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    Stuart Greif joins InterLnkd as board advisor

    InterLnkd – the travel industry’s intelligent shopping mall partner and winner of the 2023 WTM and World Aviation Festival start-up competitions – has today announced the appointment of global travel executive and industry expert Stuart Greif on its board of advisors.The appointment comes just months after the start-up raised £1 million in a seed funding round led by Vanneck Ltd., to accelerate its growth and international expansion.
    In his role as a board advisor, Stuart will leverage his extensive industry knowledge to provide strategic guidance to the InterLnkd leadership team and identify new growth opportunities.
    With 30 years’ global experience focused at the intersection of travel, customer experience and technology, Stuart currently serves as Executive Vice-President of Forbes Travel Guide. In this capacity, he spearheads strategy, innovation, and operations across more than 80 countries.
    Previously, Stuart served as Senior Executive for Travel & Hospitality at Microsoft, and led J.D. Power’s Global Hospitality & Travel group. In addition, he played a pivotal role in the success of tech start-up – and now unicorn – Amperity, backed by early investors in Amazon, Facebook, and LinkedIn. He continues to actively engage in the travel start-up community as an investor, advisor, and mentor.
    Stuart Greif, board advisor to InterLnkd, said: “I love that InterLnkd is providing highly contextually relevant product offers post-booking from over 20,000 brands, bringing retail shopping into the travel post-booking process for suppliers and sellers of travel. The team has identified a multi-billion-dollar opportunity, of which the travel industry has barely scratched the surface.ADVERTISEMENT“No matter the type of vacation, Ski, Beach, City, Adventure or Golf, the industry is leaving significant revenue on the table, and InterLnkd has built a solution to capture that revenue and return it to the travel industry for free. I am excited by what the team has built so far for leading travel brands and look forward to supporting their global ambitions.”
    Barry Klipp, Chief Executive Officer of InterLnkd, added: “Stuart is one of the most recognised thought leaders in our field and a dedicated supporter of innovative travel start-ups. With his vast experience spanning top-tier consultancies, prominent tech companies, VCs, and private equity, he will be an invaluable asset to the InterLnkd team.”
    InterLnkd found the average traveller spends £270 on products across fashion, beauty, and essentials for their upcoming holiday. The UK start-up’s white-label technology enables travel sellers – including airlines, tour operators, and Online Travel Agencies – to earn a cost-free incremental revenue stream from these purchases.
    Thanks to its intelligent matching engine, InterLnkd seamlessly curates a personalised selection of products that align with a customer’s travel booking from over 20,000 brands.
    Last year, the company solidified strategic partnerships with leading travel brands including Thomas Cook, HolidayPirates, and LeShuttle (Eurotunnel).

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    BEONx forges strategic partnership with webhotelier | primalres, leading travel tech group

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    BEONx forges strategic partnership with webhotelier | primalres, leading travel tech group

    BEONx, a leading hospitality revenue management system provider, is delighted to announce its strategic partnership with webhotelier | primalres, a regional travel tech leader focusing in the Greek and Cypriot market but serving 17.400+ hotels and other accommodation providers in 38 countries. This milestone collaboration aims to revolutionise the revenue management landscape in the region, act as a catalyst for data-driven decision making, thus enhancing the profitability and efficiency of hotels and other strategic accommodation providers.
    The primary objective of this partnership is to deliver an advanced revenue management solution tailored to the unique needs of the Greek and Cypriot markets, bolstered by a dedicated local Greek support network.
    As such webhotelier | primalres will play a pivotal role in enabling BEONx to effectively reach all key accounts including over 130 hotel chains in Greece and Cyprus that stand to benefit from the implementation of an RMS.
    Right now, in Greece, where hotels command some of the highest ADRs in the region, technology-driven solutions are in high demand. Hoteliers are actively seeking innovative tools to further enhance their revenue management strategies and capitalise on the thriving hospitality market. BEONx’s partnership with webhotelier | primalres will provide Greek and Cypriot hotels with a comprehensive suite of tools designed to meet their specific needs.
    Panos Kontozamanis, CEO at webhotelier | primalres, expressed his enthusiasm for this pivotal partnership, stating, “Our aim is to provide a state of-the-art e-business ecosystem that assists our partners’ journey to digital transformation. BEONx is the world’s #1 sustainable profitability platform for hotels that goes beyond Revenue Management. We are thrilled to integrate BEONx into our ecosystem, thus offering our clients a robust and holistic approach to revenue optimization. Together with BEONx, we’re set to redefine the future of hotel revenue management in Greece and Cyprus, providing our clients with unparalleled insights and the agility to thrive in a dynamic market.”ADVERTISEMENTAdditionally, Rubén Sánchez, CEO and cofounder at BEONx added, “Our partnership with webhotelier | primalres represents a significant step forward for BEONx in expanding our global footprint. We are excited to collaborate with such a reputable player in the Greek and Cypriot markets. This alliance reflects our dedication to empowering hotels in this region with advanced revenue management tools and exceptional customer support.”
    BEONx is set to integrate seamlessly with key hospitality technologies. Thanks to this partnership, BEONx will be able to offer customer service support in the Greek language, ensuring that their clients receive the best possible support and guidance for their revenue management needs.

