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The Seychelles Islands crowned WTA’s World’s Most Romantic Destination

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Revered for its mesmerizing beauty, the Seychelles Islands has been awarded the World’s Most Romantic Destination for 2020 in the Grand Final of the World Travel Award.  

The pristine paradise was announced as the world-leading winner for this award following a year-long campaign and voting process on Friday, November 27, 2020.

The archipelago has long built a reputation for being one of the most romantic destinations in the world, attracting couples from all corners of the globe. Relatively untouched and religiously preserved, the islands serve as the perfect getaway for couples longing to escape the hassle of mundane life and create a deeper connection with one another.

These desires have only amplified with the current pandemic as many realize the significance of cherishing every moment. The tropical destination flaunts pearly, white beaches with turquoise waves, surrounded by lush mountains, which blend into the perfect exotic escape from harsh realities. 

Mrs. Sherin Francis, Seychelles Tourism Board Chief Executive expressed her contentment at the announcement as the destination being one of the winners for the Grand Final gives Seychelles the extensive exposure and visibility required to showcase its beauty and charm.  

“Aside from the magnificent features of the destination, credit should also be given to our industry partners as they also have a hand in creating the enchantment and long-lasting memories that comes with a holiday on our shores. This award is a great honor given to Seychelles and our local industry and comes as a great encouragement during these difficult times,” said Mrs. Francis.

The island nation does not just offer unspoiled natural beauty, but it also boasts numerous establishments where many couples choose to relax or tie the knot. This magnificent combination is what has hoisted the Seychelles Islands to its position as World’s Most Romantic Destination for 2020.

The World Travel Awards has been acknowledging, rewarding and celebrating excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries since 1993 with the brand globally recognized as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence.

The virtual award ceremony, a milestone event in the travel and tourism industry calendar, was also attended by other major decision-makers and figureheads in the industry in addition to leading trade and consumer media. 

The honorable achievement follows the destination’s win for the regional Indian Ocean’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination for the second consecutive year for the 27th annual World Travel Awards. Sustainability and romance walk hand in hand with sustainability as key to preserving the romantic charm of the island paradise. 

More news about Seychelles

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

Bartlett to Invite Miss World Finalists to Visit Jamaica

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Jamaica Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett says that Jamaica will be extending invitations to Miss World finalists Miss Nigeria, Nyekachi Douglas and Miss India, Suman Rao, following Jamaica’s Toni-Ann Singh’s historic win on Saturday.

Speaking at the second annual Golden Tourism Day Awards, held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre yesterday, the Tourism Minister said that, “This weekend was a very powerful one for us in Jamaica… Our very own Toni-Ann Singh was named the beauty of the world.”

He added that, in celebration of this, “ the Director of Tourism, the Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board and I will collaborate with Minister Grange to invite not just Miss Nigeria who showed love and friendship but also Miss India, because we think it will be wonderful to have them in Jamaica.”

The Minister noted that the Government would make the necessary arrangements to host the beauty contestants, and will ensure that they “have the best vacation that they could hope for, in the best destination that they could ever think of, and to also make sure that Jamaica remains top of mind.”

Miss Nigeria, Nyekachi Douglas rose to popularity, because of her reaction to Singh’s win in London.  The reaction, which has since gone viral, had millions of social media users sharing that the genuine show of joy for Miss Jamaica’s win, is an example of how friends should support each other.

In an Instagram video after the competition, she described Singh as “amazing” and a big supporter of her fellow contestants.

Singh is the 69th Miss World and 4th Jamaican to take the title.  Miss World France, Ophely Mezino was the runner up, and Miss World India, Suman Rao placed third at the event that saw contestants from 111 countries competing in London for the crown.

“We are changing our tagline to ‘Jamaica the heartbeat of the world’, and in no other way was it expressed than in London when Toni-Ann became Miss World, becoming the 4th Jamaican to be so accorded,” he said.

The Minister made the announcement during second Golden Tourism Day Awards, which was organized by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and the Ministry of Tourism. The gala event recognizes Tourism workers who have given 50 years or more of service to the industry.

Some 34 awardees who have served the industry as raft captains, craft traders, ground transportation operators, hoteliers, in-bond store operators, tour operators and Red Cap Porters were lauded for their remarkable contribution.

“We love you, we respect you and we honor you tonight. This process of sighting good work – identifying [awardees] first of all, then positioning and celebrating you is critical. Tonight says to you that a grateful nation of people honour your work, respects your efforts and wish you well,” said Bartlett to the awardees.

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

Pacific World reveals new programs for #bringchangewithME 

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Initiative to Support Sustainable Development and Behavior Change Continues to Expand Around the World

Pacific World, the leading global destination and event management company, has introduced new programs for its ‘#bringchangewithME’ initiative.

After a successful launch at IMEX America 2019, Pacific World will expand the conversation about global issues at IBTM World 2019, taking place November 19 – 21 at the Fira Barcelona Gran Via exhibition and trade center in Barcelona, Spain. 

