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    WORLD’S FIRST ABUSE-FREE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM LAUNCHES IN THE UAE, PIONEERED BY FOOTBALL ICONS

    Yesterday, at WebSummit Qatar, marked a groundbreaking moment as Striver, the world’s first truly abuse-free social media platform, is set to launch in the United Arab Emirates. Created by footballers for fans, Striver aims to redefine the social media landscape with a positive and inclusive digital space.
    Under the visionary leadership of CEO Tim Chase, Striver proudly announces its official entry into the UAE market. With a commitment to fostering a safe and respectful online environment, Striver stands as a beacon against online abuse, setting a new standard for social media platforms worldwide.Notably, Striver is honoured to have esteemed football legends Gilberto Silva and Roberto Carlos as Co-founders with Tim. Their passion for the beautiful game and dedication to fostering a positive community led them to building Striver’s mission.CEO Tim Chase expresses his enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to introduce Striver to the dynamic landscape of the UAE. Our abuse-free platform aims to provide football enthusiasts with a space to connect, share, and celebrate the sport we all love.”Striver’s entrance into the UAE is strategically timed, coinciding with the nation’s burgeoning interest in football. With Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the sport, Striver anticipates playing a pivotal role in nurturing a supportive online community for football enthusiasts across the region.Co-founder Gilberto Silva shares his excitement, saying, “Striver is more than a platform; it’s a community that celebrates the spirit of football without the negativity.I look forward to engaging with fans in the UAE and creating a space where the love for the game unites us all.”Co-founder Roberto Carlos adds, “In Striver, we have a platform that reflects the values of respect and teamwork that football embodies. I’m honoured to be part of this initiative and connect with fans in the UAE.”Striver invites football fans, enthusiasts, content creators, and social media users in the UAE to join the movement toward a more positive online experience. The platform is set to revolutionise the way fans engage with each other, their favourite players, and the sport they adore.

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    Web Summit Qatar 2024 opened its doors Monday at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC)

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    Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan to speak at Web Summit Qatar

    Web Summit, the world’s largest technology conference, has announced that Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan will speak at Web Summit Qatar.
    The Queen of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan will make an address at Web Summit Qatar’s Centre Stage to discuss the impact of social media on our lives. Queen Rania will also talk about the importance of a wide exposure to different viewpoints in broadening horizons and achieving more balanced perspectives. Her Majesty is globally renowned for her work in education, advocating for the rights and aspirations of refugees and migrants worldwide, and promoting intercultural dialogue, while using social media platforms toadvance her work.Web Summit announced this week that its inaugural Middle East event had officially sold out, and expects to welcome more than 12,000 attendees from over 120 countriesto Doha this week.Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan will join speakers such as His Excellency the Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Emmy-winning South African comedian, Trevor Noah, Bollywood actress andsinger, Nora Fatehi, astronaut and Deep Space Initiative founder, Sara Sabry, WPP CEO, Mark Read and Whoop CEO, Will Ahmed.The largest and most globally diverse cohort of startups to ever gather in the region – more than 1,000 startups from 80 countries, including a strong Jordanian presence – will connect a new generation of investors and partners hailing from countries such as Qatar, the US, Egypt, Brazil, Italy, Nigeria, the UK, India, and beyond. Within the startup cohort, almost 200 will be coming from Africa, and more than 100 are part of the event’s Impact programme, which focuses on tech for good. Almost one third of attending startups are founded by women.The Doha event joins the company’s global roster alongside flagship event Web Summit, which draws 71,000 attendees to Lisbon each November; North America’s fastest growing tech event, Collision, in Toronto; and Web Summit Rio, which will take place in 2024 for the second time.Web Summit Qatar is taking place at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) February 26-29, 2024.
    Web Summit runs the world’s largest technology events, connecting people and ideas that change the world. Web Summit events – Web Summit in Lisbon, Web Summit Rio in South America, Collision in North America, RISE in Asia, and Web Summit Qatar inthe Middle East – have gathered half a million people since Web Summit’s beginnings as a 150-person conference in Dublin in 2009.Web Summit’s mission has been to create software that enables meaningful connections between the CEOs, founders, investors, members of the media, politicians and cultural icons who are reshaping the world.Forbes says Web Summit is “the best tech conference on the planet”; Bloomberg calls it “Davos for geeks”; Politico “the Olympics of tech”; the Guardian “Glastonbury for geeks”. In the words of the Financial Times, Web Summit is “the world’s largest tech conference”, and the Telegraph calls it the “planet’s best tech conference”.
    Web Summit website: https://websummit.com

