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    Climb to New Heights at Changi Airport’s Newest Attraction: Climb@T3

    A new sport climbing attraction will open in Changi Airport as part of Changi Airport Group (CAG)’s continuous effort to enhance the experience for passengers and visitors.[email protected], managed by The Rock School (TRS) Singapore, will be located at Terminal 3 Basement 3. It will feature an 8-metre-high rock-climbing wall as well as a 12-metre-long boulder wall. The family-friendly facility will have both guided and free-and-easy programmes for climbers of varying skill levels, from as young as two years of age to adult enthusiasts.
    Ms Phau Hui Hoon, General Manager of Landside Concessions at CAG said, “At Changi Airport, we’re constantly looking for ways to delight our visitors and inject excitement into our offerings. [email protected] is the latest addition to Changi Airport’s suite of leisure and entertainment offerings and will offer a fun and challenging experience to our passengers and visitors. We hope both new and experienced climbers will enjoy scaling new heights with us.”
    Mr Chong Zedong, Managing Director of The Rock School, said, “The Rock School is excited to partner CAG in this initiative because we believe that with our 15 years of experience, [email protected], as a family-friendly facility, will be able to add to Changi Airport’s value-proposition of being a world-class icon and destination in itself.”
    State-of-the-art climbing facilities
    [email protected]’s star attraction is the 8-metre High Wall, spanning Basements 2 and 3. Constructed by the official wall provider for the 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games, the wall’s nine lanes are each equipped with state-of-the-art auto belay systems, which allow families and friends to climb together even if they do not know how to belay. Climbers can challenge themselves with over 20 different climbing routes to pick from. In time to come, this will go up to about 30 routes, with each ranging in difficulty from beginner to intermediate levels.ADVERTISEMENTAlso available is the 12-metre-long, 2.5-metre-high Boulder Wall, open for use by all climbers but built primarily for younger and budding climbers to hone their skills and build their confidence before they move on to the High Wall.
    Programmes for every type of climber
    Climbers aged two and above who prefer a free and easy climbing session of up to two hours can opt for the ‘Climb and Play (Unguided)’ programme. Children aged 12 and below must be accompanied by an adult. Those who prefer more guidance can opt for the ‘Climb and Play (Guided)’ programme, where experienced instructors will spend an hour showing participants the ropes at the High Wall.
    The Rock Tots programme, designed for children aged two to six, is filled with activities and games aimed at helping children get comfortable with climbing and learn new movement types in a fun and age-appropriate way. This fortnightly one-hour Boulder Wall-only programme will progressively challenge children both mentally and physically and is a great way of building parent-child rapport.
    Programmes for those with special needs are also available on an ad-hoc basis, and will be led by specially-trained staff. More programmes, including TRS’ popular Step Up! Coaching Programme for children that employs a sustainable coaching pedagogy developed by sports science and youth development professionals, will be added to the line-up in the future.
    While visitors are welcome to bring their own gear, [email protected] also offers climbing harnesses and shoes for rent. Programme bookings can be made at www.climbt3.sg.
    Opening promotions
    Opening promotions include Early Bird pricing of up to 30% off all packages purchased from 28 February to 10 March, and promotional pricing of up to 10% off from 11 March until further notice. Both Early Bird and promotional packages include complimentary equipment rental. Bookings can be made from 2 March onwards.
    Once open, [email protected] will operate from 12:00pm to 9:30pm on Mondays to Fridays. On weekends and public holidays, the facility will open from 10:00am to 9:30pm, with regular coaching classes conducted between 10:00am to 12:00pm, and unguided and guided programmes commencing from 12:00pm onwards.

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    MORE CHOICE: BRITISH AIRWAYS HOLIDAYS CUSTOMERS CAN NOW PAY WITH AVIOS WHEN BOOKING HOLIDAYS

