Author: Tuhin Sarkar

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News Pick TTW APP NEWS

Southwestern United States experiences record breaking heatwave

heat wave

The southwestern United States is experiencing a record-breaking heat wave that is expected to expand eastward in the coming week, according to meteorologists.

Tens of millions of Americans are under heat-related weather alerts, stretching from the West to the South Central states.

The States like California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona have been particularly affected, with temperatures soaring into the triple digits for days. Phoenix, Arizona, recently recorded its third consecutive record high temperature, reaching 118 degrees Fahrenheit, surpassing the previous record set in 1998.

The city is also on track to break the record for consecutive days with temperatures at or above 110 degrees. The extreme heat is occurring during a time when temperatures are already at their highest relative to historical averages.

The heat wave is attributed to a large area of high pressure that remains stagnant over the region, preventing any relief from the scorching temperatures.

The locations like Las Vegas, Fresno, and Phoenix are expected to experience the highest temperatures of the heat wave, with records likely to be challenged. Death Valley, California, known as one of the hottest places on Earth, could approach 130 degrees Fahrenheit, just shy of the disputed world record.

People are advised to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activities during daylight hours, and seek air-conditioned environments to prevent heat-related illnesses. The heat wave is expected to persist into the upcoming weekend, with temperatures remaining well above historical averages.

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TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY NEWS

SITA Flex APIs: Revolutionising aviation technology for enhanced passenger services

The exponential growth of airline passenger numbers worldwide has put significant pressure on airlines and airports to respond swiftly and effectively. In this dynamic landscape, SITA Flex APIs have emerged as state-of-the-art technologies that are revolutionising aviation technology and enabling airlines to deliver exceptional services to passengers.

Creating customised features

By leveraging SITA Flex APIs, airlines can create customized and innovative passenger processing features, streamline their app development processes, and scale rapidly, unlike ever before. This groundbreaking technology eliminates the need for lengthy and costly certification processes through common-use providers, allowing airlines the freedom to deploy their applications as and when they desire.

Next Generation Common Use Platform

SITA Flex is a next-generation common-use platform that seamlessly transitions airlines and airports into mobile passenger service and workforce solutions, both on and off-airport, while maintaining compatibility with conventional common-use systems.

This platform is particularly advantageous for those looking to digitize their passengers’ journeys with mobile solutions or develop new applications. By adopting SITA Flex, airlines can significantly reduce costs, generate additional revenue streams, and adapt to the ever-changing environment of the industry.

The platform supports the development of native applications and facilitates the transition to mobile and touchless passenger service applications, enabling passengers to use their smart devices to interact with key touchpoints within the airport. This reduces the need for physical airport furniture and aligns with the evolving expectations and preferences of passengers.

Advantages of SITA Flex

One of the key advantages of SITA Flex is its long-standing partnership with Microsoft, leveraging the power of Microsoft Azure. This collaboration allows users to harness the full benefits of cloud computing without the constraints of traditional common-use environments. With SITA Flex, airline staff can operate completely mobile, untethered from fixed points in the airport. They can utilize their airline’s applications on mobile devices anywhere, enabling them to check-in passengers in remote locations or quickly launch agent-roaming services to manage traffic peaks and irregular operations. This flexibility empowers airlines to efficiently manage rapid changes in the airport environment without compromising the passenger experience.

Partnership with Malaysia Airlines

SITA’s successful partnership with Malaysia Airlines serves as a testament to the effectiveness of SITA Flex. The airline has renewed its partnership with SITA for a comprehensive upgrade that will connect its global operations to its hub in Kuala Lumpur using fast, secure, and reliable network connectivity. Through SITA Connect, specifically designed for the air transport industry, Malaysia Airlines will enjoy lower connectivity costs, improved service quality, access to new features and applications, and enhanced check-in processes worldwide. The global presence of SITA across 650 airports in 220 countries and territories ensures that Malaysia Airlines benefits from a vast network of connectivity and support.

SITA Connect

SITA Connect helps organizations with multiple locations by offering flexible IP bandwidth, integrated internet services, and access to cloud applications. By deploying software-defined networking (SDN), SITA is at the forefront of next-generation network services. With SITA’s Airport Hub, a shared and pre-connected platform deployed in 600 airports, airlines, ground handlers, and maintenance companies can access reliable, flexible, and cost-effective communication services.

