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The Seychelles Islands celebrate the annual “Endless Summer” roadshow in CIS region

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The Seychelles Tourism Board appeared in full flare for the third edition of its annual “Endless Summer with The Seychelles Islands” events, which took place in Astana and Almaty (Kazakhstan) and Kiev (Ukraine) in August 2019.

The events featured interaction with key partners from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region and presentations of the destination and its partners.

The “Endless Summer” roadshow seized the city of Astana on August 26, 2019 and saw the presence of 45 companies. The events included a tropical breakfast, a presentation of the Seychelles Islands in the luxurious UNO restaurant, followed by a B2B workshop.

At the next stop, Almaty, participants had an opportunity to partake in a workshop with one-one meetings followed by a networking cocktail reception, which took place in “Afisha”, a popular restaurant that was transformed into an exotic paradise, invoking the Seychelles atmosphere.

The following day, the STB team engaged with trade partners during the summer open-air festival in the Garden of VDNH Park, in Kiev, Ukraine, where the participation of 75 agents were recorded.

Taking place in a vintage orangery, the core elements of Seychelles flora blended with the rustic elements of the retro festival, namely its food trucks, scattered beanbags and fairy lights, creating a mesmerising backdrop.

The workshop and teasers were presented inside the orangery and was followed by open-air festival with lounge zones, picnic style tables and sun lounges.

The food stalls also contributed to the Seychelles Islands atmosphere with grill fish, seafood finger food, coconut ice cream, tropical smoothies and lemonades.

These successful events gave the STB team the opportunity to provide the perfect platform for local tour operators to meet the partners from Seychelles, to broaden their knowledge about the destination and discuss prospective collaboration opportunities.

This year in Astana & Almaty we saw participation from 7° South, Pure Escapes, Savoy Resort & Spa Seychelles & Coral Strand Seychelles, Fregate Island Private, Etihad Airways and Fly Dubai. Participants in Kiev included, 7° South, Pure Escapes, Fregate Island Private and Turkish Airlines.

“We are very happy to get such an opportunity to share a part of Seychelles with our dear partners from the CIS region. This region has great potential for Seychelles and our presence continues on such events with the support of the local partners will only help to penetrate the region even further” said the STB representative in Russia and CIS, Ms Olga Demina. “Year after year we record a positive growth from these important markets as Kazakhstan and Ukraine and hope that the interest in Seychelles will only keep growing”.

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

Summer business soars as #WhatCoolLooksLike summer campaign delivers month after month of positive growth!

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The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority’s summer campaign #WhatCoolLooksLike is delivering on target, as just three months into the campaign, the Ministry of Tourism is reporting month on month growth for the summer.

Minister of Tourism, Charles Fernandez has expressed satisfaction with the increases. He said: “With the launch of the campaign in May, the tremendous support from our partners, hotel openings, and new destination events on our tourism calendar like the Optimist World Championships, we are seeing double-digit increases, at a time when this is not the norm.”

The latest tourism statistics released from The Ministry of Tourism show a 10% increase in total stayover air arrivals for the month of May 2019.  June and July provisional figures are also reflecting double digit increases when compared to figures during the same months in 2018. 

According to the provisional figures, for the year up to July, Antigua and Barbuda received a 10% increase in overall stayover air arrivals with 187,701 visitors. 

“This healthy10% uptake in the summer is significant. It means that on top of the phenomenal growth we received from January to July 2018 of 171,147 visitors in comparison to the 159,764 in 2017, that the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority’s marketing strategy as well as other key factors, have really allowed us to steadily build arrivals, year on year”, said the Tourism Minister.

The #WhatCoolLooksLike Campaign was designed to run during the destination’s traditional shoulder season from May – October. With record-breaking results achieved during the summer, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism officials are proving that Antigua and Barbuda is more than a winter destination.

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority’s CEO Colin C. James said, “We are changing the narrative. Antigua and Barbuda is open year round. Our partners are communicating to us, that the campaign has made a huge difference and we are seeing it not only in increased arrivals, but in the increased ABST revenue coming into the country during the summer months.”

The #WhatCoolLooksLike Campaign activations within the US, UK, Caribbean and Canadian Markets spanned tv, radio, digital, social media, print, PR and outdoor.

Antigua and Barbuda adverts appeared in places like cinemas, airport lounges, on in-flight screens, outdoors, in malls, on undergrounds and at consumer shows.  Campaign offers were pushed out to consumers via co-op marketing with the travel trade.  Consumers also benefited from discounts on flights booked with airline partners during the campaign period, and on-island summer offers.

The US market, The UK & Europe market and the Caribbean Market continue to thrive with the markets showing growth for the year up to July 2019.  The destination is also acquiring new market share, as arrivals from other countries and emerging markets have increased. Though arrivals from Canada experienced a slight decline due to a significant reduction in airlift, The ABTA CEO said, “We are combatting that with a number of activities planned in the market with airline partners.”