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    Web Summit Qatar 2024 opened its doors Monday at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC) More

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    Meyer Jabara Hotels Sets New Investment Course; Hires Ian McAuley as Chief Investment Officer

    To expand its portfolio and capital partner alliances, Meyer Jabara Hotels welcomes Ian McAuley as Chief Investment Officer. In this newly created position, McAuley will source acquisition opportunities, equity investors, debt financing, and third-party management contracts. His 30 years of extensive publicly traded and privately held real estate experience and hands-on hotel development, operations, and ownership expertise will set the course for continued growth and profitability.“Good things really do come to those who wait,” said Meyer Jabara Hotels President Justin Jabara. “Ian is the rainmaker we have been searching for – for well over a year. He spent his career raising capital from kitchen tables to Wall Street, co-founded a management company, operated hotels, and knows where the money is made. His breadth of experience is profoundly unique in this space. With Ian running the investment side of our business, we can focus more closely on operations, profitability and growth. We welcome him aboard.”
    McAuley will relocate from Toronto to the company’s office in West Palm Beach, Fla. Short term, he will focus on getting to know the people, culture, and operating practices that drive margins and reap investment returns. Midterm he will speak to the investment community about MJH’s vast differentiators and focus on securing sources of capital. Long term, McAuley will seek out capital partners that don’t know about MJH and introduce them to the company’s fundamental principles and buy/develop assets to add to the portfolio.
    “Meyer Jabara Hotels has been around for 47 years, and it’s my job to make sure the company is set up to thrive over the next 47,” McAuley said. “What excites me about this new role is there is no rush to monetize the assets or sell off properties; no gun to my head to get deals done. At MJ there is a different mindset to growth . . . find the right assets and capital partners, then bring MJ in to provide returns for investors. It’s a great marriage.”
    Exceptional Background
    Over the years McAuley has incorporated more than $2 billion in real estate transactions across North America. His extensive corporate finance experience with private equity and institutional capital partners includes more than 100 ground-up developments and acquisitions, along with several initial public offerings. He also has been instrumental in the growth and expansion of numerous international hospitality companies.ADVERTISEMENT
    Prior posts include Co-founder, CEO, President and Director of VM Hotel Acquisition Corp. where he was successful in raising $100 million at the company’s Initial Public Offering on the Toronto Stock Exchange; Canadian President of Aimbridge Hospitality where he more than tripled the number of Canadian hotel management agreements during his first six months; President of American Hotel Income Properties REIT LP; President and COO of Superior Lodging Corp.; Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of Royop Hospitality Corp.; and Co-Founder and Vice President of InnVentures Hospitality Corp.
                             
    McAuley is a graduate of the University of Toronto – ICD-Rotman Directors Education Program and holds a Dipl T Hospitality, and Bachelor of Arts and Master of Business Administration degrees. He is a long-standing board member of Northern Vision Development LP, current board member and executive of The Musical Stage Co., former two-term director of the Hotel Assn. of Canada and was a board member of Hilton Hotels Advisory Board, Hallmark Properties Ltd., Airline Hotels and Resorts Ltd., and Theatre Calgary.

