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Thailand lays out red carpet to welcome its 39th millionth tourist

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Tourism Authority of Thailand news first on FIR:

Bangkok, 27 December, 2019 – Thailand welcomed its 39th millionth tourist to the Kingdom today, a record high for the country that surpassed last week’s most recent record of 38.26 million arrivals.

Mrs. Anna Pavlovskaya, travelling from Moscow, Russia, with her family, arrived on Thai Airways International (THAI) flight TG975 at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport on 27 December to a VIP welcoming committee that included Minister of Tourism and Sports, H.E. Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakan. 

“We are gathered here today to celebrate another arrival milestone for Thailand as we are both proud and grateful for this achievement. It shows that the entire Thai tourism industry  remains committed to promoting quality tourism, to bring a better quality of life to all Thai people and continue to promote responsible tourism that both preserves Thailand’s tourism assets and generates revenue for the country,” H.E. Mr. Pipat, said.

After clearing immigration, she was invited to the latest welcome ceremony and was greeted by senior officials and VIPs from Thailand’s tourism industry, including the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Suvarnabhumi Airport, Immigration Bureau and Thai Airways International (THAI).

Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, said, “The new record of 39 million arrivals to Thailand shows that the TAT’s focus of promoting unexpected experiences in Thailand’s secondary destinations is paying off and attracting more visitors. This is also in line with the government’s direction to spread income to all levels of society while at the same time promoting responsible tourism.”

A ‘Luckiest Visitor’ jacket was presented to Mrs. Pavlovskaya in addition to a certificate, round-trip tickets for two between her country of residence and Thailand valid for one year, and a voucher for five nights’ accommodation at a four or five-star hotel in Thailand.

She also received gifts and souvenirs from representatives from Suvarnabhumi Airport, the Thai Tourist Police, and Immigration Department before being whisked away to their hotel in town in an exclusive airport limousine provided by THAI.

Mrs. Srisuda Wanapinyosak, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas, added, “We are confident that Thailand will achieve our international tourism target of 39.77 million arrivals, which represents a 4% year-on-year increase. These will generate 1.96 trillion Baht revenue, also a 4% growth. Meanwhile, domestic tourism will reach 167 million trips, a 1% growth, and distribute 1.10 trillion Baht revenue. This means tourism will help inject 3.06 trillion Baht to the Thai economy this year.” 

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand

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Sandals & Beaches Resorts Hold Sandals Select Runcation Reggae Marathon LIV+ Event

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Sandals Select guests turned their vacation into a “Runcation” for the 19th annual Reggae Marathon in Negril, Jamaica

The Luxury Included® resort company recently concluded their Sandals Select LIV+ Runcation event planned around the 19th annual Reggae Marathon on December 8, 2019, in Negril, Jamaica. Thanks to an exclusive LIV+ package, Sandals Select guests staying at Sandals Negril and Beaches Negril could participate in Jamaica’s premier marathon, half marathon and 10K race situated along Negril’s famed 7-mile white sand beach while enjoying Luxury Included® perks along the way.

The LIV+ Runcation event, which took place from December 5-10, kicked off with a special welcome cocktail reception for runners to mix and mingle while picking up their Reggae Marathon packets and Sandals Select Team swag. To carbo-load before the big race, guests indulged in a pasta party at Sandals Negril’s delicious Cucina Romana. After completing   the race, runners headed to the Finish Line Beach Bash & Award Ceremony hosted by the Reggae Marathon, before unwinding at a post-marathon massage and “Spa-ty” with Sandals and Beaches’ award-winning Red Lane® Spa. Guests were then treated to a special awards dinner at Sandals Negril’s Bayside Restaurant before enjoying a full day dedicated to rest, relaxation and recovery. With over a dozen participants from North America and Europe, Sandals Select guests ran in all distances – the full marathon, half and 10K – with one participant in her late 60s notably completing her 46th half marathon, inspiring and motivating the entire group.

Sandals Select Rewards – Sandals and Beaches® Resorts premier rewards program – offers guests the chance to earn points redeemable toward future and free stays, special recognition and VIP gifts, amazing discounts and access to exclusive LIV+ packages like the Sandals Select Runcation event. Sandals® Resorts recently made enrolling in Sandals Select Rewards Program more attainable than ever by allowing anyone to join without previous bookings, making these exclusive add-ons just a click away.

