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    Qatar Airways Holidays Launches Ultimate Travel Packages for the Formula 1® Qatar Grand Prix

    Qatar Airways, the Global Partner and Official Airline of F1®, in partnership with Qatar Airways Holidays, announced this weekend the launch of its exclusive travel packages for the upcoming F1® races this season. The travel packages allow fans to be up-close to high-octane action, and exclusively enjoy unique experiences including pit lane walks, guided track tours, and special events with select F1® drivers.
    Fans have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to purchase an array of flexible packages for all of the 2023 F1® race destinations, including the forthcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix and Qatar Airways Gran Premio del Made in Italy e Dell’Emilia-Romagna. In addition, the airline’s Privilege Club members can also earn Avios points – the world’s leading loyalty rewards currency, based on the total value of these Ultimate F1® Fan Travel Packages.
    Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are thrilled to introduce our F1® Travel Packages to motorsports fans around the world. We have worked hard to create these affordable packages that offer unbeatable value. The Formula 1® Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix packages offer fans the additional experience to attend the superlative Geneva International Motor Show that is taking place in Qatar from 5-14 October. The access to the most highly anticipated auto show of the year makes the Qatar Grand Prix Travel Package a guaranteed unforgettable experience and the most affordable travel package for fans.”
    From start to end of their journey, the packages are designed for fans to enjoy a seamless motorsport extravaganza, with the inclusion of return flights, hotel accommodations, F1® Paddock Club or Grandstand race tickets, and much more. Motorsport enthusiasts planning to attend the Formula 1® Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2023 are encouraged to purchase the Early Bird Offer by 31 May 2023. To guarantee this unique personalised experience, fans can choose their most convenient travel package, with prices starting at $1,110 USD, by visiting: qatarairways.com/F1
    Qatar Airways as a brand is committed to supporting sports globally, helping fans travel to their favourite events around the world. The airline is the Official Airline of Concacaf, Paris-Saint Germain, The Royal Challengers Bangalore, the IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 Triathlon Series, the United Rugby Championship (URC) and European Professional Club Rugby (EPC), the Global Kitesports Association (GKA) and GKA Kite World Tour, and multiple other disciplines including Australian football, basketball, equestrian, motor racing, squash, and tennis.ADVERTISEMENT

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    Hong Kong to Host Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023

    Asia’s very best bartenders, mixology experts and drinks industry talent will gather in Hong Kong this July as the city hosts Asia’s 50 Best Bars
    Asia’s very best bartenders and drinks industry talent will gather in Hong Kong this July as the city hosts Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards ceremony, one of the region’s most authoritative and prestigious surveys of cocktail tastes and trends. For its 2023 edition, the annual awards have partnered with the Hong Kong Tourism Board to bring the event to the city for the very first time on 18 July 2023.
    “We are delighted to host this year’s edition of Asia’s 50 Best Bars in July, one of the region’s most significant celebrations of hospitality, which further affirms Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s foremost hub for cocktail experiences. We look forward to inspiring the region’s best bar talent with what Hong Kong has to offer.” Dr Pang Yiu-kai, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, says.
    Mark Sansom, Director of Content for Asia’s 50 Best Bars, says, “We are very excited to host the awards in Hong Kong this year. The city has one of the most dynamic and diverse bar scenes in Asia, and despite tight border controls in the last three years, it continues to lead with amazingly innovative bar experiences. By bringing the biggest event on Asia’s bar calendar to Hong Kong, wehope to shine the spotlight back on the city’s vibrant nightlife and contribute to driving travel and tourism.”
    Hong Kong is a breeding ground for cocktail-making talent and an ideal location for exchange of ideas among industry leaders. Eight Hong Kong bars are featured on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2022. In the top three, two of which are bars proudly born and bred in Hong Kong, including Mexican inspired bar COA in the No.1 spot, and Argo, at No.3, which serves creative cocktails using Asian sourced ingredients.

