April 2023 (year-over-year % change)

• Occupancy: 71.4% (+21.3%)
• Average daily rate (ADR): AED751.19 (-4.7%)
• Revenue per available room (RevPAR): AED536.32 (+15.6%)

The market’s highest occupancy level was recorded on Saturday, 22 April (90.1%) – the only day of the month the metric surpassed the 90% mark. Daily RevPAR for the month also reached its highest level on this date, at AED707.03.

Peak ADR for the month occurred from 4-11 April, with the metric coming in above AED800 daily, in line with the Easter holiday. Key source markets, such as the U.K., contributed to the high performance during this period.

Overall, the market’s occupancy levels remained above 80% from 21 April onwards.

The article STR: Dubai April hotel occupancy peaked during Eid al-Fitr first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Furthermore, Lindsay Morvan explained how Mauritius is dealing with the over-tourism crisis. He also mentioned the more sustainable plans, that will lead the industry into the future.

Lindsay Morvan participated in “Sustainable Coastal Destinations” panel discussion, along with Şadan Kaptanoğlu – Chairperson, TURMEPA, Rachel McCaffery – Director, Green Case Consulting / Chair, GSTC’s Destination Stewardship Working Group, Kevin Fsadni – Director of Product Development, Malta Tourism Authority and Luigi Cabrini – Chairman, GSTC as Moderator.

GSTC2023 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference was held in Antalya, Türkiye, from the 9th to 12th of May.

The article Lindsay Morvan (Mauritius Tourism Authority): “Our target is to make Mauritius a green destination until 2030” first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

To celebrate Global Day of Discovery’s 9th anniversary, Renaissance Hotels is featuring unscripted adventures that place the brand’s revamped Evenings at Renaissance program in the spotlight. With the hotel and travel industry back in full swing, guests traveling both for business and leisure are looking for authentic local experiences. Unforgettably unique, the brand’s signature Evenings program shifts Renaissance properties into curators of culture – embracing and expanding through surprise-and-delight bar rituals to unexpected collaborations on and off property.

“This year’s Global Day of Discovery and the reintroduction of our Evenings program highlight Renaissance Hotels’ passion to uncover the unique DNA of the neighborhood, in an unexpected way,” said Jennifer Connell, Global Brand Leader, Renaissance Hotels and Vice President, Distinctive Premium Brands, Marriott International. “Today’s travelers crave a genuine connection with the locale, and with our properties celebrated as cultural hubs of their community, we cannot wait to ignite the neighborhoods around the globe with moments that make you look and look again, and adventures you won’t forget.”

Discover This Way Night & Day: From an Unscripted Tea After Dark in London to Spotlighting Ecotourism Efforts in Bali’s Uluwatu, Local Neighborhoods Unite in Fresh Ways on Global Day of Discovery

Headlined by a cultural curator, four properties across the globe will offer immersive moments beyond the expected, showcasing the newly evolved Evenings at Renaissance program. These handpicked tastemakers each push the envelope of exploration while traveling, discovering more about their unexpected passions, not known by the masses. Together with Renaissance Hotels, the cultural curators serve as beacons of their neighborhoods, providing guests with unscripted experiences at Global Day of Discovery events taking place May 18.

• Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel will be restored to the properties’ historic Antiques Garage market on Global Day of Discovery. Frequented by the likes of Andy Warhol back in the day, guests will travel through the past, present, and future, on a whimsical exploration to the unexpected, as curated through the eyes of model-turned-fashion icon Lily Aldridge. Guests will discover antique treasures and vintage finds hand-selected by Lily from New York Vintage – one of the city’s finest stores – enjoy speakeasy-inspired bar rituals, and an intimate performance by soulful songstress Caroline Vreeland in the upstairs Somewhere Nowhere Lounge. Following the event, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, the Vintage Pop-Up Shop will be open for hotel guests and locals to shop, featuring fashion and accessories from New York Vintage hand-curated in partnership with Lily. The hotel plans to host monthly vintage store pop-ups with various local notable vintage shops as part of their Evenings at Renaissance programming. Limited tickets available here for an evening of antiquated vintage finds and musical guest appearances.
• Celebrating its 150th year anniversary, St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London will welcome guests to behind-the-scenes immersive tours of the iconic landmark property by day. By night, guests will experience a multi-course dinner with theatrical design and elevated bar rituals, curated by model-turned-mixologist, Portia Freeman, and author and podcast host Alexandra Dudley, featuring a new way to enjoy high tea: tea-infused cocktails in partnership with iconic London brand Fortnum & Mason. The hotel will offer the immersive historical tour of the property once per month, bookable via reception and open to the public, and Portia’s specialty cocktails will be featured on the hotel’s Booking Office menu.
• At Renaissance São Paulo Hotel, by day guests will enjoy a curated art walk to the renowned Batman Alley. By night, the hotel will spotlight the drumbeat of the neighborhood by blending music and art in partnership with Art Battle Brazil, featuring visual artist-turned-DJ, Mariana Mats. Four local talented artists will compete live in front of locals and guests, with the winner being awarded the exclusive title of “Artist-In-Residence” with their gallery of work to be featured and available for purchase on property through July 2023. The other participating artists’ final pieces will also be on display and available for purchase. The debuted specialty cocktail menu and bar ritual will complement the Evenings at Renaissance series, bridging mixology and art in an unexpected way.
• Guests of Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa will celebrate local traditions and shine a light on social impact and ecotourism, near and dear to the property’s surrounding area. Hosted by model and ecotourism advocate Veronika Krasnasari, the three-day celebration features an impressive line-up including engaging tours at the nearby ZeroWaste Center, elevated punchbowl rituals showcasing the flavor of Bali with rockstars in Indonesia’s bar scene like Kiki Moka, an in-depth discussion on Endek Bali – the island’s indigenous fabric with Agung Indra, followed by an Endek-themed fashion show by local designer Dwi Iskandar, and a traditional 12-course Balinese Dinner using all sustainably sourced, island-grown produce by Balinese Chef Wisnu Adiyatma, accompanied by an enchanting performance from Gus Teja, a Balinese flute maestro. Many of these moments will be incorporated into the property’s on-going programming following the celebration to encourage guests around the world to be immersed in the traditions of the Uluwatu region. Limited tickets available here for the celebration centered around fashion, sustainability, art, and rich Balinese traditions.

“It’s an honor to collaborate with Renaissance Hotels and New York Vintage to revive the concept of the historic Antiques Garage Market, situated in its same location now home to Renaissance New York Chelsea,” said Lily Aldridge. “This capsule collection of vintage pieces was carefully selected with the heart and soul of Chelsea in mind, a neighborhood that’s known for its vibrant self-expression and bold fashion choices that withstand the test of time.”

The article Renaissance Hotels revives “Evenings at Renaissance” program at Annual Global Day of Discovery celebrations first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Widespread anti-WFH propaganda has been reported in the media, particularly in the fourth quarter of 2022. Recently, many tech companies have required their employees to spend more days working in the office. This includes companies that had previously adopted a remote work policy but are now expecting their staff to be present on-site for at least a portion of the week. This is being met with resistance by some workers who have enjoyed the flexibility offered by the remote working. Interestingly, employers appear to be winning the battle, as the number of completely remote positions advertised on job boards such as LinkedIn and Indeed has decreased significantly.

During the early phases of the COVID-19 epidemic, there was an extensive transition to working from home. Opportunities for remote working boost satisfaction at work, some reports showed. According to Buffer’s 2023 State of Remote Work study, 91% of poll participants preferred working remotely, with freedom being the top benefit. Furthermore, in 2022, 25,000 employees from different sectors were asked by McKinsey about their remote job experience. The third reason individuals look for new employment, behind improved pay per hour and professional possibilities, is a desire for flexible employment settings.

A Flexjobs study found that workers could save as much as $12,000 annually by doing online work. Transportation costs like gasoline and maintenance can be reduced, as can the costs of purchasing business attire and dining at upscale places.

The rise of online work and the digital nomad culture has prompted serious reconsideration of the conventional office job and its potential benefits to individual happiness and freedom. 93% of those who work from home said they were happier in their jobs, and 90% said they were more productive in the Safetywing Research. In addition, 61% said they felt less stressed, and 44% said their emotional health had improved.

The lifestyle of digital nomads has been on the rise for years. Then, after the outbreak, this new working method became much more popular. According to a recent report by Qualtrics, 80% of employees seeking a new position rated the ability to reside anywhere as extremely essential.

Another example is Spotify, which promotes the notion that “work is not a place, but something you do.” Their work-from-anywhere model enables employees to choose where and how they’ll work within specified geographic parameters. If a position is situated in Sweden, for instance, the employee may be permitted to work remotely in Europe.

