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    Denver Gears up for an Unprecedented Summer Travel Season

    Warmer days bring countless ways to play in the city with world-class exhibits, live music, food, festivals and more. As summer travel plans are unfolding, Denver truly offers something for everyone. Below are some seasonal highlights, for a full list of events, things to do and hotel deals, check out the VISIT DENVER website.
    New in Denver this SeasonFrom exciting new events to new restaurant concepts, there are plenty of unique ways to experience Denver this season. The highly anticipated Casa Bonita is slated to reopen in May after being purchased by “South Park” creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Known as an “eatertainment” venue located just west of downtown Denver, it will open its doors with renowned chef Dana Rodriguez behind the new menu and offerings. The Culinary Creative Group, the group behind Denver favorites such as A5 Steakhouse, Mister Oso, Bar Dough and more, will debut a few new spots this season; including an all-day breakfast spot, Fox & The Hen and a new bar in the Cherry Creek neighborhood, Ay Papi, which will honor Puerto Rican heritage. Developed by the Downtown Denver Partnership, ¡Viva Streets! is a new season-long event that pays homage to Ciclovia’s Latin American roots and allows locals and visitors to experience a car-free way to explore the city over four Sundays from May through August. Participants can enjoy food from Taste of Colorado all while walking, biking, rolling, jogging, scooting, or even dancing through the heart of our city. Denver’s popular RiNo Art District will help close out the season with DENVER WALLS, a street art festival organized by the globally renowned WORLD WIDE WALLS. The event will bring a mural festival and interactive art to the district September 22 – October 3, 2023.
    Events and FestivalsFrom early spring through fall, weekends in Denver are filled with arts, entertainment, food and more. To kick off the summer season, the Denver BBQ Festival takes place at Empower Field at Mile High over Memorial Day weekend, May 27-28. Juneteenth Music Festival 2023 is June 17-18 in Denver’s historic Five Points neighborhood. Denver’s two-day PrideFest from June 24-25 draws visitors from throughout the state of Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. In July, head to South Broadway for three days of tunes at more than a dozen music venues from over 100 live bands at the Underground Music Showcase (July 28-30, 2023). Find more spring and summer festivals and events on the Denver 365 Event Calendar.
    Basecamp DenverSpring and Summer are the perfect seasons to play in the mountains then stay in the city. The neighboring Rocky Mountains invites visitors and residents to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, white water rafting, kayaking, rock climbing and more, all within a two hour drive from Denver. After a full day of outdoor adventures, return to the city and enjoy a meal on an outdoor patio, grab a craft beer along the Denver Beer Trail or explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods. For those that prefer to maintain their adventure in an urban environment, the Denver metro area boasts more than 5,000 acres of traditional parks and parkways and endless trails for biking, running and urban hikes. Learn more about Denver’s outdoor and urban adventure offerings here.
    Music, Arts and CultureThe Mile High City’s thriving arts and culture scene is on display this season with new exhibits, live music and more. Seeing a concert at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre is a high point of any summer. The world famous venue is positioned to have a record-setting year with Old Dominion, Zach Bryan, The Avett Brothers, Beck and Phoenix, Vance Joy, Brandi Carlile and many more household names. What’s more, the surrounding park offers gorgeous free hiking around sandstone monoliths. Plus, you can practice mindfulness at Yoga on the Rocks or catch a movie under the stars during the Film on the Rocks series. The Denver Art Museum will reopen its Arts of Africa, Modern and Contemporary Art and Arts of Oceania collections to the public for the first time since campus construction preparations began in 2016. Additional blockbuster events include Bugs at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (DMNS), Awful Bigness at the Clyfford Still Museum, The World in Denver: Photography by Robert Weinberg at History Colorado Center and more.ADVERTISEMENTHead to the VISIT DENVER website to learn more about spring and summer in Denver and to take advantage of various offerings, including hotel deals hot for the summer months.

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    Hertz and Mayor Dyer Launch “Hertz Electrifies Orlando”

