Sweden’s largest arena for hybrid meetings launched in Gothenburg
3 HRS AGO - The Hybrid Event Arena is Sweden’s largest studio solution for hybrid meetings and has been Expand
3 HRS AGO - The Hybrid Event Arena is Sweden’s largest studio solution for hybrid meetings and has been launched at the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre and Gothia Towers in Gothenburg. With three stages and various flexible spaces, the arena is designed to provide a great shared experience for both physical and digital participants. “This type of solution is here to stay,” says Malin Erlandsson, director congress and events at the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre and Gothia Towers. Back in early spring 2020 the venue complex in Gothenburg began devising a digital and hybrid meeting portfolio with scalable solutions based on customer needs. The new studio solution has been specially developed to accommodate larger meetings with a focus on optimising the experience at hybrid events. “We know that our customers need to be able to hold larger productions in a secure format once this is permissible again. With our Hybrid Event Arena we can swiftly assist them in reaching out with Collapse
Cvent releases ‘Virtual Event Strategy for Dummies’
6 HRS AGO - Cvent has launched a new e-book, Virtual Event Strategy for Dummies, in partnership with Expand
6 HRS AGO - Cvent has launched a new e-book, Virtual Event Strategy for Dummies, in partnership with publishing brand Wiley. The book provides organisations with strategies and advice for developing virtual events and hybrid experiences. Cvent unveiled its virtual meeting solution, the Cvent Virtual Attendee Hub, in August 2020. It also recently expanded its Cvent Certification programme to include virtual events training and certifications. More than 10,000 industry professionals are now trained and/or certified in virtual events. Patrick Smith, chief marketing officer at Cvent, commented: “During the pandemic, virtual events quickly became an indispensable part of many organisations’ event programmes, and because of the massive registration and attendee intelligence they can deliver, they are here to stay. “However, many organisations struggle to understand and quantify the business impact of their virtual events, and have a difficult time seamlessly integrating them into a more well-rounded Collapse
Berlin’s Awakening Beauties, Episode 6 – Germany’s Spiderman spins his digital event production web
8 HRS AGO - This week our host Mark Felstead talks to Tim Nievelstein about his work as an event director and Expand
8 HRS AGO - This week our host Mark Felstead talks to Tim Nievelstein about his work as an event director and bringing his movie and TV editing and production skills and values to the world of digital and hybrid events. Tim worked for many years as an editor on the production team for Stefan Raab – Germany’s premiere late night TV talk show host and one of the most popular figures in the country. Stefan Raab broadcast for 16 years without missing a show. With events having to change and master new omnichannel delivery methods and borrow from the world of TV production and entertainment high values to create digital ‘fireworks and noise’, as Tim puts it, it is to directors that are brought up as digital production natives that clients are turning if they want to produce quality events online. So, listen to the ‘Tim takeaways’ teased out by Mark Felstead as Tim also talks about his appreciation of Berlin as a ‘vivid city’ for events and of the new-found professional pleasure of receiving Collapse
MCEC increases event capacity to 75%
3 DAYS AGO - Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is now able to host events at up to 75% of its Expand
3 DAYS AGO - Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is now able to host events at up to 75% of its original capacity per event space, to a maximum of 5,000 attendees. The change is following the implementation of stringent health and safety measures to keep customers safe. MCEC has an approved COVIDSafe event plan from the Victorian government. These approved measures include methods to ensure contact tracing, changes to food and beverage service and physical distancing, as well as preventing attendance at events by delegates from designated red zones. Each prospective event organiser seeking to hold their event at MCEC can work with venue staff to ensure their type of event complies with the approved MCEC plan, and that they provide any required additional information to the Department of Health and Human Services. MCEC’s VenueSafe Plan includes advisors to work alongside event organisers, employees and contractors to ensure all health measures are followed. It also sees building Collapse
Global Reporting Initiative releases new SDG reporting tool
4 DAYS AGO - The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) has made it easier for companies to report on how they are Expand
