For Immediate Release | Official News Wire for the Travel Industry

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Bartlett Calls for Kingston to be the Premier Hub of the Northern Caribbean

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Jamaica’s Tourism Minister, Hon Edmund Bartlett says that the projected expansion projects in Kingston, as well as those currently underway are a signal of the City’s potential to be the primary hub of the Northern Caribbean.

The Minister made this announcement yesterday, during the inaugural Caribbean Airlines flight from Kingston to Grand Cayman.

“With the changes that have taken place in Kingston and the expansion we are anticipating, we are hoping that Kingston will become a hub for the Northern Caribbean so that connectivity – between Jamaica and Havana, Santiago, Cancun – can be achieved from here. I think Caribbean Airlines is well positioned to be that carrier that makes those connections, utilizing Kingston as a hub,” said the Minister.

This is a sentiment shared by the airline’s CEO, Garvin Medera, who said, “Caribbean Airlines has a clear vision to connect the region, which is a major element in strengthening our Caribbean identity.”

The Minister shared that currently the region is growing at 6.1%, but lack of connectivity within the Caribbean has hindered tourism arrivals to grow to double digits.

“Today’s flight to Grand Cayman is expanding the airline’s range of connectivity and is helping to sunder those dividing elements that prevent us from connecting. The 300 additional seats to Jamaica, with two weekly rotations, add a significant amount to the growing number of seats that are coming on stream,” said the Minister.

Improved air connectivity is one of the Minister’s pillars in achieving growth in the industry. Under this growth strategy, his Ministry is aggressively implementing strategies to attract five million visitors by 2021, generate US$5 billion in tourism earnings, increase the total direct jobs to 125,000, and add 15,000 new hotel rooms.

The Ministry has also been pursuing new and emerging markets whilst maintaining traditional ones through airlift arrangements.

According to data from the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), the island has increased seats out of the USA by 79,522, Canada by 21,418, the Caribbean by 15,280, and Latin America by 8,280. However, Jamaica is down from UK/Europe but overall the country is looking at an additional 98,676 seats for the season.

As it relates to the Caribbean, over the last three years, Jamaica has seen increased year on year growth. For 2019, Jamaica has so far seen a 6.1 percent increase in visitors from the region.

This new flight from Caribbean Airlines will now make an impressive 22 destinations for Caribbean Airlines, which already has over 600 weekly flights in the Caribbean and North and South America. It will include two departures from either destination per week – Tuesdays and Saturdays – between December 17 and March 28.

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

The UK’s top long-haul tourism source markets are revealed at WTM London

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The USA, Australia and India continue to take the top spot for the UK’s most favorite long-haul inbound tourism markets, according to research revealed today (Monday 4 November) at WTM London 2019, the event where ideas arrive.

In a list of the top 30 long-haul countries and the top long-haul 50 cities, there have been some significant new entrants. Nigeria has made it back into the top 10 countries, up 13.7% year-on-year, kicking out the UAE, and Bangladesh has made it in to the top 30, replacing Chile.

Impressive growth has been recorded from several markets, most noticeably Bangladesh, up 32.5%, China, up 19.8 and Taiwan, up 16%.

The top three long-haul cities are New York (up 3.6%), Hong Kong (up 7.4%) and Sydney (down 2.1%).

The most notable risers in the list of cities during the past year are Abjua (up 21%), Delhi (up 21%), Miami (up 20%) and Seattle (up 17%), all of which have climbed four or more places up the ranking.

The research, carried out by travel analytics firm ForwardKeys and WTM London, was based on long-haul flight bookings to the UK for the year 1st October 2018 to 30th September 2019 and benchmarked against the same dates a year before and five years ago.

Behind the changes in rankings are strong trends including the continued growth of China and other Asian economies, the strength of the US dollar, improvements in connectivity, recovery of commodity prices, particularly oil, the Argentine debt crisis and even the attractiveness of the Cricket World Cup.

Currency, competition and connectivity have all helped keep the USA in the top spot according to author of the research, Olivier Ponti, VP Insights, ForwardKeys.

“Overall connectivity between the UK and the US is improving, there is more competition with flights which reduces the cost of airfares. The UK has become a cheaper destination and it’s easier to get to,” he said, citing Norwegian Air’s 12.5% increase in capacity.

Despite retaining second place in the rankings, visitor arrivals to the UK from Australia are down 2.1%, the result of Australia entering its first economic depression in more than 20 years in the last two quarters of 2018, according to Ponti.

“The Australian dollar was dropping, people had less money and it was becoming more expensive to visit the UK. The situation has improved in the year with forward bookings looking promising,” he said.

