Eliana Willis

Internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro will debut his immersive public art installation Field of Light, spanning more than six-acres from 38th to 41st Street on First Avenue, just south of the United Nations, at the proposed mixed-use Freedom Plaza being developed by the Soloviev Group.Scheduled to open in Fall 2023 and remain in place for 12 months, Field of Light will transform this six-acre site into a welcoming art installation for members of the community and all New Yorkers, as well as present meaningful opportunities for engagement and educational programming.
Made possible by the Soloviev Foundation, Field of Light will honor New York City as a beacon of freedom and hope around the world. Inspired by the human connection to the stars, the essential elements of our universe, the Freedom Plaza installation will feature an array of 17,000 lowlight, fiber-optic stemmed spheres, which will illuminate with a slow, subtle change of hue. The effect will be that of a muted and ethereal painted landscape. Existing at the nexus of art, technology and nature, Field of Light will create a contemplative moment in this totally unique waterfront open space.
London-born Munro is globally recognized for large-scale light-based artworks inspired by his lifelong study of natural light and curiosity about shared human experiences.
“Bruce shares an aligned commitment to the use of sustainable and innovative technologies to spark imagination and push the bounds of creativity. We are thrilled to work with him on this significant project,” said Stefan Soloviev, Chairman of Soloviev Group.
“Light has always played a major part in my life and work, and for me, is a natural medium to use. With the light installation at Freedom Plaza in Manhattan, I intend to stimulate the imagination and senses of any viewer by creating a breathtaking immersive experience that utilizes every hue of light to create a visual Eden,” said artist Bruce Munro.ADVERTISEMENT“New York City has always been and continues to be a global epicenter of freedom and the creative spirit. The unique six-acre site at Freedom Plaza provides a rare opportunity to showcase Bruce’s inspirational and bold vision to New York City,” said Michael Hershman, CEO of Soloviev Group. “We are thrilled to share the Field of Light exhibit with our community this fall.”
Details about access and site logistics will be made public over the coming months.
Munro’s work has been commissioned by and displayed in gallery exhibitions, parks, cathedrals, botanical gardens, and museums across the globe, including New York’s Guggenheim Museum; the Sharjah Museum of Art in the UAE; Sotheby’s Beyond Limits at Chatworth, Victoria & Albert Museum, London; Uluru, Northern Territory Australia—the inspiration for the Field of Light; Texas Arboretum at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center; and most recently Kings Canyon, Northern Territory, Australia, among others. His work is also held in the permanent collections of museums and public art collections worldwide.
An anticipated museum at Freedom Plaza will highlight the promotion of human rights and the advancement of freedom of speech, thought, and expression. The museum’s extensive collection will feature artwork from celebrated international artists, large scale experiential installations, and significant historical artifacts. The permanent display will include renowned masterpieces, as well as slabs from the Berlin Wall, a timely and reflective symbol of hope, peace, and reunification.
The proposed Freedom Plaza will feature over four acres of sustainable green open space with walking paths; a world-class hotel and an array of shopping and dining options; two residential towers with a significant number of permanently affordable apartments; robust waterfront access; and a proposed gaming facility for New York’s Downstate gaming license bid in partnership with global entertainment district leader, Mohegan.
This socially and environmentally responsible development will link to the East River Esplanade and be accessible from Grand Central Station and the 34th Street Ferry. Soloviev Group and Mohegan share a vision to deliver on fundamentals that strengthen local communities, including pursuing carbon-neutral development, creating new public open space, adding affordable housing amid the current shortage, and generating thousands of new jobs and economic benefits for the community and the city as a whole.

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JAMAICA WINS CARIBBEAN HOTEL AND TOURISM ASSOCIATION DESTINATION RESILIENCE AWARD

