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Smart Travel: G7 Tourism Ministers Gather in Italy, Spirit Airlines Headed for Bankruptcy, Florida Tourism Soars, AI as a Carry On

Smart Meetings

So are the tourism ministers of the G7, who are meeting for the first time ever right now in Italy. Worried about whether Florida is prepared to host a meeting post-hurricane season? Sabre and Internova Travel have released a new offering to the market that is worth looking over. The tourist turnout marks a 1.8%

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Proposed Florida Tourism Tax Bill Could Impact Event Infrastructure

Smart Meetings

April 25, 2025 On Friday, the Florida House of Representatives passed a pair of bills that could change how tourism taxes are used in the state. The bill made allowances for 1% higher taxes in high tourism impact counties if taxable sales exceed $6 million in the previous calendar year or were at least 18% of the countys total sales.

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Qurator: Hawaii’s New, All-encompassing Tourism Certification Program

Smart Meetings

It needs tourism, including groups, but its residents—especially but not only Native Hawaiians—have been increasingly upset about overtourism and degradation of the state’s fragile environment and treasured cultural sites. The post Qurator: Hawaii’s New, All-encompassing Tourism Certification Program appeared first on Smart Meetings.

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Julie Coker to Head NYC Tourism + Conventions

Smart Meetings

Industry trailblazer Julie Coker makes the move to serve as president and CEO of NYC Tourism + Conventions On the morning of Oct. 22, the NYC Tourism + Conventions Board of Directors announced it had selected Julie Coker to step in as the organization’s president and CEO. Beginning on Dec. billion in visitor spending.

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Smart Travel: Saudi Arabia MICE Industry Booms, American Airlines Shuts Down Group-Jumpers, $65 Billion Needed to Address Coastal and Marine Tourism Climate Issues

Smart Meetings

Looking for a showstopping dining experience to feature at your next meeting? of leisure and meeting spaces. The opening of Hotel Bardo Pittsburgh further elevates our city’s evolving reputation as a place where modern sophistication meets authentic charm.” Considering Saudi Arabia for a future event? The sector generated $1.5

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LA Fires Update: What Meeting Profs Need to Know

Smart Meetings

How to Help MICE Colleagues With the full extent of damage from the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires still being evaluated, many in the meetings and events industry are stepping up to find meaningful ways to support those impacted. 20-23) The Society of Thoracic Surgeons STS Annual Meeting (Jan. 24-26) TheFitExpo Los Angeles 2025 (Jan.

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Smart Travel: MICE Industry’s Positive Impact on Business Travel, Wynn Resorts’ Bigger Better UAE Plans Revealed, Indigenous Tourism Booms and More

Smart Meetings

and China Drive Business Travel Recovery A new report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) predicts business travel spending will reach a new height of $1.5 While virtual meetings kept people connected during the pandemic, in-person engagements are proving more critical than ever.” trillion by the end of 2024.

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