For Immediate Release | Official News Wire for the Travel Industry

Where press releases are breaking news

Emirates ready to serve travellers and welcome tourists to Dubai

by

EMIRATES news first on FIR:

  • Dubai to open for tourists from 7 July, Emirates launches destination Dubai ad
  • New protocols to open travel for UAE citizens, residents and international visitors, with clear measures to protect the health and safety of communities

Dubai, UAE, 22 June 2020 – Emirates welcomes the latest air travel protocols that will facilitate international travel for UAE citizens, residents and tourists, and open Dubai to business and leisure visitors from 7 July, while putting in place careful measures to ensure the health and safety of travellers and communities.

These protocols for travel into and out of Dubai airports were announced under the directives of the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the follow-up of Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management headed by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates Chairman and Chief Executive said: “I would like to thank HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed for their latest directives to reopen air travel which show their vision for Dubai as a world leader in business and tourism. This is a strong affirmation of Dubai’s readiness to resume aviation and economic activity after comprehensive planning, review, and preparation. We are confident that the multi-layered measures that have been put in place in the air, on the ground, and throughout our city, enables us to mitigate risks of infection spread and manage any required response effectively. We believe that cities around the world are conducting ongoing reviews and will soon follow suit to update their border entry requirements for international travellers.

“In the past weeks, Emirates has gradually expanded our network by offering services to a number of destinations, providing the means for customers to travel through Dubai while serving the global demand for air freight movement. We continue to work closely with all stakeholders and international organisations to ensure the highest levels of health and safety for our crew, our customers and our communities. Currently, Emirates connects Dubai to 40 cities, and with the latest directives, we have the opportunity to expand our network and offer additional destinations which will be communicated in the coming days. We look forward to serving and welcoming our customers, and to connecting many cities again through our hub in Dubai.

“The next few weeks will be a big test for the whole aviation industry in many ways. At Emirates we see a positive trend of traffic building up across our network over the past weeks, and we are ready to serve our customers.”

Emirates has also today launched an ad to tell the world that Dubai is open and ready to welcome international travellers, watch it here.

Health and safety first: Emirates has implemented a comprehensive set of measures at every step of the customer journey to ensure the safety of its customers and employees on the ground and in the air, including the distribution of complimentary hygiene kits containing masks, gloves, hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes to all customers. For more information on these measures and the services available on each flight, visit: www.emirates.com/yoursafety

Travel restrictions: Customers are reminded that travel restrictions remain in place, and travellers will only be accepted on flights if they comply with the eligibility and entry criteria requirements of their destination countries. Visit: www.emirates.com/wherewefly.Visitors to Dubai should hold an international health insurance policy covering illness from Covid-19 for the duration of their stay. More information on entry requirements for international visitors to Dubai can be found here.

UAE citizens and residents: Residents returning to Dubai can check the latest requirements at: www.emirates.com/returntoDubai. 

Source: Emirates

Post your own press-releases

Sing Buri preserves legend of brave Thai heroes at Bang Rachan

by

Tourism Authority of Thailand news first on FIR:

The heroes of Bang Rachan were famously known for their self-defence camp, which fended off the Burmese army with only a few soldiers and civilians. Ask any Thai, and they will know the story as its taught in schools from a young age.

Sing Buri does not often make it onto many itineraries, however after a few days here, visitors find a different side of Thailand that can be difficult to glimpse in more touristy areas. Here are just a few reasons why.

One vintage market in Bang Rachan takes visitors back to those days of glory in a way few attractions can. The Bang Rachan Retro Market opened in 2016 to preserve the historical importance of Bang Rachan using period construction, costumes, tools, and settings as even the vendors dress up exactly like people from that period. Visitors are also invited to rent a Thai costume of their own with various styles to choose from. That way they can take pictures in the historical market setting or with the actor ‘warriors’ guarding the fictitious gate of Bang Rachan.

