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    Be at the heart of the action at Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s Fanzone

    The race to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has begun! Fans can head to Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi for a racing-themed experience in this year’s Fanzone. From November 20 to 26, guests can enjoy the ultimate race build up while watching highlights of the 2023 season ahead of the live broadcast of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
    Lucky guests will have the opportunity to meet Scuderia Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz during his visit to the park on November 22.
    Adding to the excitement, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will be hosting a variety of entertaining activities including a live DJ, break dancers, themed merchandise, designated chill-out sections with large LED screens and more!
    Formula One enthusiasts can look forward to an exhibit of The Ferrari SF-23 racing car designed and constructed by Scuderia Ferrari and driven by Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz in Grand Prix races. Guests can also snap photos in front of a racing themed Fanzone backdrop to commemorate their visit. At the heart of the Fanzone, Ferrari fans can expect the first touring exhibition showcasing the Formula One Driver Racing Kits as seen on Antonio Giovinazzi who won at the 24 hours of Le Mans race in June 2023, Kimi Räikkönen throughout his races in 2018 and Leclerc and Sainz in the 2023 Italian Grand Prix in Monza, amongst others.
    Gear up for a thrilling week of activities as family and friends come together at the heart of the world’s leading theme park, all in anticipation of the year’s most exciting event.ADVERTISEMENTFerrari World was voted World’s Leading Theme Park 2022 at last year’s World Travel Awards and in addition, Yas Island collected the award for World’s Leading Theme Park Destination 2022.

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    Miral Announces Major Expansion to Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

    Due to its huge popularity with both local and international visitors, Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, have announced a 16,900 sqm expansion to Yas Island’s Yas Waterworld. Set for construction completion in 2025, the expansion will see the addition of 3.3 km of slide sections and is expected to grow guest capacity by 20% through the addition of 18 new thrilling rides and attractions, taking the park total to more than 60 rides and experiences.Once open, the park will include the UAE’s highest slide, as well as the GCC’s first amusement ride in a water park, that is integrated within a waterslide complex. This exhilarating ride promises an unparalleled adventure, with a 15-meter-high drop for up to 20 guests and water park enthusiasts, who can experience this adrenaline rush together.
    Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO commented: “This expansion marks another addition to our world-class attractions and experiences on Yas Island, and a testament to achieving our vision of positioning it as a top global destination for entertainment and leisure. We are proud to be contributing to the development of Abu Dhabi’s ecosystem and economic diversification, while further enhancing its global appeal as a tourism hub.”
    For the last decade, Yas Waterworld has immersed guests in ‘The Legend of the Lost Pearl’ story, which reflects the UAE’s rich pearl-diving heritage. Combining the coolest rides and thrilling attractions as well as shopping and dining options into a seamless, guest experience, the award-winning theme park is the ultimate water adventure.
    Introducing a new chapter to the story, Yas Waterworld will bring a new adventure called the ‘Lost City’. Guests will embark on an exciting journey to discover hidden treasures and secret passages, intertwined with fun attractions. The expansion seamlessly blends with the park’s existing architectural style, rockwork features, and iconic characters, transporting guests to a whole new world.
    Features of the new expansion includes a swim up bar, a high-thrill boat ride, racing and tube slides, family raft rides, and a duelling master blaster. The expansion caters for mini thrill seekers as well by providing smaller scaled versions of Yas Waterworld’s most iconic rides. These include a mini-Dawwama, which will be the region’s only kids’ mini blaster fusion ride with two blaster sections and a thrilling rattler end section, as well as a mini-Boomerango to give little guests that big ride sensation minus the fear, with a fantastic hero-shot photo opportunity.ADVERTISEMENTYas Waterworld is part of the wider offering of Yas Island that includes world-class attractions such as Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, CLYMB Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan, Yas Bay Waterfront which is home to the UAE’s largest indoor multi-purpose venue Etihad Arena, the world’s first-ever Warner Bros. themed hotel, and the newly opened SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.  The globally renowned offerings, cement the island’s position as a top global destination for entertainment and leisure. 
    Guided by its ambition to be a customer-centric, progressive, and efficient organisation, Miral will continue to grow and develop Yas Island as a successful destination as well as delivering new leisure and entertainment destinations and ventures that generate sustainable value, while contributing to the diversification of Abu Dhabi’s economy.