Sustainability

Sustainability

Sustainability is a key focus for SITA, as evidenced by their recent $400 million sustainability-linked revolving credit facility. This facility supports SITA’s general business needs and allows the company to develop innovative solutions and strategies to address the challenges faced by the air transport industry today and in the future. The facility is directly linked to pre-agreed environmental key performance indicators (KPIs) and targets, with the interest margin being adjusted based on SITA’s performance. SITA has made significant efforts to reduce emissions and achieved CarbonNeutral status in 2021. The company is committed to setting science-based targets aligned with the Paris Agreement’s net-zero and 1.5-degree Celsius scenarios, with external audits to ensure accountability.

Société Générale and Crédit Industriel et Commercial are acting as joint coordinators and book-runners for SITA’s credit facility, with other prominent banks participating as mandated lead arrangers and arrangers. The participation of additional banks underscores investor confidence in SITA’s technology and its commitment to sustainability.

SITA Flex APIs are transforming aviation technology, empowering airlines and airports to provide enhanced services to passengers. The platform’s flexibility, compatibility with mobile solutions, and seamless integration capabilities enable airlines to scale rapidly and deliver personalized and efficient experiences to their customers. Through its partnerships and sustainable initiatives, SITA demonstrates its commitment to driving innovation and sustainability in the air transport industry.

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MICE News Travel Event News

TTF Kolkata 2023 becomes a prominent place to connect and meet in East India

The highly anticipated TTF Kolkata 2023 concluded with resounding success, providing an exceptional platform for the travel trade industry of West Bengal and beyond.

Over the course of three days, the event brought together the vibrant travel community of Eastern India, facilitating networking opportunities, fostering connections, and enabling business transactions with exhibitors from across India and abroad.

As India’s oldest travel trade show, TTF Kolkata showcased a grand display of domestic and international travel offerings, with a staggering participation of over 400 exhibitors representing 4 countries, 25 Indian states, and UTs.

Ram Krishna Jaiswal, Hon. Consul Republic of Maldives in Kolkata, West Bengal says, “It was indeed great pleasure to attend TTF Kolkata 2023 as the Guest-of-Honour in my official capacity as the Hon.Consul Republic of Maldives in Kolkata. The sheer energy and positive aura along with engendered excitement of all the participants from various states/destinations surely made the programme feel like a brilliant success! I also take this opportunity to welcome tourists to Maldives with friends & enjoy the scene at bliss.”

India’s travel market is experiencing a transformative phase, positioning itself as one of the fastest-growing markets globally.

The domestic tourism sector is witnessing a robust recovery and is projected to reach INR 35 trillion by 2029, with an annual growth rate of 6.7%. The outbound tourism from India is set to exceed $42 billion by 2024, according to a study conducted by Andersen.

The enthusiasm for travel among Indians was evident at TTF Kolkata 2023, held on July 14th to 16th at the Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan (formerly known as Milan Mela). The event witnessed substantial growth, being twice the size of the previous year’s edition.

Prominent destinations such as the Tourism Authority of Thailand, State Tourism Boards, and private participants like Air India, Sterling Holidays Resorts, Neptune Holidays, and Ramoji Film City showcased their finest products and services at the show.

The event commenced with a grand inauguration ceremony graced by Chief Guest Shri Babul Supriyo, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge of Tourism, Information Technology & Electronics, Government of West Bengal. Distinguished guests, including HE Ms. Acharapan Yavaprapas, Consul-General of Thailand, Royal Thai Consulate, Mr. Sagnik Chowdhury, Regional Director East, Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India, and Ms. Amrit Singh, IAS, Director Tourism, Govt. of Punjab, were present along with senior tourism officials, heads of travel trade associations, and members of the media.

Shri Babul Supriyo expressed his pleasure at the event, stating, “It’s a pleasure to be at a buzzing event like TTF today. Walking the show, I noticed exhibitors from Indian States highlighting their destinations, and that is exactly what we aspire to do at West Bengal Tourism. We have so much to offer, and we want you to bring your tourists to us, and we will ensure to reciprocate the love that we are known for.”

TTF Kolkata, established in 1989, holds a special significance as it started in Kolkata, a city known as the melting pot of travel enthusiasts. It is now organized annually in Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore, making it India’s oldest and largest travel trade show network focused on promoting tourism in key travel markets.