    “Timing is everything,” McAuley said. “Family owned and operated companies like Meyer Jabara Hotels that span three generations are the ones that are successful. I’m honored that they were not afraid to let a visionary like me in. It’s going to be a win-win-win for everyone. Now it’s time to get to work.”
    For more information on Meyer Jabara Hotels, visit www.mjhotels.com

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    ITB Berlin and IPK International: Big global increase in outbound travel in 2023

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    Cloudbeds unveils annual State of Independent Lodging Report

    Cloudbeds, the hospitality management platform powering more reservations and happier guests for independent lodging businesses around the globe, today released its 2024 State of Independent Lodging Report.
    The second annual edition of the report offers a unique and data-rich perspective on the global independent lodging segment, shedding light on insights and trends from property types and segments often overlooked in industry reporting.Adam Harris, Co-Founder and CEO of Cloudbeds, said: “The outlook for the travel industry in 2024 looks rather encouraging, with economic forecasts shifting from fears of a global recession to expectations of a soft landing and moderate growth.
    “Advanced technologies are likely to usher in a shift in how owners, operators, and hoteliers do business as they chase demand. Unplanned overbookings, front desks staffed 24/7, and marketing or finance degrees to optimize revenue will soon be a thing of the past. So are siloed and disparate legacy systems.
    “Today, we’re pleased to unveil our findings from thousands of independent properties worldwide, empowering lodging businesses to benchmark their performance against industry peers.”
    Key findings from the report include:ADVERTISEMENTOccupancy patterns are projected to remain consistent in 2024. With demand relatively flat, hotels will need to focus efforts on growing market share and RevPAR.With travelers expected to be more price-sensitive this year, hoteliers may struggle to raise their average daily rates (ADR) and should explore new ways to hedge inflation.Online travel agencies (OTAs) have returned stronger than ever. In 2023, OTAs generated 60.5% of global bookings, a higher proportion than in any of the previous three years and much higher than the 39.5% of bookings generated on direct channels.
    By leveraging a wealth of aggregated and anonymized data from across the globe, Cloudbeds has also identified six new trends poised to reshape the travel landscape in 2024. These include a resurgence in lagging market segments, an uptick in inflation-busting travel hacks, and new spins on experiential travel. In addition, Cloudbeds anticipates continued growth in the short-term rental sector (despite rumors to the contrary), new efficiencies driven by generative AI, and growing demand for new skills among next-generation hoteliers.
    The new trends complement last year’s five key developments, which are set to continue this year: value-driven decision-making, the shift to virtual front desks, blended travel meeting hybrid hospitality, new technologies to disrupt travel search and inspiration, and a shift from focusing on amenities to guest experiences.
    Cloudbeds’ findings are grounded in data from 10,000+ independent properties, encompassing boutique hotels and guest houses, B&Bs, and hotel groups in over 100 countries. The results are divided into four regions: North America, Latin America (including Mexico), Europe, and Asia Pacific (including Australia and New Zealand).
    To download a free copy of Cloudbeds’ 2024 State of Independent Lodging Report, visit https://www.cloudbeds.com/hospitality-industry-report.

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    RIYADH AIR ELEVATES PLANNING EFFICIENCY THROUGH STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH SABRE

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    RIYADH AIR ELEVATES PLANNING EFFICIENCY THROUGH STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH SABRE

