United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Tsunami recovery on agenda at ITB
The World Tourism Organisation is seeking the help of tourism businesses from the private sector to aid the recovery of countries affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami. WTO is using its presence at next month’s ITB in Berlin to rally support from the private sector. It has scheduled a series of “high-level meetings” between WTO executives and industry leaders ahead of the international tourism trade fair. Following the meetings WTO is likely to unveil the next phase for its Phuket Action Plan, a recovery initiative launched on February 1 by WTO executive council to speed recovery of traveller confidence in the tsunami-hit countries and to help get smaller tourism-related businesses back on their feet. Among the items on the agenda, said WTO secretary-general, Francesco Frangialli, was to tackle the problem of countries issuing out-of-date travel advisories to holidaymakers. But he added that WTO was optimistic countries affected by the tsunami would bounce back soon and said it was important for the travel industry not to overlook tourism elsewhere in the world. The WTO meetings will be held on March 10, 11 and 12 at ITB. For more details go to www.world-tourism.org. Report by Ginny McGrath
Ginny McGrath
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel