Eliana Willis

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    GET PAID TO IDENTIFY THE WORLD’S BEST DESTINATIONS FOR VARIETY CRUISES

    Variety Cruises, the leading boutique small ship cruise company is pleased to announce a dream job opening. The title is Product Development Manager, but the role may best be described as intrepid scout, professional traveler, and vacation dream weaver.The successful candidate will scout the best-kept secrets in each destination the company visits (and beyond). In this role, your mandate would be to create immersive travel experiences for guests while honoring Variety Cruises’ commitment to sustainability and to improving the lives of the communities visited. The position is pivotal to the company’s mission to create A Better World At Sea, upholding the pillars of the Variety Cares Foundation, which focuses on promoting clean oceans, gender equality, and education for all.
    While the Product Development Manager will sometimes WFS (that’s Work From Ship), this role is based in Athens, Greece—a cosmopolitan mecca for digital nomads, creative expats, and locals living their best lives. Reporting to the Commercial Director, the successful candidate will be responsible for researching, managing, and developing the product offerings of Variety Cruises, which has been in operation since 1949. The position involves working closely with Marketing and Operations Departments to ensure product success and market growth, along with educating and training staff on cruise programs, offerings, and destinations.
    As a vital member of the Variety Cruises crew, the Product Development Manager will liaise with captains, operations, and technical departments to develop itineraries, map out destinations, and create and update copy describing the itinerary and programming. An exciting balance between beaches and business, the role also involves presenting short-term and long-term product sales forecasts and special reports and analyses to Variety Cruises Management.
    To qualify for this exceptional opportunity, the ideal candidate should hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing/Hospitality Management, at least three years’ experience in Product Development and/or Travel Hospitality, and an excellent knowledge of the English language, both written and verbal. Strong computer and social skills, geographical knowledge, and an adventurous spirit are also necessary; we’re seeking a team player and a born explorer.
    Variety Cruises offers a friendly, energetic working environment with continuous training, and professional development. And while the position comes with standard benefits, such as medical insurance, it offers the added perk of a free vacation (including an extra week of paid leave) on an annual cruise, so you can experience an itinerary as a client.ADVERTISEMENT“We are thrilled to offer this exciting role to a talented and passionate individual who shares our vision of creating A Better World At Sea,” said Filippos Venetopoulos, CEO of Variety Cruises. “We look forward to welcoming the successful candidate to our Family at Sea and working together to provide authentic, sustainable, life-enriching small ship adventures.”
    For more information and to apply, please visit the Variety Cruises website or send your resume and cover letter to [email protected]

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    SIA GROUP POSTS HIGHEST NET PROFIT IN ITS 76-YEAR HISTORY More

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    Record-Beaking Demand Expected for Peak Summer Travel Season, Says IATA

    High levels of confidence have been noted among passengers for the peak Northern summer travel holiday season, based on the recent report of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).The survey, in which participated a total of 4,700 travellers from 11 countries,  noted that the demand corresponds with the first quarter of this year’s forward bookings data for May-September, which is tracking at 35 per cent above the figures registered last year, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
    According to the study, 79 per cent of passengers surveyed stressed they were planning a trip in the June-August 2023 period, while a total of 85 per cent of participants said that peak travel season disruptions should not be a surprise, and 80 per cent said they expected smooth travel with post-pandemic issues having been resolved.
    According to forward bookings data, the most significant increase will be expected in:
    Asia Pacific region (134.7 per cent)Middle East (42.9 per cent)Europe (39.9 per cent)Africa (36.4 per cent)Latin America (21.4 per cent)North America (14.1 per cent)
    ADVERTISEMENTIATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety and Security, Nick Careen, said that expectations are high for this year’s peak Northern summer travel season. He admitted that some disruptions could occur, adding that there is a clear expectation that the ramping-up issues experienced at some significant hub airports last year will have been resolved.
    “In order to meet strong demand, airlines are planning schedules based on the capacity that airports, border control, ground handlers, and air navigation service providers have declared. Over the next months, all industry players now need to deliver,” Careen pointed out in this regard.
    He considered that sufficient staffing, as well as collaboration and accurate information sharing, are important to diminish operational disruptions as well as their impact on travellers. Careen said that the key is ensuring that the capacities which have been scheduled and declared are available.
    “A lot of work has gone into preparing for the peak Northern summer travel season,” he added.
    According to the association, among the main causes of concern is labour unrest, particularly in France.
    The travel and tourism industry has marked significant improvement recently, thus recovering from the devastating situation caused by the Coronavirus and its new variants, following COVID-related restrictions that were kept in place for many months in order to contain the virus’s further spread.
    Recently, the figures of IATA showed that European carriers registered a 38.5 per cent traffic increase in March this year, compared to the figures for the same period last year.source: SchengenVisaInfo.com

