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Mediterranean Resort & Hotel Real Estate Forum returns to Greece

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Now in its fifth year, the Mediterranean Resort & Hotel Real Estate Forum (MR&H) will return to Greece for the second year in succession this October. The event, hosted by Questex, is dedicated to the investment, development and operation of resorts and hotels within the Mediterranean region. This niche, but highly specialized area, comprises various elements; hotel, residential, marinas, health clubs, children’s activities, retail, sports facilities, F&B, all of which need to be carefully woven together with seamless operation to create a successful resort.

The conference will be held at the Hilton Athens on the 29-31st October 2019. A fitting venue for Hilton’s celebration of 100 years in hospitality and the continuation of the premise that the group was founded on; “travel can make the world a better place”.

The dynamic growth of tourism in Greece continues to boost investment activity throughout the country and throughout the wider Mediterranean region. Speaking at MIPIM last month, Secretary General for Tourism Policy and Development George Tziallas said; “Half of all funding under Greece’s 2016 development law has been channeled into tourism ventures, while more than 400 investment plans have been submitted in the last three years to the tourism ministry for approval.”

This statement is supported by data recently released by Horwath HTL during the International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) which revealed Greece is a prime investment opportunity for international hotel chains as only 1.7% of total units currently operate under an international brand. Results from the joint investor sentiment survey from Tranio and IHIF showed Greece listed as one of the European countries that is most attractive for hotel real estate investment.

Stakeholders from leading operators including Thomas Cook, Club Med and Nobu attend the event alongside investors from KSL, Starwood Capital Group and Dolphin Capital all recognizing the value of coming together as a collective to debate, converse and discuss.

Registration for MR&H 2019 is now open and delegate tickets can be purchased at the best value Early Bird rate until the end of May.

Enterprise Greece have pledged their continued support for MR&H and Grigoris Stergioulis, Chairman & CEO at Enterprise Greece said in relation to the ongoing collaboration; “Building on the success of the event last year, the positive working relationship with Questex and the significant opportunities that exist for investors in the Greek hotel market, we’re thrilled to once again partner with MR&H and look forward to welcoming the event to Greece for the second year.”

Alexi Khajavi, Managing Director of EMEA Hospitality + Travel Group, Questex said; “The tourism and hospitality prosperity that Greece is enjoying is leading to significant activity from serious investors and developers. As a conference host, our role is to facilitate these meetings, connections and interactions in an environment that is educational and energizing. With the continued support from Enterprise Greece, Hilton providing the setting, and amongst very encouraging industry data, we’re confident that MR&H will prove to be an event not to be missed for those currently active or keen to do business within the Mediterranean resort and hotel space”.

Travel News | eTurboNews

TAT and Ministry of Commerce sign “Trade and Tourism Alliance” MOU

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Tourism Authority of Thailand news first on FIR:

Bangkok, 24 April 2019 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently signed a “Trade and Tourism Alliance” memorandum of understanding (MOU) with six departments of the  Ministry of Commerce (MOC) to integrate development strategies and marketing promotions while establishing links between trade and tourism.

The move also endeavours to support and facilitate services on trade and investment information plus activities deemed beneficial for the expansion of international trade as well as tourism promotion and development. The six MOC departments participating included the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Department of Foreign Trade, Department of Internal Trade, Department of Intellectual Property, Department of Business Development, and Department of International Trade Promotion.

TAT and Ministry of Commerce sign Trade and Tourism Alliance MOU
H.E. Weerasak Kowsurat, Minister of Tourism and Sports, and Miss Chutima Bunyapraphasara, Deputy Minister of Commerce, witnessed the “Trade and Tourism Alliance” MOU signing ceremony. Representing the seven partners, from left to right, are Mr. Chatchai Saksilapachai, Deputy Director General of Department of Internal Trade; Mr. Thosapone Dansupautra, Director General of Department of Intellectual Property; Miss Banjongjitt Angsusingh, Director General of Department of International Trade Promotion; Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand; Miss Arunee Poolkaew, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Commerce; Mr. Vuttikrai Leewiraphan, Director General of Department of Business Development; and Mrs. Manatsanith Jirawat, Deputy Director General of Department of Foreign Trade.

Minister of Tourism and Sports, H.E. Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat said, the MOU reflects the important role that tourism continues to play in Thailand’s economic development.

“Tourism is a primary driver for Thailand’s economy and economic development. It contributed over 3 trillion Baht (US$ 94 billion) to Thailand’s economy in 2018, with 2 trillion Baht coming from international visitors and 1 trillion Baht from domestic tourism, representing 19% of Thailand’s overall GDP.

