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    5 Top New Year Cruise Deals

    Iglu Cruise has launched a huge New Year Sale, with discounts, offers and benefits on thousands of cruises. Highlights include:
    A free £100 John Lewis Gift Card on selected luxury cruisesWellbeing Cruise under £800 with TV presenter Cherry HealeyAll-inclusive sailings from under £1,640 with MarellaFree $200 drinks bar tab with Virgin’s Sea Terrace Cabins20% discounts with added £50 discount for January bookings
    TOP CRUISE OFFERS IN JANUARY 2024 FROM THE UK’S no. 1 CRUISE AGENT
    Iglu Cruise add £100 John Lewis voucher to selected bookings
    Receive a £100 gift voucher to spend in John Lewis with selected luxury cruise bookings made in January. ADVERTISEMENTIglu Cruise offers ‘Canary Islands & Cape Verde with Las Palmas Stay’ for 12 nights from £3,499 per person based on two sharing a Veranda Suite on an all-inclusive basis with Wi-Fi and tips included on board Seabourn’s Quest, departing London Gatwick on April 2, 2024. This price includes a 15% discount for bookings made by February 29th. Free voucher
    Wellbeing & Lifestyle Cruise from £767
    Maintain new year’s resolutions for wellness into March, with this great value getaway to Spain, Portugal and the Canaries. TV presenter Cherry Healey and stylist Kat Farmer will be sharing tips in helpful workshops on how to best support mental and physical health. Iglu Cruise offers ‘Spain, Portugal & Canaries from Southampton, Wellbeing and Lifestyle Cruise’ for 14 nights from only £767 per person (was £799) based on two sharing an inside cabin on full board, on P&O Cruises’ Iona, departing Southampton on March 2, 2024. No tipping is required. Additional charges for wellbeing masterclasses. Wellness with Cherry Healey
    An All-Inclusive Iglu-Exclusive – Barbados to Majorca
    This offer is exclusive to Iglu Cruise, and invites guests to spend more than a fortnight in the Spring cruising from top sights in the Caribbean back to Europe. This all-inclusive means there’s nothing to pay for flights, luggage allowance, overseas transfers, tips, food, drinks and entertainment. Iglu Cruise offers ‘Atlantic Voyage from Barbados to Majorca’ for 17 nights from £1,639 per person (was £1,824) based on two sharing an inside cabin, all inclusive, on Marella Cruises’ Marella Voyager, departing London Gatwick (Manchester and Glasgow +£300) on April 14, 2024. Exclusive All-Inclusive
    A free $200 bar tab per Sea Terrace (Balcony) Cabin
    Go wild on board a Virgin Voyages Cruise in September. Iglu Cruise offers ‘Bruges and Amsterdam from Portsmouth’ for 5 nights from £959 per person based on two sharing a Sea Terrace Cabin including full board, drinks, speciality dining, Wi-Fi and tips on board Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady, departing Portsmouth on September 3, 2024. Guests can enjoy a $200 drinks bar tab for the journey!  Free drinks tab
    Intensely Greece – Save 20% + £50 discount
    Enjoy 20% off this cruise, an in-depth tour of Greece’s top sights together with stays in Istanbul and Athens. Iglu Cruise offers ‘Greece Intensive with Istanbul & Athens Stays’ for 14 nights from £1,999 per person based on two sharing a Club Interior cabin, full board, ‘More Inclusive’ drinks and gratuities included on Azamara Cruises’ Azamara Journey, departing Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Newcastle, Edinburgh or Glasgow (London Airports +£80) on August 8, 2024. Includes £50 discount if booked by January 31st. Grecian Delight
    About Iglu.com
    Iglu.com is Europe’s largest online travel agent of cruise holidays, trading as Iglu Cruise in the UK, and Planet Cruise across the UK and Europe.
    Independent since its launch 25 years ago, pioneering, multi-award-winning Iglu Cruise offers millions of holidays from 3,000 ports to 30 incredible destinations worldwide, and is the primary partner for all major cruise lines. Crowned Online Agency of the Year 2023, Iglu offers unique, fast and easy online search and booking, and personal, unbiased advice from the 100-strong expert team.
    Iglu Cruise is an ABTA-bonded travel agent selling cruises and ATOL-bonded fly-cruise packages, and works with the industry to support sustainable travel. Awarded a customer satisfaction score 97% or higher by Feefo.

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    ONYX Hospitality Group Unveils Expansion for ‘Shama’ Brand Across Thailand, Malaysia, China, Asia.

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    ONYX Hospitality Group Unveils Expansion for ‘Shama’ Brand Across Thailand, Malaysia, China, Asia.

