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    AOA Unveils Exciting Agenda for Aerospace and Air Traffic Conference

    The Airport Operators Association, the trade association for UK airports, is delighted to unveil the agenda for its upcoming Aerospace and Air Traffic Conference sponsored by Egis and being held at the Renaissance Hotel London Heathrow on 25 April 2024.
    Delegates at the conference will be able to hear from speakers from the Department for Transport, the CAA, NATS, and a host of other organisations. Topics for discussion include the next phase of airspace modernisation, the integration of drones and eVTOL users into airspace and developing better air traffic management resilience.
    Speaking about the conference, AOA’s Airport Regulation Manager, Adele Gammarano said:
    “The Conference will provide members with an outstanding opportunity to delve into specialist topics related to airspace and air traffic services.
    “It will also be a brilliant chance to network and share insights on these important topics from both a strategic and operational perspective.ADVERTISEMENT“Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the topics and have the opportunity to shape upcoming changes and reduce the industry’s impact, with presentations and discussions from field experts.”
    This conference follows the success of the AOA’s Operations and Safety conference last November, and planning for this event has involved close collaboration with the association’s Airspace and Air Traffic Services (AATS) working group. Its members’ insights into key topics have proven invaluable in shaping the agenda to ensure it will be as useful as it can be to air traffic professionals.
    Also commenting on the conference, Nicole Park, Head of Air Traffic Services at London Southend Airport and co-chair of the AOA’s AATS working group, said:
    “The agenda brings to life the challenges and opportunities of the industry and can only serve to assist and enrich the workstreams of each attendee. Every session is relevant, purposeful and insightful which I’m sure will create a collaborative and successful day for all involved.”
    And Matt Wilshaw-Rhead, ANSP Safety & Compliance Manager from Birmingham Airport and co-chair of the AOA’s AATS working group, said:
    “The AOA plays a pivotal role in the collaboration between airports, industry and regulatory authorities.  It takes concepts of innovation, regulatory change and airport challenges and supports all entities in achieving as positive outcome.  The conference is an opportunity to delve deeper into the detail of the bow wave of key topics that will shape the UK aviation market into the next generation.”

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    Heathrow’s ‘Fly Up’ Breakfast Raises Awareness of Sustainable Aviation Fuel

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    Heathrow’s ‘Fly Up’ Breakfast Raises Awareness of Sustainable Aviation Fuel

