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    San Francisco International Airport to Rename International Terminal in Honor of Dianne Feinstein

    The San Francisco Airport Commission has approved a resolution to rename the International Terminal at SFO for the late Senator and former San Francisco Mayor Dianne Feinstein. The announcement responds to a proposed nomination submitted in November 2023 to the Airport Commission by The Dianne Feinstein 100-plus Committee, whose members include former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown and retired SFO Airport Director John L. Martin.
    The Airport Commission carefully reviewed the proposed nomination and found that the following were “compelling reasons to honor the nominee recommended for consideration:”
    In 1980 and 1981, as Mayor of San Francisco, Feinstein led the negotiation of a 30-year Lease and Use Agreement with the airlines that transformed the Airport’s business operation and provided for the construction of SFO’s first International Terminal that opened in 1983. The Agreement incentivized the Airport to establish itself as a leader among U.S. airports in concession revenue performance, providing the Airport with major capital financing capacity and a formula whereby the airlines and City share in the Airport’s business success. The Agreement provided for a new business structure which is still in place today that provides for 15% of SFO concession revenue to be shared with the City as repayment for its investment. The City has realized over $1 billion as a return from this 15% share since 1981. SFO remains one of only a handful of airports across the country with this structure.From the Master Plan expansion of the new International Terminal to the BART-SFO extension and new Air Traffic Control Tower, Senator Feinstein played a leadership role in making the Airport the world-class facility it is today. Senator Feinstein led the charge to extend BART to SFO and, in a historic meeting, negotiated the agreement between the Airport, BART, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the airlines to bring the mass transit system directly into the International Terminal.Senator Feinstein was a tireless advocate for SFO behind the scenes, including supporting SFO’s first in-line baggage screening system following 9/11, helping SFO access new FAA technology to improve safety and reduce delays, and providing federal agency resources in the aftermath of the Asiana crash.
    What happens next
    With the adoption of the resolution to rename the International Terminal for Dianne Feinstein, SFO will begin work with the Dianne Feinstein 100-plus Committee to develop an approach for implementation. This will include collaboration on locations, design, and content to celebrate the legacy of Senator Feinstein relative to both SFO and the City of San Francisco. There is no defined timeline for this activity, but the goal is to ensure the finished result captures the intent which led to the naming campaign.ADVERTISEMENT

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    FITUR 2024: UNWTO Highlights Tourism Investment, Sustainability, and Collaboration

    With Ecuador as the official partner country, FITUR International Tourism Trade Fair (Madrid, 23-26 January) will serve once again as a platform for global tourism innovation and collaboration.
    At the first major tourism event of 2024, UNWTO will emphasise fostering investment opportunities and strengthening international partnerships during the event.
    Highlights include:
    Investment: UNWTO will host key investment forums, including an “Invest in Zambia” event, and, in collaboration with the Investment Bank for Latin America (CAF) officially launch its “Investment Guidelines for Ecuador”, shedding light on tourism investment prospects in these regions.Sustainable Development and Climate Action: A Meeting of the Committee on Tourism and Sustainability will address sustainability challenges in the global tourism sector. UNWTO will host a meeting of signatories of the Glasgow Declaration, highlighting the shared commitment to addressing climate challenges in the tourism sector.Coordination and Collaboration: UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili will hold a number of bilateral meetings with Ministers of Tourism from all world regions to foster collaboration and strengthen partnerships to advance tourism for sustainable development.You may also be interested in:  flydubai becomes the regional partner for the Argentina national team La AlbicelesteUNWTO’s yearly presence at FITUR underscores its commitment to driving positive change within the sector. The Organization remains dedicated to fostering sustainable practices, encouraging responsible investments, and facilitating global partnerships. UNWTO invites all stakeholders, industry professionals, and the public to join in the dialogue at FITUR 2024.
    For more information visit FITUR 2024 programme. https://www.unwto.org/events/fitur-2024ADVERTISEMENT

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    Finnair Launches Year-Round Service to Tartu, Estonia, Enhancing Connectivity