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The Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica (2nd from L), holds Jamaica’s Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA’s) Destination Resilience Award. Sharing in the moment are (L-R) Mrs. Nicola Madden-Greig, President, CHTA; Ewald Biemens, Owner, Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort, Aruba; Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board; Kyle Mais, Managing Director, Jamaican Inn; Vanessa Ledesma-Berrios, Acting CEO & Director General, CHTA; Josef Forstmayr, Managing Director, Round Hill Hotel and Villas; Marc Melville, CEO, Chukka Caribbean; and Fiona Fennell, Public Relations and Communications Manager, Jamaica Tourist Board.
Jamaica has been awarded the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA’s) Destination Resilience Award for its recovery efforts during the COVID-19 Pandemic and tourism resilience-building initiatives.The Caribbean Destination Resilience Award recognizes destinations with a deliberate focus on resilience as indicated by their commitments to address some or all of the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO’s) 17 sustainable development goals. Special emphasis is placed on highlighting destinations which subscribe to a collaborative and partnership-focused approach, engaging public and private sector stakeholders in innovative, needs-driven strategies.     
Jamaica was at the forefront of thought leadership at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. The island, under the stewardship of the Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, immediately created a COVID-19 Recovery Taskforce with public and private sector stakeholders. Based on the innovative initiatives from this Taskforce, Jamaica reopened its borders in June 2020 and never closed since.
In accepting the award, Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Edmund Bartlett said, “This award is for my entire tourism team and all our private and public sector partners who immediately saw the need to keep the lifeblood of the country open. From the minds and hard work of the team, Jamaica was first out of the blocks on the road to recovery.”
Robust health and safety protocols were implemented to help mitigate the spread of the disease. In fact, these protocols received the World Travel and Tourism Council’s ‘Safe Travels’ stamp of approval. With the creation of Resilient Corridors, Jamaica was able to resume tourism activities safely and seamlessly as these designated areas had a strong COVID-19 infrastructure in place.
“It is a pleasure to recognize my home country with this destination resilience award as it validates the countless hours and effort that went into the recovery through our public and private sector partners to ensure the survival of tourism,” said President of the CHTA, Mrs. Nicola Madden-Greig.ADVERTISEMENT“It was no easy feat to reopen our borders in such a short space of time and this award highlights the importance of partnerships in a crisis,” said Director of Tourism, Donovan White. “We’re truly grateful and deeply honored to receive this distinction.”
For more information on Jamaica, please go to www.visitjamaica.com.

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Minister Bartlett Receives CHTA President’s Award for Caribbean Excellence in Tourism

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(HM CHTA AWARD): Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett (C) accepts the President’s Award for Caribbean Excellence in Tourism from President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), Mrs. Nicola Madden-Greig (L). Sharing in the moment is Vanessa Ledesma-Berrios, Acting CEO & Director General CHTA.
Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has been recognized for his stellar contribution to the regional tourism industry. The Minister received the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s prestigious President’s Award for Caribbean Excellence in Tourism during the Travel Forum and Awards luncheon held at Sandals Royal Barbados.
“The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association is acutely aware that resilience strengthens Caribbean tourism, and it is a message that has reached all corners of the region and the world largely because of the efforts of one man, the Honourable Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s dynamic Minister of Tourism. This is one of the many reasons why we honour him today,” said President of the CHTA, Mrs. Nicola Madden-Greig.
One of Minister Bartlett’s notable international successes was the establishment of The Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC), which assembles distinguished international experts to examine resilience from multiple viewpoints, a timely and much needed forum for the examination of the key elements needed to strengthen the region’s major economic driver, tourism.
“It is always good to be recognized for your hard work and dedication, but this award is extra special as it is coming from my regional partners who I have worked shoulder to shoulder with for many years to improve our tourism experience and ultimately arrivals and earnings,” said Minister Bartlett.
Mr Bartlett was also cited as an advocate for harmonizing cooperation and collaboration among Caribbean countries and has called for a single use visa to encourage visitors to travel to multiple destinations in the region.ADVERTISEMENTHe has also encouraged the larger international airlines to dedicate more flights to the Caribbean. Stressing it was possible to compete as well as cooperate with each other, he coined the word “co-petition.”
“There is much more work to be done and I believe that the Caribbean is poised for even greater achievements in tourism,” added Minister Bartlett.
“Tourism in the Caribbean and Jamaica are that much better off for having an innovative thought leader like Minister Bartlett and we all wholeheartedly congratulate him,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism.