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    Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas Launches Idyllic Wellness Packages More

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    Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas Launches Idyllic Wellness Packages

    Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas is excited to announce the launch of its new personalised wellness packages on the pristine shores of their tropical paradise island. Guests can choose a tailored five- or seven-night package that includes healing treatments, wellbeing classes, organic nutritional fine-dining and nature-based adventures, all curated by the resorts fully trained wellness consultants around individual needs.
    Already a pioneering wellness retreat, Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas location lends itself to inner wellbeing and relaxation, nestled on the white sand shores of the stunning Indian Ocean Island surrounded by nature, with lush tropical vegetation and a coastal breeze.
    The wellness journey begins from the moment guests arrive, with a stress-free approach adopted by the resort to ensure all needs and goals are taken care of, including the coordination of daily schedules, treatment preferences and culinary desires. Through a relaxed consultation on arrival, trained planners assess individual needs to carefully craft bespoke programmes. Every activity and reservation is then arranged so all guests need to do is sit back and relax in the expert hands of Anantara’s well-being team.
    The new packages include a variety of treatments from across the globe from the new Anantara Spa menu, with Ayurvedic healing techniques to enhance energy and release tension, traditional Hamman rituals that remove toxins and boost immunity and Reiki sessions that take you on a guided journey to restore balance and energy. For the ultimate relaxation and de-stress, Thai, Balinese and Hawaiian inspired signature massages and treatments are incorporated to ensure mind, body and soul are aligned.
    Nutrition is an integral part of the wellness journey at Anantara Iko Mauritius with sumptuous healthy cuisine included across all a la carte menus in the resort’s gourmet dining outlets. These include Horizon, where international favourites are served overlooking the beautiful Blue Bay Marine Park, Indian cuisine at Zafran and the exclusive Sea.Fire.Salt sumptuous seafood grill. Find complete nourishment in the healthy eating oasis of Bon Manzer vegan restaurant where natural ingredients blend to create dishes filled with both flavour and goodness. For truly exceptional dining experiences guests can capture perfect moments with Anantara’s customisable Dining by Design concept.ADVERTISEMENTThe new packages at the pristine beachfront resort expand beyond the extensive menu of expert treatments, nutritionally curated cuisine and healing spa rituals, to a wide range therapies, classes and adventurous excursions to complete the wellness journey. From detox beverage classes, physiotherapy and mindfulness sessions, and emotional healing provided by experienced professionals to circuit training on the beach, and even horse-riding adventures. Group sessions of yoga, meditation and Tai Chi are included, regardless of the package, as are bike tours and power walks through the landscaped gardens and nearby fragrant forest.
    Learn new skills and stimulate the mind with cooking, painting, or mixology classes. Find inspiration on hiking, biking, or cultural tours. Encourage the body to heal and strengthen with naturopathic remedies and osteopathic techniques built on combinations of exercise, diet, and manipulative therapies from massage to acupressure and reflexology. Unearth your true self with a complete wellness journey at Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort and Villas.
    “At Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas we are blessed to have our home on the shore of an unspoiled island paradise and excited for every guest to enjoy the well-being opportunities that locations like ours create. Through our extensive wellness packages and luxurious spa, we look forward to providing every visitor with not only incredible holiday memories but with an inner calm and revitalised energy that will last long after they return home,” – Rebecca Mallie, Spa Manager, Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas.
    At the heart of all Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas wellness packages is Anantara Spa. This haven for luxury delivers a comprehensive menu of treatments from body and facial scrubs to signature massage experiences with carefully created pampering for everyone including couples, mothers-to-be, and even children.
    To speak with the Anantara team about your Wellness Package or stay, please contact [email protected]

