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    “Spring Blanc”: Events and Sunshine Skiing in Ischgl

    Springtime in Ischgl is one more reason to hit the slopes: From the end of March to early May the so-called “Spring Blanc” takes place, a mix of sporty, music and culinary events as well as sunshine skiing, ensuring fun on and away from the region’s pistes.Sun, snow, spring temperatures, excellent cuisine and spectacular open-air concerts. At the end of March, Ischgl ups its game once again with “Spring Blanc”, an event series at the Silvretta Arena, that will surely bring additional enjoyable reasons to spend springtime in the snow. The Top of the Mountain Easter Concert with German rapper Nina Chuba on 31 March 2024 marks the official kick off, afterwards holidaymakers can look forward to a colourful mix of food, music, and top-notch skiing up until the season closing on 1 May 2024. Among the Highlights: Culinary festivals and competitions, the Top of the Mountain Spring, Easter and Closing Concerts with international headliners including the Black Eyed Peas, the Spring Snow Festival at the Alp Trida and smaller special moments (see full event schedule below).
    The best thing about it:  The Silvretta Arena with its 239 km of slopes is located 2,000m above sea level, meaning skiers can whizz down the pistes, and enjoy exhilarating powder descents before and after the events up until the very end of the season.More information: www.ischgl.com
    Spring Blanc – Event schedule
    21/03/2024   Top of the Mountain Easter ConcertAt the Idalp with Nina Chuba (German rapper/actress)
    05/04/2024   sun.downerSunset with a lounge vibe and cocktails from 7 to 9 pm at Pardatschgrat (2,624 m)ADVERTISEMENT07/04/2024   grenzenlos.kulinarischInternational food trucks and music at the Swiss-Austrian border at Flimjoch
    10/04 –11/04/2024   Austrian Ski Cross Championship (and Junior Championship)
    14/04/2024   Top of the Mountain Spring ConcertAt the Idalp with Andreas Gabalier (Austrian folk rock’n’roll star)
    14/04 – 30/04/2024   dine.aroundIschgl’s award-winning restaurants await guests cheese and wine tastings, themed menus, gourmet safaris, and more
    17/04 –18/04/2024   Ski World Cup of Gastronomy13th edition of the skiing event at the Idalp where chefs, bartenders, and sommeliers compete against each other
    19/04/2024   sun.downerSunset with a lounge vibe and cocktails from 7 to 9 pm at Pardatschgrat (2,624 m)
    21/04/2024   International Spring Snow Festival Alp TridaWith German rock duo The BossHoss
    21/04 –22/04/2024   Star Cup of the ChefsMore than 40 award-winning chefs from Austria and Germany compete against each other on the slopes and in the kitchen
    23/04/2024   Tourism Games by IschglChefs, bar keepers and hospitality marketing talents under 30 compete against each other on the Ischgl Stage
    30/4/2024     Top of the Mountain Closing ConcertWith the Black Eyed Peas at the Idalp
    Galtür Nordic Volumes for Cross-Country Fans
    Fans of cross-country skiing will be delighted that the Galtür Nordic Volumes, a four-day festival dedicated to the sports, will take place for the third time from 21 – 24 March 2024.  Cross-country skiers can look forward to races, including the Galtür Nordic Night Race, a Junior Race and the Cross Country Climb from Galtür to Bielerhöhe (considered a FIS race!), with a total prize money of 15,000 EURO (approx. 14,000 GBP) – registration is now open!New this year: The Tirol Nordic 3 Challenge where racers can compete in three events in Tirol.Apart from the competitions, there are daily workshops with experts, and a cross-country skiing camp, plus the chance to try out all the latest gear from Fischer Sports, LEKI and gloryfy unbreakable.
    Click here for information and registration

    Galtür Nordic Volumes – Event schedule
    21/03/2024   Galtür Nordic Night Race5th edition with races for pros, amateurs and kids
    22/03/2024   Cross-Country CampFree workshops for all skill levels, including beginners
    23/03/2024   Galtür Cross Country ClimbA picturesque route for intermediates and pros
    24/03/2024   Junior RaceA 5 km-long race for teenagers born between 2009 and 2012
    21/03 –24/03 2024   Expo & Ski TestCross-country exhibition and chance to try new gear on-site

