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    TREETOP TRAIL TO TAKE MINNESOTA ZOO TO NEW HEIGHTS

    In just 100 days, guests at the Minnesota Zoo will be able to reach new heights when the Treetop Trail, the world’s longest elevated pedestrian loop, officially opens.Beginning Friday, July 28, 2023, the 1.25-mile Treetop Trail will bring guests up to 32 feet above the ground and provide them with an immersive and accessible naturistic journey.This opening date of the Zoo’s new pathway to nature appropriately coincides with World Nature Conservation Day. As a worldwide leader in wildlife conservation, the Minnesota Zoo created the Treetop Trail to give guests year-round access to hundreds of acres of hardwood forest, ponds and marshes, and the diverse wildlife that call Minnesota home. The Treetop Trail will provide new perspectives of many Zoo animals, including tigers, moose, bison, and of course, a bird’s eye view for bird watchers during each of Minnesota’s four seasons.
    The Minnesota Zoo opened 45 years ago in 1978 with a mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. The Treetop Trail will reinforce the Zoo’s reputation as a trusted nature destination and is an evolution of the role that zoos play around the globe.
    “The Treetop Trail marks a new chapter for the Minnesota Zoo,” said Minnesota Zoo Director and Foundation President John Frawley. “As we look ahead to the Zoo’s next 45 years, the Treetop Trail is a major step in furthering connections to nature and animals in an accessible and immersive way.”
    Integrating into the Zoo’s original monorail track which was retired in 2013, the Treetop Trail is the ultimate reuse construction project. The Zoo contracted with award-winning Snow Kreilich Architects; engineering firm Buro Happold (known for its work on the High Line in New York City); and construction partner, PCL. Together, they have been committed to minimizing disruptions to the Zoo’s animals and guests before, during, and after construction.
    The entrance to the Treetop Trail will feature the Zoo’s new animal ambassador habitat. Here, guests will be greeted by several species native to Minnesota including the Treetop Trail ambassador – a North American porcupine named Quillber.ADVERTISEMENTPlanning for the Minnesota Zoo Treetop Trail began in June 2018 and a ceremonial groundbreaking was held in April 2022. “Thanks to the full support from our Boards, legislative and government champions, as well as the philanthropic community, we have secured $39 million in public and private partnership to support this transformational project,” said Frawley.
    The Minnesota Zoo would like to express profound gratitude to the following for their support of the Treetop Trail: State of Minnesota, K.A.H.R. Foundation, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, Target, Best Buy Foundation, Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation, and hundreds of individual donors.
    To learn more about the Minnesota Zoo’s Treetop Trail, please visit mnzoo.org/treetoptrail.

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    GRANDE LAKES ORLANDO CELEBRATES THE SUMMER IN STYLE WITH THE ARRIVAL OF “GLO SUMMER NIGHTS”