“The Thai government is now placing more focus on sustainable tourism development and income distribution to local communities, and this much-welcomed ‘Trade and Tourism Alliance’ MOU will leverage the strength of each partner to maximise the potential for national benefit,” Mr. Weerasak said.

Deputy Minister of Commerce, Miss Chutima Bunyapraphasara agreed, “The role of the Ministry of Commerce is to develop Thailand’s economy and the ‘Trade and Tourism Alliance’ MOU will allow us to leverage the strength of each participating government agency to maximise the potential benefits derived from trade and tourism development for the greater good of Thailand and its people.

“All participating agencies from the Ministry of Commerce are ready to integrate cooperation with TAT, bringing at least seven government marketing muscles to the forefront, to provide support for Thai businesses in various fields related to trade and tourism.”

Under the MOU, all parties will cooperate on providing support for the health and wellness, and gems and jewellery sectors through various online and offline activities.

It will also cooperate to organise and coordinate marketing activities for agricultural and food products (both community and seasonally-based), Geographical Indication (GI) products plus all relevant products and services concerning tourism on all fronts through activities; such as, fruit fairs or border trade fairs that are of equal interest to both Thai and foreign visitors.

In addition, all parties will work to coordinate information exchanges via the set-up of a knowledge centre that will cooperate on organising events and help encourage Thai businesses to become more knowledgeable on international trade and investment opportunities overseas, plus promote tourism-related trade and investment through training courses and seminars that both partners will help to organise.

TAT and Ministry of Commerce sign Trade and Tourism Alliance MOU
H.E. Weerasak Kowsurat, Minister of Tourism and Sports, and Miss Chutima Bunyapraphasara, Deputy Minister of Commerce, joined a group photo with executives from the TAT and the Ministry of Commerce to mark the landmark “Trade and Tourism Alliance” MOU.

TAT Governor Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn said TAT would leverage the strength of all partners to strengthen its various annual tourism events and marketing activities. The TAT Intelligence Centre and TAT Academy will work with the six MOC departments on information exchange and knowledge sharing.

“TAT, in partnership with the MOC, is pleased to bring this ‘Trade and Tourism Alliance’ MOU to fruition. It will help us target different demographics on a variety of fronts and strengthen Thailand’s tourism sector for many years to come,” Mr. Yuthasak concluded.

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand

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SKAL Bangkok president talks happiness

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Assumption University’s Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management organised a special speaker’s series to Celebrate the International Day of Happiness

Assumption University’s Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management marked the United Nation International Day of Happiness with a special speaker’s session, 20 March, 2019 at Assumption University’s Suvarnabhumi campus. A lively panel discussion was held, focusing on Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness, led by Bangkok’s Skal  President Andrew Wood and Assumption University Alumni  and Skalleague Pichai Visutriratana. Bhutanese students studying at Assumption University shared their thoughts regarding sustainable tourism development in the kingdom of Bhutan.

The event was organized by Tourism Policy students and Dr Scott Michael Smith from Assumption University’s Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management and Skal Bangkok’s Director of Young Skal. The “International Day of Happiness” recognises happiness as the basic human goal and calls upon government and associated agencies to make policies towards improving peoples’ general well-being. The UN also acknowledges that social, environmental and economic well-being is mandatory for global happiness.

Bhutanese student Mr. Thrizong Dawa Gyaltshen provided a historical context of Gross Domestic Happiness of Bhutan. In Bhutan, they calculate GNH using indicators such as sustainable development, environmental protection, effective government, social justice and the preservation of traditions. Student leader, Ms. Anna Purna Sharwma, shares the importance of ‘mindfulness’ as a key to happiness and suggests meditation as being an important part of her daily routine.

Travel News | eTurboNews

Tourism plays a major role in poverty alleviation, says PM Imran Khan

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Calling the tourism industry as a major role in poverty alleviation and one of his top priorities, Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan has unveiled his vision and features of the Tourism Policy of Pakistan to develop tourism as an industry in the country.

Former cricketer, Imram Khan, published a pictorial “A journey through Pakistan” in the early 80s to promote Pakistan among his international followers as one of the top starts of the Cricket world. He brought several European celebrities to Pakistan during the 80s and 90s to show the beauty of Pakistan among such celebrities as the late Lady Diana, Princess of Wales, and the mother of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.

The Prime Minister, while addressing the Pakistan Tourism Summit on Wednesday, was of the view that Pakistan is one of the most beautiful lands on Earth, and still has virgin places offering explorers exceptional adventures, reported the DND News Agency.

His view of developing tourism is based on his view that the role of the state is to facilitate tourists by providing them infrastructure and security, and the rest should be done by private sector.

