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    ENNISMORE ANNOUNCES MONDRIAN ABU DHABI – THE BRAND’S FIRST LOCATION IN THE UAE, OPENING IN 2024

    Ennismore, the fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company, today announces it will open Mondrian Abu Dhabi, the brand’s first project in the United Arab Emirates, in collaboration with Al Hazoom Group.Opening in 2024 and located in the city’s bustling downtown area alongside the Abu Dhabi canal, Mondrian Abu Dhabi will be a spectacular hotel providing waterfront views overlooking both Reem Island and Maryah Island and direct views of the city skyline. The project has already broken ground and will join the Mondrian portfolio of seven operating hotels.
    The new Mondrian Abu Dhabi will feature 221 rooms and 80 serviced apartments, as well as six unique food and beverage venues, a ballroom, four meeting rooms, a spa, a swimming pool, a kid’s club, a retail area, and world-class fitness area, making it a welcomed addition to Abu Dhabi’s buzzing city-center. Mondrian Abu Dhabi will offer a chic crystal-clear lagoon where guests can enjoy a beverage while soaking in the sun. The lagoon will boast vast ocean views and feature an infinity pool design, lounges, and daybeds surrounding the water’s edge. 
    Designed by award-winning interior architect Tristan Du Plessis, Mondrian Abu Dhabi will be as fantastical as it is timelessly imaginative and inviting. It will expertly capture the clean and contemporary aesthetic of the Middle East while seamlessly integrating the warmth and comfort embedded in the DNA of all Mondrian properties. A short distance from the city’s most popular destinations, including The Corniche, Abu Dhabi Mall, The Galleria, and the Sorbonne University, the property will be surrounded by many leisure and cultural attractions, making it an idyllic destination for discerning business travelers and tourists.
    The Chairman of Al Hazoom Group said, “It is with immense pride and excitement that we align our vision with Ennismore to introduce the first Mondrian hotel in the United Arab Emirates. We are honored to have the opportunity to contribute our unique establishment to Abu Dhabi’s thriving cultural scene while keeping to Mondrian’s iconic aesthetics. Mondrian Abu Dhabi embodies bold, contemporary design and will be host to some of the most discerning culinary and culture-seekers from all over the world.”
    Chadi Farhat, Brand Chief Operating Officer of Mondrian at Ennismore, said, “We are very proud to collaborate with Al Hazoom Group to bring the iconic Mondrian brand to Abu Dhabi in this breathtaking waterfront location. Mondrian Abu Dhabi will undoubtedly become one of the most sought-after destinations for lifestyle, hospitality, culinary, and mixology experiences for locals and travelers alike. With an imaginative design by Tristan Du Pleiss, Mondrian Abu Dhabi will certainly be a feast for the senses.”ADVERTISEMENTWith the success of SLS Dubai, Hyde Dubai, and 25hours Hotel One Central – and the upcoming opening of SO/ Uptown Dubai – Ennismore further solidifies its reputation as a leader in lifestyle hospitality across the United Arab Emirates. In 2023, Ennismore is set to open 30 hotels globally, including Maison Delano Paris, France; Mama Shelter, Rennes, France; SO/ Uptown Dubai, UAE; 21C Museum Hotel St. Louis, USA; TRIBE Bangkok, Thailand; Mondrian Singapore, Singapore; The Hoxton, Charlottenburg, Germany and Mondrian and Hyde Ibiza, Spain.

