Jacobs Media Group agrees to acquire Online Travel Training
November, 2023Travel Weekly parent Jacobs Media Group (JMG) agreed to acquire Online Travel Training (OTT) for an undisclosed sum.
The deal came after OTT began exploring options for the company including approaching business rescue specialists. The acquisition secured the jobs of all 14 employees and contractors.
OTT has a range of clients in the sector, including airlines, tourist boards, tourist attractions, hotels and tour operators, providing bespoke training courses, virtual events, webinars, incentives and rewards for staff in the industry.
Connections Wellbeing Philippines
April, 2023Connections Luxury and Tourism Promotions Board Philippines hosted the inaugural Connections Wellbeing Philippines event at The Farm at San Benito. 40 leading agencies from the UK, US, Brazil, South Africa, Australia and Portugal (amongst others) were welcomed to meet with leading luxury supplier companies from the destination. The event showcased the very best of the local culture, hospitality and most importantly the Filipino brand of wellness. Following the event, Connections hosted the agencies on a series of post-event FAM trips to five extraordinary destinations in the Philippines.
Connections Luxury Middle East
March, 2023Connections Luxury successfully delivered its third luxury travel event in Muscat, in partnership with the Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Heritage & Tourism. Designed exclusively for decision-makers, this three-day event welcomed luxury buyers from the GCC, Indian subcontinent and around the world to meet with leading local and international suppliers. Connections Luxury Middle East saw a total of 275 attendees come together and more than 1,500 one-to-one meetings curated in the pioneering Connections Way. Event partners included Jumeirah Muscat Bay, Abundance Tourism, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, Al Bustan Palace A Ritz Carlton Hotel, OMRAN Group, Connecting Travel, and Gulf Reps.
The Globe Travel Awards 2023
January, 2023The Travel Weekly Globe Travel Awards were held at the Grosvenor House Park Lane in January 2023, marking its return to a live January event for the first time since 2020. The evening was a sell out success with over 1,200 guests celebrating the very best of the UK travel industry. Our special guest Jason Manford, supported by Travel Weekly editor-in-chief Lucy Huxley handed out over 30 awards throughout the night, including our Outstanding Achievement Award to the managing director of CLIA UK & Ireland, Andy Harmer, for his support of the UK cruise sector.
Connections Luxury Tokyo
November, 2022Connections is proud to have once again partnered with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau (TCVB) to deliver another successful Connections Luxury Tokyo. Hosted in the beautiful metropolis, the three-day event showcased the destination’s finest luxury product to 30 selected global travel buyers. In true Connections style, meetings were combined with local experiences, including making sushi with a master sushi chef, fencing with a national gold-medallist, engaging in Tokyo's Kawaii - or 'cutesy' - culture and learning 'Edo' era calligraphy and historical art.
California Luxury Forum in SLO CAL
October, 2022Connections is proud to have powered the sixth edition of the California Luxury Forum on behalf of Visit California in San Luis Obispo County. Hosted for the first time in California’s central coast in partnership with Visit SLO CAL, the three-day event saw 80 luxury travel decision-makers come together for 714 one-to-one meetings. Following the Forum, buyers predict anticipated bookings of $7.25million into California as a result of the companies met during the programme.
Connections Luxury Seoul
September, 2022Connections is proud to have partnered with the Seoul Metropolitan Government to deliver the inaugural Connections Luxury Seoul. Hosted in South Korea's vibrant city of Seoul, the three-day event showcased the destination’s finest luxury product to 40 selected global travel buyers. In true Connections style, meetings were combined with local experiences, including learning Korean calligraphy (Seouye), Taekwondo, creating a Korean name seal “Dojang” and having a go at the Dalgona Challenge from the hit series “Squid Game”.
Global Travel Week powered by Connections
September, 2021Jacobs Media Group launches Global Travel Week, the new annual travel trade event for decision-makers to support the recovery and resurgence of the industry. Designed in the pioneering 'Connections' networking format, delegates enjoyed one-to-one meetings and memorable experiences to help forge long-lasting business relationships. Attendees also benefited from insightful sessions by Travel Weekly UK; Aspire; Unity Through Tourism; the Global Travel & Tourism Resilience Council; the Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers (ATAS) and Travolution. The inaugural event saw over 300 decision-makers from across 40 nationalities come together in over 4,000 one-to-one meetings. Global Travel Week 2021 was supported by the Italian National Tourist Board as Country Partner and Visit Portugal as Premier Partner.
