The International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) is presently welcoming nominations for its awards, extending the invitation to individuals regardless of their IAFP membership status. These awards span diverse categories, and nominees are not required to be IAFP members. Furthermore, IAFP encourages its members to submit applications for travel awards, providing support for attendance at the IAFP Annual Meeting.

Scheduled for July 14-17, 2024, in Long Beach, California, the IAFP Annual Meeting is a prominent global platform. It draws in more than 3,500 food safety professionals from industry, academia, and government sectors across six continents. The meeting is dedicated to offering insights into prevailing and emerging food safety issues, showcasing the newest scientific breakthroughs, innovative solutions, and opportunities for professionals worldwide to network.

The current call for nominations for diverse awards and travel scholarships remains open until Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, for most award categories. It is essential to highlight that the deadline for the Student Travel Scholarship is Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024. Individuals, including students, industry experts, and professionals in health or agricultural departments, are encouraged to submit their applications for these honors, thereby playing a role in acknowledging excellence within the food safety field

On the evening of December 24, 2023, Flagpole Park on Thuy Van Street in Vung Tau City hosted the grand opening of the “Five Continents Food Festival,” themed “Beach Foodland – Vung Tau 2023.” This event, organized by the Vung Tau City People’s Committee and related units, marked a significant milestone in the city’s tourism development and cultural exchange through cuisine.

Running from December 24 to December 31, the festival featured almost 100 culinary booths, offering both tourists and locals a memorable gastronomic experience within a vibrant and festive end-of-year atmosphere. The festival garnered support from leading departments and sponsors, including Pepsi and Trung Nguyen.

Beyond savoring delectable dishes, attendees had the chance to engage in special programs unique to the festival, such as the “Cooking with master chefs” activity, a giant Christmas gift box, and two nights of musical performances by renowned artists.

The opening night set the tone with a warm Christmas ambiance, featuring a delightful “Santa Flashmob” performance, surprising gifts, and a Christmas feast prepared by famous chefs. The menu included tantalizing dishes like lobster with vanilla sauce, African-style chicken curry, Mexican beef corn cakes, Australian beef tenderloin with red wine sauce, and Japanese cream puffs.

With an anticipated attendance of up to 50,000 people, novel culinary programs, and daily entertainment activities, Beach Foodland – Vung Tau 2023 promises to be the backdrop for tourists and residents alike to create beautiful memories in this coastal city of Vietnam.

Beach Foodland serves as a culinary festival inviting tourists and Vung Tau residents to relish and capture unforgettable moments during the year-end celebration, complete with unique cultural experiences. The Five Continents Food Festival Vung Tau 2023 – Beach Foodland will continue its festivities until December 31, 2023.

Between May 20 and 22, 2024, Jamaica is scheduled to host the 42nd edition of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace. 

Jamaica, the birthplace of reggae king Bob Marley, is a veritable rainbow of lushness, beaches, and breathtaking landscapes. It is a beautiful place to be in. Additionally available are Jamaican rum, Blue Mountain Coffee, and Red Stripe Beer. A major draw to the island is its eclectic musical legacy, which includes dancehall and reggae. Additionally noteworthy is Jamaican food, which blends robust flavours and is made with regionally grown fresh ingredients.

In order to host the association’s premier event, which is instrumental in binding purchasers and sellers of the area’s tourism services and goods, CHTA President Nicola Madden-Greig went on to convey gratitude to the Jamaican government, in particular to Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett as well as the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association (JHTA).

Edmund Bartlett, who is the tourism minister of the Jamaica Tourism Board, gave us an exclusive interview at the World Travel Market 2023. He spoke about the rapidly increasing demographics post-COVID that have helped the Jamaican tourism board, and he is hopeful about the future. 

To augment close transactions with buyers during the marketplace meetings, the trade exhibition brings together the region’s wide range of suppliers. In addition, one important aspect relating to the meeting is this business-to-business discussion. However, Madden-Greig pointed out that there are travel writers and tourism reporters present, and she went on to speak to the media about the opportunity.

As per the statistical records of worlddata.info, Jamaica has been recorded to reach a total of one million tourists in 2021. This made it rank 58th in the world in absolute terms.

In addition to Jamaica’s tourism resources, Minister Bartlett welcomed Marketplace attendees to the Montego Bay Convention Centre in the upcoming spring and highlighted the island nation’s abundance of teachings on resilience and the vital need to recover and prosper from adversity rapidly. 

Showcasing the diverse experiences as well as the offerings of Jamaica and the Caribbean area as a whole is made possible by this esteemed event. The highly successful Caribbean Travel Forum & Awards, which are currently in their third edition, are modelled around Marketplace 42, which Robin Russell, President of the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association (JHTA) Madden-Greig additionally suggested may have a few improvements that would enhance the entire visitor experience.