    Hertz CEO and Chair Stephen Scherr joins City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Public School Leaders, and students from Orange Technical College to celebrate the launch of Hertz Electrifies Orlando.
    Hertz chair and CEO Stephen Scherr and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer launched Hertz Electrifies Orlando, a public private partnership aimed at accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and expanding the environmental and economic benefits of electrification across Orlando.
    As part of the partnership, Hertz aims to add up to 6,000 rental EVs to its existing fleet in Orlando, for availability to leisure and business customers as well as rideshare drivers. To help expand charging, Hertz will support the installation of up to 50 public fast chargers across the Greater Orlando area, in partnership with bp. In addition, Hertz is working with Orange Technical College (OTC) to help bring EV tools and training to its auto servicing students. Hertz is also making summer jobs available through the city’s Summer Youth Employment Program.
    “We are thrilled to partner with Mayor Dyer to launch Hertz Electrifies in Orlando, the largest rental car market in the world,” said Stephen Scherr, Hertz chair and CEO. “It seems fitting that we are launching this public private partnership during National Travel & Tourism Week, given the city’s enormous importance as a destination for travelers around the globe. Hertz is excited to expand our EV offerings to our diverse customer set in Orlando, and to partner with Orlando Technical College to help bring EV education and training opportunities to students.”
    Hertz Electrifies Orlando aligns with Mayor Dyer’s 2030 Electric Mobility Roadmap goals to accelerate EV adoption in multiple transportation sectors and develop a robust charging ecosystem to reduce emissions that harm public health, bolster climate change resilience, and increase access and affordability for all communities.
    “We have the opportunity to transform our transportation landscape as we work to be the most sustainable city in the southeast,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “Our partnership with Hertz Electrifies will help us meet our goal of accelerating electric vehicles and expanding charging infrastructure. We are making Orlando ready for the future and working to ensure that everyone experiences the benefits that electric mobility options can bring, including our future workforce.”ADVERTISEMENTTo help support the next generation of EV technicians, Hertz is donating an electric vehicle to Orange Technical College and providing EV education and training materials that will enable the school to incorporate EV technology into its auto servicing programs.
    “Having access to electric vehicles provides critical hands-on experience with new technology for students in Orange County,” said Dr. Maria Vazquez, Superintendent of Orange County Public Schools. “We are truly grateful for Hertz for donating this vehicle and we look forward to a future partnership to increase education and training opportunities.”
    Orlando is the fourth City to partner with Hertz through Hertz Electrifies, as part of a multi-city rollout of this national public-private initiative.

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    Embraer and NetJets announce deal for up to 250 Praetor 500 jets

    To continue providing reliable global access and exceptional service to current NetJets Owners and their guests, NetJets has signed a new deal with Embraer for up to 250 Praetor 500 jet options, which includes a comprehensive services and support agreement.The deal is valued in excess of US $5 billion, with deliveries expected to begin in 2025, and will be NetJets’ first time offering the midsize Praetor 500 to customers. For over a decade, NetJets has operated Embraer’s Phenom 300 series—one of NetJets’ most requested aircraft.
    The partnership between Embraer and NetJets began in 2010 when NetJets first signed a purchase agreement for 50 Phenom 300 aircraft, with up to 75 additional options. In 2021, after Embraer successfully delivered over 100 aircraft, the companies signed a continuing deal for up to 100 additional Phenom 300/E jets, in excess of $1.2 billion.
    With this new agreement, NetJets signifies not only its commitment to creating an enhanced customer experience as the company is averaging over 1,200 worldwide flights per day but also its trust in Embraer’s industry-leading portfolio and top-ranked support to deliver the ultimate experience to NetJets customers.
    “Since 2010, Embraer has enjoyed NetJets’ ongoing commitment to our industry-leading aircraft, which is a true testament to the value of our brand and our ability to deliver the ultimate experience in business aviation,” said Michael Amalfitano, President and CEO of Embraer Executive Jets. “Our strategic partnership has been an integral part of our business growth, with NetJets taking all aircraft delivery options that have been ordered with Embraer since inception. After building this successful foundation with the Phenom 300 series, it’s our pleasure to have now signed this monumental deal for the Praetor 500 midsize jet, and we look forward to an even more exciting future ahead.”
    “We are eager to add the Embraer Praetor 500, one of today’s most state-of-the-art business jets, to our midsize fleet,” said Doug Henneberry, Executive Vice President of NetJets Aircraft Asset Management. “This historic fleet agreement is another way that we are growing our fleet for the benefit of our loyal customers. By adding up to 250 aircraft to our fleet, we will continue providing NetJets Owners with exceptional service and seamless access to all corners of the globe.” ADVERTISEMENTThe Praetor 500 is the world’s most disruptive and technologically advanced midsize business jet, boasting an impressive best-in-class range—enabling U.S. coast-to-coast capability—industry-leading speed, and unparalleled runway performance. In terms of technology, it’s the only aircraft in its category with full fly-by-wire flight controls.
    Not only does the Praetor 500 offer exceptional performance but it also offers one of the most comfortable cabin experiences. It features the lowest cabin altitude in its class, as well as the tallest and widest cross section in the segment. Additionally, it offers a flat-floor cabin, stone flooring, a vacuum lavatory, and ample baggage space, including a fully enclosed internal baggage compartment.