Recent reports indicate that Kolkata’s Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is the fifth busiest airport in India, further fueling the growth of passenger traffic with the introduction of new flights connecting Southeast Asia and the Gulf regions.

Partner States at the show included Uttarakhand, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Karnataka, Gujarat, Kerala, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, with their colorful pavilions highlighting diverse attractions. Additionally, feature states like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chattisgarh, Jammu & Kashmir, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, and Punjab garnered attention.

Thailand, showcased as the Feature Country, emphasized its commitment to welcoming Indian tourists, highlighting its warm hospitality, renowned cuisine, and a wide range of experiences. The Tourism Authority of Thailand aims to create a meaningful travel experience for all travelers, with attractions spanning food, festivals, Thai kickboxing, fashion, film, health and wellness, weddings and honeymoons, gastronomy, sports tourism, and luxury travel.

Nepal, the UAE, and various Indian states including Andaman & Nicobar Islands, New Delhi, Haryana, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and West Bengal also participated, offering a diverse range of travel agents, tour operators, hospitality chains, destination management companies, and tourist attractions.

The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India played a significant role at the event, showcasing ongoing initiatives and highlighting key events such as the recently held G20 summit, ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,’ ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,’ and ‘Dekho Apna Desh.’

The TTF Forum featured engaging destination presentations by the State Tourism Boards of Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, along with a high-tea networking session organized by Rajasthan Tourism. The forum hosted a power-packed panel discussion on the “Importance of Kolkata as a Gateway to Eastern India, both as a source market and as a destination.” Thailand presented “Amazing Thailand: Part of Your Life,” showcasing the uniqueness and beauty of the destination. ACT (Association for Conservation & Tourism), the Responsible Tourism Partner for TTF Kolkata 2023, organized multiple engaging sessions.

Days 2 and 3 witnessed an overwhelming response from trade visitors and enthusiastic travelers, with thousands of visitors interacting with exhibitors, exploring the best travel deals for their upcoming vacations.

Sanjiv Agarwal, Chairman & CEO of Fairfest Media Ltd., the organizers of TTF, expressed delight at the success of TTF Kolkata 2023 and the growing demand for trade shows. He anticipated full-house participation at the upcoming TTF Ahmedabad, TTF Hyderabad, and BLTM in Delhi.

TTF Kolkata 2023 received active support from esteemed travel associations including OTOAI, TAAI, TAFI, SKAL Kolkata, ETAA, ADTOI, TAAB, EHTTOA, ATSPB, HHTDN, IATTE, TAHAT, ABTO, NIMA, Tourism Welfare Association, and TOA.

TTF, as the country’s oldest and largest network of travel trade shows, covers seven cities annually, providing highly effective marketing platforms for promoting tourism. The show’s timing before the Durga Puja holidays, the busiest vacation travel season in the region, adds to its significance.

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INDIA NEWS UPDATES Travel Event News

Karnataka Tourism stand bags for best decoration at TTF Kolkata 2023

Karnataka Tourism, renowned for its vibrant heritage, rich culture, breathtaking wildlife, pristine beaches, and thrilling adventure activities, enthralled visitors at TTF Kolkata 2023. The event, held at the Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan (formerly known as Milan Mela), Kolkata, West Bengal from July 14th to July 16th, served as a remarkable platform for Karnataka Tourism to promote its heritage and wildlife with a spacious 100-sq mts stand.

The Karnataka Tourism stand captivated visitors with a stunning representation of the state’s rich heritage and diverse wildlife. The stand showcased the iconic Mysore Palace gate, a symbol of the state’s regal heritage. Additionally, the structure of the Achyuta Temple, renowned for its architectural beauty, was prominently displayed, highlighting Karnataka’s spiritual and cultural significance.

The Karnataka Tourism stand at TTF Kolkata 2023 received the Excellence Award for Best Decoration. This recognition reflects the stand’s outstanding presentation and creative design, further highlighting Karnataka’s commitment to providing an immersive and visually captivating experience for visitors.

The stand effectively combined elements of heritage and wildlife, providing a comprehensive representation of the state’s unique attractions. By seamlessly integrating heritage and wildlife, the Karnataka Tourism stand at TTF Kolkata 2023 offered visitors an immersive experience, inviting them to explore the rich cultural tapestry and natural wonders that Karnataka has to offer.

