Category: Latest Travel News

Cairo (Egypt ) – March 27, 2019 (travelindex.com) – Last year saw strong growth for Egyptian Travel & Tourism as it became the fastest-growing country in North Africa, growing by 16.5% – second only to Ethiopia when reviewing the whole continent. This is according to new research by the World Travel & Tourism Council, which represents the global private sector of Travel & Tourism.

This growth has been linked to the improved security infrastructure, which has helped to attract international visitors back to Egypt’s shores, and has allowed major travel companies to restart operations in popular destinations such as Sharm el Sheik.

This follows a year of record growth in 2017, which saw a Travel & Tourism growth rate of 54.8% in the country.

Egypt’s Travel & Tourism sector now contributes EGP 528.7bn and supports 2.5 million jobs. This means that more than one in ten of all travel jobs (24 million) in Africa are located in Egypt.

Although the sector has not yet fully recovered to pre-crisis levels, the size of the Egyptian travel economy in 2018 (USD$29.6bn) is the healthiest it has been since 2010.

In total, international tourists spent over EGP 218.1 billion in Egypt last year, accounting for over 27.3% of total exports. The largest inbound international markets were Germany (13%); Russia (12%); the UK (7%); Saudi Arabia (6%); and Italy (3%). Combined with domestic spending, Travel & Tourism supported 11.9% of the nation’s GDP in 2018.

For over 25 years, WTTC, which represents the global private sector of Travel & Tourism, has compared the Travel & Tourism sector across 185 countries. The 2018 research shows that:

• Travel & Tourism in Egypt grew by 16.5% last year – significantly ahead of the global average of 3.9%
• This contributed 11.9% to Egypt’s GDP, worth EGP 528.7 billion (or US$29.6 billion dollars) when all direct, indirect and induced effects are taken into consideration
• Travel & Tourism is responsible for 9.5% of all Egypt’s employment, or 2.5 million jobs
• GDP contribution is projected to grow even further, by 5.4% in 2019

In November, Egypt’s Minister for Tourism, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, spoke at a WTTC panel highlighting the importance of Travel & Tourism as a job creator, explaining that in Egypt the travel sector is a “job multiplier”. That is, for every job directly created in tourism a further three are supported.

Inclusivity is also central to Egypt’s Minister for Tourism, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat’s strategy who hopes to translate the sector’s growth into enrichment by “creating at least one opportunity for one person in every household in the country”.

Dr. Rania Al-Mashat added that the Ministry of Tourism has launched a policy framework, the Egypt—Tourism Reform Program, designed to implement structural reforms that unleash the potential of the sector by strengthening Egypt’s competitiveness and are in line with international standards.

She also highlighted the new government investments in projects related to cultural heritage, the largest being the GEM, the Grand Egyptian Museum that is scheduled to be open in 2020. The USD 1 billion dollar GEM is the only museum with the pyramids as the backdrop and will include the full collection of Tutankhamen.

WTTC President & CEO Gloria Guevara celebrated the results, “We are delighted to see the strong recovery of the Egyptian travel sector – a sector so crucial to national economic growth and a key provider of jobs.

“WTTC also acknowledges H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat’s prioritisation of the sector and strategy to use the sector to enrich citizens and spread the benefits of Travel & Tourism across the country.”

New York (United States) – March 26, 2019 (travelindex.com) – The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) is delighted to announce that the 44th President of the United States, President Barack Obama, will be a guest of honour and keynote speaker at its Global Summit in Seville, Spain, to be held between 2-4 April 2019.

President Obama served as President from 2009 to 2017. Today, his presidency is defined by the astute leadership he showed amid global economic uncertainty, heightened security concerns and immense environmental risk. His legacy includes making unprecedented strides towards the adoption of clean energy and overseeing the longest stretch of job creation in American history.

President Obama is the natural choice as a headline speaker for the 2019 Global Summit, which adopts the theme of ‘Changemakers’ to celebrate the people and ideas who are defining the future of our sector.

Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC remarked, “We are humbled and honoured to be hosting such an important leader as President Barack Obama at our Global Summit this year. During his time in office he embodied the notion that Travel & Tourism is a driver of economic growth and creator of jobs.

“WTTC now looks ahead to April to welcome the many insights that President Obama will share with our Members and delegates at our Global Summit. His vision will help us to shape the future of this important sector.”

Lucerne (Switzerland) – March 26, 2019 – (travelindex)  –  At the World Tourism Forum Lucerne pulsating workshops, keynotes, pitches and more will revolve around the forces that disrupt the tourism industry and the opportunities for new businesses that these changes bring. Carefully selected speakers will give insights into the effects of disruption to human beings. Furthermore, some of the most promising global start-ups in the industry will be present their business models.

In October 2018, the Forum entered a two-year strategic partnership with Ras Al Khaimah to share expertise and address future challenges of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. As a central part of the partnership, three industry-focused side events, a Think Tank, a Talent Boost and a Start-Up Innovation Camp are planned to be held in Ras Al Khaimah in 2020. The uprising destination will be Guest Destination at the upcoming World Tourism Forum Lucerne and present its history and diversity.

Ras Al Khaimah is the northernmost of the United Arab Emirates. It has 7,000 years of history, including the excavated and restored Mohammed bin Salem Mosque, dating back to the second half of the 18th century. Also, the Queen of Sheba Palace, known as the only ancient Islamic palace in the United Arab Emirates, dates back to the Julfar period in the 13th-16th century. Stunning nature like golden sand beaches, awe-inspiring terracotta dunes and a green belt of date palms and thrilling adventures such as the Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the United Arab Emirates (1.934 m) with its World’s longest zipline «Jebel Jais Flight» (2.83 km) attracted one million visitors in 2018. The emerging Tourism Destination recently launched its three-year destination strategy 2019-2021 which aims to attract more millennials and higher yield visitors looking for sustainable nature-based adventure and authentic cultural experiences. As part of the future strategy, the following adventure related attractions are also being planned: A 47-room luxury mountain camp, a survival training academy, more than 60 km of hiking trails and the Jebel Jais Adventure Park in partnership with Toroverde UAE.

«The strategic three-year plan will focus on diversifying the emirate’s tourism offering to attract a wider segment of tourists and higher yield visitors looking for authentic experiences,» says Haitham Mattar, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.

World Tourism Forum Lucerne offers emerging destinations a unique partnership, which offers a collaboration in the areas of strategy, destination management, education, innovation and sustainable development. Ras Al Khaimah will therefore play a central role within the World Tourism Forum Lucerne on 1-3 May 2019; there will be an inspiring Keynote «Ras Al Khaimah: a young destination rooted in history», a Cocktail Dinner hosted by the Guest Destination and cultural performances, which will enrich the Forum. Haitham Mattar, CEO of Ras al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, will participate personally and will be accompanied by a delegation from Ras al Khaimah.

About World Tourism Forum Lucerne
The World Tourism Forum Lucerne is a unique platform where global leaders in tourism, travel and hospitality meet to shape a more sustainable future of tourism. It provides decision-makers with detailed insights into the key issues of the tourism industry and with a unique global network. The World Tourism Forum Lucerne is the only platform to integrate start-ups, young leaders and students into one programme. Over the past ten years, it has evolved into a year-round network of leaders and leading thinkers who stimulate positive change in travel, tourism and hospitality. This includes an influential network of business, education, government, finance and community leaders. The 6th World Tourism Forum Lucerne will take place in Lucerne from 1 to 3 May 2019. 

Lucerne (Switzerland) – March 26, 2019 – (travelindex) – Innovative business models constantly disrupt the travel, tourism and hospitality industry, and ongoing automation leads to profound changes in the working environment. More and more skilled labour in tourism, travel and hospitality requires high-quality training and education. Only agile and successful businesses will be attractive enough to gain and hold the best talents. At the 6th World Tourism Forum Lucerne, the main focus will therefore be on innovation, talent and diversity management within the industry.

