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    Aviation Day 2023 Kicks Off in Hong Kong, Gathering Global Industry Leaders

    Aviation Day 2023, a signature conference for the global aviation industry, kicked off in Hong Kong. Co-hosted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), the two-day event held at AsiaWorld Expo was attended by more than 1,000 aviation industry professionals from around the world.
    aul Chan, Financial Secretary of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government; Jack So, Chairman of Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK); Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA; Fred Lam, Chief Executive Officer of AAHK; Wan Xiangdong, Chief Pilot of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC); Lam Sai-hung, Secretary for Transport and Logistics; Victor Liu, Director-General of Civil Aviation of Civil Aviation Department; and airline representatives attended the kick-off ceremony.
    In his welcome address, Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of HKSAR Government said, “The future is bright for Hong Kong as an aviation hub, and this is manifested not just in the sunny economic outlook of the Greater Bay Area, but also a flurry of far-sighted infrastructural developments. The Government, together with the Airport Authority, are transforming our airport into an “Airport City”, under which the HKIA will be developed into a node of various economic activities with aviation as its core business, making our airport a new engine which will propel the growth of Hong Kong and the GBA as a whole. The Government is also striving to establish Hong Kong as an aircraft leasing and services hub by providing tax concessions so as to attract more aircraft leasing companies to come to Hong Kong; and supporting manpower training for the aviation industry as well as welcoming talents from abroad with expertise and experience in the industry to join us.”
    Jack So, Chairman of AAHK, remarked, “It is my great pleasure to welcome industry participants from all over the world to this event. Like the rest of the world, Hong Kong airport has had three difficult years because of the pandemic. We kept our confidence not only in keeping the airport open, but also building for the future with our Three-runway System expansion project. With the expansion, HKIA’s capacity will be increased by 50%, ready to serve up to 120 million passengers and 10 million tonnes of cargo annually.”
    Wan Xiangdong, Chief Pilot of CAAC, also gave the keynote speech of the conference.ADVERTISEMENTAviation Day 2023 features speeches and panel discussions by some of the industry’s top leaders, sharing insight on topics including new opportunities for air travel and air cargo in the Greater Bay Area, new technology trends in the aviation industry, and more. One of the highlights is a tour of HKIA during which the airport’s new facilities, services, technologies and latest developments will be introduced.

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    Nantes’ New Rail Initiative to Expand Accommodation Options for Rugby World Cup

    With just over six weeks to go until the first of four Rugby World Cup matches at Nantes’ La Beaujoire stadium, attending fans are encouraged to opt for accommodation in the Chateaubriant area and travel to the matches by TER (Regional Express Train), thanks to a new initiative put in place especially for the Championship.
    n order to extend the available accommodation options north of the city, access to the stadium will be facilitated from La Chapelle-sur-Erdre, Sucé-sur-Erdre, Nort-sur-Erdre, Abbaretz, Issé and Chateaubriant, all served by the T1 railway line. The frequency and times of trains on this Nantes–Chateaubriant line will be adapted to the different matches. The closest stop to the stadium will be Haluchère-Batignolles, around 1km away.
    Thanks to this initiative, hotels, campsites, gîtes and B&Bs in the Chateaubriant area (almost 70km north of Nantes) will be only one hour by train from Haluchère-Batignolles. It will therefore be possible to travel to the stadium from these towns and return after the match, with adapted timetables before, during and after matches (even those finishing at 11pm).
    What’s more, journeys between Nantes and La Chapelle-sur-Erdre are free at weekends. For journeys beyond La Chapelle-sur-Erdre, choose the ‘billet live’ ticket type (available to match ticket holders only), which provides TER tickets at €5 per journey to attend certain events and festivals in the Pays de la Loire region.
    This year marks 10 years since Nantes became the first French city to win the European Green Capital award in recognition of its environmental policies. Since 2014, it has ranked as France’s second greenest city and continues to develop its accessible forms of low-carbon transportation. Free public transport is available throughout the city centre at weekends, while 747km of cycle paths crisscross the greater Nantes area.ADVERTISEMENTNantes will be hosting four Rugby World Cup matches at its La Beaujoire stadium:-Ireland v Tonga on Saturday 16 September at 9pm;-Argentina v Chile on Saturday 30 September at 3pm;-Wales v Georgia on Saturday 7 October at 3pm;-Japan v Argentina on Sunday 8 October at 1pm.

