Petra Hedorfer, the CEO of the German National Tourist Board, used a sports analogy to showcase how well the country is performing as a top travel destination. “We’re playing in the Champions League of tourism destinations,” she told delegates on location in Chemnitz for the 50th Germany Travel Mart. Speaking of soccer, Germany is set to host the UEFA Euro 2024, kicking off in Berlin on June 14. A real time survey of its top source markets found that 92% of respondents attending are not just coming to see a match but are also planning on staying in Germany for a longer period of time. “We wil ..read more

In new reports from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Microsoft, the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its role in shaping the future of travel and tourism is highlighted. The WTTC’s final two reports of a series on Artificial Intelligence — Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI): Overview of AI Risks, Safety & Governance and Artificial Intelligence (AI): Global Strategies, Policies & Regulations — underscore a commitment to a digital future that prioritizes safety, ethical considerations, and responsible AI adoption. Launched during ..read more

Marriott International, Inc. reports that it has verified its near and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). SBTi is a global climate action organization that develops tools that allow businesses to set greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets in line with data-driven methodology. Marriott is the largest global hospitality company to receive approval for both near-term and long-term science-based targets. The company has committed to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 46.2% by 2030 from a 2019 base year. Marriott ..read more

MSC Cruises has unveiled its new summer 2024 ‘Stay & Cruise’ program, offering passengers an opportunity to turn their seven-night cruise into a nine or ten-night holiday. The program includes a new add-on package, that let’s guests extend their holidays after a seven-night cruise with an additional two-night’s accommodation with breakfast included at a four-star hotel in Athens, Venice and Rome or a three-star hotel in Miami as well as the option for two or three nights at a four-star hotel in New York. Included in the package is also a half-day city excursion to discover ..read more

Costa Cruises North America is sailing into summer with a ‘Discovery Sale’ offer that runs through June 10, 2024 and fares for cruises starting at just $449 per person, double occupancy, on a diverse selection of itineraries in the Mediterranean, Caribbean and United Arab Emirates. As a bonus, guests who book select winter 2024 through spring 2025 cruises with the Discovery Sale will receive up to $100 per person in onboard credit — up to $200 per cabin. In the Mediterranean, the promotion is available on cruises from September to December 2024 ranging from eight to 15 days abo ..read more

WestJet will add six more Asian destinations to its network through an enhanced codeshare agreement with Korean Air. Beginning May 17, 2024, WestJet guests will gain access to six additional cities across four Asian countries from Incheon International Airport (ICN) through the expanded codeshare deal with with Korean Air. New WestJet codeshare destinations include: Bangkok, Thailand (BKK) Da Nang, Vietnam (DAD) Hanoi, Vietnam (HAN) Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (SGN) Hong Kong, China (HKG) Singapore (SIN) Jeff Hagen, WestJet Vice-President of Commercial Development and Strategic Partnerships ..read more

Valery Brown-Alce has been named Deputy Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investment & Aviation. Brown-Alce’s appointment was announced by the Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA) and it is effective immediately. Minister Cooper said: “I am very pleased to appoint Mrs. Brown-Alce as the second sitting Deputy Director General. 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 ..read more

In newly released research, Booking.com explores consumer attitudes, priorities and influences related to sustainable travel. And while the annual research reveals a continued sense of desire and awareness — with 78% of Canadian travellers confirming that sustainable travel is important to them — new insights show a sense of weariness could be emerging globally, fueled by the ongoing challenges experienced to make more sustainable travel choices. Gathered from over 31,000 travellers across 34 countries and territories, Booking.com’s study reveals that half (50%) of Canadian travellers feel tr ..read more

The leading players of travel and tourism globally have published a landmark joint report setting out their joint plan to help halt and reverse biodiversity loss. “Nature Positive Travel & Tourism in Action” is the creation of the high-level Nature Positive Tourism Partnership, made up of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (the Alliance). Developed in collaboration with specialist consultancy ANIMONDIAL, the report is the sector’s pledge to support the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Gl ..read more

Ensemble has announced its second consecutive year of profit sharing with a remarkable 90% of members increasing their payouts from the previous year. This achievement underscores Ensemble’s commitment to delivering enhanced profitability and value to its members. It also represents an increase from last year when 73% of the consortium’s top performing members earned a higher percentage than they did pre-pandemic in 2019. Along with continued strong demand for travel, the notable increase in payouts can be attributed to Ensemble’s strategic focus on bolstering profitability. Central to this s ..read more