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Leading Travel Industry Speakers lined-up for WTM London 2019

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WTM London will once again host a series of high-profile industry conferences and seminars showing that Ideas Arrive Here. The leading global event, taking place between the 4 – 6 November 2019, has lined-up esteemed speakers including the President of Hilton Hotels in the EMEA region, a top easyJet boss and the CEO of Virgin Atlantic.

Following on from last year’s successful introduction of Regional Inspiration Zones, WTM London 2019 will continue to host a varied selection of informative sessions in each of the areas – fitting with the region in which the stage is located.

On the opening day of WTM London (Monday 4 November) the Global Stage will play host to a panel discussion moderated by the Telegraph’s Deputy Head of Travel Ben Ross focusing on the current state of UK Travel Markets and what to expect in 2020.

Speakers will discuss what they think the key factors developing the travel trade will be heading into 2020 and will highlight the new possibilities for the industry. Speakers such as Jo Rzymowska, VP and Managing Director of Celebrity Cruises, Caroline Bremner, Head of Travel at Euromonitor and Neil Slaven, UK Country Director of EasyJet. They will all be sharing their views and addressing issues from consumer confidence to changing holiday preferences and the ever-present effect of Brexit.

On Monday afternoon, visitors will have the chance to listen to Simon Vincent OBE, the Executive VP and President of Europe, Middle East & Africa for Hilton Hotels. The company celebrates its centenary this year as one of the leading players in the global travel industry. As a crucial part of the travel and tourism industry, Simon will be expressing his views on the future of both Hilton and the hotel industry in general.

Tuesday’s schedule will include a ministers’ summit hosted by the UNWTO’s Secretary General, Zurab Pololikashvili and WTM London’s Senior Director, Simon Press on the Global Stage. This summit will provide a practical platform for tourism leaders in the public and private sectors to share best practices and create new innovative perspectives for the travel sector. The session will run for two hours and include a networking opportunity.

Later in the day, Shai Weiss, the CEO of Virgin Atlantic will be talking to John Strickland of JLS Consulting on the European Inspiration Zone stage. Virgin Atlantic is taking off in a new direction this year with a new CEO and ownership structure so this interview will provide a fascinating opportunity for the audience to understand how they plan to compete in the airline industry over the coming decades. What will they plan to do with newly acquired Flybe? What are the airline’s plans regarding the delivery of its brand new Airbus A350s? And, what does the airline plan to do should London Heathrow build a third runway?

Wednesday’s schedule is filled with specific talks designed to benefit all sectors of the industry. Travel Perspective will be taking over the Global Stage in the afternoon to host a talk focusing on the past 40 years of travel and what we have learned from this, which will assist in plans for the future of the industry.

For those interested in travel technology, Genesys will be hosting their own panel session in the UK and Ireland Inspiration Zone on the Future of Digital Travel. Paul Richer, Founder and Senior Partner of Genesys, will moderate in this talk. He will be asking Daniel Wishnia of Aroundtown SA and Joel Brandon-Bravo of TransPerfect what it takes to succeed in the online travel world through their efforts to inspire fresh thinking.

Simon Press, Senior Director of WTM London, said “To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of WTM London, we couldn’t be more pleased with the stellar line up of speakers and panelists speaking at this year’s event.

We have speakers coming from every corner of the world to spread their wisdom on every element of the travel industry and there will be something of interest to everyone who works in the travel industry over the three days of talks at WTM London 2019.”

To view the confirmed Event Program for 2019 and to register to attend WTM London visit – www.london.wtm.com

eTN is a media partner for WTM.

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. http://london.wtm.com/

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

London Travel Week, brought to you by WTM London, is the one-stop-shop for event hosts and visitors to be able to shape the next 12 months of travel together. The festival of events supports the global travel and tourism industry by capturing invaluable news and enhancing industry connections.

The inaugural London Travel Week will take place from Friday 1st November – Saturday 7 November 2019.

