Category - Tourism

T&T talks sport tourism with key international cycling official

7 years ago

In line with an aggressive mandate to develop the sport tourism niche, Trinidad and Tobago’s Tourism Development Company held a meeting with John Tolkamp, President of Cycling Canada and Robert Farrier, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation (TTCF), to discuss plans to position the National Cycling Centre as a major hub for hemispheric cyclists to visit and train ahead of major international competitions. “Trinidad is well positioned geographically as the destination of choice...

Carnival Corporation to order first-ever cruise ships built in China

7 years ago

Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest leisure travel company, today announced that its cruise joint venture in China has signed a new memorandum of agreement (MOA) to order the first-ever cruise ships built in China for the Chinese market. Today’s agreement updates the terms of an initial shipbuilding MOA announced in September 2016, further expanding the cooperation between Carnival Corporation and China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), China’s flagship...

Aeromexico announces service to Guadalajara from San Jose, California

7 years ago

Mineta San José International Airport’s (SJC) airline and passenger growth continues with Aeromexico’s announcement today of nonstop service between San José and Guadalajara (GDL) to begin July 1, 2017. Aeromexico will operate six-weekly flights to GDL on Boeing 737-700/800 aircraft. “San José adds up as our 6th destination in California in which our client flow will arrive directly from Guadalajara, one of the airline’s main HUBs”, said Anko van der Werff, Aeromexico’s Chief Revenue Officer...

Madame Tussauds bringing larger than life KONG: Skull Island experience to New York and London

7 years ago

Madame Tussauds have partnered with Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures to bring a larger than life KONG: Skull Island experience to the iconic wax attractions in New York and London, complete with an 18-foot high interactive animatronic head of the mythical monster. Coinciding with the announcement of Kong’s return, ginormous rumbling crates were spotted at iconic locations in both cities. In New York, a rumbling wooden shipping container caused a sensation among Midtown’s...

Valencia celebrates big increase in visitors and new flights from the UK

7 years ago

Valencia received a record 95,106 British visitors in 2016, 19.9% more than in 2015 and, with new direct flights from London Luton, Birmingham, Glasgow and Edinburgh being launched in the next few months, that figure is expected to grow further this year. Overall, 976,133 million foreign tourists visited Valencia last year, with Italians being the largest group, followed by the British. There were 450,000 new seats on international air routes in total, and capacity for the winter 2016/17 season...

Cologne Tourist Board to present innovations at ITB 2017 in Berlin

7 years ago

From March 8 to 12, 2017, the Cologne Tourist Board will appear jointly with the neighbouring Rhineside cities Bonn and Düsseldorf at the ITB, the world’s leading travel trade show, in Berlin. At the event, the Cologne Tourist Board will present Cologne’s broad range of tourist services to international trade visitors and private visitors at Stand 103 in Hall 8.2. Within this framework, the mayors of the three cities will welcome visitors at an official opening at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 9...

Tribute Portfolio debuts in China

7 years ago

Tribute Portfolio, part of Marriott International, Inc., today announced its debut in China with the addition of The Yuluxe Sheshan, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Shanghai. Owned by Shimao Property Holdings, the hotel joins Tribute Portfolio’s collection of exceptional hotels around the globe, spanning from Palm Springs to Paris, and from Miami to Mendoza. In almost two years, Tribute Portfolio has opened 19 hotels with 14 on the horizon, including The Honghe Nativeland Mile in Yunnan, China...

World Tea Coffee Expo returns to Mumbai

7 years ago

Growing in size and stature every year, the 5th edition of World Tea Coffee Expo comes back to Mumbai from 16th Nov – 18th Nov 2017 with a host of enhanced features and activities covering the entire gamut of the Hot Beverage sector. Globally recognized at a complete trade show for Tea, Coffee and allied sectors, the three day annual event shall witness about 90+ exhibitors from 8 countries showcasing latest innovative products, machineries, equipment, packaging, technologies, vending...

Biggest Asian pop and manga culture event in the Benelux coming to Brussels Expo

7 years ago

From March 3rd until March 5th 2017, Made in Asia will take place in Brussels Expo, it is the biggest event in the Benelux dedicated to the Asian pop and manga culture. More than 300 exhibitors, shops, fun and cultural activities, exclusive concerts, Japanese guests signing autographs (TAKAHIRO OBA : Sky-High Survival, CHIKASHI KUBOTA : One Punch Man, …) and the 2017 preselections for the World Cosplay Summit. And not to forget: an entry ticket for MIA will offer free and unlimited access to...

Global luxury hotel market expected to reach $20,442 million by 2022

7 years ago

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Luxury Hotel Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2014-2022”, the luxury hotel market was valued at $15,535 million in 2015, and is projected to reach $20,442 million by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 4.0% from 2016 to 2022. The business hotels segment accounted for around 42% of the total market revenue in 2015. Luxury hotels provide comfortable stay to tourist and travelers along with...

