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    Korean Air receives approval from China on Asiana acquisition

    The Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China (MOFCOM) announced its approval of Korean Air’s business combination with Asiana Airlines on December 26.MOFCOM has demanded that the merged Korean Air-Asiana entity reduce its market share due to competition concerns, to which Korean Air has submitted remedies proposing to transfer slots to any new airlines wishing to start air services on nine routes where both Korean Air and Asiana Airlines operate. Five of the nine routes have been proposed by the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) earlier this year and an additional four routes have been advised by MOFCOM.
    Korean Air expects MOFCOM’s approval of the business combination to play a positive role in the review process of the remaining competition authorities.
    Currently, Korean Air is still waiting for business combination approvals from the U.S., E.U. and Japan, countries where reporting is mandatory, as well as the final approval from the U.K., where reporting is arbitrary. The U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has accepted remedies submitted by Korean Air, but will gather opinions from the market before giving their official approval. Korean Air will continue to cooperate closely with the remaining competition authorities to ensure the review process is completed as soon as possible.
    The airline submitted business combination reports to the nine countries that require reporting on January 14, 2021. Out of these nine countries, Korean Air has received approval from China, Korea, Turkey, Taiwan and Vietnam. The Thailand Competition Commission announced that submission of a business combination report was not necessary.
    From countries where reporting is arbitrary, Korean Air has received clearance from Singapore, Malaysia and Australia. The Philippines has confirmed that the business combination report was not required.ADVERTISEMENT

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    Boulevard World Contributes to Saudi Vision 2030

    Riyadh Season, a pivotal step in achieving Saudi Vision 2030, seeks to attract more tourists and boost tourism growth in Saudi Arabia through various cultural and entertainment experiences and diverse cultural contents.Boulevard World was officially launched on November 21st as part of the Riyadh Season 2022, taking visitors on a journey around the world by presenting diverse cultures from the US, France, Greece, India, China, Spain, Japan, Morocco, Mexico, and Italy.Boulevard World collaborated with Unilumin Group, a Chinese high-tech company, to draw tourists from all over the world and create novel entertainment experiences they have never had. With a large number of Metasight LED displays supported by software integration and control technologies, Boulevard World showcased artistic design and creative content to the audience and created an immersive experience space filled with modern science and technologies. Boulevard World has thus become another world-class entertainment landmark.
    The huge spherical screen created by Unilumin will catch tourists’ eyes immediately when they enter Boulevard World. As an innovative product by Unilumin, the spherical screen has broken the Guinness World Records and become a new city landmark in Saudi Arabia. It also represents the strong connections across the global village advocated by Boulevard World. In addition, the largest LED ceiling screen in the Middle East and the first one in Saudi Arabia, together with dozens of outdoor ultra-high-definition (UHD) large screens, allows Boulevard World to present diverse cultures and history to the visitors.
    Riyadh Season started cooperation with Unilumin back in 2021. Using Unilumin’s LED displays and Metasight solutions, Riyadh Season has served over 15 million tourists worldwide and has driven the region’s tourism development. The professionalism of Unilumin throughout the project has left a deep impression on the clients in the Middle East.

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    ABTA Members’ customers travel with confidence in latest campaign

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    ABTA Members’ customers travel with confidence in latest campaign