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    Get in Tune with Mother Nature: Jamaica’s Natural Beauty Awaits You

    There’s more to Jamaica than its awe-inspiring beaches. Holidays in Jamaica offer the chance to go beyond the sandy beaches and explore exhilarating adventures among the island’s beautiful landscapes. Discover a wealth of opportunities for outdoor adventure in Jamaica thanks to its lush forests, soaring mountains and picturesque scenery.
    Hike the Blue and John Crow Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site
    Grab your hiking boots and head out to the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park (BJCMNP). The park comprises 100,000 acres of tropical rainforest and is often referred to as the lungs of eastern Jamaica. Established in 1993, the BJCMNP is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region has been noted for having more than 800 species of plants, as well as the largest butterfly in the western hemisphere – the giant swallowtail (Papilo homerus). Ecclesdown and Hardwar Gap in the Blue Mountains have been noted as prime locations from which to view much of the island’s flora and fauna. 
    Coffee plantations for connoisseurs
    As well as wildlife and incredible views, the Blue Mountains are also home to many coffee estates. The plantations produce a bean of such high quality that it is a protected trademark: Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee is quite simply one of the best in the world. The coffee beans found in the mountain range take twice as long to ripen compared to many other types of beans and they are manually inspected to maintain their high quality. Enjoy a Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee tour and sip away among the majestic landscape of the mountains – the perfect recipe for the ultimate coffee experience. ADVERTISEMENTFeathered friends galore
    Did you know there are over 200 species of resident and migrant birds in Jamaica? The island’s tropical landscape features fertile soil and year-round sunshine which has attracted a number of species to Jamaica. Bird watchers can interact with diverse species of birds in peaceful settings across the island such as Rockland Bird Sanctuary, Barney’s Flower and Hummingbird Garden and the Holywell Park in the Blue Mountains. Some birds will even allow you to feed them so you can get up close and personal with some of Jamaica’s feathered creatures.
    Smooth rides along scenic river routes
    The Martha Brae River located just a few miles inland from the historic town of Falmouth, is a slice of tranquillity. Here, bamboo rafts gently float down the serene river while passengers sit atop a double-seat raft. Whether you’re looking for a unique romantic excursion or a relaxing family outing, the soft sounds of the whispering river create an idyllic environment. The towering trees lining the riverbanks provide a beautiful canopy as well as hosting an exciting variety of wildlife. Exotic bird calls and overhead drilling by woodpeckers are likely to be the only sounds to interrupt you. The Rio Grande is another scenic river that runs through the eastern part of Jamaica in Portland. Bamboo raft captains typically ensure not to disturb your peaceful ride but will also graciously point out native natural elements. You can also take a short pause and jump in for a quick swim in the river.

    The Luminous Lagoon
    Put on your swimsuits for a unique experience in the glistening waters of the famous Luminous Lagoon. Home to millions of dinoflagellates, at night the lagoon sparkles and glistens when disturbed, as these microscopic organisms produce an eerie glow, reflecting the outlines of fish and other objects in the water. The Luminous Lagoon is said to be the largest and most brilliant of four in the world, a fact that continually attracts and awes visitors and scientists from around the world. 
    Encounters with the wild
    Get up close and personal with real-life crocodiles at the Black River Safari Crocodile Tour.  The river is home to crocodiles hiding in the mangroves from baby crocs to the large males which can grow to over 13 feet long. Other creatures that inhabit the island include frogs, butterflies, bats, snakes, lizards, iguanas and more. 
    An abundance of waterfalls
    Don’t miss out on Jamaica’s flowing falls that can be found all over the island. The cool chill of river water is particularly refreshing when the temperature is at its hottest. What makes waterfalls here so special is that no two seem to be the same. The dips and depths of freshwater beds, varying elevations, and intensity of cascades, plus surrounding vegetation, make every river excursion a unique one. Ocho Rios’ iconic Dunn’s River Falls is a popular choice with visitors who aim to conquer the climb to its summit. Not far from it flows a selection of other stair-like cascades, such as as Konoko Falls and Turtle River Falls; these are close enough for water lovers to conquer all three in a single day. 

    YS Falls located in the South Coast features a series of cascading waterfalls and natural pools that visitors can swim in, as well as take part in a range of activities, including ziplining and river tubing. Mayfield Falls is a hidden gem surrounded by lush vegetation in a peaceful and secluded location near Negril. 
    Jamaica was a big winner at last years World Travel Awards, the country was named the Caribbean’s Leading Destination 2022, for the 16th straight year. Jamaica also took the award for Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination 2022, Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board 2022, for the 14th year in a row and Caribbean’s Leading Nature Destination 2022.​Explore the abundance of natural beauty all year round in Jamaica. To learn more about Jamaica, visit https://www.visitjamaica.com/.

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    Quito, your story starts here!

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    Quito, your story starts here!