In third place, India showed a phenomenal growth, up 14.5% compared to 2018, with a quarter of all Indian arrivals staying more than 22 nights. The Cricket World Cup, held in the UK in May and June this year, were cited as having a huge impact on visitor numbers.

Ponti said there were some general principles that explain why origin markets become stronger or weaker, including performance of the local economy, currency fluctuations, airline competition and major events.

However he said the rise of second tier cities was an interesting trend, one that was most marked in the two leading outbound travel markets – the USA, where 16 cities feature in the top 50 list and China, where growth for the country exceeds the growth of its two biggest cities.

Simon Press, WTM London Exhibition Director, said: “These rankings will be useful to everyone who is in business promoting the UK.”

For more news about WTM, please click here.

eTN is a media partner for WTM London.

North America and Caribbean exhibitors bring their best to WTM London

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From Canada to Tobago, and New York to California, exhibitors at WTM London – the global event where ideas arrive – will be highlighting new hotels, fresh campaigns and state-of-the-art tourism developments across North America, Mexico and the Caribbean. As well as established destinations and global brands, delegates at the event in ExCeL will be able to meet representatives of innovative attractions, boutique properties and exciting eco-tourism initiatives.

Executives from Destination Canada (NA400) will talk about the tourism agency’s uplifting new tagline, For Glowing Hearts, inspired by the words of the national anthem and imagery of the Canadian flag.

Ben Cowan-Dewar, chairperson of Destination Canada’s board, said: “The brand evolution is driven by the belief that travel should change you and Canada will leave a lasting mark on your heart.”

Also on NA400, the Canadian province of Ontario will be promoting its wealth of new upmarket hotels – such as Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay – and new air services, such as WestJet’s daily Dreamliner service from London Gatwick-Toronto, and Norwegian Air’s daily link between Hamilton and Dublin.

Just south of the border between Canada and the US lies New England, which will be in the international spotlight during 2020, as it marks the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower.

The Plymouth 400 Anniversary will highlight cultural contributions and traditions that began with the interaction of the Wampanoag people and English settlers in 1620.

Next year also marks the bicentennial of the state of Maine, which will see celebrations and commemorations. The regional tourism authority, Discover New England (NA165), represents five states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

South of New England is the Big Apple and this year WTM London welcomes four new exhibitors from New York, sharing the NYC & Company stand (NA300) along with more than 30 other attractions.

Other exciting exhibitors on stand, will be: New York Cruise Lines, which operates the Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises; New York Philharmonic; Seaport District NYC, a shopping, dining and events neighbourhood; and Running Subway, which is creating a new attraction due to open in Times Square next spring, described as “part museum and part ride” and includes a flight simulation ride over the city’s landmarks.

Travelling further south brings visitors to historic Philadelphia, in the state of Pennsylvania.

The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (NA340) will highlight a host of new hotels – including the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center, which occupies the top 12 floors of the 60-storey Comcast Innovation and Technology Center building – and the revamped Philadelphia Museum of Art, which will re-open in autumn 2020 following a $196 million transformation.

Even further south is the ‘sunshine state’ of Florida, where tourism is the mainstay of the economy, especially in the home of world-class theme parks, Orlando.

Planes, trains and self-driving buses are on the agenda for Visit Orlando (NA250), as it promotes quicker and easier ways for tourists to get around. A new terminal will open at Orlando International Airport in 2021; Virgin Trains will begin a service connecting Miami and Orlando from 2022; and driverless shuttle buses started running in some neighbourhoods, with plans to expand.

These developments, along with news focus on sustainability initiatives, will be discussed at WTM London by Visit Orlando’s Chief Executive George Aguel and the new mayor of Orlando & Orange County, Jerry Demings.

Meanwhile, Experience Kissimmee (NA330) in Florida will be showing delegates why the destination is known as the Vacation Home Capital of the World. It will also promote its ecotourism attractions such as wildlife reserves and birdwatching trails, plus activity centres for fishing, ziplining, hot air ballooning, horse riding, kayaking and airboat rides.

Visit Tampa Bay (NA240) will unveil its new cocktail book, Tampa with a Twist, at WTM London, showcasing cocktails created by local mixologists. Known for its hip hospitality, the Florida destination features a host of cocktail bars as well as craft breweries. The tourist board will also highlight new theme park rides such as Iron Gwazi – the fastest and steepest hybrid roller coaster in the world – which opens in spring 2020 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Overall, there are four new exhibitors from Florida, which include Isla Bella Beach Resort (NA200) set along the coastline of the Florida Keys; Orlando International Airport (NA250); Florida’s Northeast Coast (NA240), which represents five tourist boards along the Atlantic coastline; and CHM-Florida Resorts (NA240), which runs Sundial Beach Resort & Spa and the World Equestrian Center Hotel & Spa.

