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    Lego stores open at London Gatwick

    Gatwick Airport has announced two new retail offers for passengers, with LEGO stores and a Kidstop pop-up opening ahead of the school summer holidays.
    World famous construction toy brand, LEGO, opened a store in each of Gatwick’s North and South Terminals this week – among its first standalone stores in a UK airport. The new outlet, operated by Lagardère Travel Retail UK, offers departing passengers popular products ranging from iconic lines such as the London Bus to LEGO channel exclusives, including LEGO Republic Gunship and LEGO Hogwarts Castle.
    Key LEGO themes including Duplo, City and Architecture are also available, alongside internationally recognised licenses such as Harry Potter, Marvel and Star Wars.
    Meanwhile Kidstop – a Gatwick-specific pop-up store operated by WHSmith, offering children’s books, travel games and toys – opened in the North Terminal on 4 July.
    Pam McCarthy, director of retail, Gatwick Airport said: “Having a worldwide brand such as LEGO opening stores at Gatwick is fantastic news for the airport and our passengers. It shows the high demand of retail space at Gatwick and we are sure passengers will love being able to purchase LEGO’s exciting products, whether to keep the kids entertained during the flight, as gifts when visiting family and friends, or as a souvenir of a UK holiday. ADVERTISEMENT“Kidstop is another great addition to the North Terminal, offering passengers a range of fantastic products to keep children busy – perfect for last-minute purchases as we head into the school summer holidays.”
    Marion Engelhard, managing director, Lagardère Travel Retail UK said: “We are thrilled to open LEGO stores in both terminals, thanks to a great partnership with both Lego and Gatwick Airport. Stores will feature fan favourites alongside some new and exciting exclusives, providing a great, entertaining start to the day for passengers!”
    Annette Rosendahl, head of travel retail development, LEGO said: “We are very excited to see the first LEGO® Airport stores opening in July in the UK and at the same time being able to finally introduce our new store design platform to the Travel Retail channel as well. This is a fantastic opportunity to inspire and engage passengers in Gatwick North and South Terminals, and adding an offer for all ages, all genders and all passion points in the LEGO Stores will be a great and fun start of the journey in Gatwick Airport.”
    The stores are the first new offering at Gatwick since InMotion opened in both the North and South Terminals at the turn of the year.
    Meanwhile Ted Baker, located in Gatwick’s South Terminal, reopened on 8 July for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, meaning the high-end clothing retailer will now have a presence in both terminals. The airport’s South Terminal Itsu store will also reopen later this month, offering passengers sushi, salads and more.

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    Young people must be active participants as we rethink and restart tourism More

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    Young people must be active participants as we rethink and restart tourism

    UNWTO recognises the importance of youth. For this reason, youth empowerment, including through offering education and training opportunities as well as access to decent jobs, is one of our key priorities. But we are committed to going even further. Young people must not only be beneficiaries of tourism’s restart, but they must also be active participants in it. Now is the time to bring young voices on board as we make big decisions that will set the course for our sector for years to come.
    The first UNWTO Global Youth Tourism Summit confirmed that the young talent is there. So too is the determination to make a difference. For one week in Italy, we brought together some of the brightest young minds, to hear their concerns, but above all, their vision for the sector. This was a landmark first – for the young people, for UNWTO and for the tourism sector as a whole. It put young people in the driving seat. And it gave them a unique opportunity to engage directly with the sector’s leaders, including business heads and Ministers of Tourism.
    Out of the week came the Sorrento Call to Action, a call from the young participants to have a greater say in the decisions that will affect them whether as tourists themselves or as beneficiaries of the sector. While only signed by the delegates present in Sorrento, it is a true representation of the determination of global youth not to be left on the side-lines anymore. It also makes clear the priorities of the next generation of tourists and tourism leaders, namely accelerating the shift towards greater sustainability, most notably through the development and promotion of green transport, for greater inclusion and respect for human rights, and finally ensuring that the benefits tourism delivers are enjoyed as widely and fairly as possible.
    To put these ideas and ambitions into action, young people need to be given a seat at the decision-making table. Youth-led organisations need to be invited to monitor and assess the development of tourism and, if necessary, be in a position where they can hold governments and businesses to account.
    Every part of the wide global tourism ecosystem will benefit enormously from embracing the power of youth. Right now, the planet is home to around 1.8 billion people between the ages of 10-24— the largest generation of youth in human history. Almost 90% of them live in developing countries, and in many of them they make up the majority of the population. It’s here that they can make the biggest difference, and tourism is without doubt the most powerful vehicle to drive transformation and growth.ADVERTISEMENTAs World Tourism Day 2022 makes clear in its theme, we now have an opportunity to rethink tourism – where we are and where we are going. Young people must be active protagonists in this vital process. The climate action movement has shown what can be achieved if young voices are brought on board. Here, young activists have helped set the agenda and pushed governments to raise their ambitions. Tourism must now do the same, and UNWTO is ready to lead by example.