Thanks to its long-standing experience and expertise, the World Tourism Forum Lucerne attracts a large number of new business approaches in tourism, travel and hospitality. The best start-ups, providing a huge pool of innovative ideas for the whole industry, will be elected and distinguished at the Forum. A large number of start-ups have been found, fostered and enabled by World Tourism Forum Lucerne, including bidroom, Start-Up Innovation Camp winner 2017. With support and network of the World Tourism Forum Lucerne, bidroom has attracted international investors, grown to over 50 employees and closed partnerships with established companies, such as Visa in as little as two years.

A selection of inspiring speakers will provide the participants with the latest insights, including Karolin Frankenberger (Professor, University of St. Gallen), Michael Ros (COO and co-founder, bidroom), Kate Walsh (Professor, Cornell University), Guy Parmelin (Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research), HE Rania Al Mashat (Minister of Tourism, Arab Republic of Egypt), Puneet Chhatwal (CEO, Indian Hotels), Maud Bailly (Chief Digital and Diversity Officer, Accor Hotels), Brett Tollman (Chief Executive, The Travel Corporation) and Jean-Claude Biver (Chairman Hublot Watches).

Martin Barth, President and CEO, emphasises that the World Tourism Forum Lucerne has developed into a year-round platform with a strong multi-stakeholder community: «At World Tourism Forum Lucerne, we believe that innovation needs to be managed actively in order to face the ongoing disruption in the tourism, travel and hospitality industry. That is why we bring together established businesses, academics and start-ups because we believe that a multi-stakeholder environment is most fruitful for innovation. Now that we are active the whole year round, our community has become even more powerful in this sense».

About World Tourism Forum Lucerne
The World Tourism Forum Lucerne is a unique platform where global leaders in tourism, travel and hospitality meet to shape a more sustainable future of tourism. It provides decision-makers with detailed insight into the key issues of the tourism industry and with a unique global network. The World Tourism Forum Lucerne is the only platform to integrate start-ups, young leaders and students into one programme. Over the past 10 years, it has evolved into a year-round network of leaders and leading thinkers who stimulate positive change in travel, tourism and hospitality. This includes an influential network of business, education, government, finance and community leaders. The 6th World Tourism Forum Lucerne will take place in Lucerne from 2 to 3 May 2019. 

Jakarta (Indonesia) – March 26, 2019 – (travelindex.com) – Travel and tourism in Indonesia grew by 7.8% in 2018 – double the global average of 3.9, and ahead of Indonesia’s wider economy, which grew by 5.1% last year.

In 2018, Travel & Tourism contributed IDR 890,428 bn (USD $62.6 billion) and nearly 13 million jobs to the Indonesian economy. One in three of all tourism jobs in the ten countries that make up South East Asia, are located in Indonesia.

This makes Indonesia the third largest Travel & Tourism economy in South East Asia after Thailand and the Philippines.

In total, international tourists spent nearly IDR 221,000 bn (USD $15.5 billion) in Indonesia last year, accounting for 6.8% of total exports. The largest inbound international markets were Singapore (15%); Malaysia (14%); China (13%); Australia (11%); and Japan (5%). Combined with domestic spending, Travel & Tourism supported 6.0% of the nation’s GDP in 2018.

For over 25 years, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which represents the global private sector of Travel & Tourism, has produced the authoritative research on the economic contribution of the sector. This year’s research shows that:

• Travel & Tourism in Indonesia grew at 7.8% last year – double the global average of 3.9%
• This contributed 6.0% to Indonesia’s GDP, worth IDR 890,428 bn (USD$62.6 billion) when all direct, indirect and induced effects are taken into consideration
• Travel & Tourism supports 10.3% of all Indonesia’s employment, or 13 million jobs
• GDP contribution is projected to grow by 5.2% in 2019
• There was a remarkable increase in business spending last year, which now accounts for 30% of tourism spend in Indonesia compared to 70% leisure.

WTTC President & CEO Gloria Guevara commented, “We congratulate Indonesia on the tremendous growth experienced over the last decade, and particularly in 2018, as they have strategically worked to harness the economic benefits of Travel & Tourism, which now contributes over US$60 billion to their economy, compared to US $38 billion in 2008.

