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    Amtrak Releases FY21 Sustainability Report

    Amtrak released its FY21 Sustainability Report that showcases sustainability projects across Amtrak’s regions and operations. Throughout the report are details of Amtrak’s measured progress against annual and long-term sustainability goals that encompass greenhouse gas emissions, diesel fuel and electricity usage.“Driving sustainability at Amtrak means transforming the customer experience, reducing our carbon footprint and expanding service to new markets across America,” said Stephen Gardner, CEO at Amtrak“Recognizing the urgency to act now, Amtrak is out to change the way our country moves.”
    Today, intercity travel on Amtrak is cleaner and more sustainable than most alternatives. On average, Amtrak service is 46% more energy efficient than travel by car and 34% more efficient than domestic air travel. On the electrified Northeast Corridor, Amtrak travel emits up to 83% less greenhouse gas emissions compared to car travel and up to 72% less greenhouse gas emissions than flying. Our fully electrified service also provides the environmental benefit of zero tail pipe emissions which improves air quality in the dense urban areas we serve.
    Highlights from the report include:
    Cleaner, more climate-friendly equipment: A significant share of Amtrak’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)-provided funding will support the procurement of new train equipment. On the NEC and various State-Supported routes, this equipment will include new trainsets, including some dual-power equipment that can run on electric or diesel and other dual-power equipment that can run on battery or diesel. On Long-Distance routes, IIJA funds will support the continued procurement of fuel-efficient, Tier 4-compliant ALC-42 locomotives, which emit 89% less nitrogen oxide and 95% less particulate matter than the diesels that they are replacing.Expansion of energy-efficient passenger rail service: Large increases in population and travel demand, demographic shifts, congestion and changing travel preferences mean that Amtrak’s legacy route network does not fully meet the changing needs of the traveling public. For example, Texas and Florida, the nation’s second and third most populous states, have a combined population of just over 50 million, but those two states are served by just six Amtrak routes, some of which do not operate every day. In FY21, Amtrak released a corridor vision called Amtrak Connects US, to develop and expand intercity passenger rail corridors. Providing intercity passenger rail service to the 50 largest metropolitan areas, Amtrak’s vision aims to add service to 160 new communities, create 39 new routes and enhance 25 routes. A historic investment in expanding passenger rail, IIJA funding signifies the important role trains play in the future of sustainable transportation.Improved capacity, reliability and performance on existing routes: Guided by the Northeast Corridor Commission’s Connect NEC 2035 service development plan, the IIJA investments will make the Western Hemisphere’s busiest, highest-speed rail corridor an even more efficient, effective and resilient mode of transportation—taking countless cars off the road, driving down carbon emissions and showing what sustained, robust funding for rail could achieve in other parts of the country.Acela solar-powered gates: In 2021, Amtrak designed and deployed innovative, solar powered technology to improve security on our Northeast Corridor (NEC) Right of Way (ROW), prior to the upcoming launch of the historic new Acela service, advancing safety and sustainability together.“Providing high-quality, low-carbon rail service that takes people out of cars and planes is one of the most efficient ways to drive emissions reductions,” said Dennis Newman, Executive Vice President, Strategy, Planning & Accessibility at Amtrak. “Through more and better service, we will give additional people a chance to pitch-in and fight the climate crisis by choosing rail.”
    For more information about Amtrak’s approach to sustainability, please visit amtrak.com/sustainability.ADVERTISEMENT

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    Take a Seat at Florida’s Table with New “Foodie” Campaign

    VISIT FLORIDA and Emergent Media have announced the launch of Florida’s Table, which promotes the state’s dynamic culinary scene by showcasing a diverse handful of restaurants across Southeast Florida. Each episode features a local chef or restaurateur who is a reflection of the place they live and work. These individuals are well-versed in their particular culinary tradition, and their cultural origins are represented in the flavors they serve up. Each profile culminates in the presentation of the establishment’s distinctly Floridian signature dish.
    “We are thrilled to let people know about the incredible culinary scene that we have in Florida,” said Staci Mellman, Chief Marketing Officer, VISIT FLORIDA. “And who better to tell that story than the restaurateurs themselves? The team at Emergent Media really understands authentic storytelling for lifestyle travel content. Florida’s Table is our first culinary-focused program with Emergent Media and we love this content. Travelers already love Florida’s beautiful beaches, iconic theme parks, and hidden outdoor gems, with the launch of this effort they will discover yet another wonderful thing about Florida.”
    Distribution is driven through Emergent Media’s Paradise audience network, which embodies a curious, go-getter with experiential travel ambitions. The organic and paid social program is currently live and runs through mid-September of this year on Web, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Florida’s Table positions Florida as the perfect destination for modern explorers to satisfy their taste buds, as well as their adventure cravings.
    “At Emergent, we pride ourselves on telling authentic and relatable stories and delivering on our clients objectives,” said Jennifer Klawin, chief business officer and head of brand partnerships at Emergent Media. “We are thrilled to be partnering with VISIT FLORIDA to launch Florida’s Table and inspire our travel audience to explore the state’s diverse, locally crafted culinary offerings.”
    This premiere series, which represents an expansion of VISIT FLORIDA’s partnership with Emergent Media, features Louis Grayson of Ramen Lab Eatery in Boca Raton; Daniel Salgado of Toro Latin Kitchen + Tequila Library in Dania Beach; Rick Mace of Tropical Smokehouse in West Palm Beach; Robert Moehling of Robert Is Here in Homestead; and Kim Kelly of Hurricane Alley in Boynton Beach.ADVERTISEMENT