The Karnataka Tourism stand was inaugurated by Shri. Babul Supriyo, Minister for Tourism, West Bengal, in the presence of Mrs. Indiramma – General Manager, KSTDC, Mr. Manoj Kumar – Manager KSTDC and Mr. Manjunath – Manager Jungle Lodges & Resorts. The pavilion included various tourism service providers from Karnataka, such as Quality Holidays and Cars Pvt. Ltd., Crystal Inn, The Quorum Hotel, Roopa Group of Hotels, Coorg Cliffs Resort, The Silver Sky Hotels and Resorts, Mysore International Travels Pvt. Ltd., Sharmada Hidden Nest, VHF Resorts (Cintacor Island Resort), Lazdana Hotel, Manisha Naturopathy and Wellness, Mysore Taxiwala and Intersight Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd. further highlighting the comprehensive tourism experiences available.

During the event, the Karnataka Tourism delegation engaged in discussions with domestic tour operators, travel agents, and other key stakeholders. These interactions aimed to strengthen existing ties and establish new partnerships, ultimately boosting tourism to Karnataka.

Karnataka Tourism’s presence at TTF Kolkata 2023 underscores its commitment to showcasing the state’s extraordinary potential and captivating offerings. The event witnessed a remarkable response, with numerous visitors and trade partners expressing keen interest in Karnataka’s tourism offerings. With its incredible diversity, Karnataka remains a top tourist destination throughout the year, inviting visitors to revel in its splendid wonders. Whether one desires a leisurely beach stroll, a voyage through ancient monuments and palaces, or a thrilling wildlife experience, Karnataka’s tourism industry is poised to fulfill every traveller’s dreams. The success of Karnataka’s participation at TTF Kolkata 2023 highlights the state’s tremendous potential to attract tourists from Kolkata and beyond.

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HOTEL NEWS New Appointment TRAVEL TRENDS AND FOCUS

Hyatt Centric Melbourne announces new General Manager Mark Foxwell

Hyatt Centric Melbourne is thrilled to announce the appointment of Mark Foxwell as the new General Manager. Mark, an accomplished professional with a longstanding career at Hyatt, brings a wealth of experience from various roles both in Australia and internationally.

Having held General Manager positions in Japan, China, and most recently in Perth, Mark is excited to return to Melbourne, a city he knows well, and is proud to call home.

As a passionate leader with over 28 years of experience with Hyatt, including 14 years in General Management roles, Mark has proven his adaptability across a variety of diverse cultures and demonstrated a strong ability to build trusted relationships.

His guest and people-focused approach has consistently brought out the best in his teams and contributed to the success of the businesses he has led.

Mark’s expertise encompasses all aspects of hotel operations, aligning with MBA studies completed in 2017, further enhancing his skills and commitment to personal development.

His dedication to delivering on stakeholder priorities and ensuring optimal financial results has made him a highly respected professional in the industry.

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TRAVEL NEWS

Best places in UK that preserves its biological diversity

English landscape is full of surprises with unforgettable locations, dramatic landscapes, warm people and all of these contribute to eco-friendly tourism. The region’s historic, socio-cultural, natural resources and biological diversity are essential in securing sustainability in tourism.

The concept of organic holidays is primarily to offer positive experience to tourists, tourism companies, and local people. The United Kingdom has always been a top travel destination for travellers across the world and is committed to championing organic tourism whose benefits will be reaped by future generations.

Travellers who want to enjoy authentic experience of organic holidays in some of the world’s best destinations and conserve their heritage and culture, the UK has to be in their bucket list!

Edinburgh

When it comes to choosing the UK’s most eco-friendly destinations, Edinburgh tops the list as it earned the title of being “UK’s greenest city” last year. What places this heritage city apart from the others of its kind is the Edinburgh Festival which emphasises on sustainability. Those who want to savour authentic Scottish fare, Edinburgh offers a wide and fine choice of eco-friendly eateries.

Brighton

Strategic location, bohemian vibe and a whole bunch of fun loving folks make Brighton worth a visit. Going on a tour around the market area will show you a small sustainable world which thrives on the zero-waste philosophy and is waiting to be explored. The city is a food lovers’ paradise in the true sense of the term with a series of sustainable dining spots and ice-cream parlours dotted across the seaside city.