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    The Best Romantic Wellness Retreats for Valentines Day

    With Valentines Day just around the corner, rediscover romance with the finest wellness retreats to suit the preferences of any couple. Whether you’re an adventurous, outgoing fitness duo or partners looking for a more holistic experience, Health and Fitness Travel, the wellness holidays specialists has amassed a variety of wellbeing breaks to rekindle that deep, intimate connection with your significant other. From setting out together to discover the vast landscapes and rich culture of Qatar, to exhilarating fitness breaks in the UK, or whisking your partner away to Italy for a romantic and revitalising mindfulness retreat, there is truly something to suit every couple.
    For Detox & Spa Couples: Detox Retreat at Glass House, UK
    Tucked away in the verdant English countryside, just over an hour from London, Glass House offers a wellness escape from the hustle and bustle and a detox retreat for you and your loved one to restore a feeling of vitality. Guests are encouraged to put phones away during their stay so that they’re able to really feel the amazing impact on mind and body from the vast range of wellness options available – specialist cryotherapy, guided fitness classes, meditation, and couples’ luxury massages in the spa. Leave Glass House together feeling refreshed and reconnected.
    Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Glass House from £1,660pp. Price includes accommodation, full board, a wellness programme and return private transfers.
    For Fitness & Spa Couples: Fusion Fitness at Gleneagles, UKADVERTISEMENTFor the perfect balance between exercise and relaxation, find Gleneagles nestled among the dramatic hills of Scotland. This luxury wellness resort offers the freedom to pick from a fantastic array of health and fitness solutions, you and your loved one can combine your favourite cardio, strength and sport, mind and body and renewal activities, resulting in a Fusion Fitness experience meticulously tailored to your health goals as a couple. Whether it’s personal training, boxing, spin circuits, golf, yoga, Pilates, or simply indulging in a luxurious hot stone massage, you can really find it all here, giving both of you just the momentum needed to carry you through the year ahead.
    Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 4 nights at Gleneagles from £1,485pp. Price includes accommodation, breakfast, a wellness programme and return private transfers.
    For Relaxing Spa Couples: Short Break at Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel, Portugal
    If a long weekend of complete tranquillity is what you and your partner are looking for, Longevity Health and Wellness is just right. Enjoy a healthy break together finding a profound sense of relaxation and restoration with this luxury pampering experience. Indulge yourselves with spa treatments during your stay, including calming aromatherapy massages and heavenly express facials. When you’re not savouring the splendour of these wellness therapies, why not head up to the rooftop pool with each other and marvel at the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Leave Portugal having shared a blissful experience that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
    Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 2 nights at Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel from £515pp. Price includes accommodation, breakfast, a wellness programme and return private transfers.
    For Zen & Mindful Couples: Wellness for 2 at Preidlhf, Italy
    For a truly romantic and unforgettable luxury wellness break, there aren’t many destinations that can match what Italy has to offer, from the diverse and beautiful scenery to the lovable, laidback culture and world-renowned food. Preidlhof facilitates powerful and unique ways of connecting with your other half using sensory and interactive spa rituals, indulge in multiple luxury therapies, including Red Hammam, as well as aroma and olive oil massages. Use this opportunity to bring you and your partner closer together, connecting in new and exciting ways that will enrich your relationship and creating lasting memories.
    Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 5 nights at Preidlhof from £2,100pp. Price includes accommodation, full board, a wellness programme and return private transfers.
    For Adventure-Wellness driven Couples: Qatar Discover Recover, Qatar
    Escape to Qatar and immerse yourselves in this diverse and intriguing Middle Eastern culture. Discover museums that display over 1400 years of Islamic artifacts, embark on breath-taking helicopter rides that capture birds eye views of the dazzling Doha city, and traverse deep into the Qatari desert with each other on camelback. After all the exploration, why not recover treating yourselves to an enticing array of traditional wellness therapies at Zulal Wellness Resort. Enjoy this blissful period of relaxation surrounded by an awe-inspiring landscape before returning home with your partner, having shared a unique and memorable wellness adventure together.
    Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 10 nights with Qatar Discover Recover from £5,180pp. Price includes accommodation, full board, a wellness programme and return private transfers.
    For Active Spa Couples: All-Inclusive at StolenTime, St Lucia
    Active couples understand the significance of rest and recovery. If you’re seeking a Valentine’s Day escape where you can enjoy the comforts of a luxury spa retreat whilst still being able to satisfy the competitive streak and desire for exploration, then the array of all-inclusive sports and adventure activities at StolenTime make it the ideal destination for you and your partner. Try your hand at some tennis lessons and watersports together, delve into yoga, Pilates, archery classes, and more – all set against a backdrop of tropical weather, beautiful surroundings and even the odd cocktail party if you’re up for it!
    Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at StolenTime from £2,079pp. Price includes accommodation, full board, a wellness programme and return private transfers.

