The Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024, the pinnacle event in the South Pacific tourism calendar, commenced with a vibrant opening ceremony at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau today.

Over the course of two days, this event brought together industry stakeholders from across the globe to delve into Fiji’s distinctive tourism offerings and cultivate long-lasting business relationships.

Addressing attendees at the ceremony, the Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Viliame Gavoka, emphasized the pivotal role of tourism in Fiji’s economy and extended heartfelt appreciation to all participants.

“Tourism remains a cornerstone of Fiji’s economy, and the Fiji Tourism Exchange serves as a prime platform to showcase our rich culture, traditions, and amazing natural wonders to the world.

It’s heart-warming to witness such an overwhelming turnout, with even greater enthusiasm than last year, boasting participation from over 125 buyers, 80 sellers, and representatives from 19 international media outlets, we have over 4,000 meetings scheduled!

We’re building upon the success of last year, and the momentum is palpable,” remarked the Hon. Minister.

The Minister also shared updates on property developments, including the expansion of existing resorts and the launch of innovative hospitality ventures, highlighting growth and innovation in the tourism sector – offering something new to our visitors.

Echoing these sentiments, Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill expressed optimism regarding the opportunities that the Fiji Tourism Exchange will engender for the country’s tourism sector.

“We’re delighted to host the Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 in partnership with our platinum sponsors, Fiji Airways. We recognize the potential of our event to facilitate meaningful engagement. As we move forward, it’s evident that our tourism landscape is evolving.

Our tourism industry is strong, performing incredibly well, positioned for further growth, and our country is well prepared to take on the challenge.

We eagerly anticipate the exchange of ideas and the forging of lasting partnerships during this event,” shared Hill.

The “If You Can’t Bin It, Bag It” campaign was announced by Brent Hill at the Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024.

The campaign aims to preserve Fiji’s natural beauty by promoting responsible practices, self-awareness, and behaviour change at the grassroots level.

Recognizing the ongoing development of infrastructure in waste management and the significant task at hand, Tourism Fiji’s campaign aims to encourage all individuals to take more responsibility for the preservation of Fiji’s environment and temporarily store their rubbish in bags until proper disposal is available.

With an anticipated attendance exceeding 550 delegates (10% above last year!), including tourism operators, international buyers, and media representatives from around the world, the Fijian Tourism Expo 2024 braced an agenda brimming with workshops, seminars, media updates, and invaluable networking opportunities.

In the FY24, Thomas Cook India Group, has recorded the highest ever profits so far. From around Rs. 262 Mn, the consolidated PBT for the FY24 has grown to Rs. 3,449 Mn. The total EBITDA for the FY has increased to Rs. 5,718 Mn from Rs. 2,414 Mn. For FY24, EPS has grown from Re. 0.10 to Rs. 5.57. Thomas Cook PBT at Rs. 1,521 Mn Vs Rs. 187 Mn. Sterling Holidays PBT at Rs. 1,207 Mn compared to Rs. 659 Mn. For Destination Management Specialist Companies in abroad, profitable in FY24: EBITDA at Rs. 632 Mn compared to Rs. 115 Mn.

The main highlights:
In FY23, consolidated PBT was Rs. (62) Mn which became Rs. 607 Mn
EBITDA Margin developed by 355 bps
Sterling Holidays PBT at Rs. 308 Mn in Q4 FY24 which in Q4 FY23 was Rs. 145 Mn
Thomas Cook PBT in Q4 FY23 was a loss of Rs. (0.3) Mn which in Q4 FY24 became Rs. 265 Mn
In FY24, sales increased by 20 percent
Q4 FY24 witnessed an addition of 17 new partnerships signed along with 22 renewals
Operational launch of was made in 8 partnerships i.e., UAE, Malaysia, Indonesia and India
In Leisure Travel sector, sales grew 89%, followed by MICE with 46%. Corporate Travel transactions increased by 18% in FY24. India DMS saw 129% growth.

Forex: The main points:
Sales grew 24% YoY for FY24
Retail growth: 19% for FY24
Growth in holiday sales: 88% for FY24
Growth in International Education: 14% for FY24

For Hospitality Sector:
Growth in sales was 24% for FY24
Sariska, Pushkar & Athirapilly are the new resorts launched in Q4 FY24:

Wilmingtonlist is excited to introduce a revolutionary platform designed specifically for local enterprises in the Wilmington, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area. This directory goes beyond traditional models, creating an interactive environment where businesses can interact with the community and promote their products and services.

Wilmingtonlist: Elevating the Business & Services Directory Experience

Wilmingtonlist enables businesses to enhance their visibility by providing a suite of tools that help build engaging profiles, share dynamic content, and develop customer relationships. With features like classified ads, event notifications, blog entries, downloadable materials, job opportunities, video presentations, exclusive promotions, and property listings, businesses can effectively highlight their brand and engage directly with their target audience. This diverse approach redefines how businesses connect and flourish within the Wilmington community.

Fostering Community Involvement

Enhanced Listings:

Business profiles include detailed descriptions, photos, and contact information, giving potential customers everything they need to make well-informed choices. These detailed listings foster trust and credibility, prompting greater interaction with businesses.

