Eliana Willis

More stories

  • 188 Shares169 Views

    in organisations-operators

    Helsinki Airport and SSP to Launch Food Court with Six New Restaurants in Summer 2023

    Finavia will open a food court in the gate area of Helsinki Airport in collaboration with the leading restaurant service provider Select Service Partner Select Service Partner (SSP).
    The food court, which consist of six different restaurants, will be completed at Helsinki Airport in early summer 2023.“In recent years, we have invested in the development of food and beverage services at Helsinki Airport. We are looking forward to the opening of new restaurants at our airport,” says Nora Immonen, Finavia’s VP and Director for the Commercial Services and Business at Helsinki Airport.
    One of the new restaurants is the Swedish hamburger chain Bastard Burgers, which, in collaboration with SSP, is opening its second restaurant in Finland. The other new restaurants are Fafa’s, Robert’s Coffee, Pala Pizza Bar, Asian Corner and Tori Kitchen & Café.
    “We believe that our passengers will be delighted with the food court’s wide range of restaurants. Our goal is to increase the supply of affordable hot food and easily portable products.”
    The food court will be operated by SSP Finland, Finland’s leading restaurant company in the tourism environment.ADVERTISEMENT“SSP Finland specialises in developing and operating different types of food and beverage concepts and brands in a fast-paced tourism environment. We recognise the various needs of air passengers and the food court’s wide range of restaurants will surely have something for everyone,” says Elena Heiska, Managing Director of Select Service Partner Finland Oy.According to Heiska, special attention has been paid to the speed of service and to serving passengers round the clock. All meals can also be taken on board flights.
    Favourite kitchens tailored for passengers
    In addition to Fafa’s, Bastard Burgers and the Finnish family company Robert’s Coffee, SSP will open three restaurants and cafés tailored to the needs of passengers at Helsinki Airport: Asian Corner, Pala Pizza Bar and Tori Kitchen & Café.
    “Our restaurant Asian Corner brings under one kitchen the experience of the best and most colourful food stalls in Asia without limiting itself to any particular Asian food genre. The secret of the pizza served by Pala Pizza Bar lies in its dough: the dough is made at the restaurant with Finnish flour and allowed to rest for at least 48 hours. The pizza experience is crowned by a perfect tomato sauce and high-quality toppings.”
    “At Tori Kitchen & Café, we have carefully selected the best Finnish favourites in accordance with our principles of serving honest, sustainable and handmade food. Tori’s breakfast menu includes slow-cooked porridge made with organic Finnish oats. All pastries – including Tori’s signature product, a freshly baked doughnut – are baked at our own bakery at the airport.”
    “We are very excited about our new restaurants and new partnerships. We can’t wait to open our new restaurants in the heart of the revamped Helsinki Airport,” Heiska adds.

    Older
    TAP offers special promotion: buy one adult ticket, get one child ticket free on select flights

