Breaking Travel News

World Travel Market 2019

World Travel Market 2019

World Travel Market in London is the leading global event for the hospitality sector, a must-attend three-day exhibition for the whole tourism industry. Here Breaking Travel News catches up with the leading players at the show to find out what topics are moving up the agenda this year.

Videos

Edmund Bartlett, minister of tourism, Jamaica

Edmund Bartlett, minister of tourism, Jamaica

7 November 2019

Having caused a stir with calls for an international oversight body for travel advisories, Jamaica minister of tourism, Edmund Bartlett, here expands on the ideas as he speaks to Breaking Travel News during World Travel Market in London.

Gaurav Bhatnagar, co-founder, TBO Group

Gaurav Bhatnagar, co-founder, TBO Group

6 November 2019

With a host of new technical innovations on the horizon, Gaurav Bhatnagar, co-founder of TBO Group, brings Breaking Travel News up to date at World Travel Market in London. Having claimed a host of top World Travel Awards titles, he also reveals how the accolades have helped develop the brand in a competitive marketplace.

Charles Fernandez, minister of tourism, Antigua & Barbuda

Charles Fernandez, minister of tourism, Antigua & Barbuda

6 November 2019

Chatting with Breaking Travel News at World Travel Market in London, Charles Fernandez, minister of tourism for Antigua & Barbuda, tells us how the destination has been quick to recover from the impact of recent hurricanes.

Céline Cousteau, ambassador, TreadRight

Céline Cousteau, ambassador, TreadRight

6 November 2019

Céline Cousteau has travelled the world working to help communicate the stories that connect humans and the environment. In her role as ambassador for TreadRight, Cousteau her tells Breaking Travel News what concrete steps each of us can take to reduce our impact on the environment as we travel.

Dominic Fedee, minister of tourism, Saint Lucia Tourism Authority

Dominic Fedee, minister of tourism, Saint Lucia Tourism Authority

6 November 2019

Breaking Travel News chats with Dominic Fedee, minister of tourism for Saint Lucia, about plans for a new cruise port on the island and the latest investments at the international airport. In his role as the chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, he also tells us about a controversial recent decision to close offices in New York and London.

Florian Sengstschmid, chief executive, Azerbaijan Tourism Board

Florian Sengstschmid, chief executive, Azerbaijan Tourism Board

6 November 2019

Representing one of the fastest-emerging tourism destinations at World Travel Market in London, Florian Sengstschmid, chief executive of Azerbaijan Tourism Board, here tells Breaking Travel News what is on offer in the market. He tells editor Chris O’Toole about the surprising diversity of attractions there, as well as the wealth of heritage.

Zayed Bin Rashid Alzayani, minister of tourism, Bahrain

Zayed Bin Rashid Alzayani, minister of tourism, Bahrain

6 November 2019

With a host of new attractions coming onto the market and a boost in visitor numbers out of the UK, Bahrain is enjoying a strong 2019. Speaking to Breaking Travel News in London, minister of tourism Zayed Bin Rashid Alzayani tells us more.

Martina Bienenfeld, chief executive, Zagreb Tourist Board

Martina Bienenfeld, chief executive, Zagreb Tourist Board

6 November 2019

With Croatia poised to take up the presidency of the European Union in early 2020, it is an exiting time for tourism in the country. Here Breaking Travel News chats with Martina Bienenfeld, chief executive of the Zagreb Tourist Board, about how the destination plans to seize the opportunities offered.

Paul Gardiner, chief executive, Mantis Collection

Paul Gardiner, chief executive, Mantis Collection

6 November 2019

As the company prepares to unveil a new innovation hub for the eco-lodge sector, Breaking Travel News talks to Paul Gardiner, chief executive of Mantis Collection, at World Travel Market in London. He gives us the latest, while also granting us a sneak peak of a new franchise model being developed for launch next year.

María Amalia Revelo Raventó, minister of tourism, Costa Rica

María Amalia Revelo Raventó, minister of tourism, Costa Rica

6 November 2019

Having been recognised by the United Nations for the country’s commitment to sustainability, María Amalia Revelo Raventó, minister of tourism for Costa Rica, here explains to Breaking Travel News how the destination plans to go carbon neutral by 2050.

