Eliana Willis

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    Seattle Destination Museum of Pop Culture is a Must-See for Global Travelers

    Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture is an internationally known, leading edge nonprofit dedicated to the ideas and risk-taking that fuel contemporary popular culture.Through interactive and immersive exhibitions, MoPOP offers a one-of-a-kind museum experience, touting more than 85,000 artifacts in their permanent collection and over 1,800 artifacts on display like the Notorious B.I.G. suit, an Idris Alba costume from The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger, Carrie Brownstein’s Rickenbacker 330 electric guitar, the Jimi Hendrix Westerner hat, Grandmaster Flash’s turntables, and more!
    New to MoPOP this year is the world premiere exhibition, Hidden Worlds: The Films of LAIKA, a partnership with the award-winning animation studio LAIKA, which was founded in Oregon in 2005 by President and CEO, Travis Knight. With a sold out opening in March, Hidden Worlds continues to take visitors behind the scenes of LAIKA’s most beloved and Academy Award®-nominated films, including Coraline, ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls, Kubo and the Two Strings (BAFTA® Award for Best Animated Film and received an additional Oscar® nomination for Visual Effects), Missing Link (Golden Globe® for Best Animated Film), and Wildwood (forthcoming). Through a variety of interactive displays, visitors will get an up-close look at the intricate craftsmanship and artistry that goes into each film, as well as the unique and imaginative worlds that LAIKA has created. Explore the Pink Palace apartments from Coraline, and the town of Blithe Hollow from ParaNorman. Visitors can see the original puppets and costumes, as well as concept art and storyboards. Interactive experiences allow visitors to learn about the stop-motion process and even try their hand at creating their own stop-motion animation.
    Other MoPOP favorites include a wide range of Seattle’s music scene history – from Jimi Hendrix to Nirvana. Or they can delve into the world of science fiction and fantasy in the museum’s Infinite Worlds of Science Fiction exhibit, which features costumes, props, and other memorabilia from iconic movies and TV shows. Families will enjoy the Sound Lab exhibit, which gives people of all ages the opportunity to explore the tools of rock ‘n’ roll through electric guitars, drums, samplers, mixing consoles, and more.

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    Coastal Mississippi Spotlights Sustainable Travel Experiences for Earth Month

    As travelers plan their Earth Month activities, the Mississippi Gulf Coast is excited to offer guests a variety of opportunities to volunteer, explore and protect its natural resources while they visit. With 62 miles of scenic coastline,several nature reserves – like the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge and the Gulf Island National Seashore – cypress swamps, bayous and salt marshes to explore, sustainable travel is important to preserve these diverse ecosystems, throughout April, and all year long.
    “Attractions, businesses and tourism partners along the Mississippi Gulf Coast are committed to sustainability and the preservation of our abundant natural resources. Many have taken major strides with new sustainable programs including oyster shell recycling, dozens of farm-to-table restaurants to choose from, and endless ways to immerse yourself in nature,” said Pattye Meagher, Director of Communications and Engagement at Coastal Mississippi CVB. “We at Coastal Mississippi hope that visitors not only have a fantastic experience in our destination, but that they also learn a little bit about our unique environments and wildlife, and feel inspired to help us keep them healthy, so we’ve curated a list of sustainable experiences they can enjoy during Earth Month, but also year-round.”
    Sustainable Programs, Events & Volunteer Opportunities
    Opened on March 1, The Collective Ocean Springs is a mixed-use entertainment property with big plans for a sustainable future. Owned and operated by Rain Residential, the property serves as a hub for community makers, growers, chefs and entrepreneurs to share their talents in a collaborative and eco-conscious way. At the center of The Collective is a sustainable garden and organic chicken farm that will provide fresh foods and resources for a new restaurant and development. Within the next year, the development plans to open an amphitheater, nano brewery, bookstore and a farm-to-table restaurant called Apple Pear Restaurant and Farm, helmed by Ocean Springs native and renowned chef Alex Perry, a 2023 James Beard Award Finalist and chef/owner of nearby Vestige restaurant. Visitors can also stop by every Wednesday from 3-6 p.m., for a community Farmers Market with live local music, a pop-up bar and more.This year, The Nature Conservancy of Mississippi is launching a pilot oyster shell recycling program called Save Our Shells (SOS) to help conserve oyster reefs in the Gulf of Mexico. The program officially launched during the 7th Annual Gulf Coast Oyster Cook-off and Festival in March, with many top local restaurants, hotels, and businesses participating like White Pillars, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino and Keg & Barrel. Visitors can feel good patronizing partner businesses, knowing that oyster shells are delivered to the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources to be processed and integrated into restoration projects.Plastic Free Gulf Coast is an organization dedicated to eliminating single-use plastic before it becomes part of the waste stream through partnerships with local schools, businesses and restaurants. Visitors can stop by plastic-free partners like Mockingbird Café in Bay St. Louis, Greenhouse Biloxi and more, for delicious eats and a sustainable experience. Some of the coast’s top museums are also plastic-free partners, including the Walter Anderson Museum of Art and The Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum. The program provides tips and resources, and even organizes regular beach clean-up events for residents and visitors alike.The Mississippi State University Monthly Coastal Clean-Up program is another great way for visitors to make an impact and help keep the coast healthy and beautiful. In honor of Earth Day on April 22, the program will host an Earth Day Celebration at the Biloxi West Beach Boardwalk. Volunteers are encouraged to sign-up ahead of time and will be provided with the necessary gear and materials needed upon arrival.Education, Outdoors & Eco-tours
    The Pascagoula River Audubon Center offers more than 70,000 protected acres of unique ecosystem along the Pascagoula River, the largest free-flowing river in the contiguous United States. On Earth Day weekend (April 21-22), the center will host a Native Plant Sale that is free and open to the public from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The mini festival will include kids’ activities and a wide variety of native perennials, shrubs and small trees for purchase. Other opportunities for visitors to learn and explore include kayak rentals, nature-based programming for all ages and countless volunteer opportunities like citizen science projects, litter pick up, critter care and more.The Institute for Marine and Mammal Studies (IMMS) has aided in the rescue, rehabilitation, release and research of stranded marine animals along the Gulf Coast for nearly 40 years. In addition to daily general admission, IMMS is also currently rehabbing baby sea turtles from Massachusetts. Visitors can stop by to see the progress of these small creatures before they’re released back into the sea. Other opportunities include swimming with dolphins, snorkeling with stingrays and a wide variety of educational camps, classes and experiences to learn more about the important rescue and rehab process.The can’t-miss Eco-Tours of South Mississippi gives guests an up-close look at the flora and fauna of the cypress swamps, bayous and salt marshes of the 80-mile-long Pascagoula River waterway–including over 300 different species of plants and an abundance of unique migratory birds–like pelicans, ospreys, herons, egrets and even bald eagles. The 2-hour interpretive tours are led by knowledgeable guides and offer a variety of watercrafts from single and tandem kayaks, to a fleet of motorized boats all powered by modern clean burning outboards.The Gulf Coast Gator Ranch in Moss Point brings visitors face to face with alligators big and small. Recognized as the oldest gator farm in the state of Mississippi, the sanctuary offers 105 acres of swamplands and wildlife to explore. Visitors can stroll along protected walkways or climb aboard a high-speed airboat tour through the preserved wilderness to catch a glimpse of alligators, turtles, birds and other wildlife.Farm-to-table & Gulf-to-table DiningADVERTISEMENTThe one-of-a-kind Makin Groceries is a plant-based café and meal prep catering service located in Biloxi. Owned and operated by local chef and mother, Lauren Turner, the company provides vegan, vegetarian, soy-free and gluten-free options that are made to order, while also offering a new farm-to-table seasonal menu every week in the café. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, Makin Groceries is also a proud partner of Plastic Free Gulf Coast. Chef Turner uses compostable and plastic-free materials, as well as fresh local ingredients in every order.Vestige is an Ocean Springs farm-to-table restaurant whose owner and chef, Alex Perry, was recently named a 2023 James Beard Award Semi-finalist for the title “Best Chef in the South.” Perry’s approach incorporates the freshest, seasonal ingredients to create contemporary dishes inspired by the flavors and techniques of Japan–where his wife and co-owner, Kumi Omori, grew up. Vestige offers a multi-course, pre-set tasting menu that changes almost daily based on what’s fresh and in season.Opened in August 2022, Radish is an upscale restaurant located in the heart of downtown Long Beach. Owner and chef William Rester offers an ingredient-driven menu that showcases the fresh, authentic flavors of the South using traditional techniques and preparation styles inspired by the nineteenth century farmers who harvested the land. During that time, the favorite bar snack was a long scarlet radish dipped in luxurious butter and coarse salt.The award-winning White Pillars restaurant is owned by Mississippi-native, Austin Sumrall, and his wife Tresse Sumrall. Chef Sumrall – a 2020 James Beard Nominee and the 2021 “Great American Seafood King” – is known for fusing global flavors with fresh, seasonal ingredients from local farmers markets to curate an ever-evolving menu that mixes nostalgic and modern dining. The restaurant is also a proud partner and advocate of the Save our Shells program.Thorny Oyster located in the heart of Bay St. Louis, inside the beautiful Pearl Hotel, serves local coastal fare with bold flavors. The menu is packed with creative seafood dishes, from raw options, to sandwiches and brisket. Founded by Chef Jeffrey Hansell and his wife, Amy Hansell, the popular locale offers a vintage modern vibe and refined plates that are extremely fresh and flavorful.To learn more about these activities and more happening in Coastal Mississippi, visit our website at www.coastalmississippi.com.

