Organisations & Operators News Page 69

ATM 2018: Finnish tourist authority debuts at industry leading event
The Finnish tourist authority, Visit Finland, has highlighted an increase in global and UAE visitor numbers as the government entity makes its debut on the exhibition floor at Arabian Travel Market.

TripAdvisor acquires Bokun to grow experiences offering
TripAdvisor has acquired Bokun, a leading provider of business management technology for the tours, attractions and experiences industry.

MICE focus drives up visitor figures for Chicago
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and David Whitaker, president of Choose Chicago, have announced Chicago reached record tourism levels in the first quarter of 2018.

Maldives sees sharp increase in UK arrivals in early 2018
The Maldives has announced double-digit growth of 17.5 per cent in the number of UK travellers who visited in March 2018, when compared with the same month last year.

Samara to lead Saudi-based Al Hokair Group
Al Hokair Group has appointed Omar Sami Samara to the role of chief executive officer for tourism and development.

Ras al Khaimah welcomes World Travel Awards for first time
Ras al Khaimah has welcomed the World Travel Awards Middle East Gala Ceremony for the first time, with the best of regional hospitality recognised at the event.

WTTC links with United Nations for climate change action
The World Travel & Tourism Council and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change have agreed a common agenda for climate action in the tourism sector.
AHIC 2018: RAK Hospitality Holding launches Hospitality Advisory Partners
RAK Hospitality Holding has announced the evolution of its asset management subsidiary into a strategic advisory firm, Hospitality Advisory Partners.

WTTC praises resilience among Caribbean hospitality sector
In response to the impact of the 2017 hurricane season on the Caribbean’s tourism sector, the World Travel & Tourism Council has launched a report on resilience and recovery assessing the immediate and long-term effect across the region.

UK arrivals drive tourism sector in Mauritius
The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority has announced a nine per cent increase in visitor arrivals from the UK market for the first quarter of 2018.

UK government to close false holiday sickness claims loophole
The UK government has said it will introduce new rules to fix the legal costs that can be claimed in package holiday sickness claims. The move is designed to close a loophole which the travel industry believes has helped fuel a rising number of claims.

UKHospitality unveils brand identity ahead of inaugural conference
UKHospitality has unveiled its new logo – a symbol of the modernity and dynamism of the newly merged association – as part of its announcement of its inaugural event for the industry, Shaping the Future.