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    COSTA PRESENTS C|CLUB 2023 CRUISES

    Costa Cruises presents the C|Club 2023 cruises, two unique event-cruises with a programme of activities designed exclusively for members of the Italian company’s loyalty programme.These two cruises are already special from the itineraries: fourteen days on board of Costa Favolosa in June discovering the most beautiful destinations in Norway, to the legendary Lofoten Islands, illuminated by the midnight sun, and in September among the colours, scents and flavours of Tunisia and Morocco. The first departure is scheduled for 25 June, the second for 23 September 2023.
    The programme of activities for C|Club members includes exclusive gastronomic experiences, new excursions, shows, themed parties, surprises, as well as special guests.
    On the first of the two cruises, bound for Norway, chefs Bruno Barbieri and Ángel León, who together with Hélène Darroze sign Costa Cruises’ gastronomic excellence, will be on board the Costa Favolosa, starring in show cooking and demonstrations, with dishes never offered before. In particular, Ángel León will focus on cuisine linked to the sea, while Bruno Barbieri on how to propose a more sustainable cuisine, avoiding waste. Other taste-related events will be dedicated to specific on-board gastronomic proposals and the discovery of local culinary traditions.
    Every evening there will be a party on board, with great shows and performances by internationally renowned artists. For example, the dIRE sTRATO cover band will offer a musical journey through the atmosphere and sound of the legendary British rock band Dire Straits.  Then, the cruise will propose theme parties and fun competitions between guests.
    The itinerary of this first C|Club cruise heads north to discover the wonders of Norway: spectacular fjords, villages nestled between green mountains and blue sea, and the picturesque Lofoten Islands. Beautiful destinations, illuminated by the unique phenomenon of the midnight sun, when the light never sets. To discover the traditions of these locations and experience them like a true “local”, new shore excursions have been specially designed. And on board, a travel expert will reveal to guests many curiosities and anecdotes to “taste” each visit.The experiences that will be offered to C|Club members are truly unique: in Stavanger the most inaccessible fjords can be explored by speedboat; Lofoten can be discovered by kayak in the evening, with the sun still high; from Åndalsnes one can choose a tour to an alpine hut to taste typical Norwegian products; in Trondheim it can be experienced a “Viking’s day”.ADVERTISEMENTThe programme of C|Club 2023 cruises on board of Costa Favolosa will be further enriched with surprises, new activities and exceptional guests. In particular, the second of the two cruises, in September, will set off to discover the most beautiful and characteristic cities of the western Mediterranean, with two unmissable destinations, Morocco and Tunisia, for a real journey of the senses. Among the planned calls are Tunis, Tangier, and Casablanca, which – with a call of a day and a half – will lead to Marrakech. And then Cartagena, Malaga, Cadiz, Barcelona, Marseilles, Savona, Civitavecchia/Rome, and Palermo, among cities of art, ancient ruins, beaches, colourful markets, traditions, and spicy flavours.
    To stay up-to-date on C|Club 2023 cruises, just visit the Costa Cruises websites. Bookings are available in travel agencies or also through the Costa Cruises websites. To participate in the members-only programme, all you need to do is register for the C|Club before making your reservation, via a special section of the Costa Cruises websites.
    Costa Favolosa C|CLUB 2023 Itinerary – 25 June 2023Ijumiden (The Netherlands), navigation, Stavanger (Norway), Molde (Norway), Andalsnes (Norway), sailing, Bodo (Norway), Narvik (Norway), Leknes (Norway) with one-and-a-half day call, navigation, Trondheim (Norway), Maloy (Norway), sailing, Bremerhaven (Germany), Ijumiden (The Netherlands).
    Costa Favolosa C|CLUB 2023 Itinerary – 23 September 2023Savona (Italy), Civitavecchia/Rome (Italy), Palermo (Italy), Tunis, navigation, Cartagena (Spain), Tangier (Morocco), Casablanca (Morocco) with one and a half day call, Cadiz (Spain), Malaga (Spain), navigation, Barcelona (Spain), Marseille (France), Savona (Italy).

