Convention Bureau Italia and ENIT are proud to announce the fourth edition of Italy at Hand, which will be held on 16-18 November 2022. Apart from announcing the dates, from today international Buyers wishing to apply to Italy at Hand’s hosted buyer programme can submit their application and fill the dedicated form.

MATCH Hospitality has confirmed that sports management and marketing agency, Integral, has been appointed as its Sales Agent in Nigeria for the sale of the Official Hospitality Programme of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Integral will also offer various services in conjunction with the hospitality packages, including flights, accommodation, end-to-end transportation and social experiences unique to this edition of the FIFA World Cup.

Radisson Hotel Group continues its ambitious African growth and development plan with five new hotel signings secured across the continent to date this year, adding almost 600 rooms to its African portfolio. In 2022, the Group aims to add more than a dozen hotels, reaching just over 100 hotels in operation and under development on the continent.

Opened originally in 1913, the Carlton hotel was known for hosting stars: from famous actors to sitting presidents. In 2023 IHG reopens the doors on the Cote d’Azur, overlooking the famed beachfront promenade of La Croisette. The iconic Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury & lifestyle portfolio, is ready to write the next chapter in its history.

The Secretary General of the UNWTO Zurab Pololikashjvili received an overwhelming endorsement by the General Assembly to lead the UN Specialized Agency for a second term for 2022-2025.

Radisson Hotel Group and Realites Group are proud to announce the signing of Lincoln Casablanca, a Radisson Collection Hotel. This historic signing, debuting Radisson Hotel Group’s third brand in Morocco, Radisson Collection, also marks the Group’s ninth hotel signing in Morocco this year, bringing its portfolio in the country to 11 hotels in operation and under development, and setting the Group firmly on track to exceed its ambition of reaching 15 hotels by 2025.

When it comes to hotel development across Africa, Egypt and Marriott are the two phenomena to watch. This insight comes from this year’s African Hotel Chain Development Pipeline report, widely acknowledged as the industry’s most authoritative source, documenting and analysing the number of hotels being planned and built across the continent.

Radisson Hotel Group has announced the launch of the Group’s newest brand, Radisson Individuals, in Egypt with the opening of Marina Resort Port Ghalib, a member of Radisson Individuals. This brings the Group’s portfolio in Egypt to eight hotels in operation and under development and the first Radisson Individuals in Africa.

This November will mark the opening of SO/ Maldives, a sartorially-rooted retreat set on a pristine private island and surrounded by the Emboodhoo Lagoon. Located just a 15-minute speedboat ride from Malé’s Velana International Airport, the hotel harmoniously blends rare accessibility with exquisite privacy, with each of the 80 individually designed villas nestled directly on its own slice of white-sand beach or on stilts above the lagoon. Innovative restaurant and bar concepts are designed to offer a refreshing counterpart to the ubiquitous resort all-day dining buffet, while the cultural programming will bring together the best of music, fashion, design and art. 

IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed franchise agreements to rebrand three properties in Tanzania and Kenya to join the IHG portfolio of brands. The move sees IHG Hotels & Resorts swiftly expand its presence across Africa, as the continent’s profile continues to grow. Holiday Inn Nairobi Two Rivers Mall and The Fairview Nairobi in Kenya and Crowne Plaza Dar es Salaam in Tanzania are now open and are welcoming guests.

The International Congress and Convention Association is pleased to announce the return of annual “ICCA Country – and City – Rankings for the year 2022” after an absence of two years. The publication of the rankings coincides with the World Health Organization’s recent declaration that COVID-19 no longer qualifies as a global emergency, thereby emphasising the return to normalcy for the association meetings industry.

Forbes Travel Guide revealed its 2023 Star Awards winners, a list of the world’s finest hotels, restaurants, spas and – new this year – ocean cruises.

Combining huge screens, private lounges and live performances in an exclusive outdoor venue set against the mesmerising backdrop of the Museum of the Future.

The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) announces the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) as the association’s first Destination partner in Europe. Destination partnerships are one of ICCA’s most exclusive opportunities for ICCA members. Türkiye will benefit from strategic development initiatives aimed at raising the country’s profile within the association meetings industry. It will also gain enhanced visibility in the ICCA community. The one-year partnership indicates ICCA’s endorsement of Türkiye as a premier business event destination for Europe and the global industry.

Lamantin Beach Resort & Spa managed by Accor is set to open under the Movenpick Hotels & Resorts brand in 2023.

Since the beginning of the year, Radisson Hotel Group has welcomed more than 100+ hotel openings and signings in APAC and EMEA.

ICCA World members voted Marta Gomes as the new ICCA President on the opening day of the 61st ICCA Congress in Kraków. Marta – Deputy Executive Director, Sales, Viparis – and a great supporter of everything ICCA stands for in the international events and meetings industry – succeeds James Rees in the role.

The new-build, 249 room hotel will be the city’s first luxury hotel in Abuja, with an expansive range of rooms, from standard rooms and apartments to lofts and presidential suites.

According to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, international tourism saw a 182% year-on-year increase in January-March 2022, with destinations worldwide welcoming an estimated 117 million international arrivals compared to 41 million in Q1 2021. Of the extra 76 million international arrivals for the first three months, about 47 million were recorded in March, showing that the recovery is gathering pace.

The General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization has met for the 25th time in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. As its own data indicates that global tourism is on track to reach up to 95% of pre-pandemic levels by the end of this year, the Assembly brought sector leaders together to advance a clear vision for the long-term transformation of the sector around clear priorities.

This partnership aims to promote tourism to Malawi and raise awareness of the country among the sports community.

Featuring an extraordinary location, on the vibrant V&A Waterfront, between an international yacht marina and the working harbour, with the breath-taking Table Mountain as a backdrop, the Cape Grace Hotel will transition into a fully branded Fairmont property by end of 2023 (“Cape Grace by Fairmont”). The property has recently been purchased by Kasada Hospitality Fund LP (“Kasada”), independent real estate private equity platform dedicated to hospitality in Sub-Saharan Africa.

During the first half of 2023, MindMeeting & Partners will hold a series of small-scale book launches, to celebrate the publication of “Meetings, by Default or by Design.” These book launches will examine the new role of face-to-face meetings in the light of the post-pandemic balance of meeting delivery channels.

Sports tourism can play an increasingly important role in the economic diversification, growth and sustainable development of destinations worldwide. The 2nd edition of the World Sports Tourism Congress (WSTC), organized by UNWTO, brought together experts and leaders from across the sports and tourism sectors, alongside representatives of destinations and businesses. 

As part of its innovative approach to business events, major events, tourism and event hosting, Ottawa Tourism is further aligning its focus on major association congresses with leading sporting events. This close working partnership across two of the city’s major target markets aims to bring together diverse audiences, stakeholders, sponsors, and organisations, enhancing the city’s appeal, delivering more events and maximising the benefits for its partners.

Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce its debut in Tunis with the opening of Radisson Hotel Tunis City Center. Nestled in the heart of Tunisia’s bustling capital city, Radisson Hotel Tunis City Center offers easy access to some of the city’s top attractions such as Al-Zaytuna Mosque, the city’s oldest mosque covering 5,000 square metres with nine entrances, and the ancient site of Carthage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and once a thriving trading empire.

To celebrate its 40th birthday, Protea Hotels by Marriott announced the opening of its first property in Angola while further strengthening its portfolio in South Africa with a new property in Pretoria. The newest additions – Protea by Marriott Luanda and Protea by Marriott Pretoria Hatfield – will offer business and leisure travellers the chance to experience the vibrant local cultures and warm hospitality, along with exceptional accommodation, modern amenities and world-class service.