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- Burkina Faso Bans BBC, VOA Over Civilian Massacre Report
The radio broadcasts of BBC Africa and Voice of America (VOA) have been suspended in Burkina Faso. The authorities claim that this action was taken in response to their coverage of a report that accused the country’s army of carrying out mass executions. As a result, the broadcasts of both organizations have been removed from the airwaves, and access to their respective websites has been prohibited.
The BBC and VOA have both expressed their commitment to ongoing coverage of developments in the nation.
The US-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) has released a report on Thursday accusing the country’s military forces of “summarily executing” a minimum of 223 civilians, including 56 children, in two villages during February. The HRW is urging authorities to conduct an investigation into these massacres.
According to the report, the country’s army has consistently engaged in mass atrocities against civilians under the pretext of combating terrorism. HRW further indicates that this “massacre” seems to be a part of a broader military campaign targeting civilians who are suspected of collaborating with armed groups.
The communication council of Burkina Faso has stated that the report by HRW includes statements that are considered “peremptory and tendentious” towards the army, which could potentially incite public unrest. Additionally, the council has cautioned other media outlets from reporting on the matter.
Burkina Faso is currently under the control of a military junta headed by Captain Ibrahim Traore. Captain Traore took power in a coup in September 2022, following a previous military coup that ousted the democratically elected President Roch Marc Kabore eight months earlier.
Burkina Faso is facing challenges from Al-Qaeda-linked insurgent groups operating in the Sahel region, resulting in numerous attacks across African nations. According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), approximately 7,800 civilians lost their lives in the Sahel within the first seven months of 2023.
During a security summit this week, Moussa Faki Mahamat, the President of the African Union (AU) Commission, emphasized the need for increased local-led peacekeeping efforts in response to the escalating attacks by armed groups in various regions of Africa. In light of the surging extremist violence across the continent, the AU has called for a more robust counterterrorism strategy, which involves the deployment of a standby security force.
- A Tourism Hero is Back on the World Stage: Dr. Walter Mzembi
The Berlin Forum on Folklore Diplomacy 2024 will take place in Berlin, Germany, from May 16 to 19, 2024, focusing on Culture and Folklore Diplomacy to serve as a powerful vehicle of cultural diplomacy within and between nations.
Dr. Walter Mzembi told eTurboNews he was very excited to have been invited to deliver his keynote speech at this Berlin event, adding travel and tourism to this critical agenda.
Dr. Mzembis’s expected reminder that tourism is part of culture, peace, and folklore could not have come at a more critical and challenging international time.
With his background as a foreign minister in a country that went through enormous challenges and changes, his experience as one of the longest-serving ministers of tourism, and his participation as a candidate for Africa, competing second place in the UNWTO Secretary Election in 2018, he brings a tourism and geopolitical perspective to the event like no one else could.
Mzembi experienced it all in his career, including losing a UNWTO election due to corruption and manipulation, being shamed and arrested in his own country, fleeing to South Africa, and finally winning the court battle that cleared his name.
On October 19, 2020, while in South African Exile, the World Tourism Network awarded Dr. Walter Mzembi the Tourism Heroes Award.
For decades, all forms of culture and folklore have served as powerful, effective vehicles of cultural diplomacy, inspiring and enabling people to build and strengthen diplomatic, economic, and cultural bridges and come together to develop prosperous, peaceful relations.
Over the years, institutions and individuals have used the unique potential of culture and folklore to transcend cultural barriers. They serve as common languages to unite different groups and communities and promote democracy, cultural understanding, human rights, and more.
The Berlin Forum on Folklore Diplomacy 2024 will take place in Berlin from May 16 – 19, 2024, focusing on the potential for Culture and folklore Diplomacy to serve as powerful vehicles of cultural diplomacy within and between nations.
The forum will examine examples of Cultural and folklore diplomacy and explore potential future applications in international relations.
It will bring together renowned figures from international politics, art, and academia to speak to an interdisciplinary audience, including diplomatic and political representatives, young professionals, scholars, and academics.
Folklore
The English researcher William John Thoms coined the term folklore in 1846 when he founded folklore as an academic field.
Folklore communicates folk traditions in diverse forms, such as customs, music, dance, cultural foods, poetry, clothing, art, folk tales, and language.
Folklore developed simultaneously as nation-states, industrialization, and modernization. The development of nationalities comes together with developments in folk identity and folk tales.
- Positive Effects of AI in the Airline Industry
In the airline industry, AI is rapidly playing a significant role, revolutionizing various aspects of operations.
Here are some key areas where AI is making a positive impact.
Customer Service
Airlines are using AI-powered chatbots to handle customer queries, provide flight information, and assist with booking and reservations. These chatbots can offer personalized recommendations and assistance, improving the overall customer experience.
Predictive Maintenance
AI is used to predict maintenance issues in aircraft by analyzing data from sensors and historical maintenance records. This helps airlines schedule maintenance more efficiently, reducing downtime and improving safety.
Route Optimization
AI algorithms are used to optimize flight routes, taking into account factors like weather conditions, air traffic, and fuel efficiency. This helps airlines reduce costs and improve operational efficiency.
Crew Management
AI is used to optimize crew schedules, taking into account factors like flight schedules, crew preferences, and regulatory requirements. This helps airlines manage their crew more effectively and reduce scheduling conflicts.
Baggage Handling
AI is used to track and manage baggage more efficiently, reducing the likelihood of lost luggage and improving customer satisfaction.
Revenue Management
AI algorithms are used to analyze data and predict demand for flights, helping airlines optimize pricing strategies and maximize revenue.
Safety and Security
AI is used to enhance safety and security measures at airports, including facial recognition for boarding and security screenings, as well as predictive analytics for identifying potential security threats.
Overall, AI is helping airlines improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the passenger experience, making it a crucial technology in the industry’s future development.
- First Chief Pet Officer Ever is Named
Garfield! Yes, that slyly likeable cartoon tabby feline is using his clout to make sure people know that Motel 6 lets your pet stay for free. To that end, CPO Garfield is celebrating in more ways than one.
First, he is introducing the Garfield Suite at Motel 6 Hollywood (of course Hollywood) and a few other places across the country. True to his furry nature, the room is decked out in orange and over the top with walls covered in orange fur and striped prints. Pets will be sure to love the cat condo, cat tree, and cat plushies… and of course similar amenities for the other 4-legged fur pets, dogs.
But hurry because this special suite is only available for a limited time in celebration of “The Garfield Movie” coming out on May 24. And there are prizes! Maybe you will be walking down the orange carpet at the movie premiere. Check it out!
Garfield Suite – image courtesy of Motel 6 Pet Hotels Galore
And Motel 6 is not the only place your furry buddy can stay on your travel journeys. There is a literal plethora of hotels and resorts your four-legged fur baby can go with you.
Best Western Hotels & Resorts
Caesars Entertainment Corporation
Choice Hotels
Diamond Resorts International
Drury Hotels
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Hilton
Hyatt Hotels Corporation
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)
La Quinta Inns & Suites
Loews Hotels
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Marriott International, Inc.
MGM Resorts International
Omni Hotels & Resorts
Red Roof Inn
The Stanford Inn by the Sea
Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
We can just see you and your Yorkie hanging out at Caesar’s Palace, the Waldorf Astoria, the Bellagio, or the Le Méridien with special pet mats and dishes, treats and toys as amenities to name a few.
- VisitBritain Names New Senior Vice President for the USA
VisitBritain, the national tourism agency for Great Britain, has officially introduced Carl Walsh as the new Senior Vice President for the United States of America.
Carl will be stationed in New York and will be responsible for leading VisitBritain’s efforts throughout the USA. His main goal will be to boost growth in the American market by executing travel trade and communication strategies.
Additionally, Carl will play a key role in supporting our joint initiatives with various government entities in the USA.
VisitBritain’s Executive Vice President, The Americas, Australia & New Zealand, Paul Gauger said:
“I am delighted to announce Carl’s appointment to the newly created position of Senior Vice President, USA. He brings extensive tourism knowledge to the role, drawing from decades of experience both back in Britain and here in the USA, with significant industry relationships and insight gained from working with the travel trade over many years at VisitBritain. The introduction of this new role acknowledges the importance of the USA as the UK’s top source market for tourism visits and spend, underscoring our commitment to driving continued growth.”
The United States remains at the forefront of the recovery of tourism in the United Kingdom, with American visitors setting a new spending record according to the most recent year-to-date data from January to September 2023. The spending has increased by 28% compared to 2019, even after adjusting for inflation.
VisitBritain anticipates that the American market will reach £6.3 billion in 2024, with American tourists contributing nearly £1 out of every £5 spent by inbound visitors. The organization predicts that there will be 5.3 million visits from the USA to the UK this year, marking a 17% increase from 2019.
Recent statistics on flight bookings reveal that air passenger arrivals from the USA to the UK between April and September this year are 12% higher than during the same period in 2019.
To support this growth, VisitBritain’s GREAT Britain marketing campaigns in the USA are highlighting the vibrant cities, modern culture, and stunning landscapes of Britain, encouraging visitors to explore more of the country, extend their stays, and visit now. The campaigns aim to inspire visitors to ‘See Things Differently’ by offering new and exciting experiences, along with a warm British welcome.
VisitBritain is the national tourism agency for Britain, responsible for promoting Britain globally as a visitor destination and positioning it as a dynamic and diverse destination while promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism.
- New President & CEO at Destination Toronto
Destination Toronto announced that Andrew Weir has been named as the President & CEO of the organization, starting from May 1. Weir has been a valuable member of the leadership team at Destination Toronto for the last 18 years, holding the position of Executive Vice President. With his extensive experience in Toronto’s tourism industry, Weir has actively contributed to various boards, such as Destination International’s DMAP Board, and served as the Chair of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) from 2021-2023.
Weir is widely regarded as a fervent supporter and influential figure in the field. In his latest position as Executive Vice President, he spearheaded collaborations between the tourism industry, wider business leadership, and government, establishing the groundwork for the ongoing expansion of the visitor economy and its impact on the region. Before that, as Chief Marketing Officer, Weir spearheaded a transformation within the organization to synchronize sales and marketing efforts through compelling brand narratives.
“Having conducted a thorough North American search, we are thrilled to announce Andrew Weir as Destination Toronto’s new President & CEO,” said Rekha Khote, Chair of the Board of Directors at Destination Toronto. “Andrew is the right leader for our organization, bringing a deep understanding of Toronto’s visitor economy, a vision for the business, and the ability to bring people together. We are confident that his established strong community connections will act as a catalyst for driving innovation and growth in critical areas of the business.”
“I’m deeply honored and excited to lead Destination Toronto at this critical time,” said Andrew Weir. “Toronto is Canada’s most-visited destination, and for good reason. The genuine diversity and vibrancy of our arts, food, festivals and neighbourhoods, against one of the world’s truly spectacular skylines, continue to excite and attract visitors from around the world. The opportunity of tourism and meetings in Toronto is immense and we have seen the power of visitor spending to elevate our economy and community.”
In 2023, Toronto received an impressive influx of nearly 9 million overnight visitors, resulting in a substantial visitor spending of over $7 billion.
- Venice Residents Riot Over New Tourist Entry Fee
The city authorities in Venice, Italy have recently introduced new ‘entrance fee’ of approximately €5 ($5.50) for out of town tourists who arrive in the renowned Italian city from 8:30am to 4pm local time. This fee, designed to protect the UNESCO world heritage site from the impacts of excessive tourism, went into effect yesterday as a trial initiative. Visitors can enter for free outside of the specified hours. Those who do not pay the fee may be subject to fines exceeding €280 ($300).
Venice municipal officials have installed warning signs to advise visitors about the recent fee, as city employees have begun conducting random inspections at the five primary entry points. Tourists planning to stay in the city overnight are not required to pay the fee, but must acquire a QR code in order to pass through the checkpoints situated at the main entrances to the city.
New initiative, which aims to decrease congestion during busy times, promote extended stays, and enhance the well-being of residents, has sparked outrage among many Venetians.
On Thursday, hundreds of local residents gathered on the streets to express their discontent with the implementation of an admission charge.
Hundreds of Venetians rioted, clashing with law enforcement officers, and attempting to breach a barrier of police at Piazzale Roma.
The protesters carried banners with messages such as “Reject tickets, support housing and services for everyone,” “Venice is not for sale, it must be protected,” and “Make Venice accessible to all, dismantle the ticket barrier.” Additionally, they held up mock tickets that sarcastically said “Welcome to Veniceland,” symbolizing their opposition to transforming the city into a mere tourist amusement park.
According to the reports, the local branch of Arci, a cultural and social rights association, stated that the measure will not effectively control mass tourism, and would just result in unequal treatment among various groups of visitors. The spokesperson for Arci also questioned the constitutional validity of the measure, particularly in terms of limiting freedom of movement.
A representative from the anti-cruise ship campaign group No Grandi Navi, who is also one of the protest organizers, stated that their efforts are focused on opposing the transformation of the city into a closed-off museum-like environment.
According to the activist, the ticket serves no purpose, as it fails to address the issue of mass tourism, does not alleviate the strain on Venice, resembles an outdated levy, and restricts freedom of movement.
- Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 is Happening Now
Vision 2030 rests on 3 key pillars that leverage the Kingdom’s strengths: its deep cultural heritage, at the heart of the Arab and Islamic worlds; its substantial investment capabilities, which will propel the economy toward new horizons through diversification and development, an economic transformation that critically hinges on the energy and potential of its young population, which makes up more than half of Saudi citizens; the Kingdom’s strategic geographic location at the crossroads of three continents and along vital global shipping lanes, which gives it a unique and influential position on the world stage.
Launched on April 25, 2016, by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and approved by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Vision 2030 has sparked an unprecedented period of transformation and growth. This ambitious national plan aims to build a prosperous and secure future for the Kingdom through economic diversification and an improved quality of life.
Vision 2030 is a roadmap for empowering Saudi Arabia’s young and innovative minds. It represents a historic shift, transforming dreams and aspirations into tangible achievements.
As the Kingdom enters its eighth year of Vision 2030, the annual report for 2023 highlights the program’s impressive performance. With 87% of its 1,064 initiatives completed or on track, 81% of the 243 key performance indicators for the third level achieving their targets, and 105 indicators exceeding targets for 2024-2025, Vision 2030 remains firmly on course.
Vision 2030 is driving impressive results in the tourism sector. The Kingdom welcomed 106 million visitors in 2023, including 27.4 million international tourists, making it the second fastest-growing tourism destination in the world.
The number of Umrah performers from abroad skyrocketed to a record-breaking 13.56 million, exceeding the 2023 target of 10 million and nearly doubling a baseline of 6.2 million. Over 131 million volunteers served the Umrah performers, surpassing the target of 110 million. The vision targets 30 million Umrah performers.
Cultural heritage preservation is another area of success. The number of UNESCO-listed Saudi heritage sites climbed to seven, exceeding the 2023 target of six and bringing the Kingdom closer to its 2030 goal of eight. The latest addition, the “Uruq Bani Ma’arid” reserve, further strengthens Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural imprint.
Vision 2030’s focus on international standing has yielded a major win. Thanks to the leadership’s unwavering support, Riyadh secured the prestigious Expo 2030 hosting rights, beating out Busan (Korea) and Rome (Italy) with a convincing 119 votes.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 emphasizes women’s empowerment as a key driver of national development. As Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud has said in the annual Shura Council speech: “We will continue our efforts to empower Saudi women and raise their participation rates in the public and private sectors.”
Environmental initiatives show progress. Efforts to combat climate change are also under way. As a part of the Saudi Green Initiative, over 49 million trees and three million wild seedlings have been planted across the Kingdom, and more than 975 hectares of agricultural terraces have been rehabilitated in the southwestern region. These terraces are equipped with rainwater harvesting techniques to promote sustainable water use. The area of rehabilitated vegetation cover has also exceeded the 2023 target, reaching 192,400 hectares compared to the target of 69,000 hectares. Additionally, conservation efforts have led to the resettlement of 1,660 endangered animals and the successful birth of seven Arabian leopard cubs. A total of 24.59% of Saudi Arabia’s territory has been designated as nature reserves. This includes 18.1% of terrestrial areas and 6.49% of marine areas.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 shows steady progress under the leadership and supervision of HRH the Crown Prince. The government effectiveness index reached 70.8 in 2023, exceeding both the 2023 target (60.7) and a baseline (63). The ambitious Vision 2030 target is 91.5.
The remarkable achievements witnessed in the eighth year of Saudi Vision 2030 are credited to both divine favor and the unwavering commitment of the Kingdom’s leadership. These successes echo the vision articulated by HRH the Crown Prince, who declared: “We have named this vision Vision 2030, but we will not wait until then. We will begin immediately.”
Through swift implementation and a collaborative spirit, the Kingdom strives to become a reason for pride for all its citizens.
To view the annual report of Saudi Vision 2030 for the year 2023, click here.
- Malta’s “Endless Mediterranean Summer” of Events & Festivals Beckons
Summer is always a busy season of festivals and events, but Malta and its sister island Gozo continue to be a vibrant hotspot in the Fall, offering a diverse array of concerts and festivals. With a packed year-long event schedule, Malta promises something for everyone, while also inviting visitors to explore its three sister islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino.
Village Festas – at Parishes Across Malta and Gozo
Village “Festas,” also known as Il-Festa, an annual community event with religious roots, is held in village parishes across Malta and its sister island, Gozo. This traditional Maltese village feast has now been recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, UNESCO, as part of Malta’s intangible cultural heritage. Malta’s main festa season kicks off annually in late April and extends until early October, featuring numerous events in various villages.
Malta
Malta Jazz Festival – July 8 – 13, 2024
Considered by the international jazz community as a “true” jazz festival and a beacon of artistic integrity, the Malta Jazz Festival presents a panorama of jazz music in all its facets. This Jazz Festival stands out as an event that achieves a perfect balance between the savant and more popular elements of jazz.