    ONYX Hospitality Group, the prominent management company in Southeast Asia, is expanding its renowned serviced apartment brand, Shama, with five new properties across Asia. The company recognises the increasing demand for serviced apartments, particularly in the post-pandemic era, and is confident that these new additions will meet the needs of business, leisure, and the growing segment of ‘Bleisure’ travellers.The Shama brand is renowned for its commitment to providing contemporary, stylish, and spacious serviced apartments. Acknowledging and responding to the popularity of serviced apartments for both long and shorter stays, across the domestic and international markets, ONYX confidently introduces five new Shama properties: two in China including Hong Kong, two in Malaysia, and one in Thailand, with opening dates set for 2024.
    Presenting a unique blend of modern design and local cultural influences, the Shama brand offers a distinctive hospitality experience that caters to the discerning needs of today’s travellers. With a focus on creating a home away from home, Shama’s well-appointed serviced apartments are thoughtfully designed to provide comfort, convenience, and a sense of belonging for both short and extended stays. Shama is synonymous with personalised service, ensuring that guests enjoy a seamless and memorable stay characterised by a perfect balance of luxury and practicality.
    Each Shama property reflects the brand’s dedication to delivering a lifestyle-centric approach, where guests can immerse themselves in the vibrant surroundings while enjoying the comforts of a fully equipped residence.
    With over 50 years of experience, ONYX Hospitality Group is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for serviced apartments in Asia. The company is expanding its Shama brand to cater to business travellers, Bleisure tourists, and leisure visitors seeking convenient, flexible accommodation, with all the amenities of a home-away-from-home.
    Recent trends, such as visa policies favourable to extended business stays and the rise of Bleisure travel, are driving demand for serviced apartments. ONYX Hospitality Group is responding to this trend with investments in new Shama properties across Asia. The company is confident that its expertise and understanding of the market, coupled with the brand’s new locations, will enable it to capture a significant share of this growing segment.ADVERTISEMENTYuthachai Charanachitta, Chief Executive Officer of ONYX Hospitality Group, highlighted, “The effectiveness of our customised approach to hospitality management enables us to identify investors who understand and share our vision and are prepared to foster high-quality growth in the business. This, in turn, instills confidence in us to invest in the expansion of the ‘Shama’ serviced apartment brand portfolio.”
    He also said, “Shama is a brand under ONYX Hospitality Group’s management, guided by the concept of ‘Freedom to Explore.’ Our aim is to encourage residents to venture out, embrace the city’s vibrancy, and enjoy an exciting and fulfilling life, even when staying in an unfamiliar place, without the sense of loneliness.”
    Each Shama property in Bangkok embodies the spirit of connectivity through the Shama Social Club, a vibrant hub that brings together global travellers. This inclusive community facilitates seamless transitions and fosters meaningful connections with the local culture.
    ONYX Hospitality Group currently operates a total of 16 Shama locations, including 6 in Thailand, 6 in Hong Kong, and 4 in China. ONYX Hospitality Group is committed to expanding the Shama brand whilst continuously evolving and striving to provide guests with the exceptional service and amenities that they have come to expect.
    Upcoming Shama properties scheduled to open in 2024:
    China including Hong Kong: Shama Hub Metro South Hong Kong, Shama Hub Qiantang Thailand: Shama Luxe Sathorn
    Malaysia: Shama Medini Malaysia, Shama Suasana Johor Bahru.

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    The Top Wellness Travel Trends for 2024

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    The Top Wellness Travel Trends for 2024