“This follows a number of visa reforms that have invariably helped with travel facilitation, and that permit Travel & Tourism to continue to enrich both visitors to Indonesia and the workers who provide the vital services on the ground – one in ten of all workers in the country.”

Cape Town (South Africa ) – March 25, 2019 (travelindex.com) – Travel and tourism in Africa is booming, growing 5.6% in 2018 compared to the global average of 3.9% and the broader African economy rate of 3.2%. This places Africa as the second-fastest growing tourism region behind only Asia-Pacific.

Such growth is partly explained by North Africa’s rebound from security crises as well as the development and implementation of policies that promote travel facilitation.

For over 25 years, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which represents the global private sector of Travel & Tourism, has produced the authoritative research on the economic contribution of the sector. Our research also shows that in 2018:

• Travel & Tourism contributed $194.2 billion to the region’s economy, representing 8.5% of the continent’s GDP
• The sector contributed 24.3 million African jobs, or 6.7% of total employment.
• 71% of tourism spending across Africa was leisure-driven and 29% business
• Domestic spending accounted for 56% of the tourism economy versus 44% for international
• International tourism spending comprised 9.6% of the region’s total exports, worth $58.5bn

Ethiopia stands out not only as Africa’s fastest growing travel economy but indeed the world’s, growing by 48.6% last year to be worth $7.4bn. Notably, international Travel & Tourism spending made up a massive 61.0% of exports in the country. This stunning growth can be attributed, in part, to Ethiopia’s improved connectivity as a regional transport hub and to recent visa relaxation policies.

Then, Egypt’s tourism sector has demonstrated considerable resilience, growing by 16.5% last year with international visitor spending accounting for 27.3% of exports. This follows huge safety improvements in the country and in key destinations such as Sharm El-Sheikh, helping to entice international tourists back to the northern coast.

WTTC President & CEO Gloria Guevara commented, “In 2018, the World Travel & Tourism Council hosted its first ever Africa Leaders Forum in Stellenbosch, South Africa, recognising the increasing significance and power of this great region’s travel economy.

“We commend the tourism leaders in Africa who are helping to boost connectivity, promote travel facilitation and ensure traveller safety – all of these measures make for supreme growth; the kind of growth that we are now witnessing across the continent and that provides millions of good jobs.”

Bangkok (Thailand) – March 25, 2019 (travelindex.com) – The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) – Business is elevating Thailand’s fast-growing MICE sector by forming a series of deep partnerships with major MICE players supported by its new marketing plan and trade show strategy.

This year TCEB – Business is looking to deepen partnerships with existing partners and identified new ones at trade shows where it has confirmed attendance, IMEX Frankfurt, IMEX America and IBTM World, Spain.

Mrs. Nichapa Yoswee, TCEB’s Senior Vice President – Business said, “TCEB – Business is using these trade shows as a platform to deepen and create new partnerships with the regional and international business events communities, while developing and growing Thailand’s MICE industry.

“This year the key aim is not just selling destinations and winning business. TCEB’s unique ‘Thailand Redefine Your Business Events’ branding reflects its new role as a thought leader. It also positions TCEB as a co-creator, partner and collaborator for the business events industry,” Mrs. Nichapa added.

One example of this new partnership in action will be at IMEX Frankfurt. TCEB – Business is taking the lead for Asian Association of Conventions and Visitors Bureau (AACVB) and working with AACVB members to develop a model for economic impact assessment of the MICE industry. The objective is to equip Asian CVBs with a common and reliable tool to justify and show the industry’s impact on economic growth. The ultimate goal is to gain enhanced trust from government, policy makers, business community, social and academic entities in the economic importance of MICE industry.

Other objective is to form PCO partnerships where TCEB matches local Thai PCOs with international PCOs to collaborate in organising business events in Thailand. TCEB – Business is now actively looking to work with ICCA targeting overseas PCO who are ICCA members.