    Quito Turismo’s Communication and Marketing teams, in collaboration with Quito City Council’s Ministry of Communication, have worked tirelessly to elaborate the city’s new branding.
    In marketing, city branding is a concept and image that provides the city with its own unique identity, style and mark, offering a series of singular and exclusive attributes by which to identify and recognise the city and differentiate it from others.
    This new approach sees the graphics, typeface and colours all updated. New modern elements and current design trends have been incorporated to achieve a visual and sensory impact on the audience, thus inspiring them to discover the charms and sites of the Capital of the Centre of the World.One of the major changes is the overhaul of the Quito isologo, which now features a more simple and modern style. The first letter, the ‘Q’, resembles a geolocation icon. Alongside the word ‘Quito’ we have the slogan ‘Your Story Starts Here’, which is much more memorable and directly alludes to the experiences that visitors will be able to embark on from the Metropolitan District.
    The new city branding provides the possibility of incorporating the entire range of services and attractions that the capital city has to offer, such as a special, adapted isologo for gastronomy, events, nature and municipal programmes, for example.The updated image will be gradually rolled out in public spaces and facilities, like Mariscal Sucre International Airport, as well as at certain government offices and installations. In addition, it will be shared worldwide in order to boost Quito’s position and presence on the international market and increase its appeal as a tourist destination.
    The previous ‘Quito – Your Story Starts in Quito’ city branding was launched in 2018, following a study initiated one year before, and was used until June of this year. During this time, it was the image of the Ecuadorian capital that was mainly projected in the international market.ADVERTISEMENTAbout Quito Tourism BoardQuito Tourism Board helps and manages the development and promotion of tourism and the meetings industry in the Metropolitan District of Quito, in partnership with the tourism industry and other productive sectors, for the benefit of local, national, and foreign visitors.Quito, the Capital at the Middle of the World, is the closest city to the sun and the only place where it is possible to stand with one foot in each hemisphere. This city, declared the First Cultural Heritage of Humanity thanks to its Historic centre, mixes the pre-Hispanic, colonial, traditional and modern.Quito is also a place for adventure. This equatorial city is the start of the Avenue of Volcanoes, or you can visit the Andean Chocó, home to the spectacled bear and thousands of bird species.It is also the gateway to the four worlds of Ecuador: Galapagos, Pacific Coast, Andes and Amazon. Quito has a unique cuisine that fuses ancestral knowledge and flavours with avant-garde proposals that conquer the palates of those who try it.https://visitquito.ec/

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    LOS ANGELES UNION STATION TRAIN FESTIVAL 2023: A CELEBRATION OF PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE

    Los Angeles Union Station, with presenting partners Metro, Amtrak and Metrolink, will welcome train enthusiasts, history aficionados, industry professionals and commuters of all ages to learn, experience and celebrate all things rail at the much-anticipated Los Angeles Union Station Train Festival 2023: A Celebration of Past, Present & Future. Train Festival 2023, set to take place on Saturday, Sept. 9 and Sunday, Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, will treat visitors to railroad equipment tours and displays, model train displays, architecture, arts and culture tours, information booths, music, giveaways, eateries, amenities, ShopLAUS and more.
    “Los Angeles Union Station is thrilled to welcome new interactive and engaging activations to Train Festival 2023. We’re excited to provide train fans, rail experts and the local community with an experience that truly encapsulates the timeless wonders and legacy of train travel,” said George Meyer, VP and General Manager at Los Angeles Union Station.
    Guests will have the opportunity to take exclusive tours and view displays of railroad equipment on tracks 13, 14, and 15. From the world-renowned Steam Locomotive Santa Fe 3751 of the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society (SBRHS), which pulled the first named passenger train into Los Angeles Union Station in 1939, to modern day passenger and freight equipment, attendees will be able to walk through rail history and witness the technological advances spanning more than 100 years. Featured displays will include Amtrak passenger equipment, a BNSF Railway freight locomotive and the Southern California Railway Museum’s Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe (ATSF) 5704 diesel, which was one of five locomotives painted in a patriotic red, white, and blue scheme to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the United States. Attendees can also admire an LARail.com vintage private car, the Tioga Pass, which was built in 1959 by the Canadian National Shops designed for railroad executives and the Pacific Railroad Society’s National Forum, a 1956 Pullman sleeping car. Metrolink’s F125 Locomotive will also be on display while the company’s Talgo-Rehabilitated Bombardier Train Car and Rotem Cars will be available for attendees to tour inside.
    In Union Station’s Ticket Concourse, guests can immerse themselves in five masterfully constructed and uniquely designed model train displays created by some of the premiere model train clubs in Southern California. Join Group 160 NTRAK Club, Orange County Module Railroaders, Inc., Southern California Traction Club, Southern California Z Scale Model Railroading Group, as well as The Toy Train Operating Society’s Southern Pacific Division and The Train Collectors Association’s Western Division to celebrate this dynamic and family-friendly hobby. Group 160 NTRAK Club’s NTRAK Modular Model Train Layout showcases a 16’ by 28’ three-track mainline layout with a working tornado module, scenery reflective of the US Pacific Northwest along with industry and rural scenes, 40+ car long trains, and an opportunity for visitors to operate a train around the layout – while Orange County Module Railroaders, Inc.‘s HO Scale Model Railroad features two main lines and various other trackage across scenery of building, foliage, vehicles and pedestrians highlighting various steam and diesel-era trains and locomotives including Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner. Attendees won’t want to miss Southern California Traction Club’s incredible Downtown Streetcar Display featuring a highly detailed HO scale downtown scene with tall buildings, complete with operating streetcars and subway trains. Additional model train displays include Southern California Z Scale Model Railroading Group’s ZoCal Modular Railroad Group showcasing an assortment of train lines with various types of freight and passenger controlled by Digital Command Control (DCC) allowing control over each individual train engine separately, as well as The Toy Train Operating Society’s Southern Pacific Division and The Train Collectors Association’s Western Division, which will display The Toy Train Operating Society’s Tinplate Pacific Railroad featuring toy trains in Standard Gauge, O-Gauge and S-Gauge from Lionel, Marx, American Flyer and other manufacturers.
    Train Festival 2023 attendees will also be invited to celebrate architecture, arts and culture through group and self-guided tours of the station facilitated by partners from California Preservation Foundation (CPF), Los Angeles Conservancy (LAC) and Metro Art. Angelenos and tourists alike can make their way through Union Station to learn about its impact as an architectural marvel, historic landmark, Hollywood film location favorite and buzzy hub for those traveling around, to or from Los Angeles. For a unique guided experience, join California Preservation Foundation for the statewide program, Doors Open California, by participating in one of four Los Angeles Union Station Hidden Gems Tours – a guided walking tour held at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily, conducted by the director of construction and restoration. Registration is required and space is limited specifically for the California Preservation Foundation tours.ADVERTISEMENTGain valuable knowledge of transportation services offered at the Metro, Amtrak and Metrolink information booths. Guests can also learn and celebrate the history of railroading throughout Los Angeles and Southern California with the Los Angeles Railroad Heritage Foundation (LARHF) whose booth will feature a special membership drive that includes a free copy of LARHF’s newest published book, Hollywood’s Trains & Trolleys for every new member. For more insight into the the past, present and future of rail, guests can learn the magic of scale model railroading with the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA), the advocacy for expansion and extension of safe, reliable passenger rail service with RailPAC and the fast, efficient future of train travel at the California High-Speed Rail activation station.
    A key highlight of the two-day event will include Train Festival 2023 commemorative TAP Cards with a day’s worth of free Metro fare loaded onto each card given as a surprise and delight to attendees at designated times each day. Subject to availability.
    Los Angeles Union Station, along with its presenting and exhibit partners, is excited to celebrate the extensive legacy and promising future of rail in Southern California and welcomes all to join in these one-of-a-kind festivities.
    To learn more about Los Angeles Union Station Train Festival 2023: A Celebration of Past, Present & Future, visit unionstationla.com.

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    Climbing Adventure Awaits at Munich Airport Center: High-Rope Course Returns for Summer Fun

    During the summer vacation, climbing enthusiasts will have the opportunity to test their personal limits at dizzying heights in the Munich Airport Center (MAC). Experienced climbers and newbies alike will get to try out new challenges between August 7 and August 30, 2023, when the MAC Forum will play host to a high-rope course specially designed for the airport. Experienced trainers will be at hand to provide instructions and the safety equipment required to use the various climbing stations, which span a height of 15 meters and a width of 23 meters. A two-hour climbing session costs EUR 9 for adults aged 15 and over and EUR 7 for children up to the age of 14.
    Slots can be booked by e-mail [email protected] or in person directly on site subject to availability. The high-rope course is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Thursday, and from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday to Sunday. After hitting the heights, visitors can relax in a deckchair with a cold drink at the “Surf and Turf Bar”. A ticket for a climbing session entitles the holder to a one-euro drinks discount. The “Surf and Turf Bar” is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Thursday, and from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday to Sunday.
    Climbers must be at least 125 cm tall and children under 140 cm must be accompanied by an adult.