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    Sustainable Journeys – New UK Tour Operator Launches

    This week sees the launch of Sustainable Journeys, a new UK tour operator dedicated to helping people take steps to travel more sustainably by providing itineraries and unforgettable travel experiences which enable individual travellers to explore, whilst taking into consideration environmental conservation, social inclusivity, and economic benefits to local communities.
    Sustainable Journeys uncovers more climate-friendly ways to enjoy the beauty and diversity of destinations. Reducing traveller emissions by using trains, electric vehicles, buses, bikes, and hikes, with stays at sustainably focused accommodations and enjoying activities which support local communities and the preservation of natural and cultural heritage. Whilst Sustainable Journeys encourage slow travel there is often need for travellers to fly, because of time challenges and distances, and these trips are considered too, reviewing aircraft, routing and cabin choices to minimise the impact.
    Sustainable Journeys will be working with Path Net Zero, which specialises in providing carbon measurement solutions, to measure the carbon footprint from the various elements of trips which will be displayed for each itinerary to help make the best and most practical choices. Path Net Zero will also manage a Carbon Fund for Sustainable Journeys, supporting developing world projects that have through their actions reduced carbon emissions; this will be achieved through a donation of 3% of the holiday price through registry Gold Standard, who pay Fair Trade prices to project operators for the work they are doing.
    In addition, Sustainable Journeys is collaborating with NGO Planeterra to add a ‘Ripple Score’ to each itinerary, detailing the percentage of money spent which stays locally in the destination, an important principle of sustainable tourism.
    Estonia, one of the world’s leading sustainable destinations, is the launch partner of Sustainable Journeys. Several of the new itineraries reveal little known areas of the Baltic country, highlighting where and how to explore beyond the popular city break of Tallinn to immerse in the forests, national parks, coastal and island retreats, quaint and historic villages, and cultural centres, including Tartu – European Capital of Culture 2024.ADVERTISEMENTSustainable Journeys are now available in Estonia, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland, with more destinations soon to follow. 
    Melissa Tilling, CEO of Sustainable Journeys commented “We believe tourism should benefit everyone involved, especially local communities and our mission is to bring a pragmatic enabling approach to sustainable travel to support customers who are often confused by labelling, terminology, and what to trust. Whilst no one can take away the act of emitting carbon into the atmosphere Sustainable Journeys hope to make it easier for consumers to travel more responsibly, understanding their choices and ensure that visitors contribute positively, from an environmental, social, and economic perspective.
    We carefully select partners aligned with our sustainable tourism principles, aligned to the United Nations, to provide transport methods, lodging and activities which provide an optimum balance between sustainability and pragmatism in terms of what can be offered, what is sensible and what best protects the wellbeing of our customers. We endeavour to prioritise local community involvement to ensure the economic benefits of tourism are equally distributed.”
    Packages include:  Estonian EV Exploration – This 10-night self-drive tour, from £1,235 per person (based on two adults sharing), starts in historic Tallinn. Heading east to the rich green forest and wetlands of the Lahemaa National Park and quaint fishing villages, turning south to The Onion Trail and cultural centre of Tartu. It continues onwards through the Soomaa National Park, stopping at historic and picturesque coastal towns and the summer capital Parnu. Price includes car hire, bed and breakfast in locally owned hotels and guesthouses, cultural and wine-tasting experiences. Transport to the Baltics by air or rail is additional.  For more information visit, or to book visit www.sustainablejourneys.co.uk

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    Masterplan Revealed For THE RIG. A World-First Adventure Tourism Destination

