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Travel & Tourism

Brand USA Ushers in New Era with Appointment of Fred Dixon as President & CEO

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.

Visit The USA Spotlights Five Emerging Destinations for 2024

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.

UNWTO and TUI Care Foundation Forge Partnership to Empower Rural African Artisans

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

UNWTO Champions Investment in Peru's Thriving Tourism Sector with New Guidelines

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

Visit Qatar's Successful EURO 2024™ Activations Highlight Qatar as a Premier Travel Destination

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

Qatar Tourism Celebrates Qatar Airways' Inaugural Flight to Hamburg, Strengthening Ties with Key German Market

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 18, 2024 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 18, 2024 – Qatar Tourism marked a significant milestone in its global expansion strategy with the launch of Qatar Airways' inaugural flight to Hamburg, Germany, on July 1st, 2024. This new route not only enhances connectivity between the two countries but also solidifies Qatar's position as a prime tourist destination for German travelers.

Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, attended the launch event, emphasizing the strategic importance of the new route in aligning with Qatar's National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030, which prioritizes the German market as one of 15 key international focuses.

Summerjam 2024 Concludes Successfully Despite Hurricane Beryl Challenges

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 7, 2024 – Summerjam Festival 2024, a major European reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop music festival, successfully concluded its three-day run on July 7th, overcoming unforeseen challenges brought on by Hurricane Beryl. Despite the storm's impact on travel in the Caribbean, causing the cancellation of performances by Beenie Man, D'Yani, and Samory-I, the festival organizers demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability.

"The safety and enjoyment of our attendees are always our top priorities," said a spokesperson for Contour Festival Organisations GmbH, the organizers of Summerjam. "We are grateful for the understanding and support of our festival community as we navigated these unexpected circumstances. We are also incredibly proud of our team's swift action in securing talented replacements like Stonebwoy and Gentleman, ensuring that the music never stopped."

Days of Exile Bonn: A City-Wide Exploration of Displacement and Resilience

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – June 27, 2024 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – June 27, 2024 – The city of Bonn, Germany, is set to host the inaugural "Days of Exile" festival from August 30 to September 14, 2024. This groundbreaking event, organized by the Körber Foundation and the City of Bonn, will feature over 40 diverse events across 27 locations, exploring the multifaceted experiences of exile through exhibitions, readings, theater performances, films, lectures, workshops, and concerts.

The festival aims to amplify the voices of individuals forced to leave their homelands due to their commitment to democracy and human rights, shedding light on both historical and contemporary experiences of exile. By fostering dialogue and understanding between long-term residents and newcomers, the Days of Exile seeks to strengthen social cohesion and promote a more inclusive society.

Opening Ceremony and Keynote Address

Cebu, Philippines Sets Stage for Asia-Pacific Gastronomy Tourism Boom at Inaugural UN Forum

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – June 26, 2024 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – June 26, 2024 – In a landmark event for the region's burgeoning culinary scene, the first-ever UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific has concluded, leaving a lasting impact on the future of food-inspired travel in the region. Held at the picturesque Shangri-La Mactan in Cebu, the forum brought together over 500 delegates, including ministers of tourism, industry leaders, culinary experts, and community representatives, to explore the dynamic landscape of gastronomy tourism and chart a course for its sustainable growth.

Global Tourism Roars Back in 2023 with China Leading Spending and France Welcoming the Most Visitors

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – June 14, 2024 – The global tourism industry experienced a remarkable resurgence in 2023, signaling a robust recovery from the pandemic's devastating impact. According to the latest data from the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), international travel saw a significant uptick, with spending reaching near pre-pandemic levels.

Leading the charge in travel expenditure was China, reclaiming its position as the world's top spender. Chinese tourists poured a staggering $196.5 billion into international travel, a testament to the country's pent-up demand for global experiences as travel restrictions eased. This remarkable spending spree surpassed that of the United States, which held the top spot in 2022, as well as other major markets like Germany, the United Kingdom, and France.