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    The Government of Canada releases first results of environmental measures for cruise ships

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    The Government of Canada releases first results of environmental measures for cruise ships

    The Government of Canada releases first results of environmental measures for cruise shipsCanadians have been clear that they expect a healthy environment, with clean waters and clean air—and the Government of Canada is committed to achieving these results
    In April 2022, Transport Canada announced strict environmental measures for wastewater on cruise ships that exceed international standards. These measures were put in place this year as part of the restart of cruise ships entering and operating in our waters, and will help keep our oceans and environment clean. 
    As part of this new suite of environmental measures, the cruise industry was, and continues to be, required to document and report to Transport Canada on implementation. Compliance with the enhanced measures is also verified during formal inspections of cruise ships. The first set of results from this reporting demonstrates that the cruise ship industry has successfully implemented the new measures thus far this year.
    This is significant progress towards reducing the environmental impacts of cruise ships and other vessels on the water. These strict measures, along with additional planned measures for other areas of concern, including scrubber discharges that release acidic wastewater into the ocean, will continue to help keep our waters and our environment clean.
    These new measures are consistent with the Government of Canada’s commitment to keep marine ecosystems safe and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.ADVERTISEMENTQuote s“Cruise ships are an important part of our economy and tourism sector, and we must all work together to reduce their impact on the environment, and keep our waters safe and clean for everyone. These new environmental measures are a first step towards making shipping cleaner and protecting our waters from coast to coast to coast.”
    The Honourable Omar Alghabra Minister of Transport
    “Protecting the oceans and their ecosystems is a top priority. These important measures, which exceed international standards, demonstrate how the Government of Canada is taking strong action to protect the oceans for the future. This charts a more sustainable course for the tourism industry.”

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    United International Baseball League Announces Dubai International Stadium as Official Venue

    The United International Baseball League (UIBL), the first-ever professional baseball league created to serve India, Pakistan and the Middle East, announced today its partnership with Dubai Sports City and Dubai International Stadium as the official venue for the UIBL’s Inaugural Showcase from February 23 – March 5, 2023.
    The venue will play host to nine games and one exhibition featuring four of the league’s initial franchises. Dubai International Stadium is an anchor of the Dubai Sports City complex, the premier multi-purpose sports development in Dubai. The stadium, which opened in 2009, has hosted several high-profile International Cricket Council (ICC) and Indian Premier League (IPL) tournaments, including last year’s IPL Final between the Chennai Super Kings and the Kolkata Knight Riders. The venue will also be home to the inaugural season of the International League T20 (ILT20), the UAE’s professional cricket league that begins play in January 2023.
    “It’s an honor for our league to begin play in one of the world’s most storied stadiums,” said Kanwal S. Sra, Founder, Chairman, and CEO, of the UIBL. “Dubai International Stadium is one of the jewels of the region, and it will be an incredible launchpad for the UIBL as we bring professional baseball to fans across the Middle East and South Asia. We greatly appreciate the support and partnership of Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Sports City, and the entire Dubai International Stadium team.”
    A key part of the UIBL’s growth strategy and intellectual property is the league’s proprietary process of transforming cricket fields – plentiful across the Indian Subcontinent and the Middle East – into baseball fields. This includes formulation and transportation of the infield dirt, design and implementation of the fencing, and customization and build-out of the dugouts, bullpens and pitching mound. In addition, the UIBL team is creating first-of-its-kind seating options that will get fans closer than ever to the action.
    “In the U.S., we have baseball fields in nearly every neighborhood,” said Kash Shaikh, President, and Chief Marketing Officer, UIBL. “In India and the Middle East, you can drive thousands of miles without seeing one. While we work at the grassroots level to help expand that infrastructure, we are simultaneously creating our own proprietary process to transform world-class cricket stadiums into hotbeds of professional baseball. And, since we are starting with a blank canvas, we also get to reimagine how fans can experience the game. I’m really excited about the game innovations, fan experiences, and new seating concepts we have in store.”ADVERTISEMENTThe UIBL plans to share the stadium designs and new fan seating options – including new premium and corporate seating – in the months ahead. In addition to the UIBL’s innovation plans, Dubai International Stadium is world-famous for its “Ring of Fire” – a special system of 350 floodlights fixed around the circumference of its round roof. The lights minimize the shadows and replace the need for traditional light towers.
    “We are honored to host the UIBL at Dubai International Stadium,” said Khalid Al Zarooni, President of Dubai Sports City. “This event continues our stadium’s tradition of hosting world-class international sporting events. We support the UIBL’s vision to bring baseball to our region, and we’re excited to offer fans across our city – and the world – the chance to experience America’s pastime.”