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Miral Destinations and Wego ink deal to promote Yas Island Kids Go Free summer campaign

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JAMAICA WINS CARIBBEAN HOTEL AND TOURISM ASSOCIATION DESTINATION RESILIENCE AWARD More

Miral Destinations, the trusted one-stop trade and promotional partner for Yas Island and Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi, has partnered with Wego, the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), to roll out joint marketing campaigns in 2023. The deal, which was inked at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) on May 3, falls under a GCC awareness campaign to promote the highly anticipated opening of SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi on May 23 and Yas Island’s ‘Kids Go Free’ summer offering.
The agreement was signed by Liam Findlay, CEO of Miral Destinations and Mr. Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Commercial Officer & Managing Director – MENA and India, Wego, and was held in presence of Mohamed Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, with the attendance of representatives from both entities.
“We are pleased to be joining hands once again with Wego to offer guests and travelers best-in-class leisure and entertainment experiences on Yas Island,” said Liam Findlay, CEO of Miral Destinations. “As we gear up to unveil the region’s first Marine Life Theme Park, SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, on May 23, we are delighted to see positive footfall and an increasing interest from visitors at ATM after showcasing a glimpse of the immersive marine experience that awaits guests at Yas Island’s newest attraction. Coupled with our family-friendly summer packages, guests from around the world can look forward to enjoying a wider range of world-class offerings on Yas Island.” 
Commenting on this regards, Mr. Mamoun Hmedan, CCO and MD, MENA and India of Wego, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Miral Destinations to bring the magic of the ‘SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi’ theme park to adventure-seekers worldwide, offering a thrilling experience like no other. Our collaboration reflects our vision of providing travelers with unparalleled experiences and creating unforgettable memories. We look forward to continuing to work with Miral destinations to drive more travelers to their must-see
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is the latest addition to Yas Island’s award-winning entertainment portfolio, which includes world-leading theme parks Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi. Visitors at the Arabian Travel Market witnessed first-hand an immersive experience of the park inside a submarine, bringing guests one step closer to the underwater world of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi which will soon be revealed to the public later this month. ADVERTISEMENTEarlier this month, Miral Destinations announced the return of ‘Kids Go Free’ summer packages during ATM. The offering, which is valid for purchase until September 30, 2023, allows guests and children to stay, play and dine for free as they extend their stay on the island and avail access to all three award-winning theme parks during the summer season. 
For more information on Miral Destinations, please visit: https://miral.ae/destinations/ 
For more information on Wego, please visit: https://www.wego.ae/en

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Jamaica to host Caribbean Travel Marketplace in 2024 at Montego Bay More

Jamaica is set to host Caribbean Travel Marketplace in 2024 at Montego Bay. We bring you this exclusive breaking news from on the ground from Caribbean Travel Forum 2023.
The Honourable Edmund Bartlett has stated “we are delighted” to be hosting the event in 2024.
Jamaica was the winner in 2022 of Caribbean’s Best MICE Destination 2022 at World Mice Awards
Montego Bay Convention Center was voted Jamaica’s Best Convention Centre 2022 at World Mice Awards
Take a 360 Virtual Tour of CHA 2024 Venue Montego Bay Convention Center
For those looking to travel to Montego Bay check out some great activities, hotels and attractions here

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Life’s a beach: 4 reasons to visit Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi’s picturesque beaches

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Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, (3rd R) pauses for a photo at the end of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) Travel Forum Panel held at Sandals Royal Barbados today. Sharing in the moment are (l-r) Hon. Kenneth Bryan, Minister of Tourism and Transport, Cayman Islands, and Chairman, Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO); Hon. Ian Gooding-Edghill, Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Barbados; President of the CHTA, Mrs. Nicola Madden-Grieg; Marc Melville, CEO, Chukka Caribbean and Renee Coppin, Chairman of the Barbados Hotel and Tourist Association.
Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has urged regional tourism stakeholders to redefine the industry in what can now be described as the new post-COVID era.Speaking at the Caribbean Hotel and Tourist Association’s (CHTA) Travel Forum and Awards Luncheon today at Sandals Royal Barbados, Minister Bartlett said: “In this post-COVID era, we must as a region rethink and redefine the meaning of tourism if we are to maximize our earnings and growth. We must begin to appreciate the fact that tourism is so much more than hotels, cruise lines and attractions and that there are direct, indirect and induced economic benefits in the tourism value chain that can accelerate growth in the region.”
The CHTA Travel Forum, which was held under the theme, “Tourism the Key Driver of Generational Wealth for Caribbean Nationals” included Hon. Kenneth Bryan, Minister of Tourism and Transport, Cayman Islands, and Chairman, Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO); Hon. Ian Gooding-Edghill, Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Barbados, and Marc Melville, CEO, Chukka Caribbean.
“Tourism happens successfully because of all the sectors and subsectors that supply experiences, so there is a strong place for agriculture, technology, health and manufacturing and many more. The real wealth of tourism therefore lies in the capacity to supply on the demands of the industry,” added Minister Bartlett.
The Caribbean Travel Forum, held within the margins of CHTA Caribbean Travel Marketplace, is a new event focusing on the business of tourism in the Caribbean with specific emphasis on topics such as intra-Caribbean travel with a focus on air connectivity and multi-destination marketing, sustainability, technology innovations, labour market constraints and taxation.
“If 42% of people travel for just food, it means that suppliers of agricultural goods and services have the potential to really earn, and this is just one sector. We need to let everyone know that tourism is for them because once you have an idea you can convert that idea into tangible wealth,” Minister Bartlett noted.ADVERTISEMENTThe CHTA Travel Forum panel also looked at the impact of climate change and new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence on the tourism industry. Minister Bartlett in these discussions made another call for the establishment of a Resilience Fund that would allow every traveller to contribute a monetary sum towards their carbon footprints. He also embraced the new technologies that will shape tourism in the future by advocating for “training, training, training to ensure a better understanding to leverage them.”
The 41st CHTA Caribbean Travel Marketplace, being held in Barbados from May 9-11, is the largest regional annual event, which brings together buyers and sellers of the region’s tourism products and services.