    ABTA has launched the second phase of its annual flagship Travel with confidence campaign with a customer-focused video to be promoted through social media advertising. The campaign launches today,  Boxing Day, to coincide with the start of the peak holiday booking season and to promote and support Members during the busy period.The two-minute video shares testimonials from loyal customers talking about what holidays mean for them, and the various reasons why they book with an ABTA member.  The video reinforces the reassurance and peace of mind that comes with booking through a trustworthy and reputable company.  Customers featured include Naomi, a Virgin Atlantic Holidays customer, who says:
    “Holidays are very important as they provide that much needed time away from work, the chance to explore new cultures, and to spend quality time with loved ones. 
    “Total confidence in an ABTA registered Member is 100% peace of mind which makes for a perfect holiday.”
    The feel-good video drives home the importance people place on their holidays, with customers listing the time away from work, the chance to explore new cultures, the opportunity to spend time with loved ones, and being good for mental health as the main benefits of going away.  The initial phase of the campaign launched in early December with radio advertising on Heart Digital and reiterated the importance customers place on their holidays. 
    The video will be cut to different lengths for Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Reddit and will run throughout January.  The campaign will conclude at the end of January with a consumer competition. ADVERTISEMENTGraeme Buck, ABTA Director of Communications said:
    “This next phase of our Travel with confidence campaign is designed, just like the radio ads we are still airing, to help drive business for our Members through the peak booking period. 
    “It was great to see so many ABTA Members’ customers submitting content for the video and sharing the true excitement of booking a holiday. These real views from real people make this year’s Travel with confidence campaign heart-warming, relatable and effective.”
    For more information about the campaign, please visit www.abta.com/travelwithconfidence

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    Kempinski Strengthens its Presence in Turkey with Nef Partnership

    As demand for branded luxury real estate continues to grow worldwide, Kempinski Group has signed management agreements for two new luxury residential and hospitality projects in Turkey. Developed by Turkish real estate pioneer Nef, the projects in Sapanca and Gölköy Bodrum promise ultra-luxury living with a hybrid residential and hospitality offering that provides bespoke homeowners with all the services of a luxury resort.
    “Kempinski has been an active player in the development of Turkey’s hospitality landscape since the opening of Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul 32 years ago,” says Bernold Schroeder, Chief Executive Officer of Kempinski Group and Chairman of the Management Board of Kempinski AG. “These prestigious new projects reflect the increasing appetite from owners and investors for branded residences managed by well-established operators in the luxury space. We are humbled to have been selected by one of Turkey’s foremost luxury developers to manage these extraordinary properties.”
    Erden Timur, Chairman of the Board of Nef, adds: “At this point, we continue our investments in cooperation with prestigious local brands in America, London, Dubai, Kazakhstan and Germany. Today, we are delighted to announce our cooperation with Kempinski, the world’s oldest luxury hotel company.”
    Nestled among 19 acres of pine and olive tree-covered hillside overlooking the deep blue waters of the Aegean, Kempinski Residences Nef Reserve Gölköy Bodrum will be home to 106 private villas when it opens in 2026. Ranging from two to six bedrooms with spacious gardens, pools, verandas and indoor-outdoor living spaces, the villas feature large glass windows and open-plan interiors that blur the lines between inside and out, affording spectacular views of Demirbükü Bay for discerning owners and residents. In addition, a luxury boutique hotel will allow guests to enjoy the exclusive facilities of the resort.
    Turkish architect Boran Ekinci has adopted a design aesthetic that complements the forest setting, using wood, stone and other natural materials to create homes that blend into the landscape. Colours and textures will echo the surroundings: myriad greens in shades of olive, thyme and sage; vibrant blues that reflect sea and sky; and earthy neutral tones. Dotted across terrain thoughtfully sculpted by well-known landscape architects, the villas merge into the natural contours of the land, connected by a network of low-impact roads and trails accessed by electric buggies.ADVERTISEMENT
    Beyond their bespoke homes, owners have a raft of amenities on the doorstep, including an Italian restaurant, yoga and pilates decks, massage cabanas, outdoor swimming pool and separate kids’ pool, and a 270-metre private beach, plus fitness facilities and kids’ playground. Three jetties provide space to moor private craft, while on-demand yacht charters can whisk residents to the luxury shopping and nightlife of Yalikavak Marina, 20 minutes along the coast. Owners will also benefit from 24/7 concierge services, security, gardening and maintenance, as well as optional extras including private chefs, wellness therapists and transfers to Bodrum international airport 40 minutes away.
    US $130 million Kempinski Residences Sapanca will open its doors in 2026
    Developed with an investment of US $130 million, Kempinski Hotel & Residences Sapanca, Türkiye will bring luxury living to the green surrounds of Sapanca Lake, 140 kilometres from Istanbul. Designed for discerning owners that value outdoor space, natural scenery and easy access to Istanbul, the 200 hotel rooms and suites as well as the 50 villas and 138 townhouse apartments are surrounded by ponds, streams and lush woodland ribboned with walking, running and cycling trails. Various restaurants and bars, an exquisite spa as well as fitness facilities cater to the highest demands of guests.
    “Sapanca is one of the regions closest to Istanbul with the highest premium potential. The combination of natural setting, proximity to Istanbul, Nef architectural approach and Kempinski services bestow the project with incredible value,” says Erden Timur. “We planned the villas in five different styles and worked meticulously on architectural details, including large verandas and terraces. We took care to design a luxurious living space seen in very few projects, with high ceilings and integrated kitchen design. Here residents will be able to experience the four seasons intertwined with nature. We are planning the first deliveries in 2026.”