Sing Buri preserves legend of brave Thai heroes at Bang Rachan
Heroes of Khai Bang Rachan Monument
  • Sing Buri preserves legend of brave Thai heroes at Bang Rachan
  • Sing Buri preserves legend of brave Thai heroes at Bang Rachan
Bang Rachan Memorial Park

Bang Rachan Memorial Park and the Heroes of Khai Bang Rachan Monument pay tribute to the heroic villagers of Bang Rachan who bravely fought against the Burmese army in 1765. And in spite of being outnumbered by more than 10 to one, the Burmese soldiers had to make eight attacks before the Thai villagers were overrun due to their lack of weapons.

  • Sing Buri preserves legend of brave Thai heroes at Bang Rachan
  • Sing Buri preserves legend of brave Thai heroes at Bang Rachan
In Buri National Museum

The province’s ancient history lives on at the In Buri National Museum inside the temple grounds of Wat Bot, established in 1940, by a high-ranking abbot of the temple. Items on display include beautiful Thai and Chinese ceramics, traditional Thai musical instruments, folk theatre exhibits, looms, and traditional fishing nets give an interesting peek into past local lifestyles.

Sing Buri preserves legend of brave Thai heroes at Bang Rachan
Maenam Noi Kiln

Ban Khu Mueang Ancient City showcases an archaeological site of an ancient community from the Dvaravati period, with the most significant artefacts preserved at the In Buri National Museum. While the ancient remains of Maenam Noi Kiln at Wat Phra Prang were once part of the largest pottery-making sites in Siam, remains of ceramics made here have been found in far-flung places showing the site’s former importance. The kiln started operating around the 1400s and is thought to have stopped operations around the end of the 17th century.

The first temple on any visitors list should be Wat Phra Non Chak Sri Worawihan, as it is a special temple in Sing Buri province. It was built almost 500 years ago and houses one of the largest Sukhothai-era reclining Buddha statues in Thailand. Visitors can pay respect to other deities; such as, Guan Yin, Luangpho To, and more.  Outside this temple, a giant Sal tree, which is revered by many Buddhists, produces stunning flowers that bloom over the front of the temple.

Sing Buri preserves legend of brave Thai heroes at Bang Rachan
Wat Pikul Thong

Wat Pikul Thong is another famous temple of Sing Buri with one of the biggest Buddha statues in Thailand at a height of 42 metres. The interior of the statue is a mixture of concrete and the decoration of beautiful natural golden mosaic. Most people in the province are really faithful to this statue. There is also large Ganesh statue inside the temple where people can use a bridge to cross the lake and pay respect or make merit.

All visitors can also learn more about the importance of the Thai buffalo at Khwai Thai Khao Ngam Conservation Centre, an educational centre and sanctuary for unwanted buffaloes.

Sing Buri preserves legend of brave Thai heroes at Bang Rachan
Wat Sawang Arom
  • Sing Buri preserves legend of brave Thai heroes at Bang Rachan
  • Sing Buri preserves legend of brave Thai heroes at Bang Rachan
Wat Phra Prang

Sing Buri also has several fascinating temple ruins that are sure to please any history lover. These include Wat Phra Prang, Wat Amphawan, Wat Sawang Arom, Wat Suthawat, Wat Kradang Nga Buppharam, Wat Kudithong and Wat Bot to name just a few.

Sing Buri preserves legend of brave Thai heroes at Bang Rachan
Wat Amphawan

On a final note, visitors should take time where possible to get to know the Sing Buri locals, who are known for being especially warm and welcoming. In general, locals see enough foreigners to not be intimidated by outsiders, yet not enough to have become jaded by tourists. Within easy reach from Bangkok, now is the perfect time to start planning a visit to Sing Buri on your next trip to Central Thailand.

The post Sing Buri preserves legend of brave Thai heroes at Bang Rachan appeared first on TAT Newsroom.

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand

| Click here to post your own press-releases |

Bartlett: Adequate systems in place for reopening of Jamaica’s tourism sector

by

Bartlett: Adequate systems in place for reopening of Jamaica’s tourism sector

Bartlett: Adequate systems in place for reopening of Jamaica’s tourism sector

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has expressed confidence that adequate systems have been put in place for the reopening of Jamaica’s tourism industry. This, as he lauded the efforts of tourism partners and stakeholders for the preparations that have been made at the Sangster International Airport to facilitate the smooth reopening of the sector on Monday (June 15).