Isle of MTV Malta – July 16, 2024
Held in partnership with the Malta Tourism Authority, Isle of MTV Malta will return to the island’s il-Fosos Square on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, with headlining performances from DJ Snake and RAYE. Promising huge, open-air sets, Europe’s biggest free Summer festival is in its 16th year.
Isle of MTV 2023 Dance Festival Malta – July 25 – 28, 2024
Dance Festival Malta is a multi-disciplinary festival that strives to cultivate a dance environment in Malta. The festival will host a series of workshops, masterclasses, and performances that welcome international and local artists and choreographers. This unique festival will allow attendees to immerse themselves in the dance culture of Malta.
Malta Pride 2024 – September 6 – 15, 2024
Malta, situated between Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, gives members of the EMENA (European, Middle East & North Africa) LGBTQ+ community the opportunity to gather and celebrate in a safe environment where people are free to be themselves. Occupying the top spot on the Europe Rainbow Index for seven consecutive years, Malta, has also been awarded an outstanding 92% in recognition of the laws, policies, and lifestyles of the LGBTQ+ community out of a total of 49 European Countries. Guests from abroad will find plenty of gay-friendly restaurants, events, cafes, pubs, nightclubs, and boutiques to visit, ensuring all LGBTQ+ travelers will have an amazing time.
Victory Day National Feast (Festa) – September 8, 2024
Victory Day is a national holiday celebrated annually on September 8. The holiday commemorates Malta’s three greatest victories: The Great Siege in 1565, The Siege of Valletta in 1800 and The Second World War in 1943. Each year, Malta gathers as a nation in order to remember the bravery and resilience of its forefathers. The festivities commence two days prior with a commemorative event held during the evening in front of the Great Siege Monument in Valletta.
Notte Bianca – October 5, 2024
Notte Bianca is one of Malta’s biggest annual arts and culture festivals. For one special night, every first Saturday of October, the Valletta cityscape lights up with a spectacular celebration of the arts, open to the public free of charge. Local museums, piazzas, state palaces, and churches transform their property into venues to hold live performances and concerts, while other restaurants and cafés extend their hours to serve the festival celebrants.
Rolex Middle Sea Race – Beginning October 19, 2024 in Valletta’s Grand Harbour
Malta, the crossroads of the Mediterranean, will host the 45th Rolex Middle Sea Race, an iconic
race, featuring some of the world’s premier mariners on the most high-tech vessels in the sea. The race begins in Valletta’s Grand Harbour beneath the historic Fort St. Angelo. Participants will embark on the 606 nautical mile classic, traveling to the Eastern coast of Sicily, up towards the Strait of Messina, before heading North to the Aeolian Islands and the active volcano of Stromboli. Passing between Marettimo and Favignana the crews head South towards the island of Lampedusa, passing Pantelleria on the way back to Malta.
The Three Palaces Early Opera & Music Festival – October 30 – November 3, 2024
The 10-day Three Palaces Festival, which always happens within the first two weeks of November, focuses on the premise that “our ordinary is actually extraordinary,” which comes from the fact that in Malta there are many magnificent buildings that locals and visitors alike pass by every day and barely notice their beauty. The festival showcases emerging talented musicians to perform alongside the finest established artists in Malta, with performances taking place at some of Valletta’s most historic locations.
Gozo
September
This is the closing month of the festa season in Gozo as summer slowly comes to an end, yet the sea is still perfect for a swim and various water-related activities. There is usually a wine festival organized in Nadur in the first week of September. A series of live music events are organized all summer long in village squares and seaside villages, which culminate in September.
Opera in Gozo – October 12, 24 & 26, 2024
Malta has long been influenced by Italian culture, particularly opera. Artists, including singers and musicians, arrived in 1631 from nearby Syracuse to perform at the invitation of the Italian Knights of the Order. The Manoel Theatre in Valletta, Europe’s third-oldest working theater, showcased baroque operas from 1736. Then, on October 9, 1866, a more spacious Royal Opera House in Valletta was officially inaugurated. However, the Royal Opera House was destroyed during World War II, leading to a decline in Malta’s operatic prominence.
This vacuum was filled through the inauguration of Gozo’s Aurora Opera House on October 9, 1976. This brought about the rebirth of opera on the Maltese Islands. The first opera ever in Gozo, Giacomo Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, was presented here on January 7 & 8, 1977. The Astra Theatre, originally inaugurated on January 20, 1968, ventured into the realm of operatic production on September 15 & 16, 1978, with Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto and Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia respectively.
Over the years, renowned singers like Nicola Rossi-Lemeni, Aldo Protti, and Maltese artists Miriam Gauci and Joseph Calleja have graced both opera houses.
This year’s productions in Gozo are Puccini’s Il Trittico at the Aurora Theatre on October 12 and Verdi’s Giovanna d’Arco at the Astra Theatre on October 24 & 26.
November
At the end of November (date yet to be determined), a concert is usually held to commemorate the start of the Christmas period in Gozo while the street decorations in Victoria are lit up.
December
December is all about Christmas in Gozo. From street decorations to concerts, traditional cribs, Christmas markets and parades, Gozo comes to life with the joy and happiness that this season brings. The Villa Rundle gardens are beautifully decorated and all lit up, while a Christmas market is open on certain days selling all kinds of artisanal crafts and food. The unique experience of Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem is a must to mention, which is an animated nativity village and life-size crib which brings to life the Nativity story. At the end of the month, a concert is held in Independence Square to celebrate the end of the year and the beginning of a new one.
The Feast of Our Lady of the Lily in Mqabba – © @OllyGaspar & @HayleaBrown About Malta
Malta and its sister islands Gozo and Comino, an archipelago in the Mediterranean, boasts a year round sunny climate and 8,000 years of intriguing history. It is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Valletta, Malta’s Capital, built by the proud Knights of St. John. Malta has the oldest free-standing stone architecture in the world, showcasing one of the British Empire’s most formidable defense systems, and includes a rich mix of domestic, religious and military structures from the ancient, medieval and early modern periods. Rich in culture, Malta has a year-round calendar of events and festivals, attractive beaches, yachting, trendy gastronomical scene with 7 Michelin-starred restaurants and a thriving nightlife, there is something for everyone.
For more information on Malta, please click here.
About Gozo
Gozo’s colors and flavors are brought out by the radiant skies above it and the blue sea which surrounds its spectacular coast, which is simply waiting to be discovered. Steeped in myth, Gozo is thought to be the legendary Calypso’s Isle of Homer’s Odyssey – a peaceful, mystical backwater. Baroque churches and old stone farmhouses dot the countryside. Gozo’s rugged landscape and spectacular coastline await exploration with some of the Mediterranean’s best dive sites. Gozo is also home to one of the archipelago’s best-preserved prehistoric temples, Ġgantija, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For more information on Gozo, please click here.
- 2027 Special Olympics World Games Coming to Santiago, Chile
Santiago, Chile has been selected as the host city for the 2027 Special Olympics World Games, making it the first time in the organization’s 55-year history that a World Games will be held in the Southern Hemisphere.
In less than four years, Santiago will play host to more than 6,000 Special Olympics athletes from over 170 countries, participating in 22 Olympic-style sports at state-of-the-art competition venues. They will be assisted by over 2,000 coaches and numerous volunteers. The Games will also bring in 6,000 family members, over 2,000 international media personnel, and 500,000 spectators. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and a long tradition of hosting global sporting events, Santiago is expected to leave a legacy of social transformation for Chile, its people, and the Latin American region.
During a press event held at the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington, D.C., Emanuelle Dutra de Souza, an Athlete Leader and International Board Director from Special Olympics Brazil, made an exciting announcement. The host city for the Special Olympics 2027 World Games has been officially designated as Santiago de Chile. This significant announcement was presided over by esteemed individuals including Timothy Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics, Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the OAS, Sebastián Kraljevich, the Permanent Representative of Chile to the OAS, and Jaime Pizarro Herrera, the Chilean Minister of Sport and leader of the Santiago 2027 bid.
The Federal Government of Chile and the City of Santiago have allocated around $134 million to organize and host the World Games, aiming to support various UN Sustainable Development Goals such as No Poverty, Good Health & Well-Being, Quality Education, Gender Equality, Reduced Inequalities, among others.
The initial proposal was a collaborative endeavor spearheaded by Special Olympics Chile, with the backing of the City of Santiago, the President of Chile Gabriel Boric Font, the Minister of Sport Jaime Pizarro, the Undersecretary of Sport Antonia Illanes, the Governor of Santiago Claudio Orrego, and the President of the National Olympic Committee of Chile Miguel Angel Mujica.
The impact of the 2027 World Games in Chile can be seen through the establishment of Unified Schools programs in over 200 municipalities and 1,000 schools, enhanced training for law enforcement on interacting with individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID), better education for primary healthcare professionals in treating individuals with ID, the growth of Special Olympics Chile across all 16 regions of the nation, and a range of initiatives aimed at raising awareness and garnering political support across Latin America.
The official agreement for the World Games will be finalized on Friday, April 26th during a gathering in Washington, D.C. hosted by the Consejo Americano del Deporte (CADE), a group consisting of 41 sports ministers from the Western Hemisphere.
Every other year, numerous athletes from the Special Olympics community across the globe gather to exhibit their athletic abilities and commemorate the essence of Special Olympics, an organization that organizes more than 50,000 games and competitions annually. The inaugural Special Olympics World Games occurred in 1968 and have since transformed into a prestigious sporting event of international stature. By alternating between Summer Games and Winter Games, the Special Olympics World Games attract public interest towards the skills and capabilities of individuals with intellectual disabilities, contributing to the transformation of societal perspectives and the dismantling of stereotypes.
- ATM to Spotlight UAE Multi-Billion Dollar Hospitality Industry
Recent data from global research companies indicates a bright future for the GCC hospitality industry, with insights from Deloitte and STR demonstrating sustained growth as tourism continues to be a key priority for regional governments. The upcoming edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), a premier global event in travel and tourism, will serve as a pivotal gathering for hospitality stakeholders when it takes place from May 6-9 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
According to Deloitte, Dubai is leading the regional hospitality markets with a strong outlook for 2024. The city now offers more hotel rooms than major capitals such as London, New York City and Bangkok, and as of this month, Dubai has a hotel room capacity of over 150,000.
Data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) shows that the city welcomed 17.15 million overnight visitors during 2023, with the average length of stay also increasing. According to Deloitte, occupancy peaked at 88% in February.
Elsewhere in the region, STR figures show that Riyadh is leading the way in terms of hotel supply growth, offering an additional 28,465 rooms, a 134% increase. Meanwhile, Doha has doubled its hotel inventory over the past decade, with a current supply of 39,968 rooms.
“As the hospitality landscape in the GCC region continues to evolve, the data paints a compelling picture of growth and opportunity. ATM 2024 will feature a wide range of hospitality brands from around the world, and we are pleased to report that there has been a 21% increase in exhibition space dedicated to hotel brands this year, demonstrating strong interest and demand,” said Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market.
Curtis added: “IHG Resorts is the official hotel partner for ATM 2024, and this year’s edition is set to welcome back some of the most respected brands in the hospitality industry, including Four Seasons Hotels, Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, and the Shangri-La Group. It’s worth noting that the number of hospitality brands showcased at ATM has increased by 12% with a good selection of well-known international and regional brands. With so many world-class brands in attendance across all categories of luxury, upper-midscale and midscale, ATM 2024 promises an enriching experience for all attending.”
Several new European hotel brands, including Ethno Belek in Turkey and Buff Medical Resort in Germany, will exhibit at ATM for the first time. European Voyages, which specialises in tours, transfers, and private jets, will also mark its debut appearance. There has been a notable surge in exhibitor participation from Italy and Turkey, reflecting a growing interest from these regions in reaching the lucrative Middle East tourism market.
Attendees at ATM 2024 will learn the latest trends from hospitality industry leaders during a series of summits and panel discussions throughout the course of the week.
These include the ‘‘Frameworks for Tourism Investment’ session, which will mark the beginning of the highly-anticipated ATM Market Insights Summit.
Presented by Guy Hutchinson, President, Middle East and Africa, Hilton; Basmah Al-Mayman, Regional Director Middle East, UNWTO; and Jan Gerrit Koechling, Partner Dubai, UAE of Roland Berger, this session will take place on the event’s main stage, the Global Stage. Attendees can expect to gain invaluable insights on how to cater to new markets, maintain market share and identify new business opportunities.
Elsewhere, the ‘Trends Shaping the Future of Hospitality in the Middle East’ session will officially open ATM’s new ‘Future Stage’, formerly the Travel Tech Stage. Providing key updates on the hospitality industry, upcoming trends and current challenges facing the sector, the session will feature senior regional representatives from IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriot International, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Rotana Hotel Management Corporation PJSC and Banyan Tree Dubai along with hospitality experts from Mastercard and Silkhaus.
“As the Middle East continues its impressive strides forward in the global tourism landscape, IHG Hotels & Resorts is honoured and proud to be a strategic partner to multiple governments, tourism investors, industry stakeholders, and our customers across the region. As the official Hotel Partner of the Arabian Travel Market 2024, we look forward to engaging with industry leaders, peers and colleagues. ATM remains an unrivalled platform for dialogue, debate, networking, and knowledge-sharing as the regional industry’s legacy travel trade event,” said Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG.
The 31st edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) will focus on the theme: Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship. This year’s event will feature a wide portfolio of exhibitors from the fields of aviation, accommodation, hospitality, attractions, technology and more, ATM 2024 will explore how innovators in the travel and tourism space are working to attract greater levels of funding to further increase the sector’s overall contribution to global GDP.
Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2024’s strategic partners include the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Destination Partner; Emirates, Official Airline Partner; IHG Hotels & Resorts, Official Hotel Partner, Al Rais Travel, Official DMC Partner. STA is the Global Travel Partner for ATM 2024.
The latest ATM news stories are available here.
To register your interest in attending ATM 2024 or to submit a stand enquiry, click here.
For more information, click here.
Advertising Free Content Arabian Travel Market (ATM), now in its 31st year, is the leading international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. ATM 2023 welcomed over 40,000 attendees and hosted over 30,000 visitors, including more than 2,100 exhibitors and representatives from over 150 countries, across 10 halls at Dubai World Trade Centre. Arabian Travel Market is part of Arabian Travel Week. #ATMDubai
Next in-person event: May 6-9, 2024, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai.
Arabian Travel Week is a festival of events taking place from May 6-12, within and alongside Arabian Travel Market 2024. Providing a renewed focus for the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector, it includes Influencers’ events, GBTA Business Travel Forums, as well as ATM Travel Tech. It also features the ATM Buyer Forums, as well as a series of country forums.
About RX
RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers.
About RELX
RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX. *Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at http://www.relx.com/investors
eTurboNews is a media partner for ATM.
- Ottawa Tourism and The Hague & Partners Renew Partnership
Ottawa Tourism and The Hague & Partners Convention Bureau announced the renewal of their pioneering Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which was initially signed half a decade ago.
The renewal took place amidst a visit by Ottawa’s Mayor to London, emphasizing the robust connections and dedication of Ottawa to the European business events and travel industry.
The collaboration, initially established in The Hague in 2019, aims to discover and secure corporate events that align strategically with both locations by:
• Joint sales activity through a variety of channels, including live industry events.
• Creation of joint research and intelligence focused on mutually relevant sectors.
• Identification of new clients where both cities would be of interest.
• Identification and introduction to historic clients of either city that would interest the other.
Michael Crockatt, President & CEO, Ottawa Tourism, expressed his enthusiasm for the continued collaboration, stating, “This renewed agreement marks not just a continuation, but a strengthening of our fruitful partnership with The Hague & Partners Convention Bureau. Over the past five years, we have seen remarkable mutual benefits, new business wins and commercial growth as part of the partnership. This was particularly true during the challenging times of the COVID-19 crisis, during which we were able to share best practice and knowledge to support each other.”
Bas Schot, Head of The Hague & Partners Convention Bureau, echoed these sentiments: “Our collaboration with Ottawa Tourism is a testament to international cooperation and innovation. A particular example is the creation of the Hybrid City Alliance, which was born out of the Ottawa / Hague collaboration but went on to include more than 25 cities around the world, leading to the winning of an ICCA Best Marketing Award, setting a benchmark in the global meetings industry.”
Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor of Ottawa concluded: “Ottawa and The Hague were brought together by history more than 75 years ago. We have built an incredible relationship that has led to some terrific results. This agreement will ensure our successful collaboration continues and that we will work effectively together to attract events and visitors to both cities. I’m excited to see the results for both Ottawa and The Hague.”
- Indulge in a French Feast at Seychelles Good France Festival
This event, a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of France, highlights French gastronomy through a series of captivating events organized by the French diplomatic network across five continents. This year’s theme revolves around the exciting fusion of “Sport and Gastronomy,” echoing the approach of the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. In Seychelles, the event is proudly presented by the French Embassy in collaboration with the Tourism Department.
Local restaurant owners and catering service providers in Seychelles have been invited to embark on a culinary journey, displaying their “savoir-faire” through authentic French cuisine or innovative fusions of French and Creole flavors.
With gastronomic tasting experiences and wine samplings, the event promises a delightful exploration of French culinary heritage and its enduring influence.
Spanning from April 22 to the end of April, the festival will feature the participation of around eight restaurants, including Delplace Restaurant by Pierre Delplace and Club Med represented by Adrien de Robillard, alongside other establishments such as La Belle Tortue, Hilton properties, Constance Ephelia, Story Seychelles, and Gou Notik.
