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Woman finds ‘creepy’ hidden camera in Airbnb bathroom

Woman finds ‘creepy’ hidden camera in Airbnb bathroom

A lady shared her terror on TikTok after learning that the Airbnb she was renting with her pals had a hidden camera. According to Stuff, Kennedy Calwell and 14 other people were staying in Vancouver, Canada, to celebrate a friend’s 30th birthday when their “paranoid” acquaintance said she sensed cameras observing them. They originally believed her friend was “just being dramatic,” according to Ms. Calwell, but then they began to search “every single showerhead, all the picture frames, doorknobs, and everywhere in the house for a camera.” They disassembled it with a butter knife after discovering a peculiar outlet that was too small to accommodate any equipment. They quickly discovered there was a little camera in the wall socket she said “faced directly to the shower,” as they had been told. “As you can see, there is nothing in the top here; everything appears to be normal. Finally, she said in the video, “Look at that tiny camera in the bottom one. According to communications displayed by Ms Calwell in the film, the police appeared to acknowledge that there were several cameras in the building when the group called them. The buddies are still awaiting the cameras’ analysis findings. How to recognise whether an Airbnb has hidden cameras On the tape, Ms Calwell made light of her own embarrassment, saying, “I was really embarrassed because of all the absolutely atrocious things I was doing in the bathroom the night before.” Before requesting guidance on what to do, she said, “Part of me wasn’t convinced it was real and then they found the cameras, which means we’ve been there for a night showering and things. There have been almost 6.5 million views of the video. The owners of the residence “claimed they didn’t know anything about hidden cameras,” Ms. Calwell wrote in the comments section later. However, they were renting the property to someone. The home-stay website has suspended the listing where the camera was discovered. The Independent was given the following statement from an Airbnb spokesperson: “We ban hidden cameras and previously refunded the guest as we investigate this allegation.” When a couple couldn’t cancel their reservation, they sought revenge by keeping the taps running for a month, leaving the Airbnb host in South Korea with a $1,570 (£1,260) bill. Source: independent

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How to spot hidden cameras in Airbnb rental properties

How to spot hidden cameras in Airbnb rental properties

The rapid change in how we vacation has been brought about by businesses like Airbnb, but there may also be a negative aspect. In recent years, a number of reports of tourists discovering covert cameras in vacation rentals have prompted concerns about the security of staying in a stranger’s house. Kennedy Calwell expressed her shock on Tiktok in April 2023 after learning that the Airbnb she and her pals were rented had a hidden camera. When their “paranoid” friend claimed she had a sensation there were cameras monitoring them, she and 14 other people were staying in Vancouver, Canada, to celebrate a 30th birthday. They continued to search “every single showerhead, all the picture frames, doorknobs, and everywhere in the house for a camera” until discovering one concealed behind an odd plug that was too small to accommodate any gadget. The party quickly learned there was a little camera in the wall socket that “faced directly to the shower.” Meanwhile, in February of last year, Texas resident Brittany Walsh shared a TikTok video of a ping-pong ball-sized camera she had discovered plugged into the wall in the bathroom of her Austin rental home. She depicted the arrival of neighbourhood police to document the incident on her film, which is against the law in Texas. “Someone’s boutta catch a felony for invasive visual recording,” Ms. Walsh captioned the video, which has received over 548,000 views. In 2017, Jason Scott shared a photo of a motion detector with a camera placed inside that his coworker, who must remain nameless, had found in an Airbnb flat. He tweeted: “(He departed at 3am, reported, host is suspended, colleague got refund.) In ‘oh, that’s a thing now’ news, a colleague of mine thought it unusual that there was a single’motion detector’ in his Airbnb in the bedroom and voila, it’s an IP camera linked to the web. Should everyone now check their vacation rentals for cameras? If so, how exactly? “You have to be vigilant to the likelihood of possibility,” Keith Roberts, a technician with Advanced Sweeping, a service that finds bugs for people and corporations, told The Independent. “The world contains some bad people.” He claims that during the past few years, Advanced Sweeping has discovered more concealed cameras. These days, cameras and listening devices are much more common. There used to be a small, exclusive market, and you needed a connection to access it. Anyone can now purchase them off the shelf from Amazon or eBay, making it much simpler. There are various things a layperson can do to check for cameras, however Roberts advises having a professional business in to check if you want to be absolutely certain you aren’t being filmed.Take a look around. “With cameras, you should look for tiny holes, which is where the lens will be,” advises Roberts. “Verify ordinary objects, like the backs of books, mirrors, lightbulbs, and houseplants. Look in the obvious places; if someone needed information, they would have left a device in the living room. A camera would probably be placed in the places used for grooming, such as the bathroom, shower and bedroom, if the individual was a voyeur. Source: independent