Today marks an exciting development as Hireology, a premier provider of recruitment software for businesses with multiple locations, unveils its latest collaboration with the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), the foremost hotel association in the United States. This collaboration heralds AHLA’s selection of Hireology as its Leadership Partner in talent technology.

This alliance brings AHLA’s members cutting-edge, sector-specific recruitment tools and insights, vital for attracting and maintaining top talent in an increasingly competitive hospitality hiring landscape. A notable feature of this partnership is a novel series of leadership exchange events, aimed at uniting leading hospitality professionals to discuss the sector’s pressing issues, trends, and solutions.

Recognized as the highest-rated applicant tracking system on platforms like G2 and Hotel Tech Report, Hireology stands at the forefront of these industry dialogues. The company’s unparalleled recruitment technology and know-how are specifically catered to the hospitality sector’s distinct hiring needs.

Adam Robinson, CEO of Hireology, emphasizes the company’s dedication to aiding multi-location businesses such as hotels in navigating the current recruitment challenges by securing superior talent swiftly and efficiently utilizing their teams for substantial business growth. He notes, “The synergy between AHLA’s industry leadership and our strengths presents a significant chance for both organizations to tackle the primary business challenges faced by hotel operators in the coming years.”

AHLA, with over 32,000 member properties, aims to be a vital resource for the American hospitality industry, providing support, advocacy, and unity to enhance the sector’s contribution to the national economy. The integration of Hireology’s recruitment technology and expertise expands the association’s already impressive array of resources.

Chip Rogers, President & CEO of AHLA, highlights Hireology’s role as a trailblazer in recruitment technology and a purveyor of specialized workforce knowledge for the hotel industry. He believes that this partnership will elevate their services and bolster their commitment to fortifying the American hospitality sector.

This announcement follows a series of significant initiatives by Hireology in 2023, aimed at bolstering talent acquisition and retention in the hospitality industry. These include an enhanced integration with Indeed, the introduction of AI-driven recruitment tools, advancements in employee referral program technologies, and more. Discover more about Hireology’s initiatives for 2023.

The recent Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF), orchestrated by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) in Miami, concluded triumphantly, unveiling a comprehensive roadmap that charts the future course of the hospitality industry.

At the inaugural session, CHTA President Nicola Madden-Greig, OD, shared an ambitious vision for Caribbean hospitality’s forthcoming evolution.

Underlining the conference’s theme, “A New Era of Tourism: Balancing Tradition, Technology, and Community,” Madden-Greig highlighted promising industry statistics. Despite a global decline in inbound tourism, the Caribbean has surged ahead with a remarkable 17% increase. Nonetheless, Madden-Greig acknowledged persistent challenges, especially concerning air connectivity and elevated costs, which might hinder the industry’s sustained expansion.

Madden-Greig emphasized, “We aim to propel Caribbean tourism to unprecedented heights, transcending recovery and growth. Our objective is to study successful recovery models among destinations, identify best practices, and foster collaborative efforts to steer us in that direction. Seamless cooperation among industry players, governmental bodies, and each other is crucial for our ascent to new peaks.”

Throughout the conference, leaders, innovators, hospitality professionals, and influencers fervently delved into pivotal themes shaping the sector. Discussions encompassed navigating an ever-evolving landscape due to technological advancements, enhancing air connectivity, advancing responsible tourism practices, fostering collaborations, and prioritizing human resource development.

Key Highlights:

Tech Influence: The pervasive influence of technology on hospitality remained a recurring focus. Conversations delved into how artificial intelligence, contactless experiences, and data-driven insights are molding the future of guest services and operational efficiency. The indispensable human touchpoints provided by a skilled workforce were also underscored.

Air Connectivity: Recognizing the significance of seamless travel experiences, discussions revolved around the importance of air connectivity. Topics included multi-destination travel, expanding routes from existing and emerging markets, and seeking affordable fares.

Responsible Tourism: Sustainability in tourism received substantial attention. Delegates heard from esteemed organizations like the Foundation for Environmental Education, Fauna & Flora, and Re:wild, discussing best practices at the property level and advocating regional actions to ensure the industry upholds environmental stewardship.

Business Partnerships: Strategies for establishing robust business relationships and promoting entrepreneurship to ensure local economic benefits from tourism revenue were explored. Collaborative efforts and partnerships were highlighted as essential tools to amplify the economic impact of tourism.

People Development: Recognizing the pivotal role of human capital, the conference explored strategies for personnel development, focusing on talent nurturing, leadership promotion, and creating inclusive environments within the hospitality workforce.

Authentic Cultural Experiences: Attendees explored avenues for delivering authentic cultural experiences, celebrating the Caribbean’s diversity and heritage. Discussions highlighted wellness initiatives, themed festivals, and the importance of local traditions, creative arts, and cuisines in providing a memorable guest experience.