    Heathrow Airport has launched a groundbreaking breakfast called “The Fly Up” in collaboration with Heston Blumenthal’s Perfectionists’ Café to raise awareness of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The breakfast, cooked with oil that is recycled into renewable biofuels, aims to educate travelers about the importance of SAF in reducing the aviation industry’s carbon footprint.
    The Heathrow Fly Up has been created in partnership with chef Heston Blumenthal to create awareness of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in response to only 14 per cent[1] of travellers having heard of it, despite the fact it will play a key role in reducing the carbon footprint of the aviation industry. In the UK aviation sector’s latest net zero roadmap, SAF is the single biggest innovation that will help it hit its Net Zero target by 2050.
    Heathrow is committed to decarbonising, and biofuels have a key role to play in its Net Zero plan. On the ground, Heathrow has made the switch to HVO biodiesel with over 95 per cent of its operational diesel fleet now run on the fuel. It is a global airport leader on SAF – setting a goal for 11 per cent of the jet fuel used at Heathrow to be SAF by 2030. Heathrow’s pioneering Sustainable Aviation Fuel scheme incentivises the use of SAF at the airport, approximately halving the price gap between conventional jet fuel and SAF, making it more affordable to airlines. Thanks, in part to this scheme, approximately 10 per cent of the world’s SAF was used at Heathrow in 2022.[2]
    The scheme aims to target 2.5% of all fuel used at Heathrow to be SAF in 2024. If achieved, this will amount to up to 155,000 tonnes of fuel. It is a key part of Heathrow’s ongoing efforts to protect the benefits of aviation while building a more sustainable future for the industry.
    To help reach Net Zero by 2050, the airport’s shorter term goal is to cut carbon from the air by up to 15 per cent, and on the ground at the airport by at least 45 per cent, by the end of this decade. These goals have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative[3] as consistent with a 1.5 degree carbon reduction trajectory – Heathrow was the first airport to achieve this validated status with the updated 1.5 degrees standard[4].ADVERTISEMENTSAF is a fuel with a significantly smaller carbon footprint compared to traditional jet fuel and is made from a variety of sources, including used cooking oils[5]. It can be used in aircraft engines alongside regular fuel and the UK aviation sector projects that it will account for around 40 per cent of the aviation industry’s total carbon reductions by 2050.
    Heathrow works with waste management service Quatra to collect, clean and recycle the used cooking oils from the Fly Up breakfast. Following collection, the cooking oils and fats undergo treatment and purification to remove organic impurities and water. The processed used oil is then forwarded to Quatra’s partners and transformed into biofuels including Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO).
    The launch of the Fly Up comes as new research reveals only one quarter (27 per cent) of the UK believe SAF will make the aviation industry more sustainable[6]. Heathrow is actively encouraging passengers to join its efforts in addressing aviation’s carbon emissions by using climate tech company, CHOOOSE. The platform gives passengers the option to support SAF or certified reforestation projects regardless of their airline or end destination.
    The aim is that this will become more commonplace as people learn about the benefits of SAF. Currently 63 per cent would choose to travel more sustainably if they could, yet nine in 10 flyers are unaware of the purpose of SAF – one of the most important factors in reducing the carbon footprint of the aviation industry.[7]
    Matt Gorman, Director of Carbon at Heathrow said: “We are delighted to partner with Heston Blumenthal’s The Perfectionists’ Café to introduce the ‘Fly Up’, a breakfast that not only gives passengers a delicious start to the day but will raise awareness about SAF and its potential to transform this industry. By demonstrating how cooking oils can be converted into biofuels, we want people to understand how SAF is a real solution to decarbonise aviation and show how we’re continuing our mission to get to Net Zero by 2050.
    “We know that having the right government policies in place is crucial to making this shift happen. We need a mandate for SAF use, as well as a price support mechanism, to de-risk and incentivise investment in UK SAF facilities.”
    Carlos Santos, Head Chef at The Perfectionists’ Cafe said: “This is an exciting partnership that we are thrilled to be part of. The ‘Fly Up’ is made up of the best of British ingredients – a breakfast we’re proud of, and even more so as it signifies a positive step towards a more sustainable future for air travel.”
    Karolien De Hertogh, Director Sales U.K. and Ireland at United Airlines said: “At United, we are committed to our goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and believe SAF is the nearest term and most promising solution to decarbonise aviation. United became the first airline globally to use a SAF blend in regular operations and we endeavour to increase its availability and usage by looking beyond existing solutions and investing in future potential research, production and technology solutions associated with SAF. We are an airline that recognises the responsibility we have to help solve climate change and welcome Heathrow’s ‘Fly Up’ to raise awareness of SAF.”[8]
    The net zero transition for aviation is happening. Heathrow has a clear plan and is working hard to deliver against our ambitious 2030 carbon reduction goals. United was one of the participating airlines in Heathrow’s SAF incentive programme, having received a blend of SAF and conventional jet fuel at the airport in 2023. In November last year, Heathrow celebrated the first ever transatlantic 100% SAF flight flown by a commercial airline, Virgin Atlantic. Its financial incentive to airlines to use SAF more is targeting the equivalent of over 340,000 tonnes of carbon cut from flights. £71m is available to airlines to support the swap to cleaner fuels.
    Travellers can learn more about SAF, the role it plays in driving the aviation industry towards decarbonising, and how they can support Heathrow’s push to create a domestic UK SAF industry by visiting www.heathrow.com/SAF.

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    Dubrovnik Wins Europe’s Leading Cruise Destination Award at World Travel Awards 2024

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    Dubrovnik Wins Europe’s Leading Cruise Destination Award at World Travel Awards 2024

    As part of the prestigious World Travel Awards ceremony 2024, held on March 6th in Berlin, Dubrovnik earned recognition in the category of Europe’s Leading Cruise Destination 2024.
    Following three awards received at the World Travel Awards in 2023, Dubrovnik has once again been declared the leading European cruising destination. The city first won this award in 2021, followed by another win in 2023.Dubrovnik secured the award for Europe’s leading cruising destination among 10 other cities, including Athens, Cannes, Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Lisbon, Oslo, Venice, and three Turkish cities – Bodrum, Izmir, and Kuşadası. Voting for the European categories of the World Travel Awards lasted until February 4th, 2024, and was conducted by tourism professionals, media, and tourist consumers.
    It’s worth mentioning that last year, Dubrovnik won three awards at the World Travel Awards; in September, it was declared the Leading European Cruise Destination in Georgia, as well as the Leading Coastal City Destination in Europe, while in December, it was named the Leading World Coastal City Destination at the final ceremony in Dubai.
    The World Travel Awards is a prestigious travel and tourism awards program, and winning in this category is recognized as the gold standard worldwide. This award serves as an incentive for the destination and all stakeholders to continue strategic activities that further strengthen Dubrovnik’s position as a globally recognized promoter of responsible destination management on the path to sustainable development.
    Source: https://www.thedubrovniktimes.com/ADVERTISEMENT