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    Top 100 North American Spas of 2023 Revealed: Palm Springs Oasis Takes the Crown

    In the realm of spa and wellness travel, 2023 marked a noticeable resurgence across North America. Spas of America, a platform dedicated to this niche, has revealed its highly anticipated Top 100 Spas of 2023, shedding light on the preferred escapes for those seeking ultimate relaxation and well-being.
    Craig Oliver, president of Spas of America, observed a revival within the spa industry. “Consumers are rediscovering and revisiting beloved wellness havens, exploring new and enticing resorts and hotels, and discovering experiences deeply rooted in fitness, fresh air, and a connection with nature,” he says. The crown jewel of 2023’s spa sanctuaries is The Spa at Séc-he in Palm Springs, California.
    The Spa at Séc-he, is an oasis inspired by the ancient healing waters of the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring. Nestled within an expansive wellness space, this sanctuary offers diverse amenities, including gender-specific bathhouses, treatment rooms, a salon, fitness facilities, and captivating outdoor mineral pools.
    “This is an amazing accolade for the entire team at Séc-he,” says ​​Saverio (Sal) R. Scheri III, Chief Operating Officer, Agua Caliente Casinos. “From conception through design and now daily operations, the team at Séc-he is focused on creating inimitable experiences for our guests that will stay with them long after their visit.  Curating so many unique treatments and immersions that combine to create life-changing practices is the passion of everyone at Séc-he, and this recognition further confirms their dedication.”
    “It is an utmost honor for The Spa at Séc-he to be named #No.1 Spa in 2023,” says Daniel Spencer, director of spas, The Spa at Séc-he and Sunstone Spa. “Thank you to Spas of America for this recognition. Creating a one-of-a-kind wellness destination rooted in the sacred healing waters and hot springs of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and offering innovative and traditional spa therapies has been a dream come true for my team and me.”ADVERTISEMENTThe Top 100 Spas of 2023 list includes 82 spas from the United States, 14 from Canada, and four from Mexico.
    Spas of America’s annual Top 100 Spas award provides insight into the most popular spas of the year based on unique page views and consumer choices on www.spasofamerica.com. New for 2023, all spas must also uphold a Google Review rating of 4.0 or higher to be considered for inclusion.
    Spas of America’s Top 100 Spas of 2023
    The Spa at Séc-he, Palm Springs, CaliforniaRed Mountain Resort, Ivins, UtahSunstone Spa at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa, Rancho Mirage, CaliforniaSkaná, The Spa at Turning Stone Resort, Verona, New YorkSpa at The Ritz-Carlton Charlotte, North CarolinaGrotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort, Parksville, British ColumbiaThe Spa at Beau Rivage, Biloxi, MississippiScandinave Spa Blue Mountain, The Blue Mountains, Ontario
    Spa by JW, JW Marriott Charlotte, North CarolinaElements Spa at Minerals Hotel, Crystal Springs Golf Resort, Vernon Township, New JerseyElora Mill Hotel & Spa, Elora, OntarioReflections Spa at Grand Cascades Lodge, Hamburg, New JerseyFeathers Spa at the Peabody Hotel, Memphis, TennesseeImmerse Spa, MGM Grand Detroit, MichiganSpa by JW, JW Marriott Water Street Tampa, FloridaSTRATA Integrated Wellness and Spa, Garden of The Gods Resort & Club, Colorado Springs, ColoradoVetta Nordic Spa, Oro-Medonte, OntarioBamford Wellness Spa, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Princeville, HawaiiThe Spa at The Omni Homestead Resort, Hot Springs, VirginiaGlen Ivy Hot Springs, Temescal Valley, CaliforniaSpa Otomi, The Westin Los Cabos Resort & Spa, Baja California-SurG Spa & Salon Foxwoods, Mashantucket, ConnecticutSpa Walden, Walden Inn & Spa, Aurora, Ohio
    Verandah Fitness Club & V-Spa, The Hilton Anatole, Dallas, TexasSt. Anne’s Spa, Grafton, OntarioThe Spa at White Oaks Resort, Niagara-on-the-Lake, OntarioThe Spa at Sun Valley Resort, IdahoThe St. Regis Deer Valley Spa, UtahAarna Spa, Pasea Hotel & Spa, Huntington Beach, CaliforniaMysa Nordic Spa & Resort, Saint Peters Bay, Prince Edward IslandBamford Wellness Spa, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn, New YorkThe Spa at Thompson Zihuatanejo, Guerrero The Spa at Whiteface Lodge, Lake Placid, New YorkRemède Spa, The St. Regis Mexico City, Ciudad de MéxicoThe Spa at Wine & Roses, Lodi, CaliforniaCrystal Spa, Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, Thompsonville, Michigan