    Riyadh Air, the new national airline of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that’s shaping the future of flying, announces a fundamental collaboration with Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR), a leading software and technology provider powering the global travel industry. This strategic partnership underscores Riyadh Air’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and driving incremental revenue gains through Sabre’s end-to-end Network Planning and Optimization solutions. Sabre Network Planning and Optimization solutions empower collaborative and intelligent decision-making, ensuring airlines can optimally design their networks, accurately forecast demand, and profitably schedule and allocate available capacity.
    Under this groundbreaking deal, Riyadh Air has chosen Sabre’s comprehensive suite of solutions, including Sabre Schedule Manager, Sabre Slot Manager, Sabre Profit Manager, and Sabre Market Intelligence – Global Demand Data (GDD) to achieve its strategic goals and drive its vision.
    “Sabre’s technology provides a new level of insight that will enable Riyadh Air to make informed network planning and commercial decisions, ensuring greater revenue returns, allowing us to invest more in enhancing the overall passenger experience,” said Vincent Coste, Chief Commercial Officer, Riyadh Air. “We have carefully selected a stable of world class technical suppliers to power Riyadh Air towards its maiden flight in 2025, and this collaboration is a key milestone in our journey to achieve operational excellence and scale our business efficiently.”
    Sabre Schedule Manager is an industry-leading scheduling solution that increases aircraft utilization by optimizing the schedule development process from planning to distribution, thereby increasing revenue potential. This solution seamlessly integrates with a wide range of third-party solutions and has globally assisted airlines in achieving incremental operating margins and increases in productivity, while maintaining robust and operationally feasible schedules.
    Sabre Slot Manager is another integral component of Sabre’s suite that automates the slot process and efficiently manages an airline’s critical slot portfolio with improved asset utilization. It stands out as the industry’s most comprehensive slot management solution used by airlines operating with the most complex slot portfolios at some of the most severely capacity constrained airports worldwide.ADVERTISEMENTAdditionally, Sabre Profit Manager, a key offering, accurately forecasts demand and profitability with an average increase of up to 2% in revenues. This empowers Riyadh Air to design profitable Network Plans and create an optimal hub structure. Profit Manager incorporates the industry’s most robust partnership and alliance modeling to pinpoint new revenue opportunities.
    Sabre Market Intelligence – GDD connects Riyadh Air to robust market data and provides advanced data analysis capabilities across multiple areas, including Network Planning and Optimization. It improves data efficiency, enabling Riyadh Air to identify new revenue opportunities and increases competitive advantage with robust booking, shopping and market data analysis for commercial planning teams.
    This strategic alliance between Riyadh Air and Sabre signifies a commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for sustainable growth, improved efficiency, and enhanced profitability.
    “Sabre has a strong reputation for driving results through our innovative solutions that enable airlines to respond swiftly to competitor changes, identify new market opportunities, and optimize flight times for incremental revenue gains,” said Garry Wiseman, Chief Product and Technology Officer, Sabre Travel Solutions. “Our end-to-end Network Planning and Optimization suite has been a cornerstone of commercial planning for over two decades, supporting brand differentiation and operational excellence.”
    Sabre’s Network Planning and Optimization solutions have a proven track record of innovating and transforming commercial planning, with more than 90 global customers, including prominent airlines around the world. The suite addresses the end-to-end planning and scheduling lifecycle, supporting airlines of all types and sizes.

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    Qatar Airways Group Partners with Our Habitas to Launch ‘Our Habitas Ras Abrouq’ More

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    Qatar Airways Group Partners with Our Habitas to Launch ‘Our Habitas Ras Abrouq’

    Qatar Airways Group in partnership with Our Habitas has officially launched a luxury resort nestled on the West Coast of Qatar next to the Al Reem UNESCO-Designated Biosphere Reserve. Located about one hour’s drive from Hamad International Airport in Doha, the resort features unspoiled views of the Arabian Gulf, spectacular golden sunsets along with an exciting blend of art, culture, music, wellness, and adventure programmes.
    Her Excellency Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani along with VIP guests, media, designers and artists were present at an opening ceremony to showcase the distinctive hospitality venture that promises a unique experience.

    Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “Our Habitas Ras Abrouq is a breathtakingly beautiful Qatari desert destination and now travellers across the Qatar Airways global network can experience this landscape in a unique way when they fly to Doha. We are working with Our Habitas to unlock the future of travel by curating one-of-a kind, innovative, travel experiences.”
    Our Habitas co-founder and chief executive, Oliver Ripley said: “We believe that people are changing the way in which they choose to travel, seeking meaningful connection with places, culture, nature and each other, this resort welcomes global traveler’s to discover Qatar, its culture, and immerse themselves where the desert meets the sea inside a UNESCO biosphere.”ADVERTISEMENT
    The area stands out due to its unusual landscape of white cliffs and beautiful geological forms yielding a captivating view of the Qatari desert. The resort’s one-to-four-bedroom villas, each with private pools and large outdoor decks, overlook the Arabian Gulf.

    Internationally acclaimed artist Richard Serra’s public art installation, the East-West/West-East sculpture commissioned by Qatar Museums Authority, is 1.6km from the resort. Qatar Museums has also been working alongside Qatar Airways Group contributing a unique perspective and a creative, cultural element.