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Ryanair Places Its Biggest Boeing Order for up to 300 737 MAX Jets

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Boeing and Ryanair announced Europe’s leading low-cost airline has selected the largest 737 MAX model to power its future growth with an order for up to 300 airplanes. The purchase agreement is the biggest in Ryanair’s history and includes a firm order for 150 737-10 jets and options for 150 more.Ryanair has deployed a growing fleet of 737-8-200 airplanes to accelerate its post-pandemic recovery and meet strong travel demand. The 197-seat 737-8-200 model has helped the airline reduce fuel use and emissions by over 20% compared to the airplanes they are replacing. The new order adds the larger 737-10 variant, which offers Ryanair 228 seats and the best unit economics of any single-aisle airplane.
“Ryanair is pleased to sign this record aircraft order for up to 300 MAX 10s with our aircraft partner Boeing. These new, fuel efficient, greener technology aircraft offer 21% more seats, burn 20% less fuel and are 50% quieter than our B737-NGs,” said Michael O’Leary, Ryanair’s Group CEO.
“We expect half of this order will replace older NGs while the remaining 150 aircraft will facilitate controlled, sustainable growth to just over 300m guests per annum by 2034.  This order, coupled with our remaining Gamechanger deliveries, will create 10,000 new jobs for highly paid aviation professionals over the next decade, and these jobs will be generated across all of Europe’s main economies where Ryanair is currently the No.1 or No.2 airline,” O’Leary said.
“In addition to delivering significant revenue and market growth opportunities across Europe, we expect these new larger more efficient aircraft to drive further unit cost savings, which will be passed on to passengers in lower air fares. The extra seats, lower fuel burn and more competitive aircraft pricing supported by our strong balance sheet, will widen the cost gap between Ryanair and competitor EU airlines for many years to come, making the Boeing MAX 10 the ideal growth aircraft order for Ryanair, our passengers, our people and our shareholders.”
“The Boeing-Ryanair partnership is one of the most productive in commercial aviation history, enabling both companies to succeed and expand affordable travel to hundreds of millions of people,” said Boeing President and CEO Dave Calhoun. “Nearly a quarter century after our companies signed our first direct airplane purchase, this landmark deal will further strengthen our partnership. We are committed to delivering for Ryanair and helping the airline group achieve its goals.”ADVERTISEMENTThis new order will be posted to Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website once it is finalized.