Nearby, is the island destination of Puerto Rico, which is on Stand NA100, part of the Brand USA Pavilion. It will be displaying a recent video collaboration with Lin-Manuel Miranda, the famous playwright and Hamilton composer, entitled ‘Discover Puerto Rico with Lin-Manuel’. The video series follows the Puerto Rican actor around his favourite locations to encourage visitors to discover the wonders of the destination.

Heading out west brings tourists to the Texan cities of Dallas and Fort Worth. Their tourist boards will be on stand NA350 to celebrate the forthcoming opening of several hotels – such as Virgin Hotels Dallas and Hotel Drover at Fort Worth’s Stockyards – as well as cultural developments, including major exhibitions at the African American Museum, and the recent opening of the Holocaust and Human Rights Museum.

Joining these exciting exhibitors at the Brand USA Pavilion are the attractions and entertainment specialist Legends Attractions (NA285); Noble House Hotels & Resorts, which features boutique properties in destinations across North America (NA200); Sahara Las Vegas, a hotel and casino with three distinctive towers (NA150).

Brand USA will also be using WTM London 2019 as an opportunity to promote their third big screen release – Into America’s Wild, scheduled to premiere in February. It will feature American trailblazers such as John Herrington, the first Native American Astronaut, and the Alaskan Pilot Ariel Tweto, who will take part in a cross-country journey of the United States and its iconic landscapes.

South of the US, there is a host of tourist attractions and hotels in Mexico and the Caribbean, which are sending delegations to WTM London.

The Mexican destination of Los Cabos will see its first ever, direct service from Europe launch on November 7, 2019. Holiday giant TUI will start the flights from London Gatwick airport, at the beginning of the winter season. Ten travel and tourism operators from Los Cabos (LA130) will share a stand at WTM London to highlight the region’s increased connectivity from the UK and Europe, as well as its upmarket attractions along Mexico’s Pacific coast.

Elsewhere, visitors to the Hard Rock Hotels stand (TA170) can enter a prize draw at WTM London to win a three-night stay in the new Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos. The all-inclusive resort will also be the place to see the debut of a new show, Bazzar, by Cirque de Soleil in January 2020.

Nobu Hotels (NA330) will be showcasing Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, which opened in April 2019, and Nobu Hotel Chicago which opens in early 2020. Meanwhile, on Mexico’s Riviera Maya is adult-only hotel UNICO 20˚87˚ (CA300). It has a new bar, Gin Time, and is launching more food and drink experiences, as well as wellness options and romance packages for 2020.

Heading eastwards from Mexico brings tourists to the Caribbean destination of the Dominican Republic. Bosses from the tourism ministry will be on stand CA300 to update delegates on the progress of the island’s first theme park, due to open in late 2020. Called Katmandu, Punta Cana, it will also include a 36-hole golf course.

Further east, where the Caribbean and Atlantic meet, is Antigua and Barbuda. Executives from the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (CA245) will be promoting the islands’ sailing, water-sports, romance and wellness themes. Highlights include the region’s biggest regatta, Antigua Sailing Week (April 25-May 1, 2020) and increased Virgin Atlantic services from London Gatwick to Antigua from 8 June, 2020.

To the south is the ‘Nature Island’ of Dominica. The Discover Dominica Authority (CA260) will be at WTM London to highlight its remarkable renaissance as the island continues its recovery from Hurricane Maria in 2017. Overall visitor arrivals for the first half of 2019 are up by 321% year-on-year, and overnight stays reached 43,774 – a 67% increase year-on-year. New luxury hotels include Jungle Bay Resort and Spa, Kempinski Cabrits Resort and Spa and Anichi Resort and Spa.

Meanwhile, in the southern Caribbean is Tobago, from where the Tobago Tourism Agency (CA250) will be bringing an eco-friendly message to WTM London. It will be promoting the island’s green initiatives and tagline: ‘Tobago Beyond: unspoilt, untouched, undiscovered’.

Next year will see sustainability projects come together under the Greening Initiative, as the destination works towards internationally recognised environmental standards. Furthermore, Styrofoam cups will be phased out and a new award will be given to the most environmentally sustainable resorts.

WTM London Senior Exhibition Director Simon Press said: “From the dramatic landscapes and buzzing cities of Canada and the US to the vibrant and varied destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean, we have an unrivalled selection of exhibitors with fresh tourism ideas and innovative concepts to share with our visitors.”

For more news about WTM London, please click here.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Julia Newbound – WTM Portfolio Press & PR Lead

E: [email protected]

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

Nicole Smart – WTM Portfolio PR & Events Consultant

E: [email protected]

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

ATBA promotes Donyelle Bird-Browne to Senior Business Development Manager, USA

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The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority USA office is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Donyelle Bird-Browne to Senior Business Development Manager. In her new capacity she will continue to lead the market development efforts to grow the travel trade business across the Southeast USA region.