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    New research from ABTA shows demand for foreign holidays is back to pre-pandemic levels

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    New research from ABTA shows demand for foreign holidays is back to pre-pandemic levels

    New figures from ABTA – The Travel Association show that 62% of people have been on a foreign holiday since the lifting of the UK’s COVID travel restrictions1.
    Today marks 12 months since the UK Government lifted the UK’s remaining travel restrictions on 18 March 2022. The change on this date meant that all travellers, regardless of vaccination status, no longer needed to take any tests or complete any forms on their return to the UK – making it easier and cheaper for UK holidaymakers returning from an overseas break.
    The new data also show that the demand for travel is now back in line with pre-pandemic levels and is a huge bounce back from the lows of 16% in 2021 when travel was at its most restricted because of measures to control the pandemic2.
    Many of ABTA’s tour operator and travel agent members are reporting record-breaking sales since the start of the year. ABTA’s latest data, which show two-thirds (65%) of people are planning to go on holiday abroad in the next 12 months, indicate that this buoyant demand is set to edge further upward, with more than a third (37%) of people having already booked a break3.
    ABTA says there has been a ‘freedom factor’ driving the return of travel which perhaps explains why, despite the cost-of-living challenges, people are still keen to book a foreign trip. ABTA’s new survey suggests that, for the majority of people, holidays are the ‘non-essential’ item they want to prioritise this year, with 54% saying they’ll cut back on other non-essential costs so they can still afford to go on holiday4.ADVERTISEMENTA strong travel and tourism sector is highly beneficial to the wider UK economy. ABTA research finds that international travel has the potential to lead the UK’s economic recovery, with the outbound sector expected to grow 15% by 2027, outperforming the wider UK economy5.
    Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive said: 
    “What a difference a year makes. One of the sectors hardest hit by the pandemic is now back, and in a big way, with demand for travel reaching pre-pandemic levels.
    “Both our research and reports of strong booking levels from our members show that holidays remain a spending priority for the year ahead, despite the current squeeze on finances. On the whole, people are preferring to adapt their travel plans rather than scrap them entirely, primarily by going all-inclusive, booking early, or holidaying outside of busy periods.
    “A clear focus for the sector will be to continue the recovery by building a more sustainable industry, ensuring people and communities gain the economic and social positives it brings while addressing environmental challenges. Government support in this area will be critical in helping with hard to tackle issues such as decarbonising aviation.”
    (1, 3, & 4) ABTA consumer sentiment research, conducted in February 2023 by Savanta (www.savanta.com) with a nationally representative sample of 2,000 consumers.
    (5) Source is ABTA’s joint report with UKInbound, International Travel: Powering the UK economy, which outlines the value of international travel to the UK economy in terms of supporting jobs, economic contributions and taxes paid to HM Treasury.

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    New rail service between Belgium and France

    Belgium’s Lineas and DFDS are joining forces to transport containers and trailers from the port of Gothenburg via Ghent at North Sea Port on rail to Lyon – and vice versa. It will create a connection between Sweden, Belgium, and France.DFDS transports cargo between the port of Gothenburg six times a week and its terminal at Ghent’s Sifferdok. This short sea service now connects with the intermodal train between Ghent and the Port Edouard Hérriot in Lyon. At the start, this train from Europe’s largest private rail freight operator, Lineas, runs three times a week. Starting in June, the frequency will be increased to five trips weekly.
    450 trains per year
    The shift of this cargo transport from road to rail between Ghent and the important industrial region of Lyon accounts for 450 trains per year and 800 trailers/containers.
    Multimodal port North Sea Port
    North Sea Port continues building on a sustainable multimodal port with this low-emission rail freight. “With the combined transport between Gothenburg, Ghent and Lyon, North Sea Port manages further to strengthen itself as a multimodal port in Western Europe,” said Daan Schalck, CEO of North Sea Port. Especially since cargo arrives in Ghent by road, seagoing vessel and barge from Antwerp, Rotterdam and Moerdijk.ADVERTISEMENT

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    Experience #AlltheDisneyThrills at Walt Disney World Resort

    In 2023, Walt Disney World Resort is the place to embrace thrills of all kinds. Exciting new experiences set to debut this year include one of the fastest coasters at any Disney theme park, a new restaurant to savor, the continued transformation of EPCOT, returning nighttime spectaculars filling night skies throughout the resort and so much more.Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Continues Through March 31
    It’s your last chance to experience a party fifty years in the making as the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration will conclude March 31, 2023. Make plans to visit now to see Mickey Mouse and his pals in their EARidescent finery one last time and enjoy all the special sights, tastes and merchandise that mark this momentous event.
    New and Returning Character Greetings – All Year

    New and returning character experiences are sure to thrill guests of all ages. Beginning April 22, Moana will greet fellow voyagers on Discovery Island at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park – just in time for the park’s 25th anniversary. Fans of Figment will get the chance to hug the long-time EPCOT icon at the Imagination! pavilion beginning late summer. Mickey Mouse and friends will also have a new home at Communicore Hall opening later this year as part of the EPCOT transformation. And, at Magic Kingdom Park this fall, Mirabel from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ hit film “Encanto” will greet guests in Fairytale Garden surrounded by whimsical décor inspired by La Familia Madrigal. These new experiences follow the return of several Magic Kingdom character experiences including Pete’s Silly Sideshow, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Ariel in her underwater grotto and the return of character dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table.ADVERTISEMENTRoundup Rodeo BBQ Comes to Disney’s Hollywood Studios – March 23
    Yee-haw! Andy’s backyard is preparing to welcome more toys at Roundup Rodeo BBQ opening March 23 in Toy Story Land. Serving barbecue-inspired comfort foods, this one-of-a-kind dining experience is the first “Toy Story” table-service restaurant in the world. A collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney World Food & Beverage, Roundup Rodeo BBQ will bring more toy-sized, tasty fun to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
    Nighttime Spectaculars Brighten Skies and Warm Hearts at Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT – April 3
    Fan-favorite nighttime spectacular “Happily Ever After” Presented by Pandora Jewelry returns to light up the night sky over Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park beginning April 3. New this year, the nightly fireworks show will fully immerse guests in heartfelt Disney stories as brand-new projections extend down Main Street U.S.A., adding even more magic to this unforgettable spectacle.
    “EPCOT Forever” returns to World Showcase Lagoon starting April 3. Featuring stirring renditions of memorable EPCOT music, the show sparks fond memories from the park’s rich history.
    The Grid Awaits on TRON Lightcycle / Run Presented by Enterprise – April 4
    Beginning April 4, guests can climb aboard Lightcycles for a thrilling race on TRON Lightcycle / Run Presented by Enterprise. Located in Magic Kingdom Park, it is the fastest coaster attraction in a Disney theme park, alongside its sister coaster at Shanghai Disneyland. The attraction masterfully blends coaster thrills with speed, visual effects, music and a one-of-a-kind ride system to create an experience like no other. A virtual queue will be in place when TRON Lightcycle / Run opens and guests will also have the option to purchase individual Lightning Lane entry for the attraction via the My Disney Experience app on the day of their visit. For details, visit DisneyWorld.com.

    Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park 25th Anniversary – April 22
    2023 marks a special milestone as Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park celebrates its 25th anniversary. With the return of entertainment such as “Festival of the Lion King” and ”Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!,” there has never been a better time to explore this one-of-a-kind park. It is the place to encounter wild animals, take in high-speed thrills and even journey to a world beyond belief, Pandora – The World of Avatar. Make plans now to visit this special place that celebrates the magic of nature.
    EPCOT Transformation Continues – Late 2023
    This fall will bring even more exciting experiences as part of the multi-year transformation of EPCOT. Guests will be able to explore the wonders of water when Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana opens.  This fun interactive outdoor trail offers a chance to play and interact with water as it travels from the sky to the oceans and back again. Along the way, guests learn about the importance of water and discover its playful personality – just as Moana did on her heroic voyage.
    Fall will also see completion of the new World Celebration neighborhood. As the hub of the park, it will feature different gardens that change with the seasons. It will also be home to the new Communicore Plaza and the new Communicore Hall, the latter offering a place to meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. World Celebration will also anchor the park’s renowned festivals. It is also where guests will discover Dreamers Point, an inspiring overlook showcasing a statue of Walt Disney called “Walt the Dreamer.”

