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Jamaica’s Manual on Tourism Ethics hailed by international community

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Jamaica’s Manual on Tourism Ethics scheduled to be released at the end of the year, has been hailed as innovative and timely by the intentional tourism community. The manual forms part of the outcomes of the island wide security audit of hotels and attractions undertaken earlier this year.

“The issue of safety and security remains a critical component of any destination’s assurance to visitors. Jamaica, in its commitment to ensuring safety and security for all visitors and locals alike, reviewed security arrangements of all hotels and attractions with a view to creating a new architecture and the manual of tourism ethics will guide that,” said Minister Bartlett.

Minister Bartlett commissioned the security audit to ensure that the destination remains safe, secure and seamless for visitors and locals alike. The audit was carried out by the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) with support from well-known international security expert Dr. Peter Tarlow.

Minister Bartlett highlighted the manual during his presentation yesterday as a key panellist on the World Travel Market (WTM) discussion on ‘Taking responsibility for Safety and Security’. Other panellists included German Porras, former Secretary of Tourism for Spain; John Amaratunga, Minister of Tourism Development, Wildlife and Christian Religious Affairs of Sri Lanka, Sethembiso Dlamini, COO and Acting CEO at South African Tourism; and Nikki White, Director of Destinations and Sustainability at ABTA.

The WTM is a major promotional platform for the JTB and features many Jamaican companies, creating the ideal opportunity to meet industry professionals and conduct business deals.

Minister Bartlett added that, “This will be a first of its kind manual that will help to guide security arrangements for the region. It will be a game changer in the area of safety and security in the industry.”

Whilst at WTM, Minister Bartlett will use the opportunity to increase in outbound travels from the UK, Northern Europe, Russia, Scandinavia and Nordic region to grow arrivals from these markets.

Minister Bartlett is expected to return to the island on November 8, 2019.

For more news about Jamaica, please click here.

WTM: Ministers Summit hears how modern tech can help rural traditions

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Major global brands such as Google and Mastercard can help farmers, shopkeepers and restaurateurs to boost rural tourism, delegates heard today at World Travel Market (WTM) London – the event where ideas arrive.

Entrepreneurs and corporate leaders at the UNWTO & WTM Ministers’ Summit also urged tourism ministers from around the world to collaborate with businesses to help countryside communities.

 

The topic of the annual summit was ‘Technology for Rural Development’, and it aimed to lay the groundwork for further work in 2020, when ‘Rural Development and Tourism’ will be the theme for World Tourism Day 2020 on 27th September.

 

Diana Muñoz-Mendez, Senior VP, Global Tourism Partnerships at Mastercard, said the payments company is helping small rural businesses – farms, shops and restaurants – to take money digitally rather than use cash, as most travellers now pay by card.

 

Ann Don Bosco, Head of Grow at Google, said the tech giant has trained 120,000 people in rural Greek hotels to make the most of technology, and is looking to expand the initiative in Japan and Kenya.

 

Another scheme for farmers – this time in Turkey – was highlighted by Debbie Hindle, Managing Director at Four Travel, who said: “Rural tourism is not just about the tourists – the Taste of Fethiye initiative from the Travel Foundation encouraged farmers to produce food for local hotels, and tell tourists about it.

 

Another case study was presented by Santiago Camps, Chief Executive at Mabrian Technologies – which specialises in travel data analysis.

 

He said a network of heritage towns in rural Colombia helped improve the experience for travellers and spread the income from tourism beyond the usual attractions and cities. Gary Stewart, Director of business accelerator Wayra UK, highlighted destinations such as Sweden and Israel as good examples of places that are attractive to investors.

 

Ahmad al-Khatib, Chairman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, told the summit that Saudi Arabia has ambitious aims to develop tourism – but it also wants to preserve its unique rural heritage and traditions.

 

“For example, Airbnb hosts can offer a welcome in rural areas where there are not yet hotels,” he told ministers.

 

“You can stay with a family and see how they eat and dress.”

Established as the largest annual gathering of tourism ministers, the high-level think-tank was moderated by Nina Dos Santos, Europe Editor at CNN International.

 

She invited tourism ministers from Yemen, Guatemala, Panama, Albania, Bolivia, Colombia, Sierra Leone and Portugal to talk about the importance of rural development to help support tourism and national economies.