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

International Travel & Tourism Awards (ITTAs), presented by WTM London, celebrate the success of national, regional and city tourist boards and recognize outstanding private sector companies and individuals. Now in their second year, the awards will showcase the best in class of the global travel & tourism industry at the new venue, Magazine London on Tuesday 5 November 2019. https://awards.wtm.com/

BorderlessLive is the brand-new festival where content creators, brands and the community join each other to learn, collaborate, create, inspire and be inspired. This one-of-a-kind event is open to all who have a keen interest in social media, travel, lifestyle, hospitality and the future of influencer marketing. BorderlessLive will debut at London’s Tobacco Dock on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 September 2019. http://www.borderlesslive.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: Tuesday 31 March to Thursday 2 April 2020 – 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: Monday 6 to Wednesday 8 April 2020 – Cape Town.

Arabian Travel Market is the leading international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. ATM 2019 attracted almost 40,000 industry professionals, with representation from 155 countries over the four days. ATM showcased over 2,500 exhibiting companies across 12 halls at Dubai World Trade Centre.

To find out more, please visit www.arabiantravelmarket.wtm.com

Arabian Travel Market 2020 will take place in Dubai from Sunday 19 April to Wednesday 22 April 2020.

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 organized 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 organizer 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 organizing world-leading travel exhibitions.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Julia Newbound – WTM Portfolio Press & PR Lead

E: [email protected]

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

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: [email protected]

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

Nicole Smart – WTM Portfolio PR and Events Assistant

E: [email protected]

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

Second shortlist unveiled for WTM International Travel & Tourism Awards 2019

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The second line-up of shortlisted candidates for the International Travel & Tourism Awards (ITTAs), presented by WTM, is revealed today (Thursday 15 August).

More than 90 nominations have been shortlisted for the prestigious awards scheme, now in their second year, as the Awards will celebrate the very best of travel and tourism on a global scale. The ITTAs recognise the outstanding successes of destinations, tourist boards, private sector companies and individuals.

The winners will be announced to an audience of more than 500 leading industry figures – including Heads of Tourism and Government Ministers – during a prestigious awards ceremony at Magazine London. The brand new event space, which is located just a stone’s throw away from WTM London venue, ExCeL offers a super modern experience with outstanding views of the City.

The ITTAs, presented by WTM and supported by the UNWTO, welcomed a selection of distinguished judges to assess the first tranche of categories, and the contenders have today been unveiled.

Expert judges were drawn from top industry organisations including, WTTC, International Airline Group (IAG), Adobe, Earth Changers, London & Partners, Euromonitor International, public relations body PRCA and the Global Wellness Institute.

The Best Destination category, introduced for 2019, saw an overwhelming response with more than 20 entries, so to enable the judges to compare the entries fairly, this category is now split into Country, City and Region, creating three separate categories.

Nicole Smart, International Travel & Tourism Awards Organiser, said: “We are amazed to see even more shortlisted entries for 2019, compared to the inaugural event last year. I feel this alone shows huge support from the industry.
“We have been delighted with both the volume and quality of the entries, with contenders entering from across the globe – from destinations as diverse as St.Kitts, Jordan, Kerala and Wales – and they demonstrate how tourism is playing a vital role in the economies of different cities and regions.

“Our judges have been greatly impressed by the exceptional quality of entries, and those who are on the shortlist know they have reached a very high standard – they will be among the best in the world.

The second categories to have shortlists unveiled are listed below, with the first wave announced last month (Thursday 25 July).

Best National Tourism Board Campaign

o Azerbaijan: Take Another Look by Azerbaijan Tourism Board
o Incredible India by CNBC
o Revitalising Tobago Tourism by Gravity Global
o The St. Kitts Shout Out by Rooster PR
o Feel Slovenia, Experience Croatia by Slovenian Tourist Board and Croatian National Tourist Board
o #GetNZontheMap by Tourism New Zealand

