Visit Sweden, Sweden’s tourist board, has launched a lighthearted campaign to help people distinguish between Sweden and Switzerland, two European countries often confused due to their similar-sounding names. Titled ‘Welcome to Sweden (not Switzerland)’, the campaign features a humorous video that seeks to clarify the differences between the two nations. A study by Visit Sweden in the US revealed that many people weren’t sure if there was a distinction between Sweden and Switzerland. Even global leaders have made this error; during a NATO summit speech, US President Joe Biden mistakenly referenced Switzerland while discussing Sweden’s bid to join the military alliance. Read the full story on our content platform WTFI/Live: https://live.worldtourismforum.net/news/Catch-up-the-latest-news-in-tourism-industry/Sweden-Seeks-to-Clarify-its-Identity

@globaltourismforum

The European Union has once again confirmed a delay in the launch of the new ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) travel system for non-EU visitors. This latest update pushes the implementation date to spring 2025. The primary reason behind this delay is ongoing complications related to the Entry-Exit System (EES), a closely linked system that must be fully operational before ETIAS can be introduced.

Qatar Airways Group CEO His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker will step down from his position after 27 years of service, effective November 5, 2023. He will be succeeded by Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer as the new Group Chief Executive for Qatar Airways. H.E. Akbar Al Baker has been one of the most outlier CEOs in the industry. Mr. Al Baker has been attending our Townhall Series and GTF’s events since 2020 and sharing his almost 30 years of experience as CEO with us. @qatarairways

Japan’s tourism industry is experiencing a resurgence, with international visitor numbers reaching nearly pre-pandemic levels. While this is a positive development for the country’s tourism and hospitality sectors, it is also raising concerns about overtourism. In response, Japan’s tourism minister has announced measures to address the challenges associated with mass tourism.

In an era marked by dynamic change and evolving business landscapes, the Global Tourism Forum’s Annual Meeting 2023, on November 28th in Brussels stands as a pivotal opportunity for organizational growth, innovation, and networking. The event is structured around the theme “Driving Progress: Sustainable, Digital, Accessible,” and it’s a transformative experience that every member of your team should be a part of, whether they can attend physically or virtually. Read ‘why’ on our content platform WTFI/Live.

Las Vegas is currently hosting an estimated 17,500 attendees for IMEX America 2023. This year’s event marks a historic milestone as the largest IMEX America show in its 12-year history, potentially attracting 25% more attendees than its previous record of 14,000 in 2019. IMEX America’s 2023 edition is not only witnessing a significant surge in attendance but also demonstrating a renewed commitment to enhancing the educational experience for attendees, addressing both industry trends and the future of meetings and events.

Cambodia is setting its sights on revitalizing tourism around the renowned Angkor Wat temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which saw a significant decline in visitor numbers due to the ongoing pandemic. The country has now opened the doors of its latest and most expansive airport in this endeavor. @globaltourismforum

President, Hon. Bulut Bağcı, will be embarking on a pivotal diplomatic mission to West Africa. As part of this mission, he will be visiting senior state officials in Senegal, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Niger, and Gambia to engage in discussions centered on investment opportunities and promotional strategies within the tourism sector. @globaltourismforum

The 25th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is set to take place from October 16 to 20 this year in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. This marks the first time that Uzbekistan will host this significant biennial gathering of UNWTO member states and affiliate members.

Bard Extensions, the latest feature from Google, is designed to make travel planning and coordination easier. Users can ask Bard to assist in various aspects of their travel, such as finding and sharing information from Gmail, suggesting real-time flight and hotel details, and recommending nearby restaurants based on hotel reservations. Additionally, Bard can offer inspirational YouTube videos related to travel destinations and experiences.

Angola, a country known for its lush rainforests and remote beaches, is embracing tourism by offering visa-free entry for visitors. This new policy, which was approved via a presidential decree, permits nationals from over 90 countries to stay in Angola for up to 90 days without a visa. This move is part of the government’s strategy to bolster the country’s tourism sector. #Travel #Tourism #Angola