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    NEOM announces Epicon – its luxury coastal tourism destination on the Gulf of Aqaba

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    NEOM announces Epicon – its luxury coastal tourism destination on the Gulf of Aqaba

    The Board of Directors of NEOM, the sustainable regional development taking shape in northwest Saudi Arabia, have announced Epicon, its latest luxury coastal tourism destination, including a residential offering.Located on the Gulf of Aqaba, Epicon aims to set a new standard of hospitality and architecture. Rising from NEOM’s desert landscape like a glistening mirage, the property will feature two striking towers, one 225 meters tall and one reaching 275 meters. The towers will be home to an ultra-premium 41 key hotel and luxury residences that comprise of 14 suites and apartments. A short distance from the hotel is the Epicon resort, which blends tranquility with indulgence and features 120 rooms and 45 stunning residential beach villas.
    Designed as a gateway to the future, Epicon provides an opportunity to escape the stresses of the everyday. Whether relaxing at the beach club, visiting the spa for bespoke wellness treatments, exploring the surrounding nature, participating in one of the many watersports on offer, or dining at destination restaurants for an unforgettable culinary experience, Epicon has been conceived to meet the full array of guest and resident needs.
    A highly attractive visitor destination and an optimum place to live and thrive, Epicon’s guests and residents can expect a truly immersive and life-affirming experience. The luxurious residences and beach villas aim to deliver new levels of livability through cutting-edge innovations, world-class services and first-class experiences, positioning the resort as a benchmark for iconic living.
    Guests and residents of Epicon will enjoy unrestricted access to world-class facilities, complemented by views of one of the most desirable shorelines in NEOM. Amenities include a state-of-the-art gym, library, workspaces, pools and lounges.
    News of Epicon follows the recent announcement of Leyja, NEOM’s sustainable tourism destination set within a magnificent natural valley. The extensive range of experiences and activities offered in Epicon and Leyja will strengthen and enrich the NEOM ecotourism offering, aligned with the broader objectives of the Kingdom.ADVERTISEMENT

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    7 Reasons to Visit Gothenburg in 2024

    Gothenburg is ranked one of the world’s 100 best cities in 2023* (the only non-capital in the Nordic Countries) and is also the winner of the Global Destination Sustainability Index Leadership Award 2023* for the 7th time in a row. Here are 7 reasons to visit in 2024. There’s also a selection of new restaurants, bars, and shops to discover in Sweden’s second city situated on Sweden’s west coast.Experience World of VolvoWorld of Volvo, run by Volvo Cars and Volvo Group, will be both a landmark and meeting place with space for the new Volvo Museum, exhibitions, concerts and dining experiences. The circular, five-storey, 22,000-square-metre building is inspired by the Scandinavian landscape and will be located just next to Liseberg Amusement Park. It opens April 2024.
    Liseberg opens brand new water park – OceanaOceana, part of Liseberg Amusement Park, is inspired by the history of Gothenburg and will be unlike anything else available in Scandinavia today. Guests will be able to enjoy everything from quiet indoor sandy beaches to thrilling water slides. 14 attractions, a wave pool, family river and water play for various ages. Opens spring 2024.
    Re-opening of the renovated Fish ChurchThe fish market hall The Fish Church “Feskekörka” will re-open after an almost 4-year renovation. This iconic temple of seafood from 1874 houses fishmongers, restaurants, and a bar. Vegetarian options are available. The Fish Church will be open all year round, with outdoor seating in the summertime. Opens in the beginning of 2024. Information only in Swedish
    New hotel Clarion Hotel KarlatornetKarlatornet is now the tallest building in Scandinavia. 246 meters high and 74 storeys, it will have apartments, restaurants, a sky bar, and a lookout viewpoint as well as a photo exhibition about the project and the surrounding area. The new hotel Clarion Hotel Karlatornet will open spring 2024 with 300 rooms. The lookout viewpoint and sky bar will open late 2024 or spring 2025.
    The re-opening of the public saunaThe public and free sauna in the Jubilee Park – Jubileumsparken – will re-open in spring 2024. The sauna, originally a prototype, will be replaced by a permanent sauna, retaining its unique appearance. It is also possible to swim all year round in the two recently opened saltwater pools, situated in the river beside the sauna, and during the warmer part of the year, you can also swim in a freshwater pool.ADVERTISEMENTClarion Hotel Draken opens its new SPAThe 33-storey Clarion Hotel Draken opened in October 2023 and is right now Gothenburg’s tallest hotel building with 474 hotel rooms, a cinema, several restaurants and a sky bar with a rooftop terrace boasting views that stretch for miles. In March 2024 the hotel will open its new SPA area, including a gym, and is promised to be something extra.
    New exhibition Design storiesDesign Stories (“Designhistorier”), a new permanent exhibition at the Röhsska Museum of Design and Craft, is based on the question What is design? The exhibition will focus on Scandinavian design from the end of the 19th Century until today. Objects, sketches, films and interviews will be the starting point for different stories about design. Opens autumn 2024. Information only in Swedish.
    https://www.goteborg.com/en– The official visitors guide to Gothenburg