The business events industry can work collectively to make a real change by creating solutions in the areas of social and environmental sustainability.

“Our vision is to raise awareness and work with our customers and partners to contribute to building a sustainable world for future generations” says Selina Sinclair, global managing director of Pacific World. 

Pacific World has existing products that allow our clients, particularly those of the next generation, to immediately commit to making a real change.  For example, 96 percent of 24,000 fisheries in Greece engaged in coastal fishing, and Pacific World Greece has established a collaborative partnership with carefully selected local communities to reduce IUU fishing practice.

Leveraging successful programs like “secondary destinations” by Tourism Authority of Thailand that supports the livelihood of 55 secondary cities in Thailand, Pacific World Thailand has curated immersive experiences to gain perspectives on real social impact activation – a key success indicator for the programs Pacific World manages.

Pacific World leads the industry by “walking the talk” with #bringchangewithME, a ground-up commitment to help address social, economic and environmental problems through hands-on, meaningful activities at key destinations. Developed by its teams around the world, Pacific World hopes to create more meaningful experiences for clients, provide lasting benefits for each destination, and motivate behavior change throughout the globe.  

For a complete list of #bringchangewithME programs around the globe, visit Pacific World at Stand O50 during IBTM World.

About Pacific World

Founded in 1980 in Hong Kong, Pacific World is a dedicated destination and event management company operating in over 40 countries and over 100 destinations in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and The Americas.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Hwee Peng Yeo, Sarah Rogers, Kate Bewak and Juliona Miller at Glodow Nead Communications, (415) 394-6500 or [email protected]

World Tourism Awards 2019 presented to Matthew D. Upchurch of Virtuoso, Asilia Africa, Nikoi Island/ The Island Foundation and Me to We

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The 2019 World Tourism Awards were presented today, November 4, 2019, during the opening day of WTM London at Excel London. The honorees were Matthew D. Upchurch of Virtuoso, Asilia Africa, Nikoi Island/ The Island Foundation and Me to We (we.org). Peter Greenberg, CBS News Travel Editor and multi-Emmy award-winning investigative reporter and world-renowned travel expert, hosted the Awards presentation.

The World Tourism Awards, now celebrating its 22nd Anniversary, is co-sponsored by The New York Times, United Airlines, The Travel Corporation and Reed Travel Exhibitions. Inaugurated in 1997, the World Tourism Awards were established to “recognise individuals, companies, organisations, destinations and attractions for outstanding initiatives related to the travel and tourism industry, and in fostering sustainable tourism and developing programmes that give back to local communities.”

Presenting the Awards on behalf of the sponsors were: Patrick Falconer, Executive Director, The New York Times;Shannon Guihan, Chief Treadright and Sustainability Officer, The Travel Corporation; Bob Schumacher, Managing Director Sales, UK, Ireland and Off-Line Sales, United Airlines and Jeannette Gilbert, Head of Marketing & Communications WTM Portfolio, Reed Travel Exhibitions.

The World Tourism Awards honored Matthew D. Upchurch, CTC, Chairman & CEO of Virtuoso, in recognition of Virtuoso’s commitment to sustainable tourism practices; and its mission to make sustainability a greater factor in consumer choice when traveling – to preserve, protect and advance the local culture, environment and economies of the lands they visit and to increase success for those who are dedicated to travel as a force for good. Accepting the Award was Matthew D. Upchurch, CTC, Chairman and CEO of Virtuoso.

A World Tourism Award was also presented to Asilia Africa, in recognition of Asilia’s multi-pronged approach to make a positive impact on the local communities, wildlife and vital ecosystems of East Africa. Through this holistic approach, they are able to empower these crucial wilderness areas as well as the people who call them home. Fiona Herring, Agent Relationship Manager- Europe, accepted the Award on behalf of Asilia Africa.

Nikoi Island/ The Island Foundation also received a World Tourism Award in recognition of Nikoi Island and its commitment to sustainability by having a positive impact on the local culture, community, conservation; and for establishing the Island Foundation in 2010, which is transforming education for Riau’s island communities through the creation of 8 learning centers. Accepting the Award on behalf of The Island Foundation, Ed Jenne, Chairman.

ME TO WE (WE.ORG) was honored with a World Tourism Award in recognition of ME TO WE’s impact through its partnership with WE Charity; providing more than 1 million people with clean water, building 1,500 schools overseas, and empowering children with access to education; and of course, providing volunteer travel to those looking to change the world. Aaron Sapra,ME to WE, Global Director, accepted the Award on behalf of Me to We.

The Award itself, Caring for Our World, sponsored by VisitMalta, was specially designed and handcrafted on the Mediterranean Island of Malta by Mdina Glass, and celebrates the qualities of leadership and vision that inspire others to care for all people around the Globe.

The Award ceremony was followed by a reception hosted by United Airlines.