Mrs. Bernadette Willemin, Director General of Destination Marketing, expressed Seychelles’ continued commitment to participating in Goût de France, emphasizing this year’s significance in allowing local establishments to showcase their talents and contribute to the fusion of Creole and French cuisine, enriching Seychellois gastronomy.
Following the press conference, guests and members of the press enjoyed sampling dishes prepared by Mr. Ryan Maria, an instructor at the Seychelles Tourism Academy, and his students, which showcased the creative fusion of French and Creole culinary traditions, highlighting Seychellois gastronomy’s innovation.
Since its inception in 2015, this initiative, led by the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs in collaboration with renowned chef Alain Ducasse, has been dedicated to highlighting France’s rich culinary heritage and introducing global audiences to the exceptional expertise of French cuisine.
- Foreign Visitors Spent $20.4 Billion in US in February
In February 2024, international visitors surpassed all previous records by spending a remarkable amount in the United States. The total expenditure on travel and tourism-related activities reached an unprecedented $20.4 billion, marking a significant increase of over 25 percent compared to February 2023. This level of spending represents the highest ever recorded for any February.
It is worth noting that the United States came very close to its highest monthly spending record, set in March 2018, with a difference of only $436 million. During that time, international visitors spent a substantial $20.8 billion exploring the wonders of the United States. With such impressive figures, it is anticipated that the United States will surpass this record later in the year.
On the other hand, in February, Americans set a new record by spending $21.1 billion on international travel. However, this resulted in a trade deficit of $732 million for the month, marking the end of a seven-month period of trade surpluses in the travel and tourism sector (exports minus imports).
In February 2024, the export of travel and tourism from the United States contributed to 23.6 percent of the country’s services exports and 7.7 percent of its total exports, encompassing both goods and services.
Composition of Monthly Spending (Travel Exports)
Travel Spending
- Purchases of travel and tourism-related goods and services by international visitors traveling in the United States totaled $11.9 billion during February 2024 (compared to $9.0 billion in February 2023), an increase of more than 31 percent when compared to the previous year. These goods and services include food, lodging, recreation, gifts, entertainment, local transportation in the United States, and other items incidental to foreign travel. Travel receipts accounted for 58 percent of total U.S. travel and tourism exports in February 2024.
Passenger Fare Receipts
- Fares received by U.S. carriers from international visitors totaled $3.6 billion in February 2024 (compared to $2.9 billion in the previous year), up 27 percent when compared to February 2023. These receipts represent expenditures by foreign residents on international flights provided by U.S. air carriers. Passenger fare receipts accounted for 18 percent of total U.S. travel and tourism exports in February 2024.
Medical/Education/Short-Term Worker Spending
- Expenditures for educational and health-related tourism, along with all expenditures by border, seasonal, and other short-term workers in the United States totaled $4.9 billion in February 2024 (compared to $4.4 billion in February 2023), an increase of 12 percent when compared to the previous year. Medical tourism, education, and short-term worker expenditures accounted for 24 percent of total U.S. travel and tourism exports in February 2024.
- Dangerous FAA Amendment Would Hurt Aviation Security
New amendment proposed by US Senators Jeff Merkley and John Kennedy aims to halt the use of automated facial matching technology by the Transportation Security Administration at airport checkpoints, an optional tech widely supported by travelers. This amendment is part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill.
During a visit to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), the busiest in the country, with thousands of travelers each day using automated identity verification system for a safer and faster security experience, the Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel, along with representatives from the TSA, Delta Air Lines, and U.S. Travel Association, explored various advancements in travel technology. These included the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID with Delta, CAT-2 screening technology, and Delta’s curb-to-gate digital identity experience. The Merkley/Kennedy amendment coincided with this visit and highlights the significance of efficient and secure biometric screening, which is poised to shape the future of travel.
The Merkley/Kennedy amendment aims to prohibit or significantly limit the use of biometric technology by the TSA. This would lead to increased waiting times in security screening lines and a reduction in the effectiveness of advanced biometric facial matching programs, such as the CAT-2 machines and TSA PreCheck’s Touchless ID partnerships with Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. Additionally, a substantial amount of taxpayer-funded resources invested in the development and implementation of biometric screening technology at airports would be wasted. The Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel members have emphasized the significance of biometrics in fulfilling the TSA’s mission.
Kevin McAleenan, former Acting Secretary of Homeland Security and Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection stated: “Biometrics are critical to TSA’s mission, bolstering its commitment to security and the customer experience. By leveraging facial recognition and other biometric technologies, TSA has increased security at the checkpoint, enhanced the traveler experience, and improved efficiency thereby focusing more resources on new and emerging threats.”
“I spent a significant portion of my time in Congress on the House Homeland Security Committee focused on strengthening aviation security at airports nationwide,” said former House Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member John Katko. “A vital piece of that effort is the increased use of biometric technology at security checkpoints. Our nation has made vital investments to ensure the safe and efficient screening of passengers using advanced identity verification technology. To abandon biometric technology and the progress we have made would make airports less safe. I strongly oppose this proposal.”
“Senators Merkley and Kennedy should come to Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta and let TSA give them a tour. They should see—firsthand—how TSA’s new systems work, and how the traveling public is responding. Spoiler alert: It’s popular. No one is forced to use the new system, but people are volunteering in droves to use it, just like people clamored to sign up for TSA PreCheck,” said Seth Stodder, former Assistant Secretary for Borders, Immigration and Trade Policy, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Biometric technology is the future of air traveler screening and is endorsed by the traveling public. Imposing broad restrictions on facial recognition technology will only undermine security, waste travelers’ time, and squander millions of taxpayer dollars invested in cutting-edge screening technology. Congress risks angering millions of travelers if it opts to impede innovation, delay the travel process, and compromise security.
The visit to ATL on Wednesday was attended by Holly Canevari, the Deputy Administrator of the TSA, Myung Kim, the Acting Chief of Staff of the TSA, Steven Parker, the Chief Innovation Officer of the TSA, Melissa Conley, the Executive Director of Capability Management and Innovation at the TSA, Alexa Lopez, the Assistant Administrator for Strategic Communications and Public Affairs at the TSA, John Laughter, the Executive Vice President and Chief of Operations for Delta Air Lines, Jason Hausner, the Managing Director for Passenger Facilitation for Delta Air Lines, Greg Forbes, the Managing Director – Airport Experience for Delta Air Lines, Ray Provencio, the Acting Executive Director of Admissibility and Passenger Programs at CBP, Kevin McAleenan, co-chair of the Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel along with multiple other members of the commission, and Geoff Freeman, the President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, along with Tori Emerson Barnes, the Executive Vice President for Public Affairs and Policy.
- Quitting? Spanish Prime Minister X Post: A UNWTO Link?
Spain has been in the national and European spotlight for activities that led to arrests and criminal indictments, and it has a clear link to the UNWTO and the World Tourism Organization.
Insiders had been telling eTurboNews for some time that one of the reasons Zurab Pololikashvili wanted the rebranding of UNWTO to UN Tourism was to distance himself from the ongoing scandal involving the president’s wife and Zurab’s jailed friend, who was appointed a consul by Georgia.
Former UNWTO Secretary-General Frangialli wrote in eTurboNews that the name change was illegal.
This criminal corruption case involving illegal profits generated through mask sales during the COVID-19 pandemic can be linked to UNWTO and its Secretary-General.
Before the UN Tourism Secretary General was put in charge of UNWTO in 2018, Zurab Polilkashvili was the ambassador for Georgia in Spain and to the UNWTO, and his prime minister was instrumental in campaigning for his questionable election to the highest political post in tourism.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared his intention yesterday to temporarily halt his public responsibilities and consider stepping down from his governmental role in response to an extended period of conservative assaults directed towards his family.
Sánchez expressed the need for personal contemplation in a lengthy letter on his X profile. He emphasized the pressing matter of determining whether he should retain his position amidst the continual barrage of criticism from the right and far-right factions.
Advertising Free Content Sánchez surprised the Spanish people with his announcement, which came shortly after Spanish media disclosed that a judge in Madrid had initiated a preliminary investigation into allegations that Begoña Gómez, the prime minister’s wife, had utilized her government ties to advance her business ventures during COVID.
A confidential probe into corruption and influence peddling began after a lawsuit was filed by Manos Limpias, also known as “Clean Hands,” a platform associated with ultranationalist organizations known for lodging legal complaints related to far-right issues.
In Spanish law, both individual citizens and organizations are allowed to submit legal complaints, even if they have not personally experienced any direct harm from the supposed criminal offense.
Sánchez wrapped up his message by stating that he would speak to the country on Monday to announce his decision on whether or not to step down.
The Spanish prime minister wrote a letter when two significant elections were approaching. On May 12, Catalonia will hold a sudden regional polls, followed by the European election one month later in which Spaniards will participate.
The prime minister can employ a similar strategy as he did after his party performed poorly in the national and local elections last year. He could dissolve parliament and call for snap elections, thus leaving his fate in the hands of the Spanish people.
- World Tourism Network VP at the Sinj Tourism Forum in Croatia
Excellent topics included a presentation by the Royal Commission for AlUla from Saudi Arabia in Croatia and the Western Balkans.
Dr. Aleksandras’s presentation was on “Community Led Tourism and Women Empowerment,” focusing on Rawi.
The International Sinj Tourism Forum is one of the largest European and regional forums on the topic of tourism, which will deal with the issue of sustainability and mass tourism in the Mediterranean.
The theme of the first Forum is “Future and sustainability of tourism”, which is current and which will bring us new knowledge and solutions to pressing problems and which trends in tourism await us in the future.
The goal of the International Sinj Tourism Forum is to gather all stakeholders of world and Mediterranean tourism in one place and increase the visibility and promotion of the Cetinska Krajina Region and, ultimately, the whole of the Republic of Croatia on the international market.
In addition to international and domestic lecturers, excellent entertainment and networking awaited delegates in the charming and historically rich town of Sinj, located near Split.
- One Asia+One Future = Indonesia: Tourism Minister Sandiaga Uno Explains
Minister Sandiaga Uno looked a little tired but excited after his 18-hour trip from Abu Dhabi to Jakarta, where he attended the AVPN conference on One Asia, One Future. Fresh off the plane, he took the time to do this interview with eTurboNews publisher Juergen Steinmetz.
Transcript of the Interview with eTurboNews
Yes, indeed. Thank you for having me on the Breaking News show.
We completed serious, strategic bilateral meetings and participated in panel discussions. I also delivered some remarks at the AVPN Global Conference in Abu Dhabi and was involved in its preparations.
I will be back in the UAE next month for the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.
My Abu Dhabi visit was of significant importance. And I think the concept of one Asia, one future is important.
As we navigate very tough geopolitical situations and rising tensions in various parts of the world, we believe that we need to sit closer to the common platform of understanding and think about what we have in common. This is particularly true in the cultural, political, social, and historical contexts.
We must also abide by our sustainable development goals and speak within one common platform for collaborations on investment opportunities and technology advancement.
Indonesia is updating its investment schemes, which could be achieved as we transition into the new government and provide a new initiative—the Indonesia Quality Tourism Fund.
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo ordered his Cabinet to set up a tourism fund to finance quality and sustainable tourism development.
We are complementing what we already have on nature, culture, and adventure to achieve more quality and sustainable tourism within the Sustainable Development Goals.
I’m excited to return to Jakarta after a successful trip to Abu Dhabi.
Eighty-four countries attended the conference, so it was indeed a global conference.
Since we were talking about the transformations we’re facing, which are green transformations, a lot of the discussions focussed on how the current situations could be used as a platform to accelerate the transformation into a green economy of the future.
Being sustainable is excellent, but promoting tourism can sometimes be seem as a conflict.
How do you combine the need to generate income through tourism with your green policies?
What you mentioned is very, very spot on. Our participation in this conference also highlighted Indonesia’s tourism and creative economy sectors.
We are introducing five super-priority destinations to help diversify.
Bali is the most favorite destination. But we are also seeing how Bali can recover with the other destinations in a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach.
So when we discuss with potential investors and engage in discussions with target markets, we’re not just focusing on the numbers, not just on the quantities, but more on the qualities.
How could we create a much better experience? How could we develop activities that help decarbonize the sectors? How could we introduce carbon offsetting by planting?
Bali, in particular, has taken a huge step. At this conference, we signed an agreement with the United Arab Emirates to create the Center for Mangrove Research in Bali.
This is to introduce the new tourism of Indonesia, which is not just sun and sand but more serenity, spirituality, and sustainability.
Indonesia is emerging from a developing to an advanced economy.
So, we need to highlight this knowledge based on a green-blue circular economy, which is inclusive.
You mentioned small and medium enterprises.
We work with microowners to help them enter digital, inclusive, and sustainable economies because, in the end, it’s about how you create prosperity.
We need to create good quality jobs and green jobs.
Such jobs should focus on ensuring that cultural heritage and local wisdom are within the cast so that micro, small, and medium enterprises will continue to be involved in this trajectory moving forward.
And that’s an important aspect for us recovering from post-pandemic issues.
What about Holistic and Medical Tourism in Indonesia?
The average International tourist spent $1000.00 when visiting Indonesia before COVID-19. We’re now at about $1500 to $1700, so it is a whopping 50% to 70% increase.
So I would say the new tourism products of health tourism, holistic tourism, spiritual tourism, wellness, have taken a lot of, interest. Ecotourism and recently introduced sports tourism are in the same league.
We established tourism villages across Bali specifically including many parts of the Islands of the Gods. Tourism villages are not just in the southern part of Bali but also in the northern, western, and eastern parts of the province, which has seen less development.
So, our approach is not only to attract gigantic, 1,000-room resorts but rather small boutique properties centered around cultural heritage and spiritual settings.
Our Tourism Village concept is closer to nature. It provides exciting adventures for new international arrivals.
Tourism extends far beyond Bali. We discussed this during the World Tourism Network Event in Bali, which I am very happy to have attended and to be part of.
We are introducing priority destinations and the new Indonesian capital city in Kalimantan and Borneo. We want to make the new capital, Nusantara, a capital city of green forests.
This ensures that Indonesia’s GDP grows by 5% per year, which could be felt by our 280 million people.
We have thousands of islands, and we need to ensure that the rest of the country is being developed as well, not only in Java and Bali.
So, the tourism and creative economy sectors have created about 50 million jobs in Indonesia.
We believe that, with the macroeconomic trajectory, we would be able to contribute much of the country’s needed growth. This includes introducing new destinations and investment opportunities in Indonesia.
We have now passed massive structural reforms to attract new investments, particularly foreign investments into Indonesia.
Before joining the government, I managed investments for foreign investors in a private equity firm in Indonesia.
With our new special economic zones and accelerated permits and licenses, we are very open to foreign investments, particularly in the tourism economy.
We want to move fast. We want to move together.
It has to be inclusive, and no one should be left behind. As we march towards 2045, we can deliver Indonesia’s status as an advanced economy to a developed nation.
The Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision
The Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision is Indonesia’s official development plan, which aims to make the country a sovereign, advanced, fair, and prosperous nation by 2045, when it will celebrate 100 years of independence.
Garuda Airlines USA flights
Are there any plans to reconnect the US with Indonesia, perhaps with Garuda Indonesia, which is now one of the best 5-star Airlines in the world?
I remember when Garuda flew to Los Angeles and Honolulu. I was studying in the US in the 80s and 90s.
I remember flying Garuda to the U.S. Those are fond memories. Unfortunately, post-COVID, Garuda is focused more on domestic and selected international markets, which they are doing very well now.
They’re growing; they are improving their services.
Connectivity with the US has now been served mainly by Middle East-based airlines, which have done a great job. Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airlines, and Singapore Airlines are good examples.
Direct Denpasar – Los Angeles flights
We are trying to improve connectivity in their talks to have direct Denpasar, Los Angeles flights by Garuda.
Hopefully, with the arrival of new aircraft, this could be introduced to the market. It would be a game-changer.
- Jamaica Minister Appeals to Young People to Help Shape Tourism
The appeal was made as he addressed the Jamaica Youth Tourism Summit, hosted by Tourism Management students at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Western Jamaica Campus at the Montego Bay Convention Centre recently, with hundreds of students from local high schools in attendance.
The summit was held under the theme “Preserving our Roots … Embracing Changes.” Speaking on the topic ‘Cultural Retention in Modern Tourism,’ Minister Bartlett drew attention to the fact that globally the industry has been undergoing significant changes in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister Bartlett posited:
“Understanding tourism is at the heart of recognizing your culture because tourism is simply the marketing of your culture.”
With innovation driving recovery and growth of the industry, Minister Bartlett said tourism was now in the vortex of innovation. “It’s a new tourism that has emerged since COVID-19 and it’s a tourism that is also going to be influenced heavily by technology.”
The students heard that their involvement in the transformative process, guided by technology, was vital to understanding what their primary duty was. “Your primary responsibility is not merely to accumulate the knowledge, useful as that is, your primary responsibility must be, in time, to use the knowledge that you have to add value to your process,” Mr. Bartlett added.
He told the students that last year Jamaica earned US$4.2 billion from 4.1 million visitors and was the only country in the western region to have had 11 consecutive quarters of economic growth “and that is driven by 11 consecutive quarters of tourism growth.”
Attributing these successes to the Jamaican culture, Minister Bartlett said, “we’re an innovative and resilient people, and that resilience has enabled us to be able to reduce unemployment during this period from 13% to 4.2% in our country.”
Meanwhile, Executive Director of the Tourism Enhancement Fund, Dr. Carey Wallace charged participants with the responsibility of sharing the knowledge gained at the youth tourism summit and encouraged them to stand out as leaders, especially at this time in the country’s history.
- Bloody Good News for PR, Marketing, and Tourism
The whole concept of Public Relations is to get noticed. With so many media sources these days, the question when pushing earned media is how to get noticed and stand out in the crowd.
How do you make Google fall in love with you and make Social Media hungry for more of your news?