4 DAYS AGO - The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) has made it easier for companies to report on how they are meeting the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs). A new version of GRI’s report ‘Linking the SDGs and the GRI standards’ has been released as a free resource. It gives a breakdown of the targets under each of the 17 SDGs and maps them to the GRI Standards. There are also a suite of tools on how to integrate the SDGs in reporting, and examples of SDG reorting from around the world. GRI Head of Policy Thijs Reuten commented: “The GRI Standards enable companies to integrate SDGs reporting within their sustainability report and this revised guidance helps them make these connections in a clear and consistent way. “The SDGs address our world’s most pressing sustainability challenges, therefore it is crucial that the contribution of the private sector is both recognized and understood. That is why GRI continues to work with partners and reporting organizations to drive forward the Collapse
Scotland confirms extra funding for events industry
5 DAYS AGO - The Scottish government is to provide further funding for its events industry as part of a new Expand
5 DAYS AGO - The Scottish government is to provide further funding for its events industry as part of a new £104.3m package which will be split into nine separate funds, with the events industry being one of the targeted recipients. Scottish businesses operating within the event, travel and hospitality industries can apply, even if they have already drawn on previous funding measures. The funds include a Pivotal Event Businesses Fund, for which details remain to be clarified and is closed to expressions of interest, and a wider Event Industry Support Fund, which could be accessible from late January. Other funds include a Sector Destination Operational & Market Readiness Fund, one for inbound tour operators, an outdoor fund, one for coach operators, a visitor attractions fund, hostels fund, and a Sector Destination Operational & Market Readiness Fund. Joss Croft, the CEO of travel trade association UKinbound hailed the new funding as a lifeline. “We applaud the Scottish Government for Collapse
Gearing up for Germany’s Future Meeting Space research into future role of events
6 DAYS AGO - How important will events be in the communication mix of organisations in the future; what type of Expand
6 DAYS AGO - How important will events be in the communication mix of organisations in the future; what type of new skills will be needed and what criteria can be used to measure the success of events? These are some of the questions 18 months of intensive research by the Future Meeting Space (FMS) innovation network will be attempting to answer when it publishes the study findings on 22 February. The FMS project is supported by the (GCB) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO. Attending an event in person in the future will depend, among other things, on a very clear added value compared to purely virtual participation. “Inspiration will continue to be at the forefront of business events, regardless of whether they take place face-to-face, in a hybrid set-up or virtually. However, this inspiration can take different forms, from pure knowledge transfer to interpersonal exchange,” says Matthias Schultze, the GCB’s managing director. “It will, therefore, be crucial to offer Collapse
MCI unveils new look, new vision
6 DAYS AGO - Global engagement and marketing agency has unveiled a new brand design which it says is to Expand
6 DAYS AGO - Global engagement and marketing agency has unveiled a new brand design which it says is to “reflect marketplace demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution”. MCI says it is helping brands, associations and non-for-profits realise success by developing multi-channel strategies and delivering ongoing engagement for their customers, employees, sponsors and partners. MCI notes that its refreshed brand identity is symbolised by two infinity loops to form the petals of a flower. “This,” the agency says, “represents the infinite potential when we work in partnership with our clients, and the vibrant centre expresses MCI’s passion and focus on delivering innovation and growth for them.” “People are no longer passive listeners,” MCI adds, “they seek to influence the conversation, connect in a human way, and be immersed in live and digital worlds. They are no longer just audiences, but contributors, drivers and influencers.” MCI CEO Sebastien Tondeur (pictured), adds that “in a world shaped by Collapse
Rwanda redux
6 DAYS AGO - The landlocked central African state is sticking to its tourism strategy for future international Expand
6 DAYS AGO - The landlocked central African state is sticking to its tourism strategy for future international event success, with new hotels leading the virtual way, writes Paul Colston. Rwanda has surprised many with its global tourism PR campaign in recent years, not least in the sponsorship of global brands, including a £30m (US$39m) three-year shirt sponsorship deal signed in 2018 with Arsenal Football Club in the UK. “Rwanda wouldn’t have occurred to me as a place for tourism, so perhaps you do need to shock people,” Kelvyn Gardner, the head of international development at the Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association, said at the time. The mountainous central African country is trying to put its troubled past behind it and speed development, Covid pandemic notwithstanding. The capital, Kigali has, in recent times, witnessed the construction of many top-class hotels and the Rwanda Development Board is confident the country can double its revenue from tourism (which currently Collapse
