I REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT I
I REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT I Discovering Cardiff's urban highlights Cardiff, marked by its breathtaking coastal landscapes and historic castles, is a favourite spot for urban wanderers. Its history is a blend of Roman tales and fortifications by William the Conqueror, offering a journey from ancient times to the bustling capital of Wales today. The city is easily accessible with its own airport and a scenic train route from London’s Paddington Station which takes under two hours. For visitors from other cities in the UK, efficient train networks ensure smooth travel. Cardiff's lodging options cater to diverse preferences. Parador 44, a Spanish-inspired boutique hotel near Bute Park, offers a unique ambiance with an emphasis on gastronomy. The Pontcannainn, with its botanicalthemed rooms, is ideal for sports enthusiasts due to its proximity to major stadiums. For a coastal retreat, St. David's Hotel by the waterfront provides luxury, while The Royal Hotel Cardiff offers a touch of Victorian elegance near Cardiff Castle. Cardiff's culinary scene is also diverse. Nook Cardiff champions local ingredients in its modern dishes. The Daffodil blends European and Welsh flavors, while Anna-Loka offers a vegan culinary experience. In order to experience Welsh gastronomy more fully, Loving Welsh Food provides immersive food tours. Cardiff Castle, with its Victorian Gothic Revival interiors, is a must-visit. The National Museum Cardiff offers interactive exhibits, and the city's arcades provide a unique shopping experience. Cardiff Bay is a hub for seaside entertainment, with water adventures offered by companies including Cardiff International White Water and Bay Island Voyages. The Brecon Beacons' serene landscapes are a short journey away, while adrenaline junkies can zip-line at Parkwood Outdoors Dolygaer. Forage Farm Shop and Newport Market showcase eco-friendly products and local artisans, connecting visitors to the region's sustainable ethos STAND B26 © pexels © Charlie Seaman - Unsplash Tahiti tourism highlights sustainable vision and diverse offerings at ITB China Fāri’ira’a Manihini (FM27) Initiative and the rich tapestry of Tahitian experiences take centre stage At ITB China this year, Tahiti Tourism showcases its commitment to sustainable and inclusive tourism through the Fāri’ira’a Manihini (FM27) campaign, while also inviting attendees to explore the multifaceted attractions of Tahiti and its islands. Tahiti's tourist board is making waves at ITB China, not just with its innovative Fāri’ira’a Manihini (FM27) campaign but also by showcasing the diverse tourism experiences the islands have to offer. Jean-Marc Mocellin, the Chief Executive of Tahiti Tourism, emphasises the importance of sustainable and quality-driven tourism, setting sights on attracting 280,000 tourists by 2027. This initiative, born from collaboration with the local community and tourism stakeholders, aims to strike a balance between preserving Tahiti's natural and cultural heritage while ensuring economic growth for its residents. To illustrate the ethos behind the campaign, a dual video series has been launched. The first, “On the Road to Inclusive and Sustainable Tourism in Tahiti and Its Islands,” provides insights from industry professionals on the FM27 approach. The second, animated by the character Hina, offers an educational perspective, spotlighting the various benefits of the FM27 initiatives across economic, cultural, and environmental dimensions. However, the Fāri’ira’a Manihini (FM27) campaign is just one facet of Tahiti's presentation at ITB China. Attendees visiting their exhibition space will not only gain insights into this sustainable vision, but also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the broader tourism offerings of Tahiti and its islands. From pristine beaches to cultural festivals, the islands promise a range of experiences, beckoning travelers to embark on unforgettable journeys STAND: G57 12 ITB CHINA NEWS • TUESDAY 12 TH SEPTEMBER 2023 news.itb.com
I REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT I © Mohamed Thasneem - Unsplash © Chelsea Gates - Unsplash Maldives & ITB China 2023: Forging a union to revolutionise the travel industry In what is shaping up to be a transformative alliance in the travel industry, ITB China has announced its strategic partnership with the Maldives, heralding the island nation as the Official Island Travel Partner for its 2023 edition Thoyyib Mohamed CEO & Managing Director, MMPRC The Maldives, a constellation of islands renowned for its azure waters, vibrant marine life, and opulent resorts, is gearing up to amplify its allure with a dedicated stand at the event. This enclave will be a hive of activity, hosting 33 co-exhibiting companies in a collaborative effort with the Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC). For global and domestic tourism aficionados, this presents an unparalleled opportunity to delve deep into the Maldivian travel tapestry, fostering new business alliances and unearthing the vast potential that the Maldives holds, especially in the context of the burgeoning Chinese tourism sector. To ensure that attendees are treated to a holistic Maldivian experience, MMPRC has meticulously curated a diverse array of activities. These span from captivating raffles to the ITB China Customised and Themed Networking Lunch, a curated gathering designed to weave connections between industry luminaries, media personalities, and stakeholders. The Presentation Hub Showcase on 13th September promises to be an enlightening session, offering a panoramic view of the range of attractions and unique experiences that the Maldives has to offer. Mr Thoyyib Mohamed, the dynamic CEO & Managing Director at MMPRC, shared insights on the evolving relationship between the Maldives and the Chinese market. "The palpable uptick in Chinese arrivals, especially post the inauguration of the direct flight in January 2023, underscores the latent potential. Our alliance with ITB China, a stalwart in the travel trade domain, is a calculated move to further fortify our bonds with the Chinese travel industry and amplify the Maldivian brand on this vast stage," he stated STAND D23 © Hawk Hassaan - Unsplash SPLENDID ASIA: A VARIETY OF HOLIDAY PACKAGES Splendid Asia is a travel agency based in the Maldives that has been operating since 2006. The company offers a range of travel services for inbound travelers, including arrangements for resorts, hotels, liveaboards, and guesthouses. Over the years, they have expanded their offerings to cater to various types of travelers, from independent tourists to groups. With a decade of experience in the industry, Splendid Asia has established relationships with numerous tourist establishments in the Maldives, providing a variety of holiday packages ITB CHINA NEWS • TUESDAY 12 TH SEPTEMBER 2023 13