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    New Study Reveals Which Hotel Booking Website Offers the Best Deals 

    Traveling the world is a thrilling experience, however, soaring costs are making it unattainable for some vacationers.
    For most travelers, finalizing flights and accommodations are top priorities, but the cost can put a dampener on holiday excitement. However, scouting out various hotel booking websites can help save some cash.
    Travel insurance comparison site InsureMyTrip examined relevant data to determine which hotel booking website offers travelers the most cost-effective choices.
    The study compares the prices of 50 hotels in 10 global tourist hotspots. Each city is assessed on its daily rates listed on Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com and directly through the hotel’s website.
    Overall, Hotels.com offers the most cost-effective accommodations. It is cheaper than other websites in 289 instances. Expedia and direct bookings are cheaper in 283 and 159 instances respectively. Booking.com is the least cost-effective option, offering a better deal than other websites in 54 instances.In New York City hotel prices quadrupled over the past two years and the study found that the average price of a hotel room will set you back $318. However, it’s also the city where you could save the most money – if you do a bit of searching.ADVERTISEMENT
    On Booking.com the average price of a hotel room is $367. However booking through Hotels.com costs $293 on average, netting a saving of $74. Of the 50 hotels analyzed in the Big Apple Hotels.com offers the best deal 62 percent of the time.
    With its abundance of beautiful historical buildings and vibrant culture, London is a must-see city for many travelers. However, hotel prices have steadily increased. The average price of a hotel room is $307, but this can vary greatly depending on the site you are using.
    On average, rooms booked through Booking.com cost $331. While hotels booked through Hotels.com and Expedia cost an average of $286. Booking on either of these two sites is more cost-effective 82 percent of the time.
    Dubai is expected to be an incredibly popular destination this year since its neighbor, Qatar, is hosting the FIFA World Cup in November. It is predicted that many travelers will take the opportunity to explore the area, including Dubai. You can save yourself some money by searching around for accommodations. A hotel room costs an average of $143, but there are some good bargains depending on which hotel booking website you use.
    On Booking.com, the average price for a room is $166; while Expedia offers better rates. On average, a hotel room booked through Expedia costs $34 less, at $132. Booking through Expedia is the most cost-effective option 66 percent of the time.
    In Singapore, inbound flights have dramatically increased this year. It is known for its lush green spaces and impressive marina, but it can be costly to visit. On average, a hotel room will set you back $218. On Booking.com, the average price of a room is $240, but having a look at other hotel booking websites can save you some cash. On Expedia and Hotels.com, the average price of a room is $208. Using these websites is the most cost-effective option 78 percent of the time.
    Paris rounds out the top five cities where you can find the biggest bargain by searching various hotel booking sites. The city of lights is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and one of the most expensive too.
    However, comparing prices can help save you some money. Booking through Hotels.com or Expedia can help you find the best bargain. Rooms booked through Expedia cost an average of $220, compared to those on Booking.com, which cost an average of $250. Booking a room through either Expedia or Hotels.com is more cost-effective 52 percent of the time.
    Sarah Webber, Director of Marketing at InsureMyTrip commented: 
    “The high cost of travel may be discouraging for Americans. We’re hoping this data encourages protentional-travelers to take a trip, knowing they are getting the best prices on hotel rooms.”

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    Vietnam will host face-to-face gathering of the famous forum in Quang Nam province