    The Spa at Sweetgrass, Wild Dunes Resort, Isle of Palms, South CarolinaCiel Spa at the SLS Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CaliforniaRelâche Spa, Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville, TennesseeThe Society Hotel Bingen, Spa & Bathhouse, Cook, WashingtonThe Norwich Spa at Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket, ConnecticutLantana Spa, JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, TexasThe Spa at The Peaks, Telluride, ColoradoThe Lodge at Woodloch, Hawley, PennsylvaniaThe Lodge at Woodloch, Spas of America
    The Pearle Hotel & Spa, Burlington, OntarioThistle, an Auberge Spa, Wildflower Farms, Gardiner, New YorkMiraj Hammam Spa, Shangri-La Toronto, OntarioThermea Spa Village Whitby, OntarioSoul Spa, The Westin Jackson, MississippiCIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa, Carefree, ArizonaSpa at the Shoals, Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa, Florence, AlabamaThe Spa at The Westin Rancho Mirage, CaliforniaThe Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C.Boathouse Spa and Baths, Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Victoria, British ColumbiaGervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa, Canton, OhioSpa at Ross Bridge, Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa, AlabamaThe Spa at The Asbury Ocean Club Hotel, Asbury Park, New JerseySpa Toccare at the Borgata, Atlantic City, New JerseySpa Terra at The Meritage Resort, Napa, California
    Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa, Miami, FloridaBreve Spa, Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport, Boston, MassachusettsCarillon Miami Wellness Resort, Miami Beach, FloridaHashani Spa, JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa, ArizonaNemacolin, Farmington, PennsylvaniaThe Spa at Ballantyne, Charlotte, North CarolinaGolden Door, San Marcos, CaliforniaSpaTerre, Teton Mountain Lodge, Teton Village, WyomingSole’renity Spa at The Artesian Hotel, Sulphur, OklahomaThe Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City, Ciudad de MéxicoSpa Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino, Temecula, CaliforniaCouples Massage, Spa Pechanga, Spas of America
    The Ridge at Horizons – A Wellness Retreat, Harrisonburg, VirginiaManitou Springs Resort & Mineral Spa, Manitou Beach, SaskatchewanThe Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley, East Palo Alto, CaliforniaThe Greenbrier Spa, White Sulphur Springs, West VirginiaBamford Wellness Spa, 1 Hotel San Francisco, CaliforniaSpa Shiki at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MissouriSerrano Spa, Yaamava’ Resort & Casino, Highland, CaliforniaBALNEA, spa + réserve thermale, Bromont, QuebecThe Spa at Encore Boston Harbor, Everett, MassachusettsThe Spa at Stein Eriksen Lodge, Park City, UtahThe Spa at Vanderbilt Grace, Newport, Rhode IslandMokara Spa, Omni PGA Frisco Resort, TexasThe Spa at Harrah’s Resort Southern CaliforniaSpa Viata, Hotel Viata Austin, TexasConrad Spa Indianapolis, IndianaTurtle Cove Spa, Mountain Harbor Resort, Mt. Ida, Arkansas
    The Spa at Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach, FloridaOhtli Spa, Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, JaliscoRAKxa Wellness Spa, The St. Regis Aspen Resort, ColoradoCiel Spa at SLS Brickell, Miami, FloridaYarrow, an Auberge Spa at Hotel Jerome, Aspen, ColoradoExhale Spa & Bathhouse, Ocean Resort Casino, Atlantic City, New JerseyAcquaPietra, Streamsong Resort, Bowling Green, FloridaHyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa, CaliforniaSpa at Grand National, Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National, Opelika, AlabamaSalamander Spa, Washington D.C.Spa Montage Big Sky, MontanaOpal Spa, The Sagamore Resort & Spa, Bolton Landing, New YorkThe Ritz-Carlton Spa, Bachelor Gulch, Avon, ColoradoThermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature, Winnipeg, Manitoba
    Source: Based on Google Analytics data from January 1 to December 31, 2023. Rankings are established by assessing the volume of unique page views generated by spa and wellness travel enthusiasts visiting Spas of America annually. To be considered, spas must uphold a Google Reviews rating of 4.0 or higher. The Top 100 Spas of 2023 represents the top 10% of all spa listings featured on www.spasofamerica.com, and the top 1% of all North American spas.