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    Two Scottish distilleries named as top attractions for 2024 at World Travel Awards

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    Two Scottish distilleries named as top attractions for 2024 at World Travel Awards

    The World Travel Awards – dubbed the ‘Oscars of tourism’ – have been announced for 2024 and two Scottish distilleries plus a number of hotels have triumphed.
    The Singleton of Glen Ord Distillery, located in Muir of Ord, has been named Scotland’s Leading Distillery Tour 2024 and The Glentlivet was named Scotland’s Leading Whisky Distillery Tour 2024.The Singleton of Glen Ord, which re-opened its doors in 2022 as part of Diageo’s £185-million investment into Scotch tourism, is a celebration of the best of Scotland and was created with the vision of not only honouring the slow-crafted single malt and its history, but also to give locals and tourists an immersive experience, where they can explore everything the Highlands has to offer.
    Sitting on the famous North Coast 500 route and accessible by bus or train from Inverness, the visitor attraction is known for working closely with suppliers from around the area to provide visitors with local produce, space for home-grown artists, as well as immersive and unusual whisky tasting experiences.
    The Glenlivet reopened its visitor centre in 2021 after a renovation by owners Pernod Ricard.The new space has a lounge area, bar, shop with fill your own bottle stations and archive area and has been designed to feel cosy and welcoming with a palette of teal, green, orange and neutrals that reflect the ever changing Speyside landscape.
    The Glenlivet was named World’s Leading Whisk(e)y Distillery Tour in the 2022 World Travel AwardsADVERTISEMENTThe Singleton Distillery was named Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Icons of Whisky Scotland and World Whiskies Awards 2024 in December last year, as well as a Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Award having been consistently rated by the public as a five-star attraction in 2023.
    Leigh Aitken, Brand Home Manager at The Singleton of Glen Ord Distillery, said: “To be named as Scotland’s Leading Distillery Tour by one of the biggest tourism award bodies in the world is such an honour.
    “Scotland is famous for our unmatched larder, scenery, and of course whiskies and in particular has so to come out on top of this category is testament to the versatile offering we have here, thanks to our team of whisky experts, bartenders, and local suppliers who each give us that extra something special.”Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh, another piece of Diageo’s investment into Scotch tourism was also awarded at the ceremony which took place in Berlin.
    The visitor attraction, which gained the title of the World’s Leading Spirit Experience last year’s WTAs was named Europe’s Leading Spirit Tourism Experience 2024, adding a list of industry leading accolades.
    The full list of Scottish winners can be viewed on the World Travel Awards website. www.worldtravelawards.com“As an official partner of the North Coast 500, and one of the closest single malt distilleries to Inverness we look forward to welcoming even more people into the Highlands to try out our award-winning whisky experiences.

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    CASA PALACIO DON RAMÓN WINS BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL IN EUROPE (WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS 2024)

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    CASA PALACIO DON RAMÓN WINS BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL IN EUROPE (WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS 2024)