Next year’s Sandals Select Runcation Reggae Marathon LIV+ event will take place December 3-8, 2020, for the 20th annual Reggae Marathon on December 6. For more information on next year’s Sandals Select event, please click here. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Alexa Mechanic for additional information or to arrange an interview with a spokesperson. 646-935-3999. alexa.mechanic@ketchum.com

Seychelles shines as partner country at German Travel Show

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The Seychelles takes center stage as the official partner country of the major German Travel and Tourism Fair, ReiseLust. The fair ran from Friday, November 8, 2019, to Sunday, November 10, 2019, in the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, the second-largest city in Northern Germany.

The 15th edition of the fair featured around 550 exhibitors, showcasing their products, services and destinations to the 40,205 visitors who attended the three-day event.

Advertised as the partner country to the event, Seychelles featured on massive posters and billboard around the city, enticing visitors to attend the fair, giving the destination a definite advantage.

Visitors present at the fair were not only given access to information about the destination, but they could also book their next vacation on the spot, making the event an ideal one to conclude some direct sales to the paradise destination.

The Seychelles delegation was led by STB Director for Germany Edith Hunzinger, accompanied by STB Senior Marketing Executive Natacha Servina and Marketing Executive Rolira Young and Sören Teichert from the STB Office in Frankfurt.

Several partners, including tour operators and hotels were also present to market their product alongside the STB team in Bremen these were representatives from Acajou Hotel, Castello Beach Hotel, Le Duc de Praslin, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Lavigne Reisen, SeyVillas, Valmer Resort, and VPM Bestsail.

STB Director for Germany commented that the archipelago’s participation to the ReiseLust event as a partner remains a great honour, adding on to its value as a great holiday destination.

She mentioned that the Bremen is prospering economy and affluent citizenry makes it an ideal location to attract new visitors to the Seychelles.

“I am proud to have had again the opportunity to head an amazing delegation to represent our destination,” Ms. Hunzinger said “I am confident that the great teamwork with our loyal partners will bring yet another boost to the already impressive figure of German visitors to the Seychelles.”

STB and their partners showcased the Creole culture at the stall, through live performances of music and dances by the “Lansiv” group and gave VIP guests a culinary experience with smoked fish and pineapple, tuna balls and mango salad and even a taste of the local rums and Seybrew beer.

Giving the Seychelles stand an artistic touch, local artist, James Agricole, joined the Seychelles delegation to display the vibrant colors of the Island destination and interacting with the public by giving them the opportunity to paint pictures with him.

The highlight of the fair was the raffle organized on the last day of the event. Visitors were given the chance to win a week’s holiday cruise for two in the Seychelles, with flight tickets sponsored by Condor and the week’s sailing experience by VPM Bestsail. In order to win, participants had to answer three questions related to the Seychelles on a postcard.

As part of its participation to the fair, Seychelles received extensive coverage by the local media, with Ms. Hunzinger giving numerous interviews.

Aside from the fair, a travel-agent dinner workshop was held on Friday evening for 21 travel agencies, giving the German market an insight on the latest developments in the Seychelles.

For more news about Seychelles, please click here.

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

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation joins forces with VIP hotel and tour operator delegation for largest media blitz in BTO Canada history!

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The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation delegates lead by Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar, as well as numerous industry partners took media outlets and tour operators in Canada on a whirlwind tour of the Islands of the Bahamas, solidifying the messaging of the Bahamas being a viable destination for the Canadian tourists, despite the impact of Hurricane Dorian. “Following Hurricane Dorian, we felt that it was absolutely critical to come and let the Canadian market know that we are open for business and to introduce The Bahamas to new aspects of the Canadian market,” remarked Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Director General, Joy Jibrilu, “as far west as Vancouver, there is huge potential to market the country.”

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation joins forces with VIP hotel and tour operator delegation for largest media blitz in BTO Canada history
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation joins forces with VIP hotel and tour operator delegation for largest media blitz in BTO Canada history

Canada is the second largest country in the world and the second largest source market for visitor arrivals to The Bahamas next to the United States. Throughout the first seven months of 2019 an estimated 3.7 million Canadian arrivals to the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America representing a YOY increase of 4.3%. Canadian visitor arrivals to The Bahamas increased by 14% YOY in 2017-2018. During the months of January through September, Canadian arrivals paced 10.5% ahead of the same in 2018. “The tourism industry had an historic year in 2018 and has maintained momentum right up to Dorian’s arrival. International arrivals to the Bahamas increased by just over 13% in August, including 2.1% growth from Canada. Air capacity from Canada was up 7% and fall bookings were looking strong,” remarked D’Aguilar, “it’s not business as usual in the Bahamas- that will be years away but this is a major step to be present in the Canadian market to regain momentum.”