TCEB – Business will help identify and attract overseas business events related to 10 key industries highlighted in the Thai government’s “Thailand 4.0” model: Future Automotive, Smart Device, Health Tourism, Biotechnology, Food Processing, Robotics, Aviation and Logistics, Biofuel and Biochemical, Digital, and Integrated Medical Service. Through this initiative TCEB is coordinating with relevant Thai government agencies to host overseas business events, or “co-locate” with local events in the same industry to leverage industrial synergies.
Mr. Sumate Sudasna, President of Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA), said the partnership strategy should help deepen its involvement with TCEB.

“TCEB – Business provides the essential foundation to deepen partnerships that further develop Thailand’s MICE industry. It also encourages Thai MICE operators to improve their products and services so they can cater to the needs of new potential business.
“Part of TICA’s efforts is collating intelligence from members participating in international trade shows to help formulate a marketing strategy. Now we’re seeing the results from TCEB’s ‘deepened partnership’ initiatives that are beneficial for TICA’s members in terms of business planning and strategy,” Mr Sumate concluded.

About TCEB
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has been the country’s official government agency supporting, promoting and developing global and regional business events (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions – MICE) in Thailand since 2004. As a strategic partner and sanctioned liaison, TCEB co-creates successful solutions with companies and organisations to realise MICE events of every scale and type.

About TICA
The Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA) is a non-profit organisation established in 1984 to help the growth of Thailand as a preferred destination for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions. TICA’s membership consists primarily of key players in the MICE industry, including: hotels; destination management companies (DMCs) and tour operators; professional convention organisers (PCOs); professional exhibition organisers (PEOs); contractors; convention and exhibition centres; advertising agencies; local attractions, entertainment establishments; travel industry suppliers and academic. TICA focuses its efforts and resources in a number of key areas, comprising: incentive-related activities; hosting and co-ordination of familiarisation visits; and planning and undertaking sales promotional trips, and participating in trade shows such as AIME, IMEX Frankfurt, IMEX America, IT& CMA and IBTM.

Yangon (Myanmar) – March 23, 2019 (travelindex.com) – With highest regards to lift up hospital standard in Myanmar, Ar Yu International Hospital has been established with a Myanmar – Thai collaboration between Ga Mone Pwint Co.,Ltd , a Yangon-based conglomerate with strong reputation in retail, trading, property and real estate, joining hand with Thonburi Healthcare Group PLC., Thailand’s renowned healthcare companies with over 40 years of experiences. Both companies contribute their own expertise to create a USD 100 million project of 200-bed tertiary care hospital, well-equipped with international standard team and equipment to deliver healthcare service to patients in Myanmar.

Our core mission is to deliver comprehensive international-standard health care services to our customers in Myanmar.

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The vision of Ar Yu International Hospital is to retain Myanmar patients who are frequent flyers to foreign countries for medical treatment to stay engaged in Myanmar. To slow down the outpouring current of Myanmar patient seek treatment abroad.

The Thai management team includes Thai CEO and also cover in each main area such as IPD, OPD, Emergency, Lab, Wellness Center, IT, Finance and Pharmacy. Brand new medical equipment, well trained and skillful healthcare staffs while each program is unique in its own area, together they unite a hospital team dedicated to offering the comprehensive, highest quality and international standard health care services.

Rising healthcare demand in Myanmar is tied to improved standards of living and a growing middle class, who are more aware of the need for proper and timely diagnosis for better treatments. A market feasibility study conducted by the Ar Yu joint-venture prior to embarking on the project revealed that Yangon needs a large hospital of 200 beds, accommodating 300-500 outpatients per day, as well as a cancer treatment center.

According to Oxford Business Group, about 90 percent of private hospitals in the country have fewer than 100 beds and are mainly concentrated in the urban areas of Yangon and Mandalay. Phase one of the new hospital aims to address that, with a focus on cardiology (Cath lab) and GI-Endoscopy.

Myanmar doctors and Thai doctors collaboration is our aim to bring better treatment to the patient in Myanmar. Thai doctors will start practicing at Ar Yu in early April this year such as the Wellness Center and Medicine Clinic.