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    Pan Am Flight Academy Acquires State-of-the-Art B737 MAX-8 Simulator

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    Pan Am Flight Academy Acquires State-of-the-Art B737 MAX-8 Simulator

    Pan Am Flight Academy, a leading aviation training provider, has acquired a new Level D B737 MAX-8 simulator to enhance its commercial pilot training programs.The state-of-the-art simulator is expected to be ready for training by July 2023 enabling Pan Am to incorporate a new aircraft sim to its extended offering.
    The new simulator features the latest technology for a realistic and immersive training experience. It will be fully equipped with the latest L3 Harris RealitySeven technology. The new B737 MAX-8 sim will have all the latest features including the Runway Awareness and Advisory System (RAAS), TCAS II-7.1, weather radar, electric control loading and motion system and RSi EPIC visual system.
    “We are excited to add the B737 MAX-8 simulator to our fleet of training devices,” said Jeff Portanova, President of Pan Am Flight Academy. “This new simulator is a significant investment in our training programs and will provide our students with the highest quality training experience.”
    The B737 MAX-8 is one of the most popular commercial aircraft in the world, and with the new simulator, Pan Am Flight Academy will be able to offer further training options to pilots from airlines and other aviation organizations worldwide.
    For decades, Pan Am Flight Academy has built a reputation of providing the highest quality training programs in the aviation industry. The academy offers a wide range of aviation training programs for commercial pilots, including initial type ratings, upgrades, recurrent training, ATP- CTP and other specialized training courses.ADVERTISEMENTFor more information on Pan Am Flight Academy’s training programs, visit www.panamacademy.com

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    Rosewood Residences Hillsboro Beach To Bring The Best Of Coastal Living To Florida

    Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®, in partnership with industry leaders Related Group and Dezer Development, is pleased to announce Rosewood Residences Hillsboro Beach, a boutique condominium set to bring a new standard for residential offerings in the burgeoning market.
    Offering a coveted collection of only 92 ultra-luxury, waterfront condominium homes and villas, just two miles from both Boca Raton and Pompano Beach, the development will provide owners with unparalleled access to the region’s most picturesque beaches, golf courses, and unspoiled natural surroundings. Combining this supreme setting with high-design and a broad assortment of resort-inspired amenities, Rosewood Residences Hillsboro Beach will usher in a next-generation residential experience that will delight longtime Floridians and snowbirds alike. Sales will commence this month with the project scheduled for completion in 2026.
    Known as “Millionaire’s Mile,” the singular stretch of Florida coast that comprises the Hillsboro Beach neighborhood has drawn in affluent homeowners for decades. Its warm sands, glittering turquoise waters, and relaxed lifestyle contribute to an idyllic way of life that wraps seaside serenity in luxury.
    “It is immensely rewarding to announce Rosewood Residences Hillsboro Beach as our latest standalone residential project in such a highly sought after community,” said Brad Berry, Vice President of Global Residential Development at Rosewood Hotel Group. “Millionaire’s Mile has a strong value proposition for buyers that allows for a certain level of escapism, bridging the foundations of a luxury resort with the comfort and familiarity of home. It is a unique parcel that allows for an undeniably elevated style of living, thereby a perfect fit for our growing brand footprint.”
    Rising ten stories above its pristine residential surroundings, Rosewood Residences Hillsboro Beach will give residents the chance to curate a personalized slice of paradise through the project’s planned 92 residences and 11 private boat slips. With architecture helmed by Arquitectonica, an international firm known for bringing bold modernism to urban landscapes since 1977, and the acclaimed Dutch design firm Studio Piet Boon overseeing the interiors, the property has been crafted to stay true to Rosewood’s guiding A Sense of Place™ philosophy.ADVERTISEMENTSplit between 70 beachfront residences and 22 coastal residences, all homes will highlight their enviable setting through a myriad of features. Both buildings have been designed to be reminiscent of a regal yacht, blending the indoors and outdoors with soft, curving terraces, ample natural light and sprawling exterior spaces. Inside, a soft color palette will envelop the units and shared spaces, all of which will showcase an interesting mix of textures including natural wood, limestone accents and biophilic elements. Living flora will be found throughout the buildings’ walls and expand out from the garden spaces, establishing a cohesive connection to nature. Each unit will feature expansive living, dining and sleeping quarters, with many offering private garages and master walk-in closets.
    “We are truly honored to partner with Rosewood and Related Group on this exciting project,” said designer Piet Boon. “Within the Studio Piet Boon total design vision, we’ve created a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor living, embracing the Miami light and the pristine seafront of Hillsboro Beach.”
    Six oceanfront and seven coastal penthouses will be available, each a secluded oasis carefully designed to provide the privacy and exclusivity of single family living. Each of these expansive homes will boast private rooftop pools and panoramic views of the glistening waters and the area’s lush flora. Residences will range in size from 2,800 to 6,400 square feet, with the opportunity to combine units to create vast coastal retreats.
    “We are proud to partner with a brand as respected as Rosewood as we continue our 40-plus-year tradition of pioneering the country’s most desirable residential markets,” said Jon Paul Perez, President of Related. “Hillsboro Mile has long been a haven for the country’s elite. However, with our new development, we are upping the ante in a major way.”Known for a unique approach to residential development that centers on the concept of enriched living, an idea that the extraordinary can be found in the everyday, the Rosewood Residences brand will organize and oversee an extensive selection of resort-style amenities that prioritize ease, simplicity, and indulgence. The project’s comprehensive light-filled wellness center will offer a private spa and salon; two state-of-the-art fitness centers featuring a yoga room; a sauna; tennis, paddle tennis and pickleball courts; and an on-site racquet court pro-shop. Adding to the owner experience will be an array of elevated dining concepts helmed by a celebrated, soon-to-be-announced chef. These will include a private oceanfront restaurant, a convivial bar and grill, a stylish cocktail lounge, a sprawling café lounge with a daily breakfast bar, and a creamery. Owners will also enjoy an exclusive oceanfront pool and outdoor spa area with sunbeds and cabanas, as well as direct access to a private stretch of beach equipped with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and food and beverage service. Additional spaces and services planned for the property include luxury guest suites for visiting friends and family; a game room complete with high-tech virtual reality game simulators; a sunrise lounge perfect for entertaining and events; an intimate garden and meditation lounge areas with ocean views; a bocce court; two meeting rooms; a dog park; and a dramatic lobby complete with lounge space. The property will also feature a curated collection of museum-quality art hand selected by Related’s world-renowned curatorial team.
    “Rosewood Residences Hillsboro Beach features a prime location connecting the Intracoastal Waterway to some of the most beautiful beaches in South Florida,” said Gil Dezer, President of Dezer Development. “Spanning nearly 12 acres of waterfront, this property, together with its pristine coastal dune and lush native landscaping, provides a rare canvas upon which this amazing development will be created. We are proud to partner with The Related Group to create an exceptional luxury residential experience.”
    While South Florida is no stranger to luxurious development, Rosewood Residences will offer buyers a new way to live and play, with a residential offering that channels the ease of resort living and high-touch service. With more than half of Rosewood’s upcoming hotels and resorts featuring Rosewood Residences, the brand continues to take a thoughtful approach to development and evolution in the space, delivering high-end amenities and world-class service while providing buyers with access to some of the world’s most sought-after locations.
    To learn more about the property or schedule a consultation, please call 754-202-1225