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    Frank Dobbelsteijn Appointed as Swissport’s Global Head of Operation

    Frank Dobbelsteijn will join Swissport International AG on 1 January 2024 as Global Head of Operations. In his former role as Vice President for the Heathrow operation of Menzies Aviation and other senior roles in the aviation and logistics sector, he gained the frontline operational experience and the managerial credentials for this key position on Swissport’s Global Management team.
    Swissport appoints Frank Dobbelsteijn as Global Head of Operations. With over 30 years of experience in several senior roles in the aviation and logistics sectors in Europe and the United States, Frank brings a wealth of expertise to his new role at Swissport. He will be responsible for aligning the company’s operational priorities with the overall strategic goals, while ensuring a consistent service delivery and above all safe operations.
    “We are delighted to welcome Frank Dobbelsteijn aboard as Global Head of Operations,” says Warwick Brady, President & CEO of Swissport International AG. “With his vast experience in airport ground operations and the logistics sector, Frank is ideally prepared to take Swissport’s service delivery to the next level in terms of safety, reliability, customer centricity and consistent operational excellence.”
    Frank Dobbelsteijn succeeds Richard Male, who has served as Swissport’s interim Director of Global Operations since April and recently decided to accept a job offer outside of the company.
    Frank Dobbelsteijn’s background in logistics, aviation ground handling and passenger services will allow him to make quick progress towards even more stable operations while further enhancing the quality of Swissport’s service delivery to airline customers across the globe. Prior to joining Swissport, he played a pivotal role as Vice President of Menzies’ single largest station at London Heathrow Airport. He had previously served the company as Vice President USA West Coast and Vice President Los Angeles, start-up project manager Europe and General Manager low-cost division Amsterdam. He also served as Senior Station Manager at Amazon in Los Angeles, where he oversaw the company’s third-largest US distribution center in Los Angeles.ADVERTISEMENTAs the global leader in aviation ground services, Swissport is also setting the industry benchmark for safe airport operations and overall employee health and safety. The company sees its uncompromised commitment to safety as the key prerequisite for delivering superior operational excellence for its airline customers.