“As we continue the campaign, the teams are working flat out on their various plans, and at this current run rate we are looking forward to a record year again in air arrivals barring no natural disasters,” said the tourism official.

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority’s #WhatCoolLooksLike Campaign, was recently awarded a Silver Winner, in the 2019 Travel Weekly Magellan Awards. Being selected a Magellan Award Winner is a tremendous achievement and proves winners represent a high standard of excellence within the travel industry. 

ABOUT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

Antigua (pronounced An-tee’ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew’da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. Voted the World Travel Awards 2015, 2016 and 2017 Caribbean’s Most Romantic Destination, the twin-island paradise offers visitors two uniquely distinct experiences, ideal temperatures year-round, a rich history, vibrant culture, exhilarating excursions, award-winning resorts, mouth-watering cuisine and 365 stunning pink and white-sand beaches – one for every day of the year. The largest of the Leeward Islands, Antigua comprises 108-square miles with rich history and spectacular topography that provides a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson’s Dockyard, the only remaining example of a Georgian fort a listed UNESCO World Heritage site, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Antigua’s tourism events calendar includes the prestigious Antigua Sailing Week, Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, and the annual Antigua Carnival; known as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival. Barbuda, Antigua’s smaller sister island, is the ultimate celebrity hideaway. The island lies 27 miles north-east of Antigua and is just a 15-minute plane ride away. Barbuda is known for its untouched 17 mile stretch of pink sand beach and as the home of the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere.  Find information on Antigua & Barbuda at visitantiguabarbuda.com or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Maria Blackman
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority

T: 1 (268) 562 7600/464-7601
E: [email protected]

Summer Daze Malta set for another iconic Music Festival

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Some of the world’s biggest pop acts and DJs are locked in for the second ever edition of Summer Daze Malta. The newly expanded event will take place on August 11-17 at various venues across the idyllic Mediterranean island.

With the event in collaboration with Creamfields and BBC Radio 1 Dance, house duo The Martinez Brothers kick off proceedings on August 11 with a performance in partnership with well-known Malta clubbing brand GRINGOS.

Meanwhile the main events will take place over August 14-15 at the Ta Qali National Park – which hosted Rita Ora last year – with underground legends in the form of Paul Kalkbrenner, Loco Dice, Green Velvet, BBC Radio 1’s Monki and local favorite Carl Bee all scheduled to play.

The following day sees the line-up shift towards more pop-focused acts, with the likes of David Guetta, Tyga, James Arthur, Danny Howard, Alle Farben, Tenishia and a slew of local artists all making an appearance. In collaboration with VisitMalta Events, tickets for both main events are entirely free.

The following day, Christian ‘Bobo’ Vieri, the former Italy international striker, will be soundtracking a sunset pool party at the Medasia beach club, while there is also a Vida Loca showcase at the island’s UNO nightclub.

Summer Daze will return to UNO the following day for the closing event, with house music royalty Roger Sanchez set to headline alongside Miami-based DJ Kristen Knight, for a party in association with ZIGGY.

Building on the success of its maiden year, Summer Daze Malta has stepped things up for 2019, with a serious line-up of local and international talent set to soundtrack parties in multiple locations across the island.

Carlo Micallef, Deputy CEO & Chief Marketing Officer Malta Tourism Authority, stated: “Over the past 3 years the Mediterranean Islands of Malta and Gozo have managed to develop and grow a year round calendar of top quality events to rival any other tourism destination in Europe. Famous international artists are being attracted to Malta to join Maltese counterparts in first rate, music, cultural, contemporary arts, gastronomic and sports festivals that are a spectacle to attend and enjoy or even join in. The hot bright summer months in Malta lend themselves brilliantly to music and sea sport events of international repute and the Summer Daze Malta Festival is firmly establishing itself as a highlight in Malta’s Summer.”

Michelle Buttigieg, North American Representative for the Malta Tourism Authority, said: “We are excited to announce the second year of Summer Daze Malta with some of the world’s biggest pop acts and DJs performing, this should be a huge draw for millennials from the US & Canada. This year the festival will attract even more North American Tourists.”

Check https://www.visitmalta.com/en/events-archive for the full calendar of events

To find out more about Summer Daze Malta, go to: Facebook | Instagram | Website

About Malta

The sunny islands of Malta, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, are home to a most remarkable concentration of intact built heritage, including the highest density of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in any nation-state anywhere.  Valletta built by the proud Knights of St. John is one of the UNESCO sites and was the European Capital of Culture for 2018. Malta’s patrimony in stone ranges from the oldest free-standing stone architecture in the world, to one of the British Empire’s most formidable defensive systems, and includes a rich mix of domestic, religious and military architecture from the ancient, medieval and early modern periods. With superbly sunny weather, attractive beaches, a thriving nightlife and 7,000 years of intriguing history, there is a great deal to see and do. www.visitmalta.com



Media Contacts:

Malta Tourism Authority

Michelle Buttigieg

Tel: (212) 213-0944

Fax: (212) 213-0938

E-mail: [email protected]

MTA US Editorial Contact

The Bradford Group

Karen Hoffman/ Bianca Pappas

Tel: (212) 447-0027

Fax: (212) 725 8253

E-mail: [email protected]



Puerto Rico Tourism: Out with the old, in with the new

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“Since our inception last July, we hit the ground running to accelerate the tourism economy,” said Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico. “This brand campaign follows a strong publicity effort that set up Puerto Rico as the top place to visit in 2019 and a recently revamped website, DiscoverPuertoRico.com.

