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    San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s 50-year History of Wildlife Conservation

    On Jan. 2, 2023, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance—an international conservation organization with “two front doors”: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park—will participate in the 134th Rose Parade® presented by Honda, with a float celebrating the Safari Park’s 50th anniversary.The Safari Park opened in 1972 and since the beginning, saving species has been a key part of the Safari Park’s mission. The Safari Park has played a huge role in the conservation of species ranging from condors and hornbills to rhinos and elephants. With its theme “Celebrating 50 Years of Conservation,” the float depicts rhinos, giraffes and the Safari Park’s iconic Wildlife Safari experience, and brings to life the Safari Park’s ability to connect guests with wildlife and create life-changing moments.“Unlike any other place on Earth, the Safari Park transports guests into sprawling landscapes and dynamic ecosystems teeming with amazing wildlife, offering one-of-a-kind experiences where stories of nature and conservation come to life,” said Paul Baribault, president and chief executive officer, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “Conservation starts with people—and at the Safari Park, we are able to make a connection between our guests and wildlife every day. Our hope is connecting people to wildlife will inspire them to help support our mission and our global conservation programs to protect endangered wildlife.”
    The “Celebrating 50 Years of Conservation” float features 4-month-old Neville, and his mother Livia, two southern white rhinos who bring enormous hope to the cutting-edge efforts to save the distantly related northern white rhino. With only two northern white rhinos left on Earth, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is combining groundbreaking conservation science with more than a century of world-class wildlife expertise to save the species. Neville is the third rhino born as part of this revolutionary program at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park—joining Edward and Future, who also made history as the first southern white rhinos born through artificial insemination in North America.
    Secure on her 4-foot legs, is Msituni (pronounced see tune neee), an 11-month-old giraffe born at the Safari Park. Born unable to walk, a condition in which she would not have survived in her native habitat, she required months of critical around-the-clock care, along with several pairs of custom giraffe-sized orthotic leg braces, to support her while she gained the necessary strength to walk. Today, after making a full recovery, Msituni runs alongside dozens of giraffes, wildebeest, impalas, rhinos, and Cape buffalo in the Safari Park’s African savannas.
    A pair of African crowned cranes meander through lush landscapes, as Msituni’s parents peek with curiosity into an open-air safari truck filled with guests. The riders are wildlife care specialists, veterinarians and conservation scientists from the Safari Park who have dedicated their lives to caring for Neville, Msituni and countless other species in San Diego and around the globe. They are joined by the Safari Park’s Executive Director, Lisa Peterson, and expert wildlife guides from the Safari Park. Representing how a moment at the Safari Park can change a lifetime, are four young children who may aspire to be the next generation of conservationists, surrounded by the wonders of wildlife and intricate beauty of nature.
    The planned floral array on the float will illustrate that both the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and San Diego Zoo are accredited botanical gardens that feature over 2 million plants—and serve as a reminder of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s dedication to plant conservation through its many efforts, including the Wildlife Biodiversity Bank.ADVERTISEMENTThe Safari Park’s 1,800 acres are home to vital conservation efforts, with more than 3,600 individual animals from more than 300 species, and a botanical collection of more than 1.75 million plants. The Safari Park welcomes more than 1 million guests each year, providing an ideal setting for visitors to connect with nature and wildlife, while supporting San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s conservation efforts worldwide.

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    Nobu Hospitality and Simon Celebrate Opening of Nobu Hotel & Restaurant at Phipps Plaza

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    Nobu Hospitality and Simon Celebrate Opening of Nobu Hotel & Restaurant at Phipps Plaza