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Former Reed Travel Exhibitions MD sets up new consultancy
5 HRS AGO - The former head of Reed Travel Exhibitions, which delivers large international travel events such Expand
5 HRS AGO - The former head of Reed Travel Exhibitions, which delivers large international travel events such as World Travel Market and IBTM World, Nick Pilbeam (pictured), has announced he is launching a consultancy “to help the global travel and events eco-system navigate the opportunities and dangers of the Covid recovery era”. Pilbeam, who left RTE at the end of 2020, launched Reficere Consulting International, 25 January, and is positioning it to help destinations, tourist boards, convention bureaux, event tech companies, venture capital and private equity, event venues and organisers “seize opportunities, avoid dangers and accelerate growth”. Travel and events are experiencing the worst crisis in living memory with a one billion fewer international travellers in 2020 than in 2019, according to UNWTO statistics quoted by Pilbeam’s consultancy. The organisation also has said that tourism volumes are expected to recover by 2023 at the earliest representing a total loss of up to $8 trillion. Collapse
AIME cancelled for 2021
7 HRS AGO - Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME), a Melbourne-based industry tradeshow, has been Expand
7 HRS AGO - Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME), a Melbourne-based industry tradeshow, has been cancelled for 2021. The event was scheduled to take place from 15-17 March, but unpredictability surrounding travel restrictions has been cited as the reason for the cancellation. Organisers Talk2 Media & Events say they were ready to “face the challenges brought about by international and domestic travel restrictions despite healthy interest for the event from exhibitors and buyers.” They have now had to call off the event, however. Silke Calder, AIME Event Director, commented: “Not being able to run AIME 2021 is devastating for the entire AIME team. They put 110% into this show and I couldn’t be prouder. We are all heartbroken and are counting down the days until we meet again in 2022!” The show has now been moved to 21-23 March 2022.
The post AIME cancelled for 2021 appeared first on CMW. Collapse
Simpleview announces partnership with SendSites
3 DAYS AGO - Simpleview,a provider of marketing solutions for the global destination marketing industry, has Expand
3 DAYS AGO - Simpleview,a provider of marketing solutions for the global destination marketing industry, has partnered with SendSites to provide web-based proposals to group sales professionals. Built specifically for the hospitality industry, SendSites proposals streamline the proposal development process by enabling sales professionals to quickly and easily create branded RFP proposals for conventions, tradeshows and other events. Eric Rankin, vice president of product development for Simpleview, commented: “With the unfortunate circumstances surrounding Covid-19, a lot of organizations have been forced to cut down their sales teams this year. We believe that SendSites proposals will help those teams to maximise efficiency by spending less time doing administrative work, and more time making those one-one-one connections with meeting and event planners. “We spent a lot of time exploring the available options to find the best solution for our clients. After extensive research and user feedback, Collapse
GL events annual financial results show revenues down 59.1% y-o-y
3 DAYS AGO - Global events solutions and services provider GL events has reported annual revenue of €479.4m, Expand
3 DAYS AGO - Global events solutions and services provider GL events has reported annual revenue of €479.4m, down 59.1% year-on-year. The Q4 result was even starker figure, denoting a 65.3% drop in revenues y-o-y to €112m. The Q4 figure, however, was up in relation to the third quarter of 2020. The Group was keen to sound upbeat about its potential for rebounding and hailed its winning bid for the 30-year management concession of the Sao Paulo Anhembi convention centre complex, announced earlier this month. Olivier Ginon, Chairman-CEO of GL events, commented on the financial results: “Activity for GL events was severely impacted by the health crisis in 2020 and for the first time since its creation, the Group will register a loss. In this unprecedented situation, GL events acted with agility and adaptability in addressing the operational and financial challenges. I wish to thank the Group’s employees who have demonstrated the flexibility, resilience and spirit of solidarity necessary for Collapse
Asian Financial Forum attracts 63,000 online viewers