Joining this promotional expedition with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation included Fred Lounsberry, CEO, Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, Karin Salinas, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Baha Mar, Ana Cerna, Director of International Marketing for Rosewood Baha Mar, Bryan Gay Sr. Vice President of Sales at Atlantis Paradise Island, Sydney Engel, Director of Public Relations for Atlantis Paradise Island, Amy Mecl, Vice President Leisure Sales for Atlantis Paradise Island, Franco Pill Vice President of Business Development for Atlantis Paradise Island, Yasmine Strachan Director of Sales, Comfort Suites Paradise Island, Sobieda Feliz, Director of Sales Warwick Paradise Island, Phillippe Gringas, Associate Director of Sales, Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Lilly Carr, Leisure Sales Manager, Rosewood Baha Mar, Cristina Diaz, Leisure Sales Manager, Melia, James Burrows, Group Sales Manager, SLS Baha Mar, Robert Garzaroli, Principle, Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant, Elaine and Brent Carnegie, Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, Regia Knowles, Director of Operations Sunrise Beach Club, Hedda Smith, Sales Manager, Superclub Breezes, L’Oreal Sweeting, Out Islands Promotion Board, Jeff Todd, Communications Manager, Grand Isle Resort & Spa, Barbara Dirnberger, National Sales Manager, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Lines, Carmel Churchill, Sales Manager, Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board, Barbara Spychalla, Operations Manager, Valentines Resort & Marina, William Saunders Jr. Director, Majestic Tours Bahamas, Juan Moss, CEO Leisure Travel and Tours, Michael Symonette, CEO, Bahamas Experience Tours, Juan Carlos Ruiz, Sales Manager Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach, Craig Thomas Director of Sales and Marketing, Margaritaville Bahamas, Donne Nixon, Business Development Manager Sandals Resorts, Krista Cardona Sales Manager, Air Canada Vacations, Emily Spadafora, Andrei Losinski and Christopher Brothers, Sales Managers WestJet Vacations, Lorraine Brisbois corporate manager, Sunwing Vacations and Nancy Drolet Business Development Manager, Caribbean Tourism Organization.

Ministry of Tourism officials are hopeful that the media blitz will strengthen sales efforts and add an intimate appeal to the Canadian tourist to visit the Bahamas. “We’ve had a record-breaking year with the Canadian market, and we are looking to continue that trend.” stated Jibrilu.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Rissie Demeritte

rdemeritte@bahamas.com
Senior Manager, Domestic Communications

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

London Travel Week debuts in ONE week

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London Travel Week will be taking place from November 1-7, 2019 and will bring together industry events to become the largest festival supporting the global travel and tourism industry in the world.

This will be an opportunity for the entire community to come together and shape the next 12 months of tourism.

During the week surrounding WTM London, over 50,000 travel professionals flock to London to take part in WTM London. London Travel Week has been designed to bring this huge number of visitors together and in the process, create a world-class travel hub.

There are now over 20, diverse and fascinating events for visitors to attend that form part of this celebration. From networking over moreish Mexican food to glamorous awards ceremonies, and everything in between, this event will demonstrate an array of new possibilities in the travel industry.

London Travel Week is proud to be hosting An Evening with Visit Rwanda on Tuesday 5 November. This is a special networking event with leaders from the Rwandan tourism industry, where attendees will be able to discover the country’s vibrant and remarkable tourist attractions and unique investment opportunities.

Hosted by Rwanda’s Chief Tourism Officer, Belise Kariza, this evening will also feature a screening of an exciting new Rwanda Royal Tour film, a cultural dance performance and a chance to meet Rwandan tourism experts, all organized in conjuncture with the WTM London team.

As well as this evening with Visit Rwanda, there are a plethora of other events taking place across the week.

The luxurious Mexican destination of Los Cabos will be hosting a VIP reception for commercial clients and partners on Sunday, November 3, while MXConnect will be hosting a networking session at the Good Hotel London on Tuesday, November 5, meaning these events will have a Central American theme running through them.

The food, travel and innovation summit FoodTrex will take place on Sunday, November 3, bringing innovative information on food tourism together with quality networking opportunities, allowing businesses and brands to be part of the evolution of food travel.