    THE RIG., one of Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) entertainment projects, announced today the launch of its Masterplan, an ambitious and unprecedented vision for tourism that will redefine adventure tourism.
    The project is in line with PIF’s strategy and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives of contributing to the growth of the tourism sector, directly and indirectly contributing to employment opportunities, and diversifying the economy.THE RIG. is inspired by the design of offshore oil platforms, to celebrate the legacy and heritage of Saudi Arabia’s long oil and gas history.  The unique hospitality and adventure experience will span a gross floor area of over 300,000 square meters, located 40km from the coastline, near Al Juraid Island and Berri Oil Field in the Arabian Gulf.
    THE RIG. will seek to attract over 900,000 annual visitors by 2032, appealing to a wide range of domestic, regional and international audiences, including adrenaline seekers, explorers, balanced holiday makers, and relaxation seekers.
    The range of hospitality, leisure, entertainment and accommodation options provided by THE RIG. include three hotels totaling 800 rooms, along with 11 restaurants, an extreme sports and adventure park, a world-class marina, and helipads.
    THE RIG. will feature a wide variety of water activities, including a diving center, in addition to an amusement park, splash park, an E-sports center, an immersive theater and multi-purpose arena. THE RIG. will also celebrate the Kingdom’s rich oil and gas heritage by creating an exceptional and unique experience, making it a must-visit destination. ADVERTISEMENTThe project will be developed by the Oil Park Development Company (OPDC) under the direction of its CEO, Raed N. Bakhrji, who brings more than 20 years of experience in the oil and gas industry and a passion for the future of adventure tourism.
    Additional information: www.THERIG.sa.

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    Decades of internationalization pays off as UnionPay recognized across world