    British Airways Executive Club Members now have more choice than ever when it comes to using their Avios, with the new option to redeem them towards the cost of a British Airways Holidays booking.Customers choosing a flight and hotel and/or car package with British Airways Holidays, can now use Avios towards the total price of a holiday when making their booking. After selecting their preferred package, customers will be able to pick one of up to nine different Avios payment options at check out, allowing them to choose the amount of cash and Avios they wish to spend, with the cash amount starting from as little as £1, subject to holding a qualifying Avios balance. Examples include:
    Return flights and two nights’ accommodation in Barcelona from £1 + 67,650 Avios for two people sharing (50p + 33,825 per person)**Return flights and three nights’ accommodation in New York from £1 + 246,275 Avios for two people sharing (50p + 123,188 Avios per person)**Alternatively, customers can secure their holiday with a deposit just using Avios, paying any remaining balance with cash in as many or few instalments as they like, provided the balance is paid off in full four or five* weeks before travel for short haul trips or seven weeks for long-haul.
    British Airways Executive Club Members will also continue to earn Double Tier points with British Airways Holidays. To qualify they need to book flights and hotel, or flights and car hire, for five nights or more and travel before 31 December 2023. This includes solo travellers and any holidays already booked.
    There are a number of ways for customers to collect Avios to spend on holidays, including spending on the British Airways American Express Credit Card, travelling with Uber, converting Nectar points and shopping on the British Airways Avios eStore. With more than 1,500 outlets to select from, savvy shoppers can earn Avios from any purchase that they make when visiting www.shopping.ba.com.
    Claire Bentley, Managing Director of British Airways Holidays, said: “Now more than ever we want to give as many options as possible when it comes to booking that much needed holiday, so we are really excited to offer our Executive Club Members the ability to spend Avios on a package with British Airways Holidays.ADVERTISEMENT“When people book with us, they can do so knowing that we take their holiday seriously. As well as a wide range of holidays to suit all travellers and budgets, we have a dedicated helpline available to customers at any point during their holiday, so they can switch off and relax knowing that they are in safe hands.”
    In addition to packages with British Airways Holidays, British Airways Executive Club Members can use Avios to pay, or part pay for flights, as well as seat selection, upgrades and on board food and drink.
    Elsewhere, after much feedback from customers, British Airways recently rolled out its Reward Flight Saver to 100 per cent of its network. This proposition allows customers to purchase a Reward Seat at a low flat fee, plus a fixed Avios amount. Members can travel to and from Europe from as little as £1 plus 18,500 Avios, or to a long-haul destination, such as New York, from £100 plus 50,000 Avios.

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    Radisson Resort & Spa Hua Hin opens its doors on Thailand’s gulf coast

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    GEORGIA’S PRIME MINISTER IRAKLI GARIASHVILI TO OPEN ITB BERLIN 2023

    Official opening ceremony on 6 March 2023 with leading names in politics and tourism – Georgia, the Host Country of ITB Berlin, will kick off the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show with a spectacular show program of traditional dance and music performances.
    A high-profile lineup for the festive opening gala of the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show: Georgian Prime Minister H.E. Irakli Gariashvili will ceremoniously open ITB Berlin 2023 with a brilliant show of traditional Georgian dances and music. The opening ceremony, hosted by ITB Berlin and this year’s Host Country, will take place on the eve of the first day of the trade show, March 6, 2023, at 6 p.m. in the CityCube Berlin for invited guests.
    Dr. Robert Habeck, Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Berlin’s Governing Mayor Franziska Giffey and Dirk Hoffmann, Managing Director of Messe Berlin, will welcome invited guests from all over the world to this year’s ITB Berlin. Other well-known representatives of the travel industry have also announced their attendance: Julia Simpson, President & CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), and Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
    Under the heading “Infinite Georgian culture – from the beginnings of viniculture to modern avant-garde art”, an impressive journey through the cultural and ethnic diversity of the country in the Caucasus awaits the audience. The official opening show includes a conceptual and contemporary performance of masterpieces of Georgian performing arts from various genres: from ethno jazz and classical music to part-singing and electronic music, as well as performances by the world-famous Sukhishvili Georgian National Ballet. Divided into six acts, in addition to ballet dancers showcasing the diversity of Georgia on stage, the Rustavi Ensemble will present traditional Georgian polyphony and impress with its unique Georgian style of polyphonic singing. The audience can also look forward to the artistic director and chief conductor of the Georgian Philharmonic Orchestra Nikoloz Rachveli, the internationally renowned opera soprano Nino Machaidze, and the Georgian pianist Dudana Mazmanishvili, who is causing a sensation on the world’s stages with her lyrical talent and extraordinary virtuosity. Other notable artists will include the Georgian violinist Liza Batiashvili, the Georgian composer and musician Dato Evgenidze, and Nika Machaidze, a musician, filmmaker and artist. He produces a form of electronic music (IDM) that uses breakbeat rhythms to create harmonies and melodies that reference Georgian folk music.