Amir Halevi, director general, Ministry of Tourism, Israel

Amir Halevi, director general, Ministry of Tourism, Israel

6 November 2019

With the new Ramon International Airport opening in Eliat, Amir Halevi, director general at the Israel Ministry of Tourism, tells Breaking Travel News what it means to the hospitality sector in the country. Following the recent success of the ‘Two Cities: One Break’ campaign, he also tells Breaking Travel News what we can expect next year to keep the momentum up.

Nia Niscaya, deputy minister of tourism, Indonesia

Nia Niscaya, deputy minister of tourism, Indonesia

5 November 2019

As Indonesia seeks to diversify away from focusing on Bali, Nia Niscaya, deputy minister of tourism for the destination, tells us how successful those efforts have been. Speaking at World Travel Market in London, she also explains how important growing airlift into the country has been for the development of the hospitality sector.

Sandra Doig, deputy director, PromPeru

Sandra Doig, deputy director, PromPeru

5 November 2019

Having taken the title of World’s Leading Culinary Destination for the past seven years at the World Travel Awards, food tops the agenda as Breaking Travel News speaks to Sandra Doig, deputy director of PromPeru, during World Travel Market in London.

Ian Uthermohlen, regional general manager, Europe, South Africa Tourism

Ian Uthermohlen, regional general manager, Europe, South Africa Tourism

5 November 2019

Following a change of political leadership in the country, optimism is returning to the hospitality sector in South Africa. Here Breaking Travel News chats with Ian Uthermohlen, regional general manager for Europe at South Africa Tourism, to find out what practical changes visitors can expect.

Fahd Hamidaddin, chief of investment, Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage

Fahd Hamidaddin, chief of investment, Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage

5 November 2019

Speaking to Breaking Travel News in London, Fahd Hamidaddin, chief of investment, strategy and tourism marketing at the Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage, tells us how a recent change in visa regulations will impact on demand for the country. With a series of new investments also reaching fruition, it is an exciting time for the hospitality sector in Saudi Arabia.

Patricia Palacios de Naranjo, undersecretary of international relations, Ecuador

Patricia Palacios de Naranjo, undersecretary of international relations, Ecuador

5 November 2019

Having taken the title of World’s Leading Green Destination at the World Travel Awards last year, Ecuador is well placed to benefit from the growth of sustainable tourism. Here Patricia Palacios de Naranjo, undersecretary of markets, investment and international relations at the ministry of tourism, tells Breaking Travel News about her plans for the future of the sector in South America.

Sanjive Khosla, chief commercial officer, Expo 2020

Sanjive Khosla, chief commercial officer, Expo 2020

5 November 2019

With less than a year to go until the event, preparations are moving up a gear at Expo 2020. Here Breaking Travel News chats with Sanjive Khosla, chief commercial officer for the event, during World Travel Market in London. He tells us about his ambitions for the exhibition and the lasting impact it will have on the hospitality sector in the Middle East.

Saeed Rashed Al Saeed, destination marketing manager, Department of Culture & Tourism - Abu Dhabi

Saeed Rashed Al Saeed, destination marketing manager, Department of Culture & Tourism - Abu Dhabi

5 November 2019

With the UK continuing to increase in importance as a source market for the emirate, Saeed Rashed Al Saeed, destination marketing manager with the Department of Culture & Tourism in Abu Dhabi, tells Breaking Travel News how his team is working to woo travellers. With a host of new attractions also on the horizon, it is an exiting time as he chats with editor Chris O’Toole in London.

Gilles Ringwald, vice president, commercial, Air Transat

Gilles Ringwald, vice president, commercial, Air Transat

5 November 2019

As the merger with Air Canada approaches completion Gilles Ringwald, vice president of commercial with Air Transat, tells Breaking Travel News what the deal will mean for fliers in the country. With new frequencies also launching to London, he also tells us how important the city is to the future of the carrier.