ENIT Italia will be taking over the Sky Garden from 19.00 on Tuesday, as they celebrate their 100th anniversary with food, entertainment and live music from DJ Albertino and the Black Box Band.

The TTG WTM Closing Party, on Wednesday, November 6, has also been incorporated into the London Travel Week program, providing an exciting finale to a great week as buyers, sellers, tour operators, airlines and the rest of the travel trade will come together for an exclusive party.

London Travel Week will also feature three awards ceremonies, marking it out as a week of celebration. The World Tourism Awards will take place at ExCeL London on Monday evening and then the WTM World Travel Leaders Awards and Panel Discussion will follow these on Tuesday, November 5.

The International Travel and Tourism Awards will be taking place on Tuesday, at a glamorous new location, Magazine London. The awards will be a true celebration of the global travel industry and provide a platform to honor the front-runners in 15 fascinating categories.

London Travel Week will unlock invaluable networking and business opportunities for those who journey to the UK during the first week of November. This one-stop-shop is a true showcase for the global travel industry and attendees will find all they need at this fantastic new event in the global travel calendar.

London Travel Week Lead, Julie Therond, said: “London Travel Week has been a long time coming! We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive response from the global travel & tourism industry, including event hosts and attendees. By broadcasting the events happening around WTM London, we want to empower our visitors and encourage exploration beyond their existing networks. We are looking forward to a fantastic first edition of London Travel Week.”

Be the first to hear about the London Travel Week program, news announcements and more by going to the website.

About World Travel Market

World Travel Market (WTM) portfolio comprises eight leading B2B events across four continents, generating more than $7 billion of industry deals. The events are:

WTM London, the leading global event for the travel industry, is the must-attend three-day exhibition for the worldwide travel and tourism industry. About 50,000 senior travel industry professionals, government ministers and international media visit ExCeL London every November, generating about £3.4 billion in travel industry contracts.

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

About Reed Exhibitions

Reed Exhibitions is the world’s leading events business, enhancing the power of face-to-face through data and digital tools at more than 500 events a year, in more than 43 countries, attracting more than seven million participants. Reed’s events are held in the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific and Africa and organised by 41 fully staffed offices. Reed Exhibitions serves 43 industry sectors with trade and consumer events. It is part of RELX Group plc, a world-leading provider of information solutions for professional customers across industries.

About Reed Travel Exhibitions

Reed Travel Exhibitions is the world’s leading travel and tourism event’s organiser with a growing portfolio of more than 22 international travel and tourism trade events in Europe, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Our events are market leaders in their sectors, whether they are global and regional leisure travel trade events, or specialist events for meetings, incentives, conference, events (MICE) industry, business travel, luxury travel, travel technology as well as golf, spa and ski travel. We have more than 35 years’ experience in organising world-leading travel exhibitions.

Media Contacts:

Julia Newbound – WTM Portfolio Press & PR Lead

E: julia.newbound@reedexpo.co.uk

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

Julie Thérond – London Travel Week Marketing & PR Lead

E: julie.therond@reedexpo.co.uk

T: +44 (0)20 8910 7916

The St. Regis Atlanta and CURE Childhood Cancer Continue Partnership for Upgraded Third Annual Out of the Kitchen

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The Southeast’s Most Celebrated Chefs Provide Intimate Dining Experience at the Exclusive Culinary Event Benefiting CURE Childhood Cancer

The St. Regis Atlanta is thrilled to announce the enhanced third annual Out of the Kitchen dining event, taking place at the iconic, recently refreshed Buckhead property on October 30, 2019.  A collection of 20 illustrious regional chefs will prepare an interactive experience for discerning diners, with the event’s proceeds benefiting CURE Childhood Cancer, a local nonprofit dedicated to funding pediatric cancer research and providing meaningful support to children and families facing a cancer diagnosis.  

New to this year’s event, Out of the Kitchen will now include two special tables with different sponsorship levels that will present elevated experiences to VIP guests.  The first sponsorship level at $15,000 includes premium seating for 12 with Chef Philippe Haddad of Cape Dutch providing the meal, Nickel & Nickel Winery table service, a suite for the table host at The St. Regis the night of the event, access to the exclusive after party and chef reception, and name/logo recognition on all event materials.  The second sponsorship level at $20,000 includes premium seating for 12 with Chef Fuyuhiko Ito of Umi as the attending chef, Louis Roederer Cristal table service, five rooms for guests and a suite for the table host at The St. Regis that night, access to the exclusive after party and chef reception, an engraved bottle of Cristal for each couple to take home, and name/logo recognition on all event materials.