He believes that poverty has decreased due to tourism in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and that tourism can be a major tool for poverty alleviation in Pakistan.

He stated that his government has opened its first International Information Tourist Corner in Belgium to introduce Pakistan as a tourism destination where tourists can get information about its unique culture, exceptional natural beauty of its northern areas, and the traditional lifestyle of its mountain people.

He stated that while collaborating with a Dutch Company, the Tourist Corner established in Brussels is the first-ever initiative by the Pakistani mission in Belgium to promote tourism products of Pakistan.

He stated that his government already started online visa processing for residents from 175 countries, and an e-visa facility is playing a role in attracting tourists.

Travel News | eTurboNews

IIPT India Announces the Winners of the 4th Celebrating Her awards at ITB Berlin

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For the fourth consecutive year ITB Berlin will play host to the International Institute for Peace – India’s (IIPT India) Global Awards for Empowered Women in Tourism – “Celebrating Her.”

The IIPTI Global Awards, “Celebrating Her” are intended to acknowledge and felicitate exceptional women in the fields of travel, tourism and hospitality; individuals with a clarity of vision and mission who understand and believe that tourism, perhaps the biggest industry in the world, could become the first global peace industry and who have committed themselves to fostering the tourism business as a vehicle for peace.

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Five exceptional women from the world of tourism will be felicitated at the 4th edition of the Awards for their achievements and for their contribution to promoting tourism as a vehicle for peace and understanding.

The Awards will be held from 1400 to 1500 at the Palais am Funkturm (Hall 19) on the ITB fairgrounds on Thu 07 March and will be followed by a networking reception from 1500 to 1530.

Key speakers at the awards include Dr. Taleb Rifai, former Secretary General of UNWTO (2010 – 2017), H.E. Eliza Reid, First Lady of Iceland, The Hon. Marie-Christine Stephenson, Minister of Tourism and Creative Industries, Haiti and others.

The Celebrating Her award winners for 2019 are:

H.E. Rania al Mashat – Minister of Tourism for Egypt for Tourism Policy and Leadership

Helen Marano – Founder & President, Maranao Perspectives for Building Global Alliances that promote Tourism as a Force for Good

Mechtild Maurer – General Director, ECPAT Germany for promoting Socially Responsible Tourism

Jane Madden – Managing Partner, Global Sustainability & Social Impact, FINN Partners for Sustainability and promoting Corporate Social Responsibility

Hon. Elena Kountoura – Minister of Tourism for Greece for Tourism Strategy and Resilience

Commenting on the Awards, Ajay Prakash, President of IIPT India says, “Each one of our winners this year is a champion; these ladies have reached the top of their chosen paths in tourism and are an inspiration. The Awards are being held on the eve of International Women’s Day but our champions need to be felicitated every day of the year.

Gender equality, which is a critical part of the United Nations SDGs, is intrinsic to IIPT’s global aims and objectives and integral to fostering peace. Through the Awards we’re aiming to create a network of powerful women across the world who would serve as role models and mentors while they represent IIPT as our Global Ambassadors of Peace.”

Dr. Talib Rifai, former Secretary General of UNWTOP and Chair of IIPT’s International Advisory Board says, “Celebrating Her is a timely initiative. Travel and tourism has become today’s grand human activity, greatly affecting the life and livelihood of people and communities and in turn, Peace and Sustainable Development all over the world.

Leaders in travel and tourism should be the first to recognize that we cannot anymore go about life, progress, development and building peace without HER and without reintegrating half of the human community in advancing towards our goals. It is, therefore, only natural that IIPT India, the country that is standing up bravely to achieving our goals, picks up the issue on behalf of all of us – To state clearly that, CELEBRATING HER IS CELEBRATING US”

Rika Jean-Francois, CSR Commissioner for ITB Berlin – co-presenters of the Awards, said “ ITB is extremely delighted to have partnered with IIPT India to give out these important awards. There are so many amazing women in the tourism industry who are doing an excellent job, committed to improving conditions, who are often never seen, never officially recognized. We are proud to foster change.”

Founded in 1986 by Louis D’Amore, IIPT is built on two very simple but powerful premises: That tourism, perhaps the biggest industry in the world, can become the first global Peace Industry and that every tourist is potentially an Ambassador of Peace. Through global summits, conferences, workshops, awards, the global Peace Parks initiative, consultations with governments and the UNWTO and a regular newsletter, IIPT has worked conscientiously over the last 30 plus years to make peace an integral part of the tourism ecosphere.

IIPT India is non-profit registered with the Indian Registrar of Companies.