Bird-Browne most recently served as Tourism and Investment Manager for the ABTA.  This promotion recognizes her commitment, drive and ambition in the identity and maintenance of potential strategic opportunities and co-operative partner relationships in this key region for the benefit of the destination.

A well-known and popular figure in the industry, her skillset and expertise are integral to the ongoing team efforts to enhance the Antigua and Barbuda experience, and increase arrivals to the destination.

With specific responsibility for the Yachting and Sailing marketing pillar, as Senior Business Development Manager, Bird-Browne will work with the team to develop strategic opportunities and promote the wide array of hotels, tours and excursion activities that represent the Antigua and Barbuda experience through the additional focus pillars; romance, wellness, heritage and culture.

“Donyelle has proven herself to be an invaluable member of the USA sales and marketing team for over five years,” said Colin James, CEO, ABTA. “We are confident that in her new position she will continue to expand Antigua and Barbuda’s destination market share throughout the USA market.”

On being asked about the promotion, Bird-Browne commented, “I am pleased to have been recognized for my hard work and I am extremely motivated to continue to raise our profile, develop the market and promote the experiences that we have.

This role is definitely an exciting opportunity to continue to work with a great team, establish productive and strategic relationships, increase our in-market presence and to ultimately support our economy as we continue to evolve into the destination of choice.”

Donyelle Bird-Browne holds a BA in Communications from Albertus Magnus College, New Haven CT USA, and has over 15 years’ experience in marketing, promotion and communications.

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 here or follow on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Maria Blackman
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority

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

Driving business connections and professional development – IMEX America gets started with new offerings and business at its heart

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“We evolve IMEX America every year, with new features and learning opportunities reflecting current trends. However, the core of the show remains constant – with business meetings, new deals and industry contacts powering the busy three days of the show.” Carina Bauer, CEO the IMEX Group, explains what buyers can expect from IMEX America, which begins tomorrow (September 10) in Las Vegas.

At IMEX America, taking place September 10 – 12, planners will find all they need for their events with a choice of over 3,400 representing over 150 countries. There’s an increase in exhibitors across the board including suppliers from hotels, the USA and Canada, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and the technology sector.

As ever, there’s a strong focus on business, reflected in the high number of one-to-one and group meetings that have been set up through the unique IMEX appointments system.

New exhibitors – a total of 82 altogether – include destinations Forth Worth, Cleveland, Israel, Los Cabos, Saint Lucia, Trinidad, and Knoxville. Hotels exhibiting at the show for the first time include Choice Hotels International, ITC Hotels India, Leonardo Hotels, RIU Hotels & Resorts, as well as technology suppliers including Animatic Media, Cadre, EventBots by 42Chat, InEvent, InterpreNet and Meetingmax.

Lifelong learning – inspired by the imagination

Beginning with Smart Monday, powered by MPI (taking place today), the show has a free professional education program for planners and exhibitors at all stages of their career. Boundary-breaking artist Phil Hansen launches the week’s program with his MPI keynote Embrace the shake: transforming limitations into opportunities. Hansen will take a fresh look at failure and show how it can become a source of inspiration rather than defeat.

Imagination, IMEX’s Talking Point for this year, informs much of the show floor education taking place on the Inspiration Hub, sponsored by Maritz Global Events. One example is The science behind imaginative events by EventMB.com. As research partners on this year’s IMEX industry research report, EventMB.com will present findings and case studies from their report into some of the most imaginative events in the industry. Julius Solaris’ sessions will show how to translate inspiration into business action and explain why imagination elevates performance, both professionally and personally.

Other learning sessions offer insight into how planners can use imagination to boost business through collaboration, diversity and sustainability. Greening the events industry: sustainability superheroes assemble! is a panel of industry-leading professionals – including IMEX’s own COO Nalan Emre – discussing how to work together to imagine new, greener futures and minimize waste.

Dive into the Discovery Zone

Attendee demand for all things experiential is changing the landscape for business events. IMEX America’s new Discovery Zone is packed with experiences to fire up the imagination and inspire planners to explore new approaches. It includes brain art, AR, mountain-themed challenges, mystery tattoos as well as live music and meditation.

Finally, there are countless opportunities to connect—from the glamour of the MPI Foundation Rendezvous to sweating it out on the #IMEXrun or at daily, soulful yoga and movement classes.

Carina concludes: “We work closely with our partners to create an event that brings together and champions the global business events sector, driving business connections and professional development. We’re looking forward to an exceptionally busy and productive week with a high number of appointments and business firmly on the agenda.”