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    Amadeus joins International LGBTQ+ Travel Association

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    KSA companies tap into new markets and reach global investors with launch of MIPIM Saudi Club

    Businesses in Saudi Arabia can attend MIPIM – the world’s biggest, most influential real estate event – at special rates, with exclusive benefits through the MIPIM Saudi Club, a new, independent platform designed to foster networking, learning, partnerships and collaborations between KSA and international companies.MIPIM Saudi Club enables KSA entities to tap into new markets and reach tens of thousands of global investors and decision makers at the event, taking place in Cannes, France, 12-15 March 2024.The brainchild of a group of seasoned, KSA and UAE-based business, events and communications professionals, MIPIM Saudi Club further bridges the gap between Saudi and global businesses, in turn encouraging more foreign direct investment into the country, by making MIPIM more affordable and more accessible. A MIPIM Saudi Club pass costs SAR8,500, which includes full event access, affiliate listing as part of KSA’s overall presence at MIPIM, dedicated meeting spaces, top-flight catering services, increased brand awareness and listing on MIPIM Saudi Club’s official channels. Passes are available until 28 February. MIPIM Saudi Club Co-Founder, Laura Martin, said: “MIPIM is the world’s leading event of its kind, bringing together more than 25,000 delegates, 6,500 investors and 300 exhibitors from 90 countries. With KSA’s unprecedented investment in infrastructure, real estate, tourism and hospitality, MIPIM is a golden opportunity for Saudi companies to get in front of the investors, decision makers and partners who can help turn Vision 2030 into a reality. “MIPIM Saudi Club unites our long-standing experience of working with companies in the Kingdom and wider Middle East with our extensive knowledge of the workings of MIPIM and many other leading global business events. We are proud be part of KSA’s future success by bringing this unique opportunity to Saudi businesses large and small.”For the third year in a row, KSA government entities, developers and projects are exhibiting at MIPIM under the Invest Saudi umbrella. Through the MIPIM Saudi Club, any company in the Kingdom can attend as a visitor or exhibitor. For information and updates, follow MIPIM Saudi Club on LinkedIn or email [email protected]

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    Shannon Airport Reports Record Growth in 2023, Eyes Further Expansion

