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    PATA Signs MoU with SPTO

    The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), to promote and strengthen shared interests between the two organisations in the areas of market access, innovative events, membership and communications to name a few.
    PATA Chair Peter Semone expressed his delight about this partnership between the two organisations and highlighted that PATA is thrilled to partner with SPTO in implementing these exciting development opportunities to encourage advocacy marketing and communication, insightful market research, and innovative events for its member organisations.
    “PATA is looking forward to further connecting with SPTO on these areas of cooperation for travel and tourism within the Asia Pacific region. This connection will provide more opportunities to host international events, share market insights and enable us to promote the Pacific region to a globally connected audience. Keeping the P in PATA is imperative to us,” Mr Semone said.
    In acknowledging the importance of the MoU, SPTO CEO Christopher Cocker highlighted the potential to establish important public-private partnerships, to strengthen the development of the travel and tourism industry in Asia and the Pacific.
    “We welcome this partnership with PATA as it aligns with the innovative partnerships component of SPTO’S Strategic Plan 2020-2024. Between our two organisations, there is a wealth of diverse membership and wider stakeholders. We recognize this partnership as an opportunity to bring our stakeholders and resources together to revitalize our progress towards the sustainable growth of travel and tourism in Asia and the Pacific”, he said.ADVERTISEMENT

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    TUI LAUNCHES BIGGEST EVER SUMMER PROGRAMME FOR SUMMER 2024 WITH 1.1 MILLION EXTRA FLIGHTS

    TUI, the leading global travel and leisure company, has added a further 1.1 million flight seats for UK holidaymakers departing in summer 2024.Giving customers more flexibility with departing airports, destinations and holiday lengths, the new announcement means the season will be TUI’s biggest summer yet.
    With far more capacity to take holidaymakers to key destinations, it’s great news for British holidaymakers looking to lock in their summer holidays early.
    The increase in seats is made across 13 regional airports, from Glasgow to Bournemouth. Customers can fly to more destinations than ever before from their local airport.
    Over 10 million flights for Summer 2024
    The additional capacity is helping TUI increase the frequency of flights and offer more choice and flexibility for British holidaymakers. The increase means that TUI is now set to have over 10 million seats available for the season, including to destinations that are already popular with customers.ADVERTISEMENT
    The increase will see:
    250,000 additional seats to Turkey250,000 additional seats to Spain250,000 additional seats to Greece and Cyprus300,000 additional seats to North Africa50,000 additional seats to Italy and CroatiaNew Marella Cruise itinerariesAndrew Flintham, TUI managing director, said: “Our customers want more flexibility and to be able to choose a departure airport that is close to home – and that is exactly what the new TUI 2024 summer programme has been designed to do. We want every one of our customers to be able to create a holiday as unique as they are – departure airport, destination and duration are all key components which come together to make the perfect TUI holiday.
    “The 2024 programme will see extra flights departing from across the UK with additional TUI flying from Glasgow, Bournemouth, Newcastle, Bristol, and East Midlands. Each region of the UK will see significant increase in flight seats offering more holidays to those living in the region. All of this adds up to over 1 million extra TUI smiles!”

    Regional flying
    Customers across the country will benefit from additional flights, with new exclusive routes and significant frequency increases at regional airports. No matter where holidaymakers are travelling from, the additional capacity will give customers more choice when it comes to travelling.
    Two additional aircraft and 180,000 extra flight seats at Glasgow airport will make 2024 the biggest ever programme for TUI from the airport. The increase includes new flights to Cape Verde and Greece, as well as six exclusive routes.100,000 additional seats are planned for Birmingham with one additional aircraft, and 13 exclusive routes to Agadir, Boa Vista, Cancun, Enfidha, Hurghada, Kavala, Marrakech, Orlando-Melbourne Florida, Montego Bay, Pula, Punta Cana, Sal and Sharm El Sheikh.A new aircraft and a 33% increase of 60,000 additional seats are scheduled for Bournemouth Airport, with a new route to Enfidha, Tunisia and increased frequency to Ibiza, Lanzarote, Menorca, Heraklion, Paphos and Tenerife.An additional aircraft will help provide new routes to Boa Vista and Cape Verde from Bristol Airport, as well as 120,000 additional short and mid-haul seats planned with daily flights to popular destinations.2.3 million seats planned for Manchester with an additional aircraft based at the airport. With daily departures to ten destinations planned, there will be 130,000 extra seats, as well as a new route to Budapest.Newcastle will also benefit from one additional aircraft based at the airport to help with 120,000 extra seats and new routes to Cape Verde and Egypt.A new direct route to Sharm El Sheik, Egypt from Cardiff Airport will be introduced as well as 40,000 additional seats.It will be the biggest programme ever from East Midlands with four exclusive routes, one additional aircraft, 100,000 extra flight seats and new routes to Sal, Cape Verde.Extra flights to Crete and Rhodes have been added at Exeter Airport, plus 15,000 more seats.Two million seats are planned for summer 2024 from Gatwick with new routes to Marsa Alam and Budapest. TUI will be operating 11 exclusive routes from the airport as well as having 200,000 additional seats compared to Summer 2023 with up to 195 weekly departures to 18 countries.After over 60 years of presence at Luton, there will be 14 weekly flights to four countries with increased frequency to Dalaman and Antalya.Stansted has 30,000 additional seats planned for increased flight frequency to Greece, Turkey and Cyprus – offering more choice and flexibility.Teesside Airport will benefit from a new weekly route to Dalaman making TUI the exclusive operator to Turkey from this airport.The 2024 summer programme will be on sale now via tui.co.uk, TUI retail stores and independent travel agents.