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    NYC & Company announces reservations now open for restaurant week

    NYC & Company, the official destination marketing organisation and convention and visitors bureau for the five boroughs of New York City, has announced that reservations for the 30th Anniversary of NYC Restaurant Week® Summer 2022, sponsored by Mastercard, are now open at nycgo.com/restaurantweek for 30 days of dining deals from Monday, July 18 through Sunday, August 21, with eateries able to opt in for one, multiple or all five weeks. As the City’s beloved NYC Restaurant Week celebrates its 30th anniversary, there will be more ways than ever to enjoy the City’s world-class and authentic cuisines, with inclusive pricing to ensure participation from various eateries across all five boroughs. Taxes and gratuity are not included; Saturdays are blackout and Sundays are optional. 
    “We are pleased to celebrate the 30th anniversary of NYC Restaurant Week this summer, a major milestone coinciding with the palpable vibrancy in our city right now,” said Fred Dixon, President and CEO at NYC & Company. “For 30 years, the program has offered exceptional deals to diners while also lifting and celebrating the restaurant community across all five boroughs, underscoring the truly authentic dining scene offered only in New York City.” 
    NYC Restaurant Week is the original Restaurant Week created during the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in 1992, which has been replicated in cities nationally and globally. NYC & Company is pleased to have 14 of the original 1992 restaurants participating in this year’s program, including: Barbetta, Carmine’s (Upper West Side), Dock’s Oyster Bar, Gage & Tollner, Gallagher’s Steak House, The Palm, Sardi’s, Shun Lee West, Sylvia’s, Tavern on the Green, Tribeca Grill, The Russian Tea Room, Union Square Café, and Victor’s Café.
    Throughout the program dates, July 18 through August 21, diners can choose from a selection of two-course lunches for $30, $45 or $60, and three-course dinners for $30, $45 or $60, dependent on individual restaurant price points. This pricing structure was created to ensure restaurants from all five boroughs can participate, from neighborhood eateries to fine dining. More than 100 restaurants will also offer $30 bottles of wine to commemorate the 30th anniversary, available on participating menus.
    Mastercard cardholders can preregister here to receive an exclusive $10 statement credit on each transaction of $45 or more while dining on-site (for up to three (3) transactions, totaling a $30 rebate), when dining out through July 31.ADVERTISEMENT“Bringing visitors and locals a meaningful way to experience world-class dining in New York City is truly Priceless,” said Rustom Dastoor, executive vice president of North America Marketing & Communications at Mastercard. “Together with NYC & Company, we are excited to provide cardholders exclusive discounts during NYC Restaurant Week Summer 2022 as they explore their passion for food and travel.”
    This year, for the first time ever, NYC & Company and Mastercard have partnered with Citizens Bank to further support the program and offer an additional pre-booking period which has recently concluded. 
    “Citizens is excited to become a part of NYC Restaurant Week, a much-loved New York City tradition in our first year in the city,” said Nuno Dos Santos, retail director, Citizens. “Bringing people together over food is the cornerstone of New York City culture, which aligns with our mission to support the City’s neighborhoods and champion local businesses.”
    Diners can browse participating restaurants by filters including “location,” “cuisine,” “has menu,” “$10 Mastercard rebate,” “accessibility,” “ownership,” “weeks participating,” and “meals.” Collections will also be available at nycgo.com/restaurantweek to help consumers choose restaurants by interests, including “Restaurant Week Classics,” “Lunch Break,” “Summer Vibes,” “Impress Your Followers,” “Dress for the Occasion,” “James Beard Honorees,” “Wine Spectator Winners,” and lastly, “Make it a Stella,” a collection for Stella Artois, the official beer sponsor of NYC Restaurant Week Summer 2022, highlighting restaurants serving Stella Artois.
    “A true testimony to a savory milestone – NYC Restaurant Week’s 30th and Sylvia’s Restaurant’s 60th Anniversary. As an inaugural participant and fan, I’m overjoyed to support the best restaurant city on the planet one plate at a time,” said Tren’ness Woods-Black, co-chair of the NYC & Company Culinary Committee.
    “As an original participant in the 1992 program, I’m honored to be a part of the 30th anniversary of NYC Restaurant Week, a cherished tradition in New York City. NYC Restaurant Week has always been a way for people to experience new restaurants, including some of the best in the world at an affordable price. This special anniversary is the perfect time for people to reconnect and celebrate over a memorable meal,” said chef and restaurateur David Burke, co-chair of the NYC & Company Culinary Committee.
    The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment has partnered with NYC & Company as a sponsor of NYC Restaurant Week, to offset participation fees for businesses across the boroughs in response to New York City’s ongoing tourism recovery.
    A list of participating restaurants is available at nycgo.com/restaurantweek. 
    While dining out, NYC & Company encourages locals and visitors to experience New York City Like a New Yorker through the new “Get Local NYC” campaign.
    NYC & Company is considered North America’s Leading Business Travel Destination 2021 by voters at the World Travel Awards.

