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    Air Canada Cargo and Emirates SkyCargo Sign Agreement to Enhance Networks and Reach

    Air Canada Cargo and Emirates SkyCargo have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deliver more benefits to their air freight customers around the world.The MoU, which builds on the airlines’ strategic commercial partnership announced last year, was signed at Emirates Headquarters in Dubai, UAE by Nabil Sultan, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Cargo and Matthieu Casey, Managing Director Commercial, Air Canada Cargo.Under the terms of the MoU, Air Canada Cargo and Emirates SkyCargo will work closely on a number of initiatives, which include expanding cargo interline options and block space agreements, pending any required regulatory approvals. These enhancements aim to offer freight customers of both airlines access to more capacity on a larger combined global network.
    Air Canada Cargo will have access to Emirates SkyCargo’s high frequency distribution network through the belly-hold of Emirates scheduled passenger flights to over 140 global destinations, as well as the additional capacity offered by 11 freighters currently in the Emirates fleet. In return, SkyCargo will have access to over 60 cities in Canada and more than 150 cities across five continents through Air Canada Cargo thanks to a fleet of Boeing 767 freighters and   the belly-hold capacity of Air Canada’s scheduled passenger flights.
    Both airlines bring particular experience in handling unique cargo, such as oil and gas drilling equipment, car parts and pharmaceuticals on their dedicated fleet of freighters or passenger aircraft.
    “We are thrilled to be further strengthening our cargo relationship with Emirates SkyCargo. This agreement enables both carriers to work more closely to optimize our respective freighter and belly capacity throughout each of our extensive and complementing global networks. Customers will benefit from these additional synergies by having access to an even greater array of options, destinations and streamlined handling when shipping globally,” said Matthieu Casey, Managing Director, Commercial, at Air Canada Cargo.
    “Emirates SkyCargo is committed to being a leading player in the global air cargo industry providing our customers with the highest standards of products and services. Cooperating with Air Canada Cargo will offer our clients added value through more rapid reach to new destinations in Canada via our Toronto and US gateways,” said Nabil Sultan, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Cargo.ADVERTISEMENTSince announcing their strategic partnership in 2022, Emirates and Air Canada have implemented a passenger codeshare agreement that spans 46 destinations across North America, the Middle East, Asia and Africa, and have launched a Loyalty program partnership to allow Aeroplan and Skywards members to earn and redeem Miles and Points on all flights operated by Air Canada and Emirates, respectively.

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    New consortium to enable zero emission aviation to take off in Aotearoa New Zealand