Minister Bartlett and key stakeholders had a walk-through of all areas of the airport through which the passengers will travel, with special emphasis on Immigration and Customs, before being tested for signs of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) prior to departing the airport for their respective vacation spots.

Minister Bartlett said the logistics were in place to enable as seamless a process as is possible for the dawning of a new era in tourism. He commended all partners and players who have been working overtime to make sure all parts come together effectively.

He underscored that the airport team had introduced numerous changes to facilitate social distancing consistent with stipulated health protocols. Furnishings within the airport have been arranged, technology to capture the temperature of passengers and sanitization stations installed to satisfy health requirements under COVID-19.

While maintaining that the processing of arriving passengers on Monday “will not be an insurmountable task,” Minister Bartlett said: “We’re really hoping that our locals and visitors alike will have an experience that they will be comfortable with bearing in mind the many challenges posed by this pandemic. This is a very unique situation and we are doing our best to manage it properly.”

He said while everything was being done “we also ask for understanding that this is not perfection where everything will necessarily go as we planned but certainly what we have done is to put in place that which will enable a start on which we can now work to achieve perfection.”

Included in the high-level team that toured the facility were Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health & Wellness, Dunstan Bryan; Chief Medical Officer, Dr Jacqueline Bisasor-McKenzie; Regional Technical Director, Western Regional Health Authority, Dr Diane Campbell-Stennett; Director of Tourism, Donovan White; Senior Advisor/Strategist in the Ministry of Tourism, Delano Seiveright, President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, Omar Robinson; Director of Projects, Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), Stephen Edwards; JTB Regional Director, Odette Dyer and JDF Captain Jevan Brown, in charge of logistics.

The airport team was led by Chief Executive Officer, Shane Munroe and Chief Operations Officer, Peter Hall.

The reopening of the sector will commence with some six flights landing at the Sangster International Airport from Jetblue, American and Delta Airlines. Passengers will be a mix of tourists and Jamaicans returning home.

#rebuildingtravel

MEDIA CONTACT: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Communications, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4926-30, Fax: 920-4944

Bahamas re-opens for international tourism on July 1

by

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation, along with the Tourism Readiness and Recovery Committee, a group comprised of public and private sector partners, announced today a collaborative plan for re-opening the country’s borders and tourism sector, as well as the resumption of international commercial travel starting July 1. A press conference provided details of the “Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan” to be used as an approved, comprehensive guide of health and safety protocol to be followed consistently across the country.  

From procedures pertaining to entering and departing The Bahamas via airports and seaports, to a Clean & Pristine certification program implemented across hotels, restaurants and other consumer-facing tourism entities and touchpoints, the plan outlines extensive health and safety protocols that will be enforced throughout The Bahamas to mitigate risks for all visitors and residents alike.

“Our top priority has and will always be our commitment to the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors” said Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation Director General Joy Jibrilu. “We must remember that we are living in a new normal in the wake of COVID-19 and a lot is going to change across the tourism sector. We are putting an even greater emphasis on making sure The Bahamas is safe and clean for everyone, and look forward to once again providing travelers with the tropical experience our islands are known for.”

A Phased Approach

The Bahamas’ tourism dependent economy will gradually come back online, following a strategic, phased approach that ensures critical health and safety protocols are being adhered to, and that the Health sector remains well equipped and ready to respond as necessary.

  • Phase 1, beginning on June 15, will allow for international boaters, yachters and private aviation to return to the destination.
    • These smaller special interest groups will allow a more controlled segment to test the country’s new measures.

Also, during this phase, commercial airlines will be allowed to bring in Bahamian citizens, legal residents, home-owners qualifying for economic permanent residency, or the immediate family members or significant others of any of these groups.

  • All returning persons will continue to have to register at a Bahamas embassy or consulate and obtain a COVID-19 test with a negative result.
  • It is anticipated that during this period of time there will be a reduced flight schedule as airlines begin adding The Bahamas to their schedules once again.