    Grande Lakes Orlando, the 500-acre luxury resort destination in the headwaters of the Florida Everglades anchored by The Ritz-Carlton Orlando and JW Marriott Orlando, invites guests to celebrate the summer in style with the introduction of “GLO Summer Nights,” an exhilarating seasonal celebration in honor of the resort’s 20th anniversary. Boasting signature weekly fireworks displays in addition to spectacular glow-charged nights at the recently debuted Grande Lakes Waterpark, alongside an abundance of activations fit for every traveler, Grande Lakes Orlando has crafted a truly unforgettable summer experience all season long.GLO Summer SaturdaysThroughout the summer, Grande Lakes Orlando will play host to an array of experiences perfect for families and guests of all ages including dazzling fireworks displays that will take center stage every Saturday evening. After a day spent exploring the Everglades or enjoying the Grande Lakes Waterpark, resort guests can look up from their balconies, lounge chairs, or poolside cabanas for an intimate yet larger-than-life fireworks show. Boasting a masterful explosion of color and light in the sky each week from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with additional special shows occurring over holiday weekends, these grand fireworks displays are complimentary for overnight guests of both hotels. Upgrade options are available that include food and beverage service at both hotels and a private in-room viewing package at The Ritz-Carlton, designed with families in mind.
    After the sun goes down on GLO Summer Saturday nights between 7-10pm, guests can find their way to the illuminated Grande Lakes Waterpark and pool for an evening of illuminated fun. Float through the winding lazy river in glow-in-the-dark tubes, meander in the glittering pool lit with neon lights, and enjoy live DJ performances.
    Younger guests will find no shortage of fun-filled activities from the array of classic kid-friendly summer activations, including waterproof face painting, caricatures, outdoor games and balloon animals. Meanwhile, adults can indulge in activities including lakeside mixology courses, a decadent dessert and champagne trolley and Fire & Ice, a live ice carving by the resort’s U.S. Olympic Champion Carver, Victor Dagatan and a mesmerizing fire dancing performance, along with numerous opportunities to enjoy live music.
    Aquatic Adventures at Grande Lakes WaterparkFresh off the heels of multimillion-dollar renovations across the resort, guests and families can take advantage of the elevated Grande Lakes Waterpark. The ideal landing place for those of all adventure-seeking levels, the new Waterpark was inspired by the resort’s lush natural surroundings and prime location in the Everglades. The “grande” new waterpark experience features a signature Lazy River, Headwaters Slide Tower with three waterslides, Aquaventure obstacle course, a celebrated restaurant, and VIP firepit lounge, Oasis. While enjoying the waterpark’s newest attractions, guests can indulge in a new poolside dining experience, Knife Burger, from acclaimed Chef John Tesar of the MICHELIN-Starred Knife & Spoon, or visit the newly enhanced lobby bar, EvrBar, for specialty cocktails and panoramic views of the Waterpark and the resort’s namesake lakes.
    Grande Lakes Waterpark’s 12 private cabanas offer varying levels of luxury, from options with simple loungers to high-end cabanas with furnishings, entertainment consoles, and private plunge pools. In addition to the enhanced waterpark experience at JW Marriott Orlando, guests of Grande Lakes Orlando can explore the recently enhanced aquatic options at the adajcent Ritz-Carlton Orlando. Debuting with its recent renovation, the property now showcases a new Solaire heated pool lined with luxury poolside cabanas. These 12 exclusive cabanas feature a private butler, wireless internet, HDTV, a refrigerator, and other amenities. For a quiet respite, grown-ups can escape to an adults-only lap pool and hot tub at the award-winning Ritz-Carlton Spa.ADVERTISEMENTReserve Your GLO Experience NowFor travelers looking to get ahead of summer savings, Grande Lakes Orlando will offer an exclusive, one-time advanced booking discount of 20% to guests who reserve their stay between April 17-30, 2023, applicable for stays from April 21 through September 30. They can use the online promotional code D3Q to lock in their savings.
    For more information on Grande Lakes Orlando and its 20th anniversary celebration this summer, and to reserve a stay, visit www.grandelakes.com/.

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    A World-First for the World’s Number One Cookie*: OREO Café opens in Qatar

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    A World-First for the World’s Number One Cookie*: OREO Café opens in Qatar

    The world’s number one cookie has landed at Doha’s Hamad International Airport (HIA), with the opening of the first permanent OREO Café outside of the USA and first in an airport.The 116sqm café in the new North Node is delighting travelers with a delicious selection of sweet inventions including OREO milkshakes, muffins and cheesecakes and a comprehensive savory food and beverage menu, while chefs create unique treats live at the café‘s OREO Creations Bar.
    The bespoke café concept features the OREO brand’s electric signature blue, white and black, attracting transiting passengers with giant OREO furniture, digital walls and a retail area.
    Creating even more excitement, Mondelez and Qatar Duty Free (QDF) ran an integrated marketing campaign, including a Qatar Airways in-flight video during October and high visibility throughout the airport. Mondelez also delivered a high-performing social media campaign featuring playful creative assets and rich culinary imagery.
    To celebrate OREO Day, the partners ran an airport takeover at HIA on March 6th with an end-to-end screen digital campaign across over 800 screens.
    Jaya Singh, Managing Director, Mondelez WTR, and Thabet Musleh, Vice President, Qatar Duty Free, commented: “This is a historic moment for Mondelez and QDF. This exceptional partnership has brought a world-first to the world’s leading airport, and we have truly delivered on our mission to bring exclusive experiences to travel retail. With Mondelez WTR’s first foray into F&B leveraging a powerful global brand, we are confident that OREO Café Doha will cement itself as a flagship outlet.”ADVERTISEMENT

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    Hard Rock International Champions ‘Save the Planet’ Pledge by “Going Dark” for Earth Hour

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    Hard Rock International Champions ‘Save the Planet’ Pledge by “Going Dark” for Earth Hour

