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    Masterplan Revealed For THE RIG. A World-First Adventure Tourism Destination

    THE RIG., one of Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) entertainment projects, announced today the launch of its Masterplan, an ambitious and unprecedented vision for tourism that will redefine adventure tourism.
    The project is in line with PIF’s strategy and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives of contributing to the growth of the tourism sector, directly and indirectly contributing to employment opportunities, and diversifying the economy.THE RIG. is inspired by the design of offshore oil platforms, to celebrate the legacy and heritage of Saudi Arabia’s long oil and gas history.  The unique hospitality and adventure experience will span a gross floor area of over 300,000 square meters, located 40km from the coastline, near Al Juraid Island and Berri Oil Field in the Arabian Gulf.
    THE RIG. will seek to attract over 900,000 annual visitors by 2032, appealing to a wide range of domestic, regional and international audiences, including adrenaline seekers, explorers, balanced holiday makers, and relaxation seekers.
    The range of hospitality, leisure, entertainment and accommodation options provided by THE RIG. include three hotels totaling 800 rooms, along with 11 restaurants, an extreme sports and adventure park, a world-class marina, and helipads.
    THE RIG. will feature a wide variety of water activities, including a diving center, in addition to an amusement park, splash park, an E-sports center, an immersive theater and multi-purpose arena. THE RIG. will also celebrate the Kingdom’s rich oil and gas heritage by creating an exceptional and unique experience, making it a must-visit destination. ADVERTISEMENTThe project will be developed by the Oil Park Development Company (OPDC) under the direction of its CEO, Raed N. Bakhrji, who brings more than 20 years of experience in the oil and gas industry and a passion for the future of adventure tourism.
    Additional information: www.THERIG.sa.

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    Decades of internationalization pays off as UnionPay recognized across world