    In addition to a lakeside restaurant, owners at Kempinski Hotel & Residences Sapanca, Türkiye will have access to a community market square with shops selling locally grown produce, a hybrid power boat for excursions on the lake and three piers for fishing and mooring. The project will also include a fitness centre with hammam and sauna, mini football and basketball courts, and outdoor yoga and BBQ areas. Other services include private chefs and personal trainers, 24/7 concierge, airport transfers and packing, gardening and maintenance services.
    “These projects reflect the evolving lifestyles of High-Net-Worth investors and growing demand for homes that provide access to outdoor spaces and natural environments as well as personalised luxury lifestyle services,” says Bernold Schroeder. “Like our other recently announced Residences in Çeşme, Istanbul and Dubai, we are targeting a new breed of discerning owners for whom quality of life and family time is paramount.”
    Complementing the recently announced Kempinski residences in Istanbul and Çeşme, the two new projects make Turkey the fastest-growing destination in the Kempinski portfolio. Kempinski currently manages luxury hotel and residence properties in Istanbul, Bodrum and Belek, as well as three standalone Residences in Istanbul.

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    WTTC reveals APAC’s Travel & Tourism Sector’s Climate Footprint

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    WTTC reveals APAC’s Travel & Tourism Sector’s Climate Footprint

    The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Saudi-based Sustainable Tourism Global Center have unveiled revolutionary new data detailing the climate footprint of the Travel & Tourism sector in the Asia Pacific region (APAC).According to the data, between 2010 and 2019, the APAC Travel & Tourism sector decoupled its economic growth from its greenhouse gas emissions.
    The new data for the region reveals the total contribution to APAC’s GDP grew on average 7.3% annually, whilst greenhouse gas emissions increased by just 4% during the same period.
    The data also shows how the sector’s emissions intensity continues to decrease.
    In 2010, for every $1 USD of the region’s Travel & Tourism GDP, the sector emitted 0.94kg of greenhouse gas emissions.
    But in 2019, when Travel & Tourism was at its peak, this figure had dropped by more than 26% to 0.69kg, demonstrating the progress of changes implemented by governments and business leaders across the Asia-Pacific region to create a more sustainable sector.ADVERTISEMENTThe new data shows that in 2019 the sector was responsible for an average of just 10.3% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the APAC region.
    For the first time ever, this ground-breaking research can accurately report and track the impact industries within the sector have on the environment.
    This world first research which covers 185 countries across all regions and will be updated each year with the latest figures.
    Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “We are now able to give governments across the Asia-Pacific region the insights they need to make significant steps towards the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
    “The Travel & Tourism sector in the region has decoupled its economic growth from its greenhouse gas emissions and reduced its emissions intensity by an incredible 26%. But while this shows progress, a lot more needs to be done.
    “To reach our goals and ambitions, we must make bigger and bolder steps to reduce our absolute emissions.
    “Government support will be crucial in accelerating the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuels which will have a significant impact on our footprint, as well as bringing in more renewable energy to our national grids.”
    The global findings were launched at the global tourism body’s 22nd Global Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in November this year.
    This research was made possible thanks to the partnership between WTTC and the Saudi-based Sustainable Tourism Global Center. Under the Saudi green Initiative, more than 60 initiatives have been launched in the past year, representing more than $186BN USD of investment in the green economy.