    Shannon Airport had a strong growth surge in 2023 with 1.958 million passengers welcomed to the airport, a 29 per cent increase on 2022 activity. This strong performance saw the airport achieve its highest passenger numbers since 2009, 14 years ago, with growth in air services across all markets.
    Passenger numbers to and from Continental Europe rose by 41 per cent to over 748k; UK traffic increased by 31 per cent recording 838k, while transatlantic passenger numbers increased by 24 per cent to 296k. These results build on the recent publication of an independent report by Oxford Economics showing that The Shannon Airport Group delivers a major contribution of almost €4 billion (€3.96bn) to Ireland’s GDP, supports over 20,300 jobs across the Irish workforce, and contributes €643m in tax revenues.
    Commenting on the Group’s positive performance in 2023, Mary Considine, CEO of The Shannon Airport Group said: “These results are a testament to the hard work of our team across The Shannon Airport Group, the loyalty of our customers and stakeholders, and support from Government.
    “Shannon Airport’s temporary inclusion in the Regional Airports Programme helped us enormously to rebuild in the aftermath of COVID-19, and in 2023, much welcome Government funding supported our airport operation.
    “We have achieved much, but know we can achieve even more for our region with continued Government support. Ultimately, Shannon Airport’s permanent inclusion in the Regional Airports Programme will deliver economic benefits for Ireland, aligning as it does with the Government’s own ambitions for ensuring balanced regional development. We have been lobbying hard for this for some time and continue to do so as we await the outcome of the Government’s Mid-Term Review of the Programme due shortly.”ADVERTISEMENTShannon Airport’s service offering was boosted considerably in 2023 with new Ryanair services to destinations including Naples, Porto, Béziers and Liverpool, as well as additional capacity on some popular destinations, particularly during peak holiday times and school holidays. Another highlight was the launch of the new Aer Lingus service to the hub airport of Paris Charles de Gaulle.
    Transatlantic services at Shannon received a major boost in 2023 with the launch by United Airlines of a new daily Chicago service. Passengers can look forward to even more transatlantic services in 2024 with the return of the Delta Air Lines daily seasonal service from Shannon to New York JFK beginning in May this year. This will bring the total number of US services from Shannon to five.
    In addition to its airport operation, The Shannon Airport Group also owns and manages a significant property portfolio, which it uses to attract FDI and indigenous investment to the region. In 2023, The Group invested over €17 million across the Shannon Campus to provide property solutions for business and enhance airport facilities. Key projects undertaken during the year included the completion of a new €7.6 million 60,000 sq. ft. multi-purpose industrial unit, and a €6.2 million 40,000 sq. ft. R&D technology unit. The Group also completed a number of infrastructural projects at the airport, among these, rehabilitation work on an airport taxiway.
    In 2023, the Group continued to execute its Sustainability Strategy, successfully attaining Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 2 certification and is currently advancing towards Level 3.
    Implementing its strategy to reduce its energy consumption, the Group partnered with the ESB to complete a major lighting project. This initiative, involving the replacement of over 4,000 indoor and outdoor lights with cutting-edge LED bulbs, resulted in a remarkable two-thirds reduction in the airport’s lighting energy consumption.
    In addition, sixteen EV charging points were rolled out across the Campus, and eight electric vehicles were introduced at the airport as part of the Group’s commitment to transition its fleet to a low carbon alternative. The Group also unveiled a new five-year Biodiversity Action Plan. This comprehensive plan outlines a series of initiatives aimed at preserving and enhancing biodiversity across the Shannon Campus.
    Looking ahead, Ms Considine expressed confidence in the upcoming year; “We believe the year ahead will be positive. Our airport and commercial property activities create an environment that boosts economic growth and helps the region develop. Shannon was voted the best Irish airport brand in 2023 by Red C, and our customer focused approach will continue to be at the core of everything we do at Shannon Airport in 2024, as will growing our commercial property portfolio.”
    Ms Considine also highlighted the potential for the Shannon Estuary to become a major global hub for renewable energy, focusing on offshore wind energy. “The strategic location of Shannon Airport offers huge potential for the development of sustainable aviation technology and the production of green fuel for the aviation sector, as recommended by the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce Report. We will continue to work closely with the Taskforce and Government to seize this opportunity,” she said.

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    Nexus celebrates remarkable journey of its 25th anniversary

    NexusTours, the leading Destination Management Company in the Caribbean, Central America, and North America, operating in 19 countries and 52 destinations, proudly celebrates its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of creating unforgettable memories for guests and travel partners.This significant milestone will be commemorated with a grand celebration at the Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun on Thursday, February 22, 2024. The event promises to be an evening of reflection, recognition, and anticipation for the exciting news that NexusTours is eager to share.
    In a statement from NexusTours’ President, Rubén Gutiérrez, he reflected on the company’s journey, saying, “Celebrating 25 years is a testament to the dedication and resilience of the entire NexusTours family. We are immensely grateful for the trust and support we’ve received from our partners, guests, and the community. This celebration is not just about our past achievements but also an exciting preview of the innovative initiatives we have in store for the future.”
    The event will be a unique opportunity for attendees to reminisce about shared successes, witness the unveiling of exciting news, and join NexusTours in shaping the next chapter of its journey. The Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun will serve as a fitting venue for this grand celebration, reflecting the company’s commitment to excellence and creating memorable experiences.

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    ANDBEYOND AND QUARK EXPEDITIONS LAUNCH A TASTE OF THE WILD LIFE: A MASTERCLASS WITH KRIS TOMPKINS

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    ANDBEYOND AND QUARK EXPEDITIONS LAUNCH A TASTE OF THE WILD LIFE: A MASTERCLASS WITH KRIS TOMPKINS

