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    MIA named Sustainable Cargo Airport of the Year

    Miami International Airport has been voted Sustainable Cargo Airport of the Year by readers and subscribers of Freightweek magazine, after earning 4,074 of 19,324 online votes during the 2022 Freightweek Sustainability Awards. MIA earned more votes than eight other finalists from across the globe.
    America’s busiest airport for international freight earned the award based on its commitment in the global market to promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization; fostering innovation; achieving savings in equipment maintenance costs and workload; and encouraging energy efficiency that leads to reductions in CO2 emissions.
    “MIA’s Freightweek Sustainability Award demonstrates that it is leading the way, not only as the top economic engine in our community, but also as one of the most sustainable and environmentally friendly airports in the world.  This is yet another example of how Miami-Dade County is leveraging technology and innovation to reach our sustainability goals. Congratulations to our Aviation Department for this global recognition of its stellar efforts to reduce MIA’s carbon footprint in our community.” – Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava
    In November 2020, the Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) and Florida Power and Light Services (FPLS) completed Phase II of its Sustainability Project at MIA, the largest energy conservation project ever in the State of Florida and one of the largest in the eastern United States.
    Through the installation of $45 million worth of energy-efficient lighting, domestic water and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system upgrades primarily in MIA’s cargo area, the project will save $3.2 million annually in utility costs – enough to fuel 4,856 cars per year and approximately 10% of the airport’s annual electrical cost. It will also achieve water consumption savings equivalent to filling 16 Olympic-sized pools each year, eliminate the presence of R-22 refrigerant in the HVAC systems at MIA – ahead of the Environmental Protection Agency’s “phase out” of R-22 production and import by 2020 – and eliminate the presence of mercury vapors in lighting systems at MIA. The project will generate $60 million in guaranteed savings during the 15-year payback period. Phase II followed the completion of Phase I in 2018, which will generate a total of more than $40 million in energy and water savings through 2032, or $2.8 million annually.ADVERTISEMENTIn January 2020, Florida Power & Light Company and Miami-Dade County launched a half-acre, 402-panel floating solar installation into the waters of the Blue Lagoon adjacent to the airport. The partnership between FPL and Miami-Dade County is the largest floating solar array in the southeastern U.S. and the first-ever at an airport. The solar array, which generates 160 kilowatts of power and prevents 165 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, is also a test-bed for cutting-edge research the performance of solar panels on water.
    “This prestigious award is another testament to our unwavering commitment to being an industry leader for sustainability and resilience.  We are honored to be recognized by Freightweek for our energy conservation efforts, which are achieving $6 million in energy savings annually and are reducing millions of gallons in water consumption. We look forward to implementing additional sustainability projects in conjunction with our multi-billion-dollar capital improvement program.” – Ralph Cutié, MIA Director and CEO

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    Las Vegas kicks off summer with Memorial Day Weekend

    Long considered the unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day Weekend is always a thrilling time to visit Las Vegas. Whether splashing under the sun at a dayclub, dancing the night away at a top-notch nightclub, or enjoying the destination’s very best entertainment, Vegas is the place to be.

    Fun Under the SunE11EVEN Miami is taking over Ayu Day Club at Resorts World Las Vegas throughout the holiday weekend, bringing a lineup of EDM artists to the Strip’s newest outdoor oasis. Revelers will enjoy performances by Cash Cash (Friday, May 27), Zedd (Saturday, May 28) and DJ Snake (Sunday, May 29).
    AZILO Ultra Pool at SAHARA Las Vegas presents a Memorial Day Weekend Party on Saturday, May 28 featuring Jay Sean as the event’s celebrity guest DJ. The event also features a cocktail tasting and a cornhole contest with prizes.
    The Citrus Grand Pool Deck, situated on the Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino rooftop, features a sparkling infinity pool, backyard games and more. To kick off the summer season, Citrus will welcome DJs Mark Mac and Sam I Am (Saturday, May 28), as well as DJs Seany Mac and Krillz (Sunday, May 29). Admission is free for hotel guests. Non-hotel guests can reserve a table or cabana to access the pool.ADVERTISEMENTDAYLIGHT Beach Club at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino offers revelers summertime vibes complete with electrifying performances by Saint Jhn (Saturday, May 28), Fat Joe (Sunday, May 29), and Rubi Rose (Monday, May 30).
    Jump into the fun at Drai’s Beachclub on the multi-level rooftop oasis 11 stories above the Strip at The Cromwell Las Vegas, which offers unmatched views, refreshing cocktails and much more. Attendees will enjoy performances and DJ sets by artists such as DJ Vision (Friday, May 27), Meek Mill (Saturday, May 28), Lil Wayne (Sunday, May 29), and Maria Romano (Monday, May 30).
    Élia Beach Club at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas presents a packed lineup throughout the weekend at the luxurious space inspired by the Greek island of Mykonos. Attendees can enjoy refreshing cocktails while taking in performances by Eric D-Lux (Friday, May 27), Chance the Rapper (Saturday, May 28) and Lane 8 & Elderbrook (Sunday, May 29).
    The tiered, three-pool Encore Beach Club at Wynn Las Vegas, complete with cabanas and daybeds for total poolside comfort, presents a lineup of EDM artists throughout the weekend. Attendees can party to the beats of Kim Lee (Friday, May 27), David Guetta (Saturday, May 28), and The Chainsmokers (Sunday, May 29).
    The Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis at Caesars Palace is a sprawling oasis with numerous pools. Visitors can reserve refreshed pool cabanas, as well as check out the renovated pool bar at the Venus Pool.