    The Andalusian hotel group Kaizen Hoteles has shone at the World Travel Awards, known as the “Oscars” of tourism, held in Berlin, where the 5 Star Grand Luxury Casa Palacio Don Ramón has emerged as the best boutique hotel in Europe, beating a total of nine finalists.  The awards ceremony was attended by the director of Casa Palacio Don Ramón, Saray Castaño, the president of Kaizen Hotels, Marisa de Ázcárate and the director of Group Operations Almudena Moreno and director of Casa Palacio María Luisa.  Saray Castaño was especially proud that Seville has been recognised as ‘the elite, amongst the most exclusive tourism. This award is confirmation that our hotels in Andalusia are world-leading”.
    Receiving a World Travel Award means being at the top of the travel industry and specifically the hospitality industry. These awards were created in 1993 to recognise, reward and celebrate excellence in all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Today they are recognised worldwide as the industry’s ultimate seal of excellence.
    Each year, the World Travel Awards cover the globe with their Grand Tour: a series of regional gala ceremonies to recognise excellence within each continent attended by key decision-makers, leading figures, influencers and industry media. At the end of the year, the winners from each continent face off in a Grand Final.
    Casa Palacio Don RamónHotel Casa Palacio Don Ramón 5* Gran Lujo has become a benchmark for the most exclusive tourism in the Andalusian capital.Opened in 2023, this is the luxury hotel chain’s first property in Seville with the aim of offering a higher degree of hospitality and excellence in the city. Located in the heart of the city centre and occupying one of the most emblematic buildings in the city – the former Casa Palacio on Calle Trajano, 2 – Don Ramón is presented as the most exclusive hotel experience that can be enjoyed in Seville. A building with a rich historical and artistic heritage, whose restoration and renovation has opted for the incorporation of the most cutting-edge and sustainable technology, including thermal and acoustic insulation, anti-humidity systems, silent air conditioning, aerothermal and geothermal energy, closed water circuits, aromatisation, multi-layered Climalit glass, and a radiant under floor heating system.
    Divided across three floors and with a layout that resembles that of an Andalusian manor house, the hotel has two interior patios with rooftop terrace and swimming pool. The 26 rooms and the common areas of Casa Palacio Don Ramón, including the outdoor swimming pool, the rooftop with spectacular views, the gym, the meeting room and the El Limón restaurant, are unique spaces, with a refined atmosphere.ADVERTISEMENTThe project, designed by the studio of interior designer Alejandra Pombo, is a journey through the different cultures that have inhabited the city over the years, from Al-Andalus to the Seville of the New World. An essence that takes shape through exquisite details and materials made by local artisans, such as wallpapers, upholstered furniture, tiles, grilles and the coquettish balconies present in some of the rooms.
    The rooms are divided into three categories: Arab, Mozarabic and New World, according to the prevailing decorative style, and to these we must add the Seville and Don Ramon suites, both on the top floor.
    Each of them is presented as a unique space – no two rooms are alike in the entire hotel – and where these three styles are perfectly combined with contemporary materials and inspirations.Along the same lines, the hotel becomes a museum through a tour of exclusive canvases and works of art from the collection of Marisa C. de Azcárate – owner of Kaizen Hoteles – and from the hotel’s own heritage.
    To complete the experience, Casa Palacio has its own restaurant focusing on local produce.
    Source: https://theluxuryeditor.com/

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    Multi-Generational Sardinia Escapes

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    Multi-Generational Sardinia Escapes

    Sardinia’s stunning landscapes and family-oriented culture make it an ideal destination for family holidays. With its extensive range of accommodation, Sardinian Places offers great options for multi-generational families in search of an extra special experience, creating happy memories for all ages.
    Among the tour operator’s handpicked accommodation collection are spacious villas with private pools, beach apartments convenient to shops and restaurants and family friendly hotels in sought after locations. With something to suit every budget and preference, along with a variety of flights into Alghero, Olbia and Cagliari airports, Sardinian Places highlights the following:
    Villa Tinnari – Isola Rossa, northern Sardinia – https://www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/villa-tinnari A collection of 10 four-bedroom villas with sea views, conveniently situated within the grounds of Hotel Relax Torreruja Thalasso & SPA resort in the picturesque village of Isola Rossa. The villas are within walking distance of shops and the beach promenade. Guests here not only have the privacy of a villa holiday, with a private pool, kitchen, living area and verandas, but they are also able to enjoy the benefits that the 4* hotel offers. This includes the use of its swimming pool and spa with heated thalassotherapy pools, outdoor fitness area, bars, and restaurants.  Ideal for families of all ages, each bedroom is equipped with its own bathroom. Additionally, two of the villas offer separate access from two bedrooms to the main villa, providing flexibility for grandparents or teenagers wanting their own space.
    Seven night packages start from £1,045pp, based on eight sharing, including flights and car hire.
    Villa Monica – Alghero, north-west Sardinia – https://www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/villa-monica Ideal for multi-generational gatherings, this expansive four-bedroom villa offers ample space for everyone to enjoy. With a ground floor bedroom and bathroom for grandparent convenience, an open-plan living area allows for easy togetherness, complemented by a well-equipped kitchen. Enjoy al fresco dining on the terrace overlooking the private pool and countryside, or opt for the nearby hotel restaurant for a different culinary experience.ADVERTISEMENTJust a 10-minute drive away, lies the historic town of Alghero with its winding lanes, piazzas, numerous eateries, ice-cream parlours, and shops to explore. The nearby beach, with its soft white sand and calm waters, is ideal for young children on a family day out.
    Seven night packages start from £599pp, based on six sharing, including flights and car hire.
    Villa Filippa – San Pantaleo, north-east Sardinia – https://www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/villa-filippaThis four-bedroom villa is nestled in the hills in the beautiful Costa Smeralda near the pretty village of San Pantaleo. The large private pool boasts breathtaking views out to the Gulf of Cannigione, while behind there are views of the spectacular granite mountains that Sardinia is famed for.
    The bedrooms consist of two doubles and two twin rooms with bunk beds, with one of the bedrooms set beneath the property and benefiting from its own private entrance. There are also three bathrooms, a large open-plan living area with a fully equipped kitchen, all enjoying understated and elegant décor and furnishings. In San Pantaleo, 2 kms away, there are shops, cafés, and restaurants, while the beach of Portisco is just 4km away, perfect for a family day out.
    Seven night packages start from £675pp, based on eight sharing, including flights and car hire.
    For more information about multi-generational holiday packages, visit www.sardinianplaces.co.uk or call 01489 866978.