 

Examples of good practice ranged from mobile technology in Sierra Leone, to tax incentives for Colombian hotels, Wi-Fi initiatives in Portugal, sugar cane and cocoa products in Guatemala, and painted hats in Panama.

eTN is a media partner for WTM London.

 

WTM: Tackling climate change on Day 3 in London

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The 40th edition of WTM London began with a session exploring Decarbonising Travel and Tourism: Is the Industry Doing Enough? Speaking by video before the main panel, climate scientist professor Kevin Anderson laid out the scale of the challenge. He said that since the first IPCC report into climate change, there has been almost three decades of “abject failure” to reduce our emissions.

“If we include our international emissions, such as from aviation, shipping, imports and exports, we see that supposedly climate progressive nations such as the UK and Scandivian countries have actually made almost no progress,” said Anderson. He added that since tourism is an industry that is more of a luxury than many others, and one that is enjoyed more by the wealthier members of society, therefore it should look to lead much more than it currently does. He called on the industry to eliminate all carbon within a decade.

“We are overdependent on an old fashioned, highly polluting form of transport,” said Justin Francis, Co-founder & CEO, Responsible Travel. “We need to fly less, but everything at World Travel Market here is about growth. We cannot be growing aviation the way we are. We need to fly less. And massively fund decarbonisation.”

Asked what is actually happening in the industry, Madhu Rajesh, Director of the International Tourism Partnership, said that the global hotel chains that her organisation worked with are “beginning to come to the table”, with some setting science-based targets, and others saying they had ambition to set these targets. “We are seeing some examples of practical action,” she said, “but there’s a lot more that can be done.”

“If we wait for consumers to take action then we will be waiting a long time, said Jane Ashton, Director of Sustainability, TUI Group PLC. “There’s a lot of chatter but people aren’t going to forgo their annual holiday. The onus is on us in the industry to make that holiday as sustainable as possible. And the onus is on governments to create the frameworks within which companies can take responsible action.”

“We shouldn’t gamble the future of the planet on the idea that a few more well meaning travellers will fly less,” commented Justin Francis, CEO of Responsibletravel.com “Other industries will look at us, and say how dare you – we are doing our part, why aren’t you?” He said the industry needs to end Frequent Flyer schemes that reward travellers for flying more, and instead introduce a Frequent Flyer Levy, where those that fly more (with 1% of the UK population taking 20% of the flights) pay an escalating fee the more flights they take each year.

Saskia Griep, Founder & CEO, Better Places agreed that the industry can’t wait for tourists to demand change. “We as a company are lobbying our government, We are against the expansion of airports, and for a carbon tax.” she said, explaining that her company isn’t waiting for the government either, but has imposed a carbon tax on themselves, which they are investing directly with a Dutch company called skyNRG that is developing more sustainable aviation fuels.

“People still ask are we in a climate emergency?” said Albert Dalmau, Manager of Economy, Resources and Economic Promotion, City Council of Barcelona. “Of course we are. It’s incredible that we still need to remark that we are in a climate emergency.”

The final event of this year’s World Travel Market responsible tourism programme looked at The Future of Aviation. “If aviation was a country, it would be the seventh largest carbon emitting country on earth, just behind Germany,” said Justin Francis, Co-founder & CEO, Responsible Travel. Furthermore, he added that aviation emissions are forecast to grow 300% by 2050, according to ICAO. In the UK, said Francis, aviation is forecast to be the number one cause of climate emissions by 2050.

Commenting on ICAO, Chris Lyle, CEO, Air Transport Economics said that the organisation has outlined four measures that it believes are needed to address the problem of growing emissions, which are Technology, Operations, Fuels and Offsetting. “All this is only leading towards carbon neutral growth, he said, “whereas we need absolute cuts.”

He said several of the airlines were aiming to be net zero by 2050. “There will be some form of demand management,” he said, “the sooner we get to individuals knowing their carbon impact and responding to it.”

Peter Castellas, CEO, Tasman Environmental Markets, argued in favour of rigorously audited offsetting. “There is a lot of disingenuous ideological rejection of offsetting,” he said. “I get to take money from large corporates and invest it in projects having real impacts. This is a tangible way we can move towards carbon neutrality.”