    Enjoy poolside fun at GO Pool at Flamingo Las Vegas. The summer hotspot offers a unique tropical oasis with cascading waterfalls, lagoons, prime views of the High Roller observation wheel, drink specials, themed floats and beach balls, and more. Cabana or daybed reservations are encouraged for guaranteed entry.
    Influence, The POOL at The LINQ Hotel + Experience regularly offers poolside fun complete with life-sized games and beer pong, plus amazing food and cocktails. The party pool will feature a night swim event on Friday, May 27, themed floats and beach balls throughout the weekend, a red, white and blue cocktail special and a DJ spinning Friday, May 27 through Monday, May 30.
    Make a splash at LIQUID Pool Lounge located at ARIA Resort & Casino. The intimate hideaway celebrates the long weekend with five days of revelry, featuring sets by DJ Karma (Thursday, May 26), DJ Buza (Friday, May 27), DJ Drama (Saturday, May 28), Nova (Sunday, May 29), and CC Elise (Monday, May 30). Enjoy the luxurious atmosphere in one of eight cabanas or day beds, along with dipping pools, refreshing cocktails and delicious food offerings.
    Surrounded by the energy of the Las Vegas Strip, the rooftop Marquee Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas offers specialty cocktails, spectacular views and performances from some of today’s top DJs and artists. The celebratory weekend lineup features Cable (Thursday, May 26), John Summit (Friday, May 27), Fisher (Saturday, May 28), Chris Lake (Sunday, May 29) and Escobar (Monday, May 30).
    The Scene Pool Deck at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino has reopened its FlowRider surfing attraction, where visitors can experience a wave riding simulation in a safe and exciting environment.
    Stadium Swim at Circa Resort & Casino features six pools, surrounded by lounge chairs, cabanas and daybeds—all offering a perfect view of its massive, 40-foot-tall high-definition screen playing the day’s best sports action.
    The long-running LGBTQ pool party, Temptation Sundays at Luxor Hotel and Casino, turns the energy up with a set by DJ Jae Fusz on Sunday, May 29.
    Visitors can take in the lush scenery of the Balinese-inspired TAO Beach Dayclub at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas throughout the holiday weekend. The party pool will feature DJ sets from some of today’s top names, including Loud Luxury (Friday, May 27), Alesso (Saturday, May 28), TYGA, Lil Jon and BIA (Sunday, May 29), and DJ Pauly D (Monday, May 30).
    WET REPUBLIC at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino keeps the action rolling all weekend with music, cocktails and more. Visitors will enjoy beats by EDM greats such as Steve Aoki (Friday, May 27), Martin Garrix and Justin Mylo (Saturday, May 28), Kaskade (Sunday, May 29), and Lil Jon (Monday, May 30).