    Six international businesses have launched a new consortium to bring zero-emission aviation to life in New Zealand. The Hydrogen Consortium’s vision is to support the country to pioneer the commercial deployment of green hydrogen-powered aircraft.  The partners are international aerospace leader Airbus, global green energy company Fortescue Future Industries (FFI), leading world airline Air New Zealand, next generation energy company Hiringa Energy, liquid hydrogen solution pioneers Fabrum and New Zealand’s Christchurch Airport.
    The Hydrogen Consortium was launched at Christchurch Airport, which is developing a 400-hectare renewable energy precinct called Kowhai Park.
    Speaking at the launch, Christchurch Airport chief executive Justin Watson said climate change has further strengthened the international aviation sector’s resolve to decarbonise.
    “Major progress is being made,” Watson says. “There have been successful test flights of zero emission aircraft already. There are new sustainable aviation fuels that can cut emissions by up to 80% and a huge amount of research is going into how to commercialise these solutions. 
    “The Hydrogen Consortium will see some of the world’s best experts collaborate on one of the most promising zero emission fuels – green hydrogen.”  ADVERTISEMENTAirbus is working to develop and put into service the world’s first hydrogen-powered commercial passenger aircraft by 2035.
    In close cooperation with its partners, Airbus will factor in aviation’s requirement for hydrogen in New Zealand. Using its hydrogen hubs at airports concept, Airbus will engage with aviation and non-aviation players to perform a complete assessment of energy supply needs to enable the operation of hydrogen powered aircraft.
    Airbus’ Vice President of the ZEROe Ecosystem Karine Guenan says the journey to sustainable aviation requires an entire ecosystem to be put into place – one that will involve key players from a variety of sectors.
    “The consortium we are building brings together a number of pioneering partners with a common interest:  to make hydrogen-powered aviation in New Zealand a reality.”
    Christchurch liquid hydrogen solutions company Fabrum recently designed the hydrogen-powered technology for the Emirates Team New Zealand chase boat (Chase Zero) and has developed lightweight liquid hydrogen fuel tank technology for aviation use.
    Co-founder Christopher Boyle is in no doubt the future of clean aviation rests on the shoulders of green hydrogen. 
    “The consortium pulls together some of world’s best experts in green hydrogen – having all of these organisations around the same table will turbocharge what we all learn. Together we’ll make a big difference in taking zero emission aviation forward which is good news to anyone who wants to fly sustainably in the future,” said Christopher Boyle. 
    Hiringa Energy is a pioneering green hydrogen developer, producer and supplier.
    It’s constructing key infrastructure to support New Zealand’s transition to green hydrogen in multiple transport sectors including aviation, marine and heavy road transport. Hiringa’s first four production and high-capacity refuelling stations are coming online in 2023, with nationwide expansion planned from 2024. 
    Its chief executive Andrew Clennett said green hydrogen adoption is accelerating around the world, and New Zealand is well positioned to be a leader in this space.
    “There are green hydrogen-fuelled buses, trucks, trains and boats already in service – some of them we have been refuelling here in New Zealand, including the Emirates Team New Zealand chase boat.  Aircraft are a key next step, and this consortium has formed to ensure these planes have the infrastructure and hydrogen supply they will need to take off here. Our team is very motivated to leverage our hands-on experience bringing green hydrogen to market to make this transition happen”
    A focus on research; the potential for trial flights in New Zealand
    Over the next six months the partners will work together to design a hydrogen ecosystem for aviation in New Zealand. 
    The first phase will focus on research, which will be completed by the end of 2023.
    The consortium will develop a vision for hydrogen aviation in New Zealand, examine the hydrogen supply chain and its challenges, assess the local aviation market’s projected hydrogen needs to 2050, and develop a pathway of policies, regulations and incentives to promote the development of hydrogen aviation. 
    The second phase will focus on whether hydrogen aircraft test flights can be held in New Zealand. 
    Air New Zealand has two ambitious goals – to fly its first commercial demonstrator flight from 2026 and begin replacing its Q300 Turboprop fleet from 2030 with low emission aircraft. 
    The airline’s Chief Sustainability Officer Kiri Hannifin said the consortium’s work will be important to Air New Zealand achieving those ambitions.
    “To fly hydrogen-powered aircraft in New Zealand we will need an aviation ecosystem that can support it.  The Hydrogen Consortium brings together energy, aircraft, airline operator and airport expertise with the aim of bringing this to life. We can’t wait to see what we can achieve together,” said Ms Hannifin.
    Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) CEO Mark Hutchinson said the coming together of such innovative organisations marked a significant moment in the pursuit of fossil fuel-free air travel. 
    “Fortescue Future Industries is a global green energy and technology business that will bring to the consortium its knowhow in mega-scale renewables and zero-emissions green hydrogen production and delivery,” Mr Hutchinson said. “We are on a mission to eliminate fossil fuels, including from the aviation industry, and green hydrogen is the key to achieving this.
    “Green hydrogen and green energy is the practical, implementable solution we all need now and we must race to deliver it at scale. The consortium members all have extraordinary expertise in and commitment to the decarbonisation of air travel and together we believe we can develop a pathway to New Zealand becoming a global trailblazer in this pursuit,” concluded Mark Hutchinson.