    Newer
    The best (and worst) tourist attractions around the world More

  • 125 Shares199 Views

    in organisations-operators

    Record-breaking growth in airports worldwide reducing carbon emissions by 8.1%

    Airports Council International (ACI) released the annual airport climate action results for Airport Carbon Accreditation, the global carbon standard for airports founded and managed by ACI EUROPE on behalf of airports worldwideThe past reporting year, running from May 2021 to May 2022, ended with 395 airports spanning 79 countries engaging in carbon management and reduction at one of the six program levels. The 91 new accreditations reported this year represent the highest growth since Airport Carbon Accreditation’s inception in 2009. Airports have also made great strides in progressing to more stringent levels of accreditation – 86 airports upgraded to a higher level of carbon management during the year, with 89 having now achieved advanced levels of carbon management.
    Highlighted amongst the program’s achievements is the sheer diversity of airports now certified. They include airports of all sizes: top global hubs such as London-Heathrow, Istanbul, Doha Hamad International, Singapore-Changi and Dallas Fort Worth are amongst the accredited rollcall, along with capital gateways in all continents such as Abidjan, Athens, Amman, Phnom Penh, Quito and San Jose. Equally, smaller airports serving remote areas, island nations and popular tourism destinations as diverse as Galapagos, Kelowna, Puerto Vallarta, Enfidha Hammamet, Trondheim and Sunshine Coast are proudly counted in their number.
    The reporting period covers a timeframe when many airports were facing the profound impact of sluggish and fragile post-COVID-19 traffic recovery on airports’ financial and operational health. In this context, the results achieved serve to reconfirm airports’ unwavering determination to mitigate their impact on the climate.
    Delivering tangible carbon savings
    The latest carbon reduction and compensation results achieved by the airport industry are equally record-breaking. In the period covered, accredited airports succeeded in collectively reducing the CO2 emissions under their control by 549,643 tonnes, a reduction of -8.1%. This is the largest reduction ever achieved through the program. In addition, 898,821 tonnes of CO2e were compensated with high quality carbon credits, in line with ACI EUROPE’s Offsetting Guidance based on a qualitative assessment of the compensation mechanisms and offset types available on the market.ADVERTISEMENTNiclas Svenningsen, Manager for Programmes Coordination at the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC) said: “The results announced today speak volumes of the global airport industry’s commitment to fighting climate change. Against the backdrop of worsening climate impacts and the window of opportunity to keep the warming below 1.5°C rapidly closing, we need all parts of our global economy to act now. Airports have clearly understood this message and are on the front line of climate mitigation within their spheres of influence and lending their impetus to other industry actors. I commend each and every airport engaged in this collective effort to advance the decarbonisation of the airport industry globally.”
    ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira said: “The record-breaking results of the ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation program are great achievements by the world’s airports. Founded by ACI EUROPE, this program has become a global success—as reflected in its year over year growth. Congratulations to all 395 airports, spanning 79 countries across all ACI Regions, that have engaged in carbon management and reduction. Despite the challenges brought on by the impact of the pandemic, the airport industry continues to demonstrate its commitment to net zero carbon emissions for international aviation by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement.”ACI EUROPE Director General Olivier Jankovec said: “The Airport Carbon Accreditation programme is at the heart of what decarbonising an industry like aviation must be about: aspirational yet deeply practical and actionable, charting not only achievements today but the way forwards for tomorrow. Airports know well the role they play in their communities and the expectations that air passengers have with regard to our shared responsibility for the climate and environment. The Airport Carbon Accreditation programme provides a framework for measurable progress and demonstrable results. We are intensely proud of the achievements to date, and the appetite for continued change.”
    Alignment with the Paris Agreement
    The latest addition to the program framework, Levels 4 (Transition) and 4+ (Transformation), require airports to align their carbon management and reduction trajectory with the objectives of the Paris Agreement, according to which global warming should be limited to below 2⁰C and ideally 1.5⁰C. Their creation back in July 2019 marked a step-change in the program’s ambition level, laying the ground to accompany airports of all sizes and locations to reach Net Zero CO2.
    The number of airports accredited at these levels reached 321 in the reporting period, pointing to the airport community’s readiness to pursue full decarbonisation in line with, or in some cases even more rapidly than the timelines enshrined in the global climate goals.

    Older
    Emirates’ Sir Tim Clark to discuss rapid growth within Middle East aviation at 30th edition of ATM

    Newer
    Mazen Saleh Named General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach More

  • 213 Shares179 Views

    in organisations-operators

    Emirates’ Sir Tim Clark to discuss rapid growth within Middle East aviation at 30th edition of ATM

    Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, will participate in an in-depth discussion on the Global Stage of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 1-4 May. In conversation with John Strickland, Director of JLS Consulting, Sir Tim will reflect on Emirates’ long-term strategy as it begins to ramp up aircraft deliveries from 2024 while balancing growth and tackling broader issues like climate change.
    The news comes amid reports of significant gains across the Middle East’s aviation sector, which saw year-on-year traffic almost double in January 2023 according to figures released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This growth is especially evident in the UAE where Dubai International Airport (DXB) catered to more than 66 million passengers in 2022, a 127% rise compared to the previous year.
    Over the longer term, analysts from Mordor Intelligence predict that the Middle East’s aviation market will record a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 6% during the period 2022-27, meaning regional passenger numbers are likely to continue to rise for the foreseeable future.
    Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “It’s encouraging to see that air traffic in the Middle East is once again beginning to soar, especially following such a turbulent period during and after the global pandemic.
    “We are looking forward to welcoming Sir Tim to our Global Stage for the 30th edition of ATM,” Curtis added. “Emirates has firmly established itself as an innovative trailblazer within the global aviation industry, so I cannot wait to hear how Sir Tim and his colleagues are working to build a futureproofed and sustainable airline sector.”ADVERTISEMENT

