New research from Visit Sweden reveals that IKEA, pop group ABBA and meatballs, are what Brits associate most with Sweden.

However, there is more to Sweden than just delicious food and great music, and according to the study, many are unaware of Sweden’s rich culture and heritage. With only a fifth (21%) aware of Swedish folklore and less than a sixth (14%) of the nation’s mythological heritage - many travellers are missing out on experiencing centuries of captivating tales from trolls to the huldra – all born in Sweden’s vast, deep forests.

World Tourism Day focused on the future at a time when tourism is recovering speedily from the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Marketplace Excellence (MPE) concurs with the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) that we should avoid hurtling forward without “Rethinking Tourism”, including how to ensure that the future is one where tourism safeguards the welfare of our people, as well as the health of our environment and natural resources.

The leadership of the British overseas territory of Anguilla is crystal clear regarding the linkages between tourism and sustainable socioeconomic development.

Haydn Hughes, Anguilla’s Minister of Infrastructure, Communications, Utilities, Housing and Tourism, understands from a personal as well as professional perspective that tourism is key to Anguilla and Anguillans.

As the airline proudly celebrates its 25^th anniversary in 2022, Qatar Airways has been named “Airline of the Year” by the international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax, for an unprecedented seventh time. At a glittering event in London earlier today, the leading global airline also took home three additional awards including World’s Best Business Class, World’s Best Business Class Lounge Dining, and Best Airline in the Middle East. Qatar Airways has been named ‘Airline of the Year’ in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 and now 2022.

An experienced marketing and hospitality industry professional believes this year’s World Tourism Day theme “Rethinking Tourism” is a clarion call for the private sector to focus on “dynamism and unbridled creativity” to ensure a strong, sustainable future for tourism.

“We have a rare opportunity to use our skills to ensure the rebuilding and reimagining of the tourism sector from the devastation of COVID-19 places people, their communities and their environment firmly top of mind,” said Beverly Nicholson-Doty, CEO of Figment Design, a leading Miami-based marketing and advertising agency.

Low-income households in Statia are being offered support to shield them from soaring energy prices.

The Ministry of Social Welfare and Employment in the Netherlands has agreed a $1300 subsidy to help the most vulnerable Statian residents struggling with their electricity bills.