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    North American Travel & Tourism Sector’s Climate Footprint Revealed

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    North American Travel & Tourism Sector’s Climate Footprint Revealed

    Between 2010 and 2019, the North American Travel & Tourism sector decoupled its economic growth from its greenhouse gas emissions. The new data for the region, which covers the Travel & Tourism sectors in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, reveals the total contribution to North America’s GDP grew on average 3.1% annually, whilst greenhouse gas emissions increased by just 1.2% during the same period.
    The data also demonstrates how the sector’s emissions intensity continues to decrease.
    In 2010, for every $1 USD of the region’s Travel & Tourism GDP, the sector emitted 0.53kg of greenhouse gas emissions.
    But in 2019, when Travel & Tourism was at its peak, this figure dropped by 15% to 0.45kg. This demonstrates the progress of changes implemented by governments and business leaders across North America to create a more sustainable sector.
    The new data shows that in 2019 the sector was responsible for just 9.3% of total greenhouse gas emissions in North America.ADVERTISEMENTFor the first time ever, this groundbreaking research can accurately report and track the impact industries within the sector have on the environment.
    This world first research which covers 185 countries across all regions, will be updated each year with the latest figures.
    Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “We are now able to give governments across North America the comprehensive information they need to make significant steps towards the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
    “The Travel & Tourism sector in the region has decoupled its economic growth from its greenhouse gas emissions and reduced its emissions intensity by 15%. But while this shows progress, a lot more needs to be done.
    “To reach our goals and ambitions, we must make bigger and bolder steps to reduce our absolute emissions.
    “And for this we need government support in accelerating the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuels which will have a significant impact on our footprint, as well as bringing in more renewable energy to our national grids.”
    The global findings were launched last week at the global tourism body’s 22nd Global Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
    This research was made possible thanks to the partnership between WTTC and the Saudi-based Sustainable Tourism Global Center. Under the Saudi green Initiative, more than 60 initiatives have been launched in the past year, representing more than $186BN USD of investment in the green economy.

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    African Travel & Tourism Sector’s Climate Footprint Revealed

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    WTTC reveals APAC’s Travel & Tourism Sector’s Climate Footprint More

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    African Travel & Tourism Sector’s Climate Footprint Revealed

    The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Saudi-based Sustainable Tourism Global Center have unveiled revolutionary new data detailing the climate footprint of the Travel & Tourism sector in Africa.According to the new data, between 2010 and 2019, the African Travel & Tourism sector decoupled its economic growth from its greenhouse gas emissions.
    The data shows the total contribution to Africa’s GDP grew on average 2.6% annually, whilst greenhouse gas emissions increased by just 1.2% during the same period.
    The data also demonstrates how the sector’s emissions intensity continues to decrease.
    In 2010, for every $1 USD of the region’s Travel & Tourism GDP, the sector emitted 1.45kg of greenhouse gas emissions.
    But in 2019, when Travel & Tourism was at its peak, this figure dropped by more than 11% to 1.29kg. This significant decline demonstrates the progress of changes implemented by governments and business leaders across Africa to create a more sustainable sector.ADVERTISEMENTIn the same year the sector was responsible for an average of just 6.6% of total greenhouse gas emissions across Africa.
    In one of the largest research projects of its kind ever undertaken, the global tourism body can for the first time ever, accurately report and track the impact industries within the sector have on the environment.
    This comprehensive research covers 185 countries across all regions and will be updated each year with the latest figures.
    Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Today, we can give governments across Africa the comprehensive information they need to make significant steps towards the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
    “The Travel & Tourism sector in the region has decoupled its economic growth from its greenhouse gas emissions and reduced its emissions intensity by more than 11%, but we know there is still work to be done.
    “To reach our goals and ambitions, we must make bigger and bolder steps to reduce our absolute emissions.
    “And for this we need government support in accelerating the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuels which will have a significant impact on our footprint, as well as bringing in more renewable energy to our national grids.”
    The global findings were launched at the global tourism body’s 22nd Global Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in November this year.
    This research was made possible thanks to the partnership between WTTC and the Saudi-based Sustainable Tourism Global Center. Under the Saudi green Initiative, more than 60 initiatives have been launched in the past year, representing more than $186BN USD of investment in the green economy.

