Destinations

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 30, 2024 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 30, 2024 – The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) successfully convened its first Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The event, held under the patronage of Zimbabwe's First Lady, Dr. Auxillia C. Mnangagwa, and in partnership with the Basque Culinary Center, marked a significant milestone in advancing sustainable tourism and culinary development throughout the continent.

Elevating Africa's Culinary Heritage

The forum brought together a diverse assembly of over 200 delegates from 33 countries, including government officials, representatives from international organizations, chefs, entrepreneurs, and industry experts. The discussions centered on harnessing the power of gastronomy tourism to drive economic growth, empower local communities, and showcase Africa's rich culinary heritage to the world.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 24, 2024 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 24, 2024 – The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) recently convened the 67th meeting of its Regional Commission for Africa in Livingstone, Zambia, where it unveiled a comprehensive plan to drive sustainable tourism growth and investment across the continent. This strategic initiative comes as Africa experiences a strong resurgence in tourism, with arrivals in the first quarter of 2024 surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

Africa's Tourism Renaissance

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasized Africa's remarkable tourism recovery, noting a 5% increase in arrivals during the first quarter of 2024 compared to pre-pandemic figures. This growth rate places Africa as the second-fastest recovering region globally, second only to the Middle East.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 23, 2024 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 23, 2024 – New York City's illustrious theater industry is extending its reach beyond the traditional confines of Broadway this summer, offering residents and tourists alike unique opportunities to experience the magic of live musical performances in unconventional settings.

Broadway in Bryant Park: A Complimentary Al Fresco Concert Series

For those seeking an enchanting afternoon of music and sunshine, "Broadway in Bryant Park" presents a captivating series of free concerts featuring iconic numbers from renowned Broadway productions such as &Juliet, SIX the Musical, The Outsider, Wicked, Aladdin, and The Lion King. The performances are scheduled for July 25th and August 1st at 12:30 PM in the picturesque Bryant Park. Due to limited seating, early arrival is advised to secure optimal viewing vantage points.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 22, 2024 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 22, 2024 – The recent 14th U.S.-China Tourism Leadership Summit in Xi'an, China,has set the stage for a significant rebound in Chinese tourism to the United States. This high-level gathering, jointly hosted by Brand USA, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism, signifies a renewed commitment to fostering collaboration and growth within this vital tourism sector.

Revitalizing a Key Economic Driver

Prior to the pandemic, China was a major source of tourism revenue for the United States. In 2019, Chinese visitors spent an estimated $35 billion in the U.S., supporting millions of American jobs and contributing significantly to local economies nationwide. The summit, the first since 2019, aimed to rekindle this crucial economic relationship and facilitate the return of Chinese travelers to American shores.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 22, 2024 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 22, 2024 – Brand USA, the nation's destination marketing organization, announced a robust recovery in international inbound travel to the United States, with a significant increase in visitor numbers and spending. The organization is also preparing for a seamless transition in leadership, welcoming a new president and CEO this month.

Resurgence of International Travel

In the past year, the United States welcomed nearly 67 million international visitors, contributing $213 billion to the national economy through travel and tourism-related expenditures. This represents a substantial 28% increase compared to the previous year, underscoring the enduring global appeal of the United States as a premier travel destination.

Global Appeal and Positive Outlook

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 22, 2024 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 22, 2024 – Brand USA, the nation's destination marketing organization, announced the appointment of seasoned travel industry executive Fred Dixon as its new President & Chief Executive Officer,effective July 15, 2024. Dixon's appointment signals a strategic move to capitalize on the ongoing strength of the U.S.tourism industry and position Brand USA for continued growth and innovation.

Dixon's Proven Track Record

Dixon brings a wealth of experience to the role, having most recently served as the President and CEO of NYC Tourism + Conventions. During his tenure, he spearheaded New York City's remarkable rise as a premier global destination,doubling international visitation. His 30-year career in the travel and tourism sector is characterized by strategic leadership, a commitment to innovation, and a deep understanding of the evolving needs of global travelers.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 22, 2024 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 22, 2024 – Visit The USA, the national tourism organization for the United States,has unveiled five must-visit destinations that are poised to capture the hearts and imaginations of travelers in 2024.These cities and regions offer a diverse range of experiences, from cultural immersion and outdoor adventure to culinary delights and artistic treasures.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 18, 2024 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 18, 2024 – In a significant move towards fostering sustainable tourism and economic development in Africa, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the TUI Care Foundation have announced a strengthened partnership focused on empowering artists and artisans in rural communities.

The collaboration, formalized with an agreement signed at UNWTO headquarters in Madrid, marks a new chapter in their joint efforts to harness the transformative potential of tourism for the benefit of local populations. The partnership specifically targets the empowerment of women and youth artisans, who often play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage and driving economic growth in rural areas.

"Colourful Cultures" Initiative to Spark Creative Entrepreneurship

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 18, 2024 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 18, 2024 – In a move to bolster Peru's burgeoning tourism industry, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has unveiled "Tourism Doing Business: Investing in Peru," a comprehensive guide designed to attract and facilitate foreign direct investment (FDI). The launch event, co-hosted by Peru's Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism and the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF),also recognized seven villages as Peru's Best Tourism Villages for 2022 and 2023, further highlighting the nation's commitment to sustainable tourism development.

Peru: A Destination Primed for Investment

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 18, 2024 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 18, 2024 – Visit Qatar, the official tourism promotion arm of Qatar, has successfully concluded its immersive and engaging activations at UEFA EURO 2024™ in Germany. The campaign, part of Visit Qatar's ongoing partnership with UEFA, showcased the nation's unique blend of cultural richness, modern attractions,and warm hospitality to a broad European audience.

The Doha Club: A Cultural Oasis