4 DAYS AGO - The 14th Asian Financial Forum (AFF) concluded on 19 January, attracting more than 63,000 viewers. Expand
4 DAYS AGO - The 14th Asian Financial Forum (AFF) concluded on 19 January, attracting more than 63,000 viewers. The two-day event took place in a virtual format, and was organised by the Hong Kong government and Trade Development Council. Real-time polling conducted at various sessions during the AFF enhanced interactivity between speakers and participants and gauged their views on subjects such as global economic prospects, the region that offers the best investment return, and the challenges of sustainable development. When asked about the outlook for the global economy in 2021, 32% of respondents were optimistic, 47% were neutral, while 21% of respondents expressed pessimism, reflecting a generally not-so-pessimistic view on the overall economic outlook. To help facilitate more concrete collaboration between global investors, project owners and start-ups, the online forum included the AFF Deal Flow Matchmaking Session, with more than 700 one-on-one matchmaking meetings arranged. Paul Chan, Collapse
UK One Industry One Voice backs Mental Health First Aider campaign
5 DAYS AGO - The UK’s One Industry One Voice industry campaign coalition is getting behind a new drive to Expand
5 DAYS AGO - The UK’s One Industry One Voice industry campaign coalition is getting behind a new drive to promote mental health first aider training across the event industry. Conceived by Music Support, the idea is to provide bursaries for professionals working within the UK Live Event Industry, including the meetings industry, to train as qualified Mental Health First Aiders. The programme is open to all those working in the events industry and a Just Giving page has been set up to help fund it. Organisers expect 10 people to undertake the course each month and are calling on the wider live events industry to show support through donations. They are looking to raise funds to provide bursaries for 100 live event industry peers to complete training during 2021, with the price of each course costing £300 (US$411.3) per person. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an internationally recognised training course, designed to teach people how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill-health and Collapse
UK’s BVEP submits events industry budget request to Treasury
6 DAYS AGO - The UK’s Business Visits and Events Partnership (BVEP) has submitted a budget request to HM Expand
6 DAYS AGO - The UK’s Business Visits and Events Partnership (BVEP) has submitted a budget request to HM Treasury ahead of the next national budget, which chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak will deliver on 3 March. The budget request aims to secure long-term targeted support to aid the recovery of the UK events industry. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, business visits and events contributed £70bn (US$95.3bn) to the UK economy in terms of visitor spend, representing more than 50% of all tourism spend. The major activities of the industry have been severely impacted by the virus and subsequent lockdowns due to an almost total lack of ability to operate since the start of the pandemic. It is projected that annual revenues will be down by approximately £55bn and around 434,000 jobs will have been lost across the entire industry. Simon Hughes, chair of the BVEP, said 2020 had been an “incredibly tough” year with the entire industry coming to a standstill. “Sadly, we have seen a large number Collapse
Demonstrating the future of storytelling
6 DAYS AGO - Paul Colston is invited to witness a demonstration of Marina Bay Sands Singapore’s Mixed Reality Expand
6 DAYS AGO - Paul Colston is invited to witness a demonstration of Marina Bay Sands Singapore’s Mixed Reality addition to its Hybrid Broadcast Studio toolbox. Marina Bay Sands rolled out Mixed Reality (MR) capabilities at its state-of-the-art Hybrid Broadcast Studio at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, before the New Year, complete with presenters in holographic form able to respond to Q&As in real time. This glimpse into a new-look future for our industry was offered both online and live during Singapore’s first hybrid travel tradeshow, TravelRevive, which contained Asia’s first in-person travel conference since the Covid pandemic began. The MR technology enlarges the Studio’s hybrid tech toolbox and empowers event planners to transform their events by integrating the virtual and physical worlds to create an immersive and interactive presentation. Coupled with the studio’s three-dimensional stage and immersive backdrop, MR technology allows presenters to have a more meaningful Collapse
Fiesta Americana Grand Meetings Mexico & Beyond
6 DAYS AGO - CMW heads down Mexico meetings way to find how one high-end incentives specialist resort group is Expand