    The desert resort also features an on-site restaurant, Qissa, a terrace lounge, beach club, wellness centre, state-of-the-art gym, water sports adventure hub, infinity swimming pool and padel tennis courts.

    Our Habitas Ras Abrouq offers travellers the opportunity to immerse themselves in various workshops and activities which include pottery, restorative sunrise yoga, breathwork, sound ceremonies, calligraphy and al sadu weaving workshops. Adventure seekers can also take part in exhilarating water sports such as kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, padel tennis, mountain biking, hiking, desert exploration and survival training.

    “Our Habitas Ras Abrouq” is the latest hospitality offering by Dhiafatina, the hospitality subsidiary of the Qatar Airways group which has a growing portfolio of local and International hotel properties and spas. Currently Dhiafatina owns or operates several local hotels such as the Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha, the Oryx Hotel at Hamad International Airport, and the Oryx Garden Hotel.

    Dhiafatina recently opened the water sports hotel in the North of Qatar, Fuwairit Kite Beach, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. The group continues to hand pick hospitality projects such as Ras Abrouq which caters to Qatar Airways travellers and the Group’s overall global strategy.

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    Mark Warner Launches Wingsurfing and Wingfoiling Courses for 2024 at Aeolian Village Beach Resort

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    Mark Warner Launches Wingsurfing and Wingfoiling Courses for 2024 at Aeolian Village Beach Resort

    New for 2024, active beach holiday specialists Mark Warner (www.markwarner.co.uk, 0845 322 5037) is offering a range of exciting introductory wingsurfing and wingfoiling courses at their newest property, Aeolian Village Beach Resort in Lesvos. Offering an easy way to get out on the water, wingsurfing and wingfoiling are the latest must-try activities for watersports-lovers of all levels. he courses at Aeolian Village include group sessions and private lessons for guests aged 14 years and older, as well as Youth Intro to Wingsurfing for guests aged 10 – 13 years.
    Opened in 2023, Mark Warner’s Aeolian Village Beach Resort offers near-perfect conditions for the sports, with great wind and flat water making it an ideal location to learn.  Set against a backdrop of mountains, the resort opens directly onto a quiet corner of Eressos beach, a gorgeous sandy bay on southwest coast of Lesvos.  As at all Mark Warner resorts, a friendly team of coaches and specialist instructors are on hand to smooth the way.  Other watersports include sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing and rowing, as well as kayaks, which are ideal to explore the coastline.  Guests can choose from making watersports a central focus of the holiday, trying something new, or just dipping in and out of the programmes.
    Widely considered to be easier than windsurfing or kiteboarding, both wingsurfing and wingfoiling use a handheld ‘wing’ which has an inflatable leading edge and strut or boom to drive participants along. The wing is free of the board, and the fact that it is hand-held makes it easier to adjust than traditional windsurfing. Wingsurfing uses a plain board or stand-up paddle board and offers the chance to learn and get confident using the wing. No previous experience is required to give wingsurfing a go and once the basics are mastered, the next stage is wingfoiling, which uses a board with a hydrofoil attached to it, giving the impression of ‘flying’ across the water. 
    Courses available at the resort are as follows:
    Intro to WingSurfing (3hrs) 14 years upwards, pre bookable, £60 pp.Youth Intro to WingSurfing (3hrs) 10 to 13 years, pre bookable, £40 pp.Intro to WingSurfing PLUS (3hrs) 10 years upwards, bookable in resort, £60 pp.Intro to WingFoiling Course (9hrs) 14 years upwards, bookable in resort – £100 pp.WingSurf & WingFoil Private lessons – 1hr – bookable in resort – £50 pp.Aeolian Village Beach Resort: With the friendly and welcoming atmosphere that Mark Warner is renowned for, Aeolian Village combines outstanding sporting facilities, experienced instructors and exceptional childcare, along with expertly crafted sundowners, spa facilities and ample sun loungers, making the perfect mix for an as activity-filled or chilled-out holiday as you like. ADVERTISEMENTActivities:  Fitness-orientated guests will be spoilt for choice for activities on land or on the water. For those looking to explore the island on two wheels, either independently or on a guided cycle trip, the quiet roads and tracks that criss-cross Lesvos island make for memorable road cycling.
    There are two freshwater pools – one of which is perfect for swimming lengths, with an adjacent family-pool. A padel court offers the chance to try this increasingly popular racquet game, along with three astro tennis courts. The team of tennis staff are available for coaching and guidance, whether in private or group lessons, or in one of the sociable tournaments.  There is a varied fitness programme, with daily classes, an air-conditioned gym, sauna, whirlpool and spa area.
    Families: As is the case at all Mark Warner resorts, families have a superb range of options, allowing parents to switch off knowing their children are having a fantastic time. Choose from six different aged clubs for children and young people ranging from ‘Baby Club’ (4-11 months) to ‘Mini Club’ (3-5 years), Kidz Club (10-13 years) to the Indy Club (14-17 years).  The first-class childcare programme at Aeolian Beach Village is run by kind, experienced nannies, based in newly kitted-out, purpose built, air-conditioned childcare facilities.
    A fantastic choice of daytime activities is on offer to suit each age group.  From sailing, windsurfing and water polo for teenagers, to arts and music, beach and pool fun for younger guests, the emphasis is on fun and adventure in a warm and welcoming environment. Evening childcare and activities are also available, including movie nights and chillout time for older children. 
    Accommodation:  Accommodation is in two distinct areas. The main hotel wraps around the pool area, with lush gardens connected by meandering pathways, whilst the pretty pastel-coloured buildings of The Village are set up into the hillside behind the hotel. With two restaurants and three bars to choose from, the resort has the feel of a mini-Greek village. There is a tempting choice on offer and half-board dining is included in all stays.  Nearby Skala Eresou has a great selection of cafes and restaurants to choose from, just a short walk from the resort.
    Summer prices start from £849pp for a 7-night stay at Aeolian Village Beach Resort based on two adults sharing a Twin/Double room including half board accommodation and most activities.  Activity prices for the courses are based on current exchange rates.