Best in Adventure

o Rubondo Island Camp, Rubondo Island National Park, Lake Victoria, Tanzania by Asilia Africa
o Alice in 7 Wonderlands by DEC BBDO
o Explore launches short break: Discover Chernobyl by Explore
o Intrepid Travel Women’s Expeditions by Intrepid Travel
o Guyana as a Leading Sustainable Adventure Destination by LOTUS
o Creating The Closest Thing To Flying by Rooster PR
o Alpe-Adria-Trail by Slovenian Tourist Board
o Jordan Trail by The Jordan Trail Association
o Getting off the beaten track in Northern Thailand, by The Tuk Tuk Club

Best Digital Campaign in Tourism

o Join me in Jamaica by Brighter Group, a Finn Partners Company
o TBC Asia 2018 by Cinnamon Hotel Management Ltd
o Destination Abu Dhabi 2018 by Department of Culture and Tourism
o VisitBritain – #GreatBritishSurprise by Digital Visitor
o Wanderers – powered by G Adventures by G Adventures
o Discover Your South Africa by Ginger Juice
o #keyframe19: Plenty of influencers – and no ads, please by Hamburg Marketing GmbH
o iClick Interactive x Palazzo Versace Hotel: Expanding Brand Presence in Digital China by iClick Interactive Asia Limited
o Kerala Blog Express 5 by Kerala Tourism
o Tourism and Events Queensland – #GoForGold with the Queensland Games by MDSG
o Serbia Moments by National Tourism Organisation of Serbia
o MTV in Western Australia by SLC Representation

Best in Luxury

o Santorini Luxury Cruises – The experience of a lifetime! by Caldera Yachting
o The Art of Celebration by CNBC
o Carpe Diem Exclusive Boutique Santorini by PR MEDIACO
o Alpe-Adria-Golf by Slovenian Tourist Board

Best PR Campaign

o Malta Tourism Authority: Valletta 2018 by Brighter Group, a Finn Partners Company
o We’ve Come a Long Way by Jago and Tourism NI
o #CoverTheProgress by KETCHUM INC
o First World Bee Day PR Campaign by Slovenian Tourist Board
o Lost Skills campaign by Travelopia: The Moorings | Sunsail

Best Digital Influencer Campaign

o #LoveAntiguaBarbuda 2018 by Brighter Group, a Finn Partners Company
o Archipelago Guide For An Accidental Traveller by Citynomadi Ltd
o Abu Dhabi Destination Campaign by Department of Culture and Tourism
o Sailing in the British Virgin Islands with The Moorings and Simon Shaw by Travelopia: The Moorings | Sunsail
o Nassau Paradise Island & Find Us Lost by VERB Interactive

Best Destination Campaign – Country

o Azerbaijan: Take Another Look by Azerbaijan Tourism Board
o Buzz4trips by Buzz4trips
o Incredible !ndia 2.0 by CNN International Commercial
o Revitalising Tobago Tourism by Gravity Global
o #CoverTheProgress by KETCHUM INC
o Destination Campaign | No spoilers. See it live. by Loosers s.r.o.
o Wales Reimagined: Reviving Post Industrial Landscapes with Adventure Tourism by Smorgasbord
o South African Tourism – Discover Your South Africa by The Brighter Group

Best in Responsible Tourism

o Green Motion Environmental Strategy by Green Motion International
o Turizem Bohinj – Creating Sustainable Destination Model by AM+A Marketing & Media Relations

International Travel & Tourism Awards (ITTAs), presented by WTM London, celebrate the success of national, regional and city tourist boards and recognise outstanding private sector companies and individuals. Now in their second year, the awards will showcase the best in class of the global travel & tourism industry at the new venue, Magazine London on Tuesday 5 November 2019. https://awards.wtm.com/

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. 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. http://london.wtm.com/.

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

Media Contact:

Nicole Smart

E: [email protected]

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

Julia Newbound – WTM Portfolio PR Executive

E: [email protected]

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

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: [email protected]

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

Nicole Smart – WTM Portfolio PR & Events Assistant

E: [email protected]

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

About World Travel Market

World Travel Market (WTM) portfolio comprises seven leading B2B events across four continents, generating more than $7 billion of industry deals. WTM London, the leading global event for the travel industry, is the must-attend three-day exhibition for the worldwide travel and tourism industry. About 50,000 senior travel industry professionals, government ministers and international media visit ExCeL London every November, generating about £3.4 billion in travel industry contracts. http://london.wtm.com/.