“We have 10 years to make the actions necessary to stay beneath 1.5 degrees,” said Justin Francis. “All of the science says that the growth in demand will swamp these initiatives. Only reducing demand and flying less will get us there in the timescale we have. We need a fair taxation of aviation, with the funds ploughed back into the solutions.”

“Taxation is coming,” said Chris Lyle, “but it needs to be hypothecated towards developments like sustainable fuels.”

WTM: Exhibitor updates from Day Three in London

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World Travel Market (WTM) audiences today (Wednesday 6 November) heard how Malta has successfully repositioned itself as a youth travel destination, by embracing experiential tourism, driven by the power of live entertainment.

In a thought-provoking session on WTM’s Global Stage, called How the Power of Live Entertainment Can Put a Country on the Youth Map, Malta’s Minister of Tourism Konrad Mizzi explained how the destination partnered with MTV and Nickelodeon to achieve its aim.

As a result, holidays to Malta amongst MTV viewers increased 70% over the last five years.

Visit Jersey has hailed the success of a marketing initiative with fitness app Strava that drove an increase in visitors to the island.

A WTM London panel session entitled New Tech, Audiences & Channels: The Shifting Landscape in Digital Brand Engagement yesterday, (Tuesday 5 November) heard how Visit Jersey was the first destination management company to partner with the social fitness network, which is aimed primarily at runners and cyclists.

The initiative, the Jersey Runcation Challenge, in which participants signed up to run a marathon distance in 26 days, attracted nearly 31,000 participants. The prize was a two-night ‘runcation’ and place in the island’s marathon.

“Sports tourism can be a compelling reason to visit a destination,” said Meryl Laisney, Visit Jersey’s head of product. She said sports tourists spent an average £785 per visit to the island, compared to £483 from other visitors and stretched Jersey’s shoulder season appeal.

The island receives three-quarters of its visitors during the April-September period and the marathon, in October, is seen as one vehicle for Jersey to increase its off season visitor numbers.

Visit Wales highlighted its Year of Outdoors 2020 at WTM London with a panel of adventurers including former Wales rugby international Richard Parks.

Parks was the first to climb the highest mountain on all seven continents and stand on the North and South Pole in the same calendar year. He told how the Welsh natural environment had helped him overcome “the darkest period in my life” when his career ended through injury.

This, he said, had made him an advocate for the outdoors and wellbeing. He told how younger people could particularly benefit from spending more time in the natural environment. He spoke of the challenges for his children that “I did not have, and my parents did not have”, which arose from technology and told how the outdoors could bring relief.

“It’s that sense of respite it gives you from the unique stresses and strains of the 21st century. I see it as critical as a parent.”

Tourism to the Bahamas is showing signs it will recover quicker from the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian two months ago than other Caribbean islands that have also been affected by huge storms in recent years.

Joy Jibrilu, Director General of Tourism for the Bahamas, told An Audience with The Caribbean Tourism Organization that Grand Bahama Island – one of two main islands most badly hit – is now 80% open, although the Abaco Islands will take longer to bounce back.

She described Dorian as “unprecedented in terms of strength and length of time that it stayed over the Bahamas”.

She said: “Dorian approached as a Category 2 storm and was projected to grow to a Category 3. We went to bed and woke up the following morning to a Category 5, reaching 220-mph-strong winds. The Abacos looked apocalyptic. ”

Immediately after the storm, the Bahamas got word out “to the world at large, to the industry and to the Caribbean” and received “unprecedented support”, she said.

However, much of the outside world thought the whole of the Bahamas was closed and people became afraid to visit, she added.

A campaign ’14 islands welcome you’ was launched, but “people felt guilty coming over on holiday and being seen to have a time on the beach while people were suffering”, Jibrilu recalled.

“But our message was that you can help us best by coming and contributing to the economy so that we can help those impacted. You will see the biggest smile from the people who know your money will be going to help them.”

Furthermore, China wants to encourage more influencers and bloggers to visit lesser-known parts of the destination through new social media channels.

China National Tourist Office London, which promotes tourism to China in the UK, Ireland, Norway, Finland and Iceland, has set up social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube to increase awareness of the “spectacular, diverse land of China”.

The social media channels were soft launched at the BorderlessLive two-day festival in London during September.