“This event brings together some of the most talented chefs and philanthropic individuals in the region,” said Guntram Merl, general manager of The St. Regis Atlanta.  “What truly makes this event one-of-a-kind is the charitable purpose behind Out of the Kitchen.”

Teaming up with culinary co-chairs Chef Jordan Barnett of The St. Regis Atlanta and Chef Philippe Haddad of Cape Dutch, The St. Regis Atlanta will continue to donate 100 percent of the event proceeds to CURE Childhood Cancer.  Since its inception in 2017, the event has raised a cumulative total of $446,000 for the cause.

The unconventional event will take place in the Astor Ballroom inside The St. Regis Atlanta, followed by an after party and chef reception, which will be hosted at the hotel’s new three-story meeting and event space, Maisonette.  The event will host 240 guests with chefs selecting the freshest and most divine ingredients to create a remarkable three-course tableside meal for 12 guests at each table.  Attendees will enjoy live entertainment and delicious food, while also having the privilege to interact with the thought leaders of Atlanta.  The evening commences with a champagne reception and concludes with an elaborate dessert reception presented by Pastry Chef Daniela Lea of The St. Regis Atlanta.

All chefs are contributing their time and talent to the fundraising event.  Returning chefs from 2018 include: Philippe Haddad (CapeDutch), Reinaldo Santosa (The St. Regis Atlanta), Gerry Klaskala (Aria), Piero Premoli (Pricci), Jaime Adams (Il Giallo Osteria & Bar), Fuyuhiko Ito (Umi), Pano Karatassos (Kyma), Deedee Niyomkul (Chaiyo), Cyrille Holota (Le Bilboquet), Peter Kaiser (Kaiser’s Chophouse), and Joe Schafer (Atlanta Hawks).  New chefs include: Freddy Money (Tavistock Restaurant Group), JiJi Lee (Heriloom Market BBQ), Gilles Schreiber & Alex Gut (AG at The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta), Hubert Keller (Fleur by Hubert Keller), Nick Leahy (AIX), Bernard Guillas (The Marine Room at the La Jolla Beach Club, San Diego), Ron Hsu (Lazy Betty, Atlanta), Ian Winslade (Mission + Market), and Casey Thompson (Top Chef Season 3 finalist, culinary instructor and entertainer).

“Supporting local organizations like CURE speaks to the values and beliefs of The St. Regis as a brand.  We are committed to making an impact within our community and supporting children and families that are part of CURE,” said Julia McKelvey, The St. Regis Atlanta’s director of catering and event management.  “We value the relationship that we continue to build with this incredible organization and feel incredibly privileged to be partnering with them for the third year in a row.”

About The St. Regis Atlanta

Combining timeless sophistication with an unrivaled luxury, The St. Regis Atlanta Hotel & Residences debuted April 14, 2009.  The 26-floor development features 151 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites, 53 St. Regis Residences, more than 24,000 square feet of contemporary meeting and event space, two exclusive bars, world-class culinary options, a state-of-the-art fitness facility that overlooks an exquisite 40,000-square-foot Pool Piazza and poolside Bar, a 7,800-square-foot Remède Spa, and Astor Court, the resort’s distinctive upper lobby restaurant offering compelling cuisine and an unparalleled ambiance. Each guest room and suite is attended by the signature St. Regis Butler Service, an ever present yet unobtrusive service dedicated to meeting the needs of discerning global travelers.  The property continues to be listed among the Top Hotels in the South by Condè Nast Traveler for its Readers’ Choice Awards, and in 2017 and 2018 it received a Gold Badge in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hotels in the USA. The St. Regis Atlanta Hotel & Residences is located at 88 West Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead.  For more information, please call 404.563.7900 or visit www.stregisatlanta.com.

About CURE Childhood Cancer

Founded in 1975, Atlanta, Georgia-based CURE Childhood Cancer is dedicated to conquering childhood cancer through funding targeted research while supporting patients and their families.  With cancer as the second leading cause of death in children, CURE dedicates more than $4.3 million annually to specific research projects aimed at curing cancers which affect children.  Through innovative programming, CURE Childhood Cancer also provides crisis oriented support to patients and their families, addressing their most critical and urgent needs. For more information, visit www.curechildhoodcancer.org.