Traditional press releases have long been considered a PR exercise, which has resulted in wire services inflating reports to charge big bucks for their services.
Bloody Good News thinks you get noticed by simply having Bloody Good News.
The concept includes catchy (not dull) headlines, spicy articles that make people want to read more, SEO research, and positioning in news stories and publications that will make a difference and ensure long-shelf lives.
eTurboNews is the latest proud partner of Bloody Good News, as the oldest online global travel and tourism publication. It is published in 102 languages and reaches more than 2 million followers around the globe, including 180,000+ newsletter subscribers within the travel and tourism industry.
Bloody Good News is not a PR agency but a team of good writers ready to work with stakeholders and approved PR agencies, as well as the best and most relevant news outlets worldwide, guaranteeing prominent coverage.
Whether you are a destination, a stakeholder, or a PR agency – before pitching another press release for editorial consideration, contacting Bloody Good News may be a bloody good idea.
- Saudia Launches Beta Version of Revolutionary Digital Platform
Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has launched its innovative digital platform, the Travel Companion (TC), powered by advanced artificial intelligence. This move is part of a two-year plan to revolutionize the travel industry by embracing digital innovations. In collaboration with global professional services firm Accenture, Saudia’s Travel Companion is set to change how travellers interact with the airline and redefine the standards of digital travel.
The Travel Companion offers personalized and tailored solutions to meet individual preferences and needs, providing search results from trusted and authenticated sources and utilizes image-supported responses. The platform is intended to be a comprehensive, one-stop solution that allows users to book concierge services such as hotels, transportation, restaurants, activities, and attractions, eliminating the need to switch between multiple platforms. Additionally, it establishes seamless connections with transportation platforms and various train companies, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted journey.
In the next stages, Saudia will introduce additional features, such as voice command and digital payment solutions. Through an always-on Travel Companion accessible via a telecom e-SIM card enabled by Saudia, users can enjoy global access without relying on other internet providers. Furthermore, users can purchase data packages for additional applications, ensuring continuous access to the platform’s services.
The ultimate goal of the Travel Companion is to become the top app for travelers, providing unparalleled travel information.
With aspirations to become the go-to platform for various services beyond flight bookings, the Travel Companion will aim to distinguish itself in the airline industry.
His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group said, “We are thrilled to introduce the Travel Companion, a game-changer in the airline industry that will revolutionize the digital travel experience. This platform, resulting from our ongoing collaboration with Accenture, signifies our forward-looking approach to providing guests with unparalleled convenience and flexibility.
About Saudia
Saudia is the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Established in 1945, the company has grown to become one of the Middle East’s largest airlines.
Saudia has invested significantly in upgrading its aircraft and currently operates one of the youngest fleet. The airline serves an extensive global route network covering around 100 destinations across four continents, including all 28 domestic airports in Saudi Arabia.
A member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO), Saudia has also been a member airline in SkyTeam, the second largest alliance, since 2012.
Saudia was recently awarded the “World Class Airline 2024” for the third consecutive year at The APEX Official Airline Ratings™ awards. Saudia has also advanced 11 places in the Skytrax airlines ranking of the World Best Airlines 2023. The Airline also ranked top among global airlines for best on-time performance (OTP) according to a report by the Cirium. For more information on Saudia, please visit www.saudia.com
- Celebrating My Ouster from the PATA Thailand Chapter Executive Committee
On 22 April 2024, I was ousted from the PATA Thailand Executive Committee by a vote of 6:5 with one abstention.
A paper-thin margin but enough to complete the well-orchestrated job. I was the only nominee voted out. All the others sailed through with unanimous votes.
In the spirit of turning the negative into a positive, I am sharing some thoughts on my two-year term, which I hope will benefit the PATA and the Asia-Pacific tourism industry, especially as the PATA Annual Summit and AGM are coming up in May 2024.
In early 2022, the PATA Thailand chapter chairperson, Mrs Ben Montgomery, a truly warm-hearted, sincere, well-meaning personality, invited to me to serve on the ExCom. The mandate she gave me was to help popularize Thailand’s rich tourism history, for which she has high personal regard and respect.
She was so keen to have me onboard that she convinced the committee to pay my PATA membership dues, and be an appointed member, bypassing the electoral process.
I was happy to join, but on the condition that I would like to see issues dealt with honestly and frankly, not be swept under the carpet. My history lectures, too, would not be sanitized versions but present the facts, warts and all.
She agreed but requested that I should maintain a constructive approach. For sure, I responded. Learning the lessons of history is by its very nature a constructive attitude.
I fulfilled our agreed mandate to the hilt.
I gave a number of lectures on Visit Thailand Year 1987, the Risks and Threats facing Thai tourism, a history of the Thai MiCE sector, and Thailand as the world’s first Alliance of Civilizations destination. A special lecture was given on International Women’s Day 2023 to pay tribute to “30 Thai Women Who Put Thai Tourism on the Global Map”.
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Advertising Free Content All were very well received. The online lecture on VTY 1987 generated the best turnout at a PATA webinar since COVID.
I also spoke my mind, repeatedly calling for mainstreaming of topics outside the traditional comfort zones.
This line of argument met internal resistance but was slowly beginning to resonate.
In February 2024, Mrs Montgomery asked me to serve on the committee for another two-year term, this time via an electoral process, and handle the PR responsibility. I was ready for the challenge, with some well-researched ideas to raise the PATA profile and expand the narrative of a country I call The Greatest Story in Global Tourism HiSTORY.
But I noted a mood change after my 03 April 2024 article calling for a change in the chairmanship of PATA, the mothership.
I sensed the coolness setting in, and had a pretty good idea what was going to happen.
Sure enough, on 22 April 2024, it did.
On 23 April, I asked Mrs Montgomery if she knew in advance that the vote was being engineered. She dodged the question, insisting only that the vote was anonymously conducted. In her comments during the meeting itself, she repeated the word “transparency” several times.
No matter. I accept the result. It is a normal part of the democratic process, what elections are all about.
Having said that, here are a few hindsights which I think may prove to be useful to fine-tune the foresights at the PATA AGM in May.
(+) Although there is much focus on the young generation, the PATA hierarchy is still heavily under the influence of the old guard. These senior citizens have been around for decades and still sit on the various committees. As many have been conferred life membership, they do not have stand for election and get open access to the board meetings, even if their companies or organisations are not dues-paying members. A close study of the minutes of past board and committee meetings will show whether they contribute anything of much value. Indeed, an in-depth cost-benefit analysis of membership demographics is long overdue.
(+) In 1994, PATA had a membership of 16,000 chapter members, 2,000 industry and associate members and 87 national, provincial and city governments. It was the world’s pre-eminent travel grouping, well ahead of both the World Travel & Tourism Council (which had only just been founded in 1990), and what was formerly known as the UN World Tourism Organization, then undergoing a heavy-duty revamp under the late Secretary-General Antonio Enríquez Savignac.
Today, 30 years later, PATA is a shadow of its former self. It moved to Thailand in 1998, not long after the 1997 Asian financial contagion and then got hit by a string of back-to-back crises starting with the 9/11 attacks in New York. Each crisis saw its numbers shrink. But those crises also contained many opportunities to make Travel & Tourism a part of the solution. PATA’s internal appraisals of its haemorrhaging focus mainly on external factors, never at its own decision-making failings. As PATA is still registered under U.S. law, a Freedom of Information filing should provide access to documents which will make it clear what went wrong. Many trails will lead back to those life members still doddering around.
(+) The world has changed, but the subject matter of PATA events has not kept pace. Travel & tourism forums worldwide sound and look alike. The upcoming PATA Annual Summit in Macau is no different — a look at the global scenario, followed by 90% Doing Business topics. The speakers line up does not include any social scientists, trades unionists, anthropologists, critical thinkers or civil society representatives to challenge conventional wisdoms or tell Travel & Tourism industry gurus where they are going wrong. Preaching to the converted creates echo chambers which diminish the value of the discourse.
(+) Tourism academics need to revamp and refocus their courses and curricula which are being rendered obsolete by the day. The PATA Thailand Chapter ExCom had several representatives from academia. I also had a chance to visit a number of their institutions. For the most part, I found their body of work still focussed on textbook theories, with zero interest in learning the lessons of history. They attended my lectures, took notes and photographed my slides. Not one invited me to lecture further at their institutions. I was given a number of reasons, e.g., 1) We have no budget; 2) There is too much bureaucratic paperwork involved; and 3) You don’t have a degree.
However, I got the distinct impression that my facts and insights, based on decades of personal hands-on journalism, transcended the textbook theories that formed the core of their own lectures. It also highlighted how past Thai tourism decision-makers had failed. That crossed their comfort zones.
So, all in all, my two-year stint on the PATA Thailand Chapter ExCom was a wonderful learning curve. It gave me some unique insights into what happens in these committees and the mindsets that prevail.
I clearly do not belong.
It was also very clear why travel industry associations are failing to keep up with the times, failing to reinvent their value propositions and failing their members. That has to change, and I will continue to raise my voice after independently renewing my PATA membership. I have seen PATA in its heydays and played a major role in bringing the PATA HQ to Bangkok. Those glory days can and must be revived..
I hope this commentary will lead to a positive and constructive outcome, even if it means bearing the short-term pain of some badly-needed surgery.
Here are two images of my last hurrah.
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Advertising Free Content - Ridge Vineyards: Crafting Tasting Pleasures Since 1885
Discover Your New Wine Buddy
Crafted with a blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane, and Mataro, the 2018 vintage offers a sumptuous, full-bodied experience, brimming with ripe fruit flavors, balanced acidity, and smooth, velvety tannins. Whether you’re indulging in grilled meats or hearty pasta dishes, this versatile wine promises to elevate any meal to a memorable occasion.
The history of Ridge Three Valleys dates back to the release of its inaugural 2001 vintage. Hand-harvested grapes from select Sonoma vineyards are carefully chosen by our winemakers, then crushed and fermented using native yeast and naturally occurring malolactic bacteria at both Monte Bello and Lytton Springs wineries. Three Valleys represents the pinnacle of vineyard blending and winemaking craftsmanship. Zinfandel lends its distinctive varietal character, while old-vine Carignane adds bright fruit and acidity, and Petite Sirah contributes spice, depth of color, and firm tannins.
Rooted in History
The story of Ridge Vineyards traces back to 1885 when Osea Perrone, a prominent member of California’s Italian immigrant community, planted grapevines on Monte Bello Ridge. The first Monte Bello wine was crafted in 1892. Following Prohibition, the vineyard changed hands until it was acquired in 1959 by a group of engineers from nearby Stanford Research Institute. Bonded as a commercial vineyard, Ridge produced its inaugural wine, a Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon, in 1962.
In 1987, Ridge Vineyards found new ownership under Otsuka U.S., a subsidiary of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, known for its nutritional drinks and pharmaceutical products.
Embracing a spirit of experimentation, Otsuka operated a wine-making center near Mount Fuji, Japan.
A Legacy of Firsts
Ridge Vineyards made history with its first Zinfandel in 1964. By 1966, the winery began sourcing grapes for its Geyserville Zinfandel and other wines from Sonoma County vineyards. In 1991, Ridge Vineyards acquired the Lytton Springs vineyard in Dry Creek Valley AVA. Today, wine production thrives at both Monte Bello and Lytton Springs, each hosting tasting rooms open to the public.
Embracing Nature: The Legacy of Paul Draper
Paul Draper, a visionary figure in the world of winemaking, ushered in a new era of excellence at Ridge Vineyards. Draper’s philosophy, grounded in tradition and a deep reverence for nature, allowed the grapes to express their true character. His meticulous approach and commitment to quality garnered international acclaim for Ridge’s Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel wines.
Continuing the Tradition: Eric Baugher’s Vision
Eric Baugher, Chief Operating Officer and Winemaker at Monte Bello, carries forward Draper’s legacy with passion and innovation. Since joining Ridge Vineyards in 1994, Baugher’s journey from Chemist to winemaking steward exemplifies the dedication to quality and innovation that defines Ridge Vineyards.
Sensory Delights
Pamper your senses with Ridge Vineyards’ Three Valleys Zinfandel. From its captivating ruby-garnet hue to its aromatic bouquet of cherry and raspberry, each sip reveals layers of sweet oak, intricate minerals, and vibrant fruit notes. With a blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane, and Mataro, this wine delights the palate with hints of blue fruits, peppery herbs, and a touch of sandalwood.
Embark on a sensory journey through time and terroir with Ridge Vineyards, celebrating a rich heritage and an enduring commitment to crafting exceptional wines that captivate the palate and inspire the soul.
- Exploring the Best Source for Dealership Inventory
Whether you’re a seasoned dealer or just starting in the business, finding the right inventory sourcing method can make all the difference in your dealership’s profitability and efficiency. In this article, we’ll delve into the various options available to dealerships, compare their pros and cons, and highlight why EpiCar emerges as the superior choice for inventory sourcing.
Traditional Methods of Inventory Sourcing:
Auctions
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- Pros: Auctions offer a wide variety of vehicles to choose from, including new, used, and specialty vehicles. They can be an efficient way to acquire inventory quickly.
- Cons: Competing at auctions can be highly competitive, driving prices up and potentially reducing profit margins. Additionally, attending physical auctions can be time-consuming and costly, with travel expenses and auction fees adding up.
Trade-Ins
- Pros: Accepting trade-ins from customers can be a convenient way to acquire inventory. It can also incentivize customers to purchase new vehicles from your dealership.
- Cons: Trade-ins may not always align with your dealership’s inventory needs, resulting in excess or undesirable inventory. Additionally, evaluating trade-ins can be subjective, leading to discrepancies in vehicle valuations.
Wholesale Purchases
- Pros: Purchasing vehicles wholesale from other dealerships or wholesalers can provide access to inventory at competitive prices.
- Cons: Wholesale purchases may require significant upfront capital and may not always guarantee the desired inventory mix. Additionally, wholesalers may prioritize larger dealerships over smaller ones, limiting access to desirable inventory.
Get Inventory From Private Owners Through EpiCar’s Platform
EpiCar revolutionizes the inventory sourcing process for dealerships by offering a modern, convenient, and efficient platform. Here are some key advantages of using EpiCar for dealership inventory sourcing:
Prime Inventory Daily
- EpiCar offers a curated selection of top-tier vehicles sourced directly from private owners, available for immediate online bidding and acquisition. This ensures that dealers have access to high-quality inventory on a daily basis.
AI-Powered Insight Accuracy:
- EpiCar utilizes advanced predictive analytics and AI-evaluated vehicle condition reports to provide precise evaluations on profitability, sale duration, and inventory gaps. This empowers dealers to make informed decisions and maximize profitability.
Direct Deals, Optimal Prices:
- EpiCar facilitates transparent transactions by connecting dealers directly with private sellers, ensuring the best value without third-party markups. This direct approach fosters trust and transparency in the buying process, benefiting both parties involved.
Streamlined Online Acquisitions:
- EpiCar offers a streamlined online bidding process, allowing dealers to bid and secure purchases from any device. This modern alternative to traditional auction processes saves time and offers greater flexibility.
While traditional methods of inventory sourcing have their merits, EpiCar stands out as the preferred choice for dealerships looking to elevate their inventory acquisition strategies. With its innovative platform, AI-powered insights, and transparent transactions, EpiCar provides dealers with unparalleled convenience, efficiency, and profitability. Embracing EpiCar as the primary source of dealership inventory can position dealerships for success in today’s competitive automotive market.
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- Most Popular Luxury Vacation Destinations Worldwide
Travel industry experts conducted an analysis of the monthly search volume in the United States for the past year, focusing on numerous extravagant travel destinations worldwide. The objective was to identify the most sought-after locations for a luxurious vacation. The data was derived from a wide range of vacation-related keywords, including ‘travel’, ‘luxury’, and ‘itinerary’. The ranking was established based on the search volume, with the destinations generating the highest interest securing the top spots.
According to study results, Costa Rica holds the leading position, boasting an average monthly search volume of 34,248. Notably, California recorded one of the highest average search volumes at 4,712.50, followed by Florida at 2,984.17 and Texas at 2,660.83.
Hawaii takes the second spot, recording an average monthly search volume of 32,278. It emerges as the most sought-after luxury vacation destination in 20 states, with Washington contributing an average of 1,097.50 searches and Ohio with 1,019.17 searches.
Bali ranks third, with an average of 27,331 monthly searches in the US. The luxurious island was the top searched destination in Texas, with 2,784.17 searches per month, followed by Illinois and Georgia, with 1,364.17 and 1,301.67 searches, respectively.
The Maldives ranks fourth, boasting an average monthly search volume of 22,758. This stunning South Asia destination garnered the highest number of searches in Delaware, with 91.67 monthly searches, and was the second most searched for in an additional 11 states.
Thailand ranks fifth with an average of 21,857 monthly searches across America. The state of Oregon recorded the highest number of monthly searches for a vacation in Thailand, with 700.83 searches, followed by Nevada with 304.17 searches.
New York ranks sixth, with an average of 16,358 monthly searches. A trip to New York garnered 65 monthly searches in West Virginia and an additional 51.67 in Vermont.
Paris ranks seventh on the list, boasting an average monthly search volume of 9,934. Interestingly, the French capital is most popular in Louisiana, where it has an average monthly search volume of 204.17.
Dubai ranks eighth, with an average of 9,368 monthly searches in the United States. The search term ‘visit Dubai’ received 4,699 searches nationwide, whereas ‘Dubai vacation’ had 3,322 searches.
Los Angeles holds the ninth spot, recording an average monthly search volume of 9,026. The city in California had 3,083.33 monthly searches.
Fiji secures the tenth position, garnering an average of 8,746 monthly searches. Hawaii residents searched for the luxurious destination of Fiji around 86.67 times per month, whereas ‘Fiji vacation’ received 5,610 searches across the United States.