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    Royal Jordanian Airlines expands technology agreement with Sabre

    Sabre Corporation, a leading software and technology provider powering the global travel industry, and Royal Jordanian Airlines, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Jordan, announced the renewal and expansion of a long-term distribution and technology agreement to continue to distribute the carrier’s content through Sabre’s global distribution system (GDS) and to utilize Sabre’s leading technology to achieve its strategic goals.
    Under the expanded agreement, Royal Jordanian will continue distributing its content to the large network of travel agents and corporations worldwide connected to Sabre’s GDS. Furthermore, the airline will be deploying a set of Sabre leading technology including Sabre’s Dynamic availability and Fares Manager and Fares Optimizer. The adoption of these products can help Royal Jordanian Airlines move toward a more flexible and modern environment, while supporting its growth.
    “We have ambitious plans to double our fleet and operations within the coming 3-5 years and to position Royal Jordanian as the carrier of choice connecting Jordan and Levant with the world,” said Karim Makhlouf, chief commercial officer, Royal Jordanian.  “Our extended technology partnership with Sabre will help us deploy the most robust and advanced technology to enable our growth plans, help us drive profitability and improve our efficiency while staying on top of today’s ever-changing airline landscape. We are excited to continue partnering with Sabre at this exciting time.”
    Dynamic Availability empowers airlines to gain better control of their pricing position by leveraging shopping data, automating fare changes, and enabling dynamic pricing capabilities to generate recommendations that help drive incremental revenue opportunities. Fares Manager and Fares Optimizer, on the other hand, brings integrated end-to-end automation and intelligence to airline pricing to increase analyst productivity and improve revenue opportunities.
    “As a key building block for personalized retailing, our dynamic pricing engine enables airlines to optimize availability at scale and unlock greater value by maximizing revenue,” said Darren Rickey, senior vice president, airline sales, Sabre Travel Solutions. ” We are thrilled to expand our long-standing relationship with Royal Jordanian, one of the forward-thinking airlines in the Middle East region and help them deploy some of the industry-leading technology that brings broader possibilities and insightful information about their guests, so they can remain competitive and succeed in this ever-evolving industry.”ADVERTISEMENTSabre provides technology and consultancy services to more than 225 airlines, including most of the world’s largest carriers. Sabre’s broad suite of flexible and scalable software solutions allows airlines to operate how they want to and adapt their business to changing needs and requirements.  Most of the world’s largest carriers already use Sabre’s technology to address their biggest challenges – increasing revenue, minimizing costs and providing an enhanced travel experience.

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    ITB 2023: the EU’s green tourism pioneer paves the way in sustainability

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    ITB 2023: the EU’s green tourism pioneer paves the way in sustainability

    2023 European Destination of Excellence (EDEN) Kranj (Slovenia) is participating in ITB Berlin 2023. Representatives from the destination will be at the European Capital of Smart Tourism stand (Hall 20, stand 303).Kranj is setting the standard in a form of tourism that is good for the environment and benefits the local community. This means implementing tourism measures that are reducing carbon footprints, while at the same time, empowering communities to get the most out of their local tourism industry. Leading sustainable tourism practices in Kranj include:
    The Green Team: a team dedicated to lowering the carbon footprint across Kranj. The team is made up of 21 members from different local authority institutions. It collects data, sets targets and organises workshops with local businesses and tourism industry representatives, to make sure those targets are met.The SOS Info Centre Proteus: the tunnels underneath Kranj old town are home to a rare species of olm. A local laboratory, in partnership with town authorities, have been researching and protecting these amphibious creatures for decades. The centre is taking this a step further, by informing visitors and locals about the endangered species, as well as the importance of the groundwater in which they live; a vital source of drinking water for the entire Slovenian population.To secure a one-on-one meeting a representative from Kranj, you can book an appointment here.
    The European Destinations of Excellence is an EU initiative, implemented by the European Commission. Its aim is to recognise and reward smaller destinations that have put in place successful strategies to boost sustainable tourism through green transition practices. The competition is founded upon the principle of promoting the development of sustainable tourism in destinations which brings value to the economy, the planet and people.
    For all the latest news visit the European Destinations of Excellence website. https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/sectors/tourism/eden_en

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    2023 European Capitals of Smart Tourism at ITB Berlin

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    2023 European Capitals of Smart Tourism at ITB Berlin