In response to the increase in remote work, countries such as Estonia, Barbados, and Portugal have implemented digital nomad visas, permitting foreign remote employees to reside and work legally for extended periods in these countries.

Concerns regarding productivity, collaboration, and the overall business operations were among the objections to working remotely. According to the findings of a survey of business executives that was carried out in 2020 by the World Economic Forum (WEF), 78% of respondents believed that distant culture would impact productivity. This notion perhaps explains why some employers are therefore against working remotely.

This has led to a dramatic drop in available remote work positions. This newest change in the employer-employee power relationship can be seen in the falling number of telecommuting job postings. After months of frantically searching for new talent, businesses are demonstrating that they can be more selective in their hiring.

The rapid rate of hiring and salary increase experienced throughout most of 2022 has cooled off. Although many formerly unemployed tech and non-tech employees are now working again, the time it takes to locate a new position is longer than it was in the spring. Since the beginning of 2023, remote working listings on jobsites have decreased by as much as 12%, according to a number of reports.

More than two-thirds of employers thought their workers engaged in high-value work for up to three hours per day in a remote setting, which is more than twice what workers thought they did. More than half agreed that making investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and other automation would increase productivity in a hybrid workforce. However, the fact that a comparable percentage office collaboration was essential to the success of their organisations in the future indicated a lack of readiness for new working practices.

Employers may be shifting toward hybrid roles in order to reap the benefits of remote work. The Harvard Business Review found that compared to workers in either completely distant or in-office positions, those in the hybrid workplaces reported greater levels of employment happiness and productivity.

The new hybrid working model is excellent news for the majority of employees who reside relatively close to their workplace but prefer to work remotely at least occasionally.

However, it may imply that opportunities for completely remote digital nomads are going to continuously decrease. Currently, many businesses require regular facetime from employees. And as these companies attempt to use employees’ physical presence to revitalise company cultures and foster creativity in the aftermath of the pandemic, will digital nomad employees become less desirable?

Sharing her perspectives on the issue, an immigration expert, Victoria Idia, stated that with over 50 countries issuing the digital nomad route and more in the process of doing so, the remote culture war for now will not limit or stop the movement.

“The fact that there are many countries offering this type of visa gives more choice for those of a working age who do not want to be tied down to traditional working cultures or roles. There is no doubt that there are more diverse ways of obtaining income which means individuals do not have to be in an office at all, such as those whose income is derived from social media platforms.”

Adapting to the hybrid model may present challenges for digital nomads, particularly regarding travel and visa restrictions. Some countries, such as Estonia and Barbados, have already introduced digital nomad visas that allow remote workers to stay for extended periods. As the hybrid work model becomes more prevalent, it is possible that countries may revise their visa programs to accommodate this new work arrangement, perhaps offering visas that allow for a mix of remote and in-office work.

Idia who is a casework performance manager for Immigration Advice Service, a UK based firm that specialises in immigration law, said given the advantages digital nomad offer, “it is more likely that global immigration policies will be adapted to this new way of work especially as countries see the financial benefits and boost it brings to their economies.

Olusegun Akinfenwa writes for Immigration Advice Service, a leading team of legal professionals that specialise in immigration law and represents businesses and individuals across the UK and globally.

The article Remote culture war and the digital nomadism movement first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Expected to open in 2024 as Hilton’s 10th all-inclusive property in the Caribbean and Latin America, the signing of Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton cements Hilton’s plan to nearly triple its portfolio in the Dominican Republic over the next five years. Hilton currently welcomes guests at five hotels in the destination and has nine projects in various stages of development across the country.

“The signing of Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton is a momentous addition to our robust pipeline in the broader Caribbean, where we have nearly 30 Hilton properties operating across the region and approximately 30 hotels in development,” said Pablo Maturana, vice president, development, Caribbean and Latin America, Hilton. “As we work to double our Caribbean portfolio and nearly triple our presence in the Dominican Republic, we are proud to work alongside visionary owners who share our values and support responsible tourism to incredible destinations like Miches.”

Located approximately 60 miles from Punta Cana International Airport, the beachfront property on a half-mile stretch of pristine Esmeralda Beach will offer 502 guest rooms spread across six four-story buildings and 18 free standing beach bungalows. This includes 123 ground level swim-up guest rooms featuring individual plunge pools that connect via a winding pool allowing guests to swim to other areas of the resort.