    Nobu Hospitality and Simon welcomed local dignitaries and community leaders today to celebrate the opening of Nobu Hotel & Restaurant Atlanta at Phipps Plaza. The property serves as Nobu’s 15th location overall and first in Georgia, making its debut in the Buckhead community at the modern, reimagined, mixed-use Phipps Plaza.Designed by Rockwell Group, the hotel features 152 stylish guest rooms and suites, including a striking rooftop pool with surrounding event space, corporate conference rooms and a state-of-the-art fitness center with Technogym equipment. Nobu Atlanta Restaurant, celebrated for its signature new style Japanese cuisine, will welcome diners to the new 10,000-square-foot space, serving iconic Nobu dishes alongside specialties featuring local, homegrown ingredients.
    “It’s an honor to launch the Nobu brand in Atlanta’s vibrant Buckhead community at Phipps Plaza,” said Nobu Hospitality Group CEO Trevor Horwell. “Our approach to hospitality – embracing sophisticated accommodations and outstanding cuisine – will offer guests the ultimate luxury lifestyle experience in the heart of Atlanta.” 
    Phipps Plaza is an unrivaled mixed-use development that redefines the way Buckhead lives, works, plays and shops. This iconic shopping and dining destination is now headlined by Nobu Hotel & Restaurant Atlanta and all its world-class amenities. In early December, Life Time and Life Time Work will open its 90,000-square-foot luxury athletic country club and 30,000-square-foot premium coworking destination. This comes in addition to the now open One Phipps Plaza, a 365,000-square-foot, LEED certified, 13-story, Class A office tower. Early next year, Citizens Culinary Market, a 24,000-square-foot upscale lifestyle food concept, is scheduled to open, injecting new culinary concepts into the destination’s iconic footprint.
    “We’re excited to celebrate the opening of Nobu Hotel & Restaurant Atlanta as our vision of Phipps Plaza becomes a reality for guests to enjoy – from the Southeast and beyond,” said Simon Property Group Senior Vice President, Development & Asset Intensification Patrick Peterman. “Nobu’s unique allure and high-end reputation reinforces Phipps Plaza as a world-class destination for hospitality, shopping, dining, work and entertainment.”

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    Zurich Airport achieves fourth Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) level

    Flughafen Zürich AG has taken another step forwards in terms of climate protection, reaching the fourth Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) level. This puts Zurich Airport among the top 10 % of airports worldwide that have received accreditation for their efforts to tackle climate change.ACA, the certification programme introduced by Airports Council International (ACI), verifies airports’ management of their greenhouse gas emissions and provides a common framework for comparing them. Level 4 requires a greenhouse gas reduction target in line with the Paris Agreement, a corresponding defined roadmap, and evidence that airport partners are also being actively urged to deliver emissions reductions. Flughafen Zürich AG fulfils these requirements and has even greater ambitions: it aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions at Zurich Airport to net zero by 2040.
    Investment in buildings, vehicles and substitute fuels
    Flughafen Zürich AG achieved Level 3 back in 2010 by reducing its emissions by around 30 % compared with 1991 and by engaging its airport partners to reduce their own emissions. The company aims to pursue these efforts in future. Flughafen Zürich AG has refrained from offsetting its greenhouse gas emissions via carbon credits, instead investing this money in creating actual reductions at its Zurich site: by renovating buildings, implementing energy efficiency measures for its facilities, switching to electric vehicles, and replacing fossil fuels with renewable alternatives.
    ACA is an accreditation programme launched by ACI with the objective of reporting on airports’ commitments to tackle climate change. Around 420 airports worldwide have already received accreditation.
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    FITUR 2023 once again outperforms with strong growth in all parameters

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    FITUR 2023 once again outperforms with strong growth in all parameters

    The International Tourism Trade Fair, FITUR 2023, will be held from 18 to 22 January at IFEMA MADRID, an edition that once again demonstrates the strength of the sector, with an estimated growth of 15% in all its parameters,rising to 30% in the international area, as well as the support of all public and private agents in the tourism industry’s value chain. It will be a great fair representative of the strength of the tourism ecosystem in the world, which will reach participation figures very close to its historical record, and which will show its leadership both in the international calendar reinforced by the resilience exercise developed during the pandemic, which distinguishes FITUR as the only major international tourism fair that has been held without interruption.Sustainability, innovation and cutting-edge trends will be the core themes of FITUR’s content, in line with the fair’s objective of contributing to the revitalisation and growth of tourism activity. Besides, FITUR will have a strong business focus during its first three days dedicated exclusively to B2B and a B2C proposal during the weekend.Ten major sections to boost the tourism industryIn addition to the participation of companies, countries and destinations, FITUR will offer a tour of ten major sections, which will allow professionals to gain knowledge and discover the business opportunities offered by different segments in communication with tourism activity, reinforcing the fair’s value proposition. Among them, and as a novelty, FITUR is releasing FITUR Sports, which in collaboration with the Spanish Sport Association AFYDAD, will highlight the potential of sports tourism as a driver of sustainable tourism development. It also reinforces the FITUR Cruises section dedicated to “blue tourism”, with a wide range of B2B and B2C proposals for the cruise industry to meet with ports, tourist destinations and the public, and FITUR Mice, with its agenda of professional meetings for meeting tourism, which expands its scope of action to include both corporate and association buyers.

