Alison Noble

The second edition of the ‘Consumer Travel Spend Priorities’ research, by Outpayce, a wholly owned Amadeus company, reveals in the coming 12 months, consumers will spend 28 percent more on travel than had been expected a year ago. Outpayce’s travel data analysis also noted that international travel and holidays take the highest priority among consumers.

“International travel” was ranked highest by consumers out of six options; the others were domestic travel, subscription to, for example, Netflix, restaurant visits, buying new clothes and, for example, buying concert tickets. All spend categories edged up compared to last year’s study pointing to a tentative jump in overall consumer confidence. However, the number of people ranking travel as a ‘high priority’ for the coming twelve months increased by the largest margin, rising to 47%, up 12% year-over-year. Travellers expect to spend significantly more on international travel during the coming year with average expected spend of $3,422, an increase of $753 per consumer, or 28%, compared to last year.

About the research: 4,500 travelers were surveyed from the US, UK, France, Germany and Singapore during the second quarter of 2023 using an online methodology by international market research firm Opinium on behalf of Outpayce from Amadeus.

Source: outpayce.com

Pangaea Network member for the Nordic markets, United Spirit Nordic organised a high-end event in Copenhagen at short notice for client South African Tourism. The event was designed to raise awareness amongst Danish trade and media on the new “Live Again” campaign.

United Spirit Nordic selected elegant venue Hotel D’Angleterre and liaised with South African Tourism and the South African Embassy in Denmark to organise the event. To secure a high level of attendance United Spirit Nordic utilised their extensive network of contacts securing 27 key trade and media attended.

The results achieved were beyond the clients’ expectations; the “Live Again” campaign was firmly established in the minds of all trade and media attending, 2 journalists were chosen for a press trip to South Africa, and travel trade representatives were invited to Indaba thanks to the successful event.

The “Amazing Thailand Fest 2023”, organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), attracted more than 3,500 people over a July weekend in Barcelona. The event showcased Thai culture with folk dancing, craft workshops, Muay Thai shows and a selection of international films and television series filmed in Thailand.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is represented by Pangaea Network member The Blueroom Project in Spain and more than 75 journalists and tourism professionals along with many local visitors enjoyed the event. The festival highlighted Thai culture, traditions, travel opportunities and cuisine with guests invited to indulge in delicious traditional dishes.

The “Amazing Thailand Fest 2023” was a huge success offering an enriching and memorable experience for all who attended. The Blueroom Project would like to thank all participants, media and collaborators for their support organising the event.

United Spirit Nordic organised a famil to Saint Martin earlier this month for agents from leading tour operators in the Nordics. Agents from Ticket, Nordmannreiser/USAspecialisten, Berg Hansen, Caribia, Sunway group / Sea travel and Air France-KLM enjoyed a 5 day itinerary around “the friendly island” accompanied by Head of Trade at United Spirit Nordic, Paul Sikic.

The trip included site inspections of several hotels and villas, excursions on Quad/ATV bikes, guided island tours, dinners, workshops and meetings with tourism officials. With direct flights from Paris CDG to SXM Princess Juliana airport on the Dutch side of the island (Sint Maarten), the famil successfully showed the agents it is an easy trip to make from Nordic countries and boasts an incredible range of attractions for visitors.

On Sunday May 28th, in the elegant setting of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Rome, Martinengo & Partners Communication organised the first event to unveil AlUla as a new premium cycling destination in Arabia.

The event transported guests to the beauty of Saudi and presented AlUla as a wonderful destination for different biking experiences; road cycling, gravel cycling and mountain biking. Guests of honour, Team Jayco AlUla (official sponsor of GreenEDGE Cycling) attended the event and enjoyed beautiful views of the Villa Borghese Park while celebrating the end of the gruelling 3 week Giro d’Italia race. Also present was Moroj Adil, a young Saudi female cyclist who as part of Team Jayco AlUla, embraces AlUla’s commitment to promote and support Saudi women in cycling.

(May 12th) At the recent XXV Edition of the Golden Egg Awards 2023 held in Talinn, Estonia the project “Estonia by Duyos” presented by Visit Estonia and created and executed by The Blueroom Project in Spain won second place to rceive the Silver Egg in the influencer marketing category. The awards are considered the largest festival celebrating creativity in Estonia.

The successful project featured Spanish designer Juan Duyos who commemorated his career in the world of haute couture and celebrated his XXV anniversary with a collection inspired by the magic of Estonia, its vibrant nature and traditions, to present a fashion show on the catwalk during “Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Madrid” last September.

The creative alliance garnered enormous attention from Spanish media by uniting tourism, events, communication and social networks, with culture, dance and fashion andhas become a long-term project conveying the essence of Estonia to many Spanish travellers and tourism professionals.

The Association of Marketing Agencies recognised the innovation, design and impact of the campaign to award Visit Estonia the Silver Egg, the first time an overseas campaign for the tourist board has achieved such a prestigious award.