“Curio Collection by Hilton seeks to immerse guests in the world’s most sought-after destinations and the upcoming Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection is no exception,” said Jenna Hackett, brand leader, Curio Collection by Hilton. “Miches is a newer eco-destination, home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Dominican Republic, and the resort will be a true destination in and of itself, sitting on approximately 800 meters of beachfront and offering an array of carefully curated food and beverage outlets and amenities. We look forward to welcoming guests to an elevated, one-of-a-kind all-inclusive experience backed by Hilton’s signature hospitality.”

Drawing inspiration from the coast’s unique landforms, the hotel will feature a minimalist design with the natural tones and textures that reflect the destination. The four-story buildings harmoniously blend with the environment, while the design plan incorporates neutral wood and stonework, lush greenery, soft interior shades, and boho-chic elegance from furnishings to artistic structures and decor.

“We are incredibly proud to be working with Hilton and together, introduce the first all-inclusive Curio Collection by Hilton resort to the Dominican Republic,” said Frank Elias Rainieri, president and CEO, Zemi Hotels & Resorts, S.R.L. “With Hilton’s more than a century of leading hospitality experience and our one-of-a-kind resort development, we look forward to being the first choice of travelers seeking an elevated and authentic all-inclusive experience in the eco-friendly, untouched town of Miches.”

Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton will participate in Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 19 world-class brands, and will offer guests an array of onsite entertainment and amenities including a night club, kids club and retail shops. Nine food and drink options will tempt palates with exceptional cuisine, from Asian, Taino, Italian and seafood to an all-day buffet, lobby bar, sports bar and more.

With a commitment to health and wellness, the oceanfront resort will offer a sprawling pool complex with water park, a state-of-the-art fitness center and juice bar. A dedicated spa building will boast ten treatment rooms, a beauty salon, an indoor pool, sauna, jacuzzi, and an outdoor terrace for yoga and meditation.

The resort will feature 15,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting and event space.

Throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, Hilton currently has a portfolio of more than 205 hotels welcoming travelers across the region, and a development pipeline of approximately 110 hotels in various stages of design and construction.

The article Hilton expands all‑inclusive portfolio with signing of Zemi Miches All‑Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton in the Dominican Republic first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Passengers checking in at Terminal 3 will receive their mobile boarding pass via email or SMS. Passengers who check in online can load their boarding pass into their Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, or retrieve their boarding pass on the user-friendly Emirates App. The checked-in baggage receipt is also emailed directly to passengers, or available in the Emirates App.

This initiative will significantly reduce paper waste while simultaneously offering a convenient and speedy digitised check in experience for passengers departing Dubai. It reduces the risk of lost or misplaced boarding passes, giving passengers peace of mind when travelling.

The mobile boarding pass can be used throughout the travel journey – in Dubai Duty Free, at security and for boarding, simply by showing the boarding pass on the phone. Emirates agents and airport staff will simply scan the QR code on the mobile boarding pass as passengers move through the airport and onto the aircraft.

Some passengers may still require a physical boarding pass to be printed – for instance when travelling with infants, unaccompanied minors, passengers requiring special assistance, passengers with onwards flights on other airlines, and all passengers travelling on flights to the US.

The option to print a boarding pass is available by request to Emirates agents at check-in counters, if passengers do not have a mobile device, or if they are unable to access the information on their devices for reasons such as: running out of battery power, a system breakdown or glitch, message delivery delay, or inability to access WIFI, network or a data package.

Millions of Emirates passengers have already been enjoying the convenience of digitally enabled journeys. In addition to convenient check-in and itinerary management, those who use the Emirates app can also access digital menus in advance, and spend time curating a playlist of favourite movies, TV shows and music playlists available on ice, which they can synchronise from their app the moment they board to save time.

Smooth biometric journeys in Dubai

Registered passengers can now enjoy a seamless travel experience at Dubai International Airport, where they will be able to use the biometric machines or smart gates to go through various airport stations.

UAE Residents can register to use the Smart Gates at Emirates Terminal 3 and speed through Immigration every time they return to Dubai. UAE citizens and residents can use their passport, boarding pass, or a valid UAE ID, while GCC nationals or visitors eligible for visa on arrival can pass through the Smart Gates with a biometric passport.

The article Emirates goes digital, phases out paper boarding passes for flights departing Dubai first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

The sanitary resolution establishes that the request for the PCR test upon entering the country, the COVID-19 vaccination certificate, and the random testing of travelers, as established in the plan, is eliminated, so that Chile no longer has sanitary requirements for passengers arriving from abroad.