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The Philippines will briefly shut its airspace later this month in a bid to tackle recent airport outages

The Philippines will briefly shut its airspace later this month in a bid to tackle recent airport outages

The tourism slogan “It’s more fun in the Philippines” entices visitors from all over the world to enjoy the nation’s stunning beaches and lush highlands. But getting there isn’t always easy, as anyone who was unfortunate enough to be at Manila’s airport during this year’s two devastating power outages discovered. Tens of thousands of travellers were affected by hundreds of flight cancellations as a result of those disruptions, which occurred on Labour Day and New Year’s Day. The Philippines will shut down the whole nation’s airspace on May 17 for six hours in an effort to address that problem in order to repair broken electrical equipment. Bryan Co, senior assistant general manager of the Manila International Airport Authority, stated at a news conference on Tuesday that “the entire Philippine airspace will be shut down.” It will take place between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m. local time, which is typically a time of less flight travel, to replace the uninterruptible power supply for the air traffic management centre. Airlines were urged by Co to modify their flight itineraries and provide early-warning information to customers on alternate plans in case its airspace went black. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila, which was built 75 years ago and serves as the nation’s primary international entry point, has been unable to handle the influx of travellers since flights restarted following the lifting of the pandemic restrictions. 48 domestic flights operated by Cebu Pacific were cancelled on May 1 due to a nearly nine-hour outage at Terminal 3 of the airport during the Labour Day long weekend vacation. According to recordings from CNN affiliate CNN Philippines, groups of disgruntled travellers queuing up at the Cebu Pacific counter heckled personnel since the details of the flight arrangements weren’t made clear. Following the incident, a thorough electrical analysis is being carried out, and an audit that will determine which updates should be given priority may take up to 90 days, according to the airport authority. The group of six conglomerates said in a statement on Thursday that just days before the chaos, the newly formed Manila International Airport Consortium (MIAC) had submitted plans to the national government outlining a number of improvements at the country’s busiest airport with an aim to double annual passenger capacity to 62.5 million by 2028. Despite being built to accommodate 31.5 million people, the airport handled 48 million passengers in 2019, according to the statement. The estimated cost of the renovation is $1.8 billion (100 billion Philippine pesos). Upgrades were long needed, especially after the massive power outages that disrupted air traffic control at the country’s busiest airport on New Year’s Day this year, leaving tens of thousands of passengers stranded in the Southeast Asian hub. At least 56,000 people were impacted by the over 300 flights that were either delayed, cancelled, or diverted to other regional airports. During the busy year-end travel season, when many foreign tourists and overseas residents fly into the country from abroad to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s, the Philippine government opened an official investigation into what caused a severe outage on New Year’s Day. Source: cnn.com

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Abu Dhabi targets 24 million visitors by 2023