    UnionPay, one of the world’s largest payment brands, is embracing a new chapter of development after its global acceptance scope spanned 183 countries and regions and issuance outside the Chinese mainland surpassed 230 million cards recently.Thanks to its 20 years of internationalization efforts, it can contribute more “Chinese solutions” to the global payment industry.
    On Jan 18, 2004, with approval from the People’s Bank of China, UnionPay launched card services in Hong Kong, marking the beginning of the internationalization efforts made by Chinese bank card brands.
    In 2012, UnionPay International, dedicated to international business, was established. Its international strategy evolved from “where Chinese go, UnionPay card services follow” to a more comprehensive “global network, international brand,” aiming to better serve China’s resolve to open wider and to set a high standard in the payment sector.
    With the recent initiation of UnionPay card services in El Salvador, its global acceptance scope now covers 66.4 million online and in-store merchants outside of the Chinese mainland. UnionPay cards have been issued in 81 countries and regions outside the Chinese mainland. Currently, UnionPay International has cooperated with more than 2,600 institutions globally.
    First choice of touristsADVERTISEMENTAs China’s payment industry has rapidly evolved over the past two decades, UnionPay International has actively enhanced its network service capabilities, diversified product offerings, and improved payment scenarios to provide high-quality financial payment services for both Chinese and international residents engaged in trade and cooperation.
    During the New Year holidays, Chinese tourists celebrating globally found UnionPay’s distinctive three-color logo ubiquitously present, whether in the streets of Hong Kong and Macao or at merchants in Bangkok, Tokyo, Abu Dhabi and beyond.
    According to a Nielsen report, UnionPay has become the most widely accepted international card brand globally. Since the first UnionPay transaction landed in Hong Kong, UnionPay cards have been accepted in 183 countries and regions around the world, among which 99 countries and regions support UnionPay mobile payment products. UnionPay acceptance rates in the Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, and other regions have increased to approximately 80 percent.
    In China’s Hong Kong and Macao, hundreds of thousands of merchants, millions in South Korea, and almost all QR code merchants in Malaysia and Sri Lanka support the UnionPay app.
    Building on the foundation of practicality, UnionPay International has collaborated extensively across industries to create a rich ecosystem for UnionPay payments, giving cardholders more convenience and ease when making payments.
    In 2023 alone, tourism bureaus in Australia, South Africa, Singapore, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, international duty-free group DFS, travel platform Trip.com, and tax refund agency Planet Tax Free, among others, have collaborated with UnionPay International, enhancing its payment capabilities in scenarios such as hotel bookings, transportation, dining, and shopping.
    Currently, UnionPay payment services are supported in more than 5,000 overseas schools, the top 10 hotel groups globally, renowned airlines, cross-border transportation such as the China-Laos Railway and public transportation in popular overseas tourist destinations.
    Close collaboration in cross-border payments between commercial banks and UnionPay International provides personalized options for residents. Various commercial banks have introduced distinctive UnionPay card products, such as cross-border cashback cards, Prestige Asia, cards themed in “Tour South Korea”, and more, catering to different customer segments. Connected to the UnionPay app Network Payment Platform, commercial bank apps can also directly use UnionPay QR codes in overseas acceptance scenarios.
    Global expansion
    Since the resumption of cross-border movement, international events like Canton Fair and the China International Import Expo have been successfully held in China, making it essential to provide quality payment services for overseas visitors in China.
    Currently, outside the Chinese mainland, more than 230 million UnionPay cards have been issued in 81 countries and regions, 180 UnionPay local wallets have been established in 35 countries and regions. These diverse UnionPay payment products cover multiple functions, including card swiping, scanning and cash withdrawals, meeting the needs of both daily life and cross-border payments, positioning UnionPay as one of the preferred payment brands for visitors to China.
    This journey began with the opening of UnionPay card acceptance in China’s Hong Kong, where Bank of China (Hong Kong) issued the first local UnionPay card in the same year. This marked the localization of UnionPay International business and the starting point for exploring payment services for residents around the world.
    Currently, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has issued 30 million UnionPay cards in total. In the countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, the cumulative issuance reaches 170 million cards. In countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Mongolia, Singapore and Kazakhstan, UnionPay has become the go-to payment card, favored by local students, workers and teachers, becoming integrated with local life.
    These cards can be used in almost all POS terminals and scenarios in China, including taking public transportation, shopping on the Taobao app, booking tickets on travel agency Trip.com, hailing a ride on the Didi app, and ordering food through the Meituan app.
    Drawing from its experience of promoting QR code payments domestically, UnionPay has continually extended its mobile payment services to residents outside the Chinese mainland.
    In 2018, the Hong Kong-Macao version of the UnionPay app landed in Hong Kong. Subsequently, UnionPay International has innovated cooperation models, supporting overseas wallets to bind UnionPay cards or issue UnionPay virtual cards within their apps. This allows users to utilize familiar local products for payments on the Chinese mainland, without the need for additional account creation or downloading domestic apps. Authentication can be completed through local institutions, eliminating the requirement to provide sensitive personal information to third-party platforms.
    Leading Chinese solution
    While providing high-quality payment services for overseas residents, UnionPay International collaborates with central banks, national payment networks, and payment alliances of various countries to establish technical standards for payment networks, QR codes, and chip cards. In doing so, it contributes more “Chinese solutions” to the global payment industry.
    Adapting to the trends of industrial development, UnionPay International actively seeks new strategies to build global network advantages through the development of both cards and mobile payment.
    In recent years, many countries have accelerated the construction of local payment networks and promoted the interoperability between different networks. Since 2023, UnionPay International has collaborated with local networks in 15 countries and regions overseas to promote the interoperability of QR codes. Sixteen projects have been implemented or are in progress including payment networks from Southeast Asian countries such as PayNet of Malaysia, NAPAS of Vietnam, Bakong of Cambodia and LAPNet of Laos. The acceptance scope of UnionPay QR codes outside the Chinese mainland has subsequently increased to 6.5 million merchants in 45 countries and regions. This establishes UnionPay as a payment product with major advantages in the Asia-Pacific region.

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    Villa Select Launches Crete Villas

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    Villa Select Launches Crete Villas

    Villa Select launches its first ever collection of Crete villas with nine beautiful private-pool properties in the north of the Island – in the resorts of Rethymnon, Hersonissos, Prines, Armeni and Elounda. The beautiful new Crete collection is available for agents to book now, for stays in April 2024, through to end October starting from just £657* per week.
    Becci Aldridge, Villa Select General Manager, said: “We are delighted to be expanding into a brand-new destination for 2024.  Our initial nine Crete Villas are all based in the North of the island and offer spacious modern living with private pools and there is a property for everyone, ranging from family bolt holes near the beach, to picturesque countryside villas. We plan to add further Crete properties in the coming months and our destination experts have been working hard to get to know the properties and resorts first hand – an invaluable resource for both customers and agents who may not be entirely familiar with the destination themselves”.
    Villa Select specialists have visited every resort in the collection, so holidaymakers can be assured of first-hand knowledge and personal recommendations. From flights to car hire and local advice, Villa Select offers the highest level of service – recently achieving a Silver award in the 2023 British Travel Awards for ‘Best Travel Company for Villa Holidays’, for the third year running.
    Trade friendly sample package: Joy of The Sea, Elounda, Crete. Sleeps 6 | 3 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms. Fri 05 Apr 2024, 7 nights. Accommodation only total Price £1,188 per week (Based on 6). With flights (return from London Gatwick inc. luggage) £5,496.