As part of its strategy, CNTO London has also launched a China Creators Pod (CCP) to encourage social media influencers to visit less well-known parts of the country.

CCP includes a “match making” service to “marry up the right creator with the right project”, as well as organising fam and press trips for all types of content creators.

The platform will also provide cultural advice for influencers, including “dos and don’ts” when travelling in China, as well as giving European influencers the chance to interact with their counterparts in China.

Another successful World Travel Market for the Seychelles

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The Seychelles islands sparkled through its strong delegation at the 40th edition of the World Travel Market (WTM), held from November 4, 2019 to November 6, 2019 at ExCel London.

Representatives from various sectors of the Seychelles tourism industry were present at the WTM, showcasing the destination in all its splendour as one of the must visit destination around the world.

Seychelles featured at this key UK event alongside the biggest countries and brands around the world

The Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Mr. Didier Dogley, who was present at the Seychelles stand for the opening of the fair, led the Seychelles delegation.

During the 3-day event, the Seychelles stand, which consisted of members of Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) team and trade partners working in unison to charm the many WTM visitors to the beauties of Seychelles.

Representatives from Maia Luxury Resort, Hilton Seychelles, Kempinski Seychelles Resort, Coco-de-Mer hotel (and Black Parrot Suites), Eden Bleu, the H Resort Beau Vallon and Savoy Resort & Spa were present on the accommodation providers side. Representing the destination management companies were 7 Degrees South, Creole Travel Services, Mason’s Travel, and Satguru Travel.

The Seychellois Company Maz Million was also represented, present at WTM promoting the Maz Luxury Seychelles Tourism Lottery.

The STB team was represented by its Chief Executive Mrs. Sherin Francis; the Regional Director for Europe, Mrs. Bernadette Willemin; the Director for UK and Ireland, Ms. Christine Vel; Senior Marketing Executive, Ms. Mavreen Pouponneau and Marketing Executive, Ms. Eloise Vidot.

While in London, Minister Dogley and Mrs. Francis conducted various meetings with travel trade professionals and interviews with high-profile media.

Commenting on the marketing mission, Mrs. Francis stated the importance of the destination’s presence at such events. 

“The destination’s participating in such fairs is not only a platform for the visibility through the media exposure throughout the events but also provides a perfect opportunity for our local partners to meet the various Tour Operators and Travel Agents in the UK to discuss their plans for 2020,” said Mrs. Francis.

STB’s Director for UK & Ireland Christine Vel expressed her satisfaction for another successful year on the market.

 ‘’The arrival figures have increased by 10% compared to the same period last year.  We expect this trend to continue and further develop our business together with the support of local Seychelles trade partners which will keep the growing confidence of the UK & Irish travel operators and agent in continuing to sell the destination and increase the sales figures,”

Since its start four decades ago, WTM London facilitates £2.8 billion in industry deals and has around 5,000 exhibitors from 182 countries and regions and more than 51,000 participants.

Last year WTM London sparked a million meetings, resulting in around £3 billion in contracts.

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

Boris, Brexit and Business Top the Agenda for Day One at WTM London

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UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, hailed the achievements of the country’s tourism industry in a welcome message to WTM London, the world’s largest travel trade event taking place today (Monday 4 November) at ExCeL London.

Johnson spoke of the UK’s success story in the 10 years since he first opened the event, when he was then Mayor of London. Since then, he said, tourism had boomed “from Skye to Skegness, from Brecon Beacons to Bognor”.

Johnson added: “Our capital city London has become the number one tourist destination in the world. The British Museum attracts more visitors than one European country I am too diplomatic to identify.”

Following Johnson’s message to the WTM Leaders’ Lunch, Nicky Morgan, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, took to the stage.

She highlighted tourism’s £68 billion contribution to the UK economy. The industry, she said, accounted for 1.6 million jobs and last year, the UK attracted 38 million visitors who spent £22.7 billion.

Morgan acknowledged Brexit was an issue for the industry. She told the audience: “We are going to be leaving the European Union, but we do not want to put up borders that keep people in or out. We want to make it as frictionless as possible to visit – EEAA or Swiss nationals will not need a visa.”

Later that day Atout France and easyJet signed a major three-year partnership at WTM London to boost the numbers of British and German visitors to France.