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    Emirates’ A380 lands in Morocco

    The aircraft was received by Khalfan Al Salami, Country Manager, Morocco, along with a host of dignitaries including Alasri Al Dhaheri, the UAE ambassador of Morocco, Omar Abdulrahman Al Tunaiji, UAE Consul General of Morocco, Alarby Bin Ebrahim, Public relations Manager, and Abdalhaq Mazrour, Airport Director, Morocco.
    Emirates’ iconic flagship A380 yesterday landed at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, signalling a better way to fly between Dubai and Casablanca, as well as increasing travel demand in and out of Morocco.Passengers onboard the first A380 to Morocco were in for an extra tinge of excitement as the superjumbo was dressed in a special livery marked for the occasion. The aircraft sported the Museum of the Future Livery, Dubai’s newest definitive marvel, architectural icon and centre for pioneering concepts and ideas.
    The daily A380 service replaces the existing Boeing 777-300ER aircraft currently used between Dubai and Casablanca. Emirates flight EK 751 takes off from Dubai International Airport at 07:30hrs and lands in in Casablanca at 11:55hrs. EK 752 departs Casablanca at 1445hrs, arriving in Dubai at 0115hrs the next day.
    The aircraft was received by Khalfan Al Salami, Country Manager, Morocco, along with a host of dignitaries including Alasri Al Dhaheri, the UAE ambassador of Morocco, Omar Abdulrahman Al Tunaiji, UAE Consul General of Morocco, Alarby Bin Ebrahim, Public relations Manager, and Abdalhaq Mazrour, Airport Director, Morocco.
    Emirates has been flying to Morocco for 21 years and the return of A380 services underscores its long-standing commitment to the country, boosting inbound traffic and supporting the tourism recovery of the country. Casablanca continues to be a popular leisure destination on the Emirates’ net, and the upgrade of services to an A380 will provide travellers more opportunities to connect to the Moroccan capital, as well as provide customers more connectivity to Dubai and beyond to cities through Emirates’ extensive global network. Passengers travelling on the first A380 are coming from the Middle East, South and South East Asia, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Travellers flying from Casablanca to Dubai served by the A380 can enjoy seamless connectivity to its global network of 140 destinations.
    First and business class customers can also take advantage of the recently launched Chauffeur Drive services launched in Morocco to enjoy a smooth, seamless, door-to-door experience in an immaculately presented vehicle with total comfort and privacy.ADVERTISEMENTThe Emirates A380 experience remains highly sought after by travellers offering 14 First Class suites and 76 lie-flat seats in Business Class. Customers travelling to and from Casablanca can look forward to enjoying its spacious and comfortable cabins, signature products that offer travellers the best experiences in the sky like the Onboard Lounge, First Class suites, Shower Spa and an award-winning inflight entertainment system that includes more than 5,000 channels of on-demand entertainment.
    The airline has been accelerating the deployment of its flagship A380 aircraft in line with growing demand for air travel. Currently, Emirates’ A380 is deployed to 43 destinations including Dubai with plans to expand to several other cities in the coming months.

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    Lufthansa Group aid organization expands project portfolio with 8 new projects