    Dance all WeekendNeon Dream returns to AREA15 this Memorial Day Weekend, taking over the immersive playground with vibrant beats, mesmerizing performances and awe-inspiring art on Saturday, May 28. With performances by Tritonal, Firebeatz, Haliene, Jack Beats and more, attendees will enjoy DJ sets inside The Portal, AREA15’s 360-degree 3D projection-mapped room, and outside in the A-Lot, AREA15’s outdoor event space. The experience is complete with psychedelic spectacles, food and drinks, roaming live performances, interactive art exhibits and much more. Also at AREA 15 is Illuminarium, which will officially launch its SPACE: To The Moon and Beyond attraction for guests to explore the great unknown.
    DAYLIGHT Beach Club at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino keeps the party going long after the sun goes down with DJ Romeo (Friday, May 27) and Simp City: The Hottest R&B Party (Saturday, May 28).
    Drai’s Nightclub at The Cromwell Las Vegas features a jam-packed weekend of thrilling performances by today’s top artists. The weekend kicks off with Swim Night featuring Busta Rhymes (Thursday, May 26), and continues with full-length concerts from Meek Mill (Friday, May 27) and Lil Wayne (Saturday, May 28), as well as a performance by Lil Baby (Sunday, May 29).
    While Encore Beach Club at Wynn Las Vegas offers daytime fun under the sun, the lavish oasis also features nighttime parties complete with world-class entertainment. This year’s Encore Beach Club at Night lineup features RL Grime (Friday, May 27) and Gryffin (Saturday, May 28).
    Hakkasan Nightclub at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino welcomes summer with four nights of fantastic entertainment. Attendees can dance the night away to NGHTMRE (Thursday, May 26), TYGA (Friday, May 27), Lil Jon (Saturday, May 28), and Mustard (Sunday, May 29).
    JEWEL Nightclub at ARIA Resort & Casino keeps the party going all weekend, with sets by BIA (Friday, May 27) and Pusha T (Saturday, May 28). The venue caps the celebration with its Flawless Monday Anniversary Party, featuring a performance by O.T. Genasis, on Monday, May 30.
    Marquee Nightclub at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas welcomes revelers to party the night away at the rooftop space to the sounds of Afrojack (Friday, May 27) and DJ Pauly D (May 29). Visitors can also enjoy a nighttime swim during its Drenched After Dark party featuring beats by Justin Credible (Sunday, May 29).
    OMNIA Las Vegas at Caesars Palace offers visitors stunning views of the Strip from its outdoor terrace, in between dancing to the sounds of Martin Garrix and Justin Mylo (Friday, May 27), Above & Beyond (Saturday, May 28), and Steve Aoki (Sunday, May 29).
    TAO Nightclub at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas kicks the weekend off with Eric D-Lux (Thursday, May 26), and the revelry only continues with Brody Jenner and Devin Lucien (Friday, May 27) and O.T. Genasis (Saturday, May 28).
    The luxurious indoor/outdoor XS Nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas presents five nights of celebration, including a SKAM Artist Takeover featuring Kim Lee, Deux Twins, Justin Credible and DJ Five (Thursday, May 26), Dillon Francis (Friday, May 27), Marshmello (Saturday, May 28), David Guetta (Sunday, May 29), and La Selva featuring Monolink and WhoMadeWho (Monday, May 30).
    E11EVEN Miami is also taking over Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World Las Vegas to welcome the summer season, offering two nights of electrifying performances at the state-of-the-art space. Attendees will enjoy performances by Louis the Child (Friday, May 27) and Tiësto (Saturday, May 28).

    The Biggest Names in EntertainmentCountry artist Keith Urban returns to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for another string of dates in his long-running residency at the iconic venue from Friday, May 27 to Sunday, May 29.
    The Citrus Grand Pool Deck at Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino presents Reggae on the Roof on Saturday, May 28, featuring DJ Kali Madden, MC Tuff Like Iron and DJ Finesse.
    Rocker Jack White makes his return to Las Vegas taking the stage at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Sunday, May 29.
    The Fremont Street Experience will celebrate the holiday weekend with back-to-back concerts as part of its Downtown Rocks Free Concert Series. Visitors can enjoy the sounds of pop rockers X Ambassadors on Saturday, May 28, followed by a set by Starship featuring Mickey Thomas on Sunday, May 29.
    New Kids on the Block brings its Mixtape Tour to Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino on Sunday, May 29.
    The Eagles will bring The Final Hotel California Show of 2022 to MGM Grand Garden Arena at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino on Saturday, May 28.
    The Doobie Brothers will play another string of dates of their residency at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Friday, May 27 and Saturday, May 28.
    Katy Perry brings her PLAY residency back to the Resorts World Theatre at Resorts World Las Vegas from Friday, May 27 to Sunday, May 29.
    The Sand Dollar Downtown at The Plaza Hotel & Casino celebrates its grand opening during Memorial Day Weekend, featuring entertainment from Crash Midnight on Friday, May 27 and Artur Menezes on Saturday, May 28.
    Rex Orange County is set to take the stage at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas on Friday, May 27. The venue follows that up with a concert from Limp Bizkit, which brings its Still Sucks tour—also featuring special guests Wargasm UK and Dying Wish—to The Theater on Saturday, May 28.
    Resident performer Sebastian Maniscalco will present his Nobody Does This set at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas on Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29.