    Older
    TAP takes off with new Business Class cuisine

    Newer
    Record-breaking growth in airports worldwide reducing carbon emissions by 8.1% More

  • 100 Shares99 Views

    in organisations-operators

    Regent unveils selection of family adventures for 2023

    Regent has more than doubled its collection of family adventures for 2023, expanding from an exploratory handful of itineraries into a fully-fledged family programme, opening up its pioneering spirit and in-depth destination knowledge to adventurers of all ages.
    The 2023 family collection now includes holidays in the Azores, Borneo, Iceland, Finland, Jordan, the Norwegian Fjords, Slovenia and Sweden.
    Andrea Godfrey, Regent head of product and marketing, said: “Regent has always been about taking travellers to some of Europe and Asia’s most fascinating and lesser-explored places.
    “We have dipped our toe into the water of family holidays in recent years, and now – in response to customer demand – we have expanded our programme to include a family option in almost all of our most popular destinations, from the Nordic countries to Slovenia and the Azores.”
    He added: “The collection has been carefully put together by our destination experts, each of whom has a deep knowledge and passion for their ‘patch’, so agents can be assured their clients will be experiencing the very best of what each place has to offer family adventurers. ADVERTISEMENT“Many of the trips can be tailored to feature upgraded or self-catering accommodation options, and when agents pick up the phone to us, they know they will be getting the best advice to meet their clients’ needs.”
    Some of the new family trips for 2023 include:
    The volcanic islands of the Azores have plenty of activities for even the most discerning of teens, from canyoning, coasteering and sailing to canoeing and whale watching, and budding geologists will love the belching steam vents and volcanic fumaroles.
    Highlights of the new Family Adventures in the Azores itinerary include exploring the capital Ponta Delgada by bike; a whale watching excursion by catamaran; canoeing on the lakes at Furnas including seeing the fumaroles (and witnessing how the traditional Cozida das Furnas stew is cooked underground using volcanic heat); an off-road adventure to mountains, beaches, lakes and thermal water pools and a canyoning and coasteering experience, plus plenty of free time to hike, fish, snorkel and stand up paddle board.
    Characterised by lake and forest adventures, this seven-night fly-drive family break is based in a cosy log cabin with private sauna and hot tub at the Lehmonkärki Resort on the shore of Päijänne, Finland’s second largest lake.
    The Finnish Lakeland Family Summer Break includes a day trip to the city of Lahti for its Wooden Architecture Park and Ski Museum (with ski jump and biathlon shooting simulation); rowing to a ‘secret’ island to swim or fish in Lake Salajärvi; evening fishing along the Vääksy Canal and Lake Vesijärvi in search of perch and pike; donning a special suit to go lake floating; an adventure course in the trees at the Flowpark Adventure Park and a visit to a farm to meet the resident Siberian huskies.
    More Information
    Agents can access assets including Regent images and tour itineraries for marketing purposes by logging on to the free online toolkit here.
    The full Regent 2023 brochure is available to view online here and features the details of the Regent team members and their specific areas of expertise.