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Hospital Information System (HIS) is a patient-centric platform, which has the functionality to handle various types of patients: in-patients, outpatients, accidents and emergencies, daycare & referred patients.

HIS addresses the entire major functional areas of modern multi-specialty hospitals. The package enables improved patient care, patient safety, and efficiency.

Identifying a patient with a barcoded wristband upon admission is a good first step towards accurate patient processing. Once the wristband is in place, test and medication orders, specimens, medical procedures, and even billing have a reduced potential for error.

Lab partnership between PCT lab from Thailand which provides laboratory services more than 180 hospitals in Thailand. Ar Yu Laboratory can also fulfill the needs and wants of Myanmar people which are detail diagnosis, reliability, and quality of lab services.
Ar Yu has 2 phases at the same location. Now just start Phase (1) for 200 beds building and OPD 300 per day. Phase (2) will be extended at the end of the year 2019. Another 300 OPD per day and capacities will be strengthened.

Oslo (Norway) – March 22, 2019 (travelindex.com) – You have enjoyed them, but you might not realize that the orange fish that tantalizes your palates, fulfilled your tummies, and essentially warmed your hearts as you dine at your favorite Japanese restaurants, or the ones that you bought from Thailand’s leading supermarkets and outlets are “Norwegian Salmon”.

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What makes Norway “Country of Origin” for salmon and seafood? Pack your bag and let’s see how a journey of salmon begin in Norway and goes all the way to Thailand.

Best Practice of Salmon Farming
Sustainably Farmed Norwegian salmon delivers a delicate taste and texture that comes from a slow, natural growth process and exceptional regulations to ensure sustainability, quality and safety. Since the 1960s, local farmers along the coast of Norway have carefully bred salmon. The fish live in a ginormous penthouse, or “pens” to prevent overcrowding and ensure enough swimming space as ocean net pens contain maximum 2.5% fish to minimum 97.5% water. These pens provide the time, space and opportunity for the Salmon to fully mature.

Salmon’s life starts from roe, to fry, to smolt, and finally maturity. Ranging from 2.5 to 3 years, farmers spend time pampering their salmon with EU-standard delicacy: the heat-processed and highly nutritional feed pellet that contains 70% sustainable vegetable raw materials and 30% sustainable marine raw material plus vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

High Nutrition by Norway’s Purest Nature
Along the country’s long coastlines, the pristine waters of Norway are surrounded with snowed-capped mountains which allows for the flow of cold, clear water and temperature that is perfect for salmon farming. Salmon live in the waters from 6 to 15 degrees Celsius. The corpulent salmon are opulent with Omega-3 that helps reduce heart disease risks and improve eye sight, B vitamins that help repair DNA, and vitamin D that promotes healthy skin.

Norway, the Seafood Nation
Around the world, millions of people enjoy seafood originating from the cold clear waters of Norway on a regular basis. Today, Norway is the second largest seafood exporters in the world, providing as high as 37 million meals fetched from Norwegian waters to consumers in over 146 countries each day. Indeed, you might have tasted Norwegian seafood already, without knowing it.

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Ocean harvest has not only been the key activity and sources of income for Norwegians generations over generations, but also their way of life. As Norway has a long coastline, Norwegians have always been a people of the sea. To pay a homage to the sea, Norwegians do not overexploit their natural resources and instead developed technologies for sustainable aquaculture and salmon farming. Combining hard-earned experience and advanced technology, the industry can monitor and promote healthy fish growth and food safety at every step, from pen that can endure up to 50 years of nature condition to the 24/7 VDO surveillance to monitor every single salmon in the pen.

From Norway to Thailand, the Freshness Guaranteed
From salmon terminal in Oslo airport, Norwegian salmon take their first-class seats. It takes as little as 48 hours for fresh Salmon to be air-flown from Norway to Thailand, which ensures the freshest quality and taste before showing off their shiny marbled flesh on a plate before your eyes. According to EU regulation, any seafood consumed raw must be frozen first to ensure that any intestinal parasites remain are eliminated. What makes Norwegian salmon special is that it does not contain any parasites and is exempted from this regulation making it a safe option for sushi and sashimi lovers.