    Hard Rock International, as a part of a commitment towards a cleaner, eco-friendly world, is once again reflecting on its partnership with global leader in environmental conservation World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and participation in the annual Earth Hour movement.On Saturday, March 25, more than 135 Hard Rock Hotels, Cafes and Casinos around the globe participated by “going dark” for one hour starting at 8:30 pm local property time. This year has proven to be Hard Rock’s most successful Earth Hour activation to-date, with more participating Hotels, Cafes and Casinos, and kilowatts conserved than ever before in the history of the partnership with World Wildlife Fund.
    “Hard Rock’s ongoing partnership with World Wildlife Fund timed to Earth Hour each year is celebrated by properties and team members all over the world as a true testament to living out the ‘Save the Planet’ motto that bonds us all,” said Paul Pellizzari, Vice President of Global Social Responsibility for Hard Rock International. “This year, we extend a heartfelt thank you to our Hotels, Cafes and Casinos worldwide who made this the most impactful Earth Hour yet just by shutting off the lights and hosting unique activations for guests to enjoy.”
    In celebration of Earth Hour this year, the 135+ participating properties’ restaurants, bars, Rock Shops®, hotel rooms, casino lobbies, and outdoor spaces enjoyed candle-lit dinners, acoustic musical performances, sustainable menu options, sustainable movie series, and upcycling competition events, including:
    135+ Hard Rock properties around the world unplugged their iconic guitar and other lights for one hour among creative, planet-friendly activations. Hard Rock Cafe Shenzhen offered guests the chance to test drive electric vehicles. Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya held an upcycling competition to recreate iconic Hard Rock memorabilia, and having guests vote on which should be highlighted in the hotel’s lobby.10 Hotels, including Hard Rock Hotel Penang, Hard Rock Amsterdam, and Hard Rock Hotel Davos, hosted live acoustic music performances alongside candle lit performances.14 properties developed special menus highlighting local ingredients and menu pairings for candle-lit dinners. Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, for instance, created a curated plant-based menu for the occasion.9 Hotels and Casinos crafted cocktails celebrating “Going Dark,” with homegrown herbs and spirits from around the world. Hard Rock Hotel Bali and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana offered one of a kind, “Save the Planet” themed cocktails to their guests.
    To learn more about Hard Rock’s mottos and commitment to “Save the Planet” including its partnerships with World Wildlife Fund and other sustainable partners like Clean The World, please visit www.hardrock.com/living-our-mottos.aspx. Additional information on Hard Rock International can be found by visiting www.hardrock.com.ADVERTISEMENT

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    THE BITE IS BACK!

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    WHISTLER BLACKCOMB NAMES BELINDA TREMBATH AS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

    Whistler Blackcomb, the largest ski resort in North America located in the Canadian province of British Columbia, has announced the appointment of Belinda Trembath as its new Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, effective May 15. 
    Trembath has more than 30 years of experience in the ski industry and mountain operations, and has been Chair of the Australian Ski Areas Association since 2018. Born and raised in Australia, she began skiing at age six, and started her career as a ski instructor. In 2006, Trembath was appointed Vice President & General Manager of Mt. Hotham in the Australian state of Victoria. Starting in 2019, she also provided oversight for Falls Creek, which has the largest skiable area in Victoria. In 2022, she was named Vice President & General Manager of Perisher, the role she currently holds. Perisher is the largest alpine resort in the southern hemisphere, located in the Australian state of New South Wales. Trembath played a key leadership role in helping Perisher, Falls Creek, and Mt. Hotham successfully navigate through the pandemic and borders reopening. She has also been a proactive member of a range of tourism and government advisory boards throughout her career.
    “Belinda is dedicated to ensuring the preservation of unique mountain cultures alongside a commitment to excellence across the employee, guest, and community experience,” said Doug Pierini, Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Vail Resorts’ West Region and Interim COO at Whistler Blackcomb. “This is what makes her an exceptional mountain operator. I can’t imagine a better leader to step into the COO role at Whistler Blackcomb to help guide the next chapter of such an iconic, influential, world-class resort.” 
    Whistler Blackcomb was recently named the “best ski resort in North America” by Condé Nast Traveler’s annual readers choice awards. Located in Whistler, off the iconic Sea-to-Sky Highway, the resort is honoured to operate on the shared unceded territory of the Lil’wat Nation and the Squamish Nation. Whistler and Blackcomb are two, side-by-side connected mountains, offering over 200 marked runs, 3,307 hectares (8,171 acres) of legendary terrain, and 1,609 metres (5,280 feet) of vertical. It is home to one of the longest ski and ride seasons in North America, and in the summer, the resort offers a variety of activities, including the globally recognized Whistler Mountain Bike Park, as well as sightseeing on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. 
    “I am honoured and thrilled to be the COO of Whistler Blackcomb,” said Trembath. “It is not lost on me how profound this opportunity is, and I look forward to being an advocate for our resort and its passionate employees, our guests, and the iconic Whistler community. Canada has always held a special place in my heart – early on in my career, I spent a season in BC at Big White. A spark ignited within me, and I always hoped to find my way back. It is a bit surreal that this dream is now a reality. My husband and children also feel a connection to the beauty of BC, and they are looking forward to this new adventure.” ADVERTISEMENTTrembath’s strength of leadership has also been evident through the implementation of strategic growth programs that she has developed and executed. She also led the three Australian resorts through multiple technology advancements, allowing them to lead through innovation and outside-the-box thinking to enhance the employee and guest experience.
    Trembath will lead the resort, which includes Mountain and Base Area Operations, Food & Beverage, Snow and Bike School, and other important areas of the business.