    Help alliance, the aid organization of the Lufthansa Group, is further expanding its global commitment and is supporting a total of 8 new aid projects this year.For the first time, projects in Namibia, Syria and the Dominican Republic will be supported. In total, help alliance is now active in 28 countries with 52 projects and is making an important contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the United Nations.
    Among the new projects are three initiatives that were developed in close cooperation with the Lufthansa Group airlines Eurowings Discover and Edelweiss Air. “The involvement of the airlines through their own aid projects strengthens the sense of community of the entire Group and shows that there is great motivation to work across the board for disadvantaged children and young people,” says Andrea Pernkopf, Managing Director of help alliance.
    In addition to its long-term projects, help alliance is also stepping up its emergency relief in crisis areas such as Ukraine or the earthquake-stricken regions of Turkey and Syria. With needs-oriented emergency aid and reconstruction measures, the organization supports the affected people quickly and effectively.
    “As an aid organization of the Lufthansa Group, we are proud to further expand our project portfolio and to support people in need. Our work contributes to promoting high-quality education (SDG 4) and decent work and economic growth (SDG 8) in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in countries of the Global South, but also in Europe,” emphasizes Pernkopf.
    As usual, the projects of help alliance are proposed by employees of the Lufthansa Group and supervised on a voluntary basis. Since its foundation in 1999, the aid organization has been working for sustainable social development in the project countries and is committed to helping disadvantaged children and young people worldwide.ADVERTISEMENTFor detailed information about the 8 new help alliance projects, visit http://www.helpalliance.org, including:
    Arusha, Tanzania: School of the Future.In the project region, many children live in difficult and poverty-stricken circumstances. To help these children and at the same time to develop the community, an innovative school center is to be built with a special focus on sustainability, environmental protection and integration.
    Masaka, Uganda: Entrepreneurship ProgramTo counteract the difficult labor market situation in Uganda, teachers are being trained at 12 secondary schools to introduce young people to entrepreneurship, develop product ideas with them and support them in setting up their own businesses.
    Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic: Lilis SchoolIn 1992, Florencia “Dona Lili” Bonilla founded the Colegio Enriquillo in a poor suburb of Puerto Plata with the aim of providing the children living there with access to a high-quality education that would pave the way to a university degree. The school building, which had fallen into disrepair, is now to be rebuilt.
    Katutura, Namibia: Afternoon careThe construction of new premises, the provision of school materials and school meals for disadvantaged children will relieve the burden on teachers and parents and create an improved learning environment for all students.
    Costa Maya, Mexico: Plastic collectorsOver the past 20 years, coastal pollution in southern Mexico has increased dramatically. Plastic waste washes up on the beaches every day, severely affecting flora and fauna. Local fishermen are to be motivated to collect old plastic from the seas. This is then recycled and reused as new plastic material. For this social and environmentally friendly approach, the project partner Tide Ocean 2022 was awarded the Swiss Ethics Award.

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    Forthcoming Aviation Convention in May set to change the narrative of African airline Industry

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    Forthcoming Aviation Convention in May set to change the narrative of African airline Industry

    In light of Africa’s vast landmass, its population accounting for 16% of the world population, and its low share of global trade of 2%, the continent is an excellent opportunity to develop air transport. However, as a market, Africa’s share over several decades has remained stagnant at less than 3% of the world market – it is time to take action to change this narrative.
    The 11th Aviation Stakeholders Convention, scheduled to take place from 07-09 May 2023 is timely and aligned to address this situation. The Convention, which is proudly being hosted by Ethiopian Airlines under the patronage of the Government of Ethiopia, will be held under the theme: “Changing the African Aviation Narrative”. The event will bring together over 400 delegates from Africa and across the globe. The Convention is one of Africa’s leading forums for air transport industry stakeholders to dialogue, exchange knowledge and experiences for the development of the travel ecosystem. Several African airline Chief Executive Officers and aviation industry thought leaders will be present at the event.
    Speaking in Addis Ababa on the significance of attainment of sustainability that will change the narrative of Africa’s air transport, Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé emphasized the importance of dialogue among stakeholders and collaborative initiatives such as those facilitated by AFRAA: “AFRAA and Ethiopian Airlines are excited to stage this Convention for the travel ecosystem stakeholders to meet, deliberate on strategies to enhance efficiencies, create synergies, develop intra-Africa connectivity, ensure business continuity that will redefine the narrative of Africa air transport industry.”
    Mr. Mesfin Bekele, Group CEO Ethiopian Airlines remarked, “We are delighted to host the 11th Aviation Stakeholders’ Convention of AFRAA which will serve as a forum for stakeholders in the industry to put their heads together and discuss the opportunities and pressing issues in Africa’s aviation sector. The forum will showcase the ‘Africa Rising’ mantra manifested in the growing opportunities for all stakeholders in the continent’s aviation industry.” 
    Event HighlightsADVERTISEMENTThe Convention will be held from 07-09 May 2023 at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa Ethiopia.  A robust and comprehensive programme has been lined up to facilitate discussions on various salient topics, masterclasses, networking opportunities at social events and B2B sessions through a conferencing application. Delegates will have the opportunity to network and discuss developments in the industry and forge business partnerships.
    CSR event for youth development in aviation: On 10th May, the Convention activities shall cover a CSR activity aimed at empowering the next generation of aviators at the Ethiopian University. The event will be sponsored by Collins Aerospace and staged in collaboration with AFRAA and Ethiopian Airlines. 
    Exhibition: There shall be exhibition and showcase of aviation-related products and solutions at the exhibition segment of the Convention.
    Sponsors: The Stakeholders Convention is proudly sponsored by Ethiopian Airlines, ASECNA, ATNS, Boeing, Collins Aerospace and Embraer.
    About AFRAA:
    The African Airlines Association, also known by its acronym AFRAA, is the leading trade association of airlines from the member states of the African Union (AU). Founded in Accra, Ghana, in April 1968, and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, AFRAA’s mission is to promote, serve African Airlines and champion Africa’s aviation industry. The Association envisions a sustainable, interconnected and affordable Air Transport industry in Africa where African Airlines become key players and drivers to African economic development. AFRAA membership of 48 airlines cuts across the entire continent and includes all the major intercontinental African operators. The Association members represent over 85% of total international traffic carried by African airlines. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

