BANGKOK, 28 September 2023: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is inviting experience-seeking guests to discover the wonders of Isaan, the captivating and culturally rich region of Northeast Thailand. With 20 rural provinces enclosed by soaring mountain ranges to the west and south and the mighty Mekong River to the north and east, this vast and verdant region has developed a unique character that distinguishes it from the rest of Thailand.
This makes Isaan a wonderfully rewarding destination for adventurous travellers who want to uncover the authentic heart and soul of the “Land of Smiles.” TIME magazine even named Isaan as one of the “World’s Greatest Places” to visit in 2023.
So, what should be top of your list of things to see and do in Isaan? Here are Centara’s selection of unmissable experiences.
Savour the region’s famous cuisine
Known as the “rice bowl of Thailand,” Isaan is famous for its unique style of cuisine, which is based on fresh herbs and spices. Sticky rice is a regional staple which can often be enjoyed with grilled meats and river fish. Don’t miss vibrant salads such as som tum, Thailand’s iconic spicy papaya salad, and laab, which blends minced meat (often pork) with mint, roasted rice, chilli and more. Simply head to the local markets and follow your senses!
Tune into Isaan’s musical traditions
In Isaan, music has provided the soundtrack to life and culture for centuries, even millennia. Classical instruments such as the phin (a three-stringed guitar) and khaen (a long bamboo mouth organ) create an enchanting sound. Mor lam, a traditional form of music and poetry, is often accompanied by elegant Thai dancing to tell folk tales. A modern style of mor lam has also evolved that features cabaret-style shows with glittering costumes!
Experience the colour of Isaan’s festivals
Isaan’s cultural heritage, which has developed separately from other parts of Thailand, has given rise to a calendar of colourful festivals. Discover the spectacular parades and intricate floats of the Candle Festival, which graces the streets of Ubon Ratchathani and Nakhon Ratchasima in July or August, and immerse yourself in the joyous celebrations of Udon Thani’s Tung Sri Muang Festival, which is staged every December.
With a collection of three world-class hotels in a trio of distinct destinations, Centara is your perfect partner in Isaan. Centara Korat is ideally situated in the heart of Nakhon Ratchasima (also known as Korat), Isaan’s largest city and the gateway to the mountains and forests of Khao Yai, while Centara Udon, after a series of renovations and a new selection of dining options this year, is now one of the best places to stay in Udon Thani. In this vibrant city, modern Isaan culture meets time-honoured heritage. The newly-opened Centara Ubon brings world-class hospitality to Ubon Ratchathani, a rapidly emerging gateway to the “Emerald Triangle,” where Thailand converges with Laos and Cambodia.
To learn more about Centara Hotels & Resorts and to book an immersive adventure in Isaan, please visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com
SINGAPORE, 28 September 2023: As autumn ushers in cooler temperatures, Japan transforms into a canvas painted with rich hues, attracting travellers worldwide. Here are the enchanting autumn landscapes from the north to the south of Japan, introducing the unique charms of each region.
Oirase Gorge・Aomori
The Oirase Gorge, stretching for about 14 km in Aomori Prefecture, is recognised as a national natural monument in Japan alongside Lake Towada. This scenic spot offers a well-maintained hiking trail from Yakeyama to Nenokuchi. Hiking the entire trail typically takes hikers 4 to 5 hours, making it an ideal half-day excursion. Along the way, visitors are treated to breathtaking views of autumn foliage. The transformation of leaves begins around mid-October in the upstream areas near Lake Towada and continues until early November in the downstream regions near Yakeyama. One of the distinctive features of the Towada-Oirase region is the relatively late onset of fall colours, especially when compared to nearby landmarks such as the Hakkoda Mountains.
Naruko Gorge・Miyagi
Naruko Gorge is a picturesque scenic spot in Osaki City, in the northern part of Miyagi Prefecture. The gorge showcases the beauty of a V-shaped valley that reaches a depth of approximately 100 metres and spans about 2.5 km. Carved by the erosion of the Otani River, the gorge is distinguished by its rugged white cliffs, adorned with dense groves of deciduous broadleaf trees, including beech, oak, maple, Japanese oak, and red oak. In some areas, unique and intriguing rock formations tower above. From late October to early November, these trees turn vibrant shades of red and yellow, creating a striking contrast with evergreens like pine trees, captivating the gaze of many tourists. Naruko Gorge is also a part of the Kurikoma Quasi-National Park. By walking the Ofukazawa Promenade, visitors can admire this stunning landscape. During the autumn foliage season, a special “Autumn Leaves” bus service operates between JR Naruko Onsen Station and Nakayamadaira Onsen Station, making access even more convenient.