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    PortAventura World leads the themed resort sector by joining the B Corp community

    PortAventura World has reached a major corporate milestone by becoming a B Corp company, thanks to its positive impact on society and environmentally friendly practices. The company has successfully passed the strict impact measurement requirements to become a B Corp company, meeting high standards of compliance in environmental, social and good governance performance.
    Becoming a B Corp company has been based on a new corporate purpose, “At PortAventura World, we create unforgettable experiences that have a positive impact on people while caring for the planet”, which has been included in a statutory modification to adapt the corporate purpose and powers of the board in accordance with B Corp requirements.
    Arturo Mas-Sardá, President of PortAventura World, pointed out that “becoming a B Corp company represents a before and after in our way of acting, managing and governing. But it is also the acknowledgement of our company, a benchmark in the tourism and theme resort sector worldwide, which has always sought to have a long-term vision of what the company would be like in the coming decades”.
    One of the most outstanding sustainability actions that PortAventura World is carrying out is the installation of a photovoltaic plant for self-consumption, consisting of more than 11,000 solar panels. It is also committed to promoting measures such as recycling, energy saving, responsible use of water and sustainable mobility.
    Choni Fernández, director of sustainability at PortAventura World, pointed out that “it is of enormous importance to be a member of the B Corp community because it gives us added value to change, in a real way, the way things are done. We are aware of the role we play in the tourism industry and the economic fabric, and being part of the B Corp movement is a corporate philosophy that will guide our present and future steps and decisions”.ADVERTISEMENT

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    Banyan Tree announces its first signed property in Europe

    Banyan Tree Group, one of the world’s leading multi-branded hospitality groups, is set to debut in Europe with the upcoming Banyan Tree Varko Bay. The new luxury resort to be developed on the Varko Peninsula in Pogonia, Aitoloakarnania, is the result of the successful collaboration between Banyan Tree and the French hospitality group, Accor. Targeting to open in 2026, the five-star resort will consist of approximately 116 villas and 43 branded residences, seamlessly embedded into the stunning coastal surroundings of the Varko Peninsula in Pogonia.
    Applying Banyan Tree’s pioneering expertise across the all-pool villa concept, the resort aims to offer a unique sense of place through tranquil, wellbeing-centred accommodations, backdropped by unforgettable views of the Ionian Sea and the surrounding islands of Lefkada, Meganisi and Skorpios, as well as luxurious facilities for rejuvenation of both mind and body. This includes the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, a water sports center, several state-of-the-art venues for meetings and events, a beach club, several bars and three restaurants including the signature Saffron where guests can dine on delectable Thai fare.
    In keeping with Banyan Tree’s core pillar of sustainability, Banyan Tree Varko Bay will be constructed and operated with an uncompromising approach to sustainability and eco-sensitivity, immersing guests in a flourishing natural environment. Built in partnership with the award-winning Greek Elastic Architects, the resort aims to be the first in Europe to achieve LEED Gold (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification and to become a model of sustainability for the hospitality sector. Mirroring existing Banyan Tree developments, the resort will prioritise responsible water use—70% of water will be reused for irrigation, the use of renewable energy sources and the encouragement of vegetation growth. By ensuring the majority of all its hotels are covered with vegetation and developing plant-centred tropical spas, Banyan Tree creates beautiful contemporary spaces that are also friendly to the surrounding environment.
    Banyan Tree Group operates over 60 hotels worldwide, with a potential pipeline of more than 50 projects by 2025. The addition of Banyan Tree Varko Bay will build on the brand’s core concepts of sustainability and wellbeing-centred luxury, while reinforcing Banyan Tree’s leadership in this highly demanding sector.