IMEX America 2019 is currently taking place September 10 – 12 at the Sands Expo® Convention Center preceded by Smart Monday, powered by MPI on September 9.

Exhibitor news can be found here:

https://portal.imexamerica.com/exhibitor-press-releases.php

For further press information, please visit us at the on-site press center (Upper Lobby, Level 2, Sands Expo® Convention Center) or contact:

Emma Blake (UK): [email protected]    

Norman Birnbach (US): [email protected]     

IMEX AMERICA 2020

IMEX America takes place in September again next year: September 15 – 17, 2020.

#IMEXcited. Why? Because IMEX America is celebrating its 10th birthday in 2020. More details to follow soon.

Fraport Group: Stable performance achieved during the first six months of the year

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During the first half of fiscal 2019 (ending June 30), the Fraport Group achieved growth in both revenue and earnings. Group revenue increased by 5.2 percent to €1,513.9 million, after adjusting for revenue in connection with capital expenditures made for expansion projects at Fraport’s Group airports worldwide (according to IFRIC 12). At Frankfurt Airport, factors contributing to revenue growth included higher proceeds from ground handling services and infrastructure charges, as well as from the retail and parking business. In Fraport’s international portfolio, major contributions came from the Lima Airport Partners subsidiary in Peru, as well as from Fraport USA and Fraport Greece.

The operating result or Group EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) advanced by 10.9 percent or by €50.2 million to €511.5 million in the reporting period. This amount includes a €22.8 million positive effect resulting from the first-time application of the IFRS 16 accounting standard. When adjusting for this effect, EBITDA grew by €27.4 million or 5.9 percent. The increase can be attributed, in particular, to the positive performance of the Ground Handling and Retail & Real Estate business segments in Frankfurt, with both segments benefitting, among other things, from traffic growth at Frankfurt Airport.

Effective January 1, the mandatory IFRS 16 international financial reporting standard establishes new rules for the accounting of leases. Specifically, this affects the accounting of lease contracts concluded by the Group’s Fraport USA subsidiary. The application of IFRS 16, on the one hand, led to lower operating expenses with a respective positive impact on EBITDA. On the other hand, this positive effect was offset by higher amortization and depreciation in the amount of €21.6 million and by a €5.8 million increase in interest expense. Thanks to an overall improved financial result, the Group result (net profit) rose by €24.1 million or 17.1 percent to €164.9 million in the reporting period.

Fraport AG’s executive board chairman, Dr. Stefan Schulte, commented: “In the first half of 2019, we successfully held our ground amid the overall challenging market environment. I am particularly pleased that we have been able to further increase our passenger satisfaction levels despite intensified peak traffic, while also reducing wait times at the security checkpoints. We remain strongly committed to further optimizing our processes.”

In the January-to-June 2019 period, operating cash flow expanded by 13.0 percent to €367.5 million. In contrast, free cash flow decreased noticeably – as forecast – by €282.5 million to minus €305.7 million. This was due to higher capital expenditure at Frankfurt Airport and some Group airports in Fraport’s international portfolio.

Frankfurt Airport (FRA) welcomed more than 33.6 million passengers in the first six months of 2019, representing an increase of 3.0 percent year-on-year. Most of Fraport’s Group airports worldwide also recorded passenger growth in the reporting period. Only the two Bulgarian airports of Varna (VAR) and Burgas (BOJ) saw combined traffic drop by 12.9 percent, with this trend expected to continue over the course of the year.

For the full year 2019, Fraport AG’s executive board is maintaining its traffic forecast for FRA, where passenger numbers are expected to rise between about two and three percent. The executive board also confirmed the company’s financial outlook for the 2019 business year, as outlined in the Annual Report 2018: Group EBITDA between about €1,160 million and €1,195 million; Group EBIT between about €685 million and €725 million; Group EBT between about €570 million and €615 million; and Group result (or net profit) between about €420 million and €460 million.

You can find the Group Interim Report on the Fraport AG website.

MEDIA CONTACT: Torben Beckmann, Fraport AG, Corporate Communications, Media Relations, 60547 Frankfurt, Germany, E-mail:  [email protected] , Facebook:  www.facebook.com/FrankfurtAirport

Seychelles titled Number 1 island destination in Africa & Middle East by Travel + Leisure 2019 World’s Best Award

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Seychelles has been named the top island destination in Africa & the Middle East.  It is the third time that Seychelles is rated in the top spot in this category by Travel + Leisure.

The exotic destination’s nomination results from the annual survey conducted by Travel + Leisure, which allows readers of the New York-based travel magazine to rate their travel experiences around the globe. Readers get to share their opinions on top hotels, islands, cities, airlines, cruise lines, spas, among others.