The event featured a captivating live performance by St. Lucia soca artist Ezra “D’FunMachine” Augustin—a first for the CHIEF Conference!

Mariela Gomez Meza, Marketing Manager of Hilton Barbados Resort, shared, “Attending CHIEF for the first time was insightful. The engaging topics covered are relevant for both the industry and the region. I eagerly await next year’s event.”

Distinguished panelists and moderators from both regional and global tourism sectors enriched the sessions, sharing their expertise and perspectives on industry developments.

Vanessa Ledesma, Acting CEO and Director General of CHTA, remarked, “As CHIEF draws to a close, the industry stands united, equipped with insights and commitments to drive positive change. The outcomes reflect our collective determination to forge a more diverse, sustainable, and technologically advanced future for hospitality. CHTA is dedicated to leading the way, providing members and stakeholders with the necessary tools and resources to propel this advancement.

Over the course of a year, European travel companies have reaped the rewards of a promotional campaign orchestrated by their continental umbrella organization and the agency responsible for promoting Latvia. The primary objective was to deepen awareness of Latvia as a compelling destination for both business and leisure travelers.

Amidst a spectrum of initiatives within the campaign, the inaugural meeting of the European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association (ECTAA) in Latvia stood out as a momentous and noteworthy occurrence. In collaboration with the Association of Latvian Travel Agents (ALTA), this assembly brought together influential figures from the travel industry across Europe. Collectively, they delved into pivotal discussions addressing geopolitical challenges and looming uncertainties, featuring the notable presence of Mr. Sarts, Director of the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence. Moreover, the event served as a platform for ECTAA to extend a warm and sincere welcome to the newly affiliated organization, AITO, originating from Ukraine.

Beyond this significant event, the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) and ECTAA partnered to organize insightful online roundtable discussions, attracting over 200 online business-to-business (B2B) viewers from German-speaking and English-speaking markets.

The dedication and professionalism exhibited by LIAA played a pivotal role in effectively showcasing Latvia to ECTAA members and the 80,000 European travel companies they represent. Eric Drésin, ECTAA’s Secretary-General, expressed gratitude for LIAA’s support in sourcing resources and speakers, acknowledging, “LIAA’s assistance was invaluable in capturing the attention of major source markets.”

Drésin underscored ECTAA’s commitment to highlighting European destinations at the upcoming US Travel Advisors event in May. He emphasized the opportunity to showcase Latvia on the global stage, expressing confidence in the destination’s quality and services. The collaborative efforts of ECTAA, LIAA, and ALTA exemplify the synergy and effectiveness of teamwork in promoting European destinations, aiming to elevate the travel and tourism landscape through enhanced cooperation among industry stakeholders.

Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, released the following statement regarding the extension of visa interview waiver authority for low-risk applicants by the U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security. The original expiration date for this authority was December 31.

The visa interview waiver authority allows consular officers to use their discretion in exempting certain low-risk nonimmigrant visa applicants from in-person interviews. These eligible applicants have previously visited the U.S. and undergo the same rigorous background checks and screening as all nonimmigrant applicants. Failure to extend this waiver authority would have led to significantly increased wait times for 40% of visa applicants, resulting in billions of dollars in lost traveler spending for the U.S. economy.

“Visa interview waivers for low-risk travelers play a crucial role in safeguarding the American economy and alleviating the visa backlog that has impeded the growth of international inbound travel to the United States.

“Despite nearly four years passing since the onset of the pandemic, the United States continues to welcome 13 million fewer visitors than in 2019, primarily due to persistently high visa interview wait times—currently averaging over 400 days in key source markets. The extension of the visa interview waiver authority represents a significant stride in enhancing global competitiveness and fostering a more seamless and secure travel experience.

“Through this extension, the Biden administration averted the loss of 64 million visitors and $215 billion in spending over the next decade. In 2024 alone, the U.S. is projected to retain an additional 2.2 million visitors and $5.9 billion in traveler spending that would have otherwise been lost without this extension.

“U.S. Travel commends the Departments of State and Homeland Security for their commitment to maintaining security, removing barriers, and promoting the growth of international inbound travel.”

Last month, the U.S. Travel Association sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, urging them to extend the visa interview waiver authority.

The World Tourism Forum Institute (WTFI) announces the launch of the inaugural Global Tourism Forum Security Summit.

It is an exclusive event which dedicates itself to addressing critical security challenges in the global travel industry.

The summit is slated to take place in Brussels, Belgium. It will be fostering collaboration among key stakeholders to enhance safety and security measures within the travel sector.

The GTF Security Summit will take place in April 2024.

It will convene honourable professionals, government officials, security experts, academics, and media representatives from around the world.