- US Hotels: New Overtime Rule Will Hurt Business
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), released a statement today in response to the Department of Labor’s (DOL) final overtime rule. This rule aims to increase the minimum salary threshold, ensuring that all employees are eligible for overtime pay if they work more than 40 hours in a week.
“This rule is part of a growing list of aggressive federal regulatory efforts that are making it even harder for hoteliers to operate their businesses in this challenging environment. The impacts of this regulation will risk the elimination of jobs and make it more difficult for employees to pursue the existing pathways to success and career growth that the industry offers,” Kevin Carey, the Interim President & CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) said.
“We fear many hoteliers will have no option other than to eliminate managerial jobs that are long-established paths to advancement. AHLA is reviewing all available options, including litigation, for defeating this ill-advised regulation.”
The salary threshold for employees to qualify as exempt from overtime pay requirements under the Fair Labor Standards Act would be raised by the DOL’s overtime rule for salaried executive, administrative, and professional employees.
The regulation is one of many recent federal initiatives that are increasing the challenges for hotel owners to operate their businesses, such as rules regarding joint-employment and the classification of workers as independent contractors.
The new overtime rule will see the salary threshold rise from $35,568 to $43,888 on July 1, 2024, and then to $58,656 on January 1, 2025. The initial increase follows the department’s existing methodology, while the subsequent increase is based on the department’s new approach, setting the threshold at the 35th percentile of weekly earnings of full-time salaried workers in the lowest-wage Census region.
This rule follows the Department of Labor’s decision to raise the minimum salary threshold by over 50% to $35,568 just four years ago.
- ITA – Lufthansa Paradoxes Created by the EU
If, in fact, Brussels demands a cut in flights on the North Atlantic routes , there is a serious risk of a sharp increase in fares since a significant portion of the air offer covering the Europe-USA route, which represents one of the most profitable and courted in the world, would be lost, writes the newspaper Corriere della Sera.
This potential paradox is without considering that the EU conditions would weigh like rocks with a double and harmful effect: for Italian consumers, as they would be forced to use other routes to reach the United States, as well as for ITA Airways, because they would have to give up tens of millions of euros in profits generated precisely by Italy-USA-Canada connections.
The fourth paradoxical consequence.
This is namely the entry of non-European airlines on the direct routes between Italy and the USA, strengthened by the precedent that is a truly unique case in Europe, that being the Milan-Malpensa-New York connection operated for several years by Emirates.
It is worth remembering that on the basis of the Statement of Objections sent by the EU to the MEF (contact person for ITA Airways) and the Lufthansa Group, there are 39 routes defined as “problematic” by the EU and on which a sort of veto has been placed which precludes the green light for the operation. Of these 39, there are 8 which are direct intercontinental routes served by ITA Airways which should be downsized or even cut from the network.
Furthermore, the letter from the EU Commission explains that “ITA and Lufthansa, in addition to reducing their flights, should find a competitor to whom they can entrust the freed routes and help them financially by covering operating costs.”
All things considered, based on the claims of the EU Antitrust regarding cuts to routes on the North Atlantic, Italy would lose significant air connectivity indices to the advantage of other European countries.
- Why You Need to Get the Difference Between Customer Experience and Customer Service Right
Unfortunately, there’s a lot of confusion about the difference between customer experience and customer service. In this article, we look at customer experience vs. customer service and why you need to get the difference right.
What is Customer Experience?
Customer experience is the entire journey the customer takes. This journey starts when they first become aware of your brand and continues until they no longer deal with your company.
Therefore, customer experience involves many touchpoints along the way. It might start with an ad the customer sees or a search they make for a product. They might continue with research on your website or a visit to your premises. It continues throughout the ordering process until they stop dealing with your company.
When working on your customer experience, you create positive emotions and build long-term customer relationships. You look at the overall picture rather than just one particular interaction.
What is Customer Service?
Customer service refers to the assistance and support you provide your customers when they contact you. They could ask you questions, raise concerns, or need help with some aspect of the product or process.
It usually involves a direct interaction between your customer and company representatives. This can be over the phone, via email, through live chat, or in the store.
Customer service focuses on the immediate issue at hand rather than the overall picture. It’s essential to get these interactions right to ensure that the customer experiences a good one overall.
Why Do You Need to Understand the Difference?
Many companies today work on a reactive model. They design their processes and wait for the customers to come to them with queries. Many companies focus on offering the best possible support when something goes wrong. They also spend a lot of time training staff that come face-to-face with clients.
In theory, this is a good idea. It means that your customers who experience issues get the best possible resolution. This works in that it makes it easy to resolve problems. Customers are generally forgiving of errors as long as the company takes the proper steps to resolve them.
But what if you could stop those errors from happening in the first place? Tweaking your custom experience ensures that customers get the support they need from the start.
You might, for example, offer them a well-researched knowledge base complete with tutorials. You could include links to these pages when you send out the product. Even better, you could have your support team contact the client after they receive the product to make sure they understand how everything works.
While it’s important to make sure that each interaction is good, switching your focus to the overall customer experience can:
- Improve customer loyalty and retention
- Give you a competitive advantage
- Build your brand reputation
- Lead to revenue growth
- Reduce churn
- Reduce costs
- Improved customer insights
Conclusion
It’s important to offer professional customer support options. However, it’s also critical to remember that this is only one interaction point. If you want to win over customers and reduce churn, you need to improve the overall customer experience.
- Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Names New Deputy General Director
The announcement was made by the Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA). Her appointment is effective immediately.
“I am very pleased to appoint Mrs. Brown-Alce as the second sitting Deputy Director General,” said DPM Cooper. “She brings a depth and wealth of knowledge gained while working in the tourism field for more than three decades. Her results driven and inclusive attitude for all team members, coupled with her impressive professional record, will certainly add tremendous value in her new role,” he said.
Deputy Director General Brown-Alce will have responsibility for the development and execution of global sales strategies, management of international airline, retail and tour operator relationships and oversight of the Bahamas Tourist Offices in the United States, Canada and Europe.The appointment of Mrs. Brown-Alce as Deputy Director General heralds a transformative era for The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation.
Her invaluable contributions across our tourist offices worldwide underscore her profound impact on our international presence. With her strategic insight and extensive expertise, Mrs. Brown-Alce is exceptionally well-positioned to enhance our global sales strategies, cultivate essential partnerships, and drive the sustained advancement of our tourism sector. We are confident in her ability to lead these initiatives, ensuring The Bahamas remains a premier destination on the global stage,” stated Latia Duncombe, Director General of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation.
A native of Grand Bahama Island, Mrs. Brown-Alce has spent her entire career in both private and public tourism marketing sectors. She earned her undergraduate degree in Marketing from The University Of New Haven and has participated and completed numerous professional and executive training programs throughout her career.
She began her career at the Ministry of Tourism’s Office in Grand Bahama Island and subsequently worked and managed Bahamas Tourism Offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, and New York. She is currently based and will continue to work from her office in New York.About The Bahamas
The Bahamas has over 700 islands and cays, as well as 16 unique island destinations. Located only 50 miles off the coast of South Florida, it offers a quick and easy way for travellers to escape their everyday. The island nation also boasts world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the earth’s most spectacular beaches for families, couples and adventurers to explore. See why It’s Better in The Bahamas at Bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram.
- Key Tips for an Intuitive Government Website Experience
Resolving these challenges requires a concerted effort. However, by identifying the most critical issues, companies may develop a strategy for creating a more intuitive online experience. And this is something that the below tips will help you achieve. So keep reading to be inspired.
Tip1 — Modify Page Layouts Based on User Behavior
It is not enough to have all of the information in one place; the data should also be arranged in an understandable manner. When creating page layouts, consider the following recommended practices of UI UX design for government:
People do not read; they skim:
- Visitors to your website are not there for leisure reading. Help them get to the point and do their work.
- Users often scan pages in an F shape, and their attention is drawn to the left half of the web page and tapering off when they scroll to the bottom. Put the most critical information and links at the top left.
People scroll:
- It’s crucial to have key information at the top of the page — “above the fold” — but don’t overdo it. Tablets, smartphones, and social media have altered how users engage with websites, resulting in more scrolling.
- Content designers should feel free to develop lengthier pages to spread out the material, as long as the most key messages and navigation are visible.
People click buttons:
- If you want a user to take action — download a PDF, sign up for notifications, or go to a separate page — provide clear, eye-catching buttons for them to click.
- Add white space and visual weight to the button to make it stand out and encourage interaction.
People connect better to simple language:
- Simplify government language by adopting smaller paragraphs, shorter phrases, and vocabulary with fewer syllables.
All these will help you ensure that your target audience has a smooth experience with your website.
Tip 2 — Reduce the Number of Pages
If your website has too many pages, no one will be able to find the information they are looking for. Scanning and rearranging unneeded pages should be a regular element of your site maintenance. However, although having fewer pages lowers user confusion, having too few makes your website ineffective. Therefore, it is important to find a balance. Using data to guide this process can assist in reducing clutter while ensuring that visitors get the information they need from the website.
Audit pages depending on traffic:
- Use Google Analytics or your other resource to determine which pages get the most traffic.
- Where do your users spend most of their time? These are the sites you should devote the most attention to curating.
- If a big percentage of people go from one information page to another, consider combining the pages.
Determine what makes the phone ring:
- Keep track of phone calls and in-person requests for information, and prioritize improving the accessibility of pages that address those problems.
Examine your document library depending on age and visitors:
- PDFs have various purposes, but they are not well-suited for optimal online experiences.
- Pull reports on when each PDF was last read and modified. Use this information to start eliminating unneeded papers and moving critical data to websites.
Do not be afraid to experiment. In order to do an effective optimization, you should also track the performance of your website and the key pages.
Tip 3 — Improve Your Navigation Structure
Improving a website’s information architecture will have the greatest effect on usability. But have a strategy before you start shifting things around.
Don’t just redesign the appearance:
- Pure cosmetic changes will result in — or worse, strengthen — the same usability issues.
- Plan your information architecture with the goal of ensuring user findability and usefulness, as well as staff sustainability.
- Consider the menu and submenu items, as well as the location of all relevant information.
- Create logical pathways for those looking for information. It should be easy to find information by browsing the website rather than utilizing a search engine with particular terms.
Test new navigation paths with users.
- Use tree testing procedures with both internal and external users to ensure that improvements are improving the experience.
- Put together focus groups. Ask them to find anything on the site and see how they search without interrupting, then alter the site navigation appropriately.
- Encourage test groups to discuss their experiences out loud as they move through them.
Make sure that UX designers are involved in redoing the informational architecture of your website.
Final Say!
By following these guidelines, companies may improve the experience for people by making it simpler to browse and access information on government websites. A more user-friendly website design leads to more trust, fewer phone calls and requests for help, and more contented residents.
- US-International Air Passenger Traffic Up 14.6% in March
According to the recently released data from the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO), the US-international air traffic passenger enplanements in March 2024 reached a total of 22.553 million. This represents a 14.6 percent increase compared to March 2023 and enplanements reached 105.7 percent of the pre-pandemic March 2019 volume.
In terms of originating non-stop air travel in March 2024, the number of non-US citizen air passenger arrivals to the United States from foreign countries was 5.003 million, which is a 16.8 percent increase compared to March 2023. This accounts for 96.2 percent of the pre-pandemic March 2019 volume.
Furthermore, overseas visitor arrivals in March 2024 totaled 2.706 million, marking the 13th consecutive month where overseas visitor arrivals exceeded 2.0 million. The March overseas visitor arrivals reached 93.8 percent of the pre-pandemic March 2019 volume, showing an improvement from 86.6 percent in February 2024.
In terms of U.S. citizen air passenger departures from the United States to foreign countries, the total for March 2024 was 6.427 million, which is a 13.9 percent increase compared to March 2023 and surpasses the March 2019 volume by 19.5 percent.
Looking at world region highlights in March 2024, the total air passenger travel (arrivals and departures) between the United States and other countries was led by Mexico with 4.080 million passengers, followed by Canada with 2.909 million passengers, the United Kingdom with 1.578 million passengers, the Dominican Republic with 1.034 million passengers, and Japan with 880,000 passengers.
In terms of international regional air travel to/from the United States, Europe accounted for 5.206 million passengers in March 2024, which is an 8.5 percent increase compared to March 2023 and only a 1.0 percent decrease compared to March 2019. U.S. citizen departures to Europe increased by 10.5 percent compared to March 2019, while European citizen arrivals to the U.S. decreased by 5.2 percent.
Asia recorded 2.520 million passengers in total, showing a 33.2 percent increase from March 2023, yet a decrease of 19.0 percent compared to March 2019. The total number of passengers in Asia reached 2.520 million, marking a 33.2 percent rise from March 2023, while experiencing a 19.0 percent decline compared to March 2019.
In March 2023, the combined total of South/Central America/Caribbean reached 6.137 million, marking a significant increase of 17.8 percent compared to the previous month and a notable growth of 14.7 percent compared to March 2019.
Among the top U.S. ports serving international destinations, New York (JFK) recorded the highest number with 2.785 million, followed by Miami (MIA) with 2.258 million, Los Angeles (LAX) with 2.001 million, Newark (EWR) with 1.257 million, and San Francisco (SFO) with 1.253 million.
On the other hand, the leading foreign ports serving U.S. locations were Cancun (CUN) with 1.413 million, London Heathrow (LHR) with 1.409 million, Toronto (YYZ) with 1.181 million, Mexico (MEX) with 696,000, and Paris (CDG) with 630,000.
- All Nippon Airways and Air India Launch Codeshare Deal
Air India, India’s national flag carrier, and All Nippon Airways (ANA) have established a commercial agreement, marking the commencement of a codeshare partnership that will facilitate connectivity between Japan and India.
Starting on May 23, this collaboration between the two Star Alliance partners will expand the range of flight choices for passengers, making it easier for them to reach their desired destinations by combining flights from both airlines into a single ticket. Moreover, travelers on codeshare flights can benefit from premium services such as lounge access and priority boarding, which are exclusive to Star Alliance premium members. Commencing sales on April 23, ANA will assign its “NH” code to Air India’s flights connecting Narita and Delhi, while Air India will reciprocate by adding its “AI” code to ANA’s flights linking Haneda and New Delhi, as well as Narita and Mumbai.
The two airlines are contemplating the possibility of enhancing their collaboration by incorporating more destinations in the coming time. This accord will play a significant role in fostering the economic and commercial ties between India and Japan, as it will provide travelers from both nations with fresh prospects to explore the marvels of each country.
All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd. is a Japanese airline headquartered in Minato, Tokyo. ANA operates services to both domestic and international destinations and is Japan’s largest airline, ahead of its main rival flag carrier Japan Airlines. As of April 2023, the airline has approximately 12,800 employees.
Air India is the flag carrier airline of India. It is owned by Air India Limited, a Tata Group enterprise and operates a fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft serving 102 domestic and international destinations. It is headquartered in Gurgaon. The airline has its main hub at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi and secondary hub at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai alongside several focus cities across India. As of July 2023, the airline is the second-largest airline in India in terms of passengers carried, after IndiGo. Air India became the 27th member of Star Alliance on 11 July 2014.
- How to Communicate Effectively with Clients During the Vacation?
This point was brought home to me after a conversation with a friend about an experience she had with her accountant. After receiving a concerning letter from HMRC that was filled with errors and demanded payments she had already made, she sought her accountant’s help for some much-needed reassurance. Despite having a standing arrangement of £125 plus VAT monthly with the accountancy firm, her request for assistance, sent in mid-July, was met with an automated reply indicating the team was on a school holiday break and would respond in a few days. Meanwhile, her regular bill arrived without fail. Six working days passed before she got a brief update, “we’re looking into this,” and then silence. Two weeks later, with no further information, she reached out again only to receive another automated message stating the office would reopen on August 30th—a six-week total wait without resolution. Consequently, my friend is now in the market for a new accountant.
Communication Tips For Business While Vacation
1 Warn in Advance
If you’ve planned your vacation well in advance or only recently decided to get away, it’s crucial to inform your team as early as possible. Waiting until the last moment to announce a two-week holiday can place unnecessary stress and burden on your colleagues, who will need to manage your tasks in your absence. Adequate preparation time is essential for everyone involved, not least for those taking on extra work to ensure business continuity.
It’s advisable to notify your colleagues at least a month ahead of your departure, particularly if you play a significant role in your organization. To avoid any oversight, set reminders to update your team in the weeks and days leading up to your vacation, helping to ensure a smooth transition and prevent any unexpected surprises.
2 Delegate Jobs and Tasks
Ensure every detail is meticulously covered. Make comprehensive preparations for any scenario, obligation, or potential issue that might arise. Take the initiative to select colleagues, guiding them to undertake particular roles, and invest time in their comprehensive training regarding the tasks you’re entrusting to them. If someone is stepping in for your client interactions, equip them with all the necessary information about each client’s unique requirements and expectations. Should another person temporarily manage a project you’re leading, provide them with an exhaustive checklist of outstanding objectives.
Craft a comprehensive guide detailing the locations of essential files, contacts for various projects, and procedures for handling emergencies. The goal is to avoid a flood of urgent queries disrupting your tranquility during vacation time. Adopting a cautious approach ensures your responsibilities are in reliable hands, allowing you peace of mind.
3 Prepare Communication Channels In Advance
If you cannot stop communicating with clients while on vacation, make sure that you can receive the necessary letters and documents anywhere. Now there is even a FAX from iPhone: Fax App, which can replace a fax machine. This online fax can be freely processed, received and sent from a smartphone. If you have a fax app and an iPhone, you have everything you need to work with documents. Similarly to this example, you should consider a communications plan with other types of communications with clients.