The best islands by region are rated on a number of characteristics including the destination’s natural attractions, beaches, activities & sights, restaurants, food, people & friendliness and value. The destination’s romantic appeal also features as an optional criterion. For each characteristic, respondents are asked to give a rating based on a five-point scale of excellence.

Boasting lush tropical vegetation, powder-white beaches and clear turquoise waters, Seychelles – a 115-island archipelago in the western Indian Ocean came out on top of the readers’ list when it comes to the Africa & Middle East region.

It is during a cocktail event at the Times Square Edition in New York City on Tuesday July 16, 2019 that Seychelles was revealed as No1 island Destination in Africa & Middle East.

Mr. David Di Gregorio, Executive Board Member of (APTA) Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa, of which Seychelles is a member, received the Award on behalf of the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB). Jacqueline Gifford, Editor in Chief and Jay Meyer the SVP/ Publisher presented the recognition to the destination to Mr. Di Gregorio.

Commenting on the award, the STB Regional Director for Africa & the Americas, Mr. David Germain stated that the prestigious title results from continuous collective efforts between the Seychelles authorities, including the STB and all its stakeholders.

“Achieving the distinction of Top Island in Africa and the Middle East for the third time is a tremendous honor for the Seychelles, recognizing that the region has much to offer in terms of world-class island experiences,” Mr. Germain.

Mr. Germain also pointed out that the STB’s maintains the hard work to maintain solid trade relations with the USA and Canadian outbound tour operators, travel agents and other trade partners in North America. He said that winning the award for a third time, is evidence that the STB’s marketing strategy in North America is working.

“The Award helps to garner recognition and provides a significant amount of visibility for our islands in North America and the region. The STB will continue to share and present the culture and tourism attributes of Seychelles to both the trade and consumers in the various North American cities, with the aim of increasing tourist’s arrival to Seychelles from this part of the world,” said Mr. Germain.

According to latest figures, the North American market has shown an increase by 8 percent from January to May 2019 in tourism arrivals in the Seychelles.

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

Meet the United Greats of America at WTM London’s 40th Anniversary show

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Travel and tourism representatives from all over America have committed in huge numbers to WTM London 2019 – the event where Ideas Arrive.

As the US gears up for one of its most important holidays – the fourth of July – new and repeat exhibitors from the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave have confirmed their attendance at this year’s WTM London, which itself celebrates a special occasion, turning 40.

North America Sales Manager, Lisa Hopgood, said: “As WTM celebrates its 40th anniversary event, it really is a case of welcoming the United Greats of America. The USA will be out in force, with plenty to entice visitors to this diverse and constantly evolving destination.

“We are hugely excited to be welcoming such a large contingency of US exhibitors once again to WTM London. With an unprecedented amount of new US attractions, destination developments and new routes, WTM continues to deliver ideas and fuel business opportunities for our buyers and exhibitors.”


In line with WTM’s commitment to showcasing New Possibilities, the Brand USA Pavilions will include new partners such as SHOP*DINE*PLAY*USA, Travel Oregon and The Cultural Traveler Magazine.

Major new airlift from the UK and Europe across the pond means there is a wealth of new opportunity for travellers and travel companies to discover destinations such as Pittsburgh and Charleston.

Better known regions, cities and states also have exciting new developments to share. Firstly, Visit California is promoting Road Trip Republic; NYC & Company celebrating a monumental year with new areas such as Hudson Yards, while Las Vegas is introducing more than $6 billion of new tourism offerings from hotel developments to new sporting facilities such as the Las Vegas Stadium.

Popular theme-park operator Universal Studios will be showcasing exciting new rides and attractions launching this year and next, including the new addition to its Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is the world’s first ‘story coaster’ – taking theme park experiences to a whole new level. 

Just as impressive is Universal Studios Hollywood’s new mega attraction, Jurassic World – The Ride, which opens this summer. Back in Orlando, all 2,800 rooms and two-bedroom suites at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites, which opens in May 2020, can now be booked.

Not to be outshone, Miami’s WTM London 2019 presence will be bigger and better, showcasing impressive new cruise developments and additional airlift from American Airlines.

Greater Miami and the Beaches continues to evolve and enhance tourism infrastructure, investing millions in cruise lines, airlines, hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, family attractions and a new $620M reimagined Miami Beach Convention Center. 

In line with WTM’s focus on Innovative Perspectives, which identifies how the industry will look in three-five years, Brightline, America’s first new major private intercity passenger railroad in over a century will be revealing future plans. It recently announced a new strategic partnership with Virgin Group, to establish a powerful new brand, Virgin Trains USA. Brightline launched its service between Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach in May, 2018 and plans to expand to Orlando and Tampa.