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

MEDIA CONTACT:

Julia Newbound – WTM Portfolio PR Executive

E: [email protected]

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

Friendliest Travel Country on Earth Joins African Tourism Board

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Uganda is the latest country joining the African Tourism Board as a member. For Ugandans welcoming all nationalities is an intrinsic part of the culture, and residents are quick to offer smiles to newcomers.  In 2017 BBC reported Uganda has been described as the friendliest country globally following a survey conducted among expatriates. Together with breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, to high-end restaurants and bars, hotels, and lodges to year-round summer, this country is a perfect travel and tourism destination.

“It is an honour and delight for Tourism Uganda to join the Africa Tourism Board. We are optimistic that the board will steer responsible development of travel and tourism to the African region, play a vital role in harnessing opportunities for the continent and position it as a premier destination for visitors around the world,” said Lilly Ajarova, UTB Chief Executive Officer

“As I say welcome Uganda, I must take this opportunity to salute their tenacity and sincerity for tourism. We undertake as the Africa Tourism Board to be by their side at this critical point in the re-development of Uganda Airline which coincides with the Tourism Board’s drive in bringing to the world the key USBs of Uganda. We are honored to have Uganda as a Member” Alain St.Ange, President Africa Tourism Board added.

Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa whose diverse landscape encompasses the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains and immense Lake Victoria. Its abundant wildlife includes chimpanzees as well as rare birds. Remote Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a renowned mountain gorilla sanctuary. Murchison Falls National Park in the northwest is known for its 43m-tall waterfall and wildlife such as hippos.

There is a wide range of ethnic groups in Uganda with many different languages spoken, namely Luganda English, Bantu, Swahili, Nilotic, and Lumasaba. Christians make up 85.2% of Uganda’s population, there are a certain amount of Sikhs and Hindus, and 12% are Muslims.

More on Uganda, visit the Uganda Tourism Board at  www.visituganda.com/ 

Founded in 2018, the African Tourism Board an association that is internationally acclaimed for acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to the African region. More information on ATB and a link to join go to www.africantourismboard.com

ATB meets UTB in CapeTown WTM in April 2019: l-r: Dmytro Makarov, Doris Woerfel (ATB CEO),Lilly Ajarova, UTB Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Peter Tarlow, ATB safety and security expert, Juergen Steinmetz, chairman ATB

MEDIA CONTACT:

TravelMarketingNetwork

954 Lexington Ave. #1037

New York, NY 10021 USA

PH: (+1) 718-374-6816

[email protected]   

How safe is travel to Africa? African Tourism Board appoints SaferTourism

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African Tourism Board, (ATB)  has travel and security on its top agenda when attracting visitors to the continent.

At the upcoming ATB Launch on April 11, the organization will be announcing their appointment of SaferTourism.com to provide support and guidance to keep African Tourism Safe.

The man behind SaferTourism.com is no other than one of the best global experts available in this field.

Dr. Peter Tarlow, seen as a world-renowned expert in travel and tourism will be the keynote speaker at the African Tourism Board Launch Event on April 11.

ATB members and WTM visitors will be able to meet Dr. Tarlow at the African Tourism Board Stand (AP 12). His goal is to provide proactive guidance and hands-on approach to keep African destinations, hotels and attractions safe and available specifically for North American Visitors.

Dr. Tarlow is leading SaferTourism’s  Visitor Surety approach, meaning:

• The providing of a safe and secure environment for visitors and for those who work in its visitor industry
• Protection of tourism sites and infrastructure
• Perceptions, including how these perceptions impact its reputation
• The Protection of the economy vis-à-vis its tourism industry

Dr. Tarlow has been working on projects around the world and is known to include feedback from the US State Department in many of his international projects.

Dr. Peter Tarlow will be a speaker at the ATB Launch event on April 11,2019 during WTM Cape Town.