London

In the English capital, London, sustainability tops the agenda. With a cutting-edge transport system, London has taken a giant leap towards opening up sustainable options for tourists who are keen on preserving the Mother Nature and her creations. Day trippers can stroll across some of the world’s best farmers’ markets, rolling green spaces, heritage pubs and restaurants that sell the finest of fare. The Hyde Park and the Hampstead Heath are places to appreciate their tranquil setting and enjoy a relaxing swim in the ponds built inside the parks. One of the must- visit destinations for organic holidaymakers can be the Walthamstow Wetlands spreading across 211 hectares area. With luck in your favour, you may come across birds of prey that are unique to this place.  

Oxford

Wildlife preservation, rural routes and overall environment play a pivotal role in the tourism of Oxford. The city counts on environmental preservation seriously and therefore strives towards maintaining sustainable tourism by reducing carbon footprints as best as possible. Its eco-friendly food prospect is also reason enough to earn the city a place in the bucket list of ardent epicureans.

Sheffield

Sheffield, dotingly called ‘The Outdoor City’, is a glaring example of a place which restarts over the year with a goal to promote organic tourism. One third of the city is located within the Peak District. This makes Sheffield the only major city in the UK to have been bordered by a national park. It is also home to 800 managed green spaces, hills and five rivers that allure adventure buffs to indulge in adrenaline rush activities. With exotic cultural scene, world-class street art, lively music and endless stories in every nook, Sheffield is a highly recommended organic holiday spot.

UK_County_Down

County Down

County Down is an eco-friendly weekend destination tucked in a corner of Northern Ireland which has a made a place among tourists for its abounding biodiversity. From restaurants to pubs, all hold their Green Tourism accreditation. Through effective waste management practices, pledge to protect environment and low carbon travel options, the region has emerged as one of the UK’s most sought-after sustainable tourist destinations. Tourists can enjoy unique local food, view wildlife, learn its history, meet locals and explore unknown trails by cycling or walking.

Pembrokeshire

Tucked along the south-west corner of Wales, Pembrokeshire has always been associated with beaches, castles and the world-famous coast path. Probably the two most recognisable places in the county are Tenby and St Davids. The coloured houses of the Tenby Harbour are one of the most photographed images in Wales. Tourists can navigate along the coastal hiking path, watch the seabird colonies and marine mammals, enjoy lot of water activities and bask in the sun. The landscape of Pembrokeshire coast consists of national parks and proposes an ideal getaway for eco-tourists who want to cling on to nature while enjoying an exciting break. There is a plethora of things to see in the county outside St. Davids and Tenby.

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HOTEL NEWS New Appointment TRAVEL TRENDS AND FOCUS

Minor Hotels welcomes Ian Di Tullio as company’s new Chief Commercial Officer

Minor Hotels has announced the appointment of Ian Di Tullio PhD as the company’s new Chief Commercial Officer, effective from June 2023.

He joins the Bangkok-based group from his most recent position as Chief Commercial Officer Europe at Accor, where he led the commercial management and marketing efforts for Europe & North Africa across a portfolio of nearly 3,000 hotels ranging from economy to luxury and management to franchise operating models.

On top of his proven record in driving commercial success, Di Tullio brings to Minor Hotels a deep expertise in loyalty, analytics, customer engagement, and digital, having overseen groundbreaking innovations in customer loyalty, digital marketing, and distribution during previous roles at Accor, Qatar Airways, and Air Canada.

He has extensive global management experience with large multinational organisations and a proven track record managing multicultural teams at senior levels in travel & hospitality, aviation, consulting, retail, and media entities across three continents. Di Tullio earned his Ph.D. in Marketing from Cranfield University in the UK. He also holds an executive MBA from Queen’s University in Canada and has pursued executive education in Marketing Analytics from The Wharton School.

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BLOG Middle East

Glimpse of the wholesome experience of nightlife at Bahrain

Bahrain bay
Bahrain bay

Bahrain is a country with a wide range of night time entertainment to suit everyone’s taste.
It is within reach to upscaling dining in a fine restaurant in Manama or ease up on after a hard day in one of the many coffee shops. One can then go on to a cinema house or nightclub or watch movies at the local amphitheater in Manama.

