Tourism News Page 511
WTTC Announces Vice Chair & Founding Partners for “Together in Travel” Initiative
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today announced Andrea Grisdale, Founder and CEO of IC Bellagio as Vice Chair of its new initiative, Together in Travel, alongside thirteen founding partners. This groundbreaking program aims to transform how small to medium enterprises (SMEs) operate and succeed within the global travel industry. Andrea Grisdale, with over 25 years of experience in crafting bespoke travel experiences, will lead the initiative’s mission to foster inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability across the sector.
Northern Pakistan Listed as Top Travel Destination, as It Faces Sustainability Challenges
Interest in Northern Pakistan is soaring, with the BBC, CNN and Financial Times all recently naming the region as one of the must visit destinations for 2025. In 2024 the Giglit-Baltistan region saw a 121% increase in international visitors compared to 2023, who were drawn to the area’s stunning mountains, lakes, wildlife, excellent trekking, climbing and unique culture. This trend is expected to continue into 2025, with domestic tourism also sharply on the rise, but this presents ecological challenges in a fragile mountainous environment.
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority Launches ‘Not a Vacation…Our Vacation’
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has unveiled its latest destination marketing film, ‘Not a Vacation…Our Vacation’ – a bold and witty take on what makes the emirate a holiday destination unlike any other. Produced by Goldmine, directed by renowned filmmaker Mark Middlewick and brought to life with creative direction from Impact BBDO, the film offers a fresh perspective on the UAE’s northernmost emirate. Breaking away from conventional travel narratives, it redefines Ras Al Khaimah as a place where curiosity sparks unexpected discoveries, and every experience feels refreshingly different.
Ten Ways to Live the Suite Life with Kempinski
With a collection of spectacular properties in its portfolio, Kempinski Hotels is proudly home to some of the finest luxury suites in the world. From sprawling villas and sky-high penthouses to characterful hideaways steeped in history, the Kempinski constellation is filled with stand-out accommodations fit for contemporary kings and starry-eyed queens. As World Sleep Day approaches on 14 March, Europe’s oldest luxury hotel company has curated a collection of its most sensational suites, based on superlative space, historic pedigree or pure wow factor. From Berlin to Bali, these are the finest accommodation options in the Kempinski collection.
Heritage Expeditions Praised for Setting the Standard in Responsible Expedition Tourism
Heritage Expeditions and the Russ family were praised for setting the New Zealand standard in responsible expedition tourism during an exclusive event celebrating the company’s 40-year anniversary and 50+ year contribution to New Zealand conservation. The Hon. James Meager, Minister for the South Island, told 75 VIP guests on board Heritage Expeditions flagship Heritage Adventurer he could not be prouder of the Christchurch-based, family-owned and operated expedition cruise pioneers and their legacy promoting conservation, tourism and New Zealand as a gateway to the Subantarctic Islands and Antarctica’s Ross Sea.
Hospitality Leaders Stand Behind Ras Al Khaimah’s Tourism Development Vision
In a regional industry first, seven leading global hotel companies have pledged their commitment to supporting Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism development vision as a destination of the future. Individual meetings with His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and His Excellency Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, were held with the global and regional leaders of hospitality, including:
2025 in Normandy: A Year of Unforgettable European Celebrations and Milestones
Normandy is set for an eventful year, with several exciting events lined up. For the past three years, the region has been actively preparing for the Caen Millennium celebrations in 2025, forging strong partnerships. Meetings across the UK and Ireland, southern Italy, Denmark and Norway have fostered collaborations with cultural, political and tourism institutions. Also, a call for projects was launched to engage local tourism, culture, and sports stakeholders in creating events connected to William the Conqueror’s millennium in 2027. Among the ideas already proposed is the creation of a European cultural route named ‘The Norman Road,’ designed to link various historical sites across Europe.
CTO Launches Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase to Inspire Future Caribbean Tourism Leaders
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has launched the Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase 2025, a dynamic competition designed to engage and empower the next generation of Caribbean tourism leaders. Open to tertiary-level students from universities and colleges across CTO member countries, the initiative challenges student teams to develop forward-thinking, sustainable business proposals that drive economic growth and enhance the region’s global tourism appeal.
The Luxury Collection Debuts in South Caicos with the Opening of Salterra
The Luxury Collection, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announces the grand opening of Salterra, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Turks & Caicos, the brand’s first property in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Situated on the idyllic shores of South Caicos Island, this luxurious haven invites guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty, world-class watersports, exquisite dining, and cultural experiences that define the destination.
ETIHAD REPORTS STRONG FEBRUARY 2025 TRAFFIC STATISTICS
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has released its traffic statistics for February 2025, maintaining continued strong performance. The airline welcomed 1.6 million guests during the month, achieving a notable average passenger load factor of 89%.
Final call for entries: ATM Start-Up Pitch Battle seeks the region’s top travel innovators
Providing a platform for the regional entrepreneurs who will shape the future of travel, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) will host the ATM Start-Up Pitch Battle in association with Intelak during the show’s upcoming edition. Taking place on 1 May at ATM’s Future Stage, the competition invites startups to present their innovative and industry-changing business pitches in front of an expert panel of judges, including Ramzi Al Qassab, Managing Director Middle East at Sabre, and Njood Alkhaldi, Innovation Specialist at Intelak Hub.
Abu Dhabi to introduce the world’s largest drone light show
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has witnessed the signing of a strategic partnership agreement between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Colorado-based Nova Sky Stories, and Abu Dhabi-headquartered Analog, an Emirati company, specialised in physical intelligence and mixed reality.