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    Driving to your destination guarantees you a holiday this summer More

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    International arrivals to South America expected to recover to 35.5 million by 2024

    Research by GlobalData has revealed that international travel to South America plummeted from 35 million visitors in 2019 to a mere 3.3 million in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic – meaning that the region missed out on around $49.2 billion in tourism spend over the two years. The leading data and analytics company notes that, following these disastrous few years, 2022 has seen a rather sudden return of international visitors, and the country should return to just over the levels it reached in 2019 by 2024.
    GlobalData’s latest report, ‘South America Destination Tourism Insight Report, 2022 Update’, reveals international tourism will recover to 35.5 million visitors by 2024, with tourism expected to bring in $32.9 billion in the same year While the COVID-19 restrictions have now been largely removed or relaxed, the country still faces significant obstacles in the form of unstable political climates, lack of destination marketing, accessibility, and affordable air connectivity.
    Hannah Free, Travel and Tourism Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “South America has seen huge shifts in visitor numbers in 2022, with the region already showing clear signs of recovery. The effect has been particularly great in this region, as it was typically slower to remove travel restrictions than countries in the Middle East and Europe. Hotels, airports and tourist destinations may struggle with the sudden influx of demand as has been seen in some parts of Europe.”
    Despite COVID-19 restrictions persisting in 2021, Colombia saw growth in international tourism numbers—in part thanks to the Disney movie Encanto, which shone a light on the country’s natural and cultural highlights. International arrivals to Colombia increased by 11% year-on-year (YoY), overtaking Brazil and Argentina to become the most visited South American destination in 2021.
    Meanwhile, Guyana was the only other South American country to experience growth in international arrivals in 2021, as tourism numbers increased by 16.4% YoY. Guyana’s geographic location, coupled with its historical connection to the Caribbean, makes it an ideal place for cruise, beach, adventure, cultural and nature tourism. However, Guyana’s tourism potential is hindered by weak brand identity, inconsistency in marketing and promotional investments, and the relatively low quality of connectivity to the country, meaning that flights are often costly. ADVERTISEMENTFree adds: “South America’s regional tourism performance is also held back by poor infrastructure. International arrivals to South America are disproportionally low due to underdeveloped air transport infrastructure, as well as a lack of low-cost airline options, which undermines accessibility. However, GlobalData’s Construction Projects Database shows that there are 59 airport infrastructure projects that are active across South America, which will be key to facilitating tourism growth.”