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    Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi Launches $100 Million Culinary Investment Fund

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    Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi Launches $100 Million Culinary Investment Fund

    The newly launched, Abu Dhabi Culinary Investment Fund (ADCIF), is an incentive for world-class culinary brands to enter the emirate and will further elevate the culinary scene by co-investing with local asset partners and incentivising top chefs, top restaurants, and culinary educational institutions, to enter the market and make Abu Dhabi their new home.
    H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism, DCT Abu Dhabi said: “The Abu Dhabi Culinary Investment Fund is part of our ongoing commitment to elevate the culinary scene across the emirate and create new dining experiences. There is no better time or place to bring best-in-class chefs, restaurants, and hotel brands to the capital. This fund, in combination with the Culinary School will ensure that Abu Dhabi appeals to even more visitors around the world, who can experience increasingly diverse and high-quality dining in the emirate, centred on our tradition of Emirati hospitality.”
    The main requisites for successful fund applicants are brands or chefs recognised by leading awards committees and global culinary guides, with a multi-regional presence – operating in more than one country. Applicants should offer a premium casual, lifestyle, or fine dining experience, without yet having an existing presence in the region and would be making their debut in Abu Dhabi – with a one-year period of exclusivity to the emirate.
    Abu Dhabi’s dining scene has recently been making headlines around the world, welcoming the MICHELIN team to launch the first-ever MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi. The guide details 42 restaurants across Abu Dhabi, awarded three establishments with one MICHELIN Star for their high-quality cooking and four with a Bib Gourmand, acknowledging culinary excellence and value. In addition, Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023 – the regional food awards ranking – returned Abu Dhabi in 2023 after a hugely successful 2022 event.
    DCT Abu Dhabi is set to announce the first two recipients of the new Abu Dhabi Culinary Investment Fund in the coming months. For more information, including how to apply for the fund, please visit: https://tcaabudhabi.ae/en/doing.business.with.us/abu.dhabi.culinary.investment.fund.aspxADVERTISEMENT

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    TreadRight Foundation partners with Trees for Life ahead of Earth Day

    This Earth Day, the TreadRight Foundation is announcing its newest project partner, Scotland-based Trees for Life and support for its Wild Pine project, restoring globally important Caledonian Forest and its unique wildlife.
    The foundation is a joint initiative between brands from the Travel Corporation (TTC).
    It is the first project TreadRight has announced since shifting focus to supporting nature-based solutions in support of its three pillars of planet, people and wildlife.
    TTC is a family of 40 award-winning brands including Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, Contiki, Uniworld, Highland Explorer Tours and Red Carnation Hotels.
    In 2022, TTC became the first tour operator with validated near-term, long-term and net zero targets.
    In support of these targets TTC also announced an internal Carbon Fund to invest in its net zero transition, in concert with a prioritisation of nature-based solutions.
    “This Earth Day’s theme is ‘invest in our planet’ and TreadRight is pleased to partner with Trees of Life, a strong nature-based solutions charity working to tackle the overlapping nature and climate emergencies and create a cascade of benefits for people,” said Shannon Guihan, TTC chief sustainability officer and head of the TreadRight Foundation. ADVERTISEMENT“Nature based solutions include the conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems, and improved land management to either reduce carbon emissions or to store carbon in the planet.”
    Trees For Life is dedicated to rewilding the Scottish Highlands.
    According to the charity, thousands of years ago wild pinewoods covered an estimated one million hectares of Scotland – but today only about two per cent of this life-supporting habitat remains, broken into small and isolated fragments, many under threat and in poor condition.
    Rewilding is a means to protect and restore sustainable biodiversity, natural landscapes and wildlife while removing carbon emissions from the atmosphere.
    Alongside prioritising the reduction of carbon emissions, supporting nature-based solutions which remove and store emissions already in the atmosphere is an integral component in the global journey towards net zero, which is the critical goal post to avoid a climate disaster according to the latest climate science.
    More Information
    Learn more about nature-based solutions from TreadRight here.