Media contacts: Evan Nicholson, Grecia Corleto and Juliona Miller at Glodow Nead Communications, (415) 394-6500 or StRegisAtl@GlodowNead.com

CURE Childhood Cancer Contact: Jennifer Grizzle, 404.291.1310 or jennifer@theprstudio.com

Destination Seychelles radiates at the Spotlight on Africa workshop in Nairobi

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The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) team was present in Nairobi to showcase the destination at the Spotlight on Africa workshop early in July this year.

The team was composed of Mrs. Natacha Servina Senior Marketing Executive and Ms. Gretel Banane Marketing Executive; both from the STB headquarters and from Mrs. Popsy Getonga, Seychelles’ devotee also present to market the destination.

The Spotlight workshops, organized by the Houston Travel Marketing Services, have been in existence for the past 16 years and has created a name for itself in the Kenyan travel trade. The event is supported by both KATA (Kenya Association of Travel Agents) and KAT0 (Kenya Association of Tour Operators).

The 2019 edition saw the participation of 13 key buyers from Mombasa, Zanzibar and Kampala and other potential buyers from Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania.

The Spotlight on Africa activities kicked off with a VIP networking cocktail staged in a relaxed atmosphere of Park inn by Radisson in Westlands, which saw the attendance of some 35 Directors and Senior Managers from major key players in the Kenyan Travel Industry. 

The events followed with a two -day workshops held on July 4, 2019 and July 5, 2019 in 2 different areas of the Nairobi city. 

218 organizations including STB were represented at the sessions and received 325 visiting travel trade professionals. This year’s sessions were conducted in a free flow format with approximately 30 tables with two times three-hour morning sessions. 

STB Senior Marketing Executive, Mrs. Natacha Servina present at the workshop commented on the importance of the STB’s presence at the event.

“The Spotlight on Africa workshop remains one of the STB’s preferred events on the African continent. Our focus is to boost up awareness and visibility of the destination in the African region, and Nairobi is one of the best African hubs that has a diverse population creating the ideal platform for the tourism board,” said Mrs. Servina.

The STB Senior Marketing Executive also added that Seychelles received overwhelming interest from the attendees; as she explained that, much effort were concentrated towards marketing Seychelles as a multi-faced destination.

As part of its participation towards the customary raffle for participants of the Spotlight on Africa workshop, the STB offered two of our famous Takamaka Rum bottles and two exquisite bags consisting of several different spices used in our Creole dishes for the winners.

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

German National Tourist Board wraps up successful participation at Arabian Travel Market

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The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) together with a host of leading German tourism trade partners, has wrapped up another highly successful participation in this year’s Arabian Travel Market, the largest gathering of travel and tourism professionals in the wider Middle East region, which took place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 28th April to 1st May 2019.

During the four-day event, trade professionals from across the region and beyond, met with representatives of the GNTB as well as its partners, covering local tourist boards, luxury hotels, hospitality, retail, spas and theme parks. Each partner had its own unique proposition, whether spring, summer, autumn or winter, emphasising that Germany is a diverse and unique all year-round travel destination.

The GNTB’s partners this year included; ‘Hotel Palace Berlin’; ‘Frankfurt Tourism and Congress Board’; ‘OUTLETCITY METZINGEN’; ‘Baden-Baden Tourism Board’; the State Tourist Board SouthWest-Germany (Baden-Württemberg Tourismus) and the Black Forest Highlands Tourism Board (Hochschwarzwald Tourismus).

VIP visitors to the GNTO stand at ATM included H.E. Mr. Günter Rauer, Consulate General of the German Consulate in Dubai and Mr. Felix Neugart, CEO of the German Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Commerce (AHK).

Sigrid de Mazieres, Director for the Gulf countries at the German National Tourist Office (GNTO), an affiliate of the German National Tourist Board, commented, “The GCC region is an important market for the German tourism sector and we are delighted with the outcome of our participation at ATM.

“Visitors to our stand remarked about Germany’s natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and impressive infrastructure, as key reasons for travelling to Germany. We are confident that many of them, will use the upcoming Eid Al Fitr holiday and of course the subsequent summer holiday season, as ideal opportunities to visit our beautiful country.”