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    ‘Dubai Destinations’ launches Picnic and Camping Guide

    A new interactive #DubaiDestinations guide issued today by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO), invites residents and travellers to explore the city’s beautiful outdoors with its extensive Picnic and Camping Guide.The Ultimate Picnic and Camping Guide lists a range of Dubai’s outdoor destinations and sites, offering tips for barbecuing, camping, and making the most of the beautiful winter weather. It includes a checklist of the essential items and equipment to carry when camping on your own. The guide lists online platforms for buying or renting camp gear and picnic kits and a list of Dubai’s best homegrown businesses offering ready-to-use picnic and camping F&B kits.
    The camping destinations in the guide include Hatta, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, and deserts across the city, such as Al Qudra, Al Awir, Al Ruwayaah, and the Half Desert Road. The guide’s picnic spots include beach and pond parks, lakes, natural escapes, scenic rest areas,
    mountaintop picnic spots and beach and desert locations. The public and private destinations listed in the guide represent Dubai’s vast diversity of outdoor offerings that define its unique destination experience and make it the best city for living. The areas featured in the guide include Dubai Creek Park, Al Barari Nature Escape, Wadi Hatta Park, Al Marmoom Lakes, Safa Park, Leem Rest Area, Jumeirah Beach, Al Khazzan Park and many more.
    The guide also lists companies organising picnics. In addition, it lists businesses that help set up camping tents, camper vans, and even outdoor cinemas for groups of all sizes and budgets.
    Fatma Al Mulla, City Branding Executive at Brand Dubai, said: “Our interactive winter guide, ‘Dubai: The Ultimate Picnic and Camping Guide’, released as part of the latest #DubaiDestinations campaign, enables both residents and travellers to discover the city’s picturesque outdoor destinations, including landscaped gardens, lakes, beachfront destinations with cafés, and hilltop camping and picnic spots to suit every preference. Our guide covers all aspects of camping and picnicking in Dubai, including locations, companies offering set-up support, digital platforms for buying or renting camping and picnic gear, and Dubai’s homegrown businesses offering F&B kits.ADVERTISEMENT“It really is the ultimate guide for those interested in exploring the outdoors, including desert campsites that offer various activities, beach camps, trekking trails, parks and gardens. We have designed the guide to help families and people of all age groups explore the city and make the most of its outdoors. The latest guide allows residents and visitors the best time during this amazing season.”
    The guide is part of the latest phase of the Dubai Media Council’s #DubaiDestinations winter campaign, which returns this year to showcase the attractions and experiences that make the emirate a top pick among global destinations in the cooler months of the year.
    The collaborative campaign, implemented by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the GDMO, highlights various activities and experiences that people can enjoy amidst the beautiful winter weather. This season, Dubai offers residents and visitors amazing adventure, entertainment, food, art, culture, sports and fitness experiences.
    The campaign tells the story of Dubai’s emergence as one of the world’s best winter destinations and features engaging content from diverse stakeholders.
    Al Mulla thanked the media, content creators, and social media influencers who continue to support the campaign by contributing their unique stories and creative content about Dubai’s attractiveness as a must-visit destination. She also thanked the homegrown businesses in the ‘Proudly from Dubai’ network for their exceptional products and services.
    Running until February 2023, the latest campaign of the #DubaiDestinations initiative encourages residents and visitors to discover Dubai’s diverse leisure, dining, adventure and family-friendly activities that make the city a distinctive winter destination.
    The #DubaiDestinations campaign is being rolled out over digital, broadcast, print and outdoor media to ensure it reaches large sections of local and international audiences. Brand Dubai is implementing the #DubaiDestinations campaign with various stakeholders and the creative media community. The interactive guide, available in English and Arabic, can be viewed through the following link: https://www.dubaidestinations.ae/guides/4/2.pdf. The #DubaiDestinations website—www.dubaidestinations.ae—comprises content, videos and guides related to the campaign.

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