UNWTO hosts presentation of stamps commemorating International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017

7 years ago

UNWTO Headquarters in Madrid hosted the presentation on Tuesday of two Spanish stamps commemorating the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017. The United Nations declared 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, highlighting the potential of tourism to be a pillar of a sustainable, inclusive and equitable future for all. UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai recalled that the Year aims to inspire change among all those involved in tourism...

Dinosaurs Are Coming To Stone Mountain Park

7 years ago

After a 65 to 230 million year hiatus, Stone Mountain Park, Georgia’s most visited attraction, today announced plans to debut its latest addition, Dinosaur Explore, set to open March 30 and run throughout the 2017 season. “Most of our guests are probably too young to remember the last time dinosaurs inhabited Stone Mountain Park,” said Michael Dombrowski, general manager of Stone Mountain Park. “Our newest attraction brings the wonder and excitement of these prehistoric...

Centara Grand at CentralWorld Hotel in Bangkok: eTN evaluation

7 years ago

Last month I had a chance to stay at the Centara Grand at CentralWorld Hotel in Bangkok. Attending a conference at the Bangkok Convention Centre, no hotel would have given one easier access than the Centara Grand at CentralWorld. The skyscraper connected to the convention center and the CentralWorld Shopping Center in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The outdoor swimming pool on the 26th floor, together with an award-winning SPA Cenvaree, along with a fitness center and tennis courts with modern...

Uzbekistan: Another country with ICTP members

7 years ago

The International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) has two tour operator members in Uzbekistan: Havas Tour Service and Uzbekistan For You. Both members showed their commitment to GREEN GROWTH + QUALITY = BUSINESS when they joined ICTP. Uzbekistan is a Central Asian nation and former Soviet republic. It’s known for its mosques, mausoleums, and other sites linked to the Silk Road – the ancient trade route between China and the Mediterranean. Samarkand, a major city on the route...

A FICO is born! One of the world’s largest food markets

7 years ago

October 2017 will see the birth of one of the largest food markets ever seen in the world, so it is promised – a permanent food and agriculture site comparable to a mini expo. The given name remains within the theme: FICO, which in Italian is the name of the “fig tree.” Here, the acronyms stands for Fabbrica Italiana Contadina (Italian Rural Factory). Its location will be in the Bologna district, an area known for its excellence for food and produce. FICO will replace an...

Tourist hotels in Tanzania in the spotlight over illicit drug deals

7 years ago

Tourist hotels and several tourist recreational facilities in Tanzania’s commercial city of Dar es Salaam are in the spotlight, accused of working closely and in connection with illicit drugs and narcotics dealers. The government has listed and targeted a number of tourist hotels in Tanzania’s leading commercial capital, pinpointing their owners, saying they are well connected with illicit drugs and narcotics barons, also harboring drug abusers, dealers, and pushers in the hotels. Dar es...

Hotel history 1884: Chelsea Hotel in Manhattan

7 years ago

Stanley Bard, manager and part owner of the Chelsea Hotel in Manhattan for more than 40 years, passed away on February 14, 2017 at 82 years of age. His obituary in the New York Times by Sam Roberts called Bard “a Robin Hood of innkeepers who nurtured talented writers and artists and tolerated assorted deadbeats…” The history of the Chelsea Hotel, before, during and after the Bard family’s operation is so fascinating and unique that I will quote selectively from my book “Built To Last: 100+ Year...

Planning in high gear for historic global tourism conference being held in Jamaica

7 years ago

Multi-sectoral planning has started in earnest for Jamaica’s hosting of the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) historic Global Conference on Building Partnerships for Sustainable Tourism for Development. The highly-anticipated event will be held from November 27 to 29, 2017, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, St. James. With the commitment and involvement of several government ministries and agencies as well as key private sector groups and companies, a roster of sub...

Valmer Resort in Seychelles upgrades customer experience

7 years ago

Valmer Resort in Seychelles continues to enhance its guests’ comfort factor with recent upgrades in its customer service experience. The secluded homegrown hotel located in the picturesque Baie Lazare area, is aiming to provide the best hospitality experience in the 4-star category by constantly adding amenities and features to the benefit of its ever-discerning clients. A complete coverage Wi-Fi system is now operational and clients can have access to the worldwide web at the touch of their...

Antigua and Barbuda to host CTU’s ICT Week and Symposium

7 years ago

The rapid pace of innovation in information and communication technologies (ICT) is impacting every aspect of Caribbean life. There is a clarion call for the region to keep abreast with and understand the potential of these new and revolutionary technologies to overcome the challenges faced by the Caribbean and to drive meconomic growth. It is imperative that Caribbean leaders consider the opportunities presented by the ICT revolution and adopt the technologies that can transform all sectors...

