications; and Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Executive Director of Tourism Products Department at the Thai Pavilion at ITB Berlin 2019.

The Thai Pavilion at the ITB Berlin 2019 comprises 88 exhibitors. Of these, 78 are hotels and resorts and the rest are tour operators and tourism-related agencies. Eighteen of the Thai exhibitors are exhibiting for the first time at the ITB Berlin.

TAT Governor Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn said: “The Thai Pavilion at the ITB Berlin 2019 has been designed in line with the concept of ‘Amazing Thailand: Open to the New Shades’ and an over-arching theme of ‘Responsible Tourism’.

“The focus is on products and services of emerging tourist destinations in Thailand that have the potential to meet the needs of European tourists.”

Ten provinces that TAT believes European tourists will find well worth exploring, and which can be conveniently accessed as add-ons to major destinations are Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Sukhothai, Nan, Trat, Chanthaburi, Chumphon, Ranong, Trang and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Each offers interesting attractions, unique gastronomic delights and local ways of life for visitors to experience.

Thailand’s presence at the ITB Berlin 2019 is further boosted by the participation of the Sports Authority of Thailand and Arts of the Kingdom Museum as well as two local DMCs that promote tourism packages to emerging destinations. Friday Trip promotes Krabi, Phuket and Surat Thani with ‘CastAway Paradise in the Andaman’, and ‘The Wisdom of Surat Thani’s Tapi River’ and Thai LocalistA promotes community tourism trails in Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai.

Also presenting at the Thai Pavilion are three travel tech start-ups, including two which were winners of the ‘TAT Start-up Entrepreneurs of the New Age’ competition; namely, TakeMeTour, Thailand’s largest online platform offering local tour packages from communities in both major and emerging destinations, and Golfdigg, the No. 1 online booking platform for golf packages in Thailand. Another presence is Socialgiver, an online booking platform that supports social projects across Thailand.

A new application called “TAGTHAI” has been pre-launched at the ITB Berlin 2019 ahead of its official launch set for April 2019. The app has been jointly developed by 30 private sector companies and 19 government agencies, including the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and TAT, under the “Digital Tourism Platform” project. TAGTHAI has been created to be a national tourism platform that links travel information as well as products and services of entrepreneurs throughout a value chain, so that tourists can conveniently access travel information.

TAT has prepared various activities to be held throughout the five-day travel trade show, including the 8th annual Thailand Mini Mart on 8 March, special table-top sales for 30 invited potential buyers from different European countries and 36 Thai sellers; daily cultural demonstrations at which ITB delegates can, for example, try their hand at making Lawa earrings and necklaces and Karen embroidered bags, and cultural performances on 9-10 March showcasing music and dance from the Northern Thailand and I-san (Northeast) regions and the rare manohra dance from the South. Also, on 9-10 March, the Sports Authority of Thailand will be showcasing modern and traditional forms of Muay Thai and offering basic lessons.

The Tourism Information Counter at the Thai Pavilion will offer ‘Open to the New Shades’ concept VDOs, e-brochures, and Touchscreen Interface technology on community tourism villages around Thailand, and booklets on destinations and activities tourists can enjoy when visiting the kingdom.

TAT is also joining the LGBT Travel Pavilion for a second consecutive year to promote Thailand to this high-spending group.

*Photo gallery: Thai Pavilion at ITB Berlin 2019

TAT to lead another strong showing for Thailand at ITB Berlin 2019

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand

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Jamaica Tourism Minister Bartlett to address delegates at ITB Berlin

March 5, 2019 by PressEditor

Jamaica Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett departs the island today to participate in the International Tourism Bourse (ITB), in Berlin, Germany, where he has been invited to be a guest speaker at the ‘International Seminar on Global Tourism’s Trends and Challenges.’

The event is organized by the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA), a professional organisation of travel writers which was founded in 1998. The International Seminar on Global Trends and Challenges is an annual signature event.

The seminar will feature key stakeholders and global leaders in tourism such as the Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili; Mr. Geoffrey Lipman, President of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners; and Mr. Alain St. Ange, Deputy Secretary-General of the Forum of Small Medium Economic AFRICA ASEAN, among others.

“It is an honour for Jamaica to once again participate in this very important tradeshow. I am looking forward to engaging tourism stakeholders and investors to share best practices, and forge solutions to create a more resilient industry,” said the Minister.