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    Heading Back to Indian Cities Say World Travel & Tourism Council

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    Heading Back to Indian Cities Say World Travel & Tourism Council

    The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has today revealed positive signs of recovery for the Indian Travel & Tourism sector with travellers heading back to its major cities.The report, sponsored by Visa and researched in partnership with Oxford Economics, analysed key indicators such as Travel & Tourism’s contribution to GDP, employment and traveller spend.
    The analysis of key indicators in Delhi and Mumbai shows that Travel & Tourism’s direct contribution to both cities’ GDP, jobs and visitor spending are all bouncing back to pre-pandemic levels.
    The WTTC Cities Economic Impact Report shows that in 2019, the city’s Travel & Tourism sector contributed almost ₹36,200 crore to Delhi’s economy and more than ₹25,000 crore to Mumbai’s.
    But the pandemic then had a damaging effect on India’s national economy as the border closed to overseas visitors.
    In 2020, both cities Travel & Tourism’s GDP contribution dropped by almost half, falling to ₹19,000 crore in Delhi, and more than ₹13,500 crore in Mumbai.ADVERTISEMENTOver the last two years, since the border reopened, both cities have witnessed a significant recovery.
    In 2022, Delhi’s sector is expected to have grown to ₹32,400 crore, while Mumbai Travel & Tourism’s sector is forecast to be worth just under ₹22,500 crore, just 10% below 2019 levels.
    Jobs on the rise
    In 2019 there were more than 10 lakh people employed by the Travel & Tourism sector in Delhi. In 2020 this figure dropped to just over 6.6 lakh (-35%). But in 2021, employment grew by more than 12% and is expected to have grown at a similar rate in 2022 to reach more than 8.4 lakh in 2022.
    In Mumbai, it’s a similar picture.
    Before the pandemic, there were almost 3.6 lakh Travel & Tourism jobs, but this number fell by over 1 lakh to just over 2.4 lakh 2020. An 11% rise in 2021 saw the number increase to almost 2.7 lakh.
    WTTC is forecasting a similar growth in 2022 to reach more than 3 lakh jobs – just 15% below pre-pandemic levels.
    Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “India is an increasingly popular global tourist destination and following more than two years of disruption, it’s great to see tourists are heading to the country once again.
    “Our recent Economic Impact Research showed that we expect India to overtake Germany to become the world’s third most powerful Travel & Tourism market by 2032, and that its sector will outpace the overall economy every year for the next decade.
    “But it’s crucial that the government and local decision makers in individual cities continue to recognise the economic importance of Travel & Tourism for the local and national economies, jobs and businesses.”
    The report also shows that the sector’s contribution to both cities’ will more than double over the next decade. According to the WTTC forecast, Delhi’s Travel & Tourism sector is expected to contribute almost ₹80,000crore, while Mumbai’s will provide an annual boost of more than ₹54,000 crore by 2032.

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    Emirates launches humanitarian airbridge to transport emergency aid to victims of the earthquake

