Travel

Meetings in Las Vegas Re Validates by IMEX America

Published

1 month ago

October 10, 2025

The MICE Industry in the United States hit a jackpot in Las Vegas. A proud British tourism leader, Ray Bloom, the chairman and founder of the IMEX Group, along with his dedicated team, has created hope for the Las Vegas visitors industry. This industry is experiencing a tough time, similar to many US destinations, due to political and economic reasons in the United States.

The biggest ever edition of IMEX America closed today with record attendance, reflecting the current strength in the global business events sector. IMEX signed with MGM for their yearly event until 2030, to be held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, even though the Las Vegas Convention Center is poised to open within a month.

The success of IMEX America is particularly remarkable considering Las Vegas experienced a significant tourism decline in 2025, with visitor numbers down substantially compared to 2024. Key factors cited for the decrease include economic uncertainty, rising prices for hotels and entertainment, a shift to online gambling, and changing federal policies for international visitors.

IMEX America’s ability to unite the U.S. meeting industry with IMEX AMERICA 2015 and attract 20% international visitors to Sin City is a sign that Las Vegas remains an appealing destination for meetings and events. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority specifically thanked international delegates for traveling to Las Vegas and experiencing the city as a welcoming destination for visitors from everywhere.

According to Steve Hill, the CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the outlook for Las Vegas Tourism, especially for the meeting industry, is good. His organization will use its influence to oppose the upcoming $250.00 entry fee for visa holders entering the United States. He agreed on pushing the State Department to eliminate this fee, speed up US visa processing times, and expand the visa waiver program to ensure Las Vegas stays competitive for international events. He also supports special handling at the airport immigration for those aliens entering the country to participate in events.

LASIMEX | eTurboNews | eTN — IMEX America 2025 Re-Validated Las Vegas As The Meeting Industry Giant of The World

IMEX America, held October 7-9, welcomed over 17,000 participants and was record-breaking from the outset, featuring the biggest exhibition floor to date. The number of buyers increased from 2024, with 6,000 global buyers, of which 4,700 were hosted buyers.

Parking space at the giant convention center parking garage of Mandalay Bay was sold out on the first day of IMEX, despite a hefty $20 fee, forcing those attending the event by car to look for parking at neighboring hotels.

Buyers took part in over 90,000 scheduled meetings with exhibitors across the three days of the show—over 77,000 of which were pre-scheduled one-to-ones.

Proven, trackable ROI

The buyers came to the show business-ready, as Charlene Lopez from Discover Atlanta explains: “We love this show so much—it’s the one. I’ve said it multiple times—there’s more ROI from IMEX than any other show we attend all year. This is where business actually gets done. People come ready to talk details, explore fit, and close deals. That’s why we doubled the size of our presence this year. Our partners make their money back tenfold.”

Juan Camacho from Virgin Voyages adds: “This show is where we’ve made some of our most valuable connections: our biggest client—worth over $3 million to our business—came directly from here. IMEX America is the single most important event for our slice of the industry and every year we see real ROI and repeat business.”

Destination International Revelation at IMEX

Destinations International (DI), the world’s leading resource for destination organizations, shared the results of three recent studies at a press conference during IMEX America. The event highlighted groundbreaking insights from the 2025 Destination NEXT Futures Study, Destination Reputation Study, and just-released Destination Guide to Food Recovery and Redistribution at Events.

The Destination Reputation Study further confirms that reputation and perception can make or break attendance. Safety and political stability remain non-negotiable, while transparency, sustainability, and impact are now essential criteria for planners weighing event locations.

Purposeful and powerful

IMEX CEO Carina Bauer says: “This has been a record-breaking week where we’ve seen first-hand how transformative it is for our industry to meet face to face, to shake hands, do business, and build bonds. The strength in numbers across the board is a sign of a sector that’s both purposeful and powerful right now.

“I’m delighted to announce that we’re building on a successful 2025 edition by solidifying our foundations for the future. We’ve signed contracts with MGM to host the show here at Mandalay Bay through to 2030 and also with our service contractors GES through to 2030.

“These renewals give all our partners and clients added confidence and certainty for the future. In addition, we’ve confirmed our Strategic Partnership with MPI for the next five years.”