Bahrain is known for many things, including its prolific culture and history, expansion of its economy, pearl trade, and more. When you visit the country, you’ll find that it’s a merge of modern and traditional.

It has a shoreline that provides expansive access to fresh seafood. That is why you will find that Bahrain food features seafood quite at hand. These delicacies from the ocean, such as fish and shrimp, are usually served over a bed of aromatic rice. The cuisine is brooding of the geographical position of the country.

Sensational dinner for happy customers

Block 338, known as Bahrain’s fine dining district, is the most popular part of Adliya for this reason.
The block is a plodding-only area; and in addition to housing an abundance of Adliya restaurants and cafes that range from delicious fast food outlets to fine dining restaurants as they serve dishes from Indian, Mexican, Italian, Japanese, and Brazilian cuisines.

It also comprehends Al Riwaq Art Gallery which helps to boost and expose the artworks of the rising Bahraini artists.

Bushido by Buddha Bar offers the ideal breathing space from the frenzy of city life and has taken inspiration from the mysticism of Japan. People can enjoy the fusion of the 21st-century setting with the serenity of Buddhism. The bar offers people the best nightlife in Bahrain, away from the storm of city life. People can devour some of the finest cuisines and enjoy several live performances and DJ nights.

Relaxation in Adliya to look forward with a smile

Notwithstanding its fast-paced lifestyle which was forced by its nature as a trade and business hub, the Kingdom of Bahrain has nourished its image as a nation that celebrates its rich and colorful culture and history. The island kingdom has frequently been hosting art events and exhibitions, as well as restoring ancient houses and monuments; most of these are modeled in the lively neighborhood of Adliya.

Uncover Appetizing Catering at Bahrain

Meisei is where dining unites entertainment in a lively atmosphere with a DJ playing the latest hits. It is known for its bespoke Onyx bar masterpiece and offers several food stuffs close to a theatre kitchen with a clay oven and lounge area for casual dining and L- shaped glass room.

When it comes to arranging a fine evening, one can always think of exploring the nightlife in Bahrain. Bahrain has always been one of the most interesting places to traverse and should be on everyone’s bucket list. The nightlife is dynamic and entertaining and is one of the many things people should experience.

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MICE News MICE NEWS HOME Mice News Pick Travel Event News

ITB China gears up its grand live event from 12-14 September 2023

ITB China is gearing up for its grand live event from 12 – 14 September 2023. With an impressive line-up of exhibitors representing all travel trade segments, the three-day B2B show promises to reconnect global travel suppliers with the resurgent Chinese market. The international participation and strong demand from industry players provide a positive outlook for the show. Looking ahead, ITB China 2024 will mark its return next year on May 27 – 29. Save the date and be part of another remarkable edition of the annual event.

The organizer, Messe Berlin (Shanghai), is pleased to announce that ITB China 2023 has reached full capacity of exhibition space reserved for the upcoming event. Under this year’s slogan “Crossing Barriers • Connecting Markets”, ITB China will play a pivotal role in reconnecting global travel suppliers with the resurgent Chinese market, by offering abundant business opportunities through face-to-face meetings onsite and the latest interpretation of the travel trends in China.

David Axiotis, General Manager of Messe Berlin (Shanghai), expresses his excitement, stating: “With the sudden opening of China’s outbound travel market at the beginning of this year, Chinese buyers are now eagerly anticipating access to international resources to rebuild and update their product portfolios. ITB China 2023 will facilitate this with attending travel suppliers from Europe (24%), Asia (28%), Americas (15%), Middle East (16%), Oceania (10%), and Africa (7%), underlining the global nature of the event, and our role in driving the recovery of the Chinese international travel market.”

The exhibition showcases a wide range of global destinations, including national and regional tourism organizations from Aragón, Andalucía, Berlin, California, Catalonia, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, France, Galicia, Germany, Israel, Italy, Los Angeles, Madrid, Malta, Malaysia, New Zealand, Montenegro, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Scandinavian Tourist Board (Denmark & Norway) Serbia, Spain, Switzerland, Tahiti and Turkey.

Among the global destinations, newcomers such as Beijing, Bursa, Chengdu, Maldives, NEOM, New York, Raktda, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom will make their debut on the ITB China show floor. The European Travel Commission (ETC) will once again showcase a prominent presence, emphasizing the diverse and appealing travel experiences that Europe has to offer.