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    There’s Plenty Going on in The Florida Keys

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    Renowned Travel Journalist Doug Lansky to Launch Exclusive Interview Series

    Breaking Travel News is thrilled to announce an exciting collaboration with journalist Doug Lansky to launch a groundbreaking interview series focusing on service and hospitality in the travel industry. This series aims to delve deep into the minds of global thought leaders, providing invaluable insights for destinations, airlines, and hotels worldwide.
    Doug Lansky, widely recognized for his expertise in travel journalism and destination development, brings his wealth of knowledge and experience to the forefront in this innovative project. With a career spanning decades and a portfolio of work featured in prestigious publications, Lansky is renowned for his insightful commentary and keen understanding of the travel landscape.The interview series will showcase in-depth conversations with prominent figures shaping the future of service and hospitality within the travel industry. From CEOs and industry innovators to renowned experts in customer experience, each episode promises to offer unique perspectives and actionable strategies for success.Breaking Travel News, a leading source of global travel industry news and insights, is excited to partner with Doug Lansky to produce this exclusive content. The series will serve not only as a valuable resource for industry professionals but there will also be a long-form version of each interview that will serve as a knowledge bank for destinations, airlines, and hotels seeking to enhance their service offerings and elevate the customer experience.
    The interview series will be available exclusively on Breaking Travel News, providing subscribers with access to unparalleled expertise and thought-provoking discussions on service and hospitality in the travel industry.For more information and updates on the interview series, visit BreakingTravelNews.com

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    Ryanair Extends Partnership with Vistair for Streamlined Operations

    Ryanair, Europe’s No.1 airline, renewed its partnership with Vistair, a market leading provider of advanced Operational Content Management and Safety Management Systems for the aviation industry, for a further 5 years. As part of this renewed agreement, Ryanair will continue to use Vistair’s industry leading document management system, DocuNet, to streamline the creation, distribution, and maintenance of operational manuals as the airline continues to grow to 800 aircraft and 300 million passengers by 2034.
    Ryanair’s Chief Operating Officer, Neal McMahon, said:
    “We are pleased to announce a 5 year extension to our longstanding partnership with Vistair. As Europe’s No.1 airline, Vistair’s reliable and efficient document management system, DocuNet, has helped us maintain operational efficiency and responsiveness across our vast fleet and complex operations. DocuNet continues to meet our high expectations, contributing to our ongoing strong operational performance ensuring that Ryanair remains at the forefront of operational and compliance standards as we continue to grow to 800 aircraft and 300 million passengers by 2034.”
    Dominic Clarke, Chief Commercial Officer at Vistair, added:
    “We are delighted to extend our partnership with Ryanair. The renewal of this agreement reflects the trust Ryanair places in Vistair and DocuNet. As Europe’s largest airline group, superior operational performance is paramount. We look forward to continuing to support Ryanair in achieving operational excellence and maintaining the highest standards of compliance.”ADVERTISEMENTIn January 2024, Vistair and Comply365 announced their merger creating a leading global provider of compliance, safety and data intelligence technologies serving the aviation, defence, and rail industries.

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