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    Global Tourism Resilience Centre partners with Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association

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    Global Tourism Resilience Centre partners with Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association

    Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, (R) and President of the CHTA, Mrs. Nicola Madden-Grieg hold the signed MOU.
    The Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) has partnered with the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) to help build tourism resilience in the region. Both entities forged this partnership with the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during CHTA Marketplace being held in Barbados. This groundbreaking partnership aims to strengthen resilience within the tourism industry, fostering a united front against potential crises and challenges that may arise The GTRCMC will provide invaluable communications and research support to the CHTA, further empowering tourism stakeholders across the Caribbean region. “Resilience must be at the core of tourism operations if we are to ensure the viability of this great industry. We are still one of the most vulnerable industries susceptible to many disruptions and so building capacity to plan and respond to these disruptions effectively,” said Co-founder of the GTRCMC and Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett
    Together, the GTRCMC and CHTA will work hand in hand to promote sustainable practices, enhance disaster preparedness, and facilitate effective crisis management within the vibrant tourism sector.  “The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that partnership and collaboration are key to survival and having this added support in the form of the GTRCMC will assist the CHTA in our crisis management strategy,” said CHTA President, Mrs. Nicola Madden-Grieg.“By sharing knowledge and expertise, we will build a resilient future that can withstand any hurdle and ensure the continued growth and prosperity of the Caribbean’s tourism industry,” said Executive Director of the GTRCMC, Professor Lloyd Waller.

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    JAMAICA’S MINISTER OF TOURISM ANNOUNCES ONE MILLION VISITOR ARRIVALS TO DATE FOR 2023

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    JAMAICA’S MINISTER OF TOURISM ANNOUNCES ONE MILLION VISITOR ARRIVALS TO DATE FOR 2023

    Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism the Hon. Edmund Bartlett addressing media at a destination press briefing held at the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association’s (CHTA’s) Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Barbados on May 10.
    At a destination press briefing held at the 41st Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Barbados, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism the Hon. Edmund Bartlett announced that Jamaica has surpassed one million visitor arrivals year-to-date for 2023, reaching this milestone approximately one month earlier than in 2022.
    He also updated attending media about Jamaica’s robust tourism arrivals, investments, and work to build resilience for the industry on island and throughout the world.
    “From January through December 2022 Jamaica welcomed 2,478,386 stopover arrivals, a 69.2% increase over 2021 and nearly a full recovery to 2019 highs,” said Minister Bartlett. “As of May 10, we received over a million visitor arrivals to date this year, putting our destination on par with 2019 records. We have seen steady growth in our arrivals and continued investment in the tourism sector, which is a tremendous achievement. Projecting ahead for 2023 through 2025, we expect to attract more than 3.8 million visitors in 2023 and grow to more than 5 million visitors in 2025.”
    Minister Bartlett continued, “To keep this growth on an upward trajectory, we continue to build out new air service with new flights this year from Chicago Midway, Denver, St. Louis, Dallas, Kansas City, and London Gatwick. Plus, we are expanding and modernizing Sangster International Airport and have approximately 8,000 new hotel rooms slated for construction over the next two to five years.”
    “Further, Jamaica has implemented the Blue Ocean Strategy to develop a more sustainable, diverse tourism product,” concluded Minister Bartlett. “We have also established Global Tourism Resilience Day with the United Nations to take place annually on February 17 with the aim of growing awareness for tourism to build back stronger and take steps to protect itself from future disruptions.”ADVERTISEMENT“The fact that Jamaica’s tourism arrivals continue to rise is a clear testament to the success of our internal strategies, destination marketing initiatives and relationships with key travel partners on island and worldwide,” added Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board. “We are very grateful to all who have contributed to Jamaica’s success in lifting our tourism product to new heights meeting and soon to exceed 2019 record levels.”
    Minister Bartlett also noted that Jamaica is leveraging key pillars for tourism that showcase the destination’s unique culture and heritage while simultaneously addressing the desire from today’s traveler to experience more than just sun, sea and sand. He also emphasized the need to carefully manage the tourism industry through resilience building where it can continually adapt to issues that may arise and to put plans in place to protect it from potential future shocks.
    For more information on Jamaica, please go to www.visitjamaica.com.

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    Active Travel Group team shapes up for further growth after record-breaking year

    Sales across all product categories, walking, cycling and ski are trending materially above expectation and showing strong forward momentum through Summer 23 into Winter 23/24. The summer focussed Wilderness Group and Cycling for Softies brands are over 80% sold for the forthcoming season, and early ski bookings for Winter 23/24 are trending 57% ahead of prior year.
    Commenting on the performance, Group CEO Craig Burton said:
    ‘Healthy, outdoors focused adventure and activity travel is our passion at ATG. As we predicted this time last year, our collection of premium active and adventure holidays on foot, on bike and on snow have resonated more than ever with consumers in the post-pandemic landscape. Unprecedented forward booking momentum strongly suggests this trend will continue to rise as we look ahead to 2024 and beyond.’

    To facilitate the Group’s ambitious growth plans, ATG has made some exciting changes to the senior-management structure. ADVERTISEMENT
    Ian McIlrath who has led the Group finance function since 2018 will move into the Managing Director role of the Brixton based Ski Solutions brand. He will retain Group financial oversight, with Matthew Ansell stepping up as Group Finance Director.