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    Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Inks Multi-Year Agreement with Dallas Cowboys

    The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA) has solidified a multi-year partnership with the Dallas Cowboys to tap into the U.S. Southwest market. The collaboration aims to reach Dallas Cowboys fans across the United States.The Hon. I. Chester Cooper, The Bahamas’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, along with Ministry of Tourism Director General Latia Duncombe and other executives, were in attendance at the Dallas Cowboys versus Detroit Lions game on 30 December, to kick off the partnership and celebrate Jimmy Johnson’s induction into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor.
    As part of this multi-year agreement, The Islands of The Bahamas branding will prominently feature at AT&T Stadium home games in Arlington, Texas, along with TV and radio ads, Bahamian-themed promotions, and on-site activities. Cowboys fans will have the chance to win social media sweepstakes for a home game or an unforgettable trip to The Islands of The Bahamas.
    “We are excited about this new partnership and look forward to capitalizing on this relationship to drive more tourism business from Middle America to The Bahamas,” said Cooper. “This agreement allows us to combine the love for the Dallas Cowboys with the allure of The Bahamas.”
    “The Dallas Cowboys are excited to partner with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism to help encourage tourism at an incredible destination like The Bahamas,” said Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President of Business Operations Chad Estis. “We know Cowboys fans love great experiences, exciting trips, world class hospitality and making special memories, which are all things that are easy to have in The Bahamas!”
    Latia Duncombe, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Director General, described the partnership as a “win-win” and emphasized the exposure for The Islands of The Bahamas within the Dallas Cowboys fanbase. Multiple sweepstakes and marketing initiatives will target fans in the Southwest and across the U.S., anticipating a substantial increase in travel to The Bahamas from this market.ADVERTISEMENTReferred to as “America’s Team,” the Dallas Cowboys is, according to Forbes, valued at $9 billion. The Bahamas’ collaboration with this sports giant will bolster the destination’s national “Sports in Paradise” initiative, positioning the country as an ideal destination for sports-related conferences, meetings, and events.

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    Tourists support Afghanistan’s only ski race & help to form a new club

    As tourists have started to return to Afghanistan over the past 18 months, some have helped to arrange the country’s only ski race.Now a new ski club has launched in Bamyan Province, with a helping hand from international visitors, and there is a plea for more support from the international community.
    Bamyan is one of the least developed provinces in Afghanistan, which is one of the least developed countries in Asia.
    The aim of the Bamyan Alpine Ski Club is to support the local community by training Afghan children in sports, arranging competitions in the region and managing the equipment that has been donated over the years by tourists, including from Untamed Borders’ guests.
    A former local club stopped operating when the Taliban retook control of the country, but the new organisation has risen from the ashes.
    International skiers will return to the region’s Koh e Baba Mountain Range in February with Untamed Borders, where guests will meet the team from the Bamyan Alpine Ski Club and support it personally. Guests will take part in the nation’s only ski competition – the Afghan Peaks Ski Race – which brings together international tourists and the fledgling Afghan ski community.ADVERTISEMENTHowever, for those who can’t join the trip, the club has launched an international membership scheme, so people can support the organisation from afar.
    Untamed Borders were the first company to organise ski tourism to the country back in 2011 and it’s organised annual group trips ever since.
    During that time the company has ensured guests understand the difficulties faced by Afghan skiers and the benefits there are for its mountain communities by there being a well organised sporting club in the region.
    Many Afghan skiers currently use homemade wooden skis to be able to take part in the sport, which provides a vital outlet from the hardships in the region and an opportunity to mix with people from other nations.
    On the trips guests often donate equipment and funds to support local grassroots skiing, which is a valuable source of tourism and income for people who live in Bamyan Province.
    Visitors have also played an important role on ski trips to Afghanistan by offering ski training advice for locals and helping to improve the local infrastructure.
    Although international visitor numbers are on the rise again, many of Bamyan Province’s potential ski slopes remain undiscovered and it’s this unique opportunity to ski virgin slopes, which is an exciting prospect for adventurous ski tourists.
    Continued visits to the region and support from foreign tourists has the potential to make lasting change in the area, as Untamed Borders’ Founder, James Willcox, explains…
    “We only consider a trip to be a true success if there are benefits for the communities we visit, along with our international guests.
    The ski trips have always fitted the bill because our guests not only get an extraordinary insight into rural Afghanistan in winter, but they also support the Afghans living in the area by providing equipment, ski training and take part in other schemes.
    Now we also support the new local ski club, which is a long-term initiative to provide lasting change for the youth in the region and the wider community.”
    It’s part of a growing trend of ski tourists visiting more adventurous destinations and locations – Untamed Borders reported last year that there is a growing number of people seeking skiing tours in places such as Afghanistan and Iraq, among many other unconventional skiing destinations.
    To become an international member of the Bamyan Alpine Ski Club please visit the Afghan Peaks website, or even better, join Untamed Borders on the February Afghan Ski trip, which is bookable now on our website. https://untamedborders.com/itinerary/ski-afghanistan/#tab01