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    THERESA MAY: UK GOVERNMENT ‘FAILED’ THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY DURING PANDEMIC More

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    THERESA MAY: UK GOVERNMENT ‘FAILED’ THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY DURING PANDEMIC

    In a stinging attack on Boris Johnson’s government, May said the UK didn’t take advantage of its swift and successful vaccination programme to get travel up and running again promptly.
    Speaking at the WTTC’s Global Summit on Tuesday (29 November), May said the government’s “failure to act” to protect the travel industry resulted in devastating consequences for a “critical sector” that risked “decimating” the aviation sector.
    Addressing delegates directly, May said: “The world recognises your industry has gone through a difficult time – you bore the brunt of Covid.”
    “In the UK, we were late to introduce restrictions – and even later to lift them,” she said. “The UK was one of the most heavily vaccinated countries in the world, but our government was reluctant to give [back] the freedoms that should have come with this.”
    May said the damage inflicted on “a critical sector” in the UK had been extreme. “The devastation has passed, but the pandemic has left its scars,” she said, adding the UK’s aviation sector “was almost decimated”The former prime minister said the UK government should “govern in the interest of the country, not at the behest of the opinion polls” and “place a stronger emphasis on evidence-based policy” should there be need for future Covid restrictions.ADVERTISEMENTShe also criticised the lack of a global stance and global unity on Covid measures. “When cooperation was needed most, politicians failed to act,” she said. “There was little international consensus. In our inter-connected world, cooperation between governments is essential for decision making.”
    May was particularly vocal in her criticism of the UK government’s handling of Covid travel restrictions last year. She came to the travel industry’s defence in June 2021 when the government delayed plans to ease restrictions, remarking during a Commons debate a debate the UK’s handling of Covid restrictions had “devastated” the travel industry.
    SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
    MP for Maidenhead May was the UK’s second female prime minister and second longest-serving post-war home secretary, holding the office for six years from 2010 to 2016. She was the first head of a major global economy to enshrine net-zero emissions in law, a target the UK has for 2050.
    During her wide-ranging address, she also touched on travel’s commitment and progress towards sustainability. “We don’t need to choose between net zero emissions and higher economic growth, we can have both,” she told delegates.
    May said major technological advancements were imminent, which would allow the aviation sector to reduce its carbon impact. Air travel is currently estimated to be responsible for around 2% of human-induced global emissions.
    The summit, which is being held in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh, will be held from 28 November to 1 December and will aim to debate the travel and tourism industry’s post-pandemic recovery and its transition to a “safer, more resilient, inclusive and sustainable” sector.Source: TTG Media.com

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    Travel & Tourism industry can shift to a net-positive model by 2050 finds new report More

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    Travel & Tourism industry can shift to a net-positive model by 2050 finds new report