Events:

Businesses can promote their local events directly within their directory profiles, turning them into a central place for community members to discover what’s happening locally and engage with different businesses.

Blogs and Resources:

An integrated blog section allows businesses to publish informative content and updates, establishing their authority and building community trust. By delivering pertinent content, businesses draw more attention to their profiles, positioning themselves as industry leaders and enhancing customer connections.

Employment Opportunities:

The job section simplifies recruitment for local companies. Employers can post job vacancies on their profiles, attracting skilled individuals from Wilmington and beyond. This focused exposure helps businesses find suitable candidates while aiding job seekers in finding pertinent roles.

Promotions & Discounts:

The Promotions & Discounts feature helps businesses attract new customers and encourage repeat visits by offering exclusive deals. These promotions not only increase sales but also enhance business visibility, strengthening community ties.

Local News and Information Gateway

Beyond just a directory, businesses can also benefit from exposure via news.wilmingtonlist.com, a portal focusing on local news and lifestyle that features stories about local enterprises, their products, and services. This strategic cross-promotion increases visibility and directs more users to their directory profiles, consolidating Wilmingtonlist as a prime resource for the best local offerings.

Advocating for Local Business Success

Wilmingtonlist is more than just a directory—it’s a platform designed to support local business success through a broad array of tools, including classifieds, event promotion, blogging, file sharing, job listings, videos, deals, and real estate listings. It enables businesses to engage with their community in multiple ways.

For example, the Promotions & Discounts section serves as a marketplace for deals, attracting budget-conscious customers and increasing physical traffic. Additionally, the job board not only facilitates hiring but also showcases a commitment to boosting the local job market.

This comprehensive approach ensures that Wilmingtonlist is not merely a directory but a vibrant community hub where businesses can prosper and residents can explore the best of their city.

Elevate Your Brand with Wilmington NC News Magazine

With the integrated news magazine, Wilmingtonlist extends its offerings. This platform not only covers local news but also spotlights businesses featured in the directory through articles, reviews, and stories, enhancing brand visibility and establishing businesses as credible experts in their industries.

This effective combination of directory and magazine ensures businesses reach a broader audience and engage them with compelling stories and valuable information. Wilmingtonlist is reshaping how local businesses connect with their community, providing a platform for growth, recognition, and sustained success.

Join Today and Experience Growth

Take advantage of this opportunity to join Wilmington’s vibrant business community. Register with Wilmingtonlist and gain immediate access to a suite of powerful tools designed to amplify your presence, connect with your audience, and foster sustainable growth.

Visitors to the eagerly awaited THE COMMUNE Mall in Kulai, Johor, are now treated to exclusive savings via the AirAsia MOVE app (previously known as airasia Superapp). These discounts cover a variety of services including flights, hotels, and transportation.

A partnership was cemented with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by Nadia Omer, CEO of AirAsia MOVE, and David Kang, CEO of THE COMMUNE Lifestyle Mall, at the AirAsia MOVE headquarters located at RedStation, KL Sentral.

Scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2024, The Commune Mall in Kulai, Johor, is set to revolutionize the shopping experience. Covering 200,000 square feet of net lettable space on four acres, this three-level mall will include two major anchor tenants. Hwa Thai Supermart, a respected grocery store from Johor, is known for its high-quality products and competitive prices. Accompanying this will be Sports Affairs, a top-tier sports facility and a flexible event space, enhancing the sports facilities in Kulai with its 10 indoor badminton courts, two futsal courts, and basketball areas.

Moreover, THE COMMUNE Mall is excited to unveil a lineup of key mini anchors and first-of-its-kind stores in Johor/Kulai, including:

• The inaugural Chagee Drive-Thru in Johor
• The first Burger King Drive-Thru in Kulai
• The debut of Good2U in Kulai
• The first Kenangan Coffee in Kulai
• The initial Richeese Factory in Kulai
• The first Bingxue in Kulai
• The first IJ Space in Malaysia
• The premier new concept Guoma Seafood Shabu Shabu in Malaysia

This collaboration allows AirAsia MOVE app users to accumulate 1 AirAsia Point for every RM1 spent at any outlet* in THE COMMUNE Mall, and 1 AirAsia Point for every RM5 spent on groceries. These points can be redeemed for flights across the AirAsia network, hotel reservations, and ride-hailing services through AirAsia Ride, all accessible via AirAsia MOVE.

Nadia Omer, CEO of AirAsia MOVE, said, “Today is a special milestone for AirAsia MOVE as it is the first time we offered the service of our loyalty programme, AirAsia Rewards, to our partner which allows their customers to get more out of their everyday shopping, and benefit from AirAsia MOVE’s ecosystem of offerings of flights, hotels, rides and many more. This is a win-win partnership for both parties and we would like to invite potential partners to reach out to us for further collaboration.”