    In the wake of the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, Emirates is setting up an airbridge with the International Humanitarian City (IHC), to transport urgent relief supplies, medical items and equipment to support on-ground aid efforts and search and rescue activities in both countries.The first shipments are due to go out today on EK 121 and EK 117, consisting of high thermal blankets and family tents from UNHCR, followed by World Health Organisation (WHO) and World Food Programme (WFP) relief cargo of medical kits and shelter items, co-ordinated by the IHC in Dubai.
    In the coming days, more consignments of blankets, tents, shelter kits, flash lights, water distribution ramps and trauma and emergency health kits will be transported on Emirates.
    Emirates SkyCargo plans to dedicate cargo space for around 100 tonnes of humanitarian relief goods over the course of the next two weeks across its daily flight operations to Istanbul. The critical emergency supplies carried on Emirates will then be delivered by local organisations to affected areas in southern Turkey and northern Syria, supporting on-ground responders and providing much needed aid to the hundreds of thousands of people impacted by the earthquakes.
    HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates’ Chairman and Chief Executive, said: “We stand with the Turkish and Syrian people and are working with experts like the International Humanitarian City to help provide urgent relief to those affected and displaced by the earthquakes, as well as support the complex recovery efforts on the ground. Emirates has extensive experience in supporting humanitarian relief efforts, and through its three daily flights to Istanbul will offer regular and consistent widebody capacity for relief items and medical supplies. Emirates also supports the UAE’s ongoing humanitarian efforts to support Turkey and Syria, and Dubai’s unique position as the world’s largest international aid logistics hub means that we can efficiently reach disaster stricken areas and the most vulnerable people as quickly as possible.”
    His Excellency Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Chairman of the Supreme Committee for the Supervision of IHC: “The IHC remains committed to providing the people affected by the earthquakes with the humanitarian support and resources they need. We are taking urgent action by facilitating airlifts of vital medical supplies, shelter items and other relief goods from the UNHCR, World Health Organization (WHO) and World Food Programme (WFP) to address the pressing demand for aid in the affected regions.”ADVERTISEMENTThe freight division of Emirates has a long-standing partnership with the IHC, enabling the airline to nimbly and quickly lead on numerous relief missions, deploying humanitarian supplies to communities around the world impacted by natural disasters, medical emergencies, global outbreaks and other crises.
    In 2020, the airline facilitated relief efforts to Lebanon in the aftermath of the Port of Beirut blasts. In 2021, Emirates set up a humanitarian airbridge between Dubai and India to transport urgent medical and relief items to support the country in containing the COVID-19 outbreak. Last year, the airline offered cargo capacity to organisations working with the IHC to transport critical equipment and supplies directly to five cities in Pakistan devastated by flooding. 
    Over the years, Emirates has also supported humanitarian flights in partnership with the Airbus Foundation, and since 2013, Emirates A380 ferry flights have transported over 120 tonnes of food and vital emergency equipment to those in need.

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    Orlando Crowned Largest Travel & Tourism City Destination in America for 2022

    The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed Orlando is predicted to be the largest U.S. Travel and Tourism city destination in 2022 with an economic contribution of over $31 billion, representing 20% of the city’s total GDP and recovering above 2019 levels by $2.7 billion.The Cities Economic Impact Report, sponsored by Visa and researched in partnership with Oxford Economics, analyzed key Travel & Tourism metrics across 82 cities around the world, including contribution to GDP, employment and traveler spend.
    The report studied the sector’s impact in Orlando, Las Vegas, Miami, Chicago, New York City, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and Honolulu.
    Las Vegas followed Orlando as the second largest Travel & Tourism market in the U.S. with a direct GDP contribution of $23 billion last year, surpassing the 2019 baseline by 5.3%.
    Miami made the top city destinations list with a heroic GDP comeback last year of $11.1 billion that exceeded pre-pandemic contributions by 5% despite a devastating 56% drop in economic contribution from the sector in 2020.
    New York City and Los Angeles also landed in the top U.S. rankings for 2022 with Travel & Tourism GDPs valued at $21.1 billion and $11 billion respectively, showing strong signs of closing the gap to 2019 levels.ADVERTISEMENT“It was a fightback year for cities across the country in 2022. Destinations like Orlando, Miami, Chicago and Las Vegas are back stronger than ever before thanks to the relaxation of pandemic restrictions and a strong rebound of consumer confidence.” said Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO.
    “Other popular holiday destinations like San Francisco, Honolulu and Washington D.C. are following suit with growing sector GDP contributions that are well on their way to recovering from peak pandemic lows as they build up their industry workforce and cultivate a flourishing base of international travelers.”
    Domestic Travelers Dominate Visitor Spending in Major U.S. City Destinations
    In 2019, domestic travelers made up an 84.6% share of Travel & Tourism spending in the U.S. – that number increased to more than 95% in 2021. Travel hubs like Orlando, Miami and Las Vegas continued to benefit from strong domestic spending last year to surpass 2019 marks by 19% on average.
    In Washington D.C., domestic visitors provided $5.27 billion to the local economy in 2022, 85% of pre-pandemic revenue. Honolulu and San Francisco were not far behind with spending reaching $4.7 billion and $3.41 billion, respectively.
    Despite a strong domestic traveler market, pressure created by the slower-than-expected international traveler spending return in the U.S. continued to drive a performance gap in the overall economic recovery of many city destinations last year. The combined international visitor spend across the nine US cities analyzed was 35% below 2019 levels.
    Orlando was the only major city destination to maintain its industry edge with international visitors, surpassing 2019 spending by almost 20% in 2022.
    Positive Trends for Travel & Tourism Employment in 2022
    New York City’s direct contribution of Travel & Tourism to jobs grew by almost 32% between 2020 and 2022, representing an increase of more than 59,200 filled positions.
    Las Vegas displayed equally impressive employment gains year-over-year, climbing out of a record low of 163,800 jobs in 2020 to round out 2022 with more than 206,000 industry positions.
    While employment across Travel & Tourism in major city destinations continues to rise after the devastating loss of thousands of jobs in the industry throughout the country in 2020, many top markets are still struggling to meet or exceed 2019 job levels despite positive macro-GDP growth.
    In 2022, Chicago was the only major city destination with direct contribution of Travel & Tourism jobs outstripping 2019 employment levels, reaching 178,200 jobs last year (a more than 20,000 increase from 2019).
    The Travel & Tourism sector overcame significant long-haul hurdles and is poised to emerge even stronger going into 2023 as a critical driver for economic prosperity. By fostering private and public sector collaboration to reintegrate the workforce and attract new talent that meets consumer demand while encouraging open borders, the industry can continue to meet and exceed record economic development.