6 DAYS AGO - CMW heads down Mexico meetings way to find how one high-end incentives specialist resort group is recognising new routes back to market. Fiesta Americana Grand Meetings Mexico & Beyond comprises a set of destination resorts and hotel brands with 50 years of heritage. It continues to grow, with recent new openings in Tulum, Riviera Maya and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The brand collection is also part of Grupo Posadas with its 180+ property options in 60 beach and city destinations in Mexico. After a halt of operations due to the coronavirus pandemic, Fiesta Americana Grand Meetings Mexico & Beyond is once more open to business travellers offering experiences across some of Mexico’s most enchanting destinations. The re-openings began back in June and launched back together with the organisation’s Travel with Confidence programme and Revival campaign, an important initial strategy that showcased the elevated safety and sanitisation protocols implemented across all Collapse
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How to deliver a successful virtual event
5 HRS AGO - By Erik Strömbäck, director of OnBrand and Bynder’s global events marketing manager. Just Expand
5 HRS AGO - By Erik Strömbäck, director of OnBrand and Bynder’s global events marketing manager. Just as event professionals were getting up-to-speed with the latest developments in the experience economy – from building brand activations to creating immersive experiences – everything in the events playbook shifted. In the B2B world especially, physical was traded for virtual, exhibition booths were deconstructed by their webinar and online demo counterparts, and technology substituted…well, almost everything. The new marketing landscape is something we, at Bynder, have needed to navigate this year, too. Every year in Amsterdam we hold OnBrand, an event for brand marketers who are looking to uncover “what’s next?” in marketing, design, and technology. Like many event professionals who already had the wheels in motion for their 2020 roster, the pandemic threw our team a curveball on how we deliver OnBrand safely. Keeping reputation intact while experimenting with new Collapse
South Australia first to lift off with bid for 2024 International Astronautical Congress
8 HRS AGO - In a positive early lift-off to 2021, the South Australian city of Adelaide has announced it has Expand
8 HRS AGO - In a positive early lift-off to 2021, the South Australian city of Adelaide has announced it has launched its bid to host the 2024 International Astronautical Congress (IAC). “We showed the world and some fierce competitors – including Washington, Bremen and Istanbul – just what an amazing destination Adelaide was when we hosted the highly successful 2017 Congress; now we intend to do so again – only better,” says Adelaide Convention Bureau (ACB) chief executive Damien Kitto. Mr Kitto said the IAC was a natural fit for Adelaide as the national centre of Australia’s space sector, being home to the Australian Space Agency, high calibre research and development and space company growth. “The 2017 event with more than 4,000 delegates and speakers injecting A$632 a day into the economy during their five-day stay generated A$24m in economic growth and 229 jobs,” he said. “It enabled us to showcase Adelaide’s world-class venues, accommodation, restaurants and wineries and of course Collapse
Hamburg to host Associations & Conference Forum in 2022
3 DAYS AGO - Hamburg will host the Associations & Conference Forum (AC Forum) in 2022. The event will Expand
3 DAYS AGO - Hamburg will host the Associations & Conference Forum (AC Forum) in 2022. The event will gather a number of European congress organisers from science associations, medical congresses and major business association meetings. The members of AC Forum organise more than 75 recurring congresses annually, with a total of 260 event days and over 320,000 participants. In the course of a comprehensive bidding process, the Hamburg Convention Bureau, together with the Congress Center Hamburg, presented to AC Forum’s jury the benefits the city has to offer. Taking place in January 2022, AC Forum will attract more than 120 representatives, decision-makers and congress organisers from international associations to Hamburg. Congress planners will represent the interests of their respective association, while also discussing opportunities regarding meeting locations in the coming years. Hamburg’s minister for science and research, Katharina Fegebank, commented: “I am delighted that Hamburg will Collapse
Marriott International to open up to 100 more properties in APAC in 2021
4 DAYS AGO - Following its opening of 75 properties across Asia Pacific in 2020, Marriott International, Inc. Expand
4 DAYS AGO - Following its opening of 75 properties across Asia Pacific in 2020, Marriott International, Inc. says it will expand its portfolio and expects to open 100 properties in Asia Pacific in 2021. In 2020, the company celebrated its 800th milestone hotel opening in the region and added 27,000 rooms to its development pipeline, in addition to signing Marriott’s largest branded residences project with close to 4,200 units. “I am proud of the way we have continued to grow and have moved quickly to adapt to the challenges that arose from the pandemic. With the launch of new global industry hygiene standards in April 2020, innovative offerings such as work anywhere packages and hyper-localised marketing and sales strategies, our nimble and forward-thinking approach will continue to lead us through the recovery,” said Craig S. Smith, group president, international, Marriott International. The company said it expects to soon celebrate its 400th hotel in Greater China and its 50th hotel in Collapse