    Conservation-led luxury travel company andBeyond has partnered with Quark Expeditions to expand their operations to a fourth continent. Together, the partners have created A Taste of the Wild Life; A Masterclass with Kris Tompkins. Brought to you by andBeyond and Quark Expeditions, with Kris Tompkins, the 18-night land and sea adventure gives travellers an intimate glimpse into what is being done to protect the exceptional landscapes and wildlife inhabitants of Chile and Argentina, as well as the Antarctic Circle. The trip also offers an opportunity to gain first-person insight into the events described in the documentary A Wild Life, which tells the story of Kris and Douglas Tompkins and the contributions that they have made towards nature conservation in South America.The trip will be accompanied by Kristine (Kris) McDivitt Tompkins, president and co-founder of Tompkins Conservation, an American conservationist, and former CEO of Patagonia, Inc. Kris and her late husband Douglas Tompkins have protected approximately 14.8 million acres of parklands in Chile and Argentina through Tompkins Conservation and its partners, making them among the most successful national park-orientated philanthropists in history. Throughout the trip, Kris will share personal stories of the work that has gone into protecting and rewilding large swathes of the Patagonian wilderness. These will include a presentation on the efforts involved in the creation of a national park. There will also be a screening of the Wild Life documentary, followed by a Q&A session with Kris on her story.
    “We are thrilled to be working closely with other organisations that reflect our own values,” says Pedro Barraza, &Beyond Managing Director South America. “&Beyond has a long-standing relationship with Kris Tompkins and her teams, with our conservation experts from Africa having provided advice and support to both Rewilding Chile and Rewilding Argentina in preparation for their wildlife reintroduction projects. We also relish the opportunity to partner with Quark Expeditions, whose Polar Promise principles reflect our own motto of Care of Land, Wildlife and People.”
    “This new partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to go responsibly in all that we do,” says Thomas Lennartz, Vice President of Sales and Client Experience at Quark Expeditions. “We look forward to working with &Beyond to deliver awe-inspiring guest experiences in Patagonia and Antarctica, and Kris Tompkins’ expertise will be an incredible complement to the best expedition team in the industry.”
    The Masterclass itinerary kicks off in Chilean Patagonia at the Torres del Paine National Park, where travellers will immerse themselves in the work being done by the Cerro Guido Foundation to reintroduce and protect Chile’s most endangered species. Staying at the historic Estancia Cerra Guido, guests can not only learn the way of the land from local gaucho, who care for the farm’s livestock, but will have the unique opportunity for a first-hand glimpse of the conservation work being done to preserve the area’s rich flora and fauna. Accompanied by expert puma researchers and trackers, they will immerse themselves in activities that form part of this groundbreaking project.
    Those keen to learn more about the surrounding landscapes can also opt for a scenic overland excursion through Torres del Paine. Those in search of more physical activity can explore the region on horseback or spend the day fishing, while history buffs will enjoy the opportunity to tour an authentic Patagonian ranch, discovering ways of life and traditions that go back hundreds of years.ADVERTISEMENTLeaving Patagonia, the itinerary continues to Cabo Froward (Cape Froward), where travellers can explore the mountains, glaciers and forest of this exceptional landscape, as well as enjoy a taste of the rich and vibrant culture of Punta Arenas. Travelling on to Ushuaia, the erstwhile explorers are introduced to the Ultramarine, a vessel specifically built for exploration of the polar regions. Departing via the Beagle Channel, travellers will have the opportunity to photograph the area’s beautiful landscapes and sea birds before heading into the vastness of the Southern Ocean. Over the next three days there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy the facilities offered by the ship and join in captivating presentations on photography, wildlife, glaciology and history. Explorers can while away the time by planning which of the included activities they would prefer to try first, from sightseeing from a scenic flight above the vessel to Zodiac cruises, hiking among some of the world’s most untouched landscapes, sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and more.
    As guests finally come close to landfall on the Antarctic Peninsula, Zodiac boats will whisk them away to explore majestic bays and channels, exploring penguin rookeries, scanning the horizon for humpback and minke whale, or keeping an eye out for leopard seals. Travellers can select from a vast array of additional adventures, all under the oversight of the dedicated Expedition Team, and drink in the magic that surrounds them, from crackling iceberg and glaciers to isolated research stations and vast, pristine expanses. Should conditions be conducive, the group will cross the Antarctic Circle and witness the midnight sun casting its ethereal glow on the icy landscape.
    Heading back across the Drake Passage, guests will enjoy some time to reflect on their once-in-a-lifetime experiences and on the new understanding of this largely unknown and unexplored region. There will also be plenty of opportunity to listen to more enthralling stories shared by Kris and the Expedition Team on board the vessel.    A Taste of the Wild Life: A Masterclass with Kris Tompkins runs from 25 February to 15 March 2025, and is available at a cost of USD 34,400 per person sharing with a minimum of 8 guests and with a maximum of 14 guests. The itinerary cost includes a group contribution of USD 10,000 made in support of the Tompkins Conservation Project Fund at Re:Wild. For more information visit andBeyond.com or speak to your preferred travel provider.