Additionally, during Phase 1 hotels will re-open for staff to return to work and put in place all the measures required to ensure they are ready to welcome guests at the onset of Phase 2.

  • Phase 2, beginning July 1, allows for the resumption of international travel, including:
    • Commercial airlines, both international and domestic
    • Hotels and vacation rentals, inclusive of Airbnb and HomeAway
    • Transportation ranging from taxis to jitneys and buses

The timing of the other phases and sectors will be announced shortly.

What Travelers Should Expect

Travelers should expect to follow The Bahamas’ “Healthy Traveler Campaign” that encourages both visitors and residents to continue practicing social distancing measures, regularly wash hands or use hand sanitizers, and pack appropriate PPE such as face masks, just as they would their swimsuits and sunscreen.

At airports and seaports, temperature screenings for all incoming visitors will be conducted by healthcare personnel. Travelers will be required to wear a face mask in any situation where it is necessary to enforce physical distancing guidelines, such as when entering and transiting air and sea terminals, while navigating security and customs screenings, and at baggage claim. When departing, flights will be scheduled to every other gate to provide as much distance between flights as possible, and greater time will be provided for boarding to ensure that physical distancing can be maintained.

In addition, several new procedures will be present throughout the on-island experience, including:

  • Accommodations:
    • Hotels, resorts and vacation rentals will enforce extensive health and safety protocols like enhanced cleaning for guest rooms, public spaces, high touch point areas on frequent, regulated schedule
    • Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes will be readily available across properties
    • Employee health monitoring and temperature check points will be enforced
    • A limited number of guests will be permitted in elevators at one time
    • Unnecessary literature in guest rooms will be eliminated
  • Taxis and Independent Cars:
    • Passengers and drivers should wear face masks at all times throughout their journey.
    • Vehicles must reduce the maximum number of people by 50% (sedans can carry up to two persons and SUVs up to four persons) and passengers should not ride in the front seat.
  • Excursions, tours, local attractions and shopping:
    • Businesses must establish a maximum number of guests and limit the duration of each guest visit to allow for social distancing.
    • When possible, guests will be encouraged to use personal gear (such as snorkeling gear) and businesses will have items available for purchase.
    • Guests will not be allowed to touch products unless with the intent to purchase and cashless sales will be encouraged.
    • Beach chairs must be arranged to allow six feet of social distancing between family units.
    • A regular cleaning timetable and checklist must be established, reviewed, and maintained.
  • Vessel and Ferry Operations
    • Staff must wear a water-repellent or marine grade face mask during all passenger interactions and where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
    • A maximum number of passengers permitted on-board will be reduced by 50% and passenger seating may be assigned to ensure proper distancing.
    • Vessel sanitizing must take place before any passenger embarks the vessel and between all passenger exchanges. All high touch surfaces must be constantly and consistently cleaned during passage and at the end of each day.
  • Restaurants, Food & Beverage Services
  • Buffets will be discontinued until further notice. All meals must be single or prepackaged.
  • Businesses must utilize disposable menus or offer on monitors or static display boards.
  • Staff must wear PPE (disposable mask and gloves).

Reopening of borders will continue to be monitored and guided by The Bahamas government and health officials. Dates are subject to change based on COVID-19 trends, if there is a deterioration in improvement or if government and health organizations deem these phases unsafe for residents or visitors.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation believes it is an absolute baseline requirement for consumers to have a comfort level that The Bahamas is a safe and healthy destination to visit, and the ultimate goal is for that to remain the case. For more information, or to view the Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan, please visit: www.bahamas.com.

All COVID-19 inquiries should be directed to the Ministry of Health. For questions, or concerns, please call the COVID-19 hotline: 242-376-9350 (8 a.m. – 8 p.m. EDT) / 242-376-9387 (8 p.m. – 8 a.m. EDT).

More news about The Bahamas.