The deal follows the success of a similar three-year partnership which focused on increasing numbers from the UK to French destinations.

The new agreement will see the airline and the tourism agency promoting destinations across easyJet’s French network and will have an annual budget of €1 million.

WTM London’s Headline partner Sri Lanka also took to the stage during the event outlining its objective to ‘build back better’ six months after the terror attacks that decimated its tourism industry.

Her Excellency Manisha Gunasekera High Commissioner – Sri Lanka High Commission in London, commenting that “Exactly one year ago at WTM we launched So Sri Lanka, our brand identity, which has now become so much identified with Sri Lanka.”

She added: “The message emanating from Sri Lanka is that it’s business as usual. We’re resilient, united and we have made a steady recovery.”

Also speaking to an extremely crowded room at WTM London, Greek National Tourism Organisations, Minister of Tourism Harry Theoharis explained their 10-year plan for tourism, which embraces sustainability, the destination announced at WTM today.

Theoharis explained: “Our vision is Greece as a full experience as we’ve never seen before… Greece is more than the sun and sea, the beach and ancient monuments.” 

He said quality, sustainability and authenticity were to be the cornerstones of the new plan, with an ultimate ambition to make Greece “one of the top global sustainable destinations.”

He added: “It’s about increasing the ceiling [on arrivals] but also trying to widen the shoulder seasons and tourism destinations.”

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

Nicole Smart – WTM Portfolio PR & Events Consultant

E: nicole.smart@reedexpo.co.uk

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

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: julia.newbound@reedexpo.co.uk

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

Nicole Smart – WTM Portfolio PR & Events Consultant

E: nicole.smart@reedexpo.co.uk

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

Italian debutants showcase fresh ideas at WTM London 2019

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Six exhibitors from Italy will make their debut at WTM London 2019 – the event where ideas arrive – showcasing new destinations, cutting-edge technology and fresh touring inspiration.

They include Heart of the Dolomites – a new tourist board promoting digital-detox holidays in the mountainous region of northern Italy – and inbound tour operator TUO Travel, which plans to unveil new partnerships and excursions at WTM.

Other new Italian exhibitors are Air Home Restaurant, a start-up peer-to-peer website, offering the chance to book social foodie experiences around the world, such as cooking shows, tastings and meals.

Accommodation specialists exhibiting for the first time are Espogest, a Rome-based hotel company, and Hotel Carlyle – a stylish, modern four-star property which is a 15-minute walk from the centre of Milan.

The sixth new exhibitor is Grimaldi Euromed, which operates passenger ferries between Greece and Italy and across the Mediterranean. Part of the Grimaldi Group – a multinational logistics giant – the ferry firm has installed ‘mega batteries’ on two cruise ferries which means there will be zero emissions during short port visits.

Emma Taveri – Chief Executive of Destination Makers, which manages marketing for Heart of the Dolomites – said the region features “amazing” mountains and year-round activities that range from the chilled – such as mountaintop sunrise yoga – to adrenaline sports, including zip-lining, snow-sports and mountain climbing.

“We are designing a completely new way of experiencing our mountains with no technology and total mind-and-soul recharging experiences,” she said.

“We are exhibiting at WTM London to position Heart of the Dolomites as the ideal destination to ‘recharge in nature’, both in winter and summer.”

Reflecting WTM London’s ethos of generating new ideas and fresh thinking, the tourist board recently ran a contest called Recharge in Nature which received more than 19,000 applications from across the world.  

Carlo Nocella, TUO Travel’s Sales and Product Manager, said the company is busy working on announcements for WTM London, such as partnerships with luxury hotels and resorts.

The DMC will also unveil luxury private tours of Italy featuring accommodation in prestigious five-star city-centre hotels, plus upmarket excursions such as helicopter trips, luxury boat trips on Italy’s lakes, and exclusive access to art museums and secret gardens.

Furthermore, TUO Travel is developing products in scenic southern regions such as Calabria – the ‘toe’ of Italy – and Apulia, which forms the ‘heel’ of Italy’s ‘boot’.

Echoing WTM London’s mantra of ‘Ideas Arrive Here’, he said: “The aim during WTM is to meet the most important luxury travel professionals, travel designers and tour operators.

“WTM London is a formidable marketplace. It is the key event of the year where TUO Travel can showcase its best opportunities and products that will create the perfect Italian trip.”