    UnionPay, one of the world’s largest payment brands, is embracing a new chapter of development after its global acceptance scope spanned 183 countries and regions and issuance outside the Chinese mainland surpassed 230 million cards recently.Thanks to its 20 years of internationalization efforts, it can contribute more “Chinese solutions” to the global payment industry.
    On Jan 18, 2004, with approval from the People’s Bank of China, UnionPay launched card services in Hong Kong, marking the beginning of the internationalization efforts made by Chinese bank card brands.
    In 2012, UnionPay International, dedicated to international business, was established. Its international strategy evolved from “where Chinese go, UnionPay card services follow” to a more comprehensive “global network, international brand,” aiming to better serve China’s resolve to open wider and to set a high standard in the payment sector.
    With the recent initiation of UnionPay card services in El Salvador, its global acceptance scope now covers 66.4 million online and in-store merchants outside of the Chinese mainland. UnionPay cards have been issued in 81 countries and regions outside the Chinese mainland. Currently, UnionPay International has cooperated with more than 2,600 institutions globally.
    First choice of touristsADVERTISEMENTAs China’s payment industry has rapidly evolved over the past two decades, UnionPay International has actively enhanced its network service capabilities, diversified product offerings, and improved payment scenarios to provide high-quality financial payment services for both Chinese and international residents engaged in trade and cooperation.
    During the New Year holidays, Chinese tourists celebrating globally found UnionPay’s distinctive three-color logo ubiquitously present, whether in the streets of Hong Kong and Macao or at merchants in Bangkok, Tokyo, Abu Dhabi and beyond.
    According to a Nielsen report, UnionPay has become the most widely accepted international card brand globally. Since the first UnionPay transaction landed in Hong Kong, UnionPay cards have been accepted in 183 countries and regions around the world, among which 99 countries and regions support UnionPay mobile payment products. UnionPay acceptance rates in the Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, and other regions have increased to approximately 80 percent.
    In China’s Hong Kong and Macao, hundreds of thousands of merchants, millions in South Korea, and almost all QR code merchants in Malaysia and Sri Lanka support the UnionPay app.
    Building on the foundation of practicality, UnionPay International has collaborated extensively across industries to create a rich ecosystem for UnionPay payments, giving cardholders more convenience and ease when making payments.
    In 2023 alone, tourism bureaus in Australia, South Africa, Singapore, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, international duty-free group DFS, travel platform Trip.com, and tax refund agency Planet Tax Free, among others, have collaborated with UnionPay International, enhancing its payment capabilities in scenarios such as hotel bookings, transportation, dining, and shopping.
    Currently, UnionPay payment services are supported in more than 5,000 overseas schools, the top 10 hotel groups globally, renowned airlines, cross-border transportation such as the China-Laos Railway and public transportation in popular overseas tourist destinations.
    Close collaboration in cross-border payments between commercial banks and UnionPay International provides personalized options for residents. Various commercial banks have introduced distinctive UnionPay card products, such as cross-border cashback cards, Prestige Asia, cards themed in “Tour South Korea”, and more, catering to different customer segments. Connected to the UnionPay app Network Payment Platform, commercial bank apps can also directly use UnionPay QR codes in overseas acceptance scenarios.
    Global expansion
    Since the resumption of cross-border movement, international events like Canton Fair and the China International Import Expo have been successfully held in China, making it essential to provide quality payment services for overseas visitors in China.
    Currently, outside the Chinese mainland, more than 230 million UnionPay cards have been issued in 81 countries and regions, 180 UnionPay local wallets have been established in 35 countries and regions. These diverse UnionPay payment products cover multiple functions, including card swiping, scanning and cash withdrawals, meeting the needs of both daily life and cross-border payments, positioning UnionPay as one of the preferred payment brands for visitors to China.
    This journey began with the opening of UnionPay card acceptance in China’s Hong Kong, where Bank of China (Hong Kong) issued the first local UnionPay card in the same year. This marked the localization of UnionPay International business and the starting point for exploring payment services for residents around the world.
    Currently, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has issued 30 million UnionPay cards in total. In the countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, the cumulative issuance reaches 170 million cards. In countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Mongolia, Singapore and Kazakhstan, UnionPay has become the go-to payment card, favored by local students, workers and teachers, becoming integrated with local life.
    These cards can be used in almost all POS terminals and scenarios in China, including taking public transportation, shopping on the Taobao app, booking tickets on travel agency Trip.com, hailing a ride on the Didi app, and ordering food through the Meituan app.
    Drawing from its experience of promoting QR code payments domestically, UnionPay has continually extended its mobile payment services to residents outside the Chinese mainland.
    In 2018, the Hong Kong-Macao version of the UnionPay app landed in Hong Kong. Subsequently, UnionPay International has innovated cooperation models, supporting overseas wallets to bind UnionPay cards or issue UnionPay virtual cards within their apps. This allows users to utilize familiar local products for payments on the Chinese mainland, without the need for additional account creation or downloading domestic apps. Authentication can be completed through local institutions, eliminating the requirement to provide sensitive personal information to third-party platforms.
    Leading Chinese solution
    While providing high-quality payment services for overseas residents, UnionPay International collaborates with central banks, national payment networks, and payment alliances of various countries to establish technical standards for payment networks, QR codes, and chip cards. In doing so, it contributes more “Chinese solutions” to the global payment industry.
    Adapting to the trends of industrial development, UnionPay International actively seeks new strategies to build global network advantages through the development of both cards and mobile payment.
    In recent years, many countries have accelerated the construction of local payment networks and promoted the interoperability between different networks. Since 2023, UnionPay International has collaborated with local networks in 15 countries and regions overseas to promote the interoperability of QR codes. Sixteen projects have been implemented or are in progress including payment networks from Southeast Asian countries such as PayNet of Malaysia, NAPAS of Vietnam, Bakong of Cambodia and LAPNet of Laos. The acceptance scope of UnionPay QR codes outside the Chinese mainland has subsequently increased to 6.5 million merchants in 45 countries and regions. This establishes UnionPay as a payment product with major advantages in the Asia-Pacific region.

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    Villa Select Launches Crete Villas

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    Villa Select Launches Crete Villas

    Villa Select launches its first ever collection of Crete villas with nine beautiful private-pool properties in the north of the Island – in the resorts of Rethymnon, Hersonissos, Prines, Armeni and Elounda. The beautiful new Crete collection is available for agents to book now, for stays in April 2024, through to end October starting from just £657* per week.
    Becci Aldridge, Villa Select General Manager, said: “We are delighted to be expanding into a brand-new destination for 2024.  Our initial nine Crete Villas are all based in the North of the island and offer spacious modern living with private pools and there is a property for everyone, ranging from family bolt holes near the beach, to picturesque countryside villas. We plan to add further Crete properties in the coming months and our destination experts have been working hard to get to know the properties and resorts first hand – an invaluable resource for both customers and agents who may not be entirely familiar with the destination themselves”.
    Villa Select specialists have visited every resort in the collection, so holidaymakers can be assured of first-hand knowledge and personal recommendations. From flights to car hire and local advice, Villa Select offers the highest level of service – recently achieving a Silver award in the 2023 British Travel Awards for ‘Best Travel Company for Villa Holidays’, for the third year running.
    Trade friendly sample package: Joy of The Sea, Elounda, Crete. Sleeps 6 | 3 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms. Fri 05 Apr 2024, 7 nights. Accommodation only total Price £1,188 per week (Based on 6). With flights (return from London Gatwick inc. luggage) £5,496.

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    Luxury Cruise Expert Mundy Cruising Launches The Ultimate Luxury Cruise: 105 Days From £239,999 PP

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    Luxury Cruise Expert Mundy Cruising Launches The Ultimate Luxury Cruise: 105 Days From £239,999 PP