Malta Tourism Authority: Summer News

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As the summer season in Malta draws to a close and travelers look ahead to autumn, the archipelago offers a season full of wonderful weather and an abundance of activities. There is something for everyone, ranging from historical ruins, relaxing beach getaways, exploring an incredible underwater world, and a jam-packed schedule of events.  Following is a roundup of the latest news from Malta and the best dates for the diary.

Second Gatwick flight added by Air Malta launching Winter 2019

In need of some winter sun? Air Malta is increasing the frequency of its flights from 27th October with a second weekly flight departure from Gatwick Airport. This will result in 14 flights a week from the airport. Combined with flights from Heathrow, there will be four daily flights to the stunning archipelago. The new flight times will allow tourists travelling to Malta to maximise their time on the island as departures from Gatwick will start from 5.55 AM and return flights from Malta will leave between 21.50 PM and 23.00 PM.

Heritage Malta Historic Wreck Sites

Malta has identified and gained access to 12 historical wreck sites. Consistently named the second-best diving destination in the world, diving enthusiasts will be able to visit these sites by appointment with The Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit (UCHU). Divers will now be able to explore these incredible locations that range from a 2,700-year-old Phoenician shipwreck, to WWI battleships and dozens of aircraft crash sites.

Freediving workshop in Malta with Umberto Pelizzari, 27-29 September 2019

Enjoy a three-day freediving workshop with Freediving champion, Umberto Pelizzari. The workshop is dedicated to passionate and certified free divers from all over the world who are looking to enhance their skills and knowledge. As the only workshop to be taught in English in 2019, this is a unique opportunity for freedivers to learn first-hand about Umberto Pelizzari’s theoretical and practical expertise. The workshop will take place from 27-29 September 2019 at Divebase Malta.

2000-year-old temple floor discovered

A 2000-year-old floor, dating back to pre-historic times was recently uncovered at a farmhouse during an ongoing excavation in Tas-Silġ. The floor belonged to the Temple of Ashtart, which was made famous by Roman senator Cicero. This discovery forms part of a wider, long-term project by Heritage Malta, which will eventually be transformed into a visitor centre.

Latest tourism figures from Malta

Malta has seen a significant increase in its tourism figures, with the number of people visiting the island more than doubling since 2010. The largest number of tourists comes from the UK with more than 280,000 visiting in 2019 alone.

DATES FOR THE DIARY

Malta Pride: 6-15 September 2019

There is no better place to celebrate Pride than at the number one LGBTQ+ European destination. Malta has retained the top spot for the fourth consecutive year, awarded by the IGLA index in recognition of its laws, policies and lifestyles of its LGBTQ+ community. Starting on 6 September 2019, Malta Pride offers an abundance of activities across the island; from fashion shows, concerts and parties to human rights conferences and discussion groups. The celebrations will finish in style, with the main Pride March on 14 September in the capital, Valletta.

Birgufest: 11-13 October 2019

Birgufest is a true celebration of culture and art in one of Malta’s most historic towns: Birgu. With events taking place throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences including historical re-enactments, local art exhibitions, concerts and discounted tickets to museums and historical sites. Candles and flowers line the streets and music plays throughout the town creating a magical atmosphere.

Super League Triathlon: 19-20 October 2019

The Super League Triathlon will return to Malta this October combining a glamorous location with the very best in swim, bike and run action. As ideal location for the sporting event, the historical Mediterranean island is surrounded by hundreds of miles of water and is home to historical forts, ancient temples, towering City Gates, and magnificent scenery as well as Super League’s most notorious hills; last year’s racing saw the top triathletes of the world battle it out in some of the most exciting sprint finishes of the entire season.

The Rolex Middle Sea Race: 19 October 2019

Named as the most beautiful racecourse in the world, The Rolex Middle Sea Race returns this October. This nautical spectacle is a true highlight of the sailing calendar, bringing together the very best the sailing world has to offer. Competitors will race around the challenging and changeable circumnavigation of Sicily, before returning to the archipelago’s waters. Spectators can watch the start of the adrenaline packed course against the backdrop of Valletta’s impressive Grand Harbour.

Baroque Festival:  10 – 25 January 2020

The annual Valletta Baroque Festival is returning for its eighth consecutive year in January 2020. Treating audiences to unique, cultural classical performances, this upcoming prestigious two-week festival will showcase the very best musical talent in some of Valletta’s wonderful historical venues.

About Malta

Malta is an archipelago in the central Mediterranean. Comprising three main islands – Malta, Comino and Gozo – Malta is known for its history, culture and temples dating back over 7,000 years. In addition to its fortresses, megalithic temples and burial chambers, Malta is blessed with nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine every year. Capital city Valletta was named European Capital of Culture 2018. Malta is part of the EU and 100% English speaking. The archipelago is famous for its diving, which attracts aficionados from around the world, whilst the nightlife and music festival scene attract a younger demographic of traveller. Malta is a short three and a quarter hour flight from the UK, with daily departures from all major airports across the country.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Lauren Williams, Emily Olsen or Georgia Gogarty at [email protected] or 020 7326 9880