Abu Dhabi targets 24 million visitors by 2023

The Honourable Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary at DCT Abu Dhabi, declared that the tourist industry in the UAE has begun a bold new chapter. The new goals were set in response to a boom in Abu Dhabi’s tourist industry in 2022. Hotel occupancy rates and other measures show that the business is already on the mend. The overall number of visitors to the emirate increased by 13% from the previous year to 18 million, while hotel occupancy rates surpassed the Middle Eastern norm of 67 percent by reaching 70%. The emirate attracted tourists from all over the world, with the majority of them coming from India, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, in that order. The expanded selection of year-round entertainment and athletic events, as well as trade events and roadshows, in Abu Dhabi may be credited for the enhanced local and international market performance. “Our ambitious goal to welcome more 24 million visitors by the end of 2023 builds on healthy growth over the past year,” said H.E. Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary at DCT Abu Dhabi. The delivery of outstanding vacation and business experiences over the whole year, underpinned by an integrated ecosystem of best-in-class services, infrastructure, and effective marketing, made it possible for this optimistic performance. In Abu Dhabi, we are showcasing the value of collaboration throughout the tourist industry and how successful we can be as a whole. H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, commented on the new goals, saying: “The success we have already attained drives us to strive for more. By intensifying the effective approach of developing and providing one-of-a-kind experiences for everyone to enjoy and a varied range of year-round activities for tourists in partnership with our international IP partners, we are dedicated to achieving our goals for 2023. This is supplemented by the MICE sector, which continues to grow as a result of the emirate’s top-tier venues, hotels, and supporting infrastructure. Over 100 events in 180 days were successfully hosted by Abu Dhabi Calendar the previous year, with an impressive lineup of A-list international talent. The events fascinated and thrilled spectators with performances by Oscar-winning Indian composer A.R. Rahman, iconic Grammy Award-winning vocalist Sting, and K-pop phenomenon BLACKPINK. The Mother of the Nation (MOTN) and LIWA festivals, two well-known local family events, were held throughout the emirate, adding to the city’s cultural diversity and liveliness. By hosting significant events like the renowned Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, NBA, and UFC, Abu Dhabi further established itself as a premier location for international sport. These occasions drew sizable crowds and received widespread media coverage, establishing Abu Dhabi as a top travel destination for fans of entertainment and sports. Two tourist ads, “Experience Abu Dhabi, Find Your Pace” and “Summer Like You Mean It,” were launched in 2022 in keeping with DCT Abu Dhabi’s objective to offer a variety of experiences. Along with two prominent events, namely the Abu Dhabi Art and Culture Summit Abu Dhabi, a month-long programme of events was also held to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Louvre Abu Dhabi. DCT Abu Dhabi is committed to offering even more ambitious campaigns and events in 2023 that demonstrate its dedication to provide unforgettable experiences to a global audience while harnessing the power of its relationships. Source: breakingtravelnews