    Older
    Abu Dhabi tourism tax scrapped for events More

  • 88 Shares149 Views

    in organisations-operators

    Abu Dhabi tourism tax scrapped for events

    Abu Dhabi has removed the tourism fee taxation on event organisers across the capital. Event organisers will now be exempt from the 10 percent tourism fee for each ticket sold.The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT – Abu Dhabi) stated in a recent circular: “With reference to the above subject, and based on Law No. (8) of 2018, establishing the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) with an overall mandate to develop and elevate quality standards of the tourism industry to achieve tourism development in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and the Executive Council Resolution No. (54) of 2018, regarding event licensing in Abu Dhabi Emirate, and Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi decision No. (18) of 2023, concerning extending the exemption from the fees for issuing, distributing and marketing tickets in accordance with the Events Licensing System in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi;
    “For further support to the investment environment in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, it has been decided to exempt event organisers from the tourism fee of 10% on tickets sold.”
    You can see the full circular here.https://tcaabudhabi.ae/DataFolder/Circulars/Circular%203_2023%20Event%20Licensing%20System.pdf
    Source: Hotelier Middle East

    Older
    Emirates ramps up operations across continents

    Newer
    Regent unveils selection of family adventures for 2023 More

  • 238 Shares159 Views

    in organisations-operators

    PATA Annual Summit and Adventure Mart 2023 to be held in Pokhara, Nepal from May 29 – June 1

    The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is set to organise the PATA Annual Summit and Adventure Mart 2023 in Pokhara, Nepal from May 29 – June 1. The event will be hosted by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).The announcement was made by NTB CEO Dr Dhananjay Regmi at the PATA Networking Lunch on March 8 at ITB Berlin. The event is comprised of conference presentations, workshops, and a B2B mart, as well as the PATA Executive Board and Board meetings and Annual General Meeting on May 29.
    “Our members and industry colleagues in Nepal have always been a staunch supporter of the Association, and therefore we are excited to be organising this year’s PATA Annual Summit and Adventure Mart in country with such beautiful landscapes and rich culture and heritage,” said PATA Chair Peter Semone. “On behalf of PATA, I would like to thank the Nepal Tourism Board for hosting the PATA Annual Summit. Furthermore, to provide more networking opportunities for our members and industry colleagues, this year we will also be adding a travel mart component to the event, so I take this opportunity to invite all PATA members and non-members to join us for what is certain to be an extraordinary event.”
    “The Government of Nepal, Nepal Tourism Board and the entire tourism fraternity is proud to be hosting the PATA Annual Summit and Adventure Mart 2023 in Nepal. This is the 3rd time Nepal will be hosting the Adventure Mart and 1st PATA Annual Summit. We all are indeed excited for this opportunity. The tourist numbers are gradually coming steady to Nepal post Covid. We are expecting to reach the pre-covid numbers by end of 2023,” said NTB CEO Dr. Dhananjay Regmi.
    “The events will be held in Pokhara the tourism capital of Nepal. This will be an opportunity for us to showcase a different destination to the delegates with a taste of pure Nepalese Hospitality. We will be working on the theme “Sustainability through Community Based Tourism” in this event. With the new International Airport being operated from Pokhara starting January 2023, the majestic Pokhara is all set to welcome all of you with open arms.”
    Pokhara’s tranquil beauty has been the subject of inspiration for many travel writers. Its pristine air, spectacular backdrop of snowy peaks, blue lakes and surrounding greenery make it ‘the jewel in the Himalaya’, a place of remarkable natural disposition. With the magnificent Annapurna range forming the backdrop and the serenity of the Cluster of 9 Lakes with three major ones – Phewa, Rupa and Begnas – Pokhara is a great destination for a weekend getaway as well as a long relaxing holiday. Pokhara Valley, gateway to the Annapurna region where many a trekker finds his Shangri-la, sits high on the list of ‘must visit’ places in Nepal.ADVERTISEMENTPokhara once lay on the important trade route between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains set up camps on the city outskirts, bringing goods from remote Himalayan regions including Mustang. Gurungs and Magars, who have earned world-wide fame as fierce Gurkha warriors, are predominant here. Thakalis, indigenous of the Thak Khola region of Mustang, are known for their entrepreneurship and run tea houses along the trek routes in the Annapurna region. The Pokhara is best known for the stunning view of the Annapurna range. It is perhaps one of the few places on earth from where mountains above 6,000 m can be seen unobstructed from an altitude of 800 m within the distance of 28 km.
    For more information, please visit www.pata.org/pata-annual-summit-and-adventure-mart-2023 or email [email protected]