“This measure allows the industry to return to the long-awaited scenario of normality. Inbound tourism is in full reactivation, in fact, we expect 3.5 million foreign tourists to arrive in our country in 2023 and we hope that this announcement will give a new impetus to this process. This is a great opportunity to promote Chile as a unique and world-class destination,” said the Undersecretary of Tourism, Verónica Pardo Lagos.

The authority added that “it is also important to thank the different guilds and associations of the tourism industry for their collaboration and work during the more than three years of international health emergency and for being relevant actors in the implementation of measures and the construction of agreements for their relaxation” and reiterated the call to exercise responsible tourism in all areas.

The Ministry of Health indicated that it is important to highlight that, although the epidemiological scenario in relation to COVID-19 is at a low level, the circulation of other respiratory viruses has advanced at the approach of winter. Therefore, it is important to keep vaccination up to date, both against COVID-19 and Influenza, as well as to maintain the self-care measures learned during the pandemic: frequent hand washing, ventilation of closed spaces and the use of masks when presenting respiratory symptoms.

It is important to highlight that, although the epidemic threat in relation to Covid-19 is declining, the circulation of other respiratory viruses should be acknowledged ahead of the winter months. It is therefore important to keep vaccinations up to date, both against Covid-19 and influenza, as well as to maintain the self-care measures that were adopted during the pandemic: frequent hand washing, keeping closed spaces ventilated, and the use of masks where necessary.

The article Chile announces end of all travel-related COVID-19 requirements first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Ottawa has secured the IEEE Sections Congress in 2023, the 2024 IEEE NSREC, and the 2025 IEEE International Symposium on Antennas and Propagation and CNC/URSI Radio Science Meeting.

In addition to these IEEE conference, in 2023 Ottawa is also due to host the International Society of Offshore and Polar Engineers and the 28th IAVSD Symposium on Dynamics of Vehicles on Roads and on Tracks.

All of these events are set to bring together in excess of 5,000 experts from around the world to discuss the latest developments in technology, share knowledge and explore new ideas.

“Winning bids to host these top technology events is a testament to Ottawa’s reputation as a hub for technology and innovation,” comments Lesley Mackay, Ottawa Tourism’s Vice President, Meetings and Major Events. “We are looking forward to welcoming industry leaders from around the globe to our beautiful city to discuss the latest advances in these fields and to explore opportunities for collaboration and growth. These wins perfectly reflect our ongoing focus on key industry sectors where Ottawa is a world leader, providing the organisers with the knowledge we will not only deliver the necessary conference infrastructure, but they will also be hosted by a city that truly understands their industry.”

In addition to the main events, Ottawa will host many related conferences, side-events and workshops in conjunction with the upcoming conferences. These events provide a unique opportunity for attendees to dive deeper into specific topics, network with peers and explore the latest products and services from within the industry.

With its state-of-the-art conference facilities and vibrant technology ecosystem, Ottawa is well positioned to continue its success in attracting top technology events. The city’s commitment to excellence in all aspects of conference hosting ensures a seamless experience for attendees and organisers alike.

In recent years Ottawa has been chosen to host numerous prestigious IEEE events, including the International Flexible Electronics Technology Conference (IFETC) in 2018, the IEEE International Conference on Wireless for Space and Extreme Environments in 2019, and the 2022 IEEE Conference on Bioinformatics and Computational Biology.

The article Ottawa continues technology conferences winning streak with three major IEEE events in the next two years first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

During Zuiderdam’s journey around the world, the ship visited 57 ports in 30 countries on four continents and cruised 35,651 nautical miles (39,875 land miles). Highlights included funds raised for Bernhard Nordkamp Centre in Namibia, Africa; blankets knitted by guests for Project Linus; and celebrating the company’s 150th Anniversary in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, with Holland America Line President Gus Antorcha.

“Like our guests, we have been eagerly anticipating the return of our Grand World Voyage, and the 2023 world cruise was an exceptional journey for not only the places we visited, but the memories made along the way,” said Antorcha. “A world cruise is more than just a travel experience; it’s building a community of friends and family. And our guests generously gave their time and funds for some worthy causes during the journey, for which I extend gratitude on behalf of everyone at Holland America Line.”