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    Tourists Travelling Back to North Africa’s Biggest Cities Says WTTC

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    Tourists Travelling Back to North Africa’s Biggest Cities Says WTTC

    The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has today revealed positive signs of recovery for the Travel & Tourism sector in key North African city destinations, providing a massive boost to economies across the region.The report, researched in partnership with Oxford Economics, analysed key indicators such as Travel & Tourism’s contribution to GDP, employment and traveller spend.
    The analysis of Cairo, Marrakech and Tunis shows that across all three cities, the direct GDP contribution from Travel & Tourism, sector jobs, and visitor spending are all bouncing back to pre-pandemic levels.
    The WTTC Cities Economic Impact Report shows that in 2019, the Travel & Tourism sector contributed over $5.6BN to Cairo’s economy, more than $1BN to Marrakech’s and over $1.2BN to Tunis’s.
    But the pandemic then had a damaging effect on economies across North Africa as borders closed to overseas visitors.
    Prolonged border closures in source markets such as Germany, the UK and Italy, delayed the return of visitors from those countries and had a significant impact on the sector’s GDP across North Africa due to lower visitor numbers.ADVERTISEMENTIn 2020, across all three cities Travel & Tourism’s GDP contribution dropped by more than half, falling to $1.95BN in Cairo, $497MN in Marrakech, and $450MN in Tunis.
    Over the last two years, since international travel restrictions have been lifted, all three cit-ies have witnessed recoveries.
    In 2022, Cairo’s sector is expected to have grown to over $4BN, 28% below 2019 levels while in Marrakech, the sector is forecast to have reached nearly $870MN, 17% below 2019 levels.
    In Tunis, the sector is predicted to have reached almost $880MN, 29% below 2019 levels.
    Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Cities across North Africa have long been pop-ular tourist destinations. After more than two years of disruption, it’s great to see tourists are heading back to the region.
    “These cities are resilient and are on the road to recovery, demonstrating the enduring ap-peal tourist destinations across North Africa hold for international travellers.
    “It is crucial that the national and local governments continue to recognise the importance of Travel & Tourism for the local and national economies, jobs and businesses.”
    Jobs on the rise
    In 2019 there were more than 246,000 people employed by the Travel & Tourism sector in the Egyptian capital. In 2020 this figure dropped to just under 139,000 (-44%), but in 2021, employment grew by 25% to almost 174,000 jobs, and is expected to have grown a further 20% in 2022 to reach nearly 209,000 jobs.
    In Marrakech and Tunis, it’s a similar picture.
    Before the pandemic, there were over 102,000 Travel & Tourism jobs in Marrakech, but this number fell by nearly 18,000 to just under 85,000 in 2020. A small 3% rise in 2021 saw the number increase to more than 87,000.
    WTTC is forecasting employment in the sector to grow five times as fast in 2022 to reach nearly 100,000 jobs – just 3% fewer jobs than before the pandemic.
    In Tunis, there were over 43,000 jobs in 2019 falling to just under 30,000 the following year (-31%). In 2021 job numbers grew by 9% to slightly over 32,000 and WTTC predicts a further 8% rise in 2022 to reach 35,000 jobs.
    The report also shows that the sector’s contribution to the three cities will increase by more than $7.4BN over the next decade to reach a combined $13.3BN.
    According to the global tourism body’s forecast, Cairo’s Travel & Tourism sector is expected to increase by more than $5BN contribute over $9.1BN, while Marrakech’s will provide a boost of almost $1.4BN by 2032 to reach just over $2.25BN annually.
    WTTC also predict that the Tunis Travel & Tourism sector will increase by almost $1BN over the next decade to reach $1.85BN.