    Older
    Hilton Set for Greatest Year of Growth in France

    Newer
    Emirates ramps up operations across continents More

  • 113 Shares159 Views

    in organisations-operators

    Hilton Set for Greatest Year of Growth in France

    With a record year of openings in France ahead, Hilton continues its rapid multi‑brand, multi‑destination expansion across the country with a number of strong French owners
    Hilton predicts 2023 will be its strongest year of growth in France, with seven planned hotel openings, the highest single-year increase to its French portfolio. As well as continued expansion in Paris, Hilton is focusing on major resort destinations and provincial towns and cities, working with several local owners in France on a development pipeline that will more than double the hotel group’s presence nationwide.
    Simon Vincent, executive vice president and president, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, said, “We’re experiencing record growth in France, with 2023 set to be a historic high for hotel openings. As a key market for Hilton, we’re focusing on developing hotels in regional French towns and cities, the south coast and continued expansion in Paris. We continue to leverage our award-winning brands to grow market share and capture increased travel demand, particularly as France gets ready to host major global sporting events including the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games and Rugby World Cup.”
    Hilton’s French Development PlansIn France, Hilton’s development plans will see 24 properties added to the current trading portfolio of 23 hotels in coming years. Tapestry Collection by Hilton and Curio Collection by Hilton make up more than a quarter of upcoming hotels in Europe, ranging from island resorts to unique city hotels and historic buildings. In France, following recent openings in Hyères and Paris, Hilton is opening hotels under its collection brands in Bordeaux and Dijon, bringing Hilton brands to more regional cities across the country.
    ADVERTISEMENTIn addition to collection brand openings, Hilton’s focused service brand Hampton by Hilton is experiencing strong growth. In both France and wider Europe, Hampton by Hilton has a higher number of pipeline hotels than any other Hilton brand, with recent European openings including Hampton by Hilton Tours Centre, Hampton by Hilton Barcelona Fira Gran Via and Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Centre.
    In recent years, Hilton has also introduced new brands to the French hotel market, with the openings of Canopy by Hilton Paris Trocadero and Hotel Camille Paris Gare de Lyon, Tapestry Collection by Hilton in 2021, as well as DoubleTree by Hilton Lyon Eurexpo last year.
    Canopy by Hilton Cannes – opening this summer, Canopy by Hilton Cannes will be Hilton’s first property in the popular resort town, boasting views of the Old Port from the hotel’s enviable roof terrace and an interior design led by acclaimed designer Ramy Fischler. Following a franchise agreement with SDPNE.
    Sainte-Anne Hotel Dijon, Curio Collection by Hilton – Hilton’s debut in the Burgundy region of France, opening this summer, Sainte-Anne Hotel Dijon will be set in the International City of Gastronomy and Wine. Located on the site of a former 17th-century hospice, the hotel will offer outdoor terraces, a swimming pool, fitness centre, and Nhoraé spa, as well as a fine-dining French restaurant. Following a franchise agreement with Naos Hotel Group.
    Marty Hotel Bordeaux, Tapestry Collection by Hilton – a stylish, lively and arty hotel opening this Spring, Marty Hotel Bordeaux will be located in the heart of the city and will implement a range of sustainability initiatives, from the use of as many locally sourced ingredients as possible to the careful management of water consumption. Following a franchise agreement with Vicartem / ExtendAm.
    Hilton Garden Inn Paris La Villette – opening this spring, this hotel will be Hilton Garden Inn’s fourth Parisian hotel and the first in central Paris, located close to the City of Science and Industry, Zenith Paris, the Grande Halle de la Villette and Paris Philharmonic. Following a franchise agreement with Naos Hotel Group.