Visit Seattle and the Port of Seattle will have a larger presence this year, promoting all the city and surrounding area has to offer. In line with the fast-growing appetite among UK and European travellers to explore lesser-known states, aided by iconic and inspiring films such as National Parks Adventure and Americas Musical Journey, Cruise America the nation’s largest motorhome rental firm, has added five new international rental locations in Bozeman, Montana; Nashville; Baton Rouge; Charlotte and Long Island.


As part of WTM’s bid to open up Inspiring Fresh Thinking to its global audience – feeding in new content to its conference programme from motivational speakers, entrepreneurs, leadership, wellbeing, sports, travel, music travel and inspiring stories – musical tourism and increased airlift is fueling increased interest and visitation to the south. As a result, Travel South USA will be back at WTM London with new partners such as West Virginia.

About World Travel Market

World Travel Market (WTM) portfolio comprises seven leading B2B events across four continents, generating more than $7 billion of industry deals. 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. http://london.wtm.com/.

Next event: Monday 4 – Wednesday 6 November 2019 – London #IdeasArriveHere

MEDIA CONTACT:

Julia Newbound – WTM Portfolio PR Executive

E: [email protected]

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

Travellanda takes on a trio of sales stars  

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Travellanda, the award-winning and fastest-growing wholesale travel company in the UK, has appointed three new Sales and Business Development Managers to help it expand into India, the Middle East and Spanish-speaking markets. They are Ajay Rohila, who will take responsibility for the Indian subcontinent, Meltem Balkan, who will look after the Middle East, UK and Ireland and Carlos Correia, who will cover Portugal, Spain, South America, the USA and Canada. All have strong track records of well over a decade in sales and account management, working for highly regarded companies in the travel industry.

Ajay has joined from WebBeds, where he was responsible for building new strategic partnerships in the Indian subcontinent. Previously, as Country Manager, he established the TransHotel Online Reservation System in India; he was responsible for channel sales in the Delhi and NCR Region for Thomas Cook; he was a senior client relations executive at Cox & Kings and he was a Sales Executive at Global Tour Management Company in Delhi.

Meltem has joined from Tripedia in Istanbul, where she was CMO, developing the Tripedia tours and activities platform through its start-up phase. Previously, she worked at Metglobal in Istanbul, where she managed a portfolio of meta and travel search sites, helped create the XML platform for Hotelspro and ran business development activities for B2B and B2C brands. She has impressive intellectual credentials, having won full scholarships to study as an undergraduate at Bilkent University in Ankara and as a postgraduate at Amherst in the USA. She enjoys working on the introduction of new technologies and analysing numbers.

Carlos is a life-long tourism evangelist. He joined from Altura Destination Services, where he was a Key Account Manager, responsible for sales, business development and marketing strategy. Previously, he was an Account Manager at Hotelbeds, and prior to that a Host Manager at Iberostar Resorts. He is fluent in four languages.

Denise Atkinson, Head of Sales, Marketing & Cross XMLs, said: “I am very pleased that we have been able to hire three such strong sales professionals. With them on board, we will be much better placed to achieve our objective of increasing turnover by 10%, as we will have more capacity to help of our loyal clients grow and to increase the number of clients who work with us through our various IT platforms. It will also be possible to organise ourselves on a geographical basis rather than on a product basis, which will enable us to operate more efficiently and to provide an increasingly seamless service.”

About Travellanda

As a leading B2B Accommodation Wholesaler, Travellanda is one of the travel industry’s fastest growing companies. It has grown to over 40 staff and a turnover exceeding £60 million in less than eight years. Through cutting edge technology, it provides highly competitive wholesale rates on an inventory of over 300,000 hotels worldwide. Using the Travellanda XML Connectivity, Online Reservation System or White Label solution, travel agencies, tour operators, B2B online systems and OTA’s have access to a wide range of hotels and apartments from self-catering and one-star accommodation to deluxe five-star properties. This year, it was included in the London Stock Exchange 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain and for the 2nd year running in The Financial Times Top 1,000 Companies in Europe. It was also named Best Online Wholesaler 2018 in the UK Enterprise Awards and Best Online Hotel Wholesaler 2018 – SME Greater London Enterprise Awards. Travellanda’s head office is in London and it has local offices in Bangkok and Istanbul.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Vikki Barclay, Marketing Manager Travellanda, [email protected] on +44 20 3384 5410