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    Phocuswright 2023: Gap in sustainability ambitions revealed by new research

    A new sustainability report presented at the Phocuswright Conference has revealed a considerable gap between what people say and what they do when it comes to green travel.
    The results were presented by Madeline List, Phocuswright senior research analyst, and shone a light on the preferences of thousands of travellers from across the US and Europe.
    In the US and EU, around half of the respondents said they were more likely to choose transport based on carbon footprint rather than convenience. 
    But, when asked why they chose certain transport options during recent travels, a much smaller number cited environmental factors as a reason.
    Respondents said they were more likely to choose a hotel for its sustainability credentials than price. 
    But of those that had booked, only 6-13 per cent said environmental reasons were among their top five considerations.
    “People are more likely to follow through on what they say if they will directly feel the burn from not doing so,” said List. 
    “For example, around half would rather stay somewhere less famous and less crowded – and many people actually follow through on this, as they are more directly affected by not doing so.  ADVERTISEMENT“With environmental decisions, people care, but they do not directly feel the consequences of not following through on sustainable choices.
    “Likewise, travellers want their money to benefit the communities they visit. 
    “But when asked if they ever checked to see if what they bought was locally sourced, only one-in-four said they did. 
    “Emotionally, people care, but they’re not taking the practical steps needed make those decisions.”
    Travelers find sustainability confusing
    Do travellers know what it actually means to travel sustainably? 
    The majority of respondents said that they find the standards for environmentally conscious travel confusing – and the ones that are sustainability-orientated already are the ones that are more confused than the people that don’t care. 
    Some 19-26 per cent also believe that they don’t travel frequently enough to have a significant impact on the environment. 
    Event those that take two trips a year don’t think they have much of an impact, but they are a sizeable part of travel.
    Travelers were split over who should take responsibility for sustainability – many believe it’s the role of government, whereas others think it’s travel providers, destination organisations, or travellers themselves.
    Travelers think it should be the responsibility of destination organizations to keep tourism money within the local community, which would explain why they’re not asking where their money goes after they spend it.
    Some 36-47 per cent of travellers also think sustainable travel options are more expensive. 
    And the more someone think about sustainability at home, the more likely they are to believe it presents more expensive travel options. 
    Some ten-15 per cent more was the accepted premium people said they would pay for greener travel.
    “I don’t think this belief-behaviour gap is coming from a bad place,” said List. 
    “They want to believe that they will make the right decision, but it’s important [for travel providers] to understand that this is not always the reality.” 
    List finished by giving her practical suggestions for the travel industry: 

    Increase sustainable options – make them more available and viable to begin with – they have to be appealing to travellers as a whole, and shouldn’t just be about sustainability.
    Green options need to be easy to find and prominent.
    Show that sustainable is accessible and affordable – push sustainable options at various price points.
    Help travellers understand that sustainability goes beyond the environment – it extends to many other areas too.
    Educate, educate, educate – inspire travellers to aspire for collective change; speak to the why not just the what, build understanding from the ground up.

    More Information
    More than 1,300 attendees are currently at The Phocuswright Conference, which is taking place this week in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
    Find out more here.

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    Ambitions Travel Recruitment & Training grows presence in UK travel sector