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    Luxury Cruise Expert Mundy Cruising Launches The Ultimate Luxury Cruise: 105 Days From £239,999 PP

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    Luxury Cruise Expert Mundy Cruising Launches The Ultimate Luxury Cruise: 105 Days From £239,999 PP

    Luxury cruise expert Mundy Cruising has launched an extraordinary programme, The Ultimate Luxury Cruise, which combines iconic destinations, amazing travel experiences and superlative accommodations to create a 105-day journey, departing Tokyo on 14th April 2025 and finishing in Dubrovnik on 26th July 2025.Customer research at the top end of the market by Mundy Cruising has revealed a range of travel trends and priorities for its discerning client base, including longer trips, slow travel, iconic experiences, bucket list destinations and a desire to return to gentler (and arguably Pre-Covid) times.
    Above all, these would-be travellers have stressed how important it is that these key needs are fulfilled in the most exclusive and luxurious way possible. Or, as one respondent answered in the research, “It ain’t what you do, it’s the way that you do it”.
    “I remember that song from over 40 years ago,” said Edwina Lonsdale, Managing Director of Mundy Cruising. “And, as the leaders in luxury cruising in the UK, we could hardly disagree. Why not, we thought, create a cruise which allows people to visit some on the best places on the planet, on some of the very best ships, and in the absolutely very best suites available on those ships?”
    The journey includes a plethora of bucket list destinations and experiences including Cherry Blossom in Japan, Hot Springs and Snow Monkeys, cruising Glacier Bay National Park, viewing black and brown bears, crossing the Rockies on the magical Rocky Mountaineer train, living the high life in New York, a leisurely transatlantic crossing, voyaging northwards for the Norwegian Fjords, Midnight Sun and North Cape, crossing Europe in style on the magical Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, exploring Venice, cruising the Adriatic coast to Athens, and exploring the Greek Islands and Montenegro on an exclusive 32-guest sailing yacht.
    Every step of the way, each experience offers the ultimate in luxury, combining the top suites on the very best ships in the world, First and Business Class air travel, classic rail journeys and beautiful hotels. ADVERTISEMENTAlex Loizou, Director of Sales, Marketing and Operations at Mundy Cruising, said: “Our clients are looking to indulge themselves in a gentler way. Covid gave them a sense of urgency, with plenty of items on their ‘to do’ lists, but despite that urgency, they are not prepared to compromise. In response, we created this amazing journey as an example of the many bespoke travel experiences we take pleasure in curating.”
    Mundy Cruising’s Ultimate Luxury Cruise includes:
    Spring in Tokyo: Regent Suite on Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer: 12th April 2025
    First Class flight to Tokyo, and 12-day Japan cruise during the country’s beautiful cherry blossom season visiting enchanting temples in Kyoto, taking a sombre history lesson in Nagasaki and discovering vibrant Tokyo.
    The Regent Suite, at over 3,000 square feet – larger than most people’s home, features rare works of art, an in-suite spa retreat and Steinway piano, with a spectacular ocean view from private balconies that include a Tresse Minipool high atop the ship. 
    Japan and Alaska: Grand Wintergarden Suite on Seabourn Cruises’ Seabourn Quest: 27th April 2025
    Embark Seabourn Quest to explore more of Japan’s treasures, including Hakodate’s famous hot springs and snow monkeys, before voyaging on to Alaska. Here, highlights include visiting the National Monument of Glacier Bay and the chance to spot black and brown bears, wolves, moose, eagles, seals and whales among the wild Alaskan landscape, finishing in cosmopolitan Vancouver.
    The Grand Wintergarden Suite, with its spacious terraces and glass-enclosed solarium with tub and daybed, is perfect for a cool weather cruise with stunning scenery. With 1,402 square feet of space, there is plenty of space for entertaining. 
    Canada: Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Rail Journey: 16th May 2025