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    Norway Implements New Tourism Regulations in Svalbard for Wildlife Protection

    Starting January 1, 2025, Norway plans to introduce new restrictions for cruise ships and other tourist activities in Svalbard to protect its unique wildlife, including a cap on ship passengers and designated landing sites.Svalbard, a remote archipelago situated above the Arctic Circle, is set to see significant changes in tourism regulations aimed at preserving its pristine environment and diverse wildlife. Known for its dramatic landscapes and as a haven for species like polar bears, reindeer, and walruses, Svalbard’s popularity among adventurous travelers has prompted the Norwegian government to take action to ensure the archipelago’s protection.
    The proposed regulations, pending parliamentary approval and slated to take effect on January 1, 2025, will impose stricter controls on the number of visitors and their activities. Key among these measures is the limitation on the number of passengers allowed on ships in protected areas to a maximum of 200 and the restriction of shore landings to 43 specified sites across the archipelago. These steps are designed to minimize the human impact on the area’s delicate ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
    Further, the use of drones will be prohibited in protected zones, aiming to reduce disturbances to wildlife. The rules also enforce a permanent ban on snowmobiles and other tracked vehicles on sea ice in certain fjords post-March 1, with exceptions made only for cabin access. Additionally, the regulations extend to maritime activities, with specific guidelines to avoid disturbing nesting birds and marine mammals. For instance, ships are required to maintain speeds below 5 knots within 500 meters of bird cliffs during the breeding season and adhere to distance guidelines when near walrus haul-out sites or polar bear habitats.
    Cruise operators like Hurtigruten and its sister brand HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) that offer itineraries in Svalbard will need to adjust their operations to comply with the new restrictions. These measures reflect a growing trend towards sustainable and responsible tourism practices in vulnerable regions, emphasizing the balance between exploration and conservation.
    As Svalbard prepares for these changes, the move is broadly seen as a positive step towards safeguarding the archipelago’s natural beauty and unique wildlife for future generations. The initiative highlights the importance of proactive environmental stewardship in the face of increasing tourism pressures on the world’s last wild frontiers.ADVERTISEMENT

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