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FOUR SEASONS ANNOUNCES NEW STANDALONE PRIVATE RESIDENCES IN LAS VEGAS, SET TO DEBUT IN 2026

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Four Seasons, leader in luxury hospitality and branded residential, together with Azure Resorts & Hotels and Luxus Developments, announce a new standalone residential project in Las Vegas that will welcome residents home in 2026.Four Seasons Private Residences Las Vegas will be set within the MacDonald Highlands community, a private 11-acre (4.5 hectare) oasis in Henderson, Nevada and minutes from the world-class entertainment, fine dining and upscale shopping of Las Vegas. The new project will comprise 171 high-rise residences with panoramic views and six standalone, family-style villas, offering a cosmopolitan lifestyle with contemporary desert design, resort-inspired amenities and fully-serviced luxury living marked by Four Seasons thoughtful and genuine care.
“We are honoured to be partnering with the legendary Four Seasons brand, known for its highly personalized service and ability to create exceptional lifestyle experiences for guests and residents alike. From the moment of arrival, owners will be greeted by elegant décor, unparalleled hospitality, and world-class amenities, attracting buyers who desire a social and active yet private community with exclusively curated experiences at their fingertips,” says Jim Reilly, President of Azure Resorts & Hotels.
“Las Vegas has always been synonymous with entertainment and excitement and now it is rapidly evolving and maturing in the quality and sophistication of its product offering. We’re excited to introduce a one-of-its-kind offering to the city, bringing an elevated lifestyle experience like never before,” adds Jonathan Lawrence, Managing Partner of Luxus Developments.
Leader in branded residential since 1985, Four Seasons continues to expand its global portfolio of luxury homes in the world’s most sought-after destinations. The company’s growing collection of standalone Private Residences offer unmatched privacy, alongside the renowned personalized service and property management expertise that homeowners can expect when living with Four Seasons.
“Our standalone residential offerings present a unique opportunity to live with Four Seasons in destinations that are appealing to luxury homeowners, outside the walls of our hotels and resorts, while still delivering the exceptional care and service to residents that is core to our brand,” says Bart Carnahan, President, Global Business Development and Portfolio Management, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “This new project in Las Vegas is the perfect addition to our standalone portfolio, catering to discerning homeowners in this important destination, and with partners who share our vision for creating an unparalleled luxury lifestyle experience in the market.”ADVERTISEMENTAbout Four Seasons Private Residences Las VegasFour Seasons Private Residences Las Vegas will be the first residential tower in Henderson and will be designed by architectural visionaries Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo (WATG). The contemporary residences will range from 2,300 to 7,300 interior square feet (213 to 678 square metres) and 500 to 5,000 exterior square feet (46 to 464 square metres), offering expansive indoor and outdoor living space with sweeping views of the Las Vegas Strip and McCullough mountain range. Residences will feature thoughtful, turnkey touchpoints including semi-private elevators, private garages, and fully-furnished interiors. Wimberly Interiors selected superior designer finishes and fixtures with a rich palette of options, including epicurean kitchens and spa-inspired bathrooms. Each residence will offer customizable terraces equipped with outdoor kitchens, social gathering spaces and dining areas, extending owners’ seamless indoor-outdoor living and style.
The new luxury residences will also feature a signature restaurant and wine bar, Noble Heights, for residents and locals to enjoy everyday dining, special occasions and much more right at their doorstep. Curated by hospitality industry veterans Elizabeth Blau and Chef Kim Canteenwalla of Blau + Associates (and Honey Salt and Buddy V’s Ristorante in Las Vegas and Crown Block Dallas), Noble Heights will anchor the community with an incomparable culinary offering complemented by unobstructed views, al fresco dining options and a culinary experience featuring ranch, farm and sea-centric cuisine alongside an elevated selection of cocktails.
Led by a Director of Residences and a dedicated Four Seasons team, residents will enjoy a service-rich environment with premier amenities such as private chef services, private wine cellars, multi-level resort-style pools, cabanas, an on-site event lawn, catering services, a pet spa, auto spa, community boardroom, library, screening room, and myriad wellness amenities including a full-service gym and spa with a sauna, steam room, whirlpool, lap pool, multiple private treatment rooms and personal training offerings. Overseeing the complete residential experience as the ongoing property managers, Four Seasons will ensure that residents and their homes are cared for with the same quality and service excellence for which the brand is renowned.
Residents will also have ease of access to surrounding scenic walking and biking trails, two pickleball courts, a virtual golf simulator within the MacDonald Highlands community as well as access to Dragon Ridge Country Club, the private golf, swim and tennis club.
Four Seasons Private Residences Las Vegas is now accepting ownership inquiries, with homes starting from USD 3 million. For more information, visit www.lasvegasprivateresidences.com or contact the Four Seasons Private Residences Las Vegas Real Estate Discovery Studio at [email protected] | (702) 630-6000.

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THE RITZ-CARLTON, NAPLES REOPENS ON JULY 6TH

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