ITB Berlin is the largest tourism tradeshow in the world – the foremost business platform for global touristic offers and a prime marketplace and driving force behind the international tourism industry.

The event highlights hotels, tourist boards, tour operators, airlines among others related to the travel industry. ITB is also the ideal forum for establishing new customer contacts and conducting business.

ITB this year will feature a Jamaica Night event on March 7 which will highlight the county’s attractions, food and culture.

“Jamaica Night is a great marketing opportunity for us in Germany. Last year we welcomed over 34,000 stop-over visitors from that country, which is a 14.7% increase over the same period in 2017,” said the Minister.

He also noted that during the last ITB, Berlin event, Eurowings officials announced their once weekly scheduled nonstop flights between the German city of Munich and Montego Bay, which began last summer.

“The new Eurowings route has been a welcomed addition to our industry, as Munich is one of the largest and wealthiest cities in Europe with a population of a population of 13 million. We have already seen an increase since and hope to further strengthen our marketing efforts to see an even greater increase,” he said.

The Minister is joined by Director of Tourism, Donovan White and the Jamaica Tourist Board’s Events Manager, Lorna Robinson. Minister Bartlett will return to the island on March 9, 2019.

MEDIA CONTACT: Alyssa Taffe, Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Tourism, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: (876) 920-4926-30, Mobile: (876) 441-5055, Fax: (876) 906 1729

Visit Nepal 2020 Launch to Honor the Life of a Tourism Hero

March 4, 2019 by forimmediaterelease.net -

Nepal is known as a country of beauty and resilience when it comes to the travel and tourism industry. Nepal is also known to have some of the most dedicated people running their nation’s tourism industry. Many of them will be attending the ITB travel trade show in Berlin from March 6-10 to celebrate one of their own tourism heros, the late Nepal Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Rabindra Adhikari.

The Nepal Tourism Board in cooperation with the Nepal Embassy in Berlin, has planned a launch event of “Visit Nepal 2020” at a VIP dinner on March 7 on the sidelines of ITB and organized by the eTN Corporation.

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There will be 252 VIPs in attendance, including several ministers of tourism including Jamaica Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, who is the person behind the global tourism resilience initiative. There will be ambassadors, the former UNWTO secretary general Taleb Rifai, top Nepal travel suppliers (buyers and sellers), and media from around the world who have registered to attend.

The ITB launch for “Visit Nepal 2020” will be dedicated to the late Nepal Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Rabindra Adhikari.

He was instrumental in the finalization of “Visit Nepal 2020” and had been working endlessly until last week to make this important milestone a success.

The late Nepal Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Rabindra Adhikari, was to attend the dinner in Berlin, but less than a week before the launch, he passed away in a tragic helicopter accident after visiting a new airport project and a temple in Southern Nepal.

Nepal Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Rabindra Adhikari.

Nepal Tourism officials put great thought into whether or not they should move forward with the event at ITB or if it would be appropriate to delay due to the Minister’s death. After careful consideration, it was decided that the hard work of their late minister would be his best legacy, and they came to the consensus to go forward with the “Visit Nepal 2020” event on Thursday.

In honor of Minister Adhikari’s vision, this planned evening of culture and Nepalese cuisine will now also be an evening to gather and remember the late Minister Rabindra Adhikari with respect for his tireless efforts and gratitude for his foresight for the future of Nepal’s tourism industry.

After taking the helm at the Ministry in February of last year, Adhikari, 49, had undertaken a series of policies to reform Nepal’s civil aviation sector. He took prompt steps to improve conditions at Nepal’s only international airport, Tribhuvan International Airport, and pursued the reactivation of several domestic airports. Adhikari also held several rounds of talks with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) which recognized some of the steps he had taken on the safety of Nepal travel.

The year 2020 was chosen as the national tourism year of Nepal after the year 2011 which was the primary authority tourism year of the new Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. The government and tourism department of Nepal authoritatively reported that Nepal will take the year 2020 as “Visit Nepal 2020,” a year committed to the tourism industry of Nepal with the vision of making a reasonable brand picture of Nepal as a travel and vacation destination. This vision supports the tourism foundation of Nepal, enhances the growth of the nation’s tourism industry, and enriches local tourism as a supportable industry.

Beginning in 2016 and 2017, the government began making arrangements and laying a foundation to formally initiate the open connection program for “Visit Nepal 2020.”

The legislature aims to accommodate more than two million visitors amid the year of this important Tourism program.

For more information on the launch event, go to buzz.travel/nepal.