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JW MARRIOTT CLEARWATER BEACH RESORT & SPA DEBUTS IN FLORIDA

JW MARRIOTT CLEARWATER BEACH RESORT & SPA DEBUTS IN FLORIDA

With the launch of JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, JW Marriott, one of 30 remarkable hotel brands in Marriott Bonvoy’s worldwide portfolio, debuts its newest property in Clearwater Beach, Florida.The opulent new oceanfront hotel, which is situated along a remote section of what has been repeatedly awarded “America’s Best Beach,” presents a sanctuary of coastal elegance and provides a tranquil setting to think and refuel. Bruce Rohr, vice president and global brand leader for JW Marriott, stated, “We are thrilled to welcome JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa to the brand portfolio and continue to highlight the finest in holistic well-being. This new resort “completely embodies our commitment to offering an experience that revitalises mind, body, and spirit” as the first coastal property to be built from the ground up. A Sanctuary on the WaterWhether relaxing on the resort’s private beach, enjoying the breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico from the privacy of one’s balcony, or indulging at one of the resort’s many dining establishments, visitors will always find moments of calm and heightened sensory experiences. The resort’s 162 bedrooms and 36 roomy Residences were created to represent the brand’s fundamental tenet that genuine luxury is having the time and space to focus on oneself, which is what counts most. The hotel welcomes guests from all generations and offers a JW Market, full-service Spa by JW, 24-hour Fitness Centre, JW Kids Club, and rooftop pool deck. Two beach chairs and access to daily exercise sessions held in the resort’s well-equipped fitness centre or outside are included in every guestroom. The rooftop pool deck on the 11th level has stunning views of Sand Key and the Gulf, making it the ideal spot to observe the passing boats. Created to Exude the Spirit of ClearwaterThe recently constructed resort contributes an eye-catching and distinctive architectural style to the area, distinguished by a coastal blue colour. Visitors approach a calm reception room that is bounded by “Seagrass,” a sculpture made by nearby artist Carrie Jadus, as they go from the Porte Cochere, where they are welcomed with friendly valet service. Visitors will find Mark Aeling’s ceiling installation “Wave” just around the corner. Dr. Kiran C. Patel’s development company, Vision Makers, assembled a group of distinguished regional and national architects and designers whose combined efforts produced a smooth transition from the stunning outside to the inspired interiors. The interior decor of CallisonRTKL is meticulously detailed throughout and is enhanced by CM Kling’s calming and alluring lighting. An lovely outdoor sitting area and beyond are framed by floor to ceiling glass doors and windows. Unexpected flourishes of splendour with an art deco influence coexist with rustic elegance and woven textures to create a singularly stylish comfort. The resort’s design philosophy is emphasised by nature and sustainable practises, fusing various textures, such as waves and weaving patterns, to fully capture the spirit of the location. Each guestroom has serene neutral colours and modern accents that are intended to relax the mind and entice one to the own balcony. Quartz crystal has undetectable sparkles, while driftwood tones and undulating patterns symbolise the blending of sand and water. The Senses Are SatisfiedElevated food and beverage concepts welcome global influence while discreetly reinventing regional flavours. The acclaimed Master of the Craft culinary competition’s 2018 winner, Sous Chef Soumi Hazra, and Executive Chef Inder Suryawanshi are in charge of bringing a new level of refinement to Clearwater Beach with their culinary masterpieces. Seasonal specialities like Chef Suryawanshi’s award-winning wagyu with a tomato gel and red chimichurri are made using fresh, local vegetables as well as ingredients from the resort’s own JW Garden. Latitude 28, which takes its name from the Clearwater Beach neighbourhood where it is located, is open every day for breakfast and dinner. It offers a fine-dining, seasonal Mediterranean coastal menu that can be enjoyed in the restaurant’s design-forward dining room or outside on its large patio, making it one of the few places in the area that truly offers beachfront dining. Outstanding meals like the Smoked Burrata, Soujouk Pide, and Octopus Santorini are elevated by house-made pastas and freshly baked bread every morning. Classic Florida cuisine such Gulf Shrimp Tacos are available at the resort’s informal mid-day beachside bar and grill, Eskape. Tropically-inspired handmade drinks are offered to guests at their beach lounger or cabana. The Nikki-Peruvian cuisine at The Deep End, a restaurant and bar on the hotel’s 11th story rooftop, has traditional foods like the Lomo Saltada and is served with spectacular panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico and the hotel’s bustling pool deck. Visitors may drink and savour a variety of cocktails and mocktails, including the Caipirinha and Pisco Sour, while savouring the lively views, tastes, scents, and sounds at this ideal location for seeing Clearwater Beach’s magnificent sunsets every evening. An Event Location with ElevationThe resort has more than 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space that can accommodate a range of gatherings, conferences, and other events. Modern audio-visual and multimedia equipment is available in every conference room and ballroom. With floor-to-ceiling windows, four breakout rooms and an executive boardroom provide a plenty of natural light for meetings. The ideal location for brides or grooms to get ready for their big day in the company of family and friends is a unique executive boardroom that offers a huge conference table, separate lounge sitting area and dry bar. This makes it well-suited for a number of functions, including corporate offsites. The finest of Clearwater Beach, including nightly entertainment at iconic Pier 60, a wide range of boating and water activity options at the marina, and many bars and restaurants, are all conveniently close to the property. The general manager, Michael Manzari, described the encounter as “a wholly unique experience where classic charm meets a laid-back, seaside atmosphere.” “We are thrilled to welcome guests and offer them a secluded retreat with a blend of luxury, sophistication, and casual elegance.” Source: breakingtravelnews