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    Emirates honours Eid Al Adha celebrations with dedicated menu More

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    Air cargo buoyed by easing of Omicron restrictions in China

    The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released May 2022 data for global air cargo markets showing that the easing of Omicron restrictions in China helped to alleviate supply chain constraints and contributed to a performance improvement in May.
    Note: We returned to year-on-year traffic comparisons, instead of comparisons with the 2019 period, unless otherwise noted.
    Global demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs*), was 8.3% below May 2021 levels (-8.1% for international operations). This was an improvement on the year-on-year decline of 9.1% seen in April.
    Capacity was 2.7% above May 2021 (+5.7% for international operations). This more than offset the 0.7% year-on-year drop in April. Capacity expanded in all regions with Asia-Pacific experiencing the largest growth.
    Air cargo performance is being impacted by several factors.
    Trade activity ramped up slightly in May as lockdowns in China due to Omicron were eased. Emerging regions also contributed to growth with stronger volumes.
    New export orders, a leading indicator of cargo demand and world trade, decreased in all markets, except China.
    The war in Ukraine continues to impair cargo capacity used to serve Europe as several airlines based in Russia and Ukraine were key cargo players.
    “May offered positive news for air cargo, most notably because of the easing of some Omicron restrictions in China. On a seasonally adjusted basis, we saw growth (0.3%) after two months of decline. The return of Asian production as COVID-19 measures eased, particularly in China, will support demand for air cargo. And the strong rebound in passenger traffic has increased belly capacity, although not always in the markets where the capacity crunch is most critical. But uncertainty in the overall economic situation will need to be carefully watched,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
    May Regional PerformanceADVERTISEMENTAsia-Pacific airlines saw their air cargo volumes decrease by 6.6% in May 2022 compared to the same month in 2021. This was a significant improvement over the 15.8% decline in April. Airlines in the region have been heavily impacted by lower trade and manufacturing activity due to Omicron-related lockdowns in China however this started to ease in May as restrictions were lifted. Available capacity in the region fell 7.4% compared to May 2021.
    North American carriers posted a 5.7% decrease in cargo volumes in May 2022 compared to May 2021. Demand in the Asia-North America market remained subdued, however, other key routes such as Europe – North America remain strong. Capacity was up 6.8% compared to May 2021. Several carriers in the region are set to receive delivery of freighters this year, which should help address pent-up demand on routes where it is needed if economic headwinds don’t persist.
    European carriers saw a 14.6% decrease in cargo volumes in May 2022 compared to the same month in 2021. This was the worst performance of all regions. This is attributable to the war in Ukraine. Labor shortages and lower manufacturing activity in Asia due to Omicron also affected volumes. Capacity increased 3.3% in May 2022 compared to May 2021. 
    Middle Eastern carriers experienced a 11.6% year-on-year decrease in cargo volumes in May. Significant benefits from traffic being redirected to avoid flying over Russia failed to materialize. This is likely due to persisting supply chain issues in Asia. Capacity was up 7.6% compared to May 2021.
    Latin American carriers reported an increase of 13.8% in cargo volumes in May 2022 compared to May 2021. This was the strongest performance of all regions. Airlines in this region have shown optimism by introducing new services and capacity, and in some cases investing in additional aircraft for air cargo in the coming months.  Capacity in May was up 33.3% compared to the same month in 2021.
    African airlines saw cargo volumes decrease by 1.5% in May 2022 compared to May 2021. This was significantly slower than the growth recorded the previous month (6.3%). Capacity was 3.0% above May 2021 levels.

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    Five out-of-this world things to do at Dubai’s Museum of the Future this Eid al-Adha

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    Five out-of-this world things to do at Dubai’s Museum of the Future this Eid al-Adha