About The Norwegian Seafood Council
The Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) is a public company owned by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, and the world’s only national seafood council. NSC works together with the Norwegian fisheries and aquaculture industry to develop markets for Norwegian seafood, representing the country’s seafood exporters and the seafood industry. The trademark “Seafood from Norway” is a symbol of origin for Norwegian seafood caught or raised in the cold clear waters of Norway.

Basel (Switzerland) – March 21, 2019 – (travelindex.com)  – Baselworld 2019 officially opened with a clear signal that it is heading towards a modern future. The ceremonial “Ribbon Cutting” was held this morning in Hall 1.0 to the Alphorn tones of Swiss musician Eliana Burki. The musician is renowned for her unconventional use of the alphorn in the funk, pop and jazz songs, symbolizing Swiss traditions in a contemporary form.

In addition to Michel Loris-Melikoff, Managing Director of Baselworld and Hans-Kristian Hoejsgaard, CEO ad interim of the MCH Group, Federal President Ueli Maurer, Eva Herzog, Member of the Basel City Government and members of the cantonal governments took part in the symbolic cutting of the blue ribbon in Hall 1.0 on the occasion of the opening ceremony of Baselworld 2019.

After a tour of the show by the delegation and short visits to brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Chopard and Hublot, the representatives of the international watch and jewelry industry and the media were welcomed on the stage of the new “The Show Plaza” event platform in Hall 1.2.

Challenges as a driving force for change
Michel Loris-Melikoff introduced himself to the audience as an industry novice with many years of experience in event planning and implementation. During his many trips over the past nine months, he noted that this sector was very special and that the show had global significance. But also that “our industry is undergoing a radical upheaval due to digitalization. This is a fact that presents us with completely new challenges.” The motivation for the new Baselworld team is to fundamentally transform the show. “The major changes in the watch and jewelry industry are affecting producers, retailers, the media and trade fair operators alike. Therefore, we can only tackle and master them together,” is his credo. The initial changes have already been implemented at Baselworld 2019. These included: modern communication strategies, strengthening the jewelry sector, expanding the gastronomic offerings at the show and coordinating the dates of Baselworld and SIHH from next year. As indicated at yesterday’s press conference, Mr. Melikoff reiterated that this was only the beginning of the comprehensive transformation that the show will undergo from 2020 onwards.

Linking the digital world with the realm of experience
Hans-Kristian Hoejsgaard took the opportunity to thank those present for their encouragement and trust “especially during the past months fraught with challenges.” He emphasized that Baselworld was an eminently important component of the MCH Group and that everything possible would be undertaken to prepare the show for the challenges of the future. This is primarily about combining digital communication with real experiences and encounters. He promised that Baselworld would be transformed from a classic sales and distribution platform into a future-oriented experience event. “We listened carefully to the exhibitors and worked with them to develop a vision and concept for Baselworld 2020 and beyond.”

Trade fairs – meeting places, also in the future
In her speech, Eva Herzog, Councillor and Chairwoman of the Finance Department of Basel-City, recalled outstanding social achievements in which mechanical watches have always played an important role as time witnesses and timekeepers – from the Apollo 11 moon landing to the first ascent of Mount Everest to the crossing of the English Channel. She also emphasized the importance of getting to grips with the challenges of the digital age and reconciling them with the personal exchange. In this respect, she is optimistic about the future of Baselworld.

Federal President Ueli Maurer concluded the event at the Show Plaza with a passionate speech on the fundamental value of trade fairs for society. He explained that every civilization had begun with trade fairs and markets where opinions and ideas were exchanged as well as knowledge and goods. “Basel has been such a marketplace for centuries that it stands for growth and further development,” said Maurer. Because this exchange cannot be reduced to the screen of a smartphone, he is convinced that Baselworld, with its long fair tradition, would continue to play an important role in the future.