    2023 European Capitals of Smart Tourism Pafos (Cyprus) and Seville (Spain) are participating in ITB Berlin 2023. Representatives from the two cities will be at the European Capital of Smart Tourism stand (Hall 20, stand 303).The two cities are setting the standard in a form of tourism that is accessible, digital, sustainable and creative. For tourists, this means better experiences, for locals, it means they can make the most out of their city, as well as better jobs, and, for the environment, it means a greener future.
    Some of the leading practices from the two cities include:
    Pafos:
    Visitors can take a deep dive into the city’s history thanks to the Pafos UNESCO Archaeological park app and smart signs. These tools provide a personalised and enhanced digital guide to the destination. The app is available in several languages, includes interactive content, videos and photo galleries for each location, as well as 360 tours.The Pafos Smart Parking System uses state-of-the-art technology to provide real-time information on available parking spaces, making it easy for citizens and visitors to find a spot quickly and easily. This means fuel and time are no longer wasted, whilst looking for a space.Seville:
    The city is seeking to furnish harmony between residents and visitors. One way of doing this is to manage the flow of people in congested areas. To do this, the city’s smart tourism office has set up a network of sensors, including AI cameras, Wi-Fi tracking and triangulation of operator signals. The data collected from these sensors is fed into a tool that will enable the correct redistribution of tourist flows towards areas of the city where congestion is lower, taking into consideration other tourist attractions that the city wishes to promote.Celebrations and festivals are being made fully accessible thanks to the SEVILLE ACCESSIBLE app. This tool entails integrated maps and routes, as well as noiseless schedules. It also points towards the most accessible attractions, suitable for people of all abilities.The European Capital of Smart Tourism is an EU initiative that aims to promote smart tourism in the EU by rewarding cities for their pioneering smart tourism approaches in accessibility, digitalisation, sustainability, and cultural heritage and creativity. Built on the successful experience of a preparatory action proposed by the European Parliament, the initiative seeks to foster innovative, sustainable, and inclusive tourism development, as well as spread and facilitate the exchange of best practices.ADVERTISEMENTFor the latest updates on the European Capital of Smart Tourism, follow us on our website, Facebook, or Twitter, and subscribe to our Podcast series.

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    SeaWorld Conservation Fund Celebrates 20 Years of Marine Animal Conservation

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    SeaWorld Conservation Fund Celebrates 20 Years of Marine Animal Conservation

