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  • UNWTO reveals steady increase in global tourism spending

    Receipts from international tourism in destinations world wide grew by four per cent in 2012, reaching US$1,075 billion, figures from the UNWTO reveal.

    This growth is the same as the four per cent increase in international tourist arrivals, which reached 1,035 million in 2012.

    An additional US$ 219 billion was recorded in receipts from international passenger transport, bringing total exports generated by international tourism in 2012 to US$1.3 trillion.

    According to the most recent UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, international tourism receipts hit a brand new record in 2012, reaching an estimated US$1,075 billion worldwide, up four per cent in real terms, from US$ 1042 billion in 2011.

    “It is encouraging to look that the expansion in international tourist arrivals was equalled by a comparable increase in spending despite continued economic challenges” said UNWTO secretary general, Taleb Rifai.

    “Considering that tourism is a key export for a lot of economies world wide, this result’s excellent news because it provides foreign reserves to destinations, and contributes to job creation in tourism in addition to in related economic sectors,” he added.

    By regions, the Americas (up seven per cent) recorded the biggest increase in receipts, followed by Asia and the Pacific (up six per cent), Africa (up five per cent) and Europe (up two per cent).

    Receipts inside the Middle East were still down (down per cent); yet report a gentle improvement in comparison to the decline recorded in 2011.

    In absolute values, Europe saw US$ 457 billion in tourism earnings, similar to 43 per cent of the world’s total tourism receipts, the biggest share by region.

    The top ten ranking of destinations by receipts remained virtually unchanged in 2012, with the us, Spain, France, China and Italy leading, followed by Macau (China), Germany, Uk, Hong Kong (China) and Australia.

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  • News: Welsh government announces purchase of Cardiff Airport

    The first minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, has today announced the govt has purchased Cardiff Airport for a complete investment of £52 million.

    This follows a period of due diligence and negotiation with TBI, the airport’s previous owner.

    Announcing the acquisition, the primary minister said: “Cardiff Airport is a crucial gateway to Wales for business, tourists and general travellers alike.

    “It is important that its future is secured and that we develop tremendous sustainable services.

    “The Airport is simply not operated by the Welsh government.

    “It may be managed at arm’s length from government on a commercial basis and, over the years, I expect to determine a return to the general public purse at the investment.”

    A chief executive of the airport is anticipated to be announced sooner or later.

    Lord Rowe-Beddoe was lined as much as function chairman of the Airport Board for the time being.

    First minister Jones had previously been critical of the airport after a slump in passenger numbers from a peak of 2 million in 2007 to only over 1000000 in 2012.

    Edwina Hart, Welsh minister for economy, science and transport said: “The airport is a first-rate piece of business infra-structure for Wales.

    “I watch for working in partnership with the workforce on the airport as we develop a top quality service for passengers and create a facility of which Wales may be proud.”

    Leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew Davies earlier questioned the government’s decision to purchase the airport.

    “Elsewhere in Wales neo-natal services are being cut since the local health board cannot find £4 million – is that this find out how to spend £52 million of taxpayers’ money” he asked.

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  • Ritz-Carlton Riyadh redefines business travel in Saudi Arabia

    The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh has redefined luxury business travel for global visitors within the Kingdom’s capital with a variety of services and facilities tailored to the high-end international business traveler.

    Recognised because the home of economic within the city, the hotel aims to show its guests’ normal work journeys into memorable experiences through personalized touches that guarantee that their every need is catered to even before they ask for it. 

    The experience begins with a warm welcome on the airport by a Ritz-Carlton gentleman member, followed by a limousine transfer to the hotel in a luxury Mercedes S350, BMW 5 or 7 Series, complete with the usage of a Wi-Fi-connected iPad.

    As the limousine enters the palatial driveway that results in the grand entrance of the hotel, guests can see how The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh can truly offer the right of both worlds.

    While the hotel is conveniently located near the busy Diplomatic Quarter and adjacent to the King Abdul Aziz Convention Centre, it still offers a grandiose retreat from the industrial buzz of town.