#rebuildingtravel

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Anita Johnson-Patty

General Manager, Global Communications

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

ajohnson@bahamas.com

Weber Shandwick

Public Relations

Bahamas@webershandwick.com

Frankfurt Airport plans more destinations from June

by

Frankfurt Airport plans more destinations from June

Frankfurt Airport plans more destinations from June

Flight services at Frankfurt Airport are being stepped up significantly from the first week in June. They will focus on connections between cities in Europe, but flights to popular vacation destinations will also increase. For instance, various airlines plan to resume multiple weekly connections to Majorca (6). Further long-haul destinations are also being added to the timetables. The included table shows the flights currently scheduled at Frankfurt Airport. Daily capacity is now up to around 26,000. This is around 10 percent of the previous year’s figure. The airport operator expects a gradual build-up of flight services in the weeks ahead. However, as overall volumes remain well below last year’s levels due to the coronavirus pandemic, Terminal 1 will remain the focal point of all passenger handling activities for the time being.

Airlines reserve the right to change flight services at short notice. Passengers should always check the latest information from their airline before traveling. They are also advised to look up the current travel advice of the German Federal Foreign Office. In addition, the flight schedule at the airport’s website contains details of the status of scheduled take-offs and landings.

Frankfurt Airport has been ready to step up flight operations since mid-May. Airport operator Fraport has implemented extensive anti-infection measures in the areas currently in use in Terminal 1, in line with all health authority regulations.

#rebuildingtravel

– eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News

WTM World Responsible Tourism Awards 2020 recognize tourism’s efforts to respond to COVID-19

by

WTM World Responsible Tourism Awards 2020 dedicated to recognizing tourism’s efforts to respond to COVID-19

WTM World Responsible Tourism Awards 2020 recognize tourism’s efforts to respond to COVID-19

The World Responsible Tourism Awards 2020 are dedicated to acknowledging those in travel and tourism who have taken remarkable steps to address the multiple challenges brought to our industry by the COVID-19 crisis.

Highly Commended and Commended awards will be given out on World Responsible Tourism Day on November 2nd. This will take place during WTM London, at Excel.

The last few weeks have seen an outpouring of innovation and solidarity from the travel industry, and this is what WTM wants to recognize this year.

WTM London, Responsible Tourism Advisor, Emeritus Professor Harold Goodwin, said:

“The Awards this year are about recognizing those in the travel and tourism sector who have made a real effort to address the impacts of COVID-19 and used their resources and facilities to make things at least a little better.

“Please, do not be embarrassed to recommend yourself or your own business, destination or organisation. You are welcome to make more than one recommendation. Remember the judges can only recognize the destinations, businesses and other organisations or individuals that are nominated.

“We will also be hosting a webinar on the week commencing 8th June with the CEO and Co-Founder of Responsibletravel.com, Justin Francis, the previous awards winners and myself to discuss and share the 2020 awards in more details.”

Unlike other years, there will be no categories to enter. Instead, any destination, business, organisation or individual can register their initiative using the linked form.

Among the many ways in potential awardees might be helping to address the current challenges are:

  • Addressing the needs of neighbours and employees in the face of Covid-19
  • Finding ways of sustaining business to keep local people employed
  • Using their facilities to help their communities cope with Covid-19
  • Repurposing tourism to support emergency response and resilience
  • Decarbonising travel and tourism – planning and implementing steps for a recovery in the face of the bigger emergency to come
  • Supporting wildlife and habitat in a year when tourism earnings for wildlife and conservation have been very substantially reduced
  • Building or maintaining “meaningful connections” through Responsible Tourism value-led marketing and social media engagement
  • Fundraising for people, wildlife or heritage
  • Developing Domestic Tourism – looking for examples of businesses & destinations which have refocused on attracting a more local market, encouraging staycations or localisation (when safe to do so)

People should not feel their submissions are limited by the list above. It is not exhaustive, plus some initiatives will meet more than one of these challenges.

People are welcome to apply on behalf of themselves, the business they work for, or to submit the details of one or more initiatives by anyone else that they think deserves recognition.

Recommendation(s) are open until 3rd August, 2020.