He is a world-renowned speaker and expert specializing in the impact of crime and terrorism on the tourism industry, event and tourism risk management, and tourism and economic development.  Since 1990, Tarlow has been aiding the tourism community with issues such as travel safety and security, economic development, creative marketing, and creative thought.

Tarlow has worked with numerous US government agencies including the US Bureau of Reclamation, US Customs, the FBI, the US Park Service, the Department of Justice, the Speakers Bureau of the US Department of State, the Center for Disease, US Supreme Court police, and the US Department of Homeland Security.  He has worked with such US iconic locations as the Statue of Liberty, Philadelphia’s Independence Hall and Liberty Bell, the Empire State Building, St. Louis’ arch, and the Smithsonian’s Institution’s Office of Protection Services in Washington, DC.

Tarlow has been a keynote speaker for governors’ tourism conferences around the nation including those for Illinois, South Carolina, South Dakota, Washington State and Wyoming.

He has addresses large-scale US government meetings for such agencies as:

  • The Bureau of Reclamation
  • The US Center for Disease Control
  • The US Park Service,
  • The International Olympic Committee

On the international scene, he has addressed conferences such as:

  • The Organization of American States (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Panama City, Panama),
  • The Latin American Hotel Association (Quito Ecuador, San Salvador, El Salvador and Puebla, Mexico),
  • The Caribbean Chiefs of Police Association (Barbados),
  • The International Organization for Security and Intelligence – IOSI  ((Vancouver, Canada),
  • The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Ottowa
  • The French Hotel Association CNI-SYNHORCAT (Paris)

Additionally, Tarlow is a featured speaker for numerous US embassies and with foreign tourism ministries around the world. For example, in his role as an expert in tourism security he has worked with:

  • Vancouver’s Justice Institute  (2010 Olympic games)
  • The police departments of the state of Rio de Janeiro (2014 World Cup Games)
  • The Royal Canadian Mounted Police,
  • The United Nation’s WTO (World Tourism Organization),
  • The Panama Canal Authority,
  • Police forces in Aruba, Bolivia, Brazil, Curaçao, Colombia, Croatia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Serbia, and Trinidad & Tobago.

In 2013 the Chancellor of the Texas A&M system named him his Special Envoy.  In 2015 the Faculty of Medicine of Texas A&M University asked Tarlow to “translate” his tourism skills into practical courses for new physicians.  As such he teaches courses in customer service, creative thinking and medical ethics at the Texas A&M medical school

In 2016 the international engineering firm Gannet-Fleming appointed Tarlow its Senior Security and Safety Specialist  Also in 2016, Governor Gregg Abbot of Texas named Tarlow as the Chairman of the Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission. As such he has wide experience in dealing with protest marches and other public events that touch upon that theme.

Tarlow organizes tourism security conferences around the world, including the International Tourism Safety Conference in Las Vegas along with conferences in St. Kitts, Charleston (South Carolina), Bogota, Colombia, Panama City, Croatia, and Curaçao

Tarlow lectures and trains tourism professionals and security personnel in multiple languages on a wide range of current and future trends in the tourism industry, rural tourism economic development, the gaming industry, issues of crime and terrorism, the role of police departments in urban economic development, and international trade.  Some of the other topics about which he speaks are: the sociology of terrorism, its impact on tourism security and risk management, the US government’s role in post terrorism recovery, and how communities and businesses must face a major paradigm shift in the way they do business.

Tarlow publishes extensively in these areas and writes numerous professional reports for US government agencies and for businesses throughout the world.  He has been asked to be an expert witness in courts throughout the United States on matters concerning tourism security and safety, and issues of risk management.

As a well-known author in the field of tourism security, Tarlow is a contributing author to multiple books on tourism security and publishes numerous academic and applied research articles regarding issues of security including articles published in The Futurist, the Journal of Travel Research and Security Management.  Tarlow’s wide range of professional and scholarly articles includes articles on subjects such as: “dark tourism”, theories of terrorism, and economic development through tourism, religion and terrorism and cruise tourism.  Tarlow also writes and publishes the popular online tourism newsletter Tourism Tidbits read by thousands of tourism and travel professionals around the world in its English, Spanish, and Portuguese language editions.