Design Matters

Carina closed by announcing the IMEX Talking Point for 2026/27. Design Matters will celebrate the craft and science of good design in all aspects of business life, not just visual identity or experiential design. It also acknowledges Frankfurt as the World Design Capital of 2026.

Carina was speaking at the show’s closing press conference alongside IMEX Chairman Ray Bloom; Steve Hill, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA); Stephanie Glanzer, Chief Sales Officer & Senior Vice President at MGM Resorts International and Rachel Benedick, Chief Revenue Officer, Meeting Professionals International (MPI).

DI4 1 15 | eTurboNews | eTN — IMEX America 2025 Re-Validated Las Vegas As The Meeting Industry Giant of The World

IMEX America 2026 takes place October 13-15 at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas.

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Travel

A Story of Hope for Climate-Friendly Travel

Published

1 day ago

November 14, 2025

Juergen T Steinmetz

Dodo4Kids brings a quirky, reincarnated Dodo to life as he travels the world, teaching children about the climate crisis and the power of Climate-Friendly Travel. Through stories, adventures, and hope-filled lessons, the Dodo inspires the next generation to explore responsibly and shape a healthier planet for tomorrow.

Once upon a time—long after the real dodos had disappeared from the world—a curious and cheerful Dodo found himself mysteriously reincarnated. This new Dodo wasn’t here by accident. He had a mission.

As the world’s leaders gathered at the Climate COP in Belem to discuss our planet’s future, and as UN Tourism worked on its role in this global challenge, the people at SUNx Malta wondered: What if we could inspire the next generation before it’s too late?
Their answer became a program called Dodo4Kids, created with the support of their global partner PATA.

A Dodo Returns

In this story, the Dodo travels from one corner of the world to another—Malta, Mauritius, Uganda, Bali, Ukraine—visiting iconic tourism destinations and meeting children everywhere he goes. He carries with him stories from the past, warnings about the present, and—most importantly—hope for the future.

Whenever the Dodo arrives in a new place, he gathers families together and speaks to the youngest listeners first.
He tells them:

how the climate is changing
how nature needs their help
how travel can be Climate Friendly—resilient, sustainable, and positive for the planet

The children listen, their eyes wide with curiosity. With every story he shares, the Dodo sparks new ideas and dreams of a world where people explore with care, respect, and responsibility.

A Mission for the Next Generation

Professor Geoffrey Lipman, President of SUNx Malta, explains why this quirky bird matters so much.

“The data shows we’re not meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement, the SDGs, or the Biodiversity Convention,” he says. “So why not put our faith in the next generation? Our kids and grandkids will be the decision-makers of 2050. Dodo4Kids helps them start that journey today.”

Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO of PATA, agrees.

“To inspire children to travel with curiosity and care is to shape the future of tourism itself,” he says. “Dodo4Kids brings this vision to life through fun and imagination.”

Stories That Inspire Action

Through e-books, cartoons, and creative adventures, the Dodo teaches children that even small actions can shape a better world. He turns lessons of loss—like the extinction of his own species—into messages of courage and responsibility.

Instead of a symbol of the past, the Dodo becomes a bright guide for the future.

A Global Invitation

SUNx Malta and PATA invite the Travel & Tourism community to join them in spreading the Dodo’s message. With every partnership, every family reached, and every child inspired, the world moves closer to a climate-friendly future.

And so the Dodo continues his journey—wingless, but full of determination—spreading hope from one young explorer to the next.

Get it!

Home

Dodo4Kids e-books for Malta, Mauritius, Uganda, Bali & Ukraine on Amazon.com
For more information, please contact: do**@***********am.com
www.dodo4kids.com

Dodo4Kids #COP30 #Belem #GreenTourism #ClimateResilience #NaturePositive

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Travel

UN Tourism confirms Marina Novelli as Chair of the World Committee on Tourism Ethics

Published

1 day ago

November 14, 2025

Tatiana Rokou

UN Tourism has appointed Professor Marina Novelli as Chair of the World Committee on Tourism Ethics, strengthening the organisation’s focus on responsible and sustainable tourism governance. New members of the Committee were also confirmed during the General Assembly.