H.E. Mr. Günter Rauer, Consulate General of the German Consulate in Dubai and Sigrid de Mazieres, Director for the Gulf countries at the German National Tourist Office (GNTO) with members of the German National Tourist Board and its partners during their participation at Arabian Travel Market (ATM 2019).

The GCC market is Germany’s third-largest non-European source market behind China and the US. Moreover, GCC travellers tend to stay an average of 11 nights and spend on average $5,300 per person per trip, significantly more than other international travellers.

According to the latest forecast from the GNTB, GCC nationals visiting Germany are expected to increase to 3.6 million overnight stays by 2030, compared with 1.8 million guest nights from Gulf nationals recorded in 2018, with key markets being UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

In 2009 overnight stays in Germany by GCC nationals, amounted to 770,000. By 2018 the number of overnight stays had increased to 1.8 million, which demonstrates that the annual number of overnight stays has grown by 130% over the past decade.

MEDIA CONTACT: NATHALIE VISELE, Director, Shamal Communications, Arjaan Office Tower, Dubai Media City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tel: +971 4 365 2711 | Mobile: +971 50 457 6525, E-mail: nathalie.visele@shamalcomms.com , Website: www.shamalcomms.com

Moscow Domodedovo Airport reaches out online to the world

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Moscow Domodedovo Airport strives to develop online services. Every day 35,000 users visit its official website. On the website, passengers can buy plane tickets, purchase insurance and book a hotel room.

The airport has launched an online service allowing to book and pay for VIP and business lounges in Domodedovo in Moscow as well as in 80 other domestic and 64 international airports.

This solution was developed in partnership with a business travel agency Travelmart. The new feature allows passengers to order fast track services and pass preflight formalities quickly.

Business lounges at Moscow Domodedovo Airport are quite popular among passengers. In 2018 approximately 600 000 people visited our lounges, a 12% year-to-year rise. Business lounges are located in both domestic and international departures zones. The lounges are open around the clock and available for all passengers regardless of fare class. Moscow Domodedovo Airport features different services in business lounges including an all-you-can-eat buffet, a working space, free Wi-Fi, TV and printed media, a cloakroom. What is more, we also offer an individual transfer to the airplane.

There are ten business lounges at Moscow Domodedovo Airport. The airport manages five business lounges while S7 and Swiss airlines, as well as UTG aviation services, handle the rest of them.

Travel News | eTurboNews

Airbus received 58 orders for jets in March

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Airbus received orders for 58 jetliners in March – led by the A350 XWB widebody family in transactions that included a new customer; while delivering 74 aircraft to 40 customers from across its A220, A320, A330, A350 XWB and A380 product lines.

Pacing the month’s new business was Lufthansa Group’s order for 20 additional A350-900s, bringing its total A350 XWB orders to 45. Lufthansa Group is the biggest operator of Airbus aircraft.

Also in March, STARLUX Airlines of Taiwan signed a firm order for 17 A350 XWBs, comprising 12 A350-1000s and five shorter-fuselage A350-900 versions – becoming a new Airbus customer. The airline plans to deploy the aircraft on its premier long-haul services from Taipei to Europe and North America, as well as to selected destinations within the Asia-Pacific region.

Completing the month’s widebody new business was an order for one A350-900 from a private customer.

The single-aisle transaction in March involved 20 A320neo jetliners for an undisclosed customer.

Deliveries in March were composed of 57 A320 Family aircraft (13 in the CEO configuration and 44 NEO versions), eight A350-900s/A350-1000s, five A220s, three A330s (all in the NEO version) and one A380.

Among the month’s notable deliveries was the first A350-900 delivered to Evelop Airlines. With this aircraft – leased from Air Lease Corporation – the Spanish carrier of Barceló Group’s Ávoris travel division becomes the initial holiday/leisure carrier to operate an A350 XWB.

Other milestones in March included the first A380 delivery to Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA), which is the 15th operator of the world’s largest passenger aircraft. Additionally, Airbus delivered the no. 1 A330neo for an African airline, with Air Senegal receiving its first A330-900.

In the VIP sector, Airbus provided the first of three ACJ320neo aircraft for Comlux, which will now begin its cabin outfitting by the Comlux Completion centre in the United States. Comlux is the largest customer for Airbus Corporate Jets’ ACJ320neo Family.

Taking the latest orders and cancellations into account, Airbus’ backlog of jetliners remaining to be delivered as of 31 March stood at 7,357 aircraft.

Travel News | eTurboNews