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    Aromatic Altitudes – The Art of Tea with Emirates More

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    Colombia Ranked First (Once Again!) at The Global Big Day Competition

    Colombia —the second most biodiverse country in the world— has 1,966 bird species, 20% of the world’s total, and way more than other countries such as Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, India, and Indonesia.A few days ago, the largest birding event organized by Cornell’s University Ornithology Lab occurred, reuniting scientific and amateur birdwatching communities worldwide. This contest proved, once more, why Colombia is the #1 country in bird diversity on the planet.
    The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), emphasizes that participating in this event contributes to conserving Colombia’s biodiversity and strengthening regenerative nature tourism. Julian Guerrero, Chief of the Party of Destino Naturaleza at USAID, said: “Global Big Day is a powerful citizen science tool that allows us to position Colombia and its territories as a world-class nature destination.”
    The regions reporting the most significant number of bird species are Antioquia, Meta, Valle del Cauca, Cundinamarca, and Caldas. So, attention nature fans, as these destinations are perfect for the incoming birdwatchers seeking the ultimate experience.
    “Our natural wealth means great opportunities to continue promoting our country as an ideal destination for birdwatching, a product that meets the sustainability parameters to ensure the conservation of the species, as well as the livelihoods of the communities that depend on these meaningful activities,” said Carmen Caballero, President of ProColombia. Furthermore, birdwatching promotes environmental justice through the conservation of the ecosystems; thus, this tourism type brings awareness to travelers on the protection of habitats.
    Currently, Americans are the largest number of international travelers arriving in Colombia, making this country the ultimate destination of US travelers in South America; as of today, 11 cities in the US are directly connected to 8 cities across the Colombian territory, and there are 301 air frequencies with over 52,000 seats available per week.ADVERTISEMENT“Having earned this recognition seems like the perfect opportunity to invite Americans and travelers from across the globe, to visit Colombia and see by themselves the immense biodiversity and beauty of our territories,” concluded Caballero.
    For more information about Colombia, please visit https://birds.colombia.travel/en

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    Opening in 2023: Apes Hill Barbados Resort and Community

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    Grand Re-Opening of Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel More

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    Opening in 2023: Apes Hill Barbados Resort and Community

    Apes Hill Barbados, a naturally luxurious golf resort and community, is opening for villa rental stays from winter 2023. The resort will be both a hub for golf enthusiasts and for those seeking the ultimate laid-back luxury lifestyle in a truly remarkable setting, whether that be embracing outdoor pursuits such as trekking or cycling, simply lazing by the pool, or seeking ultimate zen in the resort spa.
    Located in the breezy Apes Hill St James, the resort is 1,000ft above sea level on the most easterly island in the Caribbean Archipelago, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea both of which can be seen from the elevated terrain or vistas at Apes Hill. This makes the flagship 18 Hole Championship Golf Course, which opened to members in November 2022, the most elevated course in Barbados, allowing for glorious views at holes 12-15 of not only the Scotland District but also spectacular scenes of the aquamarine Atlantic Ocean.
    The resort is committed to providing the ultimate Caribbean authentic luxury lifestyle to its members and guests but also ensuring this is done with sustainability at the forefront of the agenda. Apes Hill is fully independent of Barbados’ water supply for the golf course and landscaping, achieved through harvesting rainwater from rooves, roads, and open spaces to be collected in the property’s reservoir.

    The grass used throughout the golf course and amenities is drought resistant resulting in low water consumption. Woven around the golf course is thousands of fruit trees, palm trees, banana trees, breadfruit trees, soursop, cherry trees, even coffee trees, with the goal to use as much local produce as possible to reduce food miles. Apes Hill Barbados strives to reduce its environmental impact wherever possible. ADVERTISEMENTApes Hill Barbados boasts fully furnished villas and homes that blend neatly into the timeless landscape of one of the most beautiful terrains in Barbados, available for purchase or holiday rental, homeowners and resort guests alike have full access to the resort’s amenities such as the golf courses, clubhouse, driving range, racquet centre with padel courts and tiger turf tennis courts, nature trails and spa facilities. 