The exhibition will also feature many global hotels and accommodation providers including this year’s Partner Hotel Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Bintan Resorts, Gloria Hotels & Resorts, INSPIRE Entertainment Resort, Jin Jiang International, Jinling Hotels & Resorts, LN International Hospitality Management, Mayfair Cruises, Meliá Hotels International, Pan Pacific Hotels Group, Restel, S.A, Travco Corporation, VinWonders, WebBeds and many more.

Moreover, online travel agencies (OTA’s) and transportation & mobility providers will be also prominently featured, offering their exceptional products and services at this year’s show. Some notable names among them include Trip.com Group, Fliggy, Expedia Group, Avis Budget Group, Bohr Omnibus GmbH, Europcar, Hertz Car Rental, Oceanwide Expeditions, Poseidon Expeditions, Reluxtrans Car service and TOPONE Car Service.

The travel technology segment is back with a large number of exhibitors including DerbySoft, DidaTravel, Flightroutes24, Fly Today, Freed Group, HeyTrip, JegoTrip, Miki Travel, Mondee, Shiji Group, TEK TRAVELS DMCC, Yalago or YunShang Technology to name just a few.

Demand for places at the ITB China show floor is also high among exhibitors from attractions, tour operators and customized travel providers such as Bounty Group Bali, Brilliant Africa，Defence Collective Singapore, Designer Safari, Disneyland Paris, EternityX, Hurtigruten group, Beijing Tianxingjian International Travel Service, Benchmark Adventure, Bhutan Land of Happiness Tours, Kuoni Tumlare, Travel The Guianas & Caribean and Yoyiyo.it.

ITB China is proud to gather top and hand-selected Chinese buyers including an impressive 86% of founders, C-level executives, directors and senior managers from leading Chinese travel agencies. The event’s matchmaking system ensures successful meetings and high-value connections, maximizing business opportunities during the attendees’ limited time at the exhibition. Coinciding with the travel trade show, the ITB China Conference will provide a platform for exchange and knowledge transfer with experts and top-level speakers, further enriching the experience for all participants.

Save the date! ITB China 2024 has been scheduled for 27- 29 May, marking its return to the regular time slot in spring. The organizer is delighted to announce that the exhibitor registration for 2024 is now open, catering to the pressing demands of the exhibitors. Interested exhibitors can secure their presence for next year’s event or inquire about last-minute freed-up spaces to join this year’s ITB China 2023. Open slots will be allocated according to a waiting list.

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TRAVEL NEWS

GlobalData reveals travel sector deal activity down by 38.8% YoY in H1 2023

A total of 365 deals (mergers & acquisitions, private equity, and venture financing deals) were announced in the travel and tourism sector globally during the first half (H1) of 2023, which was a decline of 38.8% compared to 596 deals announced during the same period in the previous year, reveals GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

An analysis of GlobalData’s Financial Deals Database also revealed that all the deal types under coverage witnessed decline in deal activity. The numbers of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private equity and venture financing deals declined by 41.6%, 33.3% and 30.4%, respectively, year-on-year (YoY) during H1 2023 compared to H1 2022.

Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Several global economies are experiencing distressed deal activity in the travel and tourism sector. There are several factors affecting the deal activity and notable among them include rising interest rates, looming fear of recession and the ongoing geopolitical tensions.”

Europe region accounted for the highest share of the number of deals announced in the travel and tourism sector globally followed by Asia-Pacific, North America, Middle East and Africa, and South and Central America.

While Europe witnessed 46% YoY decline in deal volume, Asia-Pacific, North America, Middle East and Africa and South and Central America regions witnessed decline in deals volume by 19%, 47.6%, 20% and 23.1%, respectively, during H1 2023 compared to H1 2022.

Several key markets recorded slowdown in travel and tourism sector related deal activity during H1 2023 compared to H1 2022. For instance, the US, the UK, India, Australia, France, South Korea, Japan, and Spain witnessed decline in deals volume by 47.7%, 44.8%, 21.4%, 21.1%, 33.3%, 20%, 62.1% and 69.2%, respectively, during H1 2023 compared to H1 2022.

Meanwhile, China emerged as a notable exception to the declining trend and saw 18.2% growth in the announcement of deals for the travel and tourism sector during H1 2023 compared to H1 2022.