    Luxury cruise expert Mundy Cruising has launched an extraordinary programme, The Ultimate Luxury Cruise, which combines iconic destinations, amazing travel experiences and superlative accommodations to create a 105-day journey, departing Tokyo on 14th April 2025 and finishing in Dubrovnik on 26th July 2025.Customer research at the top end of the market by Mundy Cruising has revealed a range of travel trends and priorities for its discerning client base, including longer trips, slow travel, iconic experiences, bucket list destinations and a desire to return to gentler (and arguably Pre-Covid) times.
    Above all, these would-be travellers have stressed how important it is that these key needs are fulfilled in the most exclusive and luxurious way possible. Or, as one respondent answered in the research, “It ain’t what you do, it’s the way that you do it”.
    “I remember that song from over 40 years ago,” said Edwina Lonsdale, Managing Director of Mundy Cruising. “And, as the leaders in luxury cruising in the UK, we could hardly disagree. Why not, we thought, create a cruise which allows people to visit some on the best places on the planet, on some of the very best ships, and in the absolutely very best suites available on those ships?”
    The journey includes a plethora of bucket list destinations and experiences including Cherry Blossom in Japan, Hot Springs and Snow Monkeys, cruising Glacier Bay National Park, viewing black and brown bears, crossing the Rockies on the magical Rocky Mountaineer train, living the high life in New York, a leisurely transatlantic crossing, voyaging northwards for the Norwegian Fjords, Midnight Sun and North Cape, crossing Europe in style on the magical Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, exploring Venice, cruising the Adriatic coast to Athens, and exploring the Greek Islands and Montenegro on an exclusive 32-guest sailing yacht.
    Every step of the way, each experience offers the ultimate in luxury, combining the top suites on the very best ships in the world, First and Business Class air travel, classic rail journeys and beautiful hotels. ADVERTISEMENTAlex Loizou, Director of Sales, Marketing and Operations at Mundy Cruising, said: “Our clients are looking to indulge themselves in a gentler way. Covid gave them a sense of urgency, with plenty of items on their ‘to do’ lists, but despite that urgency, they are not prepared to compromise. In response, we created this amazing journey as an example of the many bespoke travel experiences we take pleasure in curating.”
    Mundy Cruising’s Ultimate Luxury Cruise includes:
    Spring in Tokyo: Regent Suite on Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer: 12th April 2025
    First Class flight to Tokyo, and 12-day Japan cruise during the country’s beautiful cherry blossom season visiting enchanting temples in Kyoto, taking a sombre history lesson in Nagasaki and discovering vibrant Tokyo.
    The Regent Suite, at over 3,000 square feet – larger than most people’s home, features rare works of art, an in-suite spa retreat and Steinway piano, with a spectacular ocean view from private balconies that include a Tresse Minipool high atop the ship. 
    Japan and Alaska: Grand Wintergarden Suite on Seabourn Cruises’ Seabourn Quest: 27th April 2025
    Embark Seabourn Quest to explore more of Japan’s treasures, including Hakodate’s famous hot springs and snow monkeys, before voyaging on to Alaska. Here, highlights include visiting the National Monument of Glacier Bay and the chance to spot black and brown bears, wolves, moose, eagles, seals and whales among the wild Alaskan landscape, finishing in cosmopolitan Vancouver.
    The Grand Wintergarden Suite, with its spacious terraces and glass-enclosed solarium with tub and daybed, is perfect for a cool weather cruise with stunning scenery. With 1,402 square feet of space, there is plenty of space for entertaining. 
    Canada: Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Rail Journey: 16th May 2025
    Enjoy two nights in cosmopolitan Vancouver, before taking to the rails. The epic Rocky Mountaineer train ride goes through some of western Canada’s most striking scenery, enjoyed with GoldLeaf service: three-course wine-paired gourmet fine dining, domed windows and an outdoor viewing platform. Stay in Fairmont’s most luxurious accommodations – the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel – as you tour the area.
    North America: Owner’s Suite on Silversea’s Silver Dawn:  28th May 2025
    Fly to New York, and board Silversea’s beautiful Silver Dawn for a transatlantic voyage including vibrant Boston and the wild and rugged coastlines of Atlantic Canada, ending on home shores in Southampton via Falmouth, Guernsey’s St Peter Port and Saint Malo in France.
    The Owner’s Suite, at 1,389 square feet, is the perfect home from home, with a butler to take care of your every need, and a large seating area as the hub of the suite, equipped with all mod cons – think a Bose sound system, an interactive 55” TV and an Illy coffee machine. 
    Norwegian Fjords: Owner’s Suite on Seabourn Cruises’ Seabourn Sojourn:  14th June 2025
    Board Seabourn Sojourn in Dover for a bucket-list adventure to Norway’s North Cape and Norwegian Fjords. Highlights include the dramatic peaks of the Lofoten Islands, crossing the Arctic Circle in Tromso and traversing the shores of Norway’s most spectacular fjords.
    The Owner’s Suite on Seabourn Sojurn, at 672 square feet, has forward facing windows perfect for the breathtaking views on this spectacular itinerary, which is all about the scenery. 
    Paris to Venice: Grand Suite on Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: 28th June 2025
    Take two days to explore the world’s most romantic city, Paris, then join an iconic journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a return to the bygone era of travel in the Art Deco 1920s carriages from Paris to Venice.
    The famous Grand Suites inspired by Paris, Venice, Istanbul, Vienna, Prague, and Budapest are adorned with hand-crafted furnishings from dark wood and embossed leather to delicate silk, with private in-cabin dining, 24-hour butler service and spacious, marble-adorned en-suite bathrooms.
    Adriatic Sea: Owner’s Suite on Silversea’s Silver Spirit: 2nd July 2025
    Depart Venice to visit mosaic-adorned Ravenna before a relaxing journey to Croatia’s most-loved islands and their hidden coves, with crystal-clear waters and spectacular red-roofed towns, including lovely Zadar and fairytale-like Rovinj.
    The Owner’s Suite, with up to 1,668 square feet of space, is a stylish apartment with spacious living room, enormous veranda, Italian marbled bathroom and afternoon canapé and champagne service.
    Return to Venice for another three days to explore, retiring each evening to one of the city’s most luxurious hotels.
    Greece and Croatia: Owner’s Residence on Explora Journeys’ Explora I:  12th July 2025
    Cruise the Adriatic to the Peloponnese, visiting the enchanting walled city of Dubrovnik and iconic Athens.
    The Owner’s Residence is the largest living space on the ship, with over 3,000 square feet of space, and spans the vessel’s full width with an infinity whirlpool on the private terrace, and spacious interior finished to the highest standards with plenty of welcome extras such as a welcome bottle of Dom Perignon 2013. 
    Island Hopping in the Mediterranean: Owner’s Suite on Ponant’s Le Ponant:  19th July 2025
    The yacht-like, 32-guest Le Ponant sets forth on an island-hopping adventure in Greece and Montenegro, sailing from the unspoilt Greek islands of Pylos and Spetses to Montenegro’s stunning Kotor and Tivat, something very exclusive to end the extraordinary journey. It would be possible to charter to whole vessel to complete the odyssey in style in the company of close friends.
    The Owner’s Suite, an ultra-modern delight of 505 square feet, includes indulgent spa treatments on this little gem of a yacht.
    Disembark in Dubrovnik for a short flight back to London on 26th July 2025.
    Prices for this 105-day Ultimate Luxury Cruise itinerary start from £239,999 per person including Business and First Class flights, all overseas transfers, five-star hotels throughout and all cruises featured.
    For more information and reservations, call 020 7399 7670 or visit www.mundycruising.co.uk