    Once throughout the hotel, the elegantly-styled rooms and indulgent suites fuse luxury with practicality, and are available equipped with comfortable working desks, iPod docks, high-speed Internet access, flat-screen televisions and DVD players.

    Created especially with business guests in mind, The Ritz-Carlton Club rooms and Executive Club suites provide a raft of added-value extras including complimentary wireless Internet and exclusive 12-hour access to The Club Lounge which offers a ‘hotel within a hotel’ experience.

    Business travelers also are ready to cash in on the on-site expertise available within the hotel’s business center, which offers an A-to-Z of services from document binding to photocopying and printing.

    For more formal appointments, the hotel’s extensive meeting and conference facilities include a suite of flexible-use meeting rooms in addition to two auditorium-styled theatres, both complemented by a dedicated restaurant.

    “Many frequent business travelers the world over are becoming conversant in ‘living out of a suitcase’, and traveling from country to country or forwards and backwards in the same country as portion of their work routine.

    “We try and break that monotony by offering them an experience that they are going to never forget, from their exemplary surroundings and comfort services to the thoughtful extras that guarantee a unbroken stay for them,” said Mikel Ibrahim, director of sales & marketing, The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh.

    Dining occasions are always a pleasure on the Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh with a decision of six venues that commemorate the appropriate of international cuisine, whether it’s a hearty breakfast at Al Orjouan prior to a morning meeting, a deal-concluding business dinner at fine dining Chinese restaurant Hong or Italian destination Azzurro, or a late night conversation at Turquoise, the Piano Lounge.

    Equal attention is given to leisure downtime, with the hotel’s recreational facilities providing much-needed respite on the end of the business day, and including a whole-service men’s gym, dedicated male-only spa and indoor swimming pool.

    For the frequent business traveler, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards program is a must for guests, offering access to plenty of memorable experiences around the hotel portfolio with members earning points or airline miles for stays at participating locations worldwide, in addition to similar benefits on the Marriott global family of participating hotels.

  • Tourism partnership aims to draw an additional 9 million visitors a year

    Maria Miller today launched a tourism partnership strategy for Britain which demands the travel industry and the govt, along with key private and non-private sector bodies, to unite behind an extended-term ambition for growth that might see Britain welcome 40 million overseas visitors by 2020, spending £31.5 billion and supporting an extra 200,000 jobs around the country.

    Tourism is an industry that already employs 2.6 million people a year – supporting one in twelve jobs within the UK. Ago two years a 3rd of all new jobs created were in tourism. And tourism offers jobs across all skills levels and age ranges, particularly offering opportunities for youngsters – 40% of these employed in tourism are under 40.

    International tourism is already an industry at which Britain competes well. Last year Britain welcomed 31 million international visitors who spent £18.6 billion – a record amount. The purpose of this partnership strategy is to deliver an extra 29% growth in visits by 2020, that increase would deliver an extra £8.7 billion in currency exchange earnings (real terms).

    The growth strategy is built around four key objectives:

    *  building on Britain’s improved international image
    *  increasing engagement with the travel trade
    *  broadening the product range on offer for inbound tourists
    *  making it easier to get to Britain.

    VisitBritain’s GREAT activity for 2013/14 will seek to preserve the attention and image boost created by London 2012. The campaign will target strongly performing growth markets, Brazil, China, India and the Gulf at the side of established markets USA, France and Germany.

    Over the last two years, VisitBritain’s marketing programme has directly contributed £900 million to the united kingdom tourism industry, a return on investment of 18 to one. VisitBritain has to date secured £24 million in match-funding from the non-public sector, doubling the govt. investment.

    And today VisitBritain is announcing a £2 million, two-year partnership with Emirates to advertise Britain overseas. The deal will include a mixture of selling in kind and cash payments. Emirates cover an infinite network of routes and destinations across South East Asia, Australia, India and the GCC and offer regional gateways across Britain.