    Guests will be treated to the debut of an all-new EPCOT nighttime spectacular later this year. A dazzling display of music, pyrotechnics, lasers and lighting, the show will feature an original composition and evocative selections from the Disney songbook – all woven together to remind us that we are more alike than different.
    Disney100 Celebration – Late 2023
    Later this year, Walt Disney World Resort will join the global celebration of The Walt Disney Company’s 100th Anniversary – 10 decades of creativity and innovation. Look for more details to come, as EPCOT prepares to host this unforgettable celebration at Walt Disney World.
    More Disney Dining Options – Throughout the Year

    On April 1, 2023, Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will welcome guests to an exciting new dining experience. This signature-dining restaurant – renowned for its panoramic views of Seven Seas Lagoon – will introduce a new interior along with a refreshed menu offering a perfect balance of updated classics and new culinary delights. Guests can look forward to the return of house specialties such as lobster bisque and new dishes like Blackened Redfish and tasty plant-based options.
    Later this year, more dining delights will debut, including Summer House on the Lake at Disney Springs and The Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s BoardWalk.
    Experiencing Walt Disney World Theme Parks
    To experience all that Walt Disney World theme parks have to offer, guests need both valid park admission and a park reservation on the same date. Guests can visit DisneyWorld.com for more information about planning their visit.

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    Miral announces the much-anticipated SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi to open its doors on 23 May

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    Miral announces the much-anticipated SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi to open its doors on 23 May

    Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, announced today that SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is set to open its doors to the public on the 23rd of May 2023. The next-generation Marine Life Theme Park will tell a captivating ‘One Ocean’ story that uncovers the interconnectivity between life on earth and our ocean. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will deliver engaging, and immersive family-friendly experiences through eight of its uniquely themed realms, featuring up-close animal encounters, exciting rides, inspiring entertainment, as well as unmatched dining and shopping experiences.
    A collaboration between Miral and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s eight realms can be explored across five indoor levels spanning an area of approximately 183,000m2 with the Endless Ocean realm set to be home to the world’s largest and most expansive multi-species aquarium. This innovatively designed aquarium will contain over 25 million liters of water and will be a dynamic habitat for more than 68,000 marine animals, including sharks, schools of fish, manta rays and sea turtles. Located on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, in total there will be over 100,000 marine animals including 150 species of birds, fish, mammals and reptiles at the Marine Life Theme Park. Animal habitats in each realm of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi have been custom designed using state-of-the-art technology and the highest standards for animal welfare.
    Chairman of Miral, His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, said: “We are delighted to announce the opening of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi this May, and proud of our partnership with SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment to bring the region’s next-generation Marine Life Theme Park to Abu Dhabi and to Yas Island. As part of our commitment to the Year of Sustainability, the marine life park will embed Sheikh Zayed’s legacy and profound respect for nature and all its beauty, as well as play a key role in promoting environmental awareness and protecting marine life in Abu Dhabi, the UAE and the wider region. Through its innovative programs and its state-of-the-art facilities, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi aims to inspire the next generation of conservationists and marine life scientists while fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s opening will mark an exciting new chapter in Yas Island and Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to promote tourism, showcase the emirate’s truly unique offerings and position it as a top global destination.”
    Designed according to standards set by the Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA) and American Humane, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s next-generation marine life habitats feature state-of-the art design and technology that will enable animals to live in dynamic habitats alongside other fish, birds, and animals as they would in nature.  Other spaces have been designed to provide flexibility for animal welfare allowing the SeaWorld Abu Dhabi animal care team to recreate social seasonal patterns for animals such as the walrus. Unique systems such as the Advanced Animal Lighting System (AALS) recreate night/day and seasonal light cycles while also providing the health benefits of full spectrum light and the Animal Life Support System (ALSS) that manages water quality to support the diverse array of fish and mammals living together in dynamic environments are some of the cutting-edge features at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.
    Chairman of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Scott Ross shared his thoughts on the occasion, saying: “We’re very excited to share that the highly anticipated SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will open its doors very soon.  We cannot be prouder and more honored to open our first SeaWorld outside of the United States with such dynamic and innovative partners as Miral and the UAE. It is only through the strength of our partnership,  unwavering support, and commitment that we are bringing this incredible experience to Yas Island. Years in the making, SeaWorld’s world-renowned team of animal care specialists, scientists, and engineers have worked alongside the visionary team at Miral, leading architects and designers to develop a next-generation SeaWorld park. By leveraging a fundamental SeaWorld design principle of putting animal well-being and care at the core of the design, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is set to redefine the standards of excellence for marine life theme parks across the world. The result is an enriching and immersive experience not only for our animals, but also for our guests. Across all eight realms, the enthralling One Ocean story comes alive through realm designs that simulate the natural and dynamic environments found within the ocean alongside fun and educational experiences that inspire guests of all ages to take an interest in our ocean’s future.”ADVERTISEMENTBased on the interconnectivity between all life on earth and our ocean, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will take guests through its unifying ONE OCEAN story, with stops in the tropics, the rocky coasts of the Pacific Northwest, the Arabian Gulf, the vast ocean and its smaller ecosystems along the way. Situated in the center of the park, the One Ocean realm acts as a portal to the park’s other realms and features One Epic Ocean, an immersive multi-media story shown on a 360◦screen. The realm also offers a glimpse into the Animal Care Center – the heart of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. There, guests are welcome to observe veterinarians and animal care experts providing animals from the park with around-the-clock care, routine check-ups and treatment when needed.