GDP contribution 5% off 2019 peak by the end of 2023 – Almost 22 million more Travel & Tourism jobs last year – International visitor spend up more than 80%

New York, U.S.: The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2023 Economic Impact Research (EIR) today shows the Travel & Tourism sector is closing in on its 2019 peak, recovering by more than 95%. In 2023, the sector is forecast to reach $9.5TN, just 5% below 2019 pre-pandemic levels when travel was at its highest. 34 countries have already exceeded 2019 levels. According to the research conducted by WTTC in collaboration with Oxford Economics, the global tourism body also forecasts that the sector will recover to 95% of the 2019 job level.

A look back on last year
Last year, despite the economic and geopolitical difficulties, the Travel & Tourism sector’s recovery continued at pace, growing 22% year-on-year to reach $7.7TN. This recovery represented 7.6% of the global economy in 2022, the highest sector contribution since 2019, although its global GDP is still 22.9% behind its 2019 peak. In 2021 the global sector grew 24.7% year-on-year, and last year it grew a further 22% to reach a GDP contribution of $7.7TN.

The research shows that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and prolonged travel restrictions imposed by a number of countries such as China had a significant impact on the global recovery. But the recent decision by the Chinese government to reopen its borders from January will propel the sector and see it recover to pre-pandemic levels next year.

From a pre-pandemic high of more than 334MN, the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged employment in the sector which saw losses of more than 70MN to bring the total number employed in 2020 to just 264MN. Following the recovery of 11MN jobs in 2021, the sector created 21.6MN new jobs in 2022 to reach more than 295MN globally – one in 11 jobs worldwide. Spending from overseas visitors grew by a record 82% to reach $1.1TN in 2022, showing that international travel is firmly back on track.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “The Travel & Tourism sector continues to recover at pace, demonstrating the resilience of the sector and the enduring desire to travel.

“By the end of the year, the sector’s contribution will be within touching distance of the 2019 peak. We expect 2024 to exceed 2019.

“The recovery will speed up this year as Chinese travellers re-enter the market and over the next 10 years, Travel & Tourism will continue to grow as a sector.”

What does the next decade look like?
The global tourism body is forecasting that the sector will grow its GDP contribution to $15.5TN by 2033 representing 11.6% of the global economy and will employ 430MN people around the world, with almost 12% of the working population employed in the sector.

The latest EIR also reveals that 34 of the 185 countries analysed in the EIR have now recovered to pre-pandemic levels in terms of GDP contribution. WTTC forecasts that by the end of 2023, nearly half of the 185 countries will have either fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels or be within 95% of full recovery. For more information, please visit wttc.org

Source: World Travel & Tourism Council. The research was carried out in partnership with Oxford Economics with information sourced from UNWTO, Oxford Economics and national sources. All values are in constant 2022 prices and exchange rates, as reported in March 2023.

Pangaea Network celebrates 16 years as the original international network of representation, communication and tourism marketing. Boutique and independent, the network is a pioneer in Europe, with a presence in more than 30 international markets.

The non-profit company, founded in 2007 and registered in England and Wales, launches a new website to coincide with the anniversary and global recovery of international tourism, applying a more intuitive and visual design. In addition, it expands its range of next-generation digital services and geographical reach in emerging markets such as China, India, Eastern Europe, North America and Latam.

London, 14 April 2023. Pangaea Network celebrates its XVI anniversary this year, as a communication and tourism marketing consultancy of reference in Europe. For this reason, and coinciding with its anniversary, it has launched a new website, to promote a new updated and visual brand image.

In addition, considering the unstoppable recovery of the global tourism sector, Pangaea Network presents new tourism consulting and marketing solutions in the emerging markets of China, India, Eastern Europe, North America and Latam to help destinations and tourism companies attract new quality customers and high per capita spending.

The company’s new website, in English, reflects in a very direct and easy-to-read way the specialist capabilities and services offered, as well as the international reach of the network in 35 markets, which has managed the promotion of more than 300 brands. Several of its clients have been working with the network for decades which reflects the level of reliability, professionalism and the loyalty of the brands.

The networks’ success is endorsed by its management team, its members, international partners and by the reputation of its diverse and prestigious portfolio of clients that, among others, include destinations such as: Thailand, Costa Rica, Saudi Arabia, Ras Al Khaimah, Oman, Tunisia, Dominican Republic, South Africa, Gambia, Rwanda, Estonia, Madeira, Tenerife, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, Berlin, Toulouse, and renowned companies such as: American Airlines, Delta, Eva Air, Hurtigruten, Oceania Cruises, Star Clippers, Costa Cruises, Hyatt Regency, Bulgari Resort Dubai, Savoy Signature, Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Belvilla and Sea World.

In the words of the board of directors, Cinzia Martinengo, Christine Engen and Alejandro Pérez-Ferrant: “Strategic thinking, multidisciplinary analysis by more than 280 professionals within the network, enthusiasm, personalized service, creativity, innovation and experience accumulated over more than 30 years’ by the board members, has been the cocktail that has allowed us to grow sustainably with high profitability, both in the results for our clients and in business management which places us in a strong position for the new challenges the tourism sector poses at this time”.