4 Build a Return to Work Plan
Coming back to the office after some time off can often feel daunting. You’re likely to be greeted by an avalanche of unread emails, voicemails, memos, updates, challenges, and urgent inquiries.
To ease back into your workflow more smoothly, it’s wise to strategize for what awaits you after your break. Consider setting up a debrief session with a few team members to get caught up on significant happenings during your absence. Prioritize organizing your inbox to focus on the most critical emails first. Maintaining transparent and open communication with your team is crucial, allowing you to thoroughly understand the developments and progress made on projects or responsibilities you were away from.
5 Set Up Out-of-Office Voicemail
Ensure every base is covered and thoroughly prepare for all conceivable scenarios, tasks, or crises. Engage with colleagues, delegating specific duties to them, and providing comprehensive training on the assignments you’re entrusting them with. If someone will represent you in client meetings, give them a detailed briefing on the clients’ unique requirements and preferences. Should another colleague take charge of a particular project in your absence, supply them with an exhaustive to-do list detailing every task that needs completion.
Craft a comprehensive guide detailing the whereabouts of important files, points of contact for various projects, and procedures for handling emergencies. The goal is to avoid a flood of urgent emails interrupting your beachside relaxation. It’s wiser to err on the side of caution, ensuring your projects are in skilled hands before you depart.
Conclusion
Informing clients in advance of your unavailability is a prudent practice. When I’m away on vacation, for instance, my regular clients are already aware that they won’t be able to schedule any coaching sessions during that period. I’ve set up an automated email response to acknowledge received messages, specifying the dates I’ll be out of the office. For those who have urgent inquiries, the response includes a contact number. Messages sent to this number will be texted to me, and I commit to responding within 24 hours.
- Top Global Cities for Best Value One-Night Break
Travel experts recently conducted a research in order to determine the most cost-effective cities among the top ten most visited destinations worldwide for a one-night stay per individual.
This expert analysis involved assessing the median price of a room in a mid-range hotel, the average cost of breakfast, lunch, and dinner at an affordable restaurant, the average expenditure on alcoholic beverages, the average spending on local transportation, and the average amount spent on tips and gratuities.
Based on these factors, a comprehensive cost evaluation was conducted, resulting in a ranking of each city from the least expensive to the most expensive.
According to the study’s conclusive findings, experts have established that Berlin is the most budget-friendly among the top ten most visited cities worldwide, with a single night city break priced at $266 per individual.
- Berlin – total cost: $266
Berlin, the capital of Germany, offers the best value for a one-night break among the world’s most popular cities. The total cost for a one-night stay in Berlin is $266 per person. In comparison to other cities, Berlin has the lowest median cost of $138 for a mid-range double-occupancy room. However, meals at budget restaurants in Berlin are relatively expensive, costing $56. Additionally, the average local transport costs for a day in Berlin amount to $19.
- Madrid – total cost: $298
The Spanish capital city of Madrid is ranked as the second most economical and popular destination. A single night’s stay in a mid-range double-occupancy room costs a total of $298 per person. Among the cities surveyed, Madrid offers the third-lowest median price of $167 for such accommodations. Additionally, the cost of meals at budget restaurants, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, amounts to $37. Furthermore, the average expense for local transportation throughout the day is $20.
- Tokyo – total cost: $338
The city of Tokyo, which serves as the capital of Japan, ranks as the third most economical among the world’s most popular tourist destinations. The expense for a single night’s accommodation per individual amounts to $338. In terms of affordability, a double-occupancy room in a mid-range hotel costs a median price of $155, securing the second spot on this list. Additionally, the cost of meals at budget restaurants, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, totals $38. Furthermore, local transportation for a day averages at $18, making it the second least expensive option when compared to other cities.
- Barcelona – total cost: $340
Spain’s Barcelona has been ranked as the fourth-best value city, offering a one-night getaway for a total of $340 per individual. The median price for a mid-range double-occupancy room for a night stands at $208. Additionally, enjoying a day’s worth of meals at a budget-friendly restaurant will cost you $35, while the average local transportation expenses for a day in Barcelona amount to $21.
- Amsterdam – total cost: $374
The top five most affordable popular cities include the capital of the Netherlands, where a one-night trip amounts to a total of $374 per person. In a mid-range double-occupancy room, the median cost for one night is $221. Additionally, the cost of breakfast, lunch, and dinner at a budget restaurant is $47, while the average cost of local transport for a day is $21.
- Rome – total cost: $383
Rome, the capital of Italy, ranks as the sixth most affordable and popular destination, where a single night’s stay amounts to a total of $383 per individual. Moreover, the city boasts the third highest food expenses, with three meals at a budget-friendly eatery costing $51.
- London – total cost: $461
London, the capital of the United Kingdom, ranks as the seventh most affordable city, where the expense for a single night’s accommodation amounts to $461 per individual. London also boasts the third most economical alcohol prices, with an average expenditure of $27 on alcoholic beverages per person for a one-night stay.
- Dubai – total cost: $465
Dubai ranks as the eighth most budget-friendly city among popular destinations, where a single night’s accommodation comes to a total of $465 per individual. In terms of mid-range double occupancy rooms, the UAE city holds the second spot for being one of the priciest, with an average cost of $340 for a one-night stay.
- Paris – total cost: $557
Paris ranks second to last in the list, where a single night’s accommodation amounts to $557 per individual. The city also boasts the second highest entertainment expenses, averaging $84 per person daily.
- New York – total cost: $687
New York City completes the top ten list, where a single night’s stay amounts to a total of $687 per individual. The city boasts the priciest mid-range double occupancy accommodations, with a one-night stay priced at $350, and the most costly entertainment options, with an average daily expenditure of $180 per person.
- Is Candy Good for Flight Anxiety?
Today, Mars launched a campaign called Hungry Skies in which the iconic Snickers candy bar is suggested as the perfect answer to unruly airline passengers who are simply out of sorts because they are hungry.
In the advertising campaign, the phrase, You’re not you when you’re hungry, is made clear with comical anecdotes of passengers one would hope not to get stuck sitting next to. Perhaps airlines will begin to make Snickers bars available and have flight attendants come down the aisle after reaching cruising altitude asking passengers if they’d like something to drink and/or a Snickers bar.
The Sugar Rush
As most of us know, candy is an instantly gratifying, soul satisfying response to stress. My mother’s favorite candy bar was Snickers, and even when she became a diabetic, it was her sugar source of choice if she ever needed to spike up her glucose due to a low-blood sugar episode. Even when her doctor told her about glucose tablets as an alternative, she simply looked at him as if he’d lost his mind and asked, “Why would I do that when I can have a Snickers bar instead?”
But speaking of moms, most parents know that if you give a child candy, their energy level is going to spike and they will be zooming around the house for a time, albeit happily zooming, but zooming nonetheless. And as we learned as adults, the sugar rush is always followed by a sugar crash when our bodies fall back down to what feels like even lower energy levels.
Generally speaking, eating high sugar foods, like a candy bar, may initially have a positive effect on one’s attitude, but biochemically, this is often followed up with a rapid sugar drop, which in reality, makes one feel even more tired than before eating the candy and produces a couple nasty side effects, like irritability and anxiety.
Does the Joy of Candy Make it Worth It?
Although the effects of candy, whether it be an antidote to low blood sugar, or coming home from a stressful work day, or drowning one’ sorrows from a bad break up, or feeling anxious about flying through a metal tube at 36,000 feet, the melting chocolate and oozing caramel along with the satisfying crunch of peanuts mixed in with fluffy nougat is enough for anyone to rationalize that of course it’s entirely worth the sugar crash or extra calories or ruined appetite.
The saying goes that music hath charms that soothe the savage breast, but honestly, is there anything like a Snickers bar? Just ask Mars… around the world, Snickers has grown in popularity by 13%. Is it the campaign that’s working? Could be. You tell us. Are you considering packing a Snickers or more in your carryon luggage now?
- Common Myths About Junk Car Services Debunked: Separating Fact from Fiction
However, along with their rise in popularity, several myths and misconceptions have also emerged. In this article, we’ll debunk some of the most common misconceptions surrounding junk car services and provide factual information to better understand the process.
Myth 1: Auto Wrecking Services only Accept Vehicles in Perfect Condition
- Description: Some people believe that scrap vehicle services are only interested in vehicles that are in pristine condition and overlook those with significant damage or mechanical issues.
- Fact: Junk car services accept vehicles in any condition, whether they’re old, damaged, or non-running. Even if your car is missing parts or has significant mechanical issues, salvage car services will still be interested in it. If you currently looking for such companies, you may want to learn JunkCarsUs locations to get the most rewarding used car sale experience in your life.
Myth 2: Junk Car Services Pay Very Little for Vehicles
- Description: There’s a misconception that used car removal companies offer minimal compensation for vehicles, making it seem like selling to them isn’t financially worthwhile.
- Fact: While it’s true that the value of a junk car is typically lower than that of a functioning vehicle, scrap vehicle services offer competitive prices based on various factors, such as the car’s make, model, year, condition, and current market demand for parts. Additionally, these companies often provide free towing, saving you the hassle and expense of transporting the vehicle to a junkyard.
Myth 3: Selling to a Salvage Car Service Is Complicated and Time-Consuming
- Description: Many individuals believe that the process of selling a vehicle to a junk car service is complex and time-consuming, involving extensive paperwork and negotiations.
- Fact: Selling your car to a junkyard is actually quite simple and straightforward. Most reputable companies have streamlined the process to make it as convenient as possible for sellers. Typically, all you need to do is contact the service, provide some basic information about your car, receive a quote, schedule a pickup time, and sign over the title. The entire process can often be completed in a matter of days, if not hours.
Myth 4: Junk Car Services Are not Environmentally Friendly
- Description: Some people question the environmental impact of auto wrecking companies, assuming that they contribute to pollution and waste rather than promoting sustainability.
- Fact: On the contrary, junkyards play a significant role in environmental sustainability by recycling and repurposing old vehicles. When you sell your used car to a reputable service, they will dismantle it and salvage any usable parts. The remaining materials, such as metal, rubber, and plastics, are then recycled or properly disposed of, reducing the environmental impact of the vehicle’s disposal.
Myth 5: You Need to Have All the Paperwork to Sell Your Old Vehicle
- Description: There’s a common misconception that selling a junk car requires a significant amount of paperwork, and not having all the necessary documents can prevent the sale from proceeding.
- Fact: While having the necessary paperwork, such as the title and registration, can streamline the selling process, it’s not always required. Reputable scrap vehicle companies can often assist you in obtaining the necessary paperwork or even purchasing your car without it, depending on the laws and regulations in your area. However, it’s always a good idea to have the paperwork ready to expedite the sale.
Myth 6: Junk Car Services Are Only Interested in Certain Types of Vehicles
- Description: Some individuals believe that scrap car services are selective about the types of vehicles they purchase, only accepting certain makes, models, or conditions.
- Fact: Junkyards buy vehicles of all makes, models, and conditions. Whether you have a small sedan, a large truck, an SUV, or even a commercial vehicle, there’s likely a company willing to purchase it. Additionally, some services specialize in specific types of vehicles or have a broader range of acceptance criteria, so don’t hesitate to reach out and inquire.
Myth 7: Junk Car Services Will Charge Extra Fees for Towing
- Description: Some individuals worry that auto wrecking companies will surprise them with additional fees for towing their vehicle, making the process less financially beneficial.
- Fact: Reputable scrap car services often offer free towing as part of their service. When you sell your old vehicle to them, they typically include towing in the deal, saving you from any unexpected expenses. It’s essential to clarify this aspect when contacting the service to ensure a smooth and transparent transaction.
Final Words
Junk car services offer a convenient and hassle-free solution for disposing of unwanted vehicles, but they’re often shrouded in misconceptions. By debunking these myths and providing factual information, we hope to give you a clearer understanding of the used vehicle selling process.
Whether your car is old, damaged, or non-running, there’s likely a junkyard to buy it from and provide you with a fair price. So, the next time you have a vehicle you no longer need, consider selling it to a reputable scrap vehicle company and doing your part for the environment.
- Thailand, Laos, Australia Celebrate Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge
Thailand, Laos and Australia are this week holding a series of activities to mark the 30th anniversary of the 1st Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, the first infrastructure project to reinforce the peace and promote travel, tourism, transportation and trade as a conduit for the economic development of the post-war Indochina region.
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Advertising Free Content The 1,170-kilometre bridge was launched on 08 April 1994, completed ahead of schedule at a cost of $A42 million (750 million Baht, at the then exchange rates), including cost of construction, feasibly studies, design and fabrication. Funded entirely by the Australian government, it was inaugurated by His Majesty the late King Rama IX the Great, Laotian President Nouhak Poumsavanh and Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating.
Publications issued in 1994 to mark the event (which I have meticulously preserved in my archives below) included several statements on the long term hopes and aspirations of the project.
The then Australian Minister for Overseas Development, Dr Neal Blewett, said at the time that the bridge would have in impact beyond the important economic and social needs of Laos and Thailand. It would, he said, light the path to a new era in Indochina.
Janet Holmes a Court, then Executive Chairman of Heytesbury Holdings, the parent company of John Holland Constructions Pty Ltd, which constructed the bridge, told delegates at a Laos investment conference that she saw the bridge as far more than just a steel-and-concrete structure. “It is message to the people of Asia,” she said. “It says Australia is part of the future of Asia, and for those Australians who need convincing it is a message that Asia is where our economic prosperity lies.”
Noting that the ground-breaking ceremony in November 1991 had taken place just one month atter the signing of the Paris Peace Agreements, which ended all the Indochina conflicts, Ms Ellen Shipley, former Counsellor, Technical and Economic Co-operation, at the Australian Embassy, in Bangkok was quoted as saying, “Australia intended that the bridge would be a gift to the people of Thailand and Laos, a gift to the peace and development of the region, in the hope that it would be followed by other bridges, both concrete and inspirational.”
All those hopes have been realized.
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Advertising Free Content Today, it is the most important point of entry into Laos. Of the 4,791,065 total visitors to Laos in pre-Covid 2019, a total of 1,321,006 came via the bridge, well ahead of the 574,137 visitors via the Wattay International Airport in Vientiane. The Thai Foreign Ministry said the bridge is also the most important channel for cross-border trade between Thailand and Laos, accounting for over 33 per cent of the total border trade.
On 21 April 2024, the anniversary commemorations began with Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Panpree Bahiddha-Nukara co-hosting lunch with his Laotian counterpart, Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith and Ms. Robyn Mudie, First Assistant Secretary, Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Commonwealth of Australia.
Several ambassadors of ASEAN Member States, Timor-Leste, Dialogue Partners of ASEAN and Bangkok-based diplomats were invited to join the event which is being used to showcase the tourism and economic potentials of Nong Khai and its adjacent provinces, as well as to highlight the strategic importance of the bridge in the regional transportation and logistical connectivity.
Said the MFA statement, “The 1st Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge … is the only friendship bridge between Thailand and its neighboring countries that features both road and rail systems. Thailand and Lao PDR are working on a project to construct a new railway bridge alongside the current Bridge in anticipation of future cross-border rail freight that may exceed the capacity of the current rail track on the 1st Friendship Bridge. The project is expected to begin in 2026 and be completed by 2029. Multi-modal transshipment centers will also be developed on both sides of the bridge, at Natha Rail Station on the Thai side, to handle both road and rail freights. The new railway bridge will also connect with the Thailand’s future high-speed rail from Bangkok to Nong Khai Province.
Here are some images from my unmatched historic archives, as well as images of the events on 21 April. Anyone reproducing these images is requested to give due credit, as follows: From the archives of Imtiaz Muqbil, Executive Editor, Travel Impact Newswire.
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Advertising Free Content - Luxury Real Estate: What Sets High-End Properties Apart?
Location: The Crown Jewel
It’s not just about the geographic spot but the prestige, exclusivity, and lifestyle the area affords its residents. Top New Orleans realtors (https://www.fastexpert.com/top-real-estate-agents/new-orleans-la/) often emphasize the importance of location, pointing out that a prime spot can significantly enhance a property’s value and desirability. Whether it’s the panoramic views, the proximity to essential services and entertainment, or the neighborhood’s status, the right location can transform an ordinary property into a coveted luxury asset. In places like New Orleans, the history, culture, and vibrancy of the area play a significant role in the luxury market, making location a critical factor in the valuation and appeal of high-end properties.
The Essence of Luxury Real Estate
The essence of luxury real estate lies in its ability to offer more than just a living space; it provides an exclusive lifestyle, characterized by opulence, comfort, and privacy. At its core, luxury real estate represents the pinnacle of architectural design and aesthetic appeal, where every detail is meticulously crafted to meet the highest standards of quality and elegance. These properties are not merely homes; they are masterpieces that embody the very best in craftsmanship, materials, and innovation. For those who seek the extraordinary, luxury real estate offers a sanctuary that is both a personal retreat and a statement of success. Beyond the tangible aspects of prime locations and bespoke amenities, the true value of luxury real estate lies in the intangible feeling of prestige and the unparalleled quality of life it affords its inhabitants.
Design and Architecture
The design and architecture of luxury real estate are pivotal elements that set high-end properties apart. These homes are often the result of collaborations between world-renowned architects and designers, who bring visionary ideas to life with a blend of aesthetics and functionality. The architectural design of luxury properties goes beyond mere structural form; it encompasses the soul of the building, reflecting the personality and lifestyle of its inhabitants. Every curve, angle, and material choice is deliberate, aiming to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also harmonious with their surroundings. In luxury real estate, architecture transcends its traditional boundaries, becoming a work of art that offers residents an immersive experience. This emphasis on unique design and architectural excellence ensures that each property is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, embodying luxury in every detail.