    The guest journey begins in the ABU DHABI OCEAN realm, where guests will be carried to the shallow shores of the Arabian Gulf to learn more about the UAE’s historic seafaring tradition of pearl diving and trading. Abu Dhabi Ocean will allow guests to experience up-close encounters with animals native to the emirate and wider region. This realm features several dining options including Matbakh Ummi, a signature dining experience with Arabic cuisine, and is also home to retail outlets in a Souk paying homage to Abu Dhabi’s heritage and its profound connection with the Arabian Gulf. Abu Dhabi Ocean will also be the first touchpoint for guests to enroll in SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s parkwide interactive game – S·E·A Guardian.
    POLAR OCEAN houses two unique realms taking visitors from the icy expanse of ANTARCTICA to the rich, bio-diverse tundra of the ARCTIC, illustrating how these distinct and extreme environments of Polar Ocean form an essential chapter of the One Ocean story. In these realms, guests can enjoy the colorful Juhani village and its harbor, depicting life in the North Pole, where walruses can be seen exploring their dynamic state-of-the-art habitats. The coldest of all realms will also simulate the temperatures that can be found in our planet’s polar regions – creating an environment well-suited for animals like penguins and walruses. At the Polar Ocean realm, guests can enjoy an immersive ride, indulge in dining options, explore retail outlets and visit a massive research vessel filled with fun interactive ways to learn more about these diverse regions and their inhabitants.
    When visiting the MICROOCEAN realm, small is BIG and small is IMPORTANT as guests will be swept by the ocean tides and feel shrunk to the size of plankton. In this realm, guests will have the chance to explore the ocean’s smaller wonders in a burst of colors and an immersive design highlighting the vital role of the ocean’s smallest marine-life. MicroOcean features family-friendly rides, play areas for the little ones, whimsical characters and performers, a playful retail outlet, and dynamic experiments taking young explorers on an unforgettable educational journey. 
    Beyond the little wonders of the ocean, lies the expanse of the ENDLESS OCEAN realm. Home to the largest multi-species aquarium in the world, stunning observation decks and a beautiful glimpse from a 20m viewing window, aptly named the Endless Vista, in a sea cave, this realm’s possibilities are truly endless. There will be over 68,000 animals within its awe-inspiring habitat including sharks, rays, eels and many more inspiring guests to explore the endless beauty and diversity of the vast ocean. Endless Ocean offers delectable dining options, including one fine dining option with mesmerizing views of the aquarium and one retail outlet.
    Bask in the warm sun along the sandy shores of the TROPICAL OCEAN, the largest realm in SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, in a magnificent medley of colors, dancing waterfalls and a crystal-clear lagoon. In Tropical Ocean guests will be able to see dolphins, flamingos and tropical birds including toucans in their lush rainforest aviary. Tropical Ocean also offers a thrilling roller-coaster ride, as well as retail outlets and delicious dining options with multiple viewing areas, both above and below water.
    Moving from the sun-kissed tropics to the USA’s rugged Pacific Northwest, the ROCKY POINT realm features a beautiful hidden cove with nesting sea lions and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to interact with these animals. Not as cold as the Arctic and Antarctic, Rocky Point will also include dynamic habitats for the sea lions with a climate that emulates the Pacific Northwest. The realm also includes a boardwalk-inspired snack stand.
    Adjacent to SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the park is home to Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the first-of-its-kind dedicated marine research, rescue, rehabilitation and return center in the region, serving as an advanced marine science knowledge hub and a key contributor to marine life conservation in the UAE and wider region. Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue opened in February 2023.