The Development and Promotion of MICE in Thailand

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The Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is leveraging the development of Thai MICE business in long haul markets in collaboration with foreign chambers of commerce representing Australia, UK, USA and Germany.
​Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB, disclosed, “The signing of this MOU – The Development and Promotion of MICE –  between TCEB and Foreign Chamber Alliance (FCA), comprising 4 chambers of commerce representing our main target countries, which are Australia, UK, USA and Germany.
It’s considered another remarkable step of TCEB in altering our role to leverage MICE by serving as a business partner who joins hands with foreign organisations to promote the development of Thai MICE in international markets, as well as to penetrate into long haul MICE markets in Oceania, Europe and the USA, side by side with our main short haul target markets in Asia.
“Indeed, the collaboration is a new dimension of promoting Thai MICE business in long haul markets with concentration on Oceania, Europe and the USA. This is the very first time that the Foreign Chamber Alliance – FCA, which represents Australia, UK, USA and Germany, signed an MOU with a Thai government agency. Interestingly, FCA has more than 20,000 members that include businessmen, investors, entrepreneurs from business, industrial and service sectors, such as Minor Hotels Group, AccorHotels Group, Marriott Hotels Group, convention centres business, as well as oil, mining, pharmaceutical, automobile and other industries,” he added.
“These are considered high potential business groups for propelling the national economy and are included among the targeted industries that the Thai government is keen to encourage in line with the 4.0 Policy. For this reason, this is a lucrative opportunity for us to collaborate to develop and raise the competitiveness of Thai MICE. The 4 chambers of commerce have recognised the importance of using MICE as the gateway to the development of commerce and investment in Thailand and ASEAN,” he said.
With this MOU, the framework for the development of MICE business will embrace 5 dimensions of operation:
• The sharing of MICE statistics and events
• MICE business development
• MICE market promotion
• MICE business research
• MICE personnel development.
Mr. Chiruit further said, “The initial collaboration to mutually promote MICE business will mainly focus on hospitality service, because members of the FCA have long records of investment in Thailand, which have been running alongside their nationwide service businesses. Hence, they have eyed to extend collaboration with Thai government agencies, as they believe the endeavour will open a new door to operate MICE business in Thailand and ASEAN.
“This, in turn, will allow them to study about the dynamics and direction of the Thai MICE market. By joining with TCEB in formulating a marketing development scheme, the synergy will open a new door to connecting with other alliances who relate with the promotion of Thai MICE business in targeted countries. Moreover, there will be co-operation in drawing international events into Thailand, marketing promotion and provision of support for events previously held in Thailand,” he said.
“Target groups and alliances will be invited to participate to strengthen the potential of MICE events held here in Thailand. The FCA will join with us in the exchange of marketing information related to targeted industries held by allied chambers of commerce and TCEB will exchange information on Thai MICE business, including statistics and events, to fully bolster mutual MICE business development,” said the TCEB President.

​He went on to say, “Nevertheless, the FCA expects the Thai government to leverage the competitiveness of Thai MICE business in order to serve global competition. For example, facilitation of customs and immigration procedures; development of infrastructure and transportation; construction of convention centres; development of MICE personnel that meets international standards, and establishment of One-Stop-Service MICE centres. All of which will open a new door to the holding of MICE events in Thailand by efficiently offering enhanced convenience for MICE entrepreneurs and organisers,“ he declared.

Proposals to establish MICE service centres has been included in TCEB’s earlier strategic plan, and the Ease of Doing Business project as well  as the draft of a national strategy of NESDB (National Economic and Social Development Council).
​Mr. Chiruit went on to explain, “After the completion of MOU signing, TCEB is set to discuss with the FCA on the preparation of Phase I work plan, which lasts two years. Both parties will encourage practical co-operation in a rapid and consistent manner. Initially, we have planned to attract events and provide support to the holding of events that relate to targeted industries according to the government’s 4.0 Policy, particularly in the provinces governed by the administration of EEC (Eastern Economic Corridor),” he said.

​“TCEB expects that the collaboration will not only leverage the competitiveness of Thai MICE in long haul markets in Oceania, Europe and the USA, but will also help to attract international events into several regions in Thailand, especially those considered main markets in MICE City project, which are Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen. Definitely, we believe the rapport will encourage transfers of technology and knowledge of each industry among one another, and thus will promote advancement in all regions and stimulate income distribution to communities nationwide,” concluded Mr. Chiruit.

Mr. Benjamin Krieg, Vice President, Austcham, explained, “The role of the Foreign Chamber Alliance (FCA) in Thailand and the purpose of signing the MOU combines key Foreign Chambers and their members through this important collaboration, we provide a common voice on advocacy to develop and grow opportunities that can benefit our members and the country of Thailand,” he said.

“The MICE industry is growing, and will also continue to grow in importance and contribution to the overall tourism sector within Thailand, and of course the greater Thai economy. Our primary aim is to continue to increase and grow the competitiveness of Thailand as a leading destination for MICE not only within Asia, but the world, further complimenting the amazing tourism industry that we already are so fortunate to be a part of,” concluded Mr. Krieg.

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