Bespoke Interiors
Bespoke interiors in luxury real estate are synonymous with tailor-made elegance and exclusivity, where every detail of the interior design is customized to fit the specific tastes and requirements of the homeowner. This personalized approach ensures that each space within the property is not just functional but also a reflection of the individual’s lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. High-end materials like rare marble, exotic woods, and bespoke furnishings are commonly used, providing a sense of sophistication and timeless beauty. The craftsmanship involved in creating these interiors is of the highest caliber, with artisans and designers working meticulously to produce spaces that are both luxurious and comfortable. Lighting, color schemes, and textures are harmoniously integrated to enhance the overall ambiance, creating an environment that is both inviting and impressive. Bespoke interiors are not just about luxury; they are about creating a unique and personal space that resonates with the owner’s identity, making each property distinctively exclusive. In the world of luxury real estate, these custom-designed interiors play a crucial role in defining the character and allure of the home, elevating it to a work of art that is both lived in and admired.
Privacy and Exclusivity
Privacy and exclusivity are cornerstone features of luxury real estate, distinguishing these properties from standard living spaces. High-end homes are often strategically designed to offer seclusion and sanctuary from the outside world, providing a private retreat for their occupants. This could mean gated estates, secluded locations, or even private islands, where residents can enjoy their lifestyle away from the public eye. Exclusivity is also about the rarity and uniqueness of the property, ensuring that homeowners have something truly special that stands out in the market. Architectural design often plays a key role, with layouts that maximize privacy, such as hidden courtyards, walled gardens, and expansive private grounds. Additionally, luxury properties may offer exclusive access to amenities like private beaches, marinas, or golf courses, enhancing the sense of exclusivity and privacy. In essence, these features combine to create a living environment where residents can enjoy the ultimate luxury of solitude and exclusivity, making their home a personal haven.
Buying a Luxury Home: What to Consider
When buying a luxury home, several critical factors must be considered to ensure the investment meets your lifestyle and financial goals. Firstly, location is paramount; it’s crucial to choose an area that not only reflects the status of the property but also offers the amenities and community that match your lifestyle needs. Realtors in Shreveport, LA, often highlight the importance of understanding the local market trends and the long-term value of the property in such exclusive neighborhoods. Secondly, the quality and craftsmanship of the home are vital; luxury homes should boast superior construction and finishes, with attention to detail that ensures both beauty and durability. Privacy and security features are also essential, as they contribute to the exclusivity and safety of the property. Finally, consider the potential for future appreciation or depreciation, assessing the property’s investment value in the long term, which can be guided by experienced real estate professionals familiar with the luxury market.
The Future of Luxury Real Estate
The future of luxury real estate looks to be shaped by several evolving trends that cater to the desires and needs of the next generation of high-net-worth individuals. Sustainability and eco-friendly designs are becoming increasingly important, with luxury homes incorporating green technologies, renewable energy sources, and sustainable materials to reduce environmental impact. Smart home technology is another area set for growth, with advanced systems for automation, security, and entertainment becoming standard in high-end properties. Additionally, there is a growing trend towards wellness-centered design, featuring amenities like home gyms, spas, and even meditation spaces, reflecting a holistic approach to luxury living. The globalization of the luxury real estate market is also expected to continue, with international buyers expanding their portfolios across various countries, driven by both investment opportunities and lifestyle preferences. Finally, the demand for bespoke, personalized experiences is leading to more innovative and unique property offerings, ensuring that luxury real estate remains at the forefront of exclusivity and desirability.
Conclusion
Luxury real estate represents the pinnacle of personal and financial achievement, offering not just a home but a lifestyle that is both enviable and exclusive. The intricate blend of prime location, bespoke design, and unparalleled amenities sets these properties apart, defining them as much more than mere residences. As the market continues to evolve, the future of luxury real estate promises even greater heights of innovation and sophistication, ensuring that the allure of owning such a property remains as compelling as ever. For those fortunate enough to participate in this market, the journey is not just about acquiring real estate, but about embracing a lifestyle that is the epitome of luxury and refinement.
- Business Class Flights to Madrid: A Comprehensive Guide
For those looking to enhance their journey, opting for business class flights offers a plethora of benefits designed to make your travel experience seamless and comfortable. This guide delves into the various aspects of booking business class flights to Madrid, ensuring that your trip begins and ends on a high note.
Choosing Business Class
Selecting business class flights to Madrid means prioritizing comfort, privacy, and convenience. The business class cabins are meticulously designed to cater to the needs of travelers seeking an elevated experience. From priority check-in to additional baggage allowance, every element of business class travel is tailored to streamline your journey.
Onboard Experience
Once aboard, passengers are welcomed into a world of luxury and comfort. Business class seats are engineered to offer the ultimate in comfort, often transforming into fully flat beds that allow you to arrive in Madrid well-rested. The personal space afforded to business class passengers ensures privacy and an environment conducive to relaxation or productivity.
The in-flight amenities in business class are another highlight. Passengers are treated to a selection of gourmet meals prepared by top chefs, paired with a curated selection of wines and beverages. The entertainment options are vast, with access to the latest movies, TV shows, music, and games, all available through personal touchscreen displays.
Airport Lounges
The business class experience extends beyond the cabin. Access to exclusive airport lounges allows passengers to wait for their flight in comfort. These lounges offer a range of services including dining, showers, Wi-Fi, and quiet zones for work or relaxation. Utilizing these facilities can significantly enhance your pre-flight experience, providing a peaceful retreat from the bustling airport environment.
Fast Track Services
One of the most valued benefits of flying business class to Madrid is the availability of fast-track services. These services expedite the security and immigration processes, saving valuable time and reducing the stress associated with airport procedures. Additionally, priority boarding ensures that business class passengers are among the first to board and settle in, further elevating the travel experience.
Networking Opportunities
Business class cabins often serve as an informal networking space where like-minded professionals and travelers can connect. Whether it’s sharing insights over a meal or striking up a conversation in the lounge, the opportunities for networking are plentiful. For business travelers, these interactions can be invaluable, opening doors to new collaborations or simply exchanging travel tips and advice.
The Arrival in Madrid
Upon arrival in Madrid, business class passengers continue to enjoy benefits such as priority baggage reclaim, ensuring a swift transition from the plane to the city. Madrid’s Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport offers excellent connectivity to the city center, with options ranging from taxis and rental cars to public transportation. Business class travelers can take advantage of concierge services to arrange for private transfers, making the journey to their accommodation as smooth as possible.
Making the Most of Your Trip
Madrid is a city teeming with art, culture, and gastronomy. From the renowned Prado Museum to the bustling squares of Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, there’s no shortage of sights to explore. Savoring Madrid’s culinary delights, from tapas in La Latina to gourmet dining experiences, is a must-do for any visitor. Business class travelers, with the added benefit of arriving refreshed, can dive straight into exploring all that Madrid has to offer.
- Airbus Names New North America Chief
Airbus SE disclosed that C. Jeffrey Knittel will step down as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Americas, Inc. on June 3, 2024, after leading the region since 2018. Knittel will stay on during a transition phase. Robin Hayes, ex-CEO of JetBlue Airways, has been chosen as his replacement.
Hayes has accumulated 35 years of extensive experience in the global aerospace industry, with a background in various senior executive positions at British Airways during his 19-year tenure, as well as serving as CEO at JetBlue for nine years. Between 2020 and 2022, Hayes held the position of Chair of the IATA’s Board of Governors, advocating for the association’s goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Hayes will be under the supervision of Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury.
Hayes, in his capacity as Chairman and CEO, will assume the helm of the commercial aircraft division and oversee the coordination of Airbus’ helicopters, space, and defense businesses in North America. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees spread across 50 locations, the region holds significant importance for the company. Furthermore, Airbus maintains strong ties with the United States, investing $15 billion each year and collaborating with over 2,000 suppliers across 40 states.
Throughout Knittel’s leadership, Airbus has increased its influence in the Americas and broadened its industrial and manufacturing capabilities, resulting in a twofold increase in commercial aircraft deliveries in the region. Knittel’s extensive background in aviation finance, leasing, and manufacturing, with over 40 years of experience, has been instrumental in his role at Airbus, having previously held the position of President at CIT Aerospace and CIT Transportation Finance.
“My time at Airbus has been a privilege and I am immensely proud of what the team has accomplished during our time together. We significantly increased revenues, grew market share and expanded our presence and operational footprint across all three Airbus businesses,” said Knittel. “The future is bright for Airbus in the region, as it is well-positioned to continue on its growth trajectory. Robin’s vast aviation experience, depth of knowledge and industry relationships make him the right choice at the right time to lead the organisation into the future in line with the Company’s global ambition. I look forward to watching the team reach new heights under Robin’s leadership.”
- Marijuana Smoking Banned at German Railway Stations
According to the latest local media reports, Germany’s national railway operator, Deutsche Bahn (DB), announced that passengers caught smoking marijuana at German train stations may face a ban from the premises. This new DB regulation was prompted the legalization of recreational marijuana in the country, which includes certain public areas, and will go in effect starting June 1, 2024.
New national law passed in February, permits German residents to have a maximum of 50 grams (1.7 ounces) of marijuana in their private residences. However, in public areas, the limit is reduced to 25 grams. Generally, smoking cannabis is allowed in public, except for specific zones near schools, playgrounds, and sports facilities. In accordance with the current regulations, minors found in possession of marijuana will be required to participate in a drug-abuse prevention program.
The legalization of marijuana was advocated by the government as a means to combat the illicit drug trade. German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach expressed the goal of establishing “a substitute for the underground economy” in February. Subsequently, the legislation was implemented on April 1.
According to a Deutsche Bahn spokesperson, the decision to ban smoking pot in DB train stations was made with the intention of safeguarding the welfare of the general public and ensuring the safety of minors. The spokesperson stressed the importance of protecting passengers, especially children and young adults, and added that the current legislation also forbids the consumption of marijuana in areas designated for pedestrians, as well as in close proximity to schools or playgrounds during daytime hours.
DB official said that Deutsche Bahn security staff will begin notifying passengers next week regarding the forthcoming ban. Additionally, the company intends to use posters at every station to alert individuals about the new regulations, emphasizing that failure to comply may result in penalties, such as being denied access to the premises.
Currently railways employees will only kindly request and advise the travelers to abstain from consuming cannabis up until June 1, when the penalties shall come into effect. Only the medical use of marijuana will be exempt from new rule and will be allowed.
Tobacco products smoking and vaping are also not allowed within the German railway stations. Special designated smoking areas are available in only around 400 railway terminals out of a total of 5,400. The consumption of marijuana will also be prohibited in these areas.
Approximately 20 million railways passengers use Deutsche Bahn train stations on a daily basis.
- Columbia University: What Happened to The Land of The Free?
The First Amendment of the United States Constitution protects the right to protest through freedom of speech and freedom to assemble. This includes the ability to verbally protest, engage in symbolic speech, and organize peaceful marches and protests on certain public lands. The First Amendment also applies to international visitors who wish to participate in lawful public demonstrations and protest.
Similar laws apply in most free countries, including the European Union, Australia, and others.
While most could agree that some verbal attacks may be part of what is protected by Freedom of Speech laws, insults and physical attacks are not.
Isra Hirsi, the daughter of Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, was arrested, and Jewish groups feared for the safety of students of its community amidst anti-Israel protests on its campus.
This caused the Rabi on the university to ask Jewish students to go home. It’s sending a terrible message to New Yorkers and the world.
New York is a city that welcomes thousands of foreign visitors every day and is seen as the gateway to the United States.
You can have different opinions, and you can have strong opinions, but one cannot overstep the red line of assaults and threats.
In a country that has the highest murder rate because of the Second Amendment in the US Constitution, referring to the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, it shall not be infringed, including the right to keep and bear arms, including ammunition in the US. This is very different from legislation in almost any other country in the world.
The current protests at Columbia University in Manhattan, New York, one of the country’s most prestigious and most expensive universities are concerning in many ways. Such intolerant demonstrations have the potential to turn violent and could become a trigger for wider civil unrest.
This is specially true in the current US environment of a very critical and controverse election period between a possible president Trump and Biden.
Antisemitic actions putting fear in the minds of ordinary citizens and have little to do with freedom of speech and the guaranteed right of protests. Antisemetic threats are surpriing in a city that is the home of the Statue of Liberty and where 18% of the people are jewish.
A week before the International Pow Wow is welcoming travel agents and tour operators from around the globe to Los Angeles, such developing stories are not what visitors and citizen will see as the land of the free home of the brave – and as a safe country to travel to.
While pro-Israel activists wave the U.S. flag and sing “God Bless America” at Columbia University, it may be interpreted by those supporting peace in Gaza as e message of not being American when voicing this. It has the potential of anti semetic and anti islamic outcry, even between participating student groups that may not be Jewish or Moslems.
This coordinated attack on freedom of expression and protesting genocide at Columbia University is an attempt to stop the spread of such protests to campuses nationwide, others say.
How did the protests develop at Columbia University
The campus had been simmering with rage for a few months because of the rising tensions. After the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, numerous Columbia students, who had supported a public letter blaming the Israeli extremist government and other Western governments for the war and casualties, had their personal information leaked online.
Conservative politicians and right-wing donor groups exerted ongoing pressure, leading to Columbia University suspending the charters of Jewish Voice for Peace and Students for Justice in Palestine student groups. The suspension occurred because the groups organized unauthorized demonstrations advocating for a cease-fire in Gaza.
Colleges nationwide are witnessing a surge in antisemitism and Islamophobia. To prevent political expressions within the dormitories, Barnard College in New York, affiliated with Columbia University, has implemented a prohibition on decorations for dorm room doors. Furthermore, both institutions have taken steps to confine protests to specific areas on campus.
Culombia, Yale, or any University should make it straightforward and completely lawful and ethically right: prohibit the use of masks unless there are valid medical grounds.
Passover Statement by President Biden
In a statement to commemorate the Jewish holiday of Passover on Sunday, Biden said it was necessary to speak out against “the alarming surge of antisemitism – in our schools, communities, and online. Silence is complicity. Even in recent days, we’ve seen harassment and calls for violence against Jews.
This blatant antisemitism is reprehensible and dangerous – and it has absolutely no place on college campuses, or anywhere in our country.”Biden made these remarks in response to recent reports of harassment and threats targeting Jewish students at Columbia University in New York.
Activists were captured on social media instructing students to return to Poland and warning them that October 7th would become a daily occurrence for them, alluding to the series of Hamas attacks on Israel that resulted in the loss of 1,139 lives.
Not every anti-Israel Protester is also an Antisemtic
Chabad at Columbia University, a chapter of an international Orthodox Jewish movement, said in a statement that protesters had also told Jewish students, “You have no culture”, “All you do is colonise” and to “Go back to Europe”.
A group of student activists who spoke out on Sunday expressed their separation from provocative individuals and reaffirmed their opposition to any manifestation of hate or prejudice in a statement.
“We are frustrated by media distractions focusing on inflammatory individuals who do not represent us. At universities across the nation, our movement is united in valuing every human life,” the statement said.
“A politically-motivated mob has misidentified our members. We have been doxxed in the press, arrested by the NYPD [New York Police Department], and locked out of our homes by the university. We have knowingly put ourselves in danger because we can no longer be complicit in Columbia funneling our tuition dollars and grant funding into companies that profit from death.”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York State Governor Kathy Hochul have also condemned reports of harassment and intimidation at the protests.
Columbia, a renowned American university, has become a center of student activism ever since the beginning of the Israeli-Gaza conflict after the October 7 terror attack by Hamas on Israel.
- Switzerland: Center of Environmental Excellence and Beacon for EU
During the COVID-19 pandemic, plastic use has tripled in the last four years, and the EU single plastic use ban policy is far from adequate or implemented.
This leaves natural resources and us in an immediate threat and risk of biodiversity loss.
This leaves us living in an unsafe, environmentally polluted area, and we can safely say we have lost the battle against plastic in the EU and the Mediterranean, states Mr. Alic Nedzad, OACM CEO for Government Integration in the EU and Switzerland. We need to turn this situation around immediately and start with concrete measures.
Switzerland
Switzerland is the only country on the European Continent with self-sufficiently educated people and raised awareness among nationals.
The Ocean Alliance
The Ocean Alliance Group (OACM) is the world’s first conglomerate of United Nations, corporations, and human resources committed to preserving, protecting, and cleaning oceans, lakes, and rivers with a financially sustainable circular economy system that combines economy, environment, education, and social impact.
The OACM’s global activity is based on concrete measures and solutions only, focused on minimizing the international footprint of the world’s waters, reducing future pollution, and dealing with the pollution accumulated during the last five decades.
White Flag International is an OACM brand created to certify coastal and marine areas by cleaning below and above water surfaces and annually maintaining these areas. White Flag is part of the SOS CP Program (Sustainable Ocean Solution Conservancy Program), which is being integrated globally into governmental structures. This program provides nations with financially sustainable solutions to preserve natural resources and climate change effects on oceans, lakes, and rivers.
White Flag Certified SAFE Marine Area
White Flag CSMA (Certified SAFE Marine Area) is a global synonym for a broad spectrum of economic, environmental, educational, and social activities within a closed circular system ensuring planetary health and clean oceans.
White Flag CSMA, under the umbrella of the SOS CP System, has ensured a long-term, financially sustainable synergy between the governmental and the corporate sectors to deal with today’s imminent environmental threats and challenges through shared responsibility and by implementing only concrete measures that positively impact the planet and the world’s oceans.
Any integrated environmental measures can be measured in metric tonnes of extracted ocean marine debris, representing the core essence of the SOS CP and White Flag CSMA.
Safe Marine Areas in the European Union
OACM aims to lead in creating SAFE Marine Areas in the EU, Mediterranean, South Eastern Europe, and Balkan region, providing the government, corporations, organizations, and foundations actively involved in preserving natural resources with tools to battle the pollution threat.