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    Celebrating Earth Week with the Light and Warmth of Hospitality

    Hilton marks progress towards its Travel with Purpose 2030 Goals, celebrates over $20,000 in Hilton Global Foundation grants supporting team member‑led projects.
    In recognition of Earth Week, Hilton is marking a year of significant progress towards its Travel with Purpose 2030 Goals by activating its global team member community to reduce its environmental impact and preserve the beautiful destinations that host Hilton properties around the world.
    Travel with Purpose is Hilton’s global environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy that aims to drive responsible travel globally. Announced in 2018, Hilton’s ambitious 2030 goals are supported by emissions targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), water and waste reduction targets as well as social impact targets aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Travel with Purpose guides Hilton’s efforts to reduce its emissions in line with climate science, create engines of opportunity within its communities and continue to operate with accountability, integrity and transparency. 
    Hilton is proud of its progress toward these goals, which it recently shared in its latest Travel With Purpose report, including: 
    Environmental ADVERTISEMENTA commitment to new, more ambitious science-based emissions targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi); Continued to reduce carbon emission intensity (44%), water intensity (38.1%) and landfill waste intensity (57.6%) among its hotels globally;  5,500+ hotels partnered with soap recycling organizations to donate 2.3 million bars soap to those in need;  Established LED bulbs as a global brand standard for new builds and existing buildings across all brands;  Earned inclusion on the World and North America Dow Jones Sustainably Indices, S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook and earned an EcoVadis Gold Medal in recognition of its sustainability achievements.  Social
    Created more than 677,000 learning and career growth opportunities against its 5 million commitment;  Meaningfully impacted more than 2,700,000 community members through local support, disaster relief efforts and economic opportunities;  Donated 344,958 volunteer hours in 2022;  Reached more than 78,000 refugees since 2015 through volunteering, in-kind donations, purchasing, training, shelter and employment opportunities.  Governance
    Partnered with cross-industry networks like the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and the World Travel & Tourism Council;  Committed to grant $500,000 to the American Hotel and Lodging Association Foundation’s No Room For Trafficking (NRFT) Survivor Fund over the next three years; and Invested in two Fifth Wall climate technology funds that aim to decarbonize the global real estate sector. Hilton is committed to tracking and transparently reporting on its progress towards its Travel with Purpose 2030 Goals by utilizing LightStay, Hilton’s award-winning platform for environmental and social reporting that enables Hilton properties to measure and manage energy, emissions, water, waste and social impact. Through LightStay, Hilton has achieved more than $1 billion worth of cumulative savings in energy costs since 2009. 
    In recognition of Earth Week, the Hilton Global Foundation, Hilton’s primary philanthropic arm,  awarded more than $20,000 in grants towards local organizations advancing Hilton’s environmental goals through destination stewardship and climate action. Nominated by Hilton team members, these organizations will utilize Hilton Global Foundation contributions to launch volunteer efforts in their local communities: 
    In partnership with youth volunteer organization Toplum Gönüllüsü, Hilton Istanbul Bomonti plans to build a lavender farm in the southern Türkiye region of Hatay, providing employment opportunities while teaching sustainable agriculture practices to community members impacted by recent earthquakes;  Team members from Hilton Garden Inn Avondale, in collaboration with the Avondale Youth Advisory Commission, aims to support and beautify the local Tres Rios Wetlands in Avondale, Arizona through trail maintenance, litter disposal and other beautifying projects.  As part of its long-standing partnership with Oz Harvest Australia, Hilton Brisbane plans to use grant funding to purchase meals as well as compostable containers and cutlery for those in need.  DoubleTree by Hilton Seychelles Allamanda Resort & Spa plans to continue its partnership with The Ocean Project Seychelles to clean up local beaches with students from nearby communities.  The Hilton Global Foundation recently released its inaugural Impact Report, showcasing the impact of nearly $2.3 million donated in 2022 to organizations working to build a healthy, sustainable planet and resilient communities for future generations.  Since 2019, The Hilton Global Foundation has awarded more than $8 million in grants, donated over 18 million pounds of food to communities in need, meaningfully impacted over 6.7 million people and restored over 225,000 acres of land. More information about the efforts of the Hilton Global Foundation can be found at https://hiltonglobalfoundation.hilton.com/.