    Better Travel & Tourism, Better World’ a new report developed through a partnership between the Saudi-based Sustainable Tourism Global Centre (STGC) with Systemiq, the world’s leading independent system change advisory firm, finds that The Travel & Tourism industry could reduce its emissions by more than 40% by 2030 by taking radical action to contribute to the race to net-zero.The new report was launched at the 22nd Global Summit of the World Travel & Tourism Council being held in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia under the theme “Travel For A Better Future.” It is based on extensive consultation with leading stakeholders around the world representing hospitality, transport, OTAs, governments, investors, NGOs and academia.
    The global Travel & Tourism industry creates opportunities for societies around the world, the economy and nature. However, the analysis of the report showed that the industry today is generating significant environmental and social costs and is responsible for 9-12% of total global greenhouse gas emissions.
    The report found that without significant change these emissions will rise 20% by 2030, representing one-third of the total (net zero) global carbon budget of that year. This puts the viability of the industry itself at risk. The Travel & Tourism industry has a vital role to play in slowing down climate change, restoring nature and strengthening communities.
    This landmark report is the first to estimate a fully costed strategy for shifting the Travel & Tourism industry to a net-positive model by 2050. It calls on industry leaders and policymakers to move urgently to implement a reform agenda centred around five priorities: reduce emissions, protect and restore nature, strengthen communities, shift traveller behaviours and increase resilience to climate change and other shocks.
    The reform agenda requires increased investment in transport, facilities, nature and resilience of USD 220-310 billion a year to 2030, equating to 2-3% of the Travel & Tourism Industry’s US 10 trillion contribution to the world’s GDP. This vital investment will enable the industry to drive strong, sustainable growth, strengthen its resilience, maintain its licence to operate and remain competitive in the long run.  Travelers, even for long-haul vacations, would on average need to pay less than 5% extra to help finance the transition.ADVERTISEMENTHis Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Saudi Minister of Tourism said: “This is significant step along the road to a net zero future and as the home of STGC we are proud to have enabled the publication of this report.  Our rapidly growing tourism sector in the Kingdom is heavily focused on sustainable strategies with high profile projects including the Red Sea and NEOM based on fully renewable energy sources.”
    Paul Polman – Business leader, campaigner and co-author of Net-Positive, said: “Imagine a thriving and productive Travel & Tourism industry, widely seen as a force for good around the world. A sector that has comeback from Covid-19 stronger and more resilient, boosting global growth and helping tackle climate change and restore nature. But time is not on our side and, without serious and concerted action to transform the industry, there is a risk it will head in the opposite direction. This ground-breaking report shows that a better future is possible, and offers a new and thrilling vision for travel and tourism that we can all unite behind, as well as a plan to achieve it.”
    HE Gloria Guevara, Special Advisor to the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, said: “This is a significant step in the work being undertaken by the STGC and demonstrates the rapid progress the Center is making since HRH The Crown Prince announced it at the Saudi Green Initiative last year. It is a clear indicator of the important work being undertaken that will benefit tourism and the wider world.”
    Jeremy Oppenheim – founder and senior partner at Systemiq, said: ”The agenda proposed in this report offers the Travel & Tourism industry a route to becoming the best that it can be by 2050: a thriving, strategically important industry across the world, recognised as a leading force in tackling climate change, regenerating nature, creating quality jobs and bringing people together. This is the industry’s chance to drive the solution rather than be seen as part of the problem. Delivering the agenda will secure a better future for Travel & Tourism and all its destinations, established, new or still undiscovered. The opportunity is huge. The time to seize it is now.”
    Former Mexican President, Felipe Calderon, is an STGC advisor and added: “The travel and tourism sector employs 10 per cent of the world’s population and that figure is set to grow by over 120 million in the coming decade.  It is vital that it recognizes its responsibilities in working towards net zero and ensuring we preserve the planet for future generations of travelers.”
    Over 3000 participants from over 140 countries have gathered in Riyadh for the WTTC Summit including Government Ministers and leaders of the world’s largest hotel chains and hospitality businesses.  The event is the most is the most influential travel and tourism event of the year.
    Source: Zawya.com

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    International Cities Remain the Backbone of Global Travel & Tourism

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    THERESA MAY: UK GOVERNMENT ‘FAILED’ THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY DURING PANDEMIC More

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    International Cities Remain the Backbone of Global Travel & Tourism

