Latest news with #UNWTO
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Passenger Feels Plane Hit Ground When Landing—Then She Sees What Happened
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Passengers on a flight were unexpectedly soaked in alcohol after a hard landing caused two bottles to break in an overhead bin. The moment was captured in a TikTok video posted by user @ which has amassed over 2.2 million views since it was shared on June 21. The clip shows the aftermath of the mid-air mishap. One woman is seen standing in the aisle, drenched, while the other remains seated with a hoodie pulled over her head, also visibly soaked. Text overlaid on the video reads: "POV [point of view], you fly Rynair [an Irish budget airline]." The caption accompanying the clip adds context, explaining: "The landing hit the ground so hard it broke two bottles of alcohol in the overhead locker and poured all over us but at least the seats were nice and clean." The humorous moment comes amid what the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has described as a "robust and sustained" period for global travel. According to the UNWTO, around 300 million tourists traveled internationally in the first quarter of 2025—14 million more than the same period last year. The agency noted a five percent year-on-year increase in international tourist arrivals, even surpassing pre-pandemic levels by three percent. 'The Inability to Listen' Viewers on TikTok had plenty to say about the messy moment in the viral video. Many placed the blame not on the airline, but on the passenger who improperly stored the alcohol. "POV: you fly with someone who doesn't know how to stow luggage correctly," wrote user Julia Jaworska. Another viewer, @ remarked: "That's why we say that liquids have to go under the seat." Others echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the airline's existing safety protocols. "This is nothing to do with Ryanair. It's the moron passenger that packed the booze," commented a user named Farlow. User @laura_fangirl4 agreed, pointing out "the problem not being the airline but the inability to listen..." User @lifebyklaudia added: "That's why they shouldn't be in overhead lockers." Meanwhile, Jack added: "And that's why it clearly says on the lockers and by the crew all duty free bags must go under seats. There [are] so many electrical components up there and [this] could cause a fire." One commenter, Bethkellet513, simply said: "Sometimes you just got to laugh." The original poster replied: "It was so funny, just felt so bad for everyone." Newsweek has contacted Ryanair via email and the original poster via TikTok for comment. A stock image of a woman on a plane appearing nervous with her hands held over her face. A stock image of a woman on a plane appearing nervous with her hands held over her face. Getty Do you have a travel-related video or story to share? Let us know via life@ and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Newsweek To Host Leading Voices on the Future of Travel in Upcoming Event
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Newsweek will host its inaugural travel summit next month in London, England, gathering leading minds across the global travel industry for a full day of panels, keynotes, and expert-led discussions. The travel industry has gone from strength to strength in recent years, with a "robust and sustained travel demand" this year even amid growing geopolitical tensions, notes the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Around 300 million tourists were reported to have traveled internationally in the first quarter of 2025 alone, around 14 million more than in the same period last year, according to the UNWTO. The New Destinations Travel & Tourism Summit, taking place on July 3 at The Shard, will feature a lineup of CEOs, strategists, marketers, innovators, and academics to explore pressing topics that are impacting the travel and tourism sector—from AI and sustainability to shifting traveler expectations and economic resilience. Newsweek's senior staff, including Dr. Adil Ali, head of travel content for New Destinations, senior reporter Soo Kim, and senior editor Eileen Falkenberg-Hull will be joined by broadcaster Simon Calder to discuss the future of travel with a host of industry experts. The day's agenda will span several core themes, including what the modern traveler looks like, along with top destinations, emerging trends, and evolving consumer behavior. The event will also address strategic responses to changing global geographies and economies, as well as the travel industry's toughest challenges and the roles of sustainability, AI, and policy regulation in shaping industry outcomes. Stock image of tourists in Cappadocia, Turkey. Stock image of tourists in Cappadocia, Turkey. Getty The event will feature the following speakers: Paul Griffiths (CEO, Dubai Airports Company) Steve Hill (CEO, Las Vegas Visitors and Convention Authority) Selahattin Bilgen (CEO, iGA Istanbul Airport) Dr. Aaron J. Salā (president and CEO, Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau) Rene Frey (CEO, Rough Guides & Insight Guides) Jane Sun (CEO, Group) Maeve Scanlon (VP business affairs, THG Creative) Professor Xavier Font (professor of sustainability marketing, University of Surrey) Arieh Smith (polyglot and YouTuber @xiaomanyc) Robin Johnson (global marketing director for Visit Britain) Lyn Hughes (founding editor, Wanderlust Travel Media) Through keynote speeches, fireside chats, and panel conversations, the event will present a platform for forward-looking dialogue about the intersection of travel, technology, climate change, and global culture. Organizers say the goal is to bridge innovation and responsibility across all sectors of the tourism industry. "Travel invites us to dream beyond the horizon," said Amit Shah, Executive Vice President of Newsweek International. "At the New Destinations Summit in London, we're reimagining how travel fosters deeper connections among people, cultures, and the planet. This gathering of visionaries aims to create sustainable, inclusive, and transformative travel experiences." Shah added: "At Newsweek, we're thrilled to spark conversations that inspire a new era of exploration, ensuring no place or community is left behind." The New Destinations Travel & Tourism Summit takes place from 9 a.m. local time on July 3 at The Shard in London. For more information and to register for the event, see this link at the Newsweek website. Soo Kim will be moderating a virtual fireside chat with Jane Sun, CEO of Group, as part of this event.