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    Cirque du Soleil and Outrigger Announce New Multi-Year Resident Show for Hawaii

    Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel and Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group have teamed up to bring Honolulu residents and visitors a new multi-year resident show, exclusive to Hawaii. Executives from both organisations were joined by Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi to make the announcement on 10 April.
    Anticipated to open in late 2024, the show will fuse the world-renowned acrobatics and innovation that Cirque du Soleil is known for with the natural beauty and unique culture of the Hawaiian islands. Native Hawaiian, Aaron J. Salā, PhD, has been retained as the creative cultural producer to assist in creating this show’s storyline along with other prominent Hawaiian artists, musicians and dancers.
    A joint venture is being made by both parties to create this opportunity and transform the 20,000 sq. ft. (1858 sqm) showroom venue at Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, previously used by Magic of Polynesia. The necessary permits for renovation work to commence and create the nearly 800-seat theatre with state-of-the-art audio-visual system are being submitted. The venue architect is Hawaii-based G70, with project estimating done by RLB in Honolulu.
    “Cirque du Soleil is an iconic company at the apex of entertainment,” said Jeff Wagoner, President and CEO of Outrigger Hospitality Group. “We are confident that the show created for Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel will delight and astound our guests and residents.”
    ADVERTISEMENTMr Wagoner added: “This collaboration with Cirque was years in the making and perfectly aligns with Outrigger’s brand elevation strategy, which includes a promise to provide authentic live music and signature experiences in renowned beach locations.”
    Mayor Rick Blanglardi, said: “In addition to bringing new vibrancy to Waikiki, this project will produce significant economic impact through job creations in redeveloping the theatre space and ongoing show operations. I’m honoured and excited to welcome Cirque du Soleil as the newest Honolulu resident.”
    More details will be shared in the coming months regarding the partnership, the show’s name and creative concept, as well as on-sale dates, with a target of December 2024 for the show’s debut.

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    Crystal Lagoons Expands Middle East Success