“The creative highlights our two strongest assets – our culture and our people – and will help us strengthen traveler’s familiarity with what makes our Island one-of-a-kind.”  The campaign officially launches today across digital channels via digital banners, social, pre-roll and a follow-up TV spot that will launch in coming weeks in key markets. Additional marketing support is expected throughout the rest of 2019, to attract visitors to the Island during the summer travel season.”

Discover Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico’s newly-established Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), announced today the rollout of Puerto Rico’s brand campaign called “Have We Met Yet?” which draws inspiration from Puerto Rico’s cultural and natural offerings and at its essence, focuses on the hospitable and welcoming nature of its people. By posing the question “Have We Met Yet?” the creative re-introduces the Island to the world and brings to life the exotic yet familiar essence of Puerto Rico. As the U.S. mainland’s “neighbor to the south,” the new campaign showcases through Puerto Rico’s iconic doors how the Island welcomes visitors with open arms.

Following extensive research that showed that Puerto Rico’s brand identity was neutral in the minds of travelers, this new campaign is this next phase of Discover Puerto Rico’s brand repositioning process, enabling the Island to fully capitalize on its rich tourism product offerings and emerge as a leading Caribbean destination. The creative repositions the island as that neighbor that one dreams of – with the festive flair, the ocean view, the incredible art collection, the delicious food. Puerto Rico is the neighbor you’ll laugh with, celebrate with, and maybe even fall in love with.

“Puerto Rico’s people, its rich culture and unparalleled natural offerings, combined with the fact that it’s a U.S. territory and easily accessible, were key factors that led to this creative. We’re excited to debut this brand campaign as it opens the door, literally, to endless possibilities that showcase the spirit of the Puerto Rican people and everything the Island has to offer,” said Leah Chandler, CMO of Discover Puerto Rico.

Travelers exposed to the new brand campaign will be immediately drawn by the colorful vibrant doors and stunning imagery found throughout the Island. The creative highlights many aspects that make Puerto Rico a unique destination—ranging from its people, its cuisine, its festive spirit, its natural attractions, and much more.

“The campaign invites travelers to visit Puerto Rico and meet us, the neighbor that you can’t live without,” said Chandler. “Puerto Rico was named the #1 Place to Visit in 2019 by the New York Times and has topped over 20 other notable lists of places to visit this year,” she added. “We want to send a message to all travelers that this is THE year to visit Puerto Rico. The entire island is eager to welcome them.”

The creative was ideated and produced by Beautiful Destinations, with support from local production crews who traveled throughout the Island to capture the beautiful scenery, thousands of colorful doors, and welcoming faces of the Puerto Rican people.

To view the “Have We Met Yet?” creative online, visit YouTube.com/DiscoverPuertoRico and be on the lookout for additional campaign creative coming soon.

Travel News | eTurboNews

Swiss-Belhotel brings special offers to Arabian Travel Market

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Swiss-Belhotel International has created exciting packages for wholesalers and tour operators that will be launched at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) taking place in Dubai from April 28 to May 1, 2019. Targeted at Middle East travelers, the group has put together a fabulous range of offers that will be available across its spectacular properties in New Zealand, Australia, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India, Swiss-Belhotel International, said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of these exclusive packages that have been designed to provide unique experiences along with greater benefits and value to our Middle East partners as well as customers. We have superb properties located in some of the most sought-after destinations that attract large number of travelers from our region. With the summer holiday season around the corner, ATM presents us the ideal opportunity to launch these. Moreover, this year we are very excited about the ATM Holiday Shopper that we believe is a great addition to the show.”

The Special Packages offer a diverse choice of experiences at unbeatable rates: These include the following:

  • Special Golf Packages in Indonesia at various destinations – Jakarta, Batam, Bandung, Bali, Tarakan, Belitung, Surabaya, Jayapura, and in Vietnam in Da Lat.
  • Discounted wholesale rates for hotels in New Zealand and for hotels in Australia.
  • Early Bird discounts in the busiest destination in Australia, the hotel in Sydney offers 15% discounts for booking within April with stays valid till August and 10% for bookings until August with stays valid all throughout the year.
  • In Philippines, book at Makati and get a free room upgrade; and when you book at Manila get to enjoy the amazing introductory offer including breakfast for two.

Visitors to ATM can find Swiss-Belhotel International on stand HC0825 located in Sheikh Saeed Arena in Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

eTN is a media partner for ATM.

Travel News | eTurboNews