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    Kam Jandu to become CEO of Budapest Airport Zrt. from 1 May

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    Kam Jandu to become CEO of Budapest Airport Zrt. from 1 May

    Kam Jandu will take over as the CEO of Budapest Airport Zrt. on 1 May from the current CEO, Chris Dinsdale, who is leaving for Canada.Kam Jandu joined the company in 2009, and over the past 14 years, with a one-year hiatus, has continuously supported the development of Ferenc Liszt International Airport with his expertise.
    Budapest Airport announced at the beginning of March that current CEO Chris Dinsdale will leave the company at the end of July, to take up the position of president and CEO of the Calgary Airport Authority, which operates two airports, including Calgary International Airport in Canada. Following consideration by the Board of Directors and shareholder approval, Kam Jandu, the current chief commercial officer, will take over as the CEO of Budapest Airport from 1 May.
    Kam Jandu has in-depth knowledge of the company, having joined Budapest Airport Zrt. in 2009. Initially working as aviation director, from 2013 as chief commercial officer, he has been involved in the implementation of the company’s strategic objectives. It is partly thanks to him and his team that Budapest Airport’s aerial connections have improved and the number of destinations directly accessible from Budapest has increased spectacularly.
    Gerhard Schroeder, chairman of the Board of Directors of Budapest Airport Zrt. said: “Kam Jandu can look back on 25 years of broad experience in the aviation industry. With him, Budapest Airport will be able to continue its successful development and further expand its role as Hungary’s most important gateway. On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I wish him every success in his new role.”

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    Manchester Airport to host jobs fair with 500+ vacancies available

    Manchester Airport and its on-site partners will be recruiting for roles as varied as security officers, retail assistants, drivers and construction workers, at a jobs fair taking place later this month.
    The event – at the Wythenshawe Forum – will be held on Wednesday 26 April with more than 500 vacancies to be filled in total.
    The northern hub, which has already recruited around 2,000 new colleagues since Covid-19 travel restrictions were lifted, is now preparing for its busiest summer since 2019. It is set to welcome hundreds more staff in the months ahead as part of its usual preparations for the peak travel season.
    Alongside the airport’s operator, MAG, around a dozen other firms which work on the airport site will be represented at the jobs fair;
    Retailers and restaurant operators such as Wagamama’s, Boots, Pret a Manger, Travelex, HMS Host and Blakemore (SPAR)Aviation service providers such as dnata and SwissportConstruction partners MACE, who are leading on the second phase of the airport’s transformation programmeThose in attendance will be able to put questions to employers about the roles on offer and will also be guided on the skills and experience employers are looking for, improving their chances of securing a position.ADVERTISEMENTThe Airport Academy will also be represented at the Wythenshawe jobs fair. It provides free support and training courses for people who need assistance applying for jobs, including those with additional needs and those who are long-term unemployed. It then helps them secure interviews with the airport or its partners for a role that aligns with their strengths. The Airport Academy has so far helped hundreds of jobseekers gain employment at the airport.
    Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director at Manchester Airport, said:
    “We are always on the lookout for talented people who can help us improve the experience we provide to our passengers. This event will give jobseekers the chance to find out more about the variety of careers on offer at the airport.
    “It is an exciting time to be joining us, with an ongoing £440m investment in our facilities as part of our transformation programme.
    “We are also pleased to be supporting our partners, as they strengthen their own teams in preparation for a busy summer.”
    Those securing roles with Manchester Airport can take advantage of a wide range of benefits. These include discounts on public transport when travelling to work, free on-site car parking whilst working and when going on holiday, an excellent pension scheme, training programmes, and discounts on purchases from on-site retailers including Duty Free.
    The jobs fair runs from 10:00 – 13:00 on Wednesday 26 April at Wythenshawe Forum and attendees can find out more online at www.manchesterairport.co.uk/recruitment and can book a place here.

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    Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park Celebrates 25 Years Showcasing the Magic of Nature