Connecting Travel Middle East
May, 2021Jacobs Media Group launches Connecting Travel, a media powerhouse to support the Middle East’s tourism ambitions. Through Connecting Travel, a media platform aligned with the region’s ambitious growth plans, Jacobs Media Group aims to lead the conversation in the Middle East as the global voice for the travel and hospitality industries, offering an unrivaled multimedia portfolio, which connects, informs and inspires these dynamic and evolving sectors. Connecting Travel will provide industry professionals with thought leadership, meaningful collaborations, breaking news and invaluable insights via its website, news bulletins, exclusive network events and social media platforms.
Global Travel Week powered by Connections
April, 2021Jacobs Media Group launches Global Travel Week powered by Connections, the annual travel trade hybrid event to help global suppliers develop meaningful relationships with the UK market. The inaugural event will take place at The Kia Oval London from 27-30 September 2021 and will utilise the Connections format of developing business relationships through shared experiences. Global Travel Week is a new initiative to support the recovery and resurgence of the travel industry, and will feature targeted one-to-one meetings and a range of experiences held in ‘destination zones’. Delegates will also participate in content sessions led by leading travel brands within the Jacobs Media Group portfolio, including Travel Weekly, Aspire, Unity Through Tourism, the Global Travel & Tourism Resilience Council and the Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers (Atas). The event is supported by partners including McKenzie Gayle Limited, New Deal Europe and Nordic Tourism Collective.
The Cateys
November, 2020Hospitality brand The Caterer held the first virtual Cateys in the awards 37 year history to celebrate the finest brands and most inspirational leaders in the sector. Hosted live from a studio to attendees engaging through a networking platform, the awards reached an audience of over 1100 industry leaders. Guest host Tom Allen presented the 22 high profile awards, with delegates engaging through the integrated app throughout the event. Such was the level of interest that social media impressions for The Caterer peaked at 1.2 million in the week of the awards.
The Visit California Luxury Forum, Powered by Connections
October, 2020Following the success of the first event in 2019, Connections returns to California to deliver the second edition of the Visit California Luxury Forum in Dana Point. Connections invited a selection of luxury agencies representing California's key and emerging source markets to meet with the region's finest suppliers. The immersive event also welcome distinguished CEOs from Californian destination management companies, providing a strategic platform for them to engage with.
Connections Virtual Week, Autumn Edition
September, 2020Following the successful launch of Connections Virtual Week in July 2020, Connections hosted its second edition in partnership with ENIT - Italian Tourist Board and Visit Portugal. Exclusively for Connections members and tourist board partners to forge long-lasting business relationships, Connections Virtual Week saw 432 global buyers and suppliers of luxury products meet through 5,195 virtual one-to-one meetings, 26 Connections icebreakers and 16 group experiences, which were presented live from around the world. The second edition received 100% satisfaction rate from attending delegates.
Partnership with ATTA©
August, 2020Jacobs Media Media announces multi-year partnership with ATTA© to manage its flagship event Experience Africa from 2021 onwards. The African Travel & Tourism Association (ATTA©) is a member-driven trade association that promotes tourism to Africa from all corners of the world. Recognised as the Voice of African Tourism, ATTA© serves and supports businesses in Africa representing buyers and suppliers of tourism product across 21 African countries.
Launch of Connections Virtual Week
June, 2020Exclusively for its members, the inaugural Connections Virtual Week (Monday 13 - Friday 17 July 2020) brought together global buyers and suppliers of luxury product to meet through virtual one-to-one meetings and group experiences to forge long-lasting business relationships. Over 5 days, 200 Connections decision-makers representing 52 different countries met around the clock in 2,160 one-to-one meetings complete with 20 Connections icebreakers. What's more, delegates were invited to travel around the world between meetings by participating in 14 live virtual experiences which saw them mediate, move, learn, create and share together.
Jacobs Media Group wins prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise
April, 2020Jacobs Media Group is honoured to have won a prestigious Queen's Award for Enterprise in recognition of its international growth.
Launch of Connections Online Community
March, 2020Connections releases a brand-new digital market for their international private community for senior executives in high-end travel. Accessible only for those within our community, the online platform allows members to connect and chat with all Connections leaders, register to member-only events, discover exclusive benefits and to learn more through online educational programmes.
Connections holds its inaugural Japanese event in Tokyo
February, 2020Connections debuts its first event in Japan, welcoming a hand-picked selection of elite global travel buyers to meet with luxury travel suppliers from Tokyo. Alongside one-to-one meetings, senior executives and industry experts explored new business opportunities whilst participating in immersive, local experiences such as tea ceremonies, Zazen meditation, Kendo samurai warrior workshops and calligraphy sessions.