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    Quark Expeditions returns to legendary Emperor Penguin Colony

    Credit: David Merron & Quark Expeditions
    Quark Expeditions, the recognised Leader in Polar Adventures, has announced a much-awaited return to the rarely-visited emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill Island in the Weddell Sea of Antarctica. The 14-day Emperor Penguin Quest: Expedition to Snow Hill will have two departures in November 2023.
    “The legendary emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill Island holds a special place in our hearts and in the history of Quark Expeditions,” said Andrew White, President of Quark Expeditions. “In 2004, Quark Expeditions made polar history when we conducted the first-ever ground visit to the remote emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill. Driven by a true expeditionary spirit—and guided by years of polar expertise—our team sailed past masses of dense ice and thick, tabular icebergs in the Weddell Sea to experience the legendary rookery, which now numbers 8,000 breeding pairs of emperor penguins. Today, it is one of the most exclusive wildlife viewing experiences on the planet. Our guests will be able to embrace the thrill of the search as we travel on Ultramarine—with its two Airbus H145 helicopters—on the new ship’s first attempt to visit the emperor penguins at Snow Hill. We’re confident our guests will be rewarded with scenes reminiscent of BBC’s ‘Frozen Planet.’ Observing thousands of penguins sliding across the ice into the sea—what wilderness adventure can compete with that!”
    The ultimate aim of the Emperor Penguin Quest: Expedition to Snow Hill itinerary is to take guests to the penguin colony itself. However, Quark Expeditions has designed every day of the itinerary to be adventurous and educational, and to enable guests to experience the expeditionary spirit that fueled polar explorers more than a century ago.
    “This is a one-of-a-kind voyage,” said Alex McNeil, Director of Expedition Experience and Innovation for Quark Expeditions. “Guests will experience a true polar quest as they journey on our new ship, Ultramarine, which is equipped with two twin-engine H145 helicopters that will fly them to the vicinity of this rarely-visited rookery, whereupon they will walk across the thick sea ice to stand within metres of the most coveted penguin species on the planet. While at base on Ultramarine, guests will have the opportunity to experience Zodiac cruising among the icebergs, paddle-on-top kayaking, join scientists on drifting ice floes as they demonstrate their research techniques, or work with specialist ice navigators and meteorologists to observe and learn about crucial weather and ice forecasting and ship operations up close.”ADVERTISEMENTAnother key component of the Emperor Penguin Quest: Expedition to Snow Hill itinerary is the bespoke daily educational program tailored specifically for this voyage. Quark Expeditions’ team of polar experts, who include penguin scientists, ornithologists, biologists and polar historians, will present on various aspects of emperor penguins and their behaviors, ice formations such as the tabular icebergs which will be visible from the ship deck, and the experiences of polar explorers who braved the Weddell Sea over a century ago. Guests can also choose to take the polar plunge, try stand-up paddleboarding or enjoy some pampering thanks to Ultramarine’s superb onboard amenities, such as the spa, sauna and fitness room.
    “To make this trip even more intimate,” said McNeil, “we’ve reduced guest capacity to 150 and increased the number of expedition staff so there will be one expedition team member for every four guests—who will truly experience the expedition of a lifetime!”
    Quark Expeditions is considered as the World’s Leading Specialist Cruise Line 2021 by World Travel Awards.

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    Germany’s tourism sector poised to surpass pre-pandemic levels next year

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    Germany’s tourism sector could surpass pre-pandemic levels next year