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    KAUST professor with disability concludes 30-day hand cycling journey across Saudi Arabia

    Traversing from East to West across ten cities throughout the Kingdom in 30 days, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Professor of Applied Mathematics and Computational Science Matteo Parsani concludes his journey “Athar: East to West.”
    Covering a long route that included Dammam, Riyadh, Qassim (Buraydah), Hail, AlUla, Red Sea Global, AlMadinah, Makkah, Jeddah, and concluding at KAUST, Professor Parsani hand-cycled a distance of over 3,000 kilometers, averaging 150 kilometers per day.
    Six years ago, Professor Parsani faced a life-altering incident that left him with the loss of movement and sensation in the lower part of his body. Through years of meticulous monitoring and successful rehabilitation, Professor Parsani made a remarkable decision to embark on the unprecedented coast-to-coast hand bike journey across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to promote physical activities, sports and raise awareness about people with disabilities. Drawing inspiration from the motivational words of the Crown Prince, who declared, “We dream, and we achieve!”, Professor Parsani commenced his extraordinary journey on December 17, 2023. This Herculean undertaking not only symbolizes personal triumph over adversity but also serves as inspiration for all people.
    Professor Parsani visited the headquarters of the Authority for Persons with Disabilities in Riyadh and multiple rehabilitation centers across the Kingdom such as the Onaizah Association for Development and Human Services (Ta’heel), the Children with Disabilities Association and engaged with persons with disabilities at AlBaik branches in Qassim, Hail and the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. Throughout his journey, Professor Parsani was warmly welcomed in each city, experiencing the genuine hospitality of Saudi Arabia, known as “Hafawah,” at every stop along the way.
    Professor Parsani shared his valuable experience with locals in each city, gaining insights into the unique traditions of each region. He expressed his sentiments about the hospitality he received. “I have experienced warm hospitality wherever I stopped. I have made friends in different parts of the Kingdom and this is an experience that I will forever cherish.”ADVERTISEMENTAdditionally, the determined professor shed light on the physical challenges he encountered during the journey and the motivation to overcome them. “It was a challenging 30-day journey, and I am happy to embody my message – and that is to dream big; you can do anything you set your mind to. With support and willpower, I was able to take on the challenge.”