    Ambitions Travel Recruitment & Training, a go-getting new travel industry recruitment and training agency, has bolstered its position within the UK travel sector, tapping into an expansive network to deliver quality candidates to businesses across the industry.
    A series of award wins, new hires, free eLearning courses and industry partnerships have accelerated growth at a time when many travel businesses struggle to recruit in the face of continued talent shortages. 
    Founded by specialist Fi Morrison-Arnthal, Ambitions Travel Recruitment & Training (ATR) works to swiftly connect businesses with top-tier candidates, leveraging industry knowledge, contacts and a proven track record for efficient, successful hires.
    Morrison-Arnthal has more than three decades of experience in the industry, including as a director at Progressive Travel Recruitment, a leading global recruiter. 
    The launch and swift expansion of ATR comes at a time of ongoing candidate shortages within the industry.
    Morrison-Arnthal, managing director of ATR, said: “Against an improving economic backdrop, the travel industry’s recovery continues to accelerate.
    “However, candidate shortages mean that many businesses find their progress throttled by the inability to source hard to find talent. This has resulted in a strong demand for our services since launching. 
    “The old ways of doing business are no longer working – today employees are seeking attractive salaries that are in line with inflation and flexibility in their roles, while ongoing training and career development opportunities and a sense of mission are more important than ever before.
    “At Ambitions Travel Recruitment we work tirelessly to connect employers from across the industry to the people they need to make their businesses thrive in this new world of work, and to match candidates with roles that will give them long-term fulfilment.”

    Originally launching in 2022, ATR has welcomed two new additional industry experts in recent months, to support the agency’s rapid expansion.
    The business welcomes talent acquisition operations specialist, Genna Davis.
    Her diverse career spans travel consulting, national travel account management, travel recruitment, and training in the hospitality industry.
    Brand operations manager Claire Castro brings years of experience leading international, remote travel recruitment operations support teams.
    Joining ATR, she provides online advice and value to their global audience, candidates and customers.
    ATR Industry Support
    As part of a wider ambition to develop new industry talent and support growth in the travel industry, ATR has launched a series of 12 free essential soft skills courses via their sister website.
    While product and destination knowledge are undeniably crucial, it’s incomplete without the essential soft skills needed to have a career within the travel industry.
    Their free courses are created by industry experts, featuring interactive modules, flexible learning options, engaging content, and worldwide accessibility.
    The free courses are designed to enhance expertise, boost customer satisfaction, and open doors to new career opportunities within the industry. 
    In addition, ATR offers a wide range of free guides for their candidates and clients, downloadable from the website.
    Covering topics such as creating a personal brand, interview preparation, new hire on-boarding, and developing a stand-out CV, the informative guides are available to everyone that might want guidance or support job hunting or talent acquisition a success. 
    ATR is also proud to be a partner of Back in time for Bed (BITFB), the flexible working movement for parents, created by Vicky Billing, head of partnerships at Riviera Travel, and head of supplier relations at Panache Cruises, Anna Perrott.
    A co-branded guide is already available via their ATR website, offering valuable insights to make parental leave a success, and support for businesses and candidates as they navigate the parameters of flexible working.
    With a positive impact on the long-term career satisfaction, loyalty and wellbeing of staff, businesses can gain competitive advantages.
    This guide will help all parties to achieve a more flexible approach and demonstrates why a more human touch to resourcing is so important in attracting the best talent, reducing turnover, to increase productivity and profitability. 
    Morrison-Arnthal added: “It is an honour to work with our partners at BITFB.
    “This inspirational organisation is doing important work to promote better working practices, and we are delighted to offer our support and expertise to help parents everywhere, as well as the businesses that recruit and employ them.
    “The travel sector is a career, not just a job, and we aim to create conditions where our candidates can thrive for the long term.”
    More Information
    Ambitions Travel Recruitment was recently awarded ‘Lone Wolf Business of the Year’ at the Small Business Awards 2023, celebrating the independent strength and prowess of the newly launched agency.
    The consultancy was nominated for ‘Best Start Up Agency’ at Global Recruiter Awards 2023, recognising the hard work, determination and inspiration required to create a thriving new business in a highly competitive industry. 
    Take a look at the Breaking Travel News interview with Ambitions founder, Fi Morrison-Arnthal, here.
    For more information, please visit the official website.

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    Eve Air Mobility Partners with Kookiejar to Deploy Urban Air Traffic Management System in Dubai