About World Travel Market

World Travel Market (WTM) Portfolio comprises nine leading travel events across four continents, generating more than $7.5 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. Around 50,000 senior travel industry professionals, government ministers and international media visit ExCeL London every November, generating over £3.71 billion in travel industry contracts. http://london.wtm.com/

Next event: Monday 2nd to Wednesday 4th November 2020 – London #IdeasArriveHere

#rebuildingtravel

Media Contact:  Natalia Hartmann – WTM Portfolio Press & PR, E: natalia.hartmann@reedexpo.co.uk , T: +44 (0)20 8439 5535/ M: +44 (0)7775 036 858

The Seychelles Islands Excels at the Ninth Edition of Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards

by

In the ninth edition of the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards, The Seychelles Islands won the runner up award for the Favorite Emerging Overseas Country.

Held at the ITC Maurya, New Delhi- India on November 19, 2019, the ceremony was hosted by the esteemed Bollywood actress, Bhumi Pednekar, and attracted the likes of industry leaders, influencers and recognized names in the travel and tourism industries as well as government bodies.

As an increasingly popular tourist destination, Seychelles situated in Indian Ocean region is a promise of pristine paradise and beautiful adventure. The Seychelles islands, absolutely another world, as its brand would say it, is an ultimate holiday destination of some colorful 115 islands sprinkled with warm browns, striking turquoise and other hues found in the color spectrum.

Speaking about the latest recognition received by the destination, Mrs. Sherin Francis Seychelles Tourism Board Chief Executive mentioned that it is an honor for the destination to have been voted by the readers of the Condé Nast Traveller magazine.

“The task of creating visibility for such a small destination is not always an easy one, this is why being recognized as the Favorite Emerging Overseas Country is even more significant for us. It is a collective effort on our part as the tourism board and on the part of our trade partners and usual collaborators.

We strive to demarcate our destination by its uniqueness and it is rewarding to see that our efforts have not gone unnoticed,” said Mrs. Francis.

Rewarded by the Readers’ Travel Awards, Seychelles has been chosen through a readers’ voting process spanning over two months sans any nominations. The Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards also recognizes the best in the travel industry, namely hotels, destinations, airlines, spas, websites, apps, cruise lines and more. 

Several eminent personalities present at the ceremony included; Mr. Alexander Laloo Hek, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Meghalaya, Shri-Ram Gau-riya, Member of Legislative Assembly, Nagaur, Rajasthan, Shri Sampath Kumar, Commissioner and Secretary to the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Ms. Sanme Marak, Additional Resident Commissioner, Meghalaya, His Excellency Mr. Thomas Selby Pillay, High Commissioner of Seychelles, Mr. John Madew, Minister, Commercial and Senior Trade & Investment Commissioner, Austrade, Mr. Sanjay Pandey, Additional Director, Rajasthan Tourism, Mr. Deniz Ersoz, Culture and tourism Counsellor, Turkey Embassy, Mr. Fabio Subia, Second Secretary and Head of the Consular Section and Cultural Attaché, Embassy of Peru to name a few. 

Since its establishment in 1989 in the United States of America, the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards has set the benchmarks in the hospitality and travel industry worldwide.

The Readers’ Travel Award 2019 winners will be featured in Condé Nast Traveller India’s December 2019 — January 2020 issue.

MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, stbnews@seychelles.travel  www.seychelles.travel

Seychelles present at the fourth edition Abu Dhabi Travel Trade Event

by

The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB), in partnership with the Cerf Island Resort in the Seychelles, braved the unusual cold weather of Abu Dhabi on November 21, 2019 to attend the 4th edition of Abu Dhabi Travel Trade Event (ADTTE).

The event, organised by Mr. Conrad Caeiro of Razzmatazz 360°, was held at the Splash garden at the Aloft Hotel in Abu Dhabi. Having been a big supporter of the last three editions of the ADTTE, the STB participated to the event as a platinum sponsor this year.

The outdoor set-up at the Splash garden was perfect for the occasion and provided to the 300 attendees present an opportunity to network with the 22 exhibitors including the Seychelles delegation.