Among the books that Tarlow has authored are:

  • Event Risk Management and Safety (2002).
  • Twenty Years of Tourism Tidbits: The Book (2011)
  • Abordagem Multdisciplinar dos Cruzeiros Turísticos (co-written 2014, in Portuguese)
  • Tourism Security: Strategies for Effective Managing Travel Risk and Safety (2014)
  • A Segurança: Um desafío para os setores de lazer, viagens e turismo, 2016 published (in Portuguese) and republished in English
  • Sports Travel Security  (2017)

At numerous universities around the world Tarlow lectures on security issues, life safety issues, and event risk management. These universities include institutions in the United States, Latin America, Europe, the Pacific Islands, and the Middle East.  Tarlow earned his Ph.D. in sociology from Texas A&M University.  He also holds degrees in history, in Spanish and Hebrew literatures, and in psychotherapy.

Tarlow has appeared on national televised programs such as Dateline: NBC and on CNBC and is a regular guest on radio stations around the US.   He is the recipient of the International Chiefs of Police highest civilian honor in recognition for his work in tourism security.

Tarlow is a founder and president of Tourism & More Inc. (T&M).  He is a past president of the Texas Chapter of the Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA).  Tarlow is a member of the International Editorial Boards around the world.

Travel News | eTurboNews

African Tourism Board : First three source markets revealed

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The African Tourism Board is active in promoting the African Continent as one destination in the United States, Israel, and India. ATB invited three PR and marketing experts from these three source markets to speak at the ATB launch event on April 11 during WTM in Cape Town.

African Tourism Board Members will be invited to receive a full fledge representation through ATB offices in New York, Tel Aviv and Delhi on a national, regional or local basis Stakeholders including CVB’s, hotels and safari/ tour operators can also participate independently.

In addition,  ATB is already talking to partners in various European countries and China.

Services will include a phone hotline, effective media outreach,  sales missions, and local events. Each office will have the capacity to start with at least 10 African companies or destination and can expand as needed. Acceptance is based on a first comes first basis.

The cost-sharing concept should lower the investment for up to 90% compared to current models of independent and competing marketing representations. It would allow medium to smaller companies and destinations to stay competitive.

“The idea is not only to save money but also to offer Africa tourism without borders.  We are not planning to compete with national tourism offices, but like to enhance services and offer an effective outreach also for those that didn’t have the opportunity due to budget restraints.

Our connection with media, trade, and influencers is a win-win for Africa. We are excited,” said interim Chairman Juergen Steinmetz.

For more information on the African Tourism Board and on how to join or participate at the launch go to www.africantourismboard.com

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Middle East visitors to Egypt to increase 50% by 2022, ATM report reveals

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Arrivals from the Middle East to Egypt are expected to increase 50% from 1.49 million in 2018 to 2.23 million in 2022 with visitors from Saudi Arabia driving this growth, according to data published ahead of Arabian Travel Market 2019, which takes place at Dubai World Trade Centre from 28 April – 1 May 2019.

While arrivals from Europe are expected to be the largest contributor on a regional basis, increasing from 6.2 million in 2018 to 9.1 million tourists in 2022, the latest research from Colliers International revealed arrivals from the Middle East will actually witness the highest Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) at 11%.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “Over the last 12 months, Egypt’s tourism industry has witnessed healthy and steady growth, with arrivals up 14.5% from 8.3 million in 2017 to 9.5 million in 2018. Growth has been fuelled by the cheaper Egyptian Pound and government incentives for charter airlines operating international flights.

“Adding to this, we are witnessing this growth first hand at ATM with the total number of attendees coming from Egypt increasing 16% YoY.”

Taking advantage of this resurgence in tourists are some of Egypt’s most prominent tourism companies including Dana Tours, Nicolas Tours and Standard Tours who will exhibit at ATM 2019 – and of course the Egyptian Tourism Promotion Board who will have a major presence too.

Egypt tourism capital investment is estimated to reach US$ 4.2billion (EGP 75bn) in 2019, up 25 per cent on 2018, as the country strives to keep pace with an ongoing leisure travel boom and GDP growth.