    Crystal Lagoons enters the largest country in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia, with a new mega deal to develop real estate, hospitality, and Public Access Lagoons™, also called PAL™, projects. The development plan consists of several luxury complexes, which will be located in coastal and inland cities such as Riyadh, as well as Jeddah, Dammam, Medina, and Khobar.
    The multinational innovation company, founded by scientist Fernando Fischmann, has partnered with A’amal Group, a major holding company with interests in the investment, hospitality, real estate & energy development across the Middle East, Asia and Africa. The company’s Founder & CEO Yassin Al Suroor, is also the Founder & CEO of DANA investment, specialized in the digital economy. He is a board member of several regional and international companies, as well as nonprofit global organizations.
    With the new partnership with A’amal Group, Crystal Lagoons consolidate its presence in the Middle East, where it already has ongoing projects in the UAE, Egypt, Israel, Palestine and Oman. In fact, the world’s two largest crystalline lagoons are located in the Middle East: District One in Dubai (30 hectares) and Citystars Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt (12.8 hectares).
    “I am very pleased to announce this strategic alliance between A’amal Group and Crystal Lagoons, and the potential that it holds for Saudi Arabia. We believe that this partnership follows our vision for the future, and are confident that working in synergy will lead to the development of unique destinations throughout the country.” Said Yassin Al Suroor, President & CEO of A’amal Group
    At the center of these PAL™ developments are large crystalline lagoons suitable for swimming and water sports, surrounded by white sandy beaches, which are open to the public for a fee. The complexes also have commercial areas, restaurants, weddings, hotels, concert venues, terraces, amphitheaters, etc.ADVERTISEMENT“Closing a strategic partnership like this for 10 PAL™ projects in Saudi Arabia is a milestone that validates our uniqueness and added value as a brand. It also shows that the Crystal Lagoons® concept and technology can bring idyllic beaches anywhere in the world, even to the middle of the desert, and create unique tourism opportunities,” said Alastair Sinclair, Regional Director of Crystal Lagoons.
    Crystal Lagoons experienced record global expansion in 2022 with its PAL™ projects. The company entered over 15 new markets and closed mega business deals in countries including Japan, Australia, India, Israel, Palestine, among others.

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    SeaWorld Entertainment Names Marisa Thalberg as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer

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    SeaWorld Entertainment Names Marisa Thalberg as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer

    SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc, a leading theme park and entertainment company, today announced that Marisa Thalberg will join the company as their Chief Marketing and Communications Officer effective April 24, 2023.
    In this role, Marisa will be responsible for brand and marketing strategies that drive revenue, increase visitation across the organization’s award-winning portfolio of 12 parks, and elevate the company’s conservation mission. Marisa is a globally recognized brand-builder and pioneer of digital, social and eCommerce marketing. She is a five-time honoree on Forbes’ “World’s Most Influential CMOs” list, among other industry accolades.
    Marc Swanson, Chief Executive Officer of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. said, “Marisa’s experience with some of the most recognized retail and F&B brands, coupled with her strong history of driving revenue growth through holistic marketing strategies, represents a great opportunity to better showcase our iconic brands and the passionate work we do with conservation. We are thrilled to have her join our leadership team.”
    Marisa added, “From the moment I experienced SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment and learned more about all of the brands within it, I have been so excited to join this leadership team. This is a company that is uniquely built on delivering joy and creating memories that matter, while also educating and inspiring others to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world. Across SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Sesame Place, Discovery Cove and every brand in the portfolio there is a unique story that I cannot wait to work with the team to tell. The growth opportunities ahead are incredibly exciting.”
    Marisa was the first Executive Vice President, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer for Lowe’s Companies Inc. from 2020-2022. At Lowe’s, she was responsible for the transformation of marketing during which she helped drive record sales and brand growth for the company.ADVERTISEMENTPrior to Lowe’s, Marisa was the Global Chief Brand Officer at Taco Bell, where she achieved category-beating same store sales growth every quarter and captured the highest passion index among fans of any QSR brand. She also provided global brand stewardship for Taco Bell’s rapid international expansion.
    From 2007-2015, Marisa was the head of Corporate Digital Marketing Worldwide for The Estee Lauder Companies (ELC), where she was responsible for the total company leadership of digital/social marketing and content strategy to support brand and eCommerce development worldwide, across the company’s portfolio of 30+ leading prestige global beauty brands.
    In 2002, Marisa founded Executive Moms (www.executivemoms.com), an organization created to connect and support accomplished women who are both professionals and moms. She currently serves as a Strategic Advisor to the VC firm Composite Ventures and is on the boards of the Blumenthal Center of the Arts and the MMA. She has served on the boards of the AdCouncil, International Women’s Media Foundation, TheatreworksUSA and the Orange County School of the Arts. Marisa graduated Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa from Brown University with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

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