    The World Travel & Tourism Council’s latest Economic Impact (EIR) reveals the travel and tourism sector in Germany will catapult the national economic recovery and could surpass pre-pandemic levels next year, nearly 2.5% above 2019 levels.
    The forecast from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), shows the sector’s contribution to GDP could reach more than €364 billion by next year.
    Travel and tourism in Germany is set to boost the national economic recovery with an average growth rate outpacing the overall country’s economy growth for the next 10 years.
    According to the report, travel and tourism’s GDP is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 1.3% annually between 2022-2032, above the 1.1% growth rate for the country’s economy, to reach more than €394 billion (9.7% of the total economy).ADVERTISEMENTThe forecast also reveals the travel and tourism sector is expected to create almost half a million jobs in the next 10 years, averaging more than 47,000 every year.
    By the end of this year, the sector’s contribution to GDP is expected to grow 52.4% to more than €347 billion, amounting to 9.6% of the total economic GDP, while employment in the sector is set to grow by 6.9% to reach 5.5 million jobs.
    Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “COVID-19 wreaked havoc on Germany’s travel and tourism, affecting millions of livelihoods and impacting the national economy.
    “However, our data provides a positive outlook, that will be provide a massive boost to businesses across Germany as the sector finally begins to recover from the pandemic.”
    Before the pandemic, Germany’s travel and tourism sector’s contribution to GDP was 9.8% (€355.3 billion) in 2019, falling to just 6.3% (€217.2 billion) in 2020, representing a staggering 38.9% loss.
    The sector also supported nearly 5.9 million jobs, before an almost complete halt to international travel which resulted in a drop of nearly 800,000 (13.5%), to reach just over five million in 2020.
    WTTC’s latest EIR report also reveals that 2021 saw the beginning of the recovery for the country’s travel and tourism sector.
    Last year, its contribution to GDP climbed 5% year on year, to reach €228 billion.
    However, the recovery of jobs was slower with less than 15,000 Travel & Tourism jobs created, to reach nearly 5.1 million.
    The sector’s contribution to the economy could have been higher if it weren’t for the impact of the Omicron variant, which led to the recovery faltering around the world, with many countries reinstating travel restrictions.

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    Surf Air Mobility to go public through $1.42B merger with Tuscan Holdings More

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    Surf Air Mobility to go public through $1.42B merger with Tuscan Holdings

    Sudhin Shahani, Co-founder & CEO, Surf Air Mobility
    Surf Air Mobility and Tuscan Holdings have jointly announced that they have entered into a definitive business combination agreement resulting, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain closing conditions, in Surf Air Mobility becoming a publicly listed company.
    The acquisition of Southern, also announced today, and the completion of the business combination with THCA (together, the “Transactions”) positions SAM to be a leader in the electrification of commercial aviation, providing it with resources necessary to bring electrified powertrain technology to market and expanding and electrifying regional consumer scheduled and charter flight services. Following completion of the Transactions, and the successful deployment of SAM’s proprietary powertrain technology, SAM plans to deploy the world’s largest fleet of hybrid electric aircraft on regional routes being serviced today and on additional routes in new markets. SAM intends for its hybrid electric propulsion to reduce operating costs and reduce emissions from regional air travel by offering original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) and third-party operators the ability to upgrade existing aircraft to hybrid electric powertrains.
    “We believe deploying hybrid electric propulsion technology on existing aircraft at scale will be the most significant step we can take toward decarbonisation of aviation in this decade,” said Sudhin Shahani, Co-founder and CEO of Surf Air Mobility. “We’re at a moment when the increasing consumer demand for faster, affordable, and cleaner regional travel will be met with SAM’s electrification ecosystem to accelerate the industry’s adoption of green flying.”
    SAM’s agreements with AeroTEC and magniX will help the Company accelerate the introduction of its proprietary electrification technology. magniX has successfully flown the world’s largest fully-electric aircraft to date, a prototype Cessna Grand Caravan 208B, which it calls the eCaravan. SAM is designing its initial hybrid electric Cessna Grand Caravans to have the same flight range capabilities as their fully combustion counterparts, which will allow the Company to utilise the hybrid electric Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft across its own existing network, connecting more airports with direct flights and building a regional mass transport platform to sustainably connect communities across the U.S. SAM also intends to make hybrid electric powertrain upgrades available to fleet owners on and off its consumer platform, as well as license its technology to OEMs for new aircraft types.
    SAM’s proprietary electrified propulsion technology, once developed, would target carbon emission reductions of up to 50% on its first-generation Cessna Grand Caravans, helping to reduce the 915 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emitted by the aviation industry globally per year. By targeting direct operating cost reductions of up to 25% on its first-generation Cessna Grand Caravans, lower cost point-to-point flight networks can connect previously economically untenable markets with non-stop and direct, regularly scheduled flights. SAM’s initial hybrid electric aircraft will not require charging stations, new takeoff and landing infrastructure, or changes to zoning, allowing the aircraft to operate anywhere in the U.S., unlocking more air travel potential for over 5,000 underserved public airports.ADVERTISEMENT“Surf Air Mobility’s practical approach to scaling the decarbonisation of aviation is built on a base of tangible revenue, industry-leading electrification technology, and significant growth prospects for the future,” stated Stephen A. Vogel, Tuscan Holdings. “Surf Air Mobility’s management team is first class, and with their leadership we have confidence this transaction will enable the Company to reach its true growth potential.”
    SAM’s planned acquisition of Southern Airways Corporation (“Southern”), subject to satisfaction or waiver of the remaining closing conditions set forth in the Southern Agreement, including the completion of all required regulatory reviews and approvals, is expected to expand the companies’ collective regional airline network to U.S. cities across the Mid-Atlantic, Gulf South, Rocky Mountains, West Coast, New England, and Hawaii, where Southern currently operates. Southern Airways Express operates the largest passenger fleet of Cessna Grand Caravans in the U.S. SAM intends to electrify Southern’s existing fleet utilising the Company’s proprietary electrified propulsion technology.
    “Surf Air Mobility is positioned to bring benefits to consumers quickly while creating opportunities for the entire aviation industry. Our hybrid electric propulsion technologies will be the building blocks upon which reduced operating cost and green aviation can be realised,” stated Surf Air Mobility’s Chairman, Carl Albert. “We’re thrilled to be merging with THCA as they share our ambition of advancing the future of flight for the good of people and the planet.”