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    FAIRMONT THE PALM & SERENITY – THE ART OF WELL BEING PARTNER TO LAUNCH AN ALL-NEW WELLNESS SANCTUARY

    In the recent years, the world has experienced a major shift towards wellness with a deep desire for a healthy lifestyle. In the wake of this global surge, Palm Jumeirah is set to welcome a one-of-a-kind brand: Serenity – The Art Of Well Being, recognized several times as the best spa and wellness centre of Europe.
    Fairmont The Palm, one of the pioneering luxury hotels in Dubai, has joined forces with Portugal’s most acclaimed luxury wellness and spa brand Serenity – The Art Of Well Being, who’s recently just celebrated 7 years of exceptional brand achievements within the health and wellbeing market across Portugal. While excellence in services and innovations in holistic and signature treatments, lie behind its best core values, Serenity – The Art Of Well Being at Fairmont The Palm will offer a wide range of treatments, beauty services and massages, bringing the essence of the Portuguese wellness excellence to the city of Dubai.
    Since its inauguration in Portugal 7 years ago at Pine Cliffs Resort in Albufeira, Serenity – The Art Of Well Being has experienced significant growth, opening in two other properties (and with more coming soon). With a diverse and varied treatment menu, Serenity offers more than 100 different treatments to its guests. As one of Europe’s best and largest wellness centers, Serenity – The Art Of Well Being promises to provide memorable wellness experiences to residents and travelers with the aim of improving health and wellbeing in its broadest sense. Guests will be able to benefit from different personalised programs ranging from one-day packages, to wellbeing programs ranging to up to 14 days which include detox, weight management, fitness journey and yoga.The menu has been created for those seeking effective holistic, modern and innovative therapies that result in an improved and healthy quality of life. The spa will also include carefully selected skin care brands to provide those who seek us with the widest choice of treatments and home care options, for looking and feeling at their best.
    Set to open 01st of March 2024, Serenity – The Art Of Well Being at Fairmont The Palm will provide a transformative experience that will nurture the mind, body and soul to achieve the ultimate state of wellbeing.

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    UN Tourism Partners with Newly Rebranded Global Tourism Resilience Centre

    Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett (2nd left) is flanked by UN Tourism Secretary-General H.E. Zurab Pololikashvili (left); Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Tourism in charge of International Affairs, Sultan Mohammed Al Musallam (2nd right) and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson-Smith during a special ceremony commemorating the second annual Global Tourism Resilience Day (February 17). The event was hosted on day two of the 2nd Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre from February 16-17, 2024 under the theme, “Navigating the Future of Tourism Resilience.”
    Jamaica’s position as a leader in tourism resilience building has been further bolstered following the announcement that UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO) has forged a major partnership with the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC), which is being rebranded as the Global Tourism Resilience Centre (GTRC). It was also outlined that UN Tourism will continue to partner with Destination Jamaica in hosting the Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference moving forward.The announcements were made jointly by Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett and UN Tourism Secretary-General H.E. Zurab Pololikashvili as they marked the second annual observance of Global Tourism Resilience Day (February 17) at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.
    Minister Bartlett said while Jamaica has played a pivotal role in getting February 17 designated Global Tourism Resilience Day, other countries had been an important part of the initiative. Announcing the next step, Minister Bartlett said: “Now we will be establishing the Centre as a global entity in partnership with UN Tourism. We are also announcing the establishment of a Caribbean Tourism Academy, which the UN is going to work with us on as part of their global network.”
    He noted that this will pattern academies located in Saudi Arabia, Spain, Switzerland and Uzbekistan with another to be established in Brazil. The Jamaican academy will serve the Caribbean region.
    Mr. Pololikashvili said the next move would be “to create a Tourism Resilient Fund to continue the legacy of the GTRC,” which will continue to have its headquarters in Kingston. The establishment of the fund was proposed by Minister Bartlett at last year’s staging of the event.
    Meanwhile, Minister Bartlett also disclosed that he would be having bilateral talks with Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Tourism in charge of International Affairs, Sultan Mohammed Al Musallam “to discuss other areas of collaboration between Jamaica, the Caribbean and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”ADVERTISEMENTAs part of the Global Tourism Resilience Day celebration, participants also heard from Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson-Smith and Sultan Al Musallam.
    There was also an in-depth presentation by Mr. Mitsuyoshi Kawasaki, Resident Representative, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on the topic: “Towards a Framework Document for the Future of Tourism Resilience: Findings from the JICA/GTRCMC Tourism and Resilience Futures Workshop.”
    The day’s activities were held on day two of the 2nd Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference, which explored various facets of the industry worldwide through the minds of numerous experts and ran from February 16-17, 2024 under the theme, “Navigating the Future of Tourism Resilience.” The conference is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Tourism, UN Tourism and the GTRC.

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