TUI Group, a leading travel and tourism company, is unveiling its ambitious plan to evolve into a Global Curated Leisure Marketplace, driven by strategic investments, innovative IT platforms, and a reimagined organizational structure. This transformation will see TUI expand its product offerings, enhance customer experiences, and capitalize on the evolving travel landscape.
Manuel N. “Manny” Stamatakis, after more than two decades of leading Visit Philadelphia, is stepping down as Chairman. Anthony J. “Tony” Conti, the current Finance Chair, will assume the role in January 2025. Stamatakis will be honored as Chair Emeritus for his significant contributions to Philadelphia’s tourism industry.
Destination Canada is expanding its successful Tourism Corridor Strategy Program with four new corridors in 2024, aiming to revitalize tourism infrastructure and attract international visitors. These initiatives focus on diverse themes like cycling, agritourism, Indigenous experiences, and cross-border collaboration, highlighting Canada’s unique offerings and boosting local economies.
Mallorca, a popular Spanish tourist destination, continues to attract record numbers of visitors despite recent protests against overtourism. The island saw a surge in hotel stays in August, highlighting its enduring appeal to travelers, particularly those from the US, who remain largely unaware of the protests.
Thailand’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, initially slated for December 2024, has been delayed, according to a recent announcement. This delay, while causing uncertainty regarding the launch date, does not impact citizens from 93 visa-exempt countries, including Australia, Japan, China, India, South Korea, and Sri Lanka, who can continue to enjoy visa-free travel to Thailand.
Hermes Airports, in alignment with the World Tourism Organization’s theme of ‘Tourism and Peace,’ emphasizes the crucial role of tourism in fostering global understanding and peace. By promoting Cyprus as a destination where cultures converge, Hermes Airports highlights the power of tourism to unite individuals from different backgrounds.
Despite the rainy season, Costa Rica continues to draw in U.S. tourists, with a strong preference for traditional hotel stays. Analysis of search data for the third quarter of 2024 reveals a shift towards hotels, indicating a robust market for mid-to-high end accommodations.
Bevan Springer, President of Marketplace Excellence and the Caribbean Media Exchange, emphasizes the crucial role tourism plays in promoting peace and fostering understanding, particularly in regions recovering from conflict. He highlights the Caribbean’s example of inclusivity and unity as a model for the world.
Princess Cruises has reached a significant milestone in the construction of its second Sphere-Class vessel, Star Princess. The ship’s float-out ceremony took place at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Italy, marking a major step towards its debut in Fall 2025. The ceremony included the appointment of Third Engineer Chiara del Vecchio as the ship’s madrina, marking a first for Princess Cruises’ technical team. Star Princess will feature innovative design elements and sustainable technology, continuing the legacy of its sister ship, Sun Princess.
Dwell Magazine is hosting an exclusive home tour in Los Angeles, showcasing three cutting-edge residences that exemplify the city’s dynamic design scene. The event will take place on October 19th and will offer guests a chance to explore the future of residential design while supporting the preservation of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House.