The event’s program indulged the invited guests to some attractive raffle draws, give-aways and enjoyed a lavish dinner while pursuing their networking and shopping for their next holiday.

The STB and its sole partner Cerf Island resort being a prime sponsor for the ADTTE 2019 were placed at a strategic position allowing the two Seychelles representatives to maximize on their position to provide information about the destination as a prime holiday.

In order to entice the Abu Dhabi visitors the team offered extensive information about the destination as an island hopping paradise, promoting the various other attractions including the product and services available on Cerf Island.

Speaking about the STB’s participation at the ADTTE 2019 event, the STB representative in Abu Dhabi and Tourism Attaché Ms. Aliette Esther stated the prominence of the event creates an ideal platform for the promotion of the destination, which is in line with the STB marketing strategy to increase the destination’s visibility.

“ADTTE is now a signature event and is already being looked forward to by the travel trade professionals,” said Ms Esther.  “It gives the Seychelles maximum exposure and it is worthwhile attending. 

“We had many visitors at our stand who are dreaming of going to Seychelles and we managed to convince some of them to buy the ticket and go.  Others had already been to the Seychelles and were really happy with their trip, expressing the wish to go back once more.”

Aside from the networking aspect, the event also included music entertainment and an Egyptian tanoura dancer who dazzled everyone with his entrancing whirls and brightly lit costume. There was also a special cake ceremony, which was cut by the H.E. Ambassador, Ricardo Laverie of the Embassy of Panama Abu Dhabi and Ms. Esther, STB Abu Dhabi Tourism Attaché.

There are other similar events lined up in Abu Dhabi before the end of 2019.

MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, stbnews@seychelles.travel  www.seychelles.travel

Jamaica ranked 2nd in the world for prioritizing tourism, says Bartlett

by

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica has been ranked 2nd in the world for the prioritization of travel and tourism.

The ranking, which was done by the World Economic Forum through its Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTIC), highlights that Jamaica prioritizes tourism through government policies and legislation which enable growth of the sector.

Minister Bartlett, who made the announce at the Ministry of Tourism’s Strategic retreat at the Moon Palace Hotel in Ocho Rios today, said “This ranking falls in line with our consistent drive to create strategies that promote growth in arrivals, earnings and ultimately inclusive growth for our small players in the sector.

I am pleased that this ranking gives credibility to our effort as it shows tangibly that the government is doing all that it can to achieve this consistent growth n the sector.”

Published every 2 years by the World Economic Forum, the TTIC measures the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness of 140 economies. The measurement includes the set of factors and policies that enable the sustainable development of the Travel & Tourism sector which contributes to the competitiveness of the country.

Minister Bartlett added that, “Jamaica was also ranked 6th for the effectiveness of promotion and brand marketing. This augurs well for our digital transformation drive through the Jamaica Tourist Board, which has transformed the way we market brand Jamaica in the digital space. Both rankings mean that Jamaica is doing it right and the world is taking notice.”

TTCI 2019 results also indicated that air transportation, digital connectivity and international openness are advancing in a global context of growing trade tensions and nationalism.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Communications, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4926-30, Fax: 920-4944

Go Global Travel seals the deal with Brazilian B2B accommodation provider

by

Leading global B2B travel product consolidator and technology powerhouse Go Global Travel Ltd. (“Go Global Travel”) has completed the acquisition of a Brazilian B2B accommodation, transfer and other tourism services provider.  This is the seventh acquisition made by Go Global in the last 18 months.

Go Global Travel maintains 17 offices around the globe providing 24/7 local service in over 20 different languages.  This recent acquisition will further expand Go Global’s presence in Latin America.  

Commenting on the acquisitions, Ophir Ben-Ezra, CEO of Go Global, said: “This new acquisition is a continuation of our strategy of enhancing our service and product for the travel agents and strengthening Go Global in more geographies. Our M&A activity complements our robust organic growth and positions us to become the provider of choice for travel agents. I am also thrilled to welcome to the Go Global family the experienced management team of this acquired company.”

Go Global Travel is a portfolio company of funds advised by Apax Partners.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Han Yang yang.han@goglobal.travel