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Batumi to host WTA Europe Gala Ceremony 2023

Batumi to host WTA Europe Gala Ceremony 2023

World Travel Awards (WTA) is excited to announce that one of the most interesting rising tourist locations in the globe will host its historic 30th anniversary Europe Gala Ceremony in 2023. The lovely Georgian city of Batumi has recently gained notoriety as Europe’s newest vacation destination and centre for tourism investment. The top representatives of the global travel business will be invited to this VIP event on September 30, 2023. The capital of the autonomous Ajara region, Batumi, is situated on the Black Sea coast and has a pleasant environment throughout the year. The spectacular snow-capped Ajara Mountains serve as the city’s background. The gala event will be held in the 2,000-year-old Gonio Fortress, one of the best examples of Roman architecture in the world and a location rich in tales and stories, one of Georgia’s most significant historical landmarks. World Travel Awards founder Graham Cooke declares: “I am thrilled to announce Batumi as the host city of our Europe Gala Ceremony in 2023. Everyone should travel to this interesting spot, which is one of the tourist industry’s rising stars and one of the most talked-about places on earth. It will play a significant role in our special 30th anniversary Grand Tour, which makes me very happy. “World Travel Awards has continually demonstrated its worth as the global benchmark for identifying and awarding excellence in travel and tourism,” he continues, “maintaining its position as the industry leader for the last 30 years. I’m looking forward to attending what promises to be an amazing, historic event that will live long in everyone’s mind with the most senior figures in the tourism business from around Europe. The 30th anniversary of the World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony will be held in Batumi, Georgia, according to Tornike Rijvadze, Chairman of the Government of the Ajara Autonomous Republic. It is an honour to host tourism industry executives from across the world. We are happy to extend the very best of Georgian hospitality to you and are honoured to have you here with us as we work to create a better future for our tourist sector. Major Dates20 August marks the closing of the voting period, and the World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony is scheduled for September 30, 2023. Highlights from BatumiWith a diverse selection of intriguing things to see and do, Batumi is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world. 1. Eternal summerAlthough Batumi is best known for the summer, it is also a fascinating place to visit in the spring and the autumn. From May through October, the water is still at its optimal temperature for swimming and sunbathing. Trekking is an option for visitors in the neighbouring Ajara mountains. 2. An old meets a newOne of Georgia’s oldest cities, Batumi, was founded in the fourth century B.C. The city’s extensive architectural diversity is a result of its distinctive past. 3. Batumi AvenueOne of the world’s longest boulevards, Batumi Boulevard was established in 1881 and spans eight km. It is marked by wide walking and cycling routes, palm and magnolia trees, fountains, and cafés. 4. Ajarian food and drinkWhile viticulture, which uses about 50 different species of grapes to make wine, is fundamental to Georgian culture, Georgian cuisine offers an incredible variety of cooking techniques. 5. Beautiful gardens botanicalVisit the Batumi Botanical Garden for the fragrance of plants and flowers in a breathtaking seaside environment. A thousand different species of breathtakingly lovely and rare flowers may be found in the garden. 6. Georgian hospitalityEach visit to Batumi is distinguished by the exceptional warmth and good nature of the Georgian people. In addition to receiving unmatched hospitality, visitors will be charmed by the genuine friendliness of the residents. 7. Wander about the historic townBatumi’s Old Town after restoration is a lovely location. When Batumi was a significant port on the route from Europe to the Caspian Sea in the 19th century, many of its structures were constructed at that time. 8. Combine sea and mountainsThe mix of the sea and the mountains makes Batumi a fantastic vacation spot all year round. All four seasons are great for visiting the mountain resorts, which are also great for romantic weekend trips. 9. Georgian traditionGeorgia is one of the world’s oldest Christian nations, which has had a big impact on Georgian culture. The area is renowned for its monasteries, notably Gelati and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, as well as its religious structures and stone-arch bridges. 10. Georgian supperWithout trying the Supra, a traditional feast that forms the foundation of Georgian social life, a trip to Batumi would not be complete. Source: breakingtravelnews