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    RIU Hotels receives 32 TUI Top Quality 2022 awards

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    Quito features in the 101 World’s Best Steak Restaurants

    The 2023 edition of the official list of the world’s best steak restaurants was published on 24th March and, for the first time, Ecuador is part of this prestigious ranking, represented by Tributo, located in Quito.
    In order to create the list of the 101 World’s Best Steak Restaurants, a team of expert ambassadors from Upper Cut Media House made undercover visits to the 700 establishments nominated across all continents, assessing quality of the meat, quality of the service, knowledge of the product, menu variety, interior design and facilities.
    Tributo was launched in 2021, with the view to create cuisine exclusively using local ingredients and to raise awareness of their meat-based research and development by way of the ‘Vaca Vieja Andina’ proposal, which pays homage to Andean culture, preserving the full value chain, complying with animal care policies to ensure the use of all cuts and the delivery of a quality product.
    The creation of the ‘Vaca Vieja Andina’ implies understanding the breeds of cattle that were historically brought to Ecuador, and the genetic crosses used to adapt them to the characteristics of the Andes. Based on this, the arduous task of perfecting breeding, feeding, slaughter, maturation and preparation of the ‘Vaca Vieja Andina’ was undertaken.
    Its proposal and concept come from dairy cattle from the mountains, which have completed their productive cycle and are now in a new phase, with fair pay for producers and permanent training for those who form part of the process. Tributo therefore aims to place the ‘Joya de Los Andes’ at a global level.ADVERTISEMENTLuis Maldonado, chef at Tributo and one of the ‘Vaca Vieja Andina’ project mentors, highlighted the work undertaken by the restaurant to re-frame Ecuadorian meat culture and support the mission of the local gastronomy movement.  “We’re proud to honour Ecuador with this recognition, which we know has been achieved through the careful work we’ve undertaken during this short time, complying with all the processes and regulations that have won us a place on the global stage”, he added.
    Tributo therefore joins other restaurants in Quito that have received international recognition, positioning the Capital of the Middle of the World as a gastronomic destination.