“We will start with the corporate, organizational, and foundations to create plastic-free SAFE marine areas for human and aquatic life,” says Ms. Franka Veza, young OACM CEO responsible for partnership and development between the OACM and various organizations, foundations, and public-private stakeholders.
She says, “The Responsibility of environmental preservation lies in all of us: governments, corporations, and organizations. Our objective is to unite them and generate much stronger ECR policies in these sectors by providing those stakeholders with long-term, financially sustainable tools. “
The most Extensive Lake and river Cleanup in Switzerland.
The Ocean Alliance prepares the most extensive systematic lake and river clean-up in Swiss History, making Switzerland a center of environmental excellence and a beacon for the EU on the implementation of concrete measures based on the physical extraction of marine debris, plastic, and other pollutants that lies on the bottom in Switzerland.
To educate people about the difference between cosmetic and concrete measures, OACM has created the EOMD Scale System ( Extracted Ocean Marine Debris ).
This unique measuring system will ensure the public and media have visual proof of how much of the pollutants are beyond extracting from lakes and rivers on a daily, monthly, and yearly basis, says Damir Blaskovic, OACM CEO for EU and Swiss Corporate Partnership.
To bring environmental pollution closer to the public, raise awareness, and educate your and the old generation about its consequences, we will film and co-produce small documentaries for companies, foundations, and those who will finance our lake and river cleaning.
The Water Drop Award
By the end of each year, OACM, with its partners, will organize an official “ Water Drop Award “ Ceremony where all partners and sponsors will be awarded for their efforts, and documentaries from the cleaning process will be screened for the media; the public, and our partners during the award ceremony. The Mr. Mario Kanaet, OACM CEO for SOS CP System Visual Effects, quotes:
“To educate people, raise awareness, and prove our system functionality above other cosmetic measures, we will show how much plastic we extract in the photo and video aids but most importantly in numbers of EOMD Scale. “
OACM has initiated its operations in the Middle East, Europe, Africa
Middle East: Jordan, Egypt, Oman, UAE, KSA, Qatar, Bahrain
EU: Croatia, Slovenia, Malta, Norway, New Macedonia, and soon Albania
Africa: SeychellesIn the next few months, it’s expected to start in Asia and become official in South Korea and Japan through 2025.
OACM promoted the SOS CP CSMA system on “The Strandbad Mythenquai” on Lake Zurich in 2022.
The Swiss Light Show
The light show will be performed by world-famous Swiss light Artist Gerry Hofstetter, the CEO of Visual Effects for World Aqua Day in 2025.
Mr. Hofstetter’s Award will be given only to companies and foundations that truly take concrete measures to save oceans, lakes, and rivers.
- Will PATA Have a Future in Travel and Tourism Leadership?
The re-election of Peter Semone as Chairman of the executive board of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) fuels a frustrated fellow board member’s desire to contact eTurboNews with a public letter.
eTurboNews is publishing this letter and comments are welcome.
Concerns Regarding Recent PATA Chair Election Results
I wanted to address some concerning developments following the recent PATA chair election results.
It is with a heavy heart that I express my apprehensions about Mr. Peter Semone’s re-election as chair. While it is commendable to acknowledge the achievements claimed during his tenure, it is equally important to shine a light on the challenges and shortcomings faced by the organization under his leadership.
Despite assurances of regained financial stability, management prowess, and visionary direction, the reality paints a different picture. Membership decline, a staggering staff turnover rate predominantly affecting female workers, allegations of misconduct, including harassment and bullying, and rumors of questionable consultancy contracts linked to the chair have plagued our organization.
The lack of transparency reminiscent of certain political administrations only exacerbates these concerns. Vital information being withheld from the board and membership, including the sudden departure of the former CEO and the subsequent silence regarding the circumstances, are troubling signs of governance opacity.
As a longstanding board member, I am deeply disheartened by the recent election outcome and fear for the organization’s future. It is evident that PATA no longer upholds the values of transparency, integrity, and accountability that were once its cornerstone. In light of these developments, I will advocate for the termination of our membership.
I sincerely hope these issues are addressed promptly and decisively to preserve PATA’s legacy and relevance in the global travel community.
- New Ambassador for eTurboNews: Robin Mason, Falls Church, Virginia, USA
Even though the eTN 24-hour editorial team today has access to information through correspondents, freelance writers, social media, and wire services, ambassadors remain an essential part of the eTurboNews family.
eTurboNews ambassadors are a distinguished and growing team of dedicated veterans in the travel and tourism world. They include tourism celebrities, writers, sponsors, and other supporters such as former UNWTO Secretary General Dr. Taleb Rifai, Professor Geoffrey Lipman, Vatche Yergatin, Deepak Joshi, and more.
Robin Mason, from Falls Church, Virginia, USA, is now the latest ambassador appointed by eTurboNews founder and CEO Juergen Steinmetz with the approval of his executive board.
Robin Mason is an expert in sustainable tourism.
Travel and Tourism Insight is her consulting company based in Falls Church, Virginia, USA— just a short drive from the nation’s capitol city, Washington, DC.
She has extensive skills in destination management, business analytics, product development, and managing international development projects in Latin America, Asia, and Africa.
During eighteen years with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Ms. Mason contributed to designing and implementing a Global Development Alliance program. She served in numerous roles at USAID headquarters and on field missions.
She has been a tourism strategic advisor and evaluation specialist to national governments, international organizations, and tourism and industry organizations. She has extensive global travel and residence experience and has developed deep networks in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Ms. Mason has two Master’s Degrees in Tourism Administration (George Washington University) and International Development (American University).
“I’ve lived most of my life “overseas” and traveled all over this beautiful earth, and all I can say is “Vive la différence!”
I am passionate about meeting people, chatting over coffee in small cafes, scaling mountains, kayaking rivers, cycling long winding roads, group tours, solo tours, rugged camping, and ultimate luxury. My spirit of adventure and friendliness has no bounds.
Robin has an MBA in Tourism and has been a professional in the tourism and environment field for over twenty years.
She has traveled and lived in over 116 countries. Robin is a seasoned, mature, and measured proponent of the tourism industry, dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism to improve cross-cultural dialogue and understanding.
Robin told eTurboNews that she had been a subscriber to eTurboNews for over ten years and admired its growing stature as an independent voice for the global travel and tourism industry.
Robin’s contribution to eTurboNews
“I want to support this growth and think I can contribute as an advisor as I have traveled extensively, lived overseas extensively, and continue to travel extensively, and am passionate about this field.”
“While I am not an influencer on social media yet, I carry a significant following through my professional work in international development as the Executive Director of Travel and Tourism Insights, LLC.
My company and website are in their infancy, but I am not. I am a retired US foreign service officer looking to find ways to remain relevant.”
Juergen Steinmetz responded: “Robin is everything we’re looking for in an ambassador. I am very proud to welcome her to our family.”
How to become an eTurboNews Ambassador?
To apply to become an eTurboNews Ambassador, go to www.etn.travel/ambassador .
- Bali Tourists Urged to Get Dengue Fever Jabs
Regional government of Indonesia’s tourist island of Bali is strongly urging foreign tourists visiting the island to receive vaccinations for dengue fever, as the number of dengue cases in the country is on the rise.
Today, Gusti Ayu Raka Susanti, the Acting Head of Disease Prevention and Control (P2P) at the Bali Health Agency, declared that while dengue vaccines are not currently mandatory nationwide, it is strongly recommended for tourists to receive the vaccinations. This precautionary measure ensures their well-being while traveling, especially when visiting areas with a high prevalence of dengue fever.
“The dengue fever vaccinations are highly suggested, not only for tourists, but also all Balinese people, so that they can protect themselves from dengue infections,” Bali health official added.
The rising number of dengue fever cases across Indonesia has raised concerns about the prevalence of this high fever in Bali. While the Bali regional government lacks specific data on the number of tourists affected by dengue fever, the overall incidence rate in the province remains alarmingly high.
From January to April this year alone, there have been a total of 4,177 reported cases and five fatalities due to dengue fever.
- The Bahamas Takes Action Towards Sustainable Future
This week, The Honorable I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister of The Bahamas and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, represented the 700-island nation at the United Nations General Assembly Sustainability Week in New York City, embodying the unwavering commitment of The Bahamas to tourism resilience.
“Our participation in this pivotal event was more than symbolic; it was an assertive showcase of the unparalleled strategies that have propelled The Bahamas to the forefront of travel destinations, even as the region has experienced disruptions in weather, such as catastrophic hurricanes, climate change and global shocks like the pandemic and geopolitical events,” said DPM Cooper. “Tourism isn’t just an industry for us; it’s the lifeblood of our nation with the imperative to lead and collaborate for a sustainable future.”
In a resounding address to the Assembly, DPM Cooper underscored that:
The Bahamas’ tourism triumphs stem from a profound commitment to uplifting lives, preserving environments and sustaining community economies.
To epitomize this dedication and ensure a sustainable legacy, the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation is gearing up for Earth Day with the launch of two groundbreaking initiatives aimed at fortifying the health and restoration of mangrove trees devastated by Hurricane Dorian in 2019.
The “For The Love of Mangrove” campaign is led by Team Tourism volunteers, public service staff, along with visitors and the public and a strong showing of the industry’s environmental stewardship:
- Mangrove Magic: Team Tourism and partners such as the Bahamas National Trust, Waterkeepers, and Friends of the Environment are engaged in a spirited competition to plant the maximum number of mangrove propagules to grow new trees.
- Adopt-a-Mangrove encourages Team Tourism and others to contribute financially to bolster the Mangrove Restoration Project in collaboration with partner organizations.
According to the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investment & Aviation, “mangroves aren’t just part of nature’s tropical landscape; they’re the guardians of our coastlines, mitigating erosion from storm surges, currents, and tides. Their intricate root systems serve as sanctuaries for myriad marine organisms, making them vital to the ecological balance of our oceans.”
Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, The Bahamas is committed to actions towards continued country prosperity while protecting the planet with major overarching goals such as:
- Life Below Water – Protect biodiversity and marine life through the sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources.
- Responsible Consumption and Production – Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns across the nation’s 16 islands and thousands of cays.
- Climate Action – Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
- Life on Land – Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems: sustainable forest management, desertification, land degradation and biodiversity loss.
“The Bahamas enjoyed record-breaking tourism arrivals of almost 10 million visitors last year, with success based on many factors: beauty above and below the water, warm and welcoming people, rich cultural history, and abundant opportunities to enjoy nature and the resiliency of our tourism product,” added DPM Cooper
For more information on these exciting events and offerings, visit Bahamas.com.
About The Bahamas
The Bahamas has over 700 islands and cays, as well as 16 unique island destinations. Located only 50 miles off the coast of Florida, it offers a quick and easy way for travelers to escape their everyday. The island nation also boasts world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the earth’s most spectacular beaches for families, couples and adventurers to explore. See why It’s Better in The Bahamas at www.bahamas.co or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram.
- The Harmonious Architectural Artistry of Al-Baha Saudi Arabia
Scattered across its vast expanse, villages showcase a harmonious blend of residential structures, fortresses, and citadels, each meticulously crafted to blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment.
Mohammed Al-Ghamdi, a 73-year-old stonemason with decades of experience, described the intricate process of building a traditional Al-Baha home.
The foundation of this craft lies in harmony with nature.
The designs are adapted to the region’s unique topography and climate.
Stones play a pivotal role in shaping the region’s structures. Al-Ghamdi said he selects and arranges each stone, ensuring structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. The rhythmic placement of stones not only provides strength but also creates a captivating visual tapestry.
Once the walls are erected, the focus shifts to the roof. Carefully selected wooden beams are strategically arranged, forming a sturdy framework that shelters the interior from the elements. Over this skeletal structure, a layer of vegetation is meticulously laid, providing insulation and a natural barrier against moisture.
Clay is applied to the interior walls, imparting a warm, earthy hue that enhances the home’s cozy ambiance. It plays a crucial role in reinforcing the roof, ensuring its resilience against harsh weather conditions.
Juniper wood, renowned for its durability and versatility, is employed in crafting doors and windows, adding a touch of elegance to the home’s exterior. Al-Ghamdi highlighted the ease with which juniper can be recycled, demonstrating the region’s commitment to resourcefulness.
Advertising Free Content White marble adorns the doorways and window frames. The intricate carvings and patterns etched into the marble serve as testament to the artistry of Al-Baha’s craftsmen.
Towering pillars play a crucial role in supporting the weight of the roof.
Dr. Abdulaziz Hanash, an architecture professor at Al-Baha University, offered insightful perspectives on the significance of the region’s architectural heritage. “The architectural landscape of Al-Baha serves as a tangible chronicle of the region’s rich history and cultural evolution,” he said.
Hanash emphasized the region’s abundance of historical landmarks, both in the Sarat and Tihama regions, highlighting the government’s dedication to promoting tourism in Al-Baha.
- China Bans WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram from AppStore
US tech giant Apple announced today, that it was forced to remove numerous popular messaging apps from its AppStore in China following a demand from Beijing government alleging national security threats.
According to the latest reports, Meta’s WhatsApp and Threads apps, along with messaging services Telegram and Signal, are currently not available for download at the AppStore in China. Apparently, Chinese users also no longer have access to Korean Line.
According to Apple’s statement, China’s Cyberspace Administration had asked for the removal of instant messaging apps from the App Store due to “national security” concerns. The American technology company stated that it is required to adhere to the regulations of the countries where it conducts business, regardless of its own opinions. However, Apple emphasized that these apps are still accessible on other platforms.
The four deleted applications are still accessible in China’s two special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau, according to latest reports.
Additional Meta applications like Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger remain accessible for download at the AppStore in China. Nevertheless, similar to the situation with the blocked messaging applications, gaining entry to these services without specific proxy solutions like a virtual private network (VPN) to bypass Beijing’s Great Firewall is quite challenging for local users.
The exact motives behind the request to eliminate the applications are still undisclosed, but it is possible that this action is connected to a legislation enacted in China in the previous year. This law mandates that all applications functioning within the country must undergo registration with the local regulatory authority. In August, Chinese authorities urged foreign developers to comply with this regulation by the conclusion of March 2024, or else face the obligation of removing their applications from the marketplace.
- Better Travel Phone: iOS vs Android
Perhaps you are taking landscape photos, located at unknown places, or staying in contact with friends and family; whichever one, your smartphone is a tool greatly used during travel. In this article, we’ll delve into the perennial debate: Current platform: iOS vs Android. Is it better to buy a sims one handset or a separate phone? Let’s find out!
The Battle of Software Updates
iOS, the operating system that powers iPhones, boasts a distinct advantage:
- Fast software rollouts Apple takes seriously the task of giving the current iPhones and iPads with iOS updates within a period of five to six years from the date that they are released on the market. It has to do with ensuring uninterrupted access to new functionality, applications, protocols, and patches.
- Renewed a device loses its functionality and still receives an improvement and security feedback ensuring it continues giving service for longer and is enjoying peace of mind.
The Android market is diverse.
- Google Nexuses and Android One phones bypassed some delays, but other manufacturers tend to come up with their release plans later.
- Google is going to support users with at least 3 years of revisions of OS and not less than 5 years of security updates.
- Samsung, on the other hand, applies a similar policy but with 4 years of One UI / Android updates and at least 5 years of Security updates.
- On Android phones, it is the modern case that they only receive updates for two years and the owners of these devices want more.
Long-Term Value and Resale Potential
When it comes to long-term value, iOS shines. Apple’s commitment to supporting devices for extended periods allows you to pass down iPhones to friends and family without compatibility concerns. Worried about phone app support or security risks? Fear not! iPhones hold their resale value better than their Android counterparts. Whether you’re selling or trading in, iOS devices fetch a premium.
Customer Support: A Lifesaver on the Road
Picture this: You’re exploring a bustling market in Marrakech, and suddenly your phone freezes. Panic sets in. Fear not, fellow traveler! iOS offers reliable customer support. Whether you need hardware or software assistance, Apple’s dedicated support phone app and website provide remote options. Plus, you can reserve an in-person appointment at any Apple Store. Yes, repairs can be pricey if you’re out of warranty, but the peace of mind is worth it.
The Role of Apps: a Phone Cleaner and More
Now, let’s talk about apps. Different Android and iOS, android gets the spectrum whereas iOS has a unique design. Is there a need for a cleaner app for mobile phone organizers? Android’s got you covered. The cache cleaning and memory optimization capabilities of these apps ensure your travel phone runs without any issues. But wait, iOS users! Don’t fret. There’s another secret also.
Introducing the Cleanup App. It’s a Phone Cleaner Indeed, for iOS (Apple Operating System). This cool little thing seizes digital spiders by the webs, clearing the space and reigniting the performance. Visualize yourself meandering through the Louvre using your innovatively designed and implemented iOS, the system being flawlessly and perfectly working. The Cleanup App keeps your travel companion yours in order, to prove your reliability to travel. Plus, it’s free!
Battery Life and Charging: A Traveler’s Nightmare
Last but not the least we have battery life. Traveling becomes pointless on the death of a phone due to unreliable internet connectivity. The fact that androids have swappable batteries thus makes them the perfect option during extended travels. Just include a spare battery and keep capturing those attractive, Instagram-able images.
Along with this, iPhones are known for their non-removable batteries, which contrary to popular belief, have decent life spans. Through the software and hardware optimizations the iPhone has one of the best battery life. Furthermore, its MagSafe power system provides a wireless charging option for your convenience.
Conclusion
In the grand battle of iOS vs Android, there’s no clear winner. Each platform has its strengths, and the choice ultimately depends on your preferences. If you crave seamless updates, long-term value, and reliable customer support, iOS is your ally. Meanwhile, Android’s flexibility and diverse app ecosystem cater to the adventurous spirit. Whichever platform you choose, remember to keep your travel phone clean and lean with the Cleanup App. Use a cleaner app. Happy travels!