    KAUST President Tony Chan commended Professor Parsani’s unwavering determination to undertake such an adventurous journey. “We applaud Professor Matteo for his incredible 30-day hand cycling journey across Saudi Arabia, showcasing his grit and the power of the human spirit. His accomplishment is a singular reflection of his personal resilience, but Prof. Matteo will also be first to acknowledge his team and the support of the KAUST community and the citizens of Saudi Arabia and indeed the global community,” he said.
    The initiative took place with the support of several Saudi government entities and commercial partners, including the Ministry of Sport, Ministry of Interior, Saudi Embassy in the U.S., Authority for Persons with Disabilities, AlBaik, Shushah Island, Red Sea Global, Diriyah Gate Development Authority, the Royal Commission for AlUla, Saee, Saudi Sports for All Federation, Saudi Motorsport Company, Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Saudi Cycling Federation, Four Seasons, Montana Water, Baitna, Saudi Youth for Sustainability, as well as international entities such as McLaren Applied, McLaren F1, E1 Series, Sparco, Lucid, DMTC Agency, Villa Beretta Rehabilitation Research Innovation Institute, Solema, Politecnico di Milano, Viktor Elettromedicali & Physio, Partanna, LOVATO Electric and L.I.F.E (X10X).

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    Ahead of FITUR TourReview unveils Spain’s ten best-rated travel destinations in 2023

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    Ahead of FITUR TourReview unveils Spain’s ten best-rated travel destinations in 2023

    Ahead of FITUR, TourReview, the technology-driven travel review platform for the tours and activities sector, has released its findings on Spain’s tourism landscape in 2023.
    Analysing over 1.9 million reviews from platforms including TripAdvisor, Google, GetYourGuide, Expedia, and Viator, the report from TourReview sheds light on the most coveted destinations in the fragmented tours & activities space where reviews are considered the most valuable asset.
    Jose Arozarena, CEO at TourReview, commented: “Real-time feedback on what travellers value is essential for providers of tours and activities to adapt their products, build their teams, adjust pricing, and more. The insights derived from this snapshot of Spain tell us much about what travellers visiting the country really want. Providers all across the country should be thinking about what these leading experiences are doing that they can learn from and borrow from.”
    Arozarena further added, “As part of our commitment to enhancing the tours and activities sector, TourReview will be actively engaging with industry leaders, sharing our insights at FITUR Madrid. We are excited to unveil not only the best-rated destinations but also discuss how our platform is poised to contribute to the evolution of the industry.”
    The following Spanish cities ranking among the top ten, according to traveller evaluations on a scale of 1 to 5 are:ADVERTISEMENTBarcelona (1,089,128 reviews) received a 4.38 rating. Barcelona takes the lead with a solid rating of 4.38, emphasising its appeal for travellers seeking quality gastronomic experiences. Iconic attractions such as La Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlló contribute to its international acclaim.Madrid (665,239 reviews): Rating: 4.03. Securing the second spot with a rating of 4.03, Madrid captivates tourists with cultural landmarks like the Parque del Retiro and the Prado Museum. Gastronomic tours also play a significant role in the city’s experiences offering to travellers.Seville (38,957 reviews): Rating: 3.97. Seville earns the third place with a rating of 3.97 and showcases a captivating mix of Flamenco shows, the Plaza España, and gastronomic tours, solidifying its position as a top travel destination.Santiago de Compostela (15,529 reviews): Rating: 4.23. Santiago de Compostela, earning a rating of 4.23, stands out for its cultural jewels, including the iconic Cathedral and picturesque landscapes, making it a preferred destination for day excursions.Malaga (9,880 reviews): Rating: 3.98. With a rating of 3.98, Malaga entices visitors with cultural attractions like the Glass and Crystal Museum and the Picasso Museum, as well as its delightful climate.Mallorca (7,283 reviews): Rating: 3.80. Mallorca secures the sixth spot with a rating of 3.80, primarily influenced by tours exploring its natural attractions, including pristine beaches and turquoise waters.Valencia (5,783 reviews): Rating: 3.85. Valencia, at seventh place with a rating of 3.85, offers a perfect day with its iconic paella, Arts and Sciences Museum, and natural parks.San Sebastian-Donostia (4,842 reviews) rating: 3.97. San Sebastian – Donostia, with a rating of 3.97, entices visitors with stunning beaches and a gastronomic scene that places it among the top travel destinations.Toledo (1,038 reviews): Rating: 4.49. Toledo, earning a rating of 4.49, enchants tourists with its walled mediaeval city and exceptional sightseeing tours.Bilbao (938 reviews): Rating: 5.00. Bilbao, rounding off the list with a perfect rating of 5.00, boasts one of the world’s most renowned museums, the Guggenheim, while its gastronomic scene solidifies its appeal among international tourists.