Dakigaeri Gorge・Akita
Dakigaeri Gorge, stretching for 10 km, is located between Lake Tazawa and Kakunodate, running through the central section of the Tamagawa River. The gorge boasts untouched forests on both sides, a river with a unique blue hue, and a variety of waterfalls. This scenic beauty has made it a top destination for witnessing vibrant foliage. The name ‘Dakigaeri’ originates from the narrow and perilous mountain trails where, in history, people had to embrace each other to pass. Visitors can take in the sights of suspension bridges, unusual rock formations, and rushing rapids from its well-maintained walking paths. Every year, from mid-October to early November, the ‘Dakigaeri Valley Autumn Leaves Festival’ draws thousands of visitors.
Lake Chuzenji・Tochigi
Lake Chuzenji is an iconic feature of Nikko and is considered Japan’s highest natural lake, situated at an elevation of 1,269 metres. Located at the entrance to Oku-Nikko and emblematic of Nikkō National Park, it is believed that the lake was formed around 20,000 years ago when lava from the eruption of Mt. Nantai blocked a valley. Surrounding the lake, trees such as maple, lacquer, beech, oak, and katsura thrive. During the fall foliage season from mid-October to early November, these trees transform into shades of red and yellow, their vibrant colours reflecting beautifully upon the lake’s surface. While strolling along the lake’s edge is a joy, taking a sightseeing boat offers a unique perspective, especially of the autumn colours. The Hangetsuyama Observatory, in particular, offers a panoramic view of Mt Nantai and Lake Chuzenji, showcasing the fall colours of Haccho-Dejima and the vast mountain landscape.
Yahiko Park・Niigata
Yahiko Park is located directly in front of JR Yahiko Station and covers an extensive area of 160,000 square meters. It boasts waterfalls, streams, and shrines and is at the foot of the popular Mt. Yahiko, known for hiking and viewing spots. Inside the park, passing through a tunnel leads to “Momiji-dani Valley.” During summer, this valley is filled with the refreshing green of maple trees, while in autumn, it transforms into a vibrant sea of crimson leaves. Especially during the fall foliage season, numerous visitors from both domestic and international destinations flock here to admire the beautiful scenery. Overlooking this valley is a bridge known as “Kangetsu-kyo Bridge.” The contrast between its red hue and the autumn leaves creates a breathtaking view. The scenes from atop the bridge and from the side of the valley are absolutely spectacular. The best time to view the autumn leaves is from late October to mid-November.
Kurobe Gorge・Toyama
Kurobe Gorge is recognised as Japan’s deepest V-shaped gorge. Within this stunning landscape, the ‘Kurobe Gorge Railway’ covers a distance of about 20 km, taking around an hour and a half to travel from Unazuki to Keyakidaira. As you depart from Unazuki Station, the striking red “Shin-Yamabiko Bridge” immediately comes into view, surrounded by mountains adorned with autumn leaves. Particularly, the view of the fall foliage while crossing this bridge on the trolley train is breathtakingly beautiful, offering an unforgettable experience. Along the route, there are plenty of attractions, including the 60-metre-tall Atobiki Bridge, the renowned autumn spot Kinshukan, and the perennial snow of Kurobe.
Lake Kawaguchi・Yamanashi
Lake Kawaguchi is the most popular tourist destination among the Fuji Five Lakes. In particular, the “Kawaguchiko Momiji Corridor” is renowned in Yamanashi Prefecture as one of the premier spots for autumn foliage. This corridor has 60 towering maple trees on both sides of the Nashigawa River. When they reach their peak colour, the approximately 2 km pathway transforms into a tunnel of vibrant leaves, and fallen foliage dyes the river red.
HidaTakayama・Gifu
Hida Takayama’s open-air museum, “Hida no Sato”, covers an area of approximately 132,000 square meters and houses 30 traditional Hida farmhouses. These structures, built over 100 years ago before Japan’s modernisation, have been relocated from various places. Among them are four gassho-zukuri farmhouses, designated as important cultural properties of the country. Each house displays everyday tools and items from the era, allowing visitors to experience the traditional rural life of Hida.