Simon Press, Exhibition Director WTM London, added: “Italian exhibitors have long been great supporters of WTM, and it is encouraging to see so many new companies joining us from Italy, ranging from innovative start-ups to long-established multinationals that are leading the way in sustainability.

“They recognise how WTM can provide an unparalleled platform to publicise their products to new and existing business partners from around the world.”

Heart of the Dolomites: Stand EU50

TUO Travel: Stand EU200

Air Home Restaurant: Stand EU42

Hotel Carlyle: Stand EU64

Grimaldi Euromed: Stand EU30

Espogest: Stand EU34

eTN is a media partner for WTM London. 

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.

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

Nicole Smart – WTM Portfolio PR and Events Assistant

E: nicole.smart@reedexpo.co.uk

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

New electric cargo Moke at WTM London 2019

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Moke International is launching its new hotel-and-resort-friendly electric vehicle at this year’s WTM London – the event where ideas arrive.

The iconic jeep-like vehicle has been around since the 1960s. The Mini Moke appeared regularly as the village taxi in cult sci-fi series The Prisoner, featured in a number of James Bond movies and famous early owners include George Harrison from The Beatles and actress turned animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot.

Robin Kennedy, commercial director for Moke International, explained that the current vehicles are based on the classic design but are upgraded with modern materials and manufacturing techniques, opening up new possibilities. “We’re now re-engineering it as a utility vehicle for luxury hotels,” he said.

The vehicles are engineered in the UK and assembled in France. Around 1,000 will be produced over the next year.

The new Cargo Mokes can be used at hotels, resorts and golf courses to transport guests and equipment around the grounds. They are already a familiar sight on numerous Caribbean and Indian Ocean islands and are increasingly visible around Asia and Central America.

He explained that Mokes will shortly be available in Europe, with the electric version likely to receive the regulatory approvals needed to launch a new car in the EU.

It is also launching a new electric “cargo” version of the Moke, which will be seen for the first time at WTM London.

Its presence at WTM London will, Kennedy says, give it access to potential customers in the hotel and resorts sector. “Large hotels and resorts need to be able to shuttle guests around their grounds and beyond. For our hotel customers, Mokes can be customized to give a branded experience.”

The vehicles can also be configured so they can operate either as a four-seater to carry guests or pick-up truck style for luggage and equipment.

“Hotels can also use Mokes to improve operations by getting staff and equipment around more quickly and efficiently, and with the new electric vehicle, in an environmentally-friendly way as well.”

But with such a strong legacy, Mokes are more than just an efficient utility vehicle, “they are as a way for hotels to differentiate, to offer something a bit more engaging and special.”

Kennedy is also hoping to talk to car hire companies. “In various countries, Mokes are licensed to go on public roads and we’ve always worked closely with car rental firms in holiday destinations.

Hotels have the option of accessing Mokes through car hire companies or local distributors. “This option means that servicing and maintenance can be taken care of, which is an option for smaller and boutique resorts,” he added.

Vacation rental properties, destination management companies and tours and activities providers exhibiting or visiting WTM London are also invited to Moke International’s stand in the International Hub area to talk about Moke’s inspiring new thinking around possible use cases.

“We’re excited to be exhibiting at WTM London,” Kennedy said. “because the new electric Moke and new cargo version will be of interest to a global audience and that’s what WTM can deliver.”

Simon Press Exhibition Director WTM London added: “Mokes allow hotels and resorts to move staff guests and equipment around efficiently and safely, so the demand is there. It is an instantly recognisable vehicle and we expect it will also inject a bit of retro cool into the event.”

About World Travel Market & WTM London:

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

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

Nicole Smart – WTM Portfolio PR & Events Assistant

E: nicole.smart@reedexpo.co.uk

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

A Record £3.4 Billion in Travel Industry Deals at WTM London

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WTM London 2018, the event where ideas arrive, will generate a record £3.4 billion in travel and tourism industry deals, surpassing the figure of £3.1 billion from WTM London 2017.

