Tourism News Page 934
Belize announces an update of its National Sustainable Tourism Master Plan
Belize announces an update of its National Sustainable Tourism Master Plan and the inaugural World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2024 (WSTHA) as country urges tourism to take centre stage at COP28
Ground-breaking report reveals that as Travel & Tourism continues to grow, its water intensity falls
Europe and Africa saw a decline in water use despite international arrivals growth
Anticipation Builds as World Travel Awards Grand Final Takes Center Stage in Dubai
Tonight marks a momentous occasion for the global travel industry as the Grand Final of the World Travel Awards (WTA) unfolds in the vibrant city of Dubai. After months of excitement and anticipation, industry leaders, professionals, and enthusiasts from around the world are gearing up for an unforgettable night that will unveil the crème de la crème of the travel and hospitality sector.
VIKING MARKS FLOAT OUT OF NEWEST OCEAN SHIP
Viking® (www.viking.com) announced its newest ocean ship—the 998-guest Viking Vela®—was “floated out,” marking a major construction milestone and the first time the ship has touched water. Scheduled to debut in December 2024, the Viking Vela will spend her inaugural season sailing voyages in the Mediterranean and in Northern Europe.
Explore This Year’s Best Winter Offers from Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
With the seasons changing and temperatures dropping, it’s time for travellers to prepare their winter itineraries. From soaking in hot springs in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, to snowshoeing along awe-inspiring frozen lakes in Mont Tremblant or unwinding with an après cocktail after a full day on the slopes in Montreux Switzerland, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts offers a variety of winter activities for every vacationer to enjoy.
Mercure Launches ‘Bucket List’ of 50 Unique Food & Drink Experiences Globally for Its 50th
To commemorate its 50th anniversary, Mercure has introduced its own ‘Bucket List’ featuring 50 carefully curated food and drink experiences from around the world. This list is aimed at inspiring guests, travelers, and food enthusiasts to embark on a journey of local discovery while staying at Mercure properties. The list includes experiences like lavender tasting and oyster sampling at Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge in Australia, seaweed caviar making at Mercure La Baule Majestic in France, a lesson on making authentic Spanish paella at Mercure Benidorm in Spain, and more.
Cathay Pacific Partners with Disney+ to Offer Exclusive Inflight Entertainment Experience
Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s flagship airline, is set to become the first airline in the Asia-Pacific region to offer Disney+ Original titles as part of its inflight entertainment experience. Starting from December 1, 2023, passengers on Cathay Pacific flights will have access to over 100 hours of content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, including exclusive Disney+ entertainment not previously available on the airline.
SAS Announces Leadership Changes: Chief of Staff to Retire, New Chief People Officer Appointed
Carina Malmgren Heander, the Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff at SAS, has decided to retire from her position effective February 1, 2024. However, she will continue to serve as a senior advisor to CEO Anko van der Werff until the summer of 2024 to ensure a smooth transition. In light of her retirement, SAS is undergoing an internal reorganization that includes the establishment of a new Chief People function, which will replace the Chief of Staff role and encompass HR and Communication functions.
Detroit Shines in 2023 as a Premier LGBTQ+ Inclusive Destination
For an impressive eighth consecutive year, Detroit has received a perfect score on the 2023 Municipal Equality Index (MEI) evaluated by the Human Rights Campaign. This esteemed recognition comes from an annual assessment of the inclusivity laws and policies for the LGBTQ+ community within Detroit, alongside 506 other cities.
Banyan Tree Dubai Opens on Bluewaters Dubai to Offer Island Retreat Living in Group’s Dubai Debut
Banyan Tree, one of the world’s leading hospitality brands, is pleased to announce the opening of its first property in Dubai. Opening on the UAE’s 52nd Union Day 2 December 2023, with a full suite of dining and recreational facilities, Banyan Tree Dubai fronts the shoreline of Bluewaters Dubai– a vibrant lifestyle destination by Dubai Holding offering a mix of residential, retail, hospitality and entertainment options.
ONYX Hospitality Group Expands Its Presence in Southeast Asia with Amari Vientiane in Laos
ONYX Hospitality Group, a prominent player in the Asian hospitality industry, has achieved a significant milestone with the signing of Amari Vientiane in Laos, marking the group’s second Amari brand property in the country, complementing Amari Vang Vieng.
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi Appoints New General Manager
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, the epitome of luxury in the Maldives and leader of unparalleled bespoke service, is delighted to announce the appointment of TJ Joulak as General Manager. A veteran in luxury hospitality, Joulak has over 25 years of experience in the industry and worked across markets in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.