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Travel Forward Tech Event Hosts its first #HackTravel Hackathon

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Travel Forward is hosting its first Hackathon on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, at ExCeL London.

 
A hackathon, well known among technology experts globally, is a non-stop digital product development event, where problems are posed in order to come up with innovative solutions.

As tech innovation is constantly changing, it creates both new benefits and pain points for travelers. It is important, therefore, to understand and solve these challenges as efficiently as possible.

Travel Forward have teamed up with hackathon specialists Winding Tree to host their latest #HackTravel event.

The #HackTravel hackathon will bring together forward thinking travel industry players such as travel start-ups, airlines, hotels and software companies to collaboratively tackle real world industry pain points. Travel Forward #HackTravel will be a platform for self-expression and innovative perspectives through technology.

Richard Gayle, Exhibition Manager for Travel Forward explained: “We’re delighted to be working with the well-established Winding Tree to host such a dynamic, forward thinking and industry changing event such as the #HackTravel hackathon.

“Whether you are an OTA, hotel, software vendor or an independent travel tech expert, there are great challenges to take part in for both technical and business hackathon participants. This is a unique opportunity to share the problem solving process with people you would not normally be able to, to learn from and collaborate with peers and create actionable solutions at pace.

“So we look forward to welcoming all experts, so that collectively we can turn ideas that will move the Travel industry forward, into reality.”

Pedro Anderson, COO, and Co-Founder of Winding Tree, said: “We are honoured to be able to participate in World Travel Market in such a profound way. WTM London is one of, if not the, biggest event in the travel industry, and we’ll be able to showcase our technology to an audience like never before.

“Each Hackathon we’ve held in the past has had impressive results, showing the possibility and necessity for open-source technology among travel and hospitality companies, and I’m sure this one will be no different.”

The technology-focused conference, exhibition and Startup Showcase is co-located within WTM London at ExCeL London from 4 – 6 November 2019.

To register for Travel Forward, please click here.  

Travel Forward is the travel technology event co-located with WTM London and part of the WTM Portfolio of events. The second Travel Forward conference, exhibition and buyer program will take place on 4–6 November 2019 at ExCeL London, showcasing next-generation technology for travel and hospitality.

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.

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.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Julia Newbound – WTM Portfolio Press and PR Lead

E: [email protected]

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

Nicole Smart – WTM Portfolio PR and Events Consultant

E: [email protected]

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

Seychelles Tourism Board and Air Seychelles renew marketing agreements

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The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB)-Seychelles destination’s marketing body- and its national airline counterpart Air Seychelles have officially renewed their joint marketing agreement. This agreement will reinforce their collective support in promoting the destination, once more.

Mrs. Sherin Francis – STB Chief Executive, and Air Seychelles Chief Executive Officer- Mr. Remco Althuis, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the STB Headquarters, on Monday July 22 2019.

The Agreement, which was signed in the presence of STB Deputy Chief Executive Ms. Jenifer Sinon and Air Seychelles Chief Commercial Officer Mr. Charles Johnson, covers various areas involving the two parties, concerning numerous collective marketing activities.

The document covers long-term partnerships between the two organisations, including attendance and visibility of both parties at key tourism events. These events include trade shows and fairs, trade familiarisation trips, product presentations and workshops (among many others).

Mr. Remco Althuis, Chief Executive Officer of Air Seychelles said: “As part of our mandate in supporting the Seychelles economy, it is important for the national airline to jointly work with key stakeholders in ensuring both destination Seychelles and the national airline remains visible globally.”

He then continued in saying, “We are pleased to once again extend an MoU with STB as part of our commitment and effort in increasing the number of visitors to the island, and also to further promote destination Seychelles across our network and beyond.

Air Seychelles maintains an excellent partnership between STB as both organizations share similar goals. Following the signing of this MoU, we will continue to work closely with STB through several joint marketing and PR initiatives in order to continue building our market presence in the region. We will also be building our presence across our newest destination Tel Aviv starting as from 27 November 2019.”

Speaking at the signing, STB Chief Executive Mrs. Francis mentioned that the collaboration between the tourism board and the national carrier of the country remains essential, for the destination to thrive.

“STB recognizes the immense contribution of Air Seychelles in making the destination more accessible. As the STB continues on its mission to make Seychelles visible as a destination, we are grateful to receive the support of our national carrier. Through today’s MoU signing we are not only agreeing to work together, but our two organisations are showing their commitment to increasing Seychelles’ reach and appealing to a wider traveler,” said Mrs. Francis.