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    Abu Dhabi and Miral Sign MoU to enhance marine conservation and research through Yas SeaWorld®

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    Colombia Ranked First (Once Again!) at The Global Big Day Competition More

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    Abu Dhabi and Miral Sign MoU to enhance marine conservation and research through Yas SeaWorld®

    The Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi (EAD), the largest environmental regulator in the Middle East and Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences and, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today with Miral to collaborate with Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue on marine conservation, research initiatives and marine wildlife rescue efforts in the region. The largest dedicated marine research, rescue, rehabilitation and return center in the region, Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue serves as an integrated and advanced marine science knowledge hub and a key contributor to marine life conservation in the UAE and the wider region.
    Through this partnership, EAD and Miral, through Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue will collaborate across multiple areas including response to marine wildlife incidents and rescues and the rehabilitation of rescued marine animals and the safe return to their natural habitat. The two partners will also work closely to enhance education around marine life conservation through capacity building as well as outreach programs aimed at the general public. The center, located adjacent to the upcoming Marine-Life Theme Park SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, joins a network of three facilities established across the US and aims to build on SeaWorld’s legacy of almost 60 years of marine animal care, rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation with over 40,000 rescues to date.
    Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, HE Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, said: “This collaboration with Miral and Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue is a significant step forward in our mission to protect and preserve the marine ecosystems of Abu Dhabi and the entire UAE. By joining forces, we endeavor to improve the treatment of rescued wildlife, expand ecological research, and better understand environmental threats. It will also enhance the success of conservation efforts led by the EAD, ultimately benefiting the region’s marine wildlife, habitats, and ecosystems. We believe this partnership is of paramount importance for the future of conservation in the country, as it will support our ambitions to inspire and nurture the next generation of marine life scientists in the UAE.”
    Miral Group CEO, Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, said: “We are honored to announce our partnership with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi. This collaboration with Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue is a testament to our shared commitment to protecting the UAE and region’s marine life, while pushing the limits of science and conservation to create a truly unparalleled knowledge hub. Abu Dhabi and the UAE have a rich maritime heritage and it is our responsibility to preserve this legacy for the years to come and forge a sustainable future for those who will inherit the earth from us. Our partnership with EAD is a significant milestone in this journey and we are committed to working closely to promote sustainable practices, advance research and rescue efforts and foster greater public understanding around the importance of conserving our oceans.”
    The collaboration will see Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue join EAD’s established Wildlife Stranding Network, facilitating marine wildlife rescue efforts in Abu Dhabi and other emirates. In addition to facilitating satellite tagging, the network encourages collaboration among various partners in Abu Dhabi, and more broadly, seeks to enhance coordinated efforts across the emirates and the extended region. While EAD will assist in facilitating necessary permits required for research and rescue activities, the center will offer state-of-the-art rescue vessels, housing, and treatment of rescued species at its facility. These efforts, as well as a high level of expertise in animal care, will support the rescue and rehabilitation capacity of Abu Dhabi.ADVERTISEMENTThe partnership will also serve as a driving force towards increasing awareness and appreciation of the unique characteristics of the Arabian Gulf and its diverse marine ecosystems. Additionally, the collaboration will prioritize the development of skills among national cadres to create and implement policies aimed at protecting the region’s marine wildlife. The MoU will also set out a roadmap where the center will serve as a knowledge hub, collaborating with EAD to develop educational content seeking to enhance public awareness around marine conservation. The two partners will also develop joint research initiatives to better understand the ecosystem values of sensitive nearshore habitats such as seagrass. Working with students in related fields, EAD and Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue will also provide internship opportunities to nurture the development of aspiring marine scientists.
    Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue are committed to helping any marine animal in need or at risk. Members of the public are encouraged to call the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) via Abu Dhabi Government Call Center 800 555 to report any animals who may be injured or in danger.
    Yas Island and its world-class theme parks, experiences and attractions were recognised with seven awards in the globally renowned World Travel Awards in 2022. In addition to scooping the accolade of World’s Leading Theme Park Destination 2022, Yas Island received the flagship Middle East’s Leading Tourism Development award for the fourth consecutive year, testament to the global reputation Yas Island has as a leisure and entertainment hub.