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US Visa Requirements, Application, Fees, Validity & More

US Visa Requirements, Application, Fees, Validity & More:

A trip across the United States offers an array of experiences and sights that are sure to leave a lasting impression whether you prefer the excitement of the big city or the tranquility of nature. There is something for everyone in America so grab your suitcase and embark on a journey you won’t soon forget. 1. How to apply for US visa? Here is a general overview of how to apply for a us visa : determine which type of visa you need: you should first determine which type of visa you need based on the purpose of your travel you can find information about the different types of visas on the website of the us department of state complete the online visa application form the next step is to complete the online visa application form ds 160 this form collects information about your personal and travel details and includes questions about your employment education and criminal history.  pay the visa application fee: you will need to pay the visa application fee which varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for you can pay the fee online or at a designated bank schedule a visa interview after you have completed the online visa application form and paid the visa application fee you will need to schedule a visa interview at a us embassy or consulate in your home country you can schedule the interview online or by contacting the embassy or consulate directly attend the visa interview at the visa interview you will be asked questions about your travel plans employment and other details related to your visa application you should bring any supporting documents that may be required such as your passport travel itinerary and proof of financial support wait for visa processing after the interview the embassy or consulate will process your visa application processing times vary depending on the embassy or consulate and the type of visa you are applying for receive your visa if your visa application is approved you will receive your visa and can travel to the us the visa will be affixed to your passport and will show the dates during which you can use it to enter the us. 2. US visa requirements: The requirements for obtaining a us visa depend on the type of visa you are seeking however some general requirements apply to all types of us visas: A valid passport: You must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the united states  Nonimmigrant visa application form: You must complete and submit the ds 160 form online application Fee payment: You must pay the non refundable visa application fee photo you must provide a recent photograph that meets the us department of state s requirements. Interview: You may be required to attend an interview at a US embassy or consulate with evidence of ties to your home country. You must demonstrate that you have strong ties to your home country such as a job, family property or other commitments which will ensure that you will return home after your temporary stay in the us. Additional documentation depending on the type of visa you may need to provide additional documentation such as a letter from your employer or school financial documents or proof of travel plans. 3. US visa procedure: The procedure for obtaining a us visa depends on the type of visa you are seeking but the general steps are as follows determine the type of visa you need the first step is to determine the type of visa that is ,appropriate for your purpose of travel you can find information on the different types of visas and their requirements on the website of the us department of state complete the online nonimmigrant visa application form ds 160. Once you have determined the appropriate visa type you must complete the ds 160 form online, be sure to answer all questions accurately and completely and upload a suitable photo that meets the requirements.  Pay the visa application fee ,you must pay the visa application fee which is non refundable and varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for schedule an appointment for an interview you will need to schedule an interview appointment at a us embassy or consulate the wait times for interview appointments can vary so it is best to schedule your appointment as soon as possible attend the interview on the day of your interview you should arrive at the embassy or consulate at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment during the interview a consular officer will ask you questions about your purpose of travel ties to your home country and other relevant topics be honest and provide complete and accurate answers wait for the visa decision after the interview you will be notified of the visa decision if your visa application is approved your passport will be returned to you with the visa affixed to a page if your application is denied you will be provided with the reasons for the denial. 4. Types of visas: There are several types of visas that are available for travel to the united states each with its own specific requirements and purposes here are some of the most common types of visas: Nonimmigrant visas: These visas are for temporary stays in the us such as for tourism business study or work some examples of nonimmigrant visas include b 1 b 2 visitor visas f 1 student visas h 1 b work visas and l 1 intra company transfer visas: Immigrant visas These visas are for individuals who plan to live permanently in the US immigrant visas are usually obtained through family or employment sponsorship or through a refugee or asylum program. Diversity visa: His visa program also known as the green card lottery allows individuals from certain countries with low rates of immigration to the us to apply for a chance to