The data from Colliers revealed that Egypt’s total tourism revenue will increase at a CAGR of 16.5% between 2018 and 2022 – outperforming the business segment. During 2017 and 2018, the leisure spend was US$ 13.79billion (EGP 239bn) and US$ 16.67billion (EGP 289bn) respectively, while business totaled US$ 1.93billion (EGP 33.5bn) and US$ 2.36billion (EGP 41bn) over the same period.

“The overall revenue generated by the leisure segment in 2018 represented 87% of total tourism spend and we expect this growth to continue as a series of new government and private sector attractions and investments are unveiled – including the development of new airports and new luxury hotel resorts in Red Sea destinations Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada,” Curtis said.

Egypt has a diverse range of source markets – decreasing the risk of being over-reliant on one specific market. Germany, Russia, the UK and Italy are Egypt’s top four source markets, with the first and last in top gear – both growing 29% in 2018 – and showing the highest CAGR growth of 11%.

The UK, which recorded just a 4% increase in arrivals between 2017 and 2018, has traditionally been a long-standing major source market for the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh. However, an ongoing ban on direct flights between the two destinations has stifled visitor numbers.

Curtis added: “It is hoped the recent resumption of Serbian flights to Sharm El Sheikh after a six-year absence and the introduction of Turkish Airlines’ daily flight from Moscow to the Red Sea via Istanbul, will kick-start direct flights between the UK and Egypt, and of course Russia and Egypt.”

ATM, considered by industry professionals as a barometer for the Middle East and North Africa tourism sector, welcomed over 39,000 people to its 2018 event, showcasing the largest exhibition in the history of the show, with hotels comprising 20% of the floor area.

Brand new for this year’s show will be the launch of Arabian Travel Week, an umbrella brand comprising four co-located shows including ATM 2019, ILTM Arabia, CONNECT Middle East, India & Africa – a new route development forum and new consumer-led event ATM Holiday Shopper. Arabian Travel Week will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre from 27 April – 1 May 2019.

About Arabian Travel Market (ATM)

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.

About Arabian Travel Week

Arabian Travel Week is an umbrella brand comprising four co-located shows including Arabian Travel Market and ILTM Arabia as well as CONNECT Middle East, India and Africa – a new route development forum launching this year and ATM’s first ever consumer event – ATM Holiday Shopper. Providing a renewed focus for the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector – under one roof over the course of one week – the inaugural Arabian Travel Week will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre from Saturday 27th April – Wednesday 1st May 2019. For more information visit: arabiantravelweek.com

About CONNECT

CONNECT Route Development Forum delivers a total networking experience, bringing together airports, airlines and aviation suppliers in a format that offers formal one-to-one pre-arranged meetings, engaging industry seminars together with social opportunities to cement relationships with existing clients and engage with new ones. Created and organised by The Airport Agency-France, CONNECT is now in its 16th year and set to attract over 650 participants in June 2019 at its flagship event taking place in Cagliari, Sardinia. For more information, visit: www.connect-aviation.com

The inaugural CONNECT Middle East, India & Africa event will be the first and only networking forum in the Middle East. Ideally located in Dubai to address the booming aviation market of the Middle East, it will bring together the aviation and the tourism industry which are the backbone and catalyst to economic development. For more information, visit: www.connect-aviation.com/2019-meia/

About ATM Holiday Shopper

ATM Holiday Shopper is the brand-new travel event for consumers offering the very best travel and tourism discounts and deals plus the chance to learn about a range of emerging and unexplored destinations and activities from destinations around the world.  The inaugural event will take place in Hall 1 of the Dubai World Trade Centre on Saturday, 27th April 2019 from 12:00 – 20:00. For more information, visit: www.atmholidayshopper.com

About ILTM Arabia

International Luxury Travel Market Arabia is an exclusive event for those looking to attract HNW travellers from the Middle East to their destination. Returning for its third year, ILTM will allow international luxury suppliers and key luxury buyers to connect via one-to-one pre-scheduled appointments and networking opportunities. ILTM will take place on Sunday 28th April and Monday 29th April 2019. For more information, visit: www.iltm.com/arabia/

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ATM Report: 63% of Dubai Airport passengers were in transit during 2018

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More than 63% of the 89 million passengers who passed through Dubai airport in 2018 were in transit with just 8% of these passengers leaving the airport to explore the emirate, according to the latest Colliers International data published by Reed Travel Exhibitions ahead of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2019, which takes place at Dubai World Trade Centre between 28 April – 1 May 2019.