    Enjoy two nights in cosmopolitan Vancouver, before taking to the rails. The epic Rocky Mountaineer train ride goes through some of western Canada’s most striking scenery, enjoyed with GoldLeaf service: three-course wine-paired gourmet fine dining, domed windows and an outdoor viewing platform. Stay in Fairmont’s most luxurious accommodations – the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel – as you tour the area.
    North America: Owner’s Suite on Silversea’s Silver Dawn:  28th May 2025
    Fly to New York, and board Silversea’s beautiful Silver Dawn for a transatlantic voyage including vibrant Boston and the wild and rugged coastlines of Atlantic Canada, ending on home shores in Southampton via Falmouth, Guernsey’s St Peter Port and Saint Malo in France.
    The Owner’s Suite, at 1,389 square feet, is the perfect home from home, with a butler to take care of your every need, and a large seating area as the hub of the suite, equipped with all mod cons – think a Bose sound system, an interactive 55” TV and an Illy coffee machine. 
    Norwegian Fjords: Owner’s Suite on Seabourn Cruises’ Seabourn Sojourn:  14th June 2025
    Board Seabourn Sojourn in Dover for a bucket-list adventure to Norway’s North Cape and Norwegian Fjords. Highlights include the dramatic peaks of the Lofoten Islands, crossing the Arctic Circle in Tromso and traversing the shores of Norway’s most spectacular fjords.
    The Owner’s Suite on Seabourn Sojurn, at 672 square feet, has forward facing windows perfect for the breathtaking views on this spectacular itinerary, which is all about the scenery. 
    Paris to Venice: Grand Suite on Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: 28th June 2025
    Take two days to explore the world’s most romantic city, Paris, then join an iconic journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a return to the bygone era of travel in the Art Deco 1920s carriages from Paris to Venice.
    The famous Grand Suites inspired by Paris, Venice, Istanbul, Vienna, Prague, and Budapest are adorned with hand-crafted furnishings from dark wood and embossed leather to delicate silk, with private in-cabin dining, 24-hour butler service and spacious, marble-adorned en-suite bathrooms.
    Adriatic Sea: Owner’s Suite on Silversea’s Silver Spirit: 2nd July 2025
    Depart Venice to visit mosaic-adorned Ravenna before a relaxing journey to Croatia’s most-loved islands and their hidden coves, with crystal-clear waters and spectacular red-roofed towns, including lovely Zadar and fairytale-like Rovinj.
    The Owner’s Suite, with up to 1,668 square feet of space, is a stylish apartment with spacious living room, enormous veranda, Italian marbled bathroom and afternoon canapé and champagne service.
    Return to Venice for another three days to explore, retiring each evening to one of the city’s most luxurious hotels.
    Greece and Croatia: Owner’s Residence on Explora Journeys’ Explora I:  12th July 2025
    Cruise the Adriatic to the Peloponnese, visiting the enchanting walled city of Dubrovnik and iconic Athens.
    The Owner’s Residence is the largest living space on the ship, with over 3,000 square feet of space, and spans the vessel’s full width with an infinity whirlpool on the private terrace, and spacious interior finished to the highest standards with plenty of welcome extras such as a welcome bottle of Dom Perignon 2013. 
    Island Hopping in the Mediterranean: Owner’s Suite on Ponant’s Le Ponant:  19th July 2025
    The yacht-like, 32-guest Le Ponant sets forth on an island-hopping adventure in Greece and Montenegro, sailing from the unspoilt Greek islands of Pylos and Spetses to Montenegro’s stunning Kotor and Tivat, something very exclusive to end the extraordinary journey. It would be possible to charter to whole vessel to complete the odyssey in style in the company of close friends.
    The Owner’s Suite, an ultra-modern delight of 505 square feet, includes indulgent spa treatments on this little gem of a yacht.
    Disembark in Dubrovnik for a short flight back to London on 26th July 2025.
    Prices for this 105-day Ultimate Luxury Cruise itinerary start from £239,999 per person including Business and First Class flights, all overseas transfers, five-star hotels throughout and all cruises featured.
    For more information and reservations, call 020 7399 7670 or visit www.mundycruising.co.uk