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    Vietnam will host face-to-face gathering of the famous forum in Quang Nam province

    he Mekong Tourism Forum 2022 will return as a face-to-face event 9-14 October at Hoiana Resort & Golf (Hoiana), Quang Nam province, adjacent to Hoi An city, in central Vietnam.
    It will be the first in-person gathering of the six Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) destinations since 2019.
    With the theme “Rebuild Tourism, Rebound with Resilience,” the forum in Quang Nam will be the first interactive event convening public- and private-sector tourism leaders and experts in the Mekong region since COVID-19 disrupted the travel industry.
    “With a lot of rebuilding and catching up to do, the 2022 Mekong Tourism Forum aims to drive real action and create a more resilient, inclusive, sustainable and successful tourism industry.” said Mr. Nguyen Trung Khanh, Chairman of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.
    The main public discussions and speeches at the Forum will take place on 12 October. Speakers will focus on tourism recovery, digital transformation, supply chain localisation, social enterprise business models, and best practices for a resilient travel sector rebound, especially using latest technologies.ADVERTISEMENTTopics will include megatrends that affect tourism recovery. Panelists and experts will suggest policies, regulations and investments needed to bring back travel and tourism. There will be a special emphasis on nature-based solutions and technology adoption.
    Specific panels will address social enterprises, connecting sustainable tourism suppliers and buyers, and unlocking green tourism opportunities.
    Speakers will include leaders from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), representatives from other GMS national tourism organisations, the Asian Development Bank, Destination Mekong, Agoda, the Pacific Asia Travel Association, OAG, YAANA Ventures, EXO Travel, Travelife and the ASEAN Tourism Association, among others.
    The Mekong Forum will take place in in Hoiana Resort & Golf (Hoiana), on a beach setting just south of Hoi An UNESCO-listed heritage city. Da Nang international airport is 40 minutes from the conference venue.
    There will be complimentary airport transfers for Forum guests on 11 and 14 October. There will be post-event delegate tours in the Quang Nam area on 13 October.
    The Mekong Tourism Forum is free to attend for genuine Greater Mekong Sub-region travel and tourism stakeholders.
    Further information and registration: MekongTourismForum.org
    Quang Nam and green tourism is the focus of Visit Vietnam Year 2022.

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    River cruise specialists continue to contend with low water levels

    River cruise specialists say cancellations and amendments due to low river levels in Europe are impacting consumer confidence and adding to administrative workloads.
    Many lines are continuing to monitor levels and make changes to itineraries or transfer passengers between ships in low-water areas to ensure sailings can take place, as the continent endures one of the worst droughts in centuries.
    Riviera Travel, Scenic, A-Rosa River Cruises, AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways and APT confirmed they had faced challenges due to low water levels on the Danube and Rhine in recent weeks.
    Phil Nuttall, chief executive of the Travel Village Group, said the agency was getting around 10 days’ notice of cancellations and itinerary changes, with some customers willing to switch but others cancelling altogether.
    He added: “We are dealing with it as best we can but it’s another thing to throw at the industry and is really frustrating. Some people have waited all through Covid to go on their trip so it’s painful for them.”ADVERTISEMENTAlison Earnshaw, managing director of Cruise 118 parent World Travel Holdings, said the main impact was on consumer confidence for short-term departures, adding it was “definitely a barrier to sale”.
    She said: “Our Christmas market river cruise bookings are still fine, but anything between now and November is a challenge. We’re hoping those people who don’t book for this year will book for 2023 departures instead.”
    A-Rosa confirmed it had switched departure points away from Cologne, with transfers offered to Amsterdam and Duisburg, dependent on the ship.
    Rudi Schreiner, AmaWaterways co-owner, said the line had begun swapping ships on the Rhine and chartering day boats with lower draughts to transfer guests between vessels. Passengers affected are being offered future cruise credit based on levels of disruption.
    Janet Parton, Avalon Waterways sales and marketing director, said two Rhine sailings had been cancelled, but other “minor alterations” were mitigated as passengers could swap between nearly identical ships in the fleet.
    She added: “All we can do right now is focus on the more imminent sailings. Rain is forecast for Europe, let’s hope it comes.”
    Brad Bennetts, APT head of sales and business development, said all departures on the Rhine, Danube and Main rivers had gone ahead.But he said agents and customers had been offered the chance to amend their booking, book a new holiday or receive a refund if their itinerary was impacted, adding: “The booking cancellation rate is very low.”
    Riviera Travel said it had put measures such as ship swaps and itinerary changes in place but had only experienced “minimal disruption” so far.
    “We are monitoring the situation closely and working hard with our partners on-the-ground to ensure this continues,” a spokesperson added. “We’d like to thank guests for their support and understanding.”
    Scenic confirmed “key” sections of rivers it operated on had been affected but pointed out that conditions could change “significantly”.

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    Caribbean tourism exec Warren Solomon dies

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    Caribbean tourism exec Warren Solomon dies

    The CTO described Solomon as “a longtime friend of our organization and a champion of tourism across the Caribbean. He enjoyed a long and stellar career in tourism, spanning product development, marketing, hospitality and sales, which made his contribution to the regional sector as far-reaching as it was influential.”
    Solomon served as Montserrat’s tourism director from February 2019 to February 2022. Prior to that post, he was director of tourism at the Tobago House of Assembly, vice president and tourism director at the Tourism & Industrial Development Co. of Trinidad and Tobago and marketing manager at the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism.

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