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    SeaWorld Recognizes Manatee Appreciation Day

    In honor of Manatee Appreciation Day, SeaWorld today shared the story of ‘Reckless’, a catastrophically injured manatee rescued in May 2022 with her newborn calf ‘Churro’ and their continued journey of rehabilitation at SeaWorld Orlando. Over the last ten months of rehabilitation, SeaWorld has taken extraordinary measures to save her life with veterinarians performing a series of nine groundbreaking procedures to repair injuries from a devastating boat strike. Outside experts have also been bought in to help with her innovative treatment regimen. All the while her newborn calf has remained with her under the watchful around-the-clock care of SeaWorld animal care experts. The prognosis is good for Reckless’ full recovery and eventual release back to Florida waters, along with her calf.
    Dr. DiRocco, senior veterinarian at SeaWorld Orlando said, “When we first saw her, she was in one of the worst conditions our team had ever seen. She had massive open wounds, an exposed shoulder blade, protruding bones and other serious ailments. All of us felt like her chances of survival, even with help, were very low.” 
    Despite her dire condition, the manatee mom retained normal buoyancy – meaning she was able to stay afloat on her own – and she demonstrated a strong will to live, likely to support her healthy newborn. Dr. DiRocco added, “It became clear very quickly she was a fighter. That’s when all of us knew we had to do everything in our power to save her life and give her newborn a chance to grow to adulthood.” 
    Dr. DiRocco and other SeaWorld veterinarians performed a total of nine lifesaving procedures and other rehabilitative treatments on Reckless. Some of these procedures are unprecedented for manatee rehabilitation, including:
    A complete pectoral flipper amputation, including the shoulder, accomplished over multiple surgical eventsInnovative procedures and techniques to facilitate healing, such as cold laser therapyA combination of steroid injections, physical therapy and massage therapy to assist with return to normal functionThe veterinary team performed several other innovative rehabilitation techniques with Reckless, including wound debridement, abscess removal, gastroscopy, radiographs and steroid injections. Reckless also suffered from kidney failure, so an IV line was placed to give fluid support and flush her kidneys. Reckless is expected to undergo one more procedure in the coming weeks, but SeaWorld veterinarians expect her to make a full recovery.ADVERTISEMENT“This is an extraordinary story of survival and speaks to the power of collective action in addressing the needs of animals in distress,” said Andy Garrett at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). “Without the care provided by the SeaWorld team, this animal would not be alive today. With every manatee that we save and return, we are helping to strengthen the resiliency of the population to current and future threats.”
    SeaWorld Orlando Rescue Center is one of only five critical care centers in the U.S.
    SeaWorld’s five-acre Rescue Center in Orlando is one of the largest spaces available and serves as one of only five critical care facilities in the U.S. for the treatment and care of injured, sick and orphaned animals, including manatees. SeaWorld has helped more than 1,300 manatees in need to date. SeaWorld Orlando’s Rescue Center can care for up to 60 manatees at a time, giving it the largest capacity in the state of Florida and in the U.S. Its facilities have a wide range of critical care amenities including lifting floors, top-of-the-line therapeutic and diagnostic equipment, and expert veterinary staff to rehabilitate manatees in need.
    SeaWorld’s innovative and life-saving animal care and treatment methods for manatees include the development of a unique formula for baby manatees that can be customized to meet the specific requirements of each nursing calf, as well as the creation of a hand-held bottle that mimics a mother manatee’s feeding style. SeaWorld has also pioneered several manatee treatment techniques such as ultrasound, X-rays, surgery and thermography. Notably, SeaWorld’s veterinarians were the first to use a cast to treat an injured manatee.

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    China makes welcome return to Arabian Travel Market

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    China makes welcome return to Arabian Travel Market