    On Earth Day, April 22, 1998, Walt Disney World Resort invited guests to discover a one-of-a-kind theme park where they could be inspired by the magic of the natural world. The opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park introduced a whole new way to appreciate, enjoy and interact with animals while also delivering incredible new stories that celebrated our relationship with the environment.. The fourth Walt Disney World theme park was also Disney’s largest, spreading over 500 acres and adding a new draw to Central Florida as a top tourist destination in the world.
    “Disney’s Animal Kingdom, like the world itself, will evolve and grow. It’s truly a living thing.”
    – Roy E. Disney at the park’s official dedication ceremony on April 21, 1998
    An Entirely New Kind of Theme Park
    Disney’s Animal Kingdom combined Walt Disney’s love of animals, both real and imaginary, with exciting attractions, spectacular stage shows and entertaining characters.ADVERTISEMENTTrue, there were – and are – breathtaking animal encounters, from an African safari adventure to a meandering, mystical trail that leads guests on an exciting search for tigers, to live shows highlighting animal behaviors and beauty – and so much more. But this park was also a way for Disney to inspire people with the spectacular breadth and beauty of nature and animals through the power of entertainment and attractions, including a hysterical 3D journey into the world of insects (It’s Tough to Be a Bug!), a larger-than-life musical celebrating the circle of life (Festival of the Lion King), and encounters with beloved characters.
    Everything in Disney’s Animal Kingdom takes inspiration from nature and the animal world. For example, the park icon – the towering Tree of Life – features 337 sculpted animals in its trunk. Similarly, building architecture, light poles, benches and countless other elements feature animal designs that range from subtle to dramatic. Nowhere else are animals so richly and creatively celebrated.
    Over the last 25 years, the park has continually evolved with new attractions, entertainment and even entirely new lands such as Asia and Pandora – The World of Avatar, giving guests new reasons to visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom and all of Central Florida again and again.
    Expansions introduced new wild adventures that send guests swirling on a whirling white-water raft ride (Kali River Rapids), rocketing on a runaway-train adventure (Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain), diving into another stellar musical stage show (Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!), taking flight on a banshee (Avatar Flight of Passage) and exploring a bioluminescent rainforest (Na’vi River Journey).
    More than 5,000 cast members at Disney’s Animal Kingdom continue the park’s mission today, from scientists and animal care experts, to critical frontline cast members who work in operations, entertainment, merchandise, food and beverage and guest services. They are among the 75,000 cast members who are the heart of Walt Disney World.
    Celebrating the Park’s 25th Anniversary and Earth Day
    In celebration of the park’s milestone anniversary and Earth Day, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy new limited-time sweet and savory treats, specialty merchandise and a character sighting. Visitors can dig into tempting treats such as the Colossal Elephant Roll, a jumbo cinnamon bun with banana caramel, milk chocolate crispy pearls, and 25th anniversary logo available at Isle of Java and Kusafiri Bakery on April 22 only; and the 25th Anniversary Alive with Magic Cupcake Vanilla cake featuring chocolate toffee mousse, chocolate buttercream, white chocolate crispy pearls, and an Alive with Magic 25th anniversary chocolate logo. Taking the magic of the celebration home is easy with commemorative items like the 25th anniversary mini Loungefly backpack, special pins, shirts, a tumbler and more.
    There will be more surprises on April 22 when the park officially turns 25. And, just in time for the festivities, Moana will begin greeting guests at Discovery Island Character Landing for the first time that day.
    Helping the Animals It Celebrates
    Over the past 25 years, Disney has made significant contributions to the preservation and wellbeing of animals not only at the theme park, but also around the community, state and globe.
    “At Disney, we believe building a brighter, more sustainable future starts with imagining what’s possible. Through our conservation and sustainability programs, we take tangible actions to inspire change around the globe,” says Dr. Mark Penning, vice president, Animals, Science and Environment, Disney Parks. “I’m proud of our animal care cast members who are the most passionate conservationists I know and who put their hearts into taking care of the animals at Walt Disney World every day.”
    As an accredited institution of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Disney’s Animal Kingdom has also collaborated with other AZA members to help increase populations of endangered and extinct in the wild species, such as the Guam rail and Guam kingfisher birds. Following AZA Species Survival Plans, the park has welcomed a variety of animals from endangered species into the world, including Sumatran tigers, western lowland gorillas, African elephants, cotton-top tamarins and okapi to name just a few. In fact, Disney’s Animal Nutrition Center has served as a model kitchen for a number of other AZA-accredited facilities who have adopted many of the nutritional diets developed specifically for the animals here at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
    Today, 45 animals that have been at Disney’s Animal Kingdom since opening day or before still reside at the park.
    The Disney Conservation Fund
    Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the Disney Conservation Fund are deeply rooted in Walt Disney’s passion and the respect he displayed for animals and nature throughout his life. Together, they are engaged in research and conservation efforts involving at-risk animal populations and species.
    Through the generous support of Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests, the Disney Conservation Fund has worked with leading conservation organizations around the world to stabilize and increase populations of at-risk animals, including butterflies, corals, monkeys and sea turtles. Since its creation in 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed $125 million and the expertise of dedicated Disney teams to support organizations working with communities to save wildlife, inspire action and protect the planet.
    For more information on how Disney cares for animals and helps protect species in the wild, visit DisneyAnimals.com. And seasons one and two of “Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom,” streaming on Disney+, give viewers unprecedented access to some of the most rare and beautiful creatures on the planet and a chance to meet the animal care experts who have formed remarkable bonds with the park’s thousands of animals.
    Guests can visit DisneyWorld.com/AnimalKingdom for more information about planning their visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

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