    Group CEO, Craig Burton will continue to take oversight of all brands, with a focus on developing a number of significant growth opportunities, both organic and through M&A.

    In the Wilderness Team, Stevie Christie moves into the role of Managing Director of Wilderness Scotland from Founder, Paul Easto. The Wilderness Ireland and Wilderness England businesses will continue to be led by Managing Directors, Patricia Doe and Matt Loveland respectively. Some 20 years after founding Wilderness, Paul Easto moves into a newly created role as the Chief Sustainability Officer for the Active Travel Group.

    Commenting on the changes, Paul Easto said:
    “While I will continue to work closely with the Wilderness team, I am excited by the opportunity to lead the development of the Active Travel Group’s sustainability and ESG strategy. From our focus on carbon reduction to industry leading employee satisfaction, we have been making solid progress and have ambitious plans to deepen our sustainability commitments across the Group. Supported by a robust post-pandemic recovery and ambitious growth plans, we have a real opportunity to drive further change and set industry leading standards for ESG performance”.

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    The newly appointed ATTA CEO Jon Danks and ATTA Chair Nick Aslin meet with Tourism Ministers

    In a truly unique moment of collaboration, the newly appointed ATTA CEO Jon Danks and ATTA Chair Nick Aslin met with the Honourable Ministers for Tourism for Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia at the end of the second day of Indaba 2023, held in Durban, South Africa.
    ATTA is a membership organisation that for thirty years has been providing digital and event platforms that support the growth of tourism across Africa, by connecting global buyers with providers of African ground and air products.  Indaba 2023 has been a record-breaking year for ATTA, as the largest exhibitor at the world’s biggest pan-African tourism event, with ATTA’s stand presence exceeding all events in its thirty-year history, signalling a strong return of tourism to the continent.  To round off a busy day of discussions on the second day of the event held at the ICC in Durban South Africa, the informal meeting took place between ATTA CEO Jon Danks, ATTA Chair Nick Aslin and the Right Honourable Ministers, Mrs Vera Kamtukule, Minister of Tourism Malawi, Mr Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu, Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Zimbabwe and Mr Rodney Sikumba, Tourism Minister, Zambia.
    For further information: [email protected]

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    Wego Partners With flyadeal to Offer its Users more choice

    Wego, the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has announced its partnership with flyadeal, the true low-cost airline in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a subsidiary of Saudi Airlines Group, to offer its users the chance to directly book flights on flyadeal through its platform.
    MENA is a key market for Wego, and always tops the searches from this region. flyadeal, one of the youngest and fastest growing low-cost airlines in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Middle East, continues its expansion to the region.
    flyadeal currently operates scheduled flights to 17 domestic destinations across Saudi Arabia and six in Europe, Middle East and Africa. From June, the airline will triple its international footprint with 12 additional destinations in Europe and Middle East. These are Rhodes and Heraklion in Greece; Sarajevo (Bosnia); Larnaca (Cyprus), Tivat (Montenegro); Izmir, Antalya, Bodrum and Trabzon in Turkey; Baku (Azerbaijan); Tbilisi, (Georgia); and Sharm el Sheikh (Egypt).
    The new partnership includes all flyadeal flights to Wego’s marketplace where users can book directly with the airline. Wego is looking to provide its users with a wider choice of airlines to book from, by adding such a renowned airline to its portfolio.
    Con Korfiatis, flyadeal Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are delighted to partner with Wego, the biggest and renowned online travel marketplace in the MENA region. This collaboration will allow our customers to directly book flyadeal’s wide choice and growing number of flights through Wego’s platform, giving us the opportunity to distribute our products to a bigger audience, and showcase our competitive everyday fares. This partnership will further enhance our customers’ travel experience and help us to better serve them.”ADVERTISEMENTAdditionally, Wego’s users will benefit from flyadeal fares which will be promoted across all Wego’s marketing channels and will be able to search and book the most competitive deals online.
    Ross Veitch, CEO and Co-founder of Wego, said: “As the largest online travel marketplace in MENA we are delighted to announce our partnership with flyadeal, the fastest growing airline in KSA. We look forward to offering flyadeal’s attractively priced fares to Wego’s audience both in The Kingdom and also across our regional points of sale as flyadeal opens new international routes.”
    Around 10,000 monthly bookings for flyadeal have been conducted.
    The top destinations searching for flights to Saudi were Egypt, India, Kuwait, UAE, Sudan, Oman, Turkey, Jordan, Morocco, and Qatar.
    Wego data also shows that 79% of travelers are staying up to 3 days with the remaining percentage staying 12 days or more.
    This collaboration ensures Wego users are always getting the most comprehensive selection of flight options possible across all its platforms.

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