Aspire hosts annual VIP overseas trip in South Africa
December, 2019Aspire hosts some of the UK's best luxury travel agencies for the brand's annual overseas trip The Retreat, this time held in Cape Town, South Africa. Each year Aspire whisks 25 top agents and 15 suppliers to a different destination for four days of immersive networking and relationship building. The group enjoyed time exploring Cape Town and agents were also offered fam trips to allow them to experience the wider destination.
Connections celebrates fifth anniversary and new era
September, 2019Events and networking specialist Connections toasts its fifth anniversary and announces a new model as an exclusive invitation-only community for luxury travel executives worldwide.
Aspire hosts first standalone awards
September, 2019Luxury travel brand Aspire hosts its first awards, recognising the best brands and people in the high-end travel industry at St Pancras Renaissance hotel in London.
The Caterer launches fresh new website
September, 2019Hospitality bible The Caterer launches a new website and platform, with inhouse technology allowing visitors to tailor their online experience and access exclusive content, research and insight.
Connections introduces luxury weddings series in Italy
September, 2019The global weddings market becomes the latest focus for Connections, with an experiential networking event in Italy building on the success of editions focusing on luxury, wellbeing, MICE and more.
Jacobs Media Group celebrates 10th anniversary
August, 2019Jacobs Media Group marks a decade in business and significant growth on a global scale since the acquisition of Travel Weekly Group from Reed Business Information on August 7, 2009.
First Experience Latin America event managed by Jacobs Media Group
June, 2019The Latin American Travel Association works in partnership with Jacobs Media Group to manage its flagship Experience Latin America trade show for more than 450 delegates in central London
Resilience Summit concept extended to Africa
June, 2019Building on the success of Resilience Summits in the Middle East and Asia, Jacobs Media Group hosts its next event in South Africa, bringing together governments and professionals from across the continent
Travel Weekly unveils new look and content
May, 2019Jacobs Media Group's flagship brand for the travel industry marks its 10th year as an independent business with a fresh new look and content for its weekly magazine title.
Asian Resilience Summit takes place in Nepal
May, 2019Following the success of the first Global Resilience Summit in Jordan, Jacobs Media Group hosts the first Asian Resilience Summit with a focus on Nepal's response to the 2015 earthquake.
Jacobs Media Group signs partnership with IGLTA
March, 2019A media partnership with the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) sees Jacobs Media Group agree to promote the association's work across its portfolio
Connections hosts first bespoke California event
March, 2019Connections adds a string to its bow with its first bespoke event in partnership with Visit California. The inaugural Connections California event takes place in Santa Monica and celebrates The Golden State of Luxury.
Travel Weekly celebrates 50th birthday
January, 2019UK market-leader Travel Weekly unveils a year-long calendar of celebrations to mark 50 years since it was first published in 1969 as Travel News, and pledges to raise £50,000 for five charities in 2019.
Travel Weekly podcast delves deeper into key issues
October, 2018The first travel trade media podcast launches, with Travel Weekly's leading editorial team discussing emerging trends with some of the biggest names in the industry
Connections launches adventure series
October, 2018Slovenia hosts the first Connections event to focus on the luxury adventure sector, building business relationships between buyers and suppliers over memorable adventure experiences.
First Tourism Resilience Summit takes place in Jordan
June, 2018Jacobs Media Group's first international (and Middle Eastern) Resilience Summit runs in partnership with USAID and the Jordan Tourism Board.
The Caterer celebrates 140th anniversary
April, 2018The Caterer publishes a bumper issue to mark 140 years at the heart of the hospitality industry. The milestone is also celebrated with the publication of lists unveiling the 100 most powerful people and 40 biggest future trends in hospitality.
Connections focuses on growing wellbeing trend
October, 2017The Macdonald Monchique Resort & Spa in Portugal hosts the first Connections Wellbeing event, showcasing growing trends in the sector through Connections ' award-winning experiential networking formula.
ATAS hosts inaugural conference and awards
October, 2017More than 300 guests attend the inaugural Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers Conference in Birmingham, UK, just two years after Travel Weekly founded the association in partnership with 12 leading suppliers.
Aspire hosts first Leaders of Luxury event
June, 2017Luxury travel brand Aspire builds on a period of strong growth with a new event bringing together 200 hand-picked delegates to focus on the super-luxury travel sector.
Travel Weekly responds to increased cyber crime threat
June, 2017The first Travel Weekly Cyber Security Summit attracts more than 250 senior delegates, with speakers including former head of security at The Bank of England, Don Randall.