    Chinese exhibitors and travel professionals are making a welcome return to Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023 which is being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) for its 30th edition from 1-4 May, for the first time in three years.
    China lifted its covid-related travel restrictions on 8th January 2023, allowing Chinese tourists to travel abroad, without having to quarantine upon their return.  Bookings for overseas travel during Chinese New Year, soared by 540% compared with the same period in 2022, according to data from the Chinese travel site Trip.com.
    Furthermore, in a CNN report, Steve Saxon, a partner at McKinsey, based in Shenzhen,  predicted the Chinese outbound market would recover to around six million per month by the summer of 2023, driven in part by the pent-up demand especially from young, affluent Chinese.
    Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market commented, “China became the world’s top source market in 2019, with 155 million tourists spending more than $250 billion overseas. However, its isolation from the global market over the past three years has set the industry back by an estimated $840 billion, equivalent, to 16% of the $1.7 trillion spent annually on global tourism, according to UNWTO.”
    Dubai received almost one million Chinese visitors in 2019, which was an increase of over 15% compared with 2018. And while the 154,000 Chinese visitors Dubai welcomed over the first 11 months of 2022 was down 83% compared to the same period prior to 2020, it was up 115% year-on-year, which bodes well not only for Dubai, but also for the wider Middle East tourism sector.ADVERTISEMENTPopular destinations such as Dubai, Saudi’s AlUla, Egypt and Jordan, which have consistently marketed to Chinese outbound business-to-consumer and business-to-business, should be in a strong position to benefit from the predicted rebound of Chinese visitor numbers.
    “We have noticed a considerable amount of enquiries recently from travel professionals in China. Although we would not expect the same volume of Chinese exhibitors and visitors we received in 2019, we are confident of healthy participation numbers this year,” she added.
    The market leading travel and tourism event brings the whole world together in the Middle East. Join us from 1–4 May 2023 in Dubai, UAE.
    Considering the short notice, ATM 2023 has already confirmed the participation of key Chinese exhibitors such as FLIGHTROUTES24 Travel, Shenzhen GoodLuck Trip International and Travel World China, with many more bookings anticipated ahead of the show.
    ATM is also organising a dedicated conference session on its Global Stage, entitled ‘China is back on the map: Macro and micro impacts’, in partnership with Dragon Trail International.
    An expert panel of speakers including Sienna Parulis-Cook, Director, Marketing and Communications for Dragon Trail International, Peggy Li, CEO & Chief Trouble shooter at sps:affinity and Winnie Chiu, President, Dorsett Hospitality International, will discuss the latest trends that are driving the recovery of Chinese tourism to the Middle East.
    Business travel will be integral to the tourism revival. According to a recent survey by the Shanghai Institute of International Studies and PwC China, over 75% of Chinese businesses polled were looking to enter or expand their presence in the Middle East over the next three to five years, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia top destinations for investors.
    “I am convinced that the Middle East will experience a surge in Chinese tourism, reminiscent of the rebound we witnessed from Europe and India in late 2021 and early 2022,” said Curtis.
    Other highlights at ATM 2023 include exploring the future of sustainable travel in line with its theme of ‘Working Towards Net Zero’. Having officially initiated its journey to net zero, the conference programme will explore how innovative sustainable travel trends will likely evolve. It will enable delegates to identify growth strategies within key vertical sectors while providing a platform for regional experts to explore a sustainable future ahead of COP28, which will take place in November 2023 at Expo City Dubai.
    The conference will also feature a sustainability category at its annual exhibitor awards for the first time. Exhibiting organisations will be recognised based on the extent to which they have considered the environmental impact of their stands and their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.
    ATM 2023 is held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, and its strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as the Destination Partner, Emirates as the Official Airline Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts as the Official Hotel Partner and Al Rais Travel as the Official DMC Partner.

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    The 2023 edition of the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge officially kicks off More

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    The 2023 edition of the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge officially kicks off