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    Could adult-only flights really ‘take off’?

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    Could adult-only flights really ‘take off’?

    The recent news that Dutch carrier Corendon Airlines has started offering adult-only areas on its flights garnered widespread media attention around the world.  Rightly so, as it seems that passengers have long been crying out for this service according to an article published in the Spectator that was based on a survey from PhotoAID.
    Corendon’s route from Amsterdam to Curaçao in the Caribbean will have a dedicated section at the front of the plane – where those over 16-years-old can enjoy “peace and quiet” – in a move that it says will improve the experience for both those travelling with and without children.
    While this move is likely to be popular among many passengers, what does the industry think?  Could this trend actually ‘take off’?  And what do buyers and suppliers need to do to tap into it? We spoke with several experts from the travel technology distribution space for their reactions.
    Pointing out that ‘adults only’ travel services currently exist in the hotel industry, several cruise lines offer ‘adults only’ sections or facilities on various ships, and there are tour operators that focus on adult-only trips, Henry Harteveldt from Atmosphere Research Group recommends that anyone entering into this space do their research first. “Do you have enough customers to make this endeavor worthwhile? Is this profitable? Will this favorably distinguish your brand? Will you be able to sell and service this through all the channels you sell through – including travel agencies, if you use them? If the answers are favorable, a robust and comprehensive marketing strategy – and budget – will be critical. Relying just on search engine optimization and search and social media marketing to create awareness and generate interest won’t be adequate. You’ll need an integrated marketing campaign that encompasses PR, advertising in relevant media, targeted email, promotional activity – and, yes, SEO, SEM, and social media marketing.”
    To be successful the idea will require investment from both sellers and B2B buyers of flights: “Travel providers and intermediaries need to think carefully about how they would sell and market this new service,” says Janis Dzenis from price-comparison website WayAway. “Currently, adult-only flights aren’t a typical search term for consumers – many wouldn’t know this is now a real option.  A PR or marketing campaign would be needed, alongside new technology that can help adult-only flights appear in the booking flow.  OTAs and metasearch companies should consider adding a filter for this emerging service, and consider guiding people to it on their websites, as it’s not something people will naturally know they can search for.”ADVERTISEMENTIt’s not just airlines that stand to benefit from this being a success, “travel sellers and buyers of accommodation too should think about how to maximise this new trend,” adds Gareth Matthews from global travel distribution provider Didatravel.  “This could be a great opportunity to sell the ultimate adult-only package holiday, for example.  Hotels have already mastered the adult-only concept and many have highly successful business models, plus loyal customers and strong distribution networks.  Now, the ability to package this with a matching adult-only flight could be a win-win-win for travellers, distributors and suppliers.”
    Broadly agreeing with this view, Haluk Kayhan, CEO at PrimeTravel, a fast-growing B2B travel distributor providing accommodations around the world adds: “For retail travel agents sat their facing the client in person or selling over the phone this represents a unique opportunity to add value and personalize a trip – they can judge whether or not a traveller is likely to be interested in an adult only cabin experience in a way that an online seller can’t do in the same way. So we’d recommend that airlines considering this explore the retail sales channel route above others. The prospect of adult-only flights therefore presents an exciting opportunity for both travellers seeking a serene journey and for the industry too.”