Leading Spanish agency and Pangaea Network member The Blueroom Project, as the official representative of Visit Estonia in Spain, has formalised strategic alliances with leading partners in the tourism sector this spring/summer 2023. Prominent tourism organisations including Viajes Nautalia, Catai and Viajes EV (Eurovacances), among others, will be launching new itineraries and diverse programmes aimed at attracting a broad range of traveller.

In addition, communication B2C campaigns have just been launched in prestigious media such as El Periódico and Viajar magazine, to consolidate the image of this small but powerful country, where culture, medieval cities, beautiful landscapes, rich cuisine and fascinating Nordic history will be highlighted to showcase the country as one of the most interesting Baltic countries in Europe.

In the prestigious Rosewood Villamagna hotel in Madrid, Essential Costa Rica presented it’s tourism offering of “Well-being, Sport and Adventure in the Heart of Nature” to the Spanish press.

Organised by Pangaea Network member The Blueroom Project based in Madrid and in associated with The Sportsman’s Club, the event was hosted by Essential Costa Rica alongside celebrity soccer players and attended by prominent members of the Spanish press. Signing shirts and speaking in person were renowned soccer players Lucas Vázquez (Real Madrid) and Roberto Jiménez (Valladolid) as well as virtual contributions by Jesús Vallejo (Real Madrid) who was on vacation in Costa Rica and Keylor Navas (goalkeeper of the Costa Rica national team).

Costa Rica has become an increasingly accessible destination from Spain thanks to the improved Iberia and Iberojet air connections and to the increased representation work the destination has received as a client of The Blueroom Project.

The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has opened a commerical office in Denmark with the support of Pangaea Network member United Spirit Nordic. This office will serve the Nordic region as part of STA’s strategy to engage the tourism trade in key source markets and raise awareness of Saudi, the authentic home of Arabia as travelers around the world dream of exploring exotic destinations once more.

The Nordics office with the help of United Spirit Nordic will be responsible for trade and consumer marketing activities, expanding the reach and relevance of Saudi’s tourism offer and working with tour operators, travel agents and outher industry stakeholders to build awareness and drive conversion in line with SAT’s strategy and mission.

Since opening it’s borders in September 2019 to international tourism, Saudi has rapidly established itself as the fastest growing tourism destination in the world, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council.

Spanish agency The Blueroom Project, has been selected as the preferred partner by Madeira Tourism in the Spanish market. This unique Atlantic destination is keen to attract Spanish visitors and The Blueroom Project will be instrumental in implementing marketing activities with the travel trade.

The charms of Madeira will be easily accessible this summer from Spain, with direct flights available from Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Santiago, Bilbao and Santiago. A comprehensive marketing plan is already in place designed to boost awareness of Madeira’s attractions including nature, food and luxury, with the clear aim to increase arrivals from Spain.

Adaaran Resorts in the Maldives, part of the Aitken Spence conglomerate, turns attention to the Nordics by appointing United Spirit Nordic (USN) as its sales, marketing and PR agency in the Nordic region. USN have worked with many luxury resort clients over the years and they bring their creativity, professionalism and expertise to Adaaran Resorts Maldives, through a range of projects planned for the coming year. 

In the Maldives, the chain boasts six products spread across four islands. A tailormade experience is available for every need, from luxury, to a down-to-earth barefoot vacation, with an authentic feel and atmosphere. With improved air access from Nordic airports, the potential for increased visitor numbers from the region is certain. All Covid-19 protocols are followed carefully at all resorts.

For more information see: https://www.adaaran.com/

Hilton Tangier Al Houara Resort & Spa has selected The Blueroom Project as their communication and public relations agency in Spain. The hotel, which has just opened its doors in Tangier, is the third Hilton hotel in Morocco.

The new complex, located in a protected national park with direct access to a  white sandy beach stretching five kilometres, has 304 luxurious rooms and suites, as well as a wide range of leisure facilities. In addition, Hilton Tangier Al Houara Resort & Spa is an oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation due to its 850-square-meter spa.

The Hilton Tangier Al Houara Resort & Spa is also the perfect location for any meeting, event or wedding, and the hotel has 4,500 square meters of flexible event space with a capacity for 1,400 guests. The hotel offers 15 meeting rooms, as well as two ballrooms.

Pangaea are pleased to announce the addition of Martinengo & Partners Communications, to the network. Based in Milan, Martinengo is an integrated marketing communication agency offering public relations, event organisation, social media and digital PR, representation, marketing, sales promotion, advertising and crisis communication.

With many years experience and a proven track record of working with top brand around the world, Martinengo have developed a global point of view along with extensive knowledge of the local Italian market.

As a leading agency in Italy, the Martinengo team bring strategic thinking, innovation, extensive contacts and expertise to Pangaea.

USN are proud to announce 2 new accounts in the Maldives and Italy. They will be working with the luxurious one-island, one-resort Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, on their sales and marketing strategy in Nordic markets, and will also undertake ad-hoc PR activity for this breathtaking destination.

In addition, Tuscany Again have chosen USN for PR in Nordic markets. Tuscany Again is a non-profit organisation with Tuscany at its heart. They have a network of hotel partners and promote high quality, luxury products for year round travel in the region. Their mission is to take visitors on a journey of discovery by creating powerful, evocative itineraries supported by strong strategic partnerships.