Event Tech Live launches dedicated US and Canada show
5 DAYS AGO - Event Tech Live is launching a dedicated show for the US and Canada this year, before the UK-based Expand
5 DAYS AGO - Event Tech Live is launching a dedicated show for the US and Canada this year, before the UK-based event returns to London in November with a hybrid edition. Event Tech Live USA & Canada takes place on Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 June 2021, and will run to Central Standard Time, six hours behind GMT. ETL USA & Canada will replicate the content and focus on technology of the UK show, with a steer towards the solutions helping organisers to keep hosting events through the pandemic and, ultimately, the pivot back to some sort of normal. Consulting with North American influencers, including Marco Giberti and Dahlia El Gazzar, ETL USA & Canada will broadcast the action from two live stages while a third will show highlights, exclusive interviews and tech trials. Marco Giberti commented: “Event Tech Live set tall targets when it launched in London seven years ago. I watched as the team there delivered them, from breadth and level of content and providing a platform for start-ups Collapse
ExpoPlatform appoints ex-Informa digital VP to new chief growth officer post
5 DAYS AGO - Cambridge-based, global hybrid event and marketplace technology provider ExpoPlatform has Expand
5 DAYS AGO - Cambridge-based, global hybrid event and marketplace technology provider ExpoPlatform has appointed Luke Bilton as its chief growth officer to drive its expansion through product development, marketing and sales. Bilton has 18 years of experience in international events and media businesses including UBM, Future and, most recently, at Informa as vice-president for digital. His appointment is the latest in a raft of appointments in ExpoPlatform’s sales and marketing functions over the past year. “The pandemic has been a huge catalyst for change in the event industry, with 2021 set to see the digital transformation continue at pace,” said Bilton. “It’s already clear that technology features such as AI-powered matchmaking, networking and online meetings between participants are here to stay long after the vaccines roll out. “More than this, organisers now realise that a true ‘Hybrid’ experience has to mean much more than a virtual event at the same time as a physical event. It should Collapse
Barcelona International Boat Show appoints new director
6 DAYS AGO - Josep Antoni Llopart has been appointed the new director of the Barcelona International Boat Show. Expand
6 DAYS AGO - Josep Antoni Llopart has been appointed the new director of the Barcelona International Boat Show. The event is scheduled to take place from 12-17 October 2021. Llopart has experience heading several events at Fira de Barcelona. In addition to the Boat Show, he is director of the pre-owned vehicle show Salón Ocasión, the International Caravaning Show and NiceOne Barcelona, formerly Barcelona Games World. Llopart takes over from previous director Jordi Freixas, who led the event for 14 years. The Boat Show is organized by Fira de Barcelona in collaboration with the National Association of Nautical Companies. Llopart commented: “I am very excited about the challenge of directing one of the flagship events of the fair institution and a European benchmark, at a key moment for the industry.”
The post Barcelona International Boat Show appoints new director appeared first on CMW. Collapse
Coping strategy against Covid at Kenya’s KICC
6 DAYS AGO - A country famed for the stamina and resilience of its athletes, Kenya and its MICE industry has Expand
6 DAYS AGO - A country famed for the stamina and resilience of its athletes, Kenya and its MICE industry has been digging deep in the marathon effort to beat Covid, as we hear from director business development services at Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Geoffrey K. Thande. Kenya’s conference tourism sector, like most business sectors around the world, has been greatly affected during the Covid-19 pandemic. What was a usually vibrant industry commanding a major economic impact for the economy has been highly affected. The industry was the first out in Kenya and will probably be the last industry to return in terms of business and operations. Again, like most major in-person events around the world that were cancelled since March, those booked at KICC and in Kenya at large were no exception. The situation led the government in Nairobi to develop a new tourism recovery strategy. It is a strategy that includes hospitality, events and meetings industry safety protocols and Collapse
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