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    SANDALS® RESORTS TAKES THE ROMANTIC PULSE OF AMERICA, COINS 2023 ‘THE YEAR OF WE’

    Couples are optimistic about their relationships and intend to make more time for their partners in 2023 according to a recent survey by the Sandals Institute of Romance Sandals Resorts’ trend-house responsible for analyzing and spotting the latest global news in modern love, relationships, and intimacy. Surveying more than 1,000 adults across the United States in partnership with Wakefield Research, the data points to major trends, expectations, and other factors impacting relationships, passion, and connection in the year ahead.
    The trend report revealed that romantic experiences remain a top priority despite an uncertain economic outlook and the hard reality of inflation. People expect to be far busier in 2023 than they were in 2022, and they’re making difficult choices about how much they spend, prioritizing immediate needs over frivolous ones. And yet, when it comes to spending their ever-shrinking dollars on romance, a majority say they don’t plan to forfeit gifts, getaways, and activities that strengthen connections and fuel intimacy.
    What will romance look like in 2023?
    For starters, couples are cozying up to a new year with optimism, with 89% saying their relationship will get better or stay the same in 2023. According to the survey, 4 out of 5 Americans 18 and older (80%) plan to make more time for romance, and nearly 3 in 5 (58%) say rising costs won’t derail their plans for a romantic vacation, as most Americans intend to find the time as well as the funds.
    For many, what is considered romantic has evolved and changed over time, with 81% percent saying that they find romance has changed in the last decade. As for what’s romantic in today’s modern world, two-thirds (67%) say a getaway for two would be a particularly romantic gift and the top choice for partners in 2023.ADVERTISEMENTThe survey went on to reveal that more than gifts, sharing experiences is proving to be the ultimate love language. Watching the sunset (55%), trying new restaurants and shops (52%), and adventurous outings (51%) also top the list of what’s most romantic.