Momijidani Park・Hiroshima
The Momijidani Park on Miyajima is located just a 5-minute walk from the Itsukushima Shrine and serves as a scenic corridor between Miyajima’s shopping district and the ropeway station to Mt. Misen. The park offers a lush natural environment that evokes the atmosphere of a deep forest, and first-time visitors may even sense the feeling of being on a mountain trail. The park hosts approximately 700 maple trees, including about 560 Japanese maples, 100 large-leaved maples, and an additional 40 from species such as urihadakaede (trident maple) and mountain maple. The peak of the autumn foliage occurs from mid to late November, during which fallen leaves blanket the ground in vibrant red hues.
Takachiho Gorge・Miyazaki
Takachiho Gorge is renowned as one of the most beautiful natural spots representing the Kyushu region. Stretching approximately 1.7km, the gorge offers a stunning contrast of emerald-green clear waters against uniquely shaped rocks, captivating numerous tourists. Located near the borders of Miyazaki, Kumamoto, and Oita prefectures, this area, centred around the Manai Falls, is adorned with spectacular autumn foliage. While many autumn destinations typically offer views from pedestrian paths, a distinctive feature of Takachiho Gorge is the opportunity to enjoy fall colours while boating down the river. The peak period for autumn foliage typically spans from early to late November, drawing a particularly high number of tourists during this season.
SINGAPORE, 28 September 2023: Oceania Cruises, a culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, has confirmed seven new summer sailings to French Polynesia and Hawaii on board the 670-guest boutique hotel-style Regatta in 2025.
Reservations will open on 4 October 2023. The new cruises will visit French Polynesia and Hawaii during August, September and October 2025.
New summer sailings in 2025
Polynesian Dreams: 15 days from Honolulu to Papeete aboard Regatta, visiting Honolulu, Nawiliwili, Lahaina, Kailua-Kona, Hilo, Nuku Hiva, Rangiroa, Raiatea, Bora Bora and Papeete. Departs 1 August and 15 September 2025, which offers the itinerary in reverse.
Tahitian Legends:10 days from Papeete to Papeete aboard Regatta, visiting Papeete, Moorea, Fakarava, Nuku Hiva, Rangiroa, Bora Bora and Raiatea. Departs 16 and 26 August and 5 September 2025.
Divine Pacific Oases: 15 days from Honolulu to Papeeteaboard Regatta, visiting Honolulu, Nawiliwili, Kahului, Kailua-Kona, Hilo, Nuku Hiva, Rangiroa, Raiatea, Bora Bora and Papeete. Departs 30 September 2025.
Song of Polynesia:18 days from Papeete to Los Angelesaboard Regatta, visiting Papeete, Moorea, Rangiroa, Nuku Hiva, Hilo, Lahaina, Honolulu, Nawiliwili and Los Angeles. Departs 15 October 2025.
Carrying just 670 guests, Regatta provides a small ship luxury experience, with just 340 suites and staterooms, nearly 70% of which feature private verandas.
SHANGHAI, 28 September 2023: Trip.com Group has joined forces with Renfe, the Spanish rail operator, to offer travellers a more sustainable way to explore the beauty of Spain through its extensive train network.
As international travel rebounds, with a particular resurgence in Asian and Chinese markets, Spain remains a top favourite among globetrotters. The collaboration is set to provide these global travellers with a comfortable and immersive way to experience the rich tapestry of Spain through Renfe’s train services, which travellers can access through Trip.com and Ctrip.
Trip.com Group commercial director of the international train department Alvaro Ungurean expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, saying: “Spain’s incredible tourism offerings, which encompass a diverse range of destinations, a wealth of historical heritage, vibrant culture and art, exceptional gastronomy, and renowned wine tourism, align perfectly with Trip.com Group’s commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences. We are excited to place Spain at the forefront of our train travel initiatives, and we anticipate rapid growth in our collaboration with Renfe.”
Renfe, which covers the largest number of destinations and operates the most extensive high-speed rail infrastructure within Spain, also holds the distinction of being the first certified green energy buyer in the country. Trip.com Group promotes sustainable travel and claims, and the partnership reinforces its efforts to deliver eco-friendly travel.