The global travel and tourism industry continues to grow with more than £1.4 billion trips predicted to taking place globally in 2019, with the number predicted to rise to £1.8 billion by 2030. Inbound tourism to the UK is approaching 40 million trips annually, while Brits make almost 73 million outbound trips each year.

eTN Chatroom: Discuss with readers from around the world:

WTM London 2018 reflected this growth with an increase in visitors of more than 4% to a record 32,462, with the event seeing a total of almost 89,000 (88,742) visits from 51,409 participants. In total 4,664 exhibitors from 182 countries and regions took part in the event.

Independent research of WTM London’s exhibitors reveals WTM London 2018 will generate a massive £3,353,042,708 in travel industry deals, either through contracts signed at the event or from negotiations with WTM Buyers’ Club members – the buyers with the greatest purchasing responsibility in the travel industry – which will lead to deals signed before WTM London 2019.

The record number of visitors and business conducted demonstrates the success of WTM London 2018’s new Ideas Arrive Here concept, which included the introduction of five regional Inspiration Zones – UK&I and International Hub, Europe, Asia, Americas and Middle East and Africa. These Inspiration Zones led to an increase in content, ideas and inspiration for participants to take back to their business and implement to help fuel the growth of the travel and tourism industry.

This strategy saw a greater number of senior CEOs and tourism ministers take part in the content programme – including easyJet’s CEO Johan Lundgren and UK tourism minister Michael Ellis. Meanwhile, more research was added to the programme – including dedicated regional research sessions – from respected research organisations including Euromonitor International, Mintel, ForwardKeys and Nielsen.

Furthermore, two new launches in Travel Forward and the International Travel & Tourism Awards (ITTAs) grew WTM London’s reach further. Travel Forward – the event to inspire the travel and hospitality industry with the next generation of technology – was a great success with more exhibitors and visitors than its predecessor The Travel Tech Show at WTM. The inaugural ITTAs saw almost 500 audience celebrate excellence within the travel and tourism industry.

WTM London, Senior Director, Simon Press said: “I am delighted with the record amount of business conducted at WTM London 2018. This success firmly positions WTM London as the event where ideas arrive and a must-attend for national and regional tourist boards, global brands, luxury and technology companies.

“The record visitor numbers at WTM London 2018 alongside the £3.4 billion in business generated shows that WTM London – as it approaches its 40th event in 2019 – and the travel and tourism industry are both in good health.”

About World Travel Market

World Travel Market (WTM) portfolio comprises six 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 of travel industry contracts. http://london.wtm.com/. Next event: 4-6 November 2019 – London.

Travel Forward is a new travel technology event co-located with WTM London 2018 and part of the WTM portfolio of events. The inaugural Travel Forward conference, exhibition and buyer programme will take place on 4–6 November 2019 at ExCeL London, showcasing next-generation technology for travel and hospitality. http://travelforward.wtm.com/.

WTM Latin America attracts about 9,000 senior executives and generates about US$374 million of new business. Taking place in Sao Paulo, Brazil, this show attracts a global audience to meet and shape the direction of the travel industry. More than 8,000 unique visitors attend the event to network, negotiate and discover the latest industry news. http://latinamerica.wtm.com/. Next event: 2-4 April 2019 – Sao Paulo.

WTM Africa launched in 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Nearly 5,000 travel industry professionals attend Africa’s leading inbound and outbound travel and tourism market. WTM Africa delivers a proven mix of hosted buyers, media, pre-scheduled appointments, on-site networking, evening functions and invited travel trade visitors. http://africa.wtm.com/.

Next event: 10-12 April 2019 – Cape Town.

Arabian Travel Market is the leading, international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. ATM 2018 attracted almost 40,000 industry professionals, with representation from 141 countries over the four days. The 25th edition of ATM showcased over 2,500 exhibiting companies across 12 halls at Dubai World Trade Centre. Arabian Travel Market 2019 will take place in Dubai from Sunday, 28th April to Wednesday, 1st May 2019. To find out more, please visit: www.arabiantravelmarket.wtm.com.

CONNECT Middle East, India & Africa is a new route development forum co-located with Arabian Travel Market 2019. The inaugural event – taking place on 30th April and 1st May 2019 in Dubai – will include unlimited one-to-one pre-scheduled appointments, a conference programme, panel discussions and airline & industry briefings as well as an exhibition area dedicated to airport and suppliers. For more information, visit: www.connect-aviation.com/2019-meia/

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 events 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.