Mr David Kang, CEO of THE COMMUNE Lifestyle Mall, stated, “We at THE COMMUNE are thrilled to partner with AirAsia MOVE. This collaboration perfectly aligns with our vision of fostering a thriving community, not just a mall.  This partnership empowers our patrons to do just that – travel, explore new places, and create lasting memories – all while earning rewards through their everyday shopping at THE COMMUNE. The seamless integration with the AirAsia MOVE app adds a layer of convenience and exciting deals, making the entire experience even more rewarding. “

Portugal Schengen Zone status hangs in the balance as it faces potential suspension due to border control delays.

Travelers considering Portugal as their next destination should be aware of an evolving situation that could affect their plans. The European Union (EU) is urging Portugal to implement a new border control system by July 2024. Missing this deadline could lead to Portugal’s suspension from the Schengen Area.

Portugal is at a pivotal moment, striving to avoid suspension from the Schengen Area due to delays in adopting new EU-mandated border control systems. The urgency is driven by the necessity to have these systems fully operational and approved by July. Missing this deadline could severely impact Portuguese tourism and EU relations.

The Schengen Area includes 26 European countries that have removed internal border controls, enabling passport-free travel across member states. This seamless travel is a significant boon for Portugal’s tourism sector. However, a suspension could lead to stricter border controls, longer wait times, and additional checks for travelers entering or leaving Portugal.

Minister of the Presidency, António Leitão Amaro, voiced serious concerns about the potential suspension, blaming the delay on the previous administration led by António Costa. Despite a €25 million budget approved in March for the new border control system, the procurement process was not initiated, causing the current rush to meet the deadline.

Efforts are now concentrated on fast-tracking the procurement process through direct contracts. However, this method has faced criticism for alleged favoritism and inefficiency. The urgency is heightened by bureaucratic obstacles, including necessary evaluations by the Accounts Court, and financial constraints.

The European Union is closely monitoring Portugal’s progress, as seen in a recent video conference between Paulo Viseu Pinheiro, head of Portugal’s internal security system, and the EU’s Director-General of Internal Affairs. This scrutiny highlights the high stakes involved.

Planning a trip to Portugal? The consequences of a Schengen suspension would go beyond border inconveniences. Travelers might face new visa requirements and additional scrutiny, disrupting travel plans and creating uncertainty for those intending to visit Portugal.

Despite efforts to meet the EU’s demands, including a €25 million budget allocation for the new system, Portugal is struggling with bureaucratic and financial hurdles. Minister of the Presidency, António Leitão Amaro, has acknowledged these challenges, attributing delays to the previous administration. The government is now fast-tracking the procurement process through direct contracts, although this approach has faced criticism for perceived favoritism and inefficiency.

The EU is closely monitoring Portugal’s progress, with recent discussions between Portuguese and EU officials emphasizing the urgency of the situation. There is cautious optimism that Portugal might be ready by October, but the risk of missing the July deadline remains.

Travelers planning to visit Portugal should keep a close eye on this situation. While a suspension is not yet certain, staying informed is crucial. Here are some steps to take:

1. Monitor Updates: Regularly check news sources and updates from the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your home country for the latest information.
2. Stay Flexible: Be prepared for potential changes in travel plans, including possible delays and additional checks at the border.
3. Check Visa Requirements: If a suspension occurs, ensure you understand any new visa requirements or travel restrictions that may be implemented.

The 101st edition of Progressive Laconia Motorcycle Week® is set to take place in New Hampshire from June 8-16. Anticipated attendance exceeds 300,000 participants, gathering at Weirs Beach and other locations across the state. This event, which began in 1916, holds the distinction of being America’s oldest motorcycle rally. Attendees can look forward to traditional activities such as rides, gypsy tours, and the Peter Makris Memorial Run, along with the Ride to Bentley’s and Gunstock Amateur Hillclimb. New additions this year include the Tower Street Hillclimb and activities at Beans and Greens Farm and Biergarten.

Additionally, this year introduces a new racing schedule at the nearby New Hampshire Motor Speedway due to track preparations for the NASCAR weekend on June 21-23. This change has prompted the 101st Annual Loudon Classic® to occur during the rally’s opening weekend, while the Vintage races have been relocated to Canaan, N.H.

“We’re excited to be hosting the 101st Annual Loudon Classic^® on June 8 to kick off Motorcycle Week at NHMS,” says New Hampshire Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager David McGrath. “Riders will be competing for their piece of the record-breaking $250,000 purse, and we’ll also have vendors and demo rides set up all week through Saturday, June 15.

Vendors will populate Weirs Beach, particularly along Lakeside Avenue, which will be closed to car traffic for the duration of the event. Live entertainment will be available throughout the week at various venues including NazBar & Grill, Tower Hill Tavern, Looney Bin Bar & Grill, The Big House, Sucker Punch Saloon, Weirs Beach Drive In, and High Octane Saloon. These spots will host bike shows, contests, and various other motorcycle-related festivities.

“We try to up our game each and every year,” says Progressive Laconia Motorcycle Week^® Deputy Director, Jennifer Anderson. “In reality, most people come to this event to ride and while we can take part in organizing destinations, we can’t take credit for what New Hampshire already provides: incredible scenery.”

Laconia Motorcycle Week® extends its gratitude to all sponsors, especially Progressive, AMSOIL, and American Iron Outfitters, as well as the State of New Hampshire for their significant financial contributions to the rally each year.