Ksenya Boykova, head of international affairs, Moscow Committee for Tourism

Ksenya Boykova, head of international affairs, Moscow Committee for Tourism

5 November 2019

As the city undergoes a renaissance, Ksenya Boykova, head of international affairs at the Moscow Committee for Tourism, tells Eleanor Hawkins from Breaking Travel News what guests can expect to find. Having been unveiled as the host for the World Travel Awards Grand Final 2020, plans for the event are also under discussion.

Thomas Grundner, vice president, sales and marketing, JA Resorts & Hotels

Thomas Grundner, vice president, sales and marketing, JA Resorts & Hotels

5 November 2019

With the Lake View property opening in Dubai, Thomas Grundner, vice president of sales and marketing at JA Resorts & Hotels, explains to Breaking Travel News what it will add to the portfolio. Speaking at World Travel Market in London, he also reveals the latest from the brand’s hotels in the Indian Ocean.

Christophe Schnyder, general manager, Sofitel Dubai the Palm

Christophe Schnyder, general manager, Sofitel Dubai the Palm

5 November 2019

Breaking Travel News catches up with Christophe Schnyder, general manager of Sofitel Dubai the Palm, to discuss the mood in Emirati hospitality in late 2019. Also on the agenda are the latest developments at the hotel and plans for the upcoming Expo 2020.

Fredrik Reinisch, cluster general manager, Al Habtoor City Hotels

Fredrik Reinisch, cluster general manager, Al Habtoor City Hotels

4 November 2019

Having recently taken over leadership of the three hotels at Al Habtoor City, Fredrik Reinisch tells Breaking Travel News what these unique locations bring to the hospitality market in the United Arab Emirates. With Expo 2020 just around the corner, he also tells us what opportunities it will bring for hoteliers in Dubai.

Leah Chandler, chief marketing officer, Discover Puerto Rico

Leah Chandler, chief marketing officer, Discover Puerto Rico

4 November 2019

As the island battles back from the impact of a devastating hurricane, Leah Chandler, chief marketing officer with Discover Puerto Rico, tells Breaking Travel News that the destination is very much open for business. With the World Travel & Tourism Council set to hosts its annual summit there next year, the future appears bright for the Caribbean location.

Ian Scott, UK director, Ajman Tourism

Ian Scott, UK director, Ajman Tourism

4 November 2019

As the destination battles to gain a foothold in the competitive tourism sector in the United Arab Emirates, Ian Scott, UK director for Ajman Tourism, tells Breaking Travel News what is on offer there during World Travel Market in London.

Ricardo Dinis, area sales manager, TAP Air Portugal

Ricardo Dinis, area sales manager, TAP Air Portugal

4 November 2019

With new planes joining the fleet, new destinations being added to the route map and recognition by the World Travel Awards, it is an exciting time for Tap Air Portugal. Speaking to Breaking Travel News at World Travel Market, Ricardo Dinis, regional sales manager for the carrier in the UK, brings us right up to date.

Kel Patel, country manager, UK, Oman Air

Kel Patel, country manager, UK, Oman Air

4 November 2019

With the World Travel Awards preparing to host its Grand Final 2019 in Muscat in just a few weeks, Kel Patel, country manager in the UK for Oman Air, tells Breaking Travel News what opportunities the event offers the airline during World Travel Market in London.

Anna Karas, director of public relations, Ayana Resorts

Anna Karas, director of public relations, Ayana Resorts

4 November 2019

Anna Karas, director of public relations and marketing communications with Ayana Resorts, speaks to Breaking Travel News during World Travel Market in London. She tells us about the fast-moving tourism sector in Indonesia and reveals just what it is that makes the properties she represents so special.

Guillermo Quesada, general manager, Toro Verde Ras Al Khaimah

Guillermo Quesada, general manager, Toro Verde Ras Al Khaimah

4 November 2019

As Ras al Khaimah continues to develop a reputation as one of the best adventure tourism destinations in the world, Breaking Travel News speaks to Guillermo Quesada, general manager at Toro Verde, to find out more about the new zipline safari.