Based on Trip.com Group’s recent data, search volume for flights and accommodations to Spain rose by 6% and 3% in August this year, compared to July, underscoring the positive uptick in global travel demand.
SHANGHAI, 28 September 2023: The World Travel & Tourism Council welcomes China’s hospitality group, Jin Jiang, to the WTTC Hotel Sustainability Basics initiative, further solidifying China’s commitment to sustainable tourism.
The announcement came during the first visit of WTTC president & CEO Julia Simpson to China, where she met Jin Jiang International president Simon Zhangin in Shanghai.
The Hotel Sustainability Basics initiative was developed responding to a resounding call from leading global hotel brands. It establishes essential sustainability criteria that all accommodation providers, including hotels, guest houses, and tourist residences, must meet as a minimum standard, regardless of size.
Sustainability is an urgent global concern, and this initiative is a significant step towards achieving a more sustainable and inclusive future in the hospitality sector. Destinations, industry associations, travel agencies, and investors endorsing this initiative are heeding the worldwide call for responsible and equitable development in the field of hospitality.
Jin Jiang, a key player in China’s hospitality industry with more than 10,000 hotels, acknowledges that sustainability is not just an option but a fundamental aspect of delivering exceptional hospitality experiences.
As part of its sustainability efforts, Jin Jiang has undertaken various initiatives, including reducing energy and water consumption, minimising waste, and implementing eco-friendly practices across its properties. The company’s dedication to sustainability reflects its role as a responsible corporate citizen in China’s thriving tourism sector, setting an example for others to follow.
The ongoing progress of the Hotel Sustainability Basics initiative in China, including the significant efforts of key stakeholders such as SGS, reflects the growing commitment to sustainability within the country’s hospitality sector.
SGS, renowned for its expertise in inspection, testing, and certification services, has been pivotal in verifying and validating the sustainability endeavours of hospitality providers, including leading entities such as Jin Jiang.
WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson said: “We are thrilled to welcome Jin Jiang as a partner in our Hotel Sustainability Basics initiative. Sustainability is of paramount importance for China and its travellers.
“As we gather here in this beautiful country, it’s evident that embracing sustainable tourism practices is crucial for preserving our planet and delivering exceptional experiences to travellers.
“This initiative empowers hotels to make sustainable choices while meeting the evolving expectations of travellers. It’s about driving positive change, and Jin Jiang’s commitment is a testament to their dedication to creating a more sustainable future for the hospitality industry.”
Jin Jiang Hotels chairman, Simon Zhang said: “As the pioneering supporter of WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability Basics and the driving force behind its implementation in China, Jin Jiang Hospitality is steadfast in its commitment to high-quality development, viewing sustainability as the pathway forward, with ESG principles serving as our guiding foundation. Our dedication to this mission is unwavering, as we firmly believe the time for action is now.”
Since its launch in April 2022, the Hotel Sustainability Basics initiative has garnered support from thousands of registered hotels worldwide, including renowned hotel groups such as Melia, Radisson, Accor, Louvre, and Meninger.
Incorporating insights from Greenview and extensive consultations with stakeholders, including 11 global hotel brands, the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, and industry bodies like GSTC, Travalyst, Booking.com, and SHA, the initiative addresses three fundamental areas:
Measuring and reducing energy and water consumption, waste, and carbon emissions; Implementing crucial environmental protection measures; Making positive contributions to the communities where these establishments are located.
HONG KONG, 28 September 2023: Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), a grouping of independent hotel brands, is taking its loyalty programme, GHA DISCOVERY, to the high seas after entering a landmark partnership with Regent Seven Seas Cruises (Regent), a luxury cruise line, based in Miami, Florida.
This exclusive agreement marks the first time a cruise line has partnered with GHA, bringing together two leading luxury brands in the travel sector.
GHA DISCOVERY members, with access to 800 hotels, operated by 40 hotel brands in 100 countries, are rewarded with the programme’s currency; DISCOVERY Dollar, equal to USD1.
Through this exclusive partnership, the programme’s 24 million members will now earn D$ when reserving a voyage with Regent. They will be able to redeem benefits in any GHA hotel.