Travel Weekly creates Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers
April, 2017In partnership with 12 leading touring and adventure operators, Travel Weekly creates a new trade association to recognise the growing importance of the sector for the UK travel industry.
Jacobs Media Group acquires UK Sommelier of the Year
April, 2017Jacobs Media Group completes the acquisition of the UK Sommelier of the Year Competition from the British Institute of Innkeepers - adding to its hospitality portfolio spearheaded by The Caterer.
Connections named Best Conference at Eventex awards
January, 2017Building on a successful year incorporating five events, Connections and its unique approach to networking is recognised with the Eventex Best Conference award.
Globe Travel Awards breaks records on 40th anniversary
January, 2017More than 1,200 guests pack in to the Grosvenor House hotel on London's Park Lane, as TV star David Walliams hosts the 40th edition of the most prestigious awards in the UK travel industry.
Global Travel and Tourism Resilience Council founded
December, 2016Following the success of the inaugural International Crisis Management Summit, Jacobs Media Group is instrumental in founding the GTTRC in partnership with leading brands and governments.
Crisis management takes centre stage in London
November, 2016The inaugural International Crisis Management Summit (ITCMS) brings leading travel figures from around the globe together with senior government officials and policy makers to discuss resilience in travel.
10 Years of Travolution
February, 2016Groundbreaking travel trade media brand Travolution celebrates 10 years of delivering publications, websites and events for the digital travel sector with a calendar of activity and a new-look online presence.
Connections expands footprint with first MICE event
December, 2015Connections heads to the Conrad Algarve in Portugal for its first event designed exclusively for buyers and suppliers in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing and Exhibitions (MICE) market
The Caterer hosts Sommelier of the Year event
June, 2015The Caterer works with the Academy of Food and Wine Service to take on responsibility for delivery of the Sommelier of the Year competition and final at London's Savoy hotel.
Connections Luxury launches in style at the Four Seasons Hampshire
September, 2014Jacobs Media Group's groundbreaking networking brand Connections unveils its unique method of facilitating business relationships in the luxury travel sector through memorable experiences and presentations.
The Caterer launches Check into Hospitality careers guide
August, 2014The range of career opportunities in the hospitality industry are showcased in the first of an annual publication distributed to schools, colleges and universities
Caterer and Hotelkeeper rebrands as The Caterer
July, 2014A new-look magazine and website reflect a new brand for the UK's oldest trade publication - now known by the name used by generations of hospitality professionals, The Caterer.
Launch of Best Places to Work in Hospitality Awards
April, 2014The Caterer unveils a new programme designed to showcase and celebrate best practice in the fields of staff retention and development in the hospitality industry.
First Travel and Hospitality Hall of Fame held under Jacobs Media Group ownership
April, 2014Following its acquisition from Kingley Event Management, Jacobs Media Group hosts its first Hall of Fame event, recognising outstanding leadership in the travel and hospitality industries worldwide.
Take Off in Travel showcases career opportunities
November, 2013Responding to calls to showcase careers and development in the travel and tourism industries, Take Off in Travel partners with Abta to create the prospectus-style magazine Take Off in Travel
Foodservice Cateys honour growing sector
October, 2013The Caterer recognises the growing prominence of the foodservice sector with a standalone and hugely-successful awards programme under the renowned Cateys brand.
The Cateys celebrate 30 years
July, 2013A special one-off conference brings together some of the best-known winners of the hospitality industry's highest honour to share their stories.
Agent Achievement Awards take place as part of Travel Weekly portfolio
April, 2013The leading travel agencies and travel sellers in the UK are honoured at the first Agent Achievement Awards to be held following the acquisition of the event from Kingley Event Management.
Caterer and Hotelkeeper acquired from Reed Business Information
November, 2012The UK's oldest trade magazine and its digital and events portfolio are acquired from Reed Business Information, expanding the Jacobs Media Group portfolio to cover hospitality and travel.
Luxury travel club and magazine Aspire launches
November, 2010A unique online format bringing together suppliers and agents selling luxury travel sector is unveiled, supported by a quarterly print publication and a portfolio of forums and events.
Travel Weekly Business:am sets the morning agenda
January, 2010Reflecting its increasing multiplatform approach, Travel Weekly unveils its Business:am email newsletter, targeted at senior executives every weekday at 9am with top travel and business stories, comment and analysis.
Travel Weekly Group acquired from Reed Business
August, 2009Serial entrepreneur and founder of Holiday Autos Clive Jacobs acquires Travel Weekly Group, incorporating brands including Travel Weekly, Travolution and Gazetteers.com, from Reed Business Information.