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    KAUST professor with disability concludes 30-day hand cycling journey across Saudi Arabia

    Traversing from East to West across ten cities throughout the Kingdom in 30 days, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Professor of Applied Mathematics and Computational Science Matteo Parsani concludes his journey “Athar: East to West.”
    Covering a long route that included Dammam, Riyadh, Qassim (Buraydah), Hail, AlUla, Red Sea Global, AlMadinah, Makkah, Jeddah, and concluding at KAUST, Professor Parsani hand-cycled a distance of over 3,000 kilometers, averaging 150 kilometers per day.
    Six years ago, Professor Parsani faced a life-altering incident that left him with the loss of movement and sensation in the lower part of his body. Through years of meticulous monitoring and successful rehabilitation, Professor Parsani made a remarkable decision to embark on the unprecedented coast-to-coast hand bike journey across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to promote physical activities, sports and raise awareness about people with disabilities. Drawing inspiration from the motivational words of the Crown Prince, who declared, “We dream, and we achieve!”, Professor Parsani commenced his extraordinary journey on December 17, 2023. This Herculean undertaking not only symbolizes personal triumph over adversity but also serves as inspiration for all people.
    Professor Parsani visited the headquarters of the Authority for Persons with Disabilities in Riyadh and multiple rehabilitation centers across the Kingdom such as the Onaizah Association for Development and Human Services (Ta’heel), the Children with Disabilities Association and engaged with persons with disabilities at AlBaik branches in Qassim, Hail and the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. Throughout his journey, Professor Parsani was warmly welcomed in each city, experiencing the genuine hospitality of Saudi Arabia, known as “Hafawah,” at every stop along the way.
    Professor Parsani shared his valuable experience with locals in each city, gaining insights into the unique traditions of each region. He expressed his sentiments about the hospitality he received. “I have experienced warm hospitality wherever I stopped. I have made friends in different parts of the Kingdom and this is an experience that I will forever cherish.”ADVERTISEMENTAdditionally, the determined professor shed light on the physical challenges he encountered during the journey and the motivation to overcome them. “It was a challenging 30-day journey, and I am happy to embody my message – and that is to dream big; you can do anything you set your mind to. With support and willpower, I was able to take on the challenge.”

    KAUST President Tony Chan commended Professor Parsani’s unwavering determination to undertake such an adventurous journey. “We applaud Professor Matteo for his incredible 30-day hand cycling journey across Saudi Arabia, showcasing his grit and the power of the human spirit. His accomplishment is a singular reflection of his personal resilience, but Prof. Matteo will also be first to acknowledge his team and the support of the KAUST community and the citizens of Saudi Arabia and indeed the global community,” he said.
    The initiative took place with the support of several Saudi government entities and commercial partners, including the Ministry of Sport, Ministry of Interior, Saudi Embassy in the U.S., Authority for Persons with Disabilities, AlBaik, Shushah Island, Red Sea Global, Diriyah Gate Development Authority, the Royal Commission for AlUla, Saee, Saudi Sports for All Federation, Saudi Motorsport Company, Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Saudi Cycling Federation, Four Seasons, Montana Water, Baitna, Saudi Youth for Sustainability, as well as international entities such as McLaren Applied, McLaren F1, E1 Series, Sparco, Lucid, DMTC Agency, Villa Beretta Rehabilitation Research Innovation Institute, Solema, Politecnico di Milano, Viktor Elettromedicali & Physio, Partanna, LOVATO Electric and L.I.F.E (X10X).

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