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    OurAfrica.Travel kicked the 2023 tourism calendar off in style

    The highly anticipated fourth edition of OurAfrica.Travel, the leading digital trade show for the African and Indian Ocean tourism industry, which took place from February 20th to 24th, was a tremendous success, attracting 186 exhibitors and over 440 buyers and media from around the world.
    The platform facilitated over 6,500 meetings, 44,192 networking chats, and received more than 85,000 profile views. Feedback from participants has been very positive, affirming the importance of virtual shows on the tourism events calendar.
    This year’s show ran for five days, with additional networking opportunities on either side, including a week of destination training hosted by The Africa Hub.
    The success of the 2023 event was due in no small part to the collaboration of various industry partners, including Wetu, ATTA, Nightsbridge, Atmosphere Marketing, Inspirational Places and Umlingo Travel PR.
    This spirit of ubuntu and partnership is what makes this virtual show such a success, in addition to its B2B nature, affordability in both time and money, accessibility due to it being virtual, and having a carbon-neutral footprint.ADVERTISEMENT“OurAfrica.Travel has once again proven that connecting on a virtual platform is now part of our day-to-day business practice and is the most convenient and opportune way to keep in touch with tourism industryplayers from around the world” said Napier and Hunt.
    We are already planning and looking forward to next year’s show (date to be announced), after receiving positive feedback from both our buyers and exhibitors.
    GIVING BACK
    OurAfrica.Travel is committed to driving sustainable tourism and giving back to both community and conservation projects. This year, 18 worthy causes were given a spotlight during the show, as participants were invited to nominate their favourite charities and grassroots projects.
    Nominations included Chefs with Compassion, Conservation South Luangwa, Dambari Wildlife Trust, Giraffe Conservation Fund, Global Sojourns Giving Circle, Good Work Foundation, HERD, How Many Elephants, Ingoma Choir, Meal For Two Project, Mukambi Community School, Nourish Eco Village, Onguma Anti-Poaching Unit, Seahorse Protection by ParCo, The Plaster House, The Rhino Momma Project, Tuk SouthForRangers and Uthando. A vote will be held over the coming weeks to see which causes will win a cash prize.
    Organisers Storm Napier and Allie Hunt will be announcing the winners later this month, in the run up to Indaba in Durban, South Africa.
    PRIZES GALORE – including a 27-night bucket list bonanza!
    Incredibly generous accommodation prizes were donated by exhibitors to reward the most active and engaged buyers. Buyers earned points for participating and the top 300 on the leader board went into a lucky draw to win nine incredible individual holiday combinations for two people sharing. The top 150 from the leader board went into a lucky draw to win the ultimate bucket list prize of 27-nights at some of Africaand the Indian Ocean Island’s most renowned hotels and lodges, showcased by Wetu.
    *** Congratulations to the winner of the bucket list prize, Ginny Russell at Cedarberg Africa in the UK, a long- time, loyal supporter of all things Africa.  You can see the full prize list on https://youtu.be/POe5MaTQsxY
    AGENT FEEDBACK
    “Thanks to Storm, Allie and team for organising another fantastic show – it’s such a great learning experience and lovely to meet new hoteliers, reps and reconnect with people I already know. Flights now booked for November/ December again – can’t wait!” – Fiona Bibby at The Travel Architect, UK
    “Such an amazing platform to unlearn, learn, interact and e-meet with some incredible people from across the globe! Such a productive week that we all must’ve had this past week, amidst our other regular busy schedule! Although in-person meeting has its own energy and charm to it, this meeting platform has been truly fab from start to finish. Thanks to each one of you who has interacted with me.  A BIG, BIG THANK YOU to everyone who has been working rigorously behind this show to make it a great success! Thank you OUR AFRICA TRAVEL team for this fantastic work!” – Merlyn Kurian at Evershine Holidays, India
    “Another great Our Africa show. So lovely to connect with people again and hear all about changes and positive impacts from the Covid years. Love the show, thanks”– Kirsten Treais at Amazing Adventures Travel at Principle, USA
    “It was an intense but prolific week for us….a sort of cheetah run…And before the show being over, on behalf of Australtravels would like to thank the organizers for a great event, to thank the exhibitors, some being old known good friends, other, new contacts we are looking forward to reciprocally develop new businesses, projects and opportunities. Last but not least a thank you to all who made us feeling and enjoying Africa again, from a certain geographical distance and from the commodityof our offices and homes. As our fellow in this picture, we look forward to meet you soon and join on another great OurAfrica event next year. – Octavian Nedea at Australtravels, Spain
    For more information about the virtual trade show, visit www.ourafrica.travel.

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