    The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) launched its Cities Economic Impact Report (EIR) at the 22nd Global Summit in Riyadh today. Sponsored by Visa, the report shows cities remain the powerhouses of global tourism and will drive the recovery of the sector and economies around the world.The Cities EIR analyses 82 international city destinations and shows that prior to the pandemic major cities were popular travel destinations, accounting for almost half of all international visits, both as standalone destinations and as gateways to other tourism hotspots within countries.
    COVID-19 had a devastating impact on Travel & Tourism and in particular major cities around the world as countries closed their borders in response to the pandemic.
    Throughout the pandemic, and as borders began to reopen, leisure travellers swapped major metropolises for less-populated destinations such as coastal and rural hotspots, leaving economies of international cities to battle through an incredibly tough three years.
    Thousands of hotels, restaurants, and attractions in cities around the world were forced to close, with hard working people losing their jobs as businesses struggled to stay open during these challenging times.
    The Cities EIR shows how both leisure and business travellers are flocking back to cities, as their draw as iconic destinations are once again becoming the beating hearts of international tourism destinations, and business centres for overseas visitors. ADVERTISEMENTAccording to the report ten of the 82 cities analysed are projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels in terms of direct Travel & Tourism GDP contribution to the city economies this year.
    Qatar’s capital Doha is forecast to see the largest increase from 2019 to 2022, in terms of international traveller spend as well as in direct Travel & Tourism’s contribution to the city’s GDP, with an expected increase of 21%.
    In Europe, Warsaw is expected to witness a significant 14% increase in 2022 versus 2019 in Travel & Tourism’s contribution to the city’s GDP.
    In the US, Orlando is projected to see a 10% increase in direct Travel & Tourism contribution to the city’s GDP over that same period.
    Over the next decade, Travel & Tourism is on track to become a key driver of economic growth once again, with faster GDP growth than other sectors, generating 126 million new jobs around the world.
    By 2032, the Travel & Tourism sector will directly generate up to 8% of all jobs in the 82 cities analysed in the Cities Report, up from 6.6% in 2019 and a low of 5.1% in 2020.
    Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Our report clearly shows that for millions of tourists around the world, major cities remain iconic global destinations. There’s still a strong appetite to experience the history, culture, and energy that cities offer travellers.
    “Before the pandemic, cities were powerhouses for international tourists, serving as standalone destinations and as gateways to other tourist destinations within countries. This year cities are recovering around the world, and we forecast that cities will continue to grow and thrive over the next decade.
    Jeni Mundy, Head of Global Merchant Sales and Acquiring, Visa, said: “Even after the colossal challenges the pandemic brought to the travel industry, the economic benefit of tourism to cities remains strong. Consumers’ willingness to adopt digital-first travel experiences will help pave the way for even more innovations in the future.
    “At Visa, we remain focused on how payments technology can make a traveller’s journey more seamless – something anyone who’s had a travel hiccup can appreciate.

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    Heathrow to donate life-saving defibrillators to local community groups and charities

    Heathrow is giving away defibrillators to local community groups, charities and small organisations around the airport. The life-saving devices are looking for a new home and are free of charge to any local community group that could benefit from one in the neighbouring area.The airport has recently updated all the devices in its terminals and, after thorough testing, wants to make sure the previous models which have plenty life in them go to good use. Defibrillators can provide a vital lifeline when someone suffers a cardiac arrest and increase their chances of survival while medical help is on its way.
    Heathrow is offering to donate Lifepack 1000 units, all of which are under 10 years old and still in full working order with new batteries, a carry case and strap. The units only require new pads, which cost around £10 to replace. There are 65 devices still available.
    Becky Coffin, Director of Communities and Sustainability at Heathrow, said: “A defibrillator in the right place can be a genuine lifesaver. That’s why we want to make sure that every single one of these is given a good home in the local community. Anyone from a local group who thinks they would benefit from a free defibrillator should get in touch to register their interest.”
    To register an interest please contact the Heathrow Communities Team, providing details of the organisation you represent and why the defibrillator would be of use to you. Requests should be sent to [email protected] by Monday 12th December.
    To find out more about the support Heathrow’s community team can offer in your local area, visit: https://www.heathrow.com/company/local-communityADVERTISEMENT

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