“We are the perfect match, with Regent Seven Seas Cruises being the world’s leading luxury cruise line, offering itineraries that connect key cities across the globe, and GHA DISCOVERY uniting the world’s largest collection of luxury hotel brands, with some of the best hotels in the world in those same destinations,” said GHA CEO Chris Hartley.
Partnership benefits
For every Regent booking made by a GHA DISCOVERY member, guests will be rewarded:
Between D$750 and D$2,500 for every Regent cruise reservation made, which can be spent at any GHA hotel or resort worldwide, valid for 12 months.
Fast-track upgrade to GHA DISCOVERY Titanium status, valid for over 12 months, offering benefits such as double room upgrades, special amenities, early check-in, and late checkout at GHA hotels and resorts worldwide.
On-board welcome gift of premium chocolates and Champagne with any Regent voyage reserved by a GHA DISCOVERY member.
SINGAPORE, 28 September 2023: The Singapore Tourism Board reported this week that State Courts had handed out a prison sentence on an individual who had conducted unlicensed travel agent activities in 2019.
The STB statement concluded that Singaporean national Rasman Bin Saridin (alias Rasman) has been convicted in the State Courts for carrying on the business of a travel agent without a valid travel agent licence in contravention of Section 6(1) of the Travel Agents Act.
He was also convicted of offences under the Penal Code. Rasman faced 22 charges and was convicted and sentenced on five charges. He will serve a sentence of 11 months and two weeks imprisonment for contravening the Travel Agents Act and offences under the Penal Code and Bankruptcy Act.
The remaining 17 charges were taken into consideration for the purpose of sentencing.
STB’s action goes back to a complaint from a consumer in November 2019 that an Umrah travel package he paid for had not been fulfilled.
Investigations revealed that Rasman had conducted unlicensed travel agent activities in 2019, during which he sold religious Umrah travel packages affecting 56 individuals and collected payments amounting to more than SGD79,000. STB also established that Rasman failed to fulfil the Umrah trips, having already collected payments.
STB’s media statement concluded it “takes a serious view of those who engage in unlicensed travel agent activities and will not hesitate to take action to protect consumers’ interests and uphold the reputation of Singapore’s tourism sector.”
Under Section 6(2) of the Travel Agents Act, any person found guilty of carrying on the business of a travel agent without a valid travel agent licence faces a maximum fine of SGD25,000 and/or up to two years imprisonment.
“The public is advised to exercise due diligence when making travel arrangements, such as only purchasing their travel packages from licensed travel agents and purchasing travel insurance to protect themselves against unforeseen circumstances.
For the latest list of licensed travel agents in Singapore.
SINGAPORE, 27 September 2023: Trip Affiliates Network has signed an agreement with Silver Palm Wellness Bangkok to deliver real-time data on hotel room availability and dynamic and static rates to traditionally offline contractors — travel agencies, wholesalers and corporate travel intermediaries.
Recognised as a trusted brand name in wellness and medical tourism, SPW provides a one-stop full-service wellness centre affiliated with CH9 Hospital and enjoys the full resources and expertise of the Chularat Hospital Group in Thailand.
SPW will use TA Network’s proprietary system to broaden its online distribution channels and efficiently increase direct bookings with its preferred agents, wholesalers and corporates.
SPW general manager Nopphong Duangchan said: “We are thrilled to be a part of the TA Network ecosystem and to embrace their innovative hotel B2B direct booking solution. This partnership marks a significant milestone for us, as it empowers us to elevate our direct booking capabilities and connect with a wider audience.”
The TA Network platform is designed to leverage technology solutions adopted by hotels to facilitate their direct connectivity and automate their inventory management processes with their traditional offline contractors, which would otherwise require both parties to update their booking inventory & retrieve booking confirmations manually. This also eliminates overbooking/underbooking issues associated with room allotments and potential human errors in manually maintaining hotel contracts.
TA Network regional director of partnerships and growth Thomas Wong said: “We are delighted to add SPW to our growing ecosystem of hotels and channel clients regionally seeking to increase their direct booking partnerships. Our hotel clients also benefit from our integrated suite of value-added services like e-voucher management and digital payment, which further broaden their direct booking capabilities with their customers”.
TA Network supports over 300 hotels across 15 countries to increase their direct bookings with travel agents, wholesalers & corporates.