She further mentioned that she is pleased that both entities have once again reiterated their work engagement in the interest of the destination.

Air Seychelles provides services on a regional perspective through its regular flights to Mauritius and Madagascar. They also provide international flights to Johannesburg, Mauritius and Mumbai.

The airline announced recently the opening of a new route, with the commencement of a new service linking the Seychelles and Israel’s largest metropolitan area (Tel Aviv) in November this year.

The signing ceremony once again took place at the STB Headquarters in Mont- Fleuri, and saw the presence of representatives from both organisations.

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

St. Kitts shines in US Roadshow 2019

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A signature activity in US, the St. Kitts Tourism Authority conducted its 2nd annual Destination St. Kitts & Nevis US Roadshow 2019 from Monday, March 25 to Friday, March 29. The week-long series of 6 events were held in New York, New Jersey, Atlanta, Houston, Farmer’s Branch (Texas) and Dallas in order to grow visitor arrivals from these gateway markets and supporting flow markets. These events were designed to educate travel agents, tour operators, MICE buyers, wedding and honeymoon planners, media and experiential lifestyle consumers about everything the destination has to offer both business and leisure travelers.

“This year’s US Roadshow was a resounding success with record numbers of attendees for each event,” said the Hon. Lindsay F.P. Grant, Minister of Tourism for St. Kitts & Nevis. “Having attracted the sheer number of travel agents, MICE buyers, media and more who sell or publicize business and/or leisure travel demonstrates that there is growing interest and demand in these gateway markets for the tourism product that St. Kitts & Nevis has to offer.”

The first event was a brunch held at The Castle Hotel & Spa in Tarrytown, New York, an affluent suburb north of New York City on Monday, March 25. The second event was a dinner held at the Pleasantdale Chateau in West Orange, New Jersey, an upscale neighborhood in the northern part of the state, also on March 25. On Tuesday, March 26, the third event was a dinner held at the Westin Buckhead, located in an affluent suburb just north of Atlanta. The fourth event was a luncheon held on Wednesday, March 27, at the Hess Club in Houston. A cocktail reception held on Thursday, March 27 at the Brookhaven Country Club in Farmer’s Branch, an affluent suburb of Dallas, Texas, was the fifth event in the Roadshow, while the sixth and final event was a luncheon held at III Forks Restaurant in Dallas.

All events supported St. Kitts’ non-stop flights and attracted a total of 300 attendees combined, all of whom were travel agents, MICE buyers, tour operators, wedding and honeymoon planners, media or experiential lifestyle consumers. Attendees were top travel professionals representing some of the most respected organizations in the business, including Maritz Travel, Cox Enterprises, Pro Travel International, Meetings Plus, Valerie Wilson Travel, Houston Style Magazine, Frosch, Questex LLC, Travel Impressions, and Westchester magazine.

“Developing lasting relationships with top travel professionals in our key gateway markets is a key component of our overall marketing strategy for the destination and our Roadshow provides us with the opportunity to connect with these individuals face-to-face,” added Racquel Brown, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. “In order to continue growing arrivals, we need to maintain and expand our base of sellers to help fill our non-stop flights as we continue to build out new and increased airlift from the US.”

In addition to being treated to a meal and lively conversation with representatives from St. Kitts, the individuals played games, listened to presentations and won a variety of prizes from hotel stays to bottles of St. Kitts’ own Brinley Gold Shipwreck rum that were provided by participating local island tourism stakeholders. In addition, attending travel agents were offered a special $150 incentive for booking clients’ air only on the non-stop flights to St. Kitts or air in combination with a hotel reservation at participating destination hotels, all offering special Summer Sunsation rates, between now and May 17, 2019 for clients’ travel through August 17, 2019 when they log their productivity on St. Kitts’ website or via the Destination Specialist program with Travel Agent University. As a result, many attendees are now adding St. Kitts & Nevis as a featured destination they will sell to their clients.

The delegation from St. Kitts inclded: the Hon. Lindsay F. P. Grant, Minister of Tourism for St. Kitts & Nevis; Racquel Brown, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority; Ambassador Jonel Powell, Chairman of the Artist Selection Committee for the St. Kitts Music Festival; Annie Sinzinger, US Marketing Manager for the St. Kitts Tourism Authority; Denise Zimber, Christina Mucha and Shayna White, Marketing Consultants for the St. Kitts Tourism Authority; Tom Jaronski, Golf Consultant for the St. Kitts Tourism Authority; and Candice Kimmel, CEO and Founder of Adams Unlimited, PR & Marketing Agency in North America for the St. Kitts Tourism Authority.