    Eve Air Mobility (“Eve”)  and Kookiejar, a Swedish-based vertiport developer, have signed a letter of intent (LOI) for Eve’s Urban ATM (Air Traffic Management) system to support vertiport operations in Dubai.  The agreement marks Eve’s first Urban ATM agreement in Dubai and Kookiejar becomes the company’s 10th Urban ATM customer and fifth vertiport customer as the company continues to grow its global customer base.
    The agreement comes as Kookiejar, along with its local partner Air Chateau, is preparing to showcase Dubai’s first state of the art vertiport hub facility with eight parking pads and a FATO at Al Maktoum Airport, Dubai South. Eve’s Urban ATM (Air Traffic Management) product has been adopted as part of Kookiejar and Air Chateau’s grand vision for Dubai. The vision is a phased implementation program in which networks of vertiports will be connected via Eve’s Urban ATM system to support a safe and scaled Urban Air Mobility (UAM) operations that provides a path to commercialization in 2025-2026.
    “Urban air mobility relies on infrastructure within the lower air space as well as accessible takeoff and landing spots – vertiports. Eve’s Urban ATM solution provides an integrated suite of software that will enable an efficient and predictable eVTOL ecosystem,” said Rob Weaver, Urban ATM global business development lead at Eve Air Mobility.  “In Dubai, we are looking forward to working with KookieJar as they combine expertise in both ground and air infrastructure to design a flexible, sustainable and reliable vertiport network.”
    Eve has engaged Atech, Embraer’s Air Traffic Control technology and system integrator company, to support the development of the Urban ATM software solution. Eve is leveraging Atech’s experience in developing aviation-grade products for ATM systems in Brazil.
    “By leveraging decades of experience in one of the largest Urban Air Mobility operations of 1,500+ air taxi operations per day in Sao Paulo, the helicopter capital of the world, Eve’s Urban ATM system gives us the edge to integrate our Vertiports here in UAE and enable ANSPs to increase urban airspace capacity,” said Wassaf Akhtar, chief technology officer at Kookiejar. “This will provide equitable airspace access on our network of vertiports for eVTOLs.”ADVERTISEMENTKookiejar is already working with stakeholders in Dubai to carefully think about the routes that eVTOLs will take within existing VFR corridors that helicopters use today with its partners Vertiport Hub at Air Chateau and Dubai South.  The goal is to have eVTOLs operate seamlessly with existing commercial air traffic management systems and the UTM systems. This strategic agreement will bolster Dubai’s position in the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry by capitalizing on the synergies between Eve and Kookiejar.
    From before take-off to after landing, the urban air environment will count on integrated systems, services and technologies being developed by Eve to support eVTOL operations alongside UTM systems and many other airspace users. In the future, the advancement of infrastructure and regulation will rely on these network management services to enable autonomous flight.
    The company is also continuing to collaborate with regulators, customers air navigation service providers, fleet operators, vertiport developers, airports and other UAM ecosystems stakeholders globally to advance concepts and develop technology to support initial operation and scaling of UAM operations from an ATM perspective.

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    Gloria Fluxà Appointed Vice-Chair of WTTC and Chair of Sustainability Committee

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    Gloria Fluxà Appointed Vice-Chair of WTTC and Chair of Sustainability Committee

    The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is pleased to announce Gloria Fluxà, Vice-Chairman and Chief Sustainability Officer of Iberostar Group, as its new Vice-Chair, and Chair of its Sustainability Committee.
    Fluxà takes over the role from Intrepid Group Co-founder and Chairman, Darrell Wade, who took the reins in 2020.
    Since 2018, she has held the position of Vice-Chairman and Chief Sustainability Officer at Iberostar Group, passionately championing sustainability initiatives and driving the company’s commitment to responsible tourism. As a trustee and the Chairman of the Iberostar Foundation, Gloria has shown unwavering dedication to environmental and social causes.
    In May 2018, Gloria Fluxà was named a “Young Global Leader” by the World Economic Forum for her tireless efforts to advance sustainable tourism, particularly in the area of marine and oceans preservation through the “Wave of Change” movement. This initiative focuses on reducing plastic consumption, promoting sustainable fishing practices, and enhancing coastal health.
    Gloria Fluxà said: “I am honoured to take on this role supporting our industry’s commitment to drive meaningful change. Responsible tourism isn’t just a vision; it’s a necessity for our planet and the well-being of our communities.”ADVERTISEMENTJulia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said: “Firstly, I would like to thank Darrell for his hard work and dedication to the role over the last few years. His contribution has been invaluable.
    “Gloria’s impressive track record, her dedication to sustainability, and her vision for harmonising economic growth with environmental preservation and social impact, make her the perfect fit for her new role as Vice-Chair at WTTC and Chair of the Sustainability Committee.
    During its Global Summit, WTTC also announced Greg O’Hara, Founder and Senior Managing Director of Certares Management LLC, as its new Chair, bringing his extensive experience and leadership to the global tourism body. Under this new leadership, WTTC and its Members look forward to advancing the global Travel & Tourism sector toward a brighter and more sustainable future.

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