    For more information or to pre-book your tickets, please visit: seaworldabudhabi.com

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    FIVE NEW TUI BLUE HOTELS IN POPULAR UK HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS FOR SUMMER 2023

    TUI’s global leisure hotel brand, TUI BLUE, has added five hotels in some of the UK’s favourite short, mid and long-haul destinations this summer.  As well as the new TUI BLUE Victoria in Menorca, TUI BLUE hotels will be joining the brand portfolio in Hurghada, Egypt; Ayia Napa, Cyprus; Cala Bona, Majorca; and Thailand.
    The adults only 4+star TUI BLUE Victoria Menorca will be opening its doors on 1st May. With a peaceful plot just a few steps away from the seafront in Santo Tomas, a small, laid-back town on Menorca’s south coast, this hotel allows holidaymakers to swap between pool and beach with ease. It has all the hallmarks of a TUI BLUE hotel, from a luxurious BLUE® Spa to world-class fitness classes and yoga in the BLUEf!t® offering, to the personal advice and insights of TUI BLUE Guides with insider local knowledge, design touches inspired by the region and authentic, fresh locally sourced food and drink. There are two outdoor pools to choose from, and restaurant-wise, guests will have the choice of a buffet and an à la carte option. Plus, there’s a handy snack bar and a trio of bars for drinks. There are plenty of room types to choose from too, including suites with private pools.
    North Africa destinations have gone from strength to strength for TUI’s UK customers, with 80,000 additional seats and the new destination of Marsa Alam in Egypt added for winter. Capitalising on the huge demand across the year, TUI BLUE has added the 5T TUI BLUE Crystal Bay to the line-up in Hurghada.  Also opening on 1st May, its modern architecture is chic with natural beauty and the sumptuous gardens are stunning. Sitting in a prime location on a private beach next to the Red Sea, making it a perfect location for scuba diving, all the usual top notch TUI BLUE facilities are available. It’s also a short hop away from both the historic old town and Sakalla, the frenetic and fast-paced town centre.
    Two more additional Mediterranean hotels – the 4T TUI BLUE Levante, Majorca and the 4T TUI BLUE Atlantica Sungarden Park, Cyprus will be open even earlier, ready for Easter guests. The adults only TUI BLUE Levante, is steps away from Cala Bona’s bars and restaurants and is well positioned for seafront strolls to Cala Millor. The sleek TUI BLUE Atlantica Sungarden Park is near the seafront, just 15 minutes walk from the famous Nissi Beach, and near the centre of buzzy Aiya Napa. The resort’s pool is the centre of attention as it comes with a string of sun loungers, a separate children’s section and widescreen sea views. Kids and adults alike will love the new waterpark which is kitted out with a lazy river and a couple of slides.
    Further afield, TUI BLUE The Passage, becomes the third TUI BLUE hotel in Thailand. Due to open this summer it’s in an attractive beach location in the northwest of Koh Samui. The resort is designed in a boutique hotel style with 50 villas in total. A perfect natural hideaway for both honeymooners and families alike, and just 30 minutes from Samui International Airport, the resort overlooks a national marine park with nearby snorkeling, kayaking, beach biking and hiking on offer.ADVERTISEMENTWith nearly 100 TUI BLUE hotels internationally, the addition of these five resorts for Summer 2023 is part of an ambitious growth plan for TUI’s global hotel brand, with plans for new openings across four continents in exciting destinations including Asia, the Caribbean and West Africa planned over the next two years.