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    John Bell honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award

    John Bell, the first Executive Director of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), was honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS), which he was instrumental in launching.
    Taking place at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida this week, the honour was bestowed upon Bell for his significant contributions to the hospitality industry. Fellow tourism legend and former CHTA CEO and Director General Alec Sanguinetti accepted the award on Bell’s behalf.
    Among his many achievements, Bell, who was the guiding force of CHTA (formerly the Caribbean Hotel Association or CHA) for 29 years, was lauded for recognizing the critical need to get investors and financial institutions engaged in the Caribbean hotel sector. He launched the first investment conference in 1997, triggering prolific growth in the region’s leading sector.
    “We thought that it would be a good idea to bring the financial community into some kind of a direct contact with the hotel industry (so) we decided the best way to do that was to partner with another company, which in that case was the Financial Times of London,” Bell said. “We got them to become involved and use their clout to bring in the different players … and it worked extremely well,” he added.
    In her tribute, current CHTA President Nicola Madden-Greig noted that “it is not often that we get to honor living legends in our field,” adding that Bell’s vision and energy “framed the key role of tourism in the economies of the Caribbean.” ADVERTISEMENTFrank Comito, who served as CEO and Director General of CHTA until January 2021, described CHRIS, which Bell envisioned more than 25 years ago, as “the single most important factor which contributed to the phenomenal growth of Caribbean tourism.” 
    Comito asserted the growth and development of Caribbean tourism “stands on the broad shoulders of John Bell, whose drive, vision, and persuasive nature over three decades laid the foundation on which we continue to build today.”
    Vanessa Ledesma, CHTA’s Acting CEO and Director General who was originally hired by Bell, pointed to the catalytic role the investment summit played in the development of Caribbean economies.
    She cited The Bahamas, Dominican Republic and Jamaica as key beneficiaries as early host destinations for the investment conference in the 1990s. “These destinations and the region have much to be grateful to John for his leadership, which helped to propel tourism’s growth throughout the Caribbean,” Ledesma stated.
    Vanessa Ledesma, CHTA’s Acting CEO and Director General, former CHTA chief executive Alec Sanguinetti, and Jeff Higley, President of the BHN Group, saluted their colleague John Bell in Florida

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    David Blaine announces first-ever Las Vegas residency

    Magician, extreme illusionist, and stunt artist, David Blaine, is taking his mind-blowing talent to Las Vegas with his first-ever residency, DAVID BLAINE LIVE, exclusively at Resorts World Theatre. Known for his awe-inspiring magic tricks and death-defying stunts, Blaine will continue to push the limits and attempt unthinkable feats in the newest theatre on the Las Vegas Strip beginning September 30, 2022.
    “The room is so intimate,” said Blaine. “Resorts World Theatre has sparked my imagination and I am so excited to create something unique in magic.”
    “Seeing the greatest magician in the world in the newest, state-of-the-art theatre in Las Vegas will be a show unlike anything this city has ever seen before,” says Bobby Reynolds, Senior Vice President of AEG Presents, Las Vegas. “Combining forces will make for a truly spectacular production, and we can’t wait for live audiences to be blown away.”
    The first six show dates going on sale to the public on Monday, May 23 at 10 a.m. PT are:
    September 30 / October 1
    October 28 / October 29
    December 16 / December 17

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