It aims to delve into multifaceted security concerns impacting the travel industry, ranging from terrorism and cyber threats to safety protocols and emergency management.

The Travel Association anticipates that a considerable number of travelers will embark on international journeys during the Christmas and New Year period, spanning from December 22 to January 2.

This particular time of the year proves to be highly favored for global travel, especially among those with young families. Departures are expected to peak on December 22, marking the busiest day, while Christmas Day is projected to be the least hectic.

Vacationers are seeking either winter sun or a more traditional snowy Christmas experience. The Canary Islands, Cyprus, Dubai, Southern Spain, and Turkey emerge as the most sought-after destinations for those in pursuit of warmth and sunshine.

Alternatively, for those yearning for a conventional Christmas in a snowy setting, ski resorts in France, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy are leading choices. Notably, ABTA members have noted a substantial demand for an ultimate Christmas break – visiting Father Christmas in Lapland, with a prominent travel company having catered to nearly 40,000 customers in recent weeks.

For revelers desiring a stylish New Year celebration, popular overseas city break destinations this year encompass Dublin, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Paris, and Vienna.

The Christmas travel statistics:

• Major airports are witnessing a surge in numbers, with 425,000 set to depart from Stansted, 253,000 from Luton, approximately 395,000 from Manchester, 335,000 from Birmingham, and 145,000 from Bristol. Both Gatwick and Heathrow anticipate significant activity, with over 6.5 million passengers expected to pass through Heathrow throughout December.
• Scottish airports will see hundreds of thousands of passengers, with 200,000 departing from Edinburgh alone, along with numerous departures from other regional airports.
• Additionally, a substantial number of people will traverse the English Channel, utilizing ferries or the Channel Tunnel for their journeys.

Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive said: 

“Christmas and New Year are always very busy times for travel and this year will be no exception, with large numbers heading overseas looking to spend quality time with loved ones. ABTA members are pleased to be able to make people’s Christmas holiday wishes come true – whether they’re seeking winter sun or guaranteed snow and the chance for everyone in the family to relax and enjoy the festivities to the full. 

“Roads and public transport will as always be very busy, so please leave a little extra time to get to your departure port and avoid unnecessary stress and worry. And if you are taking a winter sports break- make sure you have the right travel insurance –  it can be a costly mistake if you don’t.”

In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable tourism, Greece is embarking on a transformative journey in its tourism strategy, placing a strong emphasis on nature conservation, community respect, and human-centric considerations. This visionary shift establishes Greece as a trailblazer among global tourist destinations and experiences.

Continuing the success of its inaugural edition, the European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association (ECTAA) joined forces with the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) to orchestrate the second installment of the roundtable titled “Greening The Greek Experience,” held on December 14th.

Themed “A Collaborative Approach to Sustainable Tourism,” the event featured distinguished speakers who shared exclusive insights and innovative strategies for advancing sustainable tourism. The second edition of the Roundtable concentrated on local initiatives spanning the entire tourism value chain. Esteemed industry leaders, including Alexandros Angelopoulos (CEO of Aldemar Resorts), Vangelis Vassiliou (Senior Sales Manager | Central Europe Grecotel Hotels & Resorts), Efstathios Kontos (Tilos Municipality), Tina Kyriakis (founder of Alternative Athens), Anastasios Gourgouras (Owner of Milia Mountain Resort & Restaurant), and Kyriaki Boulasidou (Director, Greek National Tourism Organisation Benelux), engaged in profound discussions on pivotal sustainability measures.

Throughout the Roundtable, speakers underscored the significance of small initial steps in the sustainability journey, drawing attention to examples such as Alternative Athens, a pioneering startup specializing in thematic tourism, and Milia Mountain Resort, an eco-lodge with a dedicated focus on sustainability. Noteworthy was Aldemar’s Care Corporate Social Responsibility program, designed to maximize social and economic benefits for communities while responsibly managing environmental impact. The event also highlighted Grecotel’s commitment to reducing carbon footprints through the incorporation of locally sourced products, showcasing the substantial dedication of major hotel chains to sustainability.

Kyriaki Boulasidou, Director of the GNTO Office Benelux, expressed considerable optimism, stating, “Greek tourism actors, with unwavering support from the Greek Government, are fully committed to ensuring that the country evolves into a fully sustainable, year-round destination. The commendable Zero Waste initiatives on the island of Tilos serve as a testament to how small local communities can actively invest in sustainable tourism.”

As Greece navigates towards a sustainable future for tourism, stakeholders and participants are invited to actively contribute to shaping the trajectory of tourism in Greece. This collaborative endeavor signifies a decisive stride towards a more sustainable and responsible tourism industry, marking Greece as a beacon of inspiration for the global travel landscape.