    With a four-day public holiday starting on 8 July, now is your perfect chance to explore Dubai’s newest wow factor.
    Hard to miss, the Museum of the Future is in the heart of Dubai’s Future District, offering entertainment, education and a glimpse into the future for you and your whole family.
    Here is a list of five things you can do at the Museum of the Future over Eid al-Adha.
    1. Take a ride to space
    What better Eid staycation than a trip to a space station? ADVERTISEMENTBlast off in the Falcon Space Capsule to the Orbital Space Station (OSS) Hope on an odyssey of exploration. Get a good feel of humanity’s home in outer space and become part of our community. Onboard OSS Hope, you can learn more about what life could like on a huge space station in the year 2071.
    The journey doesn’t stop there!
    Continue your voyage as you return back to Earth, where you can escape to a rainforest in the heart of Dubai.
    2. Reconnect with yourself
    Eid is a chance to pause and reflect on ourselves. The museum’s Al Waha experience is an opportunity for you to explore yourself and indulge in a world that simulates all your senses. You can embark on a journey centred around health and wellbeing. Al Waha features a new world of therapies. You can explore feeling therapy, connection therapy, and grounding therapy to refresh and restore the natural balance from within.
    If you’re looking to take a piece of the experience home with you, you can even create your own personal perfume, based on your unique personality.
    A scent from the future, that you’ll never forget.
    3. Make memories in the Future
    Described as the most beautiful building on earth, it’s no wonder that the Museum of the Future has become a favourite spot to snap selfies.
    Get up close and personal with Dubai’s most impressive architectural marvel on the museum’s observation deck.
    Another place you’re sure to remember is the Library, a spectacular DNA library of some 2,400 species on display from floor to ceiling.
    While at the museum, don’t forget to treat yourself to a coffee from the future, served by our robot barista. As well as making memories, you can take them away with you.
    You can buy mementos from the museum’s retail shop, which will take you back to the museum’s inspirational and immersive experiences anytime you like!.
    4. Get hands-on with tomorrow’s tech
    The Tomorrow Today exhibition is not to be missed. Get up close and personal with the products and prototypes set to shape the future of waste management, environment, food security, agriculture, and city planning. You can experience all this against the backdrop of the museum’s spectacular interior, where flying robots float and glide from up above.
    5. Edutainment for the family
    The museum’s Future Heroes zone is the ultimate learning experience for kids.
    Designed for children under the age of 10, Future Heroes encourages young minds to make new discoveries about themselves and the world around them. The floor includes a range of educational and fun activities centred on several future-proof skills including curiosity, creativity, confidence, communication, and collaboration.
    The activities encourage children to engage in critical thinking while allowing their imaginations to soar.
    Future Heroes offers a combination of open-ended play and focused challenges that require problem solving and collaboration. It borrows the best aspects of video games and applies them to a physical environment.

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    Third in series of #DubaiDestinations summer guides is released

    The third in a series of interactive #DubaiDestinations summer guides titled ‘Staycations and Playcations’ has been issued. Developed by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, the guide lists the top-rated getaways in the emirate ranging from luxury hotels and beachfront resorts to recreation destinations and water parks.
    The guide forms part the latest phase of the #DubaiDestinations campaign, which invites local and international audiences to enjoy an epic summer in Dubai. The campaign encourages residents and travellers to discover the city’s diverse leisure, dining, adventure and family-friendly activities that make Dubai a one-of-a-kind summer destination.
    Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, said: “The third in our series of interactive guides, which forms part of the latest phase of the #DubaiDestinations campaign, is designed to help families plan their leisure time during the summer. The “Staycations and Playcations’ guide lists destinations that residents, seeking to enjoy a break within the emirate, can visit during the Eid Al Adha holiday and the rest of the summer. The campaign is being implemented by Brand Dubai in cooperation with a range of stakeholders and the creative media community.”
    The guide lists some of Dubai’s exceptional luxury resorts as well as premium resorts with a range of attractions for children. Those seeking fun-filled waterworlds to enjoy with family and friends can visit the many waterparks listed in the guide. The guide also lists other major recreational destinations in the emirate.
    The start of the #DubaiDestinations summer campaign last week was marked by the release of the first two interactive #DubaiDestinations summer guides. The first guide lists 115 indoor destinations for children while the second guide features 40 exciting summer camps. Available in both English and Arabic, all the guides released so far can be accessed on Brand Dubai’s digital platforms including its website www.branddubai.ae and its Instagram account @branddubai.ADVERTISEMENTThe #DubaiDestinations campaign is being rolled out over digital, broadcast, print and outdoor media to ensure it reaches large sections of local and international audiences. Key partners in the #DubaiDestinations campaign include: the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai; Dubai Municipality; the Roads and Transport Authority; the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; Dubai Sports Council; Dubai Ladies Club; Emaar; Dubai Holding; Nakheel Properties; Majid Al Futtaim Group; and Merex Investment Office.

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