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    ANA Holdings and IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan sign comprehensive commercial agreement

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    ANA Holdings and IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan sign comprehensive commercial agreement

    ANA HOLDINGS, INC. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Koji Shibata) and IHG Hotels & Resorts (Headquarters: UK; Japan: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Local operating company: IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan LLC; CEO and Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts, Japan & Micronesia: Abhijay Sandilya) have signed a comprehensive agreement.The two companies began a strategic alliance in hotel business operations in 2006, developing Japan’s first dual-branded hotel by combining the know-how cultivated by the ANA Group and the global brand of IHG Hotels & Resorts. As part of the alliance, a wide range of services are available for ANA Mileage Club members staying at IHG hotels, including special offers on accommodation and restaurants and welcome drink services based on member status.
    As demand for flights and hotels are showing signs of recovery, ANA Group and IHG will strengthen collaboration in various fields with a focus on sales and marketing through a new comprehensive agreement that utilizes the ANA Group’s airline network and IHG’s hotel network. The new programs launching will help raise awareness of the ANA Group’s airline network and the properties of IHG Hotels & Resorts in and out of Japan among not only the members of the loyalty programs, but also non-members, all while enhancing the value of the customer experience.
    Both companies will implement joint campaigns throughout the year, including IHG Hotels & Resorts advertisements on ANA flights and at major domestic airports, and offer benefits and promotions for ANA Mileage Club members on the IHG website and mobile app. In addition, to commemorate the agreement, the companies will launch the “IHG ANA Hotels X ANA WOW! Experience Campaign” where customers and guests can win ANA miles or hotel accommodation vouchers.
    In addition to stimulating demand for domestic and international travel through collaboration between the two companies, ANA Group and IHG will go beyond the boundaries of the airline and hotel industries to promote initiatives for sustainable regional development as well as next-generation talent development in hospitality sector.
    IHG ANA Hotels X ANA WOW! Experience CampaignADVERTISEMENTTo commemorate the strategic partnership, the IHG ANA Hotels X ANA WOW! Experience Campaign will be held from early April to June 30, 2023. Please take this opportunity to enrol in the ANA Mileage Club and IHG One Rewards and enjoy a stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts. The campaign page will be available on the ANA website in early April 2023.*The campaign page is only available in Japanese.
    Campaign Overview50 guests will receive 10,000 ANA miles and 100 guests will receive 5,000 ANA miles by lottery from those who book and stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts properties during the eligible period. In addition, accommodation vouchers for 11 IHG Hotels & Resorts properties in Japan, including newly opened hotels are also up for prizes. Regular accommodation miles can also be accrued.Campaign period:Reservation period: Early April 2023 – Friday, 30 June 2023Period of stay: Sunday, 7 May – Monday, 31 July 2023*Reservation starting date will be announced on the campaign page.Reservation and entry method for lottery:The following conditions must be met to be eligible for the campaign lottery.
    1. Guests must book and stay during the eligible period at any IHG Hotels & Resorts property worldwide, by making a direct reservation through the IHG Hotels & Resorts official website, IHG app, customer care center or directly at the hotel.*Eligible rates are all reservations eligible for IHG One Rewards points accumulation.*Reservations made through travel agencies are not eligible.
    2. Guests must register to participate in the campaign from the ANA campaign page (scheduled to open in early April).
    3. IHG One Rewards members must specify their preference for earning points with ANA miles.*If guests are not an IHG One Rewards member, they must register as a member before check-in and specify ANA miles as the point accumulation preference in the account profile.

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