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    TAP win the quadruple at the Freddie Awards 2023

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    Nova Maldives is making a difference on World Ocean Day

    The Maldives’ bright new star, Nova, is delighted to unleash a shoal of eco-inspired activities and events in celebration of World Ocean Day 2023. 
    The soulful island’s agenda will foster interest and awareness for guests and team members, from fascinating talk about marine life, to a series of sustainable initiatives. The celebration will start with a lagoon and house reef clean-up around the natural island to collect any plastic and debris for recycling. Guests will be invited into Nova’s coral adoption program to learn about the importance of coral reef restoration and rehabilitation, as well as the environmental threats facing the tropical archipelago. They will have the opportunity to plant corals around the reef and even to adopt one. 
    An awareness-raising session will also follow, where the Co-founder of Miyaru, Hamna Hussain will provide insight about the new non-profit organisation working at the intersection of humans and sharks. The Miyaru program is dedicated to the research and conservation of the understudied, predatory shark populations of the Maldives. Hamna will highlight environmental issues they face, along with captivating facts about the Maldives diverse ecosystem and its vibrant underwater world. 
    Located in the South Ari Atoll, a world-renowned whale shark and manta ray hotspot, Nova will take guests on an eco-conscious whale shark excursion, where they will have the chance to swim alongside them and to learn more about the majestic gentle giants’ dynamics, and protecting and preserving them. Moreover, guests will be invited to join the ocean art competition, conducted by local talented artist, where they can unleash their creativity with their own depiction of the awe-inspiring beauty of the Maldivian marine life. Finally, guests can compete in a quiz to nurture their knowledge on the ocean life, with a prize awaiting the winner.
    Through commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible tourism, Nova is taking on the responsibility of safeguarding the astounding beauty for generations to come. Nova’s promise to ever-improve its efforts to reduce its environmental footprint, and use mindfulness to keep sustainability at the core of everything the soulful island does.  ADVERTISEMENTFor more information, visit www.nova-maldives.com.

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    UNWTO Identifies Priorities for Boosting Rural Tourism Potential More

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    UNWTO Identifies Priorities for Boosting Rural Tourism Potential

    UNWTO has launched a new report to determine the status of rural tourism in its Member States and identify the main challenges and opportunities for tourism as a driver for rural development from a policy perspective.
    “Tourism and Rural Development: A Policy Perspective – Results of the UNWTO Survey on Tourism for Rural Development to Member States” represents the first baseline document of UNWTO on tourism and rural development undertaken with the participation of Member States worldwide. 
    Key Findings: Rural Tourism for Opportunity
    More than half of all Member States (59%) stated that rural tourism is a priorityAlmost all Member States (96%) foresee a better future for rural tourism in the upcoming yearsThe creation of new jobs, improvement of livelihoods and fighting depopulation were the most frequently-cited opportunities offered by tourism for rural areasMember States also identified the conservation and promotion of cultural heritage and environmental protection as among the biggest potential benefits of rural tourism
    Main Challenges in Rural Areas ADVERTISEMENTThe UNWTO research also identified three main challenges associated with realizing the potential of tourism for rural development:
    The “infrastructure gap” in rural areas: Deficiencies in roads, ports, airports and other infrastructure that allow access to rural areas remain a challenge for the surveyed countries.  Rural depopulation: Seasonality and product competitiveness add to this challenge, increasing the instability of rural businesses, which prevents the retention of population and human resources.The lack of education and training, as well as skills development, in addition to the capacity to attract and retain workforce talent. 
    Other challenges include limitations in accessing financial systems, restrictions in the development of innovative tourism products in rural areas, managing the impacts of degradation of natural resources, and limitations in handling data, digitalization, and knowledge management.
    UNWTO: Advancing Tourism for the SDGs
    In terms of how tourism can help in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UNWTO Member States emphasized the potential of rural tourism for advancing SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 11 (Sustainable cities and communities) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
    The report was launched during the 118th Session of the UNWTO Executive Council in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.  It forms part of the work of UNWTO’s Tourism for Rural Development Programme, established to develop initiatives and programmes to grow the sector in size and relevance as well as to monitor it in destinations worldwide.

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    Etihad Rail aims to bring luxury railway service to UAE to boost tourism

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    Nova Maldives is making a difference on World Ocean Day More