    The GCC region now signifies great potential for inbound visits to Britain. By 2016 we forecast that 700,000 visitors could be welcomed representing a 32% increase. As component of the expansion strategy the organisation announces its new regional hub in Dubai in order to enable it to succeed in around the GCC including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah, Kuwait City and Qatar.

    VisitBritain – that’s already on the forefront of partnership working – will analyze creative ways that existing resources, platforms and promotional material can be utilized by other organisations. This is often expected to incorporate private sector partners and public diplomacy teams in source markets similar to Mexico and South Korea.

    Reflecting the responses from the consultation, the tactic reiterates the significance of commercial tourism and the ability of major events to extend visitor numbers, VisitBritain will build at the work already being conducted on this area – particularly in supporting major event bids, and using its overseas network to present key insights and trade engagement.

    Maria Miller MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport said: “Tourism is central to the Government’s economic growth strategy. It’s worth £115 billion to our economy a year and we have to ensure we retain a competitive edge and may compete with other destinations around the globe. With the nice campaign we’re selling the suitable of england, building on strengths to enhance tourism income right around the country.”

    Chairman of VisitBritain, Christopher Rodrigues added: “There are few British industries as strong as travel and tourism, and few have such growth potential. The success of our travel industry not just helps the economy, but is essential to Britain’s image and its trading power all over. There’s no better time for us to capitalise at the increased interest there’s in coming here and deliver a Golden Legacy for Britain.”

    President of Emirates airline, Tim Clark, commented at the partnership: “Emirates’ partnership with VisitBritain underlines our commitment to supporting inbound tourism into the rustic. Emirates injects over £368 million once a year into the local economies of the six gateways we operate from and in 2012, we carried almost 1.8 million visitors into the united kingdom, so this partnership is a natural extension of bolstering the benefit of our Dubai hub to seamlessly connect travellers from South East Asia, Australia, India and the center East to world-renowned attractions in Britain.”

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  • Focus: What Makes Brittany This sort of Holiday Draw

    Whether you’re on a camping trip or you’re within the area for other cultural attractions, Brittany has become one of the popular European holiday destinations, for a considerable number of reasons.

    A multitude of events are held every year within the Brittany region and there’s also an extended and sundry list of resorts, towns, cities and villages there which are enduringly popular. We’ve picked a couple of that will consider if you’re considering Brittany as your next holiday destination.

    Camping in Brittany
    Brittany camping have been an eternal pull for tourists in France; the elements is just perfect for camping in the summertime. It has 800 miles of coastline offering bays, beautiful villages and beautiful beaches that make it perfect for family holidays.

    There also are a number of themed children’s campsites which you could take your children to, if you’re purchasing for something somewhat more fun for them.

    Cycling holidays
    Brittany also is ideal for people who desire to grab a couple of wheels and ride across the gorgeous countryside. All you must do is hire a motorcycle and head over at the ferry from Plymouth, after which begin exploring the rustic.

    You’ll see beautiful farmland and quaint little villages, old churches and cathedrals, lighthouses and naturally, the lovely coastline.

    Parachuting
    If all of the camping and cycling has gotten to you and you’re in search of something with a bit extra kick, parachuting is an exciting option in Brittany. It’s definitely the most effective and most fun way of enjoying the stunning landscape and countryside there.

    You’ll not just be capable to get a bird’s eye view of the region, but you’ll have the ability to kick your adrenalin levels up a variety of notches. It’ll be something you’re unlikely to forget in a rush!

    Motor racing
    If parachuting didn’t quite cut it for you, or you’re scared of heights, motor racing can be more up your alley if you’re seeking thrills in Brittany.

    The motor racing tracks cater to everyone, whether you’re a beginner or a complicated speed-fiend. And so they offer various courses and tutorials, so everyone’s happy in the event you go together with your loved ones.

    Walking trails
    Of course, if parachuting and motor racing is just too intense and all you were in search of was slightly peace and quiet inside the countryside, that is still possible!

    There are numerous walking trail tours that you could take with your complete family, with tree climbing included for the youngsters if they’re shopping for some additional fun along the style.

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