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    Lokalee raises USD 5.6 Million of pre-Series A Funding

    Dubai-based Lokalee, an AI-powered content platform for hotels and holiday homes, today announced details on its latest successful round of investment, resulting in USD 5.6 million received in pre-series A funding.
    The injection of capital combined with Lokalee’s growth will further fuel the company’s accelerated product development efforts as well as its expansion into European markets.Led by Crown Private Fund, the USD 5.6 million investment also featured contributions from three other strategic investors with hotel and technology background. The increased access to capital is further strengthened by Lokalee’s growth in customer portfolio with 250 hotels currently using the Lokalee solution as well as their expansion into Austria, Germany and Saudi Arabia in 2023. Immediate development plans include the launch of a trip planner combining AI technology with curated data provided by humans, offering the best synthesis of both worlds.Lokalee is a B2B content platform specifically developed for hotels and holiday homes, designed to enhance guest interactions, simplify operations, and increase potential revenue. The customizable white-label platform allows guests to browse and book everything a property and the destination has to offer, sourced by Lokal Curators and supported by global partners. Trusted by over 200 brands across 20 countries, Lokalee’s platform has already been implemented at leading hotel groups such as Movenpick, Sheraton, Rotana, Sofitel, Hilton, Millennium among others.
    “We are very pleased with the investor confidence in Lokalee, validating the potential of our platform across the global hospitality industry. With this new source of funding, we are determined to accelerate our ambitious expansion to optimize the digitization of the guest journey for our customers,” said Samir Abi Frem, CEO of Advanced Digital Technology and Lokalee.

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    Enjoy Family Fun With February Half Term Skiing in Vialattea

    For those seeking reliable snow, value for money, and fewer crowds this February half term, the leading Italian-French international ski region, Vialattea provides a perfect setting to enjoy family-fun on the slopes.  Home to more than 400km of perfectly groomed pistes, families can explore over 250 slopes, and a wide range of runs – including various beginner and intermediate – catering to both first-timers and budding skiers alike. Spanning two countries, the eight resorts include Italian Sestriere, Sauze d’Oulx as well as Montgenevre in France, with 80% of skiable area above 1,900m – ensuring exceptional snow conditions this half-term. 
    For the little ones, the ski area offers a number of exciting attractions and activities, designed to keep busy minds occupied this half-term. Children can enjoy the baby fun parks in Sansicario and Sauze d’Oulx – designed to provide an interactive and fun learning environment – or alternatively, book in for private or group lessons from expect ski and snowboard instructors, providing the perfect introduction to the slopes. 
    Vialattea’s relative affordability and ease of access makes it the perfect half-term destination for younger skiers, allowing the whole family to enjoy time on the slopes. Whether staying in the beautiful tree lined slopes of Sansicario, the quintessential alpine village of Claviere, or enjoying the Olympic heritage of Sestriere, there are a range of options to suit all requirements. 
    For non-skiers, Vialattea also offers a plethora of unique experiences, including Husky sledding, mountain snowmobile tours – and for those more daring – paragliding. Once an appetite has been worked up on the slopes, there are also a range of charming mountain restaurant scattered across the valley to be explored. 
    Ski passes for the 2023/24 season, including daily, multi-day, and season passes, are now available for purchase for the whole family on the Vialattea website, alongside discounted Hotel and Ski Pass packages. ADVERTISEMENT

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