Travel News Page 859
Bartlett Welcomes Investor Confidence Signalled by Catalonia Resorts’ Acquisition of Holiday Inn
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has expressed his excitement about the recent developments within the Jamaican tourism industry as Catalonia Hotels & Resorts yesterday (May 7) announced its purchase of the Holiday Inn Resort, Montego Bay from East Bay Management Company Limited, led by prominent Jamaican businessman Kevin Hendrickson. Minister Bartlett celebrated the move by Catalonia, a respected international hospitality brand, as a strong signal of confidence in Jamaica’s tourism sector and a potential trigger for further investments.
Jamaica Records 1.7 Million Visitors
Jamaica has recorded an impressive 1.7 million visitors as of May 7 of this year. Based on preliminary data, the island recorded 1,016,185 stopover arrivals and over 700,000 cruise passengers, earning roughly US$1.8 billion in revenue. This represents a 4.6% increase in stopover arrivals and a 23% increase in cruise passengers compared to the same period in 2023.
Arival Launches New Conference for U.K., Ireland & Northern Europe
Arival, the leading resource for tours, activities, and attractions businesses, today announced a new in-destination experiences conference focused on the vibrant Northern European market. Arival Edinburgh will welcome some 500 industry leaders and innovators, from 23-25 November 2024.
Experience Abu Dhabi scoops Best Stand Design Award (over 150m2) at the 31st edition of ATM
Experience Abu Dhabi secured the Best Stand Design Award (over 150m2) at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, which will run at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) until Thursday 9 May. The exhibitor’s stand was praised by ATM’s independent panel of judges for its flowing design, innovative use of greenery and excellent visibility from the show floor.
Aviation experts at Arabian Travel Market highlight the pivotal role of innovation as regional passe
As passenger numbers in the Middle East are predicted to reach 429 million this year, representing a 5.4% increase on 2019 figures, a panel of aviation experts convened at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) yesterday to discuss how the market is changing, outlining their predictions for the future of air travel. The session, ‘Looking Skyward for Innovation: How Technology is Disrupting Aviation’, was moderated by travel expert Mark Frary and included panellists from Cirium, IATA, AviationXLab, and Riyadh Air.
Video content key to engaging Gen Z travellers, say experts at ATM 2024
In an enlightening session on “How To Build Influence with Gen Z in Just 30 Seconds”, Marc-Antoine Simon, Industry Manager, Travel and Tourism – MENA, TikTok, shared insights on the latest trends in community-led marketing, demonstrating how brief yet powerful content can significantly influence travel decisions.
JETBLUE AND ETIHAD AIRWAYS ANNOUNCE LOYALTY PARTNERSHIP AS PART OF CODESHARE AGREEMENT
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates and JetBlue, New York’s Hometown Airline®, today announced the addition of loyalty benefits starting 8 May 2024, as part of its long-standing codeshare partnership. The agreement between the two airlines was celebrated at Dubai’s Arabian Travel Market today.
Egypt showcases prominent tourism projects during participation at Arabian Travel Market
Egypt will showcase its commitment to enhancing the tourist experience and attracting new visitors from the UAE, GCC, and globally by highlighting the country’s tourism potential, forthcoming projects, and future initiatives at Arabian Travel Market 2024 (ATM) in Dubai as it looks to build on the record 15 million tourists welcomed in 2023.
Amsa Hospitality and Radisson Hotel Group extend partnership with signing of Radisson Hotel Madinah
Amsa Hospitality and Radisson Hotel Group are proud to announce the signing of Radisson Hotel Madinah, marking Amsa Hospitality’s and Radisson Hotel Group’s first property in the Holy City of Madinah. Set to be operational by the end of 2024, this newly built hotel demonstrates both companies’ commitment to growing their presence in key Saudi cities.
Emirates Inks Strategic Tourism Agreements with Hong Kong, Seychelles and Sri Lanka
Underscoring Emirates’ commitment to boost tourism inflows across its network, the airline has reaffirmed its strategic cooperation with Tourism Seychelles and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and has forged a new partnership with the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Emirates has pledged its renewed commitment with Tourism Seychelles, supporting the island’s efforts to promoting tourism and trade to the country. The MoU was signed by Ahmed Khoory, Emirates’ SVP Commercial - West Asia & Indian Ocean, and Sherin Francis, Principal Secretary Tourism Department, Tourism Seychelles, in the presence of Nabil Sultan, Emirates’ Executive Vice President, Passenger Sales and Country Management.
Miral Announces Highest Ever Visitation Numbers for Yas Island and Saadiyat Island in 2023
Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, announced record-breaking visitation numbers in 2023 across Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, witnessing an extraordinary surge in destination visits and setting a new benchmark. Revealed during Arabian Travel Market 2024, Yas Island recorded over 34 million visits, a rise of 38% compared to 2022, which recorded 24.9 million. Similarly, Saadiyat Island saw a 44% visitation growth compared to 2022.
Princess Cruises Expands Caribbean Program with Return to San Juan Home Port
Princess Cruises today announced its return to San Juan, Puerto Rico for a season of Southern Caribbean cruises onboard Grand Princess, from October 2025 through March 2026. This vibrant capital city of Puerto Rico offers rich history and culture with must-see attractions for Princess guests pre- and post-cruise. These seven-day cruises, which visit more ports than any other 7-day Princess cruise to the Caribbean, are on sale May 16.