Web Release
19-06-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Shaikha Al Nowais participates in VivaTech 2025 in Paris, highlights importance of localizing advanced solutions to develop tourism products and destinations
Her Excellency Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General-elect of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for the 2026–2029 term, participated in VivaTech 2025 exhibition and forum, held under the theme 'New Frontiers of Innovation.' The latest edition of the event saw extensive participation from decision-makers, business leaders, and innovation pioneers from around the world. Her Excellency visited the UAE Pavilion at the exhibition, where she was briefed on the most prominent projects and innovations presented by Emirati small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those specializing in tourism and related sectors. She praised the digital solutions and services developed by these companies and highlighted their role in offering innovative solutions that serve the community. During her meeting with Emirati entrepreneurs at the exhibition, Her Excellency underscored the importance of localizing advanced technologies and artificial intelligence in the development of hospitality services and tourism destinations, in line with international best practices. She noted that technology has become a key enabler in delivering distinctive tourism experiences, improving service quality, and enhancing the competitiveness of the sector. Her Excellency also toured pavilions of several other international companies operating in the fields of advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and digital solutions. She was apprised of the latest innovations in these fields, which are reshaping the future of digital economy and advancing smart tourism. VivaTech is the largest technology event and startup exhibition in Europe. This year's edition attracted approximately 165,000 visitors, and featured more than 13,500 startups, along with 3,500 exhibitors and 3,200 investors, serving as a unique platform for accelerating innovation, exchanging ideas, and building strategic partnerships.
Mid East Info
18-06-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Shaikha Al Nowais participates in VivaTech 2025 in Paris, highlights importance of localizing advanced solutions to develop tourism products and destinations
Her Excellency Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General-elect of the United Nations World Tourism Organization UNWTO for the 2026–2029 term, participated in VivaTech 2025 exhibition and forum, held under the theme 'New Frontiers of Innovation.' The latest edition of the event saw extensive participation from decision-makers, business leaders, and innovation pioneers from around the world. Her Excellency visited the UAE Pavilion at the exhibition, where she was briefed on the most prominent projects and innovations presented by Emirati small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those specializing in tourism and related sectors. She praised the digital solutions and services developed by these companies and highlighted their role in offering innovative solutions that serve the community. During her meeting with Emirati entrepreneurs at the exhibition, Her Excellency underscored the importance of localizing advanced technologies and artificial intelligence in the development of hospitality services and tourism destinations, in line with international best practices. She noted that technology has become a key enabler in delivering distinctive tourism experiences, improving service quality, and enhancing the competitiveness of the sector. Her Excellency also toured pavilions of several other international companies operating in the fields of advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and digital solutions. She was apprised of the latest innovations in these fields, which are reshaping the future of digital economy and advancing smart tourism. VivaTech is the largest technology event and startup exhibition in Europe. This year's edition attracted approximately 165,000 visitors, and featured more than 13,500 startups, along with 3,500 exhibitors and 3,200 investors, serving as a unique platform for accelerating innovation, exchanging ideas, and building strategic partnerships.
Zawya
18-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Shaikha Al Nowais participates in VivaTech 2025 in Paris, highlights importance of localizing advanced solutions
Abu Dhabi: Her Excellency Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General-elect of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for the 2026–2029 term, participated in VivaTech 2025 exhibition and forum, held under the theme "New Frontiers of Innovation." The latest edition of the event saw extensive participation from decision-makers, business leaders, and innovation pioneers from around the world. Her Excellency visited the UAE Pavilion at the exhibition, where she was briefed on the most prominent projects and innovations presented by Emirati small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those specializing in tourism and related sectors. She praised the digital solutions and services developed by these companies and highlighted their role in offering innovative solutions that serve the community. During her meeting with Emirati entrepreneurs at the exhibition, Her Excellency underscored the importance of localizing advanced technologies and artificial intelligence in the development of hospitality services and tourism destinations, in line with international best practices. She noted that technology has become a key enabler in delivering distinctive tourism experiences, improving service quality, and enhancing the competitiveness of the sector. Her Excellency also toured pavilions of several other international companies operating in the fields of advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and digital solutions. She was apprised of the latest innovations in these fields, which are reshaping the future of digital economy and advancing smart tourism. VivaTech is the largest technology event and startup exhibition in Europe. This year's edition attracted approximately 165,000 visitors, and featured more than 13,500 startups, along with 3,500 exhibitors and 3,200 investors, serving as a unique platform for accelerating innovation, exchanging ideas, and building strategic partnerships.