As Dubai targets 20 million annual visitors by 2020, plus an additional five million between October 2020 and April 2021 for Expo 2020 – 70% of which will come from outside the UAE – a number of initiatives to increase stopover tourism have been introduced including new transit visas and dedicated tourism packages.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “Last year, the UAE introduced a new transit visa allowing all transit passengers an exemption from entry fees for 48 hours with the option to extend up to 96 hours for AED 50. This visa is not only good for the country’s tourism sector but for the local economy as a whole, enticing passengers to view their transit not as an unwanted delay in their travels – but as a good opportunity to add value to their trip and experience everything the UAE has to offer.”

According to IATA, the Middle East is forecast to see an extra 290 million air passengers on routes to, from and within the region by 2037, with the total market size increasing to 501 million passengers during the same period.

Adding to this, figures from ATM 2018 show the number of delegates interested in buying airline products and services increased 13% between 2017 and 2018.

“This projected growth underscores Dubai, and of course the Middle East, as the ideal location to bring together professionals from the aviation and tourism industry for our inaugural CONNECT Middle East, India and Africa forum which will be co-located alongside ATM 2019 – taking place on the last two days of the show,” Curtis said.

The success of the aviation industry in the sky is matched in the GCC and wider MENA region by the continued huge infrastructure investment.

The total value of 195 active aviation-related projects in the Middle East reached almost $50 billion in 2018, according to research provider BNC Network.

The various airport investments under way include AED30 billion in developing Al Maktoum International Airport, AED28 billion expansion of phase four of Dubai International Airport and AED 25 billion for the development and expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport. In addition, Sharjah Airport is also undergoing a AED1.5 billion investment in expansion of its terminal.

There are also a number of upcoming and planned airport expansion projects across Saudi Arabia, including King Abdulaziz International Airport Expansion in Jeddah and King Khalid International Airport Expansion in Riyadh.

Curtis said: “2018 was also an exciting year for new flight routes with GCC airlines alone adding 58 new flight routes – focusing on areas of consistent and substantial growth.

“With two thirds of the world’s population within an eight-hour flight from the GCC, it is an ideal base for exploring some of the world’s most interesting and previously inaccessible corners of the world. And the GCC’s airlines are making it even easier with the continuous addition of new and direct flight routes,” Curtis added.

Looking ahead to ATM 2019, aviation will feature heavily in the programme with a keynote from Emirates’ President Sir Tim Clark titled ‘Emirates: Still leading the way’ as well as an exclusive one-to-one with Air Arabia CEO, Adel Ali. A panel session titled ‘What are the hot topics in the airline world’ which will explore how traffic is performing against a backdrop of volatile fuel prices and geo-political challenges as well as discussing stopover tourism and how the digital world is affecting airline and airport services and experiences for customers.

Confirmed exhibiting airlines for ATM 2019 so far include Emirates, Etihad Airways, Saudi Airlines, flydubai and flynas.

Considered by industry professionals as a barometer for the Middle East and North Africa tourism sector, ATM welcomed over 39,000 people to its 2018 event, showcasing the largest exhibition in the history of the show, with hotels comprising 20% of the floor area.

Brand new for this year’s show will be the launch of Arabian Travel Week, an umbrella brand comprising four co-located shows including ATM 2019, ILTM Arabia, CONNECT Middle East, India & Africa – a new route development forum and new consumer-led event ATM Holiday Shopper. Arabian Travel Week will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre from 27 April – 1 May 2019.

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.

Travel News | eTurboNews