    Older
    TUI LAUNCHES BIGGEST EVER WINTER PROGRAMME WITH 150,000 MORE SEATS

    Newer
    PATA Annual Summit and Adventure Mart 2023 to be held in Pokhara, Nepal from May 29 – June 1 More

  • 125 Shares179 Views

    in organisations-operators

    TUI LAUNCHES BIGGEST EVER WINTER PROGRAMME WITH 150,000 MORE SEATS

    TUI, the leading global travel and leisure company, is adding a further 150,000 additional seats for UK customers for winter 2023. TUI expects demand for winter sun to increase following positive bookings, with North African destinations providing great value and guaranteed sun. 
    With nine additional flights added for the full winter season, including a new flight to Boa Vista, Cape Verde from Birmingham, and weekly flights to Sid, Cape Verde from Glasgow, Birmingham and East Midlands, plus a new weekly flight to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt from Manchester, London Gatwick and Newcastle, holidaymakers have even more choice with TUI this winter. 
    Egypt
    Following recent news that TUI added Marsa Alam as a new winter spot in Egypt with two weekly flights from London Gatwick, the leading travel company have added 80,000 more seats for the winter season.  A solid winter sun favourite, Egypt offers the highest number of seats and holiday options across TUI’s North African destinations. There will be a weekly Monday flight to Sharm El Sheikh from Manchester and London Gatwick plus a weekly Wednesday flight from Newcastle. In addition to four weekly flights from London Gatwick and Manchester, three weekly flights from Birmingham and two weekly flights from Glasgow, Bristol and East Midlands, TUI is adding a Saturday flight from Manchester and London Gatwick and a brand-new Cardiff flight from Easter 2024.  Hurghada is another popular spot in Egypt and TUI is adding a London Gatwick and Manchester airport Saturday flight from Easter 2024, following strong Easter bookings this year to the destination. 
    Cape VerdeADVERTISEMENTCape Verde has grown in popularity for British sun seekers since launching in 2005. With a further 45,000 seats added for this winter, customers can take advantage of the long sandy beaches, perfect temperatures and cultural spots off the west coast of Africa. TUI is adding a third weekly flight to Boa Vista from Birmingham, as well as weekly UK departures to Sal from Newcastle, Glasgow and East Midlands airport.
    Tunisia
    With incredible deals, Tunisia is a perfect sunbathing spot with great all-inclusive beach front resorts for customers looking for value breaks.  TUI is adding 15,000 new seats with new flights to Enfidha from Bristol, Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham, starting from Easter 2024. This came as extra flights were also added to Enfindha from Newcastle in February half term.
    Morocco  
    The rise of Morocco as one of the most popular winter destinations has continued, and to meet demand, TUI is offering additional flights from Easter 2024 to provide 10 and 11 night durations to Agadir from Birmingham, and to Marrakesh from Birmingham and Bristol, both starting from Easter 2024.
    Andrew Flintham, Managing Director for TUI UK commented:
    “Our North Africa destinations have gone from strength to strength with UK customers and remain a very important part of our vast holiday programme. I am really pleased we can offer customers further choice with 150,000 more seats for winter 2023 to amazing destinations. We’re seeing strong demand for travel, with bookings suggesting that customers are keen to plan far in advance for their perfect holiday. 
    “At TUI, we offer unrivalled choice and flexibility travelling to 180 destinations worldwide, flying from 20 UK airports, our growing TUI cities programme and our owned concepts like TUI Blue as well as Marella Cruises, TUI River Cruises and Crystal Ski, and today’s news further confirms this.”
    “TUI is proud to be an award winning travel company – recently winning Best Travel Company for summer sun holidays, Best Travel Company for winter sun holidays, Best Travel Company for Lakes and Mountains holidays and Best Travel Company for Ski/ Winter sports holidays at the British Travel Awards.”   
     For those still looking to book their break, TUI’s value hub Home of Holiday Value | TUI.co.uk features top tips on saving money and budgeting including best off-season destinations, deals of the week, current discount codes and easy free kids place finder to save money on your family holiday. Customers who book early can lock in their £0 deposit and spread the cost of their holiday over time with manageable instalments. Equally TUI’s value hub signposts people looking for last minute escapes for those who like to be spontaneous.  

    Older
    Air New Zealand extends Gisborne – Napier service

    Newer
    Hilton Set for Greatest Year of Growth in France More