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Tourism Australia reveals 5 visiting trends for 2023 and beyond

Tourism Australia reveals 5 visiting trends for 2023 and beyond

According to Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison, travellers are giving sustainability a high priority, taking work breaks, and continually planning their next vacation. On the opening day of the Australian Tourism Exchange on the Gold Coast, she identified eight “emerging trends” for the year. Several of these highlighted the novel travel patterns that emerged in the wake of the pandemic. Harrison said that they were able to determine how much money tourists were prepared to spend on international travel based on a mix of market research and trend predictions.The managing director of Tourism Australia is Phillipa Harrison. Image credit: Tourism AustraliaThe managing director of Tourism Australia is Phillipa Harrison. Picture from Tourism Australia 1. Premium and luxury are strongly returning. Harrison said that the premium and luxury tourism business was “doing incredibly well” in Australia, “smashing” pre-pandemic figures, despite the global crisis in the cost of living. According to Harrison, high-end tourist businesses and services are really driving the industry’s revival. 2. Sustainability is now crucial 75% of people want their trip to leave a small carbon imprint, and a third of this group won’t travel if they can’t do it carbon-free, according to research from a 2022 Tourism Australia study, Harrison said. “It’s not just a nice to have anymore.” 3. There is increasing interest in outdoor activities, wellbeing, and wellness. Travel that prioritised the outdoors, adventure, and wellness had already begun to gain appeal before the epidemic. According to Harrison, there is a new degree of increase in the need for these kinds of experiences. Similar feelings have been expressed by other nations worldwide as a result of the pandemic’s influence on a growing consciousness of travel that promotes good physical and mental health.Advertise with NZME. 4. More individuals are experimenting with becoming a digital nomad. When working from home was the norm, some people seized the opportunity to work while on vacation, a practise known as a “workcation”. Harrison claimed that this wasn’t just a fleeting fad but rather a brand-new manner that individuals are prolonging their vacation. “Covid completely changed the way we worked, and we now see a huge opportunity for us because there are a lot more digital nomads than there were before.” Harrison claimed that because tourists may work for a few days while travelling, “much, much longer stays” were being sought after by travel agencies. According to her, over 25% of tourists are seeking for journeys lasting four weeks or more. 5. Travel planning has undergone a major change Harrison claimed that obtaining inspiration for and information on planned journeys had undergone another significant shift. Nowadays, doing research involves more than simply browsing catalogues or visiting a business; it also involves often learning about and visiting new locations online and through social media. Even if they aren’t aware of it, Harrison claimed that people are always doing what she dubbed “always-on discovery” on their devices when planning their vacation. SOURCE: nzherald

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Sri Lanka to organize press conference on the second day of Arabian Travel Market 2023

Sri Lanka to organize press conference on the second day of Arabian Travel Market 2023