Carnival Cruise Line expands ‘Carnival Journeys’ program

7 years ago

Carnival Cruise Line has expanded its popular Carnival Journeys enrichment cruise series with 13 new 12- to 14-day seagoing adventures departing from homeports along the East and West Coasts and the Gulf of Mexico in 2018 and 2019. The new voyages are in addition to a number of previously announced nine-to 15-day Carnival Journeys cruises departing in 2017-18. In addition to visiting some of the world’s most beautiful destinations, guests sailing on Carnival Journeys cruises can...

Difficult general conditions: Cologne reports decrease in visitor numbers

7 years ago

Cologne tourism year 2016 lagged behind the record-breaking year 2015, posting a total of 3.35 million arriving guests and 5.8 million overnight stays. The decreases amount to 2.9 percent for arrivals and 3.5 percent for officially recorded overnight stays in hotels. After 15 years during which the figures for overnight stays have doubled since 2000, last year many different kinds of influencing factors – some of them global – had negative effects on the development of tourism in Cologne. As...

SuperStar Virgo increases length of Shanghai homeport cruises to international standard

7 years ago

Star Cruises has enhanced its itineraries from Shanghai to meet International standards of 8-Day/7-Night voyages, now taking in the capital city of Tokyo and the iconic Mt. Fuji, two “must see” destinations in Japan, in addition to Osaka and Kagoshima. The new cruise season will begin on July 6 and extend to November 30 to also take advantage of the beautiful autumn foliage in Japan. Japan remains a popular destination for the China market, currently with approximately 2 million Chinese...

‘Dos and don’ts’ of staying in a Ryokan: Kyoto releases guidelines for UK travelers

7 years ago

For the thousands of UK tourists who visit Kyoto each year, staying in the highly unique and traditional accommodation of a Ryokan is a special experience. However, to raise awareness of the customs within the Ryokans and limit misdemeanors, Kyoto Convention & Visitors Bureau has released an infographic outlining the ‘AKIMAHEN’, or the ‘dos and don’ts’ for a serene and restful stay. The guidelines have been released in partnership with TripAdvisor and detail the etiquette essentials for...

Ice-cold anniversary: airberlin’s 10th special flight to the North Pole

7 years ago

Fascinating snow landscapes and untouched nature – airberlin is now offering the world’s only flight to the North Pole for the 10th time. On 1 May 2017, Germany’s second-largest airline will take off from Berlin-Tegel for the twelve-hour adventure over the Arctic and to the North Pole. In cooperation with AirEvents, airberlin will allow its passengers to explore this breathtaking landscape comfortably from the air in an A330-200. The route runs along the Norwegian coast to...

UNWTO Smart Destinations: Innovation, technology and sustainability

7 years ago

Over three days (15-17 February) more than 100 speakers from 20 countries convened in Murcia, Spain to present solutions and experiences for ‘smart destinations’. The 1st UNWTO World Conference on Smart Destinations was organized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in cooperation with the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and the Digital Agenda of Spain and the Region of Murcia. ‘Smart destinations’ are key to sustainable development and contribute not only to advances in the tourism sector...

Chaos at Heathrow: Airport motorway tunnel blocked by climate change protesters

7 years ago

Climate change protesters have blockaded a motorway tunnel leading to Heathrow Airport in protest against a planned third runway being built. Major delays on the M4 are causing chaos for airport passengers. Activists used a vehicle to block the tunnel leading to the airport before chaining themselves to it and lying down on the road on Tuesday morning. The blue car had a banner on it reading “no new runways.” Two drivers of two other vehicles blocking the tunnel have been arrested, according to...

Macau Wynn Resorts outranks every single other Casino Resort

7 years ago

Wynn Resorts today was once again honored as the highest ranking casino resort on FORTUNE Magazine’s 2017 World’s Most Admired Companies list in the hotel, casino and resort category, ranking number three out of 12 internationally distinguished hospitality companies. Wynn Resorts ranked first overall in the category of Quality of Products/Services among all international hotel companies. The company also received high marks for Innovation, People Management, and Quality of...

$46 million allocated to help transform Mobay Hip Strip

7 years ago

Jamaica Minister of Tourism Hon. Edmund Bartlett has revealed that the Ministry of Tourism has allocated some $46 million to aid in transforming Montego Bay’s Hip Strip, in the center of the historical tourist city. The need for a transformation was highlighted by Minister Bartlett and Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness at the official opening of the 146 room Royal Decameron Cornwall Beach Resort in Montego Bay recently. Discussions will be had with stakeholders about building out the...

New ideas generated at India’s International Hotel Travel and Tourism Research Conference

7 years ago

The 7th India International Hotel Travel and Tourism Research Conference (IIHTTRC) was held in Delhi, India, on February 17 and 18. The IIHTTRC series has become a prominent international conference in the field of hotel, travel and tourism. The Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology (BCIHMCT) has been conducting the conference over the past few years involving the tourism and hospitality industry. Some of the ideas that came up during a panel discussion...