UN Tourism has confirmed Professor Marina Novelli as the new Chair of the World Committee on Tourism Ethics, following her appointment by Member States during the UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh. Her four-year term begins as the Committee strengthens its role in guiding ethical, responsible and sustainable tourism development worldwide.

Professor Novelli is widely recognised for her work in tourism and international development and currently serves as Director of the Sustainable Travel and Tourism Advanced Research Centre at Nottingham University Business School. Her academic and policy background includes extensive experience in sustainable tourism planning, governance and community-focused development, all underpinned by ethical principles.

In her new role, she will lead the Committee’s efforts to advance responsible conduct across the global tourism sector and support the implementation of the UN Tourism Global Code of Ethics for Tourism. She will also provide guidance on ethical challenges emerging from rapid sectoral transformation, from sustainability governance to community engagement.

Also read → UN Tourism sets AI agenda for global tourism as General Assembly concludes in Riyadh

Professor Novelli noted the importance of strengthening the ethical foundations of tourism globally, emphasising that tourism must continue to generate positive outcomes for people, destinations and the environment. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili welcomed her appointment, stressing that her expertise will help ensure the Global Code of Ethics remains a practical tool shaping the sector’s future.

The General Assembly also confirmed new members of the World Committee on Tourism Ethics. The full members include Nancy Mejía Bonifazi (Guatemalan Tourism Chamber), Eliana Janineh (Jordanian Restaurant Association), Mokganedi Ntana (Botswana Tourism Organization), Michaela Reitterer (Boutique Hotel Stadthalle) and Amol Bobby Titus (PT Indonesia Wise). Alternate members include Mekhak Apresyan (Armenian Tourism Federation), Almudena González Gutiérrez de León (Saxion University of Applied Sciences) and Maria Nchama Nzohó (Ministry of Tourism and Infrastructure, Equatorial Guinea).

The Committee serves as UN Tourism’s independent body responsible for interpreting and applying the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism and, once it enters into force, the Framework Convention on Tourism Ethics. Its mandate is centred on ensuring that tourism development worldwide upholds human rights, protects cultural heritage, promotes fair and inclusive practices and supports environmental responsibility.

Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.

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Travel

African Travel Commission Inaugural Pan-African Tourism Summit and Exhibition in Lagos, Nigeria

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2025

Juergen T Steinmetz

The African Travel Commission (ATC), Africa’s oldest pan-African non-profit travel and tourism organisation, has announced the Inaugural African Travel Commission Tourism Summit and Exhibition, to be held February 11–12, 2026, at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos, Nigeria.

Under the theme “Accelerating Africa’s Tourism Growth through Innovation, Partnerships and Sustainable Investments,” the two-day event will gather tourism ministers, aviation leaders, investors, development partners, and media to explore strategies for advancing Africa’s tourism and travel economy.

According to Lucky Onoriode George, ATC Executive Director, the Summit will serve as a continental platform for policy dialogue, collaboration, and investment promotion — unlocking Africa’s vast tourism and hospitality potential.

“Africa’s tourism industry stands at a defining moment. The ATC Summit will unite public and private stakeholders to reimagine the continent’s tourism narrative, anchored on innovation, sustainability, and strategic partnerships,” George stated.

African Travel Commission

Organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) and supported by regional and international tourism institutions, the Summit will feature:

Roundtables on Tourism, Aviation, and Sustainable Investment
B2B Exhibition Marketplace connecting destinations, airlines, and investors
Capacity-building Workshops for travel professionals and SMEs
Networking Gala and Awards Night recognising excellence in African tourism and aviation
Investment Pitch Sessions for tourism and hospitality projects

The ATC, headquartered in Accra, has championed continental tourism advocacy for over two decades, promoting intra-African travel, policy coordination, and destination marketing to position Africa as a unified global tourism region.

The Lagos Summit will mark a historic milestone, uniting Anglophone and Francophone Africa in line with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

ATC invites corporate sponsorships and partnerships in Platinum, Gold, and Silver categories, offering extensive visibility and engagement opportunities.
Official media coverage will be led by eTurboNews (eTN), ATC’s International Media Partner, alongside leading African and global media outlets.

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