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    The Newest, Independent, Luxury Glamping Sites Across the UK

    Unique hideaways welcome five new luxury, independent glampsites across the UK, into their one-of-a-kind collection. From a dog-friendly clifftop cabin in Devon to a shepherd’s hut in a walled garden on the edge of the Peak District, in the past month, Unique hideaways have welcomed a whole array of dream-worthy places to stay to their bespoke collection.
    The Nest- Devon
    Say hello to paradise. Perched atop a cliff and nestled amongst lush green trees, this heavenly cabin with dazzling sea views is sure to light a sense of adventure within you. The interiors are lavish, the view is awe-inspiring and the location is quite simply out of this world. Welcoming dogs, this hidden haven is perfect for a weekend escape to the seaside, while offering complete privacy and a sense of serenity from the bustling world outside.Secret Garden Escape- Staffordshire

    Perched within a beautiful walled garden, this majestic hut has a magical wood-fired hot tub and delicious pizza oven. Just a stone’s throw from the dramatic landscape of the Peak District National Park, this pocket of paradise is perfect for adventure dreamers, seeking a retreat off the well-worn path.ADVERTISEMENTLazydays Hideaway- Isle of Wight
    How does island life sound to you? This gorgeous family-sized yurt is idyllic for a getaway with the ones you love most. The sea view is sparkling, the interiors are sumptuous and the outdoor bathtub offers a little bit of luxury for your stay in nature. It’s time for an adventure with all the family and we’ve found the perfect hideaway for doing just that…
    Vista Paris- Cornwall
    Cosy interiors, spellbinding views and dream-worthy moments exist at our upcycled, handcrafted haven in the Cornish countryside. From the bubbling hot tub to the central location for exploring the very best that Cornwall has to offer, this stunning hideaway makes for the perfect last-minute getaway to this special corner of the UK.

    Matilda- Sussex
    This cute cabin offers you a dose of escapism. With folklore tales, a vibrant colour palette and rustic features, this quirky glamping abode is just the spot to call home for a little while. Nestled in the blissful East Sussex countryside, there’s so much to explore nearby that you’ll be wishing to return time and time again.

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    Redefining the Luxury Holiday – Simple Pleasures Result in a 5-Star Feeling

    Tailor-made travel specialist Audley Travel has conducted research* into what defines a luxury holiday experience and has concluded that a ‘5-star feeling’ is indeed a more measured personal preference, with almost a third of people explaining that spending time in nature provoked a feeling of opulence (29%), and 38% saying time spent with family on holiday was the luxurious gift they crave.

    For many Brits (60%) the classic combination of indulging their taste buds and relaxing by the pool (43%) whilst on a break was front of mind when thinking about what luxury means to them during holidays taken in the past (in the UK or abroad). Almost half (46%) explained visiting ‘new places and cultures’ was important, and for almost a fifth of people asked, indulging in a good book and meeting local people (18%) felt lavish to them. Being away from the crowds is a luxury for more than 3 in 10 (31%) with 14% going further to say spending time completely alone is a holiday luxury.

    The findings showed however that when trying to please others when planning a trip that luxury feeling can be lost. Unsurprisingly deciding where to go on holiday can be a stressful experience when trying to please a group with 35% of those asked struggling to fulfil everyone’s wishes. The findings showed that 21% explained the cause of family and friends wanting to do different things was to blame, with 20% mentioning it is difficult to identify a destination that will meet everyone’s needs. To help combat this, more than a third (34%) of people said they would like to seek the advice of someone who had visited the destination before so they could plan better and avoid friction amongst the group (13% said wanting to do different things leads to arguments).ADVERTISEMENTAudley Travel CEO, Nick Longman said: “As a nation, we’re on a journey to become more mindful in everything we do, and our findings show that travel is no different. What makes a holiday feel luxurious is actually a very personal preference. It’s the seemingly simple moments that are most appreciated, from a stunning sunset to a meaningful exchange with a new person.

    “Designing a trip with an Audley expert means individual or group tastes can be taken into account. There are multiple ways of experiencing the same place, for example in Cape Town some people prefer to walk up Table Mountain, others take the cable car and some happily enjoy the view from the base. All preferences are catered for and everyone has their wow moment.”
    When it comes to deciding where to go on holiday the majority of people surveyed (43%) said they searched online for inspiration, whereas 35% preferred the familiarity of destinations they have been to before and liked. Friends and family recommendations were cited as a trusted source when planning a trip with 31% of people answering this impacted their decision making, and nearly a fifth of respondents (19%) were enticed by far flung, exotic locations or chose ‘unusual destinations’ (18%) with the same number choosing to stay within a short flight of the UK.

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