Guests Raise Funds and Knit for a Cause

Zuiderdam guests raised $10,000 for The Bernhard Nordkamp Centre in Namibia, which was presented to the organization during the ship’s call at Walvis Bay. The BNC services approximately 150 kids in grades one through seven who come in after their school day to receive support, food, additional education and positive social interaction.

Continuing a tradition that began more than a decade ago on the Grand World Voyage, guests made 618 blankets for Project Linus throughout the sailing. Nearly 75 blanketeers and 20 non-knitting volunteers participated in the Project Linus endeavor this year. With yarn brought on by guests, donated prior to departure and funds given by Holland America Line, guests of all knitting and crocheting abilities made blankets for children in the United States who are ill, traumatized or otherwise in need.

Organized this year by guests Gail and Marty Gottlieb, the couple drove a U-Haul truck to Port Everglades for the start of the Grand World Voyage with one-million yards of yarn in over 40 different colors, along with hooks, needles and ball winders. The blankets will be picked up by the local South Florida chapter of Project Linus at the port.

Themed Events and Culinary Delights

During the voyage, guests dressed to the nines for events that featured a Grand Masquerade, Derby Night, Casino Royale, Mardi Gras Night of Music and “Once Upon a Time.” More than a dozen casual, themed evenings around Lido pool included a glamp out, Burgers and Beer, Grand Fair, surprise party with the ship’s team members, Biergarten Festival, “Let Them Eat Cake” and “An Evening in France.”

2023 Grand World Voyage Highlights and Fun Facts:

• Zuiderdam visited imaginary Null Island (0°N/S & 0°E/W) where the equator crosses the Prime Meridian and visitors became an Emerald Shellback, the rarest shellback (a sailor who has crossed the equator) designation.
• On April 18, Antorcha visited the ship in Amsterdam during an overnight call to celebrate the company’s 150th Anniversary.
• Guests indulged in 31,248 bottles of wine and champagne.
• 200,606 lbs. of fresh vegetables and 173,903 lbs. of fresh fruit were consumed.
• 40,905 fresh eggs were scrambled, poached and used as ingredients.
• Guests drank 133,293 soft drinks.
• The ship served nearly 200,000 lbs. of meat (beef, pork, lamb, poultry, veal).
• Guests enjoyed 56,306 lbs. of seafood.
• 7,793 tea bags were used to brew a cuppa, as well as 3,277 bags of coffee.
• More than $200,000 in foreign currencies were exchanged.

Future Holland America Line Grand Voyages:

• 2023 Grand South America and Antarctic Voyage — 73 days. Departs Oct. 7, 2023, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale aboard Zaandam.
• 2023 Grand Africa Voyage — 73 days. Departs Oct. 10, 2023, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale aboard Zuiderdam.
• 2024 Grand World Voyage — 128 days. Departs Jan. 3, 2024, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale aboard Zuiderdam.
• 2024 Grand Australia and New Zealand Voyage — 94 days. Departs Jan. 3, 2024, roundtrip from San Diego aboard Volendam
• 2025 Grand World Voyage — 124 days. Departs Jan. 4, 2025, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale aboard Zuiderdam.
• 2025 Grand Voyage: Pole to Pole — 133 days. Departs Jan. 25, 2025, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale aboard Volendam.

Bookings for the 2025 Pole to Pole and Grand World Voyage officially open May 24, 2023. Travelers interested making a deposited Future Cruise Request to get priority booking confirmation prior to May 24 can call Holland America Line’s World Cruise Reservations Desk or a travel advisor.

The article Holland America Line’s first Grand World Voyage since 2020 successfully concludes after 57 port visits first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Jury composition of IGCAT Experts

• Barbara Zmrzlikar, representative of Slovenia, European Region of Gastronomy 2021 looked at Catalonia’s approach to sustainable and balanced tourism, innovation and job opportunities.
• Quim Salort, representative of Menorca, European Region of Gastronomy 2022 paid special attention during this visit to environment, nature, health and eco-initiatives that can grow with food loving travellers.
• May Britt, representative of Trondheim-Trøndelag, European Region of Gastronomy 2022 considered Catalonia’s approach to culture, citizen engagement and educational initiatives in the region.
• Levan Kharatishvili from cultural routes expert of the Council of Europe based in Georgia focussed his attention on visibility, communication, branding, marketing, legacy and evaluation.

Diane Dodd PhD accompanied the jury to ensure that all financial, governance and legal aspects will ensure a long-term legacy for the region.

The article Catalonia recommended for the title of World Region of Gastronomy 2025 first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.