    “The definition of romance varies from couple to couple, but there’s a common thread to a thriving relationship and that is to be intentional about making the time for connection,” said Marsha-Ann Donaldson-Brown, Sandals Resorts’ Director of Weddings & Romance. “The findings from our latest love study are invigorating and compelling, as Americans confirm their commitment to nurturing their relationships in the coming year – which is why we’re celebrating 2023 as the ‘Year of We.’ Getting away from daily life, free from distractions and stresses, inspires people to focus on what matters most, with the majority of couples agreeing they feel closest to each other while on vacation – and moreover, how this time away energizes the relationship beyond the trip.”
    The Sandals State of Romance in 2023 survey went on to reveal much about the romantic pulse of America this year. See the full report here, with findings including:
    Couples Plan to Make Time for Romance in 2023, Despite Tight Schedules
    80% of respondents expect to be busier in 2023, with 2 in 3 (66%) acknowledging it is challenging to find the time for romance. Still, the vast majority (80%) are committed to making more time for it in 2023, with 31% strongly agreeing.The top obstacles for romance are finding the right setting (41%), financial constraints (38%), work (34%), social obligations (24%), and children (23%).For Boomers, finding time for romance isn’t as difficult, with 45% saying it is not challenging, compared to 32% of Gen X, 24% of Millennials, and 25% of Gen Z.76% of parents say it is challenging to find time for romance. Even in light of this, 88% of parents say they will make more time for romance in 2023, compared with 75% who are not parents.In Lean Times, Many Say Romantic Getaways Are Non-Negotiable
    58% of respondents wouldn’t let inflation stop them from taking a romantic vacation, and 42% say that romantic activities would be among the last things to cut back during an economic downturn. Moreover, almost two-thirds of those who have been on a romantic vacation in the past year (64%) refuse to let economic factors stop them from taking one in the future.To help eliminate obstacles, at least temporarily, and create more time for romance, Americans are ready to pack their bags, with the majority saying a getaway is long overdue. Of the 63% who say they are likely to take a romantic vacation in 2023, Millennials are the most restless; 79% say they are likely to take a romantic trip in 2023.Vacations Are Key to Connection and Intimacy

    A majority of Americans (51%) say the closest they’ve felt to their romantic partner is when they’re on vacation together.When it comes to romantic vacations that deepen connection, Americans prefer a relaxing beach vacation (67%), especially women (72%) and Gen X (74%).49% view 5 to 7 days as an ideal amount of time for a romantic vacation. Over a week-long romantic vacation, 30% would anticipate being intimate with their partner 3 or 4 days during the trip, and more than a quarter (26%) anticipate being intimate each day of the trip.Nearly three-quarters (73%) say intimacy is more satisfying when they’re on a romantic getaway. And, that satisfaction doesn’t end when the vacation ends: 80% prioritize intimacy with their partner upon returning home from a romantic trip.48% of Millennials say romantic vacations impact their intimacy by making them more adventurous, compared to 28% of Gen X, and 23% of Boomers.Surveying past guests as well as global travelers in committed relationships, the Sandals Institute of Romance’s data is designed to drive the development of integrated on-resort programming, innovative partnerships geared towards enhancing the guest experience, and expert relationship guidance for couples before, during and after their Luxury Included® vacation.
    an gifts, sharing experiences is proving to be the ultimate love language. Watching the sunset (55%), trying new restaurants and shops (52%), and adventurous outings (51%) also top the list of what’s most romantic.

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    Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons Unveils New Collection of Disney Princess-Inspired Gowns

    Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons, together with Allure Bridals, have launched their 2023 collection of stunning bridal gowns and their first-ever collection of Disney Princess-inspired bridesmaid dresses. The 2023 collection includes gowns inspired by Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Rapunzel, Snow White and Tiana. Twenty-one gowns were unveiled during a fashion show in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Resort in California. They feature new and innovative fabrics, including a signature sparkle tulle on a Princess Jasmine-inspired Platinum gown and a laser-cut lace design on soft satin featured on a Rapunzel-inspired style. A Cinderella-inspired ballgown offers a unique platinum colorway option, while a dreamy vintage look for the Princess Tiana-inspired gown, shimmering with thousands of beads and sequins, captures the spirit of the Jazz Age.
    Disney and Allure Bridals launched their first sophisticated bridal line in 2020, offering modern brides stunning, on-trend gowns that capture the style and spirit of beloved Disney Princess characters. Three years and four collections later, Allure Bridals provides various options that can truly transform a bride’s look, like the stunning, detachable overskirts available on a selection of gowns, including one Rapunzel-inspired dress and the Platinum Cinderella dress. Platinum Aurora and Tiana gowns feature detachable sleeves for a chic transitional option from aisle to reception. With exquisite details such as ethereal puff sleeves, and dreamy accessories like custom veil options and delicate tulle flowers, the Disney Fairy Tale Weddings 2023 Collection has a dress for every bride’s style. All bridal gowns are available in sizes 0 to 30 and start at $1,799.
    In a highly anticipated expansion beyond bridalwear, the Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Collection will introduce nine princess-inspired bridesmaid gowns for the first time this Fall. The bridesmaid collection is inspired by the personalities and essence of Disney Princess characters and stories, incorporating subtle design cues meant to complement each Princess-inspired bridal gown. Available in a dazzling range of colors and romantic fabrics like stretch chiffon, stretch satin, and stretch satin jersey fabric in sizes XS to 4X, the bridesmaid collection is a welcome addition to the Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings 2023 Collection. More details will be revealed in the coming months.
    A New Coach to Debut at Disneyland Resort
    ADVERTISEMENTDisney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons has also unveiled the design of a new coach that will join the fleet of Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings carriages. The new coach features details inspired by the classic Disney love story, Cinderella, and will arrive at Disneyland Resort this fall. Handcrafted details include a pumpkin canopy and an interior shrouded in delicate vines. The new coach at Disneyland Resort will round out the trio of carriages that include the Cinderella Coach at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and the Disney Fairy Tale Carriage at Disneyland Paris.
    Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings Celebrates 100+ Venues Around the Globe
    Couples marrying with Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings can celebrate their wedding ceremonies and receptions in iconic Disney locations around the world. There’s the enchanting Disney’s Wedding Pavilion at Walt Disney World Resort, theme park lands and attractions, a stunning beachfront resort in Hawai’i, the ships of Disney Cruise Line and so much more.
    “Our goal is to bring fairy tales to life. Immersive and one-of-a-kind venues allow us to tell each couple’s unique love story in an epic and magical way,” said Korri McFann, marketing director, Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons.
    In honor of the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company, Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings is showcasing more than 100+ wedding venues at Disney destinations around the globe:
    Walt Disney World Resort offers more than 50 unique and magical venues spanning international settings at EPCOT – from Italian courtyards to a replica of China’s Temple of Heaven, to a backdrop of the Eiffel Tower. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, couples are immersed in vibrant settings like Harambe Village in Africa, the Belvedere Palace Ruins hidden in the jungles of Asia and many more. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, couples can dance the night away on Sunset Boulevard, and at Magic Kingdom Park, they can live out their dreams with views of Cinderella Castle. In addition, numerous resort locations feature beach settings, intimate gazebos, lush lawns and so much more.Disney’s Wedding Pavilion is a purpose-built wedding venue at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in Walt Disney World. Situated on its own private island in Seven Seas Lagoon, the pavilion is accessed via a bridge and features stunning crystal chandeliers, intricate stained-glass windows and a 75-foot aisle with Cinderella Castle as its backdrop.Disneyland Resort offers magical in-park venues, from the Victorian splendor of Main Street, U.S.A. to the Fantasyland Courtyard. The resort’s themed hotels offer even more beautiful venues. There’s the rich Arts & Crafts setting of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and the whimsical fun of the Disneyland Hotel.Beach Resorts – Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort boast tropical and waterside settings for couples to celebrate their weddings with a touch of Disney magic.Disney Cruise Line provides couples the chance to sail the high seas with their families and friends. From Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, to beautiful ship atriums, and international itineraries, event possibilities can be magical.Disneyland Paris – from castle courtyards to romantic gazebos, Disneyland Paris offers immersive fairy tale settings for couples dreaming of marrying in the city of love.Asia Parks – Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings also take place at Shanghai Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Resort – each offering magical backdrops for wedding celebrations.To learn more about the new bridal and bridesmaid collections, visit www.allurebridals.com. For information on booking a wedding, honeymoon, anniversary or vowel renewal, visit DisneyWeddings.com.

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