    Hotelschool The Hague has announced the launch of the 2023 Sustainable Hospitality Challenge (SHC). This year’s edition will include for the first time, leading international architecture, technology and design universities who will be joining the participating top-tier hospitality institutions to form multidisciplinary student teams.
    The Sustainable Hospitality Challenge (SHC) is a Hotelschool The Hague initiative that aims to enhance the evolution of sustainable hospitality, foster innovation driven by the leaders of tomorrow, and nurture talent on a global scale by bringing them close to industry organisations who want to reimagine the future of hospitality.
    Over 40+ universities from around the globe, including returning champions, Cornell University, Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), Toronto Metropolitan University, Hotel Institute Montreux, CY Cergy Paris Université, and Hotelschool The Hague, will be competing in this year’s challenge.
    Paul Griep, founder of the SHC said:“When looking at Cornell University’s winning 2022 concept, it is a perfect example of added value thanks to multi-disciplinary synergy. By seeking the support from aero-space engineers, architects and financial advisors, they were able to lift their winning project to the next level. Working with other disciplines in the 2023 SHC will allow innovation to be well integrated, complete and feasible. I am already seeing how bringing together students from different disciplines in this year’s challenge benefits the sustainable future of our industry and the planet. It will empower them to create the best, most innovative, and complete concepts. I welcome all multi-disciplinary teams to this year’s challenge and cannot wait to see what great concepts they have created. “
    The challenge, founded in 2014 as the ‘Genio Worldwide Innovation Summit,’ has re-established itself to make sustainability its central theme, given the urgent relevance of the climate crisis to the hospitality industry. Presented by Hotelschool The Hague, The Sustainable Hospitality Challenge, together with their partners The Bench, The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, and its main sponsor NEOM, is committed to building a more sustainable future.ADVERTISEMENTChris Newman, the Executive Director for Hotel Development at NEOM said: “We are delighted to support the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge once more in its mission to inspire and challenge the next generation of hoteliers to create innovative and sustainable concepts. We are looking forward to witnessing the inventive projects and creative solutions that the students will come up with.”

    Last year’s edition of the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge had ‘REMOTE’ as its central theme. The winning team from Cornell University presented their concept “Nimbus”, an eco-resort in remote areas. By means of hot air balloons, Nimbus
    would bring economic opportunities to local communities while promoting sustainable tourism.
    The theme of this year’s challenge will be: ‘ONE WITH NATURE’, focusses on the urgent need to preserve and regenerate ecosystems. Primarily inspired by NEOM’s respectful relationship with nature, this year’s challenge touches upon regenerative tourism.
    NEOM is located in the Tabuk Province of north-western Saudi Arabia. It will cover 26,500km2 and extend 460 km along the coast of the Red Sea. Built on a most ancient land, enhanced by world-leading design, immersive digital experiences and seamless travel. It will challenge and shape the possibilities of global travel in the years to come.
    Griep also added saying:” last year, we got the opportunity to visit NEOM, and it was incredible to witness their focus on the preservation of its surrounding. Regenerative tourism and protecting nature are a clear golden thread that runs through all of their initiatives.”
    The qualifications rounds will be held in March 2023, followed by the semi-finals in Amsterdam. The finals, in partnership with The Bench and The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, will be held at the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) in Abu Dhabi. Tickets and information for these events will be shared on LinkedIn, Instagram, and the challenge’s website, www.thestudentchallenge.com.
    “We’re very excited to host the finals of the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge at the Future Hospitality Summit again this year and we look forward to welcoming the finalists to Abu Dhabi in September. We have been blown away by the young talent over the past few years and I’m sure we’re in for a great final round again this year, especially with the introduction of the multidisciplinary teams. Architecture, design and technology are key drivers of innovation in hospitality and I’m excited to see what sustainable solutions they will be able to bring to our industry,” said Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench.
    “The Sustainable Hospitality Challenge is always one of the highlights of our summit. It is exciting to see these young bright minds come together to think of solutions for a more sustainable future for the hospitality industry” Glenn Mandziuk, CEO Sustainable Hospitality Alliance.
    “Change is the only constant for sustainability and innovation and the next generation of hospitality professionals are those who will push the envelope of innovation for all of us. Giving them a voice and decision-making powers to lead the change bottom-up will further disrupt our space and drive more change. This is why we have chosen to join and contribute to the student challenge and drive change with the youth talent from far and wide joining our ranks. Looking forward to the disruptive ideas they will share for a greener and more inclusive world.” Marloes Knippenberg, CEO of Kerten Hospitality.

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