A number of tourism stakeholders from St. Kitts & Nevis were also part of the delegation, including: Troy Hendrickson, Carib Journey Masters; Tawanna Wigley, Sales Representative, Ocean Terrace Inn; Richard Berridge, General Manager, Kayanjet; Jaana Kuntonen, Sunlinc; Christine Marshall, Sales Manager, Park Hyatt St. Kitts; Sylvia Martinez, Director of Sales and Marketing, St. Kitts Marriott; Tim Thuell, Nisbet Plantation; Cyndi Miller-Aird, President, Miller + Aird Destination Marketing for Belle Mont Farm; Jamar Wilkins, Travel Industry Sales Manager, Four Seasons Resort Nevis; and Darren Thompson, General Manager, Royal St. Kitts.

Travel News | eTurboNews

African Tourism Board : First three source markets revealed

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The African Tourism Board is active in promoting the African Continent as one destination in the United States, Israel, and India. ATB invited three PR and marketing experts from these three source markets to speak at the ATB launch event on April 11 during WTM in Cape Town.

African Tourism Board Members will be invited to receive a full fledge representation through ATB offices in New York, Tel Aviv and Delhi on a national, regional or local basis Stakeholders including CVB’s, hotels and safari/ tour operators can also participate independently.

In addition,  ATB is already talking to partners in various European countries and China.

Services will include a phone hotline, effective media outreach,  sales missions, and local events. Each office will have the capacity to start with at least 10 African companies or destination and can expand as needed. Acceptance is based on a first comes first basis.

The cost-sharing concept should lower the investment for up to 90% compared to current models of independent and competing marketing representations. It would allow medium to smaller companies and destinations to stay competitive.

“The idea is not only to save money but also to offer Africa tourism without borders.  We are not planning to compete with national tourism offices, but like to enhance services and offer an effective outreach also for those that didn’t have the opportunity due to budget restraints.

Our connection with media, trade, and influencers is a win-win for Africa. We are excited,” said interim Chairman Juergen Steinmetz.

For more information on the African Tourism Board and on how to join or participate at the launch go to www.africantourismboard.com

Travel News | eTurboNews

Seychelles recognized as world’s Most Beautiful Island at GQ Travel Awards Russia

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Destination Seychelles was cited as “The Most Beautiful Island” in the world after walking away with the title at the GQ Travel Awards, a ceremony that took place on March 15, 2019, at the Metropol Hotel, in Moscow, Russia.

The GQ Travel Awards ceremony recognizes the leading companies, hotels, and destinations from the elite travel industry. The winners in the 17 different categories including Seychelles were chosen by GQ readers who voted online on the magazine’s website.

The island destination was presented with the award during a ceremony attended by some 250 prominent guests including industry professionals, representatives of host countries, Russian celebrities, and famous travelers, and was followed by a gala dinner.

Ms. Diana Sarkisyan, PR & Marketing representative from the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) for the Russian and CIS region, accepted the award on behalf of Seychelles.

Seychelles remains a high-end destination, popular among Russian visitors for its sandy white beaches, warm turquoise waters, and diverse unique flora and fauna. Various beaches such as Anse Lazio on Praslin have been seen as being among some of the most beautiful in the world.

The island nation is one of the world’s leading actors when it comes to sustainable tourism and sustainable development, a concept to which the Russian visitors are very responsive.

Speaking about the latest recognition received by the destination at the GQ Travel Awards, Mrs. Sherin Francis, STB Chief Executive, mentioned that it is an honor for the destination to have been voted by the readers of GQ magazine.

“It is such a privilege to feature as the most beautiful island; as a destination, we are conscious of our inestimable resources, and we strive to demarcate ourselves by our uniqueness, and it is rewarding to see that our efforts have not gone unnoticed,” said Mrs. Francis.

The STB Chief Executive further stated that the achievement is the result of hard work and congratulated the various partners for their constant support towards building the destination’s reputation.

GQ is a men’s magazine offering analytics and current reports of international quality with the latest men’s fashion and style news. It is the number one magazine for male visitors of luxury department stores.

GQ’s regular authors are the best of the best in their industry, from both Russia and abroad, and has a close access to celebrities unlike any other Russian magazine in its niche. It is an unrivaled guidance and companion for a successful man.

Travel News | eTurboNews