    Celebrating 20 years of marine animal conservation grants, the SeaWorld Conservation Fund announced 22 new grants made in 2022 to support third party research, rescue, and conservation programs to protect marine animals and their habitats.arious marine animal species directly benefiting from these 2022 grants include coral reefs, dolphins, manatees, penguins, seals, seabirds, sea turtles and whales. This year the Fund is celebrating its 20th anniversary, created as a nonprofit foundation in 2003. To date the SeaWorld Conservation Fund has provided more than $20 million in grants to 1,391 organizations across all seven continents.
    Dr. Chris Dold, President of the SeaWorld Conservation Fund and Chief Zoological Officer of SeaWorld said, “We are committed to advancing animal conservation and preserving wildlife species and their natural habitats across the globe. Protecting wildlife is no small mission and requires the teamwork and support of countless organizations focused on animal rescue and rehabilitation, conservation education, habitat protection and species research. We are proud to be able to provide financial support that helps these organizations continue the work imperative to our common goal of wildlife conservation.”
    Supporting Fellow Rescue and Rehabilitation Organizations
    SeaWorld is one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world. It has come to the aid of more than 40,000 sick, injured, orphaned, and stranded marine animals, always with the goal of rehabilitating and returning healthy animals back to their native environment. The SeaWorld Conservation Fund honors this mission by supporting other organizations that share the same goal. 
    In 2022, a grant was made to the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network (TMMSN) to create increased capacity for marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation in the state of Texas. Of their grant, Heidi Whitehead, Executive Director at Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network said, “Generous donations from organizations such as the SeaWorld Conservation Fund allow us to provide a coordinated response to marine mammal strandings along the Texas coastline and continue our important mission of marine mammal conservation. We are very grateful for their support and are honored to be their partner in the mission to protect marine animals.”ADVERTISEMENTOther 2022 grant recipient organizations with a focus in species rescue and rehabilitation include:
    Coral Restoration Foundation for international coral reef restoration efforts which are carried out by a collaborative team of staff, interns and countless volunteers.Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) for the conservation of southern African seabirds and their marine environment.Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Association (ARCAS) for protecting the most important sea turtle nesting beaches and mangrove wetlands of the Pacific coast of Guatemala.Advancing Scientific Research that Leads to the Preservation of Species and their Habitats
    The SeaWorld Conservation Fund supports organizations whose species research leads to healthier and more biodiverse populations in the future. One 2022 grant recipient was the Norwegian Orca Survey for the ‘Keeping up with Norwegian Orcas’ program which continues a long running photo identification and DNA study of killer whales throughout Norway.
    “Killer Whales are a vital species to our environment and through the generous funds from SeaWorld, we have been able to improve the knowledge of Norwegian killer whales through researching, monitoring and observing the diversity of individuals’ dietary habits on a long-term basis,” said Dr. Eve Jourdain, Director at Norwegian Orca Survey. “Our research findings have led to the writing of multiple scientific publications which will help revise the protection status and identify human threats to this population. It is critical that we continue this long-term research project so we can achieve to better understand and protect this unique population of killer whales.”
    Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) received its third grant from the SeaWorld Conservation Fund in 2022. Their work focuses on ending lethal fishing gear entanglements by advancing buoyless fishing. Dr. Michael Moore, Senior Scientist at WHOI, said, “Rope entanglements are a serious threat to the survival of many endangered whales and sea turtles. With the help from the SeaWorld Conservation Fund, we have been able to test On Demand gear systems which significantly reduce entanglements and create a safter environment for marine animals.”
    Additional 2022 grant recipient organizations advancing science to protect marine animals include:
    Alaska Sealife Center for research on non–releasable Alaskan ice seals to better understand their behavior patterns.AMPA-Friends of Manatee Association for monitoring an Amazon River dolphin population to watch their behavioral and reproductive patterns.Rising Tide Conservation for advancing sustainability in the marine aquarium industry by funding and promoting marine fish research.The Society for Marine Mammalogy for fostering international partnerships and collaborations to improve the quality of research on marine mammals within the science community.Recipient organizations focused on marine habitat preservation include Restore America’s Estuaries for coastal restoration within the Great Marsh, the largest salt marsh in New England and Tampa Bay Watch for community action and partnership to reduce marine debris in Tampa Bay.
    Emergency Grants to Help Wildlife Organizations Impacted by Hurricane Ian
    In response to the damage caused by Hurricane Ian, the SeaWorld Conservation Fund made emergency grants to 10 Florida zoological and wildlife rescue organizations impacted by the storm. Most organizations that applied for a SeaWorld emergency grant suffered from damaged fences, major flooding, habitat destruction, wind damage and other storm-related issues. More information about the zoological and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation organizations that received emergency grant funding can be found here.https://seaworldentertainment.com/media/press-releases/seaworld-conservation-fund-makes-10-emergency-grants/

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    Serengeti Flyer, the World’s Tallest and Fastest Ride of its Kind, Officially Opens at Busch Gardens

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    Serengeti Flyer, the World’s Tallest and Fastest Ride of its Kind, Officially Opens at Busch Gardens

    Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s newest ride, Serengeti Flyer, is now open for all guests. The park’s latest attraction, which opened today, is the world’s tallest and fastest ride of its kind, providing riders with breathtaking views of the park’s expansive 65-acre Serengeti Plain
    Serengeti Flyer features twin dueling arms that soar progressively higher, reaching speeds of 68 mph, a maximum height of 135 feet at the ride’s peak and the pulse-pounding thrill of multiple negative-G moments. The park’s new thrill features the capability to adjust the ride’s intensity level, giving guests the opportunity for a milder or wilder experience. Serengeti Flyer allows 40 guests to experience the ride at once, seated back-to-back in rows of 10 across two gondolas
    “Thrills are in full swing at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with yet another exciting record-setting ride for our guests to enjoy,” said Neal Thurman, Park President of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. “As the world’s tallest and fastest ride of its kind, Serengeti Flyer joins a world-class portfolio of attractions, offering breathtaking views of the park and a one-of-a-kind experience for all our guests.”
    Annual Passes and Fun Cards Offer the Best Way to PlayBusch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Annual Pass is the best way to enjoy an entire year of thrilling attractions and exciting seasonal events. Categorized in easy-to-use tiers, all options provide guests with unlimited year-round admission and unbeatable benefits like free parking, in-park discounts and monthly rewards starting as low as $15.
    Additionally, those interested in paying for a day and playing all year can take advantage of the current buy-one-get-one Fun Card offer. For a limited time, guests purchasing a Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Fun Card will receive an Adventure Island Fun Card for FREE.ADVERTISEMENTGuests can visit BuschGardensTampa.com to purchase tickets and learn more about the Annual Pass program’s benefits and monthly rewards, the current special offer for the 2023 Fun Card and stay in the know about new events, special deals and future announcements by following Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube and Twitter.

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