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    France to Keep Its Crown as Most Popular Destination for International Visitors, Reveals WTTC

    Latest flight booking data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and its knowledge partner ForwardKeys, shows France is set to keep its pole position as the world’s most popular destination for international arrivals this year.The research reveals a positive outlook for France’s inbound travel, with arrivals set to almost reach pre-pandemic highs this year.
    During her participation at the Destination France event taking place in Chantilly and hosted by President Macron, Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, praised France for its steely focus in recognising the economic and cultural value Travel & Tourism brings in jobs and contribution to GDP. This is achieved through a strong private sector working well with government and the regions.
    According to latest analysis from WTTC and ForwardKeys, the leading travel data and analytics company, international arrivals in France for the first half of 2024 are at 93% of the same period in 2019, with France cementing its position as the world’s most popular destination.
    International arrivals to France are surging significantly in the first half of this year, providing a welcome boost to the sector, which, at its peak, contributed €220 billion to the national economy, and Travel & Tourism businesses up and down the country, supporting 2.7 million livelihoods.
    Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “France’s commitment to Travel & Tourism is not just reflected in the impressive data, but in the unwavering efforts of the government.ADVERTISEMENT“President Macron recognises the real value Travel & Tourism brings to France in terms of the economy, jobs and its standing on the world stage. His support has ensured France remains the world’s most popular destination.”
    Research also shows that airlines are ramping up their capacity to match the growing demand from around the world, with the number of seats set to surpass 2019 levels this year.
    Olivier Ponti, Vice President Insights at ForwardKeys, added: “With flight bookings on the rise and air carriers set to introduce a record number of seats, France enters 2024 in a strong position.
    “Capitalising on the successful hosting of the Rugby World Cup 2023 and on the growing exposure provided by the upcoming Olympic Games, the country is set to be one of most thought-after destinations this year for both regional and long-haul markets.”
    This rise in passenger capacity is led by Orly Airport, with an increase of 28%, reaching nearly eight million. Charles de Gaulle remains the busiest airport in France, to reach 18.5 million in the first six months of 2024, just 3% below 2019 levels.
    Paris is the world’s most powerful city destination. According to accommodation data from WTTC Knowledge Partner, CoStar, occupancy rates in the French capital reached above 2019 level in the first half of 2023 for over half of hotel classes.
    In 2024, other French cities are also going to be popular attractions for foreign visitors. Nice is among the top-performing European cities, with international arrivals expected to reach 94% of pre-pandemic levels.
    France as a destination is becoming increasingly popular amongst Spanish and Canadian travellers, with international arrivals exceeding 2019 levels by more than 64% and 54%, respectively.
    Irish and South Korean travellers are returning to France in their droves, with visitor numbers up from 2019 levels by 19% and 16%, respectively.
    Travellers to France are also spending more money, with bookings of premium cabins witnessing a surge of 21% compared to pre-pandemic levels in the first half of the year.
    Last year, WTTC’s Economic Impact Research (EIR) revealed that the French Travel & Tourism sector is expected to grow at an average of 3% annually over the next decade, twice the 1.5% annual growth rate of the country’s overall economy, to reach more than €297 billion (9.7% of the total economy).
    The forecast also revealed the Travel & Tourism sector in France, is expected to create more than 555,000 jobs in the next 10 years, averaging nearly 56,000 new jobs every year, reaching nearly 3.3 million employed within the sector by 2033.

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