Tomorrow, May 2, 2023, during the Arabian Travel Market, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau will host a press conference as part of its participation in the Arabian Travel Market 2023, which will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from May 1 to May 4, 2023. The Sri Lankan Minister of Tourism, Mr. Harin Fernando, will be present at the news conference. At the travel expo ATM 2023, Sri Lanka is showcasing its top tourist destinations, and tourism minister Mr. Harin Fernando is leading a delegation of 50 businesses, DMCs, tour operators, and hotel partners. The Sri Lanka delegation’s activities at the event are centred around the Sri Lanka booth, which can be found at AS5110. The exhibit highlights Sri Lanka’s top tourist destinations, including its beautiful beaches, breathtaking scenery, and diverse fauna. Mr. Harin Fernando will give an update on the most recent tourism-related events in Sri Lanka during the next news conference, emphasising the nation’s efforts to expand its infrastructure and encourage sustainable tourism. He will also describe the steps taken to protect the security and safety of visitors to Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan team will meet with important business figures to discuss new joint ventures and partnerships. Since Sri Lanka was voted the “best adventure destination in Asia” and the “best up-and-coming travel destination” by Lonely Planet, the nation’s tourist sector has seen growth.According to Mr. Harin Fernando, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Tourism, “We are excited to showcase the unique and diverse tourism offerings of Sri Lanka to the world.” “The Arabian Travel Market is an essential venue for us to interact with business partners and highlight the enormous potential of our tourism sector.” With targeted marketing campaigns and initiatives to draw more visitors from the Middle East, Sri Lanka has been actively promoting its tourism industry to that market. The Arabian Travel Market offers Sri Lanka a fantastic venue to promote its tourist products and create new relationships with Middle Eastern commercial partners and industry insiders. Visit the Sri Lanka booth at AS5110 for more details on the Arabian Travel Market 2023 and the Sri Lankan tourist sector. SOURCE: breakingtravelnews

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Arabian Travel Market is a chance for the industry to show it is serious about going green

Arabian Travel Market is a chance for the industry to show it is serious about going green

The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai has been a conversation hub for the newest ideas in the travel industry for 30 years.What began as a modest conference to promote tourism in the Middle East has since grown into a multi-nation spectacle. 34,000 people are anticipated by the time this year’s exhibition, which launched at the World Trade Centre on Monday with more than 2,000 exhibitors from 150 nations, finishes on Thursday. The ATM this year stands out because it is sensitive to the changing requirements of a world that is increasingly nervous and socially aware. Businesses typically view business travel as an unavoidable cost, but vacations are about avoiding — getting away from the stresses of everyday life and experiencing something new. But in a world where complexity is increasing and cannot be avoided, a new breed of discerning traveller wants to leave without any regrets, confident that their vacation plans are not only enjoyable but also sensible, ethical, and sustainable. Expecting a sudden environmental streak from a business that has long relied on carbon-fueled transportation may seem like a much to ask. The phrase “sustainable travel” has been a common one in the industry vocabulary for a number of years now. Of course, the travel industry is no new to buzzwords. The ATM in 2023 is an opportunity for exhibitors, such as national tourist boards, major aviation firms, hoteliers, and tour operators, to demonstrate that they are not engaged in the practise of greenwashing. This year’s theme is “working towards net zero,” and both current and future generations of travellers are intended audience segments. The ATM organisers have included discussions regarding technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and big data in the schedule to help attendees process the enormous problem of expanding the tourism sector without expanding its footprint. Day one’s big data debate brings to mind the 20th ATM in 2013, when the event’s organisers made news by teaming with Google. The “Technology Theatre” during the conference featured presentations by the IT giant on how the information age would usher in a travel revolution as well as the most recent global travel data.The hunger for data science in the travel industry has increased along with the advancements in data technology over the past ten years. Industry executives are interested in learning how and why some locations are more alluring than others since this year represents another stage in the process of getting the globe going following the conclusion of the Covid-19 epidemic. They will also seek a clear understanding of consumer price sensitivity and what technologies might boost scale without compromising quality in a climate of high inflation and rising energy prices. The majority of seasoned travellers can confirm that the finest vacations are rarely simple or inexpensive. The main challenge, though, is in all the labour that goes into creating ideal trips, whether for business or leisure, as many who work in the travel industry are aware. The challenge becomes more challenging every year, but industry gatherings like ATM are essential to making sure that advancements continue in the correct path. SOURCE: breakingtravelnews

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