About Trip Affiliates Network
Headquartered in Singapore, with offices in Indonesia and Thailand, Trip Affiliates Network (TA Network) provides FIT/group inbound & outbound turnkey solutions & add-on direct supplier connectivity services for travel agents, wholesalers & hotels.
SINGAPORE, 27 September 2023: Air Canada has placed a firm order with Boeing for 18 787-10 Dreamliner aircraft, with deliveries of the new aircraft scheduled to begin in Q4 2025, with the last aircraft scheduled for delivery in Q1 2027.
They will replace older, less efficient wide-body aircraft in the Air Canada fleet. The agreement also includes options for another 12 Boeing 787-10 aircraft, which will provide flexibility for growth to meet future customer demand.
Air Canada has placed a firm order with The Boeing Company for 18 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner aircraft. (CNW Group/Air Canada).
Air Canada currently operates 30 787-9 and eight 787-8 versions of the Dreamliner, with two more 787-9 aircraft scheduled for delivery from a previous order. The 787-10 is the largest model of the Dreamliner family and can carry more than 330 customers depending on the seat configuration. According to Boeing, the 787-10 has up to 25 per cent lower fuel emissions per seat than the aircraft it replaces.
Fleet Renewal
The acquisition of the new aircraft is part of an ongoing fleet renewal programme at Air Canada, with the airline continuing to take delivery of new Airbus A220 aircraft, as well as plans to acquire 28 extra-long range (XLR) versions of the Airbus A321neo aircraft, also beginning in 2025. In addition, as previously announced, Air Canada has finalised a purchase agreement for 30 ES-30 electric-hybrid aircraft under development by Heart Aerospace due to enter service in 2028.
The Boeing 787-10 aircraft order announced with Boeing today substitutes a previously announced agreement to purchase two Boeing 777 freighter aircraft, and, as a result, Air Canada will no longer take delivery of the two freighters. Air Canada currently operates approximately 240 aircraft in its mainline and Air Canada Rouge fleet.
SINGAPORE, 27 September 2023: More than 500 government officials and tourism industry experts representing 120 countries will attend the annual World Tourism Day celebrations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 27 to 28 September.
Now in its 43rd year, the special day will see the tourism industry leaders do what they do best: talk about tourism at every opportunity while amassing grossly enlarged carbon footprints.
The breadth of high-level speakers showcases the collective impetus across the industry to celebrate the sector’s successes while exploring solutions to its most pressing challenges.
Most of the speakers are part of a global circuit of talking globetrotters who have accumulated an inexcusable carbon footprint that far exceeds the value of what they are saying, mainly as it is repetitive and largely irrelevant to those struggling to keep their travel and hospitality enterprises above the breakeven benchmark.
Speakers confirmed for the two-day talk shop
His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia
Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization
His Excellency Khalid Al Falih, Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia
Her Highness Princess Haifa Bint Mohammed Al Saud, Vice Minister of Tourism
Her Excellency Patricia de Lille, Minister of Tourism of South Africa
Her Excellency Nikolina Brnjac, Minister of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Croatia
His Excellency Mehmet Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism of Turkey
Her Excellency Rosa Ana Morillo Rodriguez, Secretary of State, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism of Spain
Julia Simpson, CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council
Pansy Ho, Secretary General of the Global Tourism Economy Forum
Captain Ibrahim Koshy, the CEO of Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA)
Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO of MSC Cruises
Greg Webb, CEO of Travelport
Matthew Upchurch, CEO of Virtuoso
Ritesh Agarwal, CEO of OYO
UN Secretary-General António Guterre comments: “Tourism is a powerful force for progress and mutual understanding. But this force must be protected and nurtured to deliver its full benefits. On this World Tourism Day, we recognise the vital need for green investments to build a tourism sector that delivers for people and the planet. So, let us all do more to harness the full potential of sustainable tourism. Because sustainable tourism is investing in a better future for all.”
WTD 2023 is waving the theme flag “Tourism and Green Investments” to foster global collaboration to examine investment opportunities to strengthen the resilience of the tourism industry and steer the sector towards an investment-led and sustainably focused future.
The scale of the event being hosted in Riyadh showcases the importance of the Saudi government to the development of the global tourism sector. The Kingdom was elected chair of the executive council of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) for 2023 and hosted the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Global Summit in Riyadh last year.