    With another year upon us and new advancements and discoveries happening constantly in the world of wellbeing, Health and Fitness Travel, the wellness holiday specialists has curated an extensive list of all the latest wellness trends they believe will emerge to popularity throughout the year of 2024, and the destinations where each of these trends can be enjoyed to the fullest.
    Health and Fitness Travel has seen a staggering increase in travellers looking to embark on multi-generational trips, athlete inspired programmes, as well as holidays to connect with nature and be immersed in culture. With clients looking to improve their sleep hygiene, nutrition, and overall health through use of the latest technology in order to fortify their immunity, vitality and wellbeing.
    With their personalised wellness travel concierge service, they highlight the following wellness travel trends to prove most popular in 2024
    Sleep Hygiene
    In a world accelerating at an unprecedented pace, carving out time to prioritise both the quantity and quality of sleep can feel like an insurmountable challenge. Meanwhile, scientific evidence continues to grow, supporting sleep’s undeniable vitality to a healthy life. More people want to better understand this crucial aspect of wellbeing and unlock the powerful benefits for themselves.ADVERTISEMENTA sleep focussed holiday provides all the tools for a perfect night of deep rest in an expertly designed sleep-inducing environment and equips individuals with the life-changing knowledge to continue achieving refreshing sleep in their day-to-day lives back home. This allows for greater quality of life in every sense, from higher levels of happiness, energy and cognitive function, to reduction in stress and a multitude of life-threatening diseases.
    Top 3 Destinations: Sleep at Six Senses Ibiza, Sleep Enhancement at Kamalaya, Sleep Well at Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda
    Wellness Enhanced by Technology
    Wearable tech and the powerful data it can produce is set to become the most exciting area of wellness technology in 2024. ICAROS is just one of many new technologies growing exponentially in popularity, this revolutionary form of exercise cleverly combines virtual reality with a sophisticated full-body apparatus, creating not only a highly engaging and rewarding way of building your dream body, but an incredibly effective one too.
    Apps will also take centre stage as we increasingly use our phones for a number of different things. We’ll see AI capable of analysing a wide range of health information, including an individual’s fitness levels, preferences and limitations to generate highly detailed nutrition and workout plans, unlocking a game-changing level of results, as well as more accessibility to a wider audience.
    Top 3 Destinations: Rebalance & Energize at SHA Wellness Clinic, Neuro@Mayr at Park Igls, Leader’s Performance at SHA Wellness Clinic Mexico
    Multi-Generational Trips
    During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw many changes take place across the world, it was a very real reminder for us all that we must not take the time we have with our loved ones for granted, and that creating lasting memories as a family should not be put on hold without good reason. Wellness holidays that cater to each generation of the family provide the perfect opportunity to share such moments. Create unforgettable memories in a beautiful setting, something that the whole family can cherish together. Lots more trips are being arranged and even paid for by grandparents to help make that bucket-list experience possible for their families.
    Top 3 Destinations: Family TimeTogether at Porto Elounda, Family Getaway at COMO Maalifushi,/
    Family Holiday at Paradis Plage
    Athlete Inspired Wellness Programmes
    One of the more recent trends that Health and Fitness Travel has noticed are wellness holidays with the added element of training like an athlete. This might include taking ice baths or even using cryotherapy chambers, which produce powerful physical benefits by reducing things such as inflammation, thereby enhancing recovery. Even something as simple as cold therapy is known to stimulate the body’s hormone production, promoting dopamine, energy and sexual health, just to name a few.
    The rapid growth that this style of wellness travel has seen may come as no surprise when one considers the vast health benefits that can be realised with it. The latest technologies in sports and science are now becoming increasingly accessible, available in wellness resorts across the globe and ready to be harnessed by anyone.
    Top 3 Destinations: Comprehensive Optimal Fitness at Kamalaya, Fitness at Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel, Fitness Escape at Komune Resort & Beach Club
    The Cultural Experience for Wellness Travellers
    Recent advances in air travel and infrastructure have made it easier than ever for travellers to reach parts of the world they previously couldn’t, opening the doors for the exploration of cultures wildly different to what they’re accustomed to. There is a growing number of wellness enthusiasts looking to combine their love for wellbeing with their passion to discover different ways of life, fostering personal growth and enriching their worldly perspective.
    Strikingly, it’s this adventure into something new that allows us to learn a great deal about ourselves, dispelling personal biases and developing a profound appreciation for the diversity that exists in the world. Health and Fitness Travel’s range of Discover Recover holidays offer the perfect opportunity to do just this, which includes a truly luxury discover and recovery experience that cares for both physical and mental well-being.
    Top 3 Destinations: India Discover Recover, Italy Discover Recover, Costa Rica Discover Recover
    A Rise in Retreats and Wellness Programmes for the Health-Focused Traveller
    Given the abundance of new technologies that have recently emerged, there’s no better way to leverage them than by having the ideal, bespoke holiday tailored precisely to one’s preferences. A luxury travel concierge service can help – a dedicated team of experts with the right connections, ready to assist every step of the way, carefully hand-picking items for an itinerary and crafting a detailed, personalised plan to show its customers the very best wellness experience possible.
    Not only does this mean access to 24/7 support should something unexpected happen, it will also likely result in additional perks and features being included with each package. The highest quality advice, accommodation, service, and overall experience are all so easy to achieve with the right team of professionals for the job.
    Top 3 Destinations: Wellbeing Sabbatical at Kamalaya, Retreat Away in Portugal, New Life at Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel
    Ageing Well
    Health and Fitness Travel has observed a rising trend among travellers seeking high-end wellness holidays that focus on anti-ageing treatments. A programme with therapies specifically for mitigating both the internal and external effects of ageing offers a truly transformative experience that can greatly enhance quality of life.
    From the get-go, guests are equipped with an optimised diet, luxury massage therapies, and treatments like laser therapy, all carefully selected to produce remarkable results in their appearance and overall well-being.  What follows could include anything from cranio sacral therapy to improve stress and emotional health, to pressotherapy for a reduction in the appearance of cellulite and to strengthen the immune system, or a vast array of other beauty and vitality treatments for a comprehensive and well-rounded anti-ageing experience.
    Top 3 Destinations: Anti-Ageing at Vilalara Longevity Thalassa & Medical Spa, Anti-ageing at Santani Wellness Resort & Spa, Senior Wellness at Chiva Som International Health Resort Immersive Activities to Connect with Nature
    All of us need to disconnect occasionally, and with day-to-day life seemingly only getting busier and more fast-paced, this topic becomes increasingly relevant. Many people dream of escaping the city life to reconnect with nature. The mindful activities on these retreats set the stage for deep healing to occur, letting go of all the stress we so often accumulate and opting instead for an environment of peace and tranquillity.
    From sound therapies crafted to support those suffering from anxiety and depression to forest bathing, originating from Japan, used to find a genuinely sensual and spiritual place in amongst luscious greenery, this type of wellness holiday provides an almost countless number of opportunities to explore and develop one’s mental health.
    Top 3 Destinations: Mindful Triathlon at Santani Wellness Resort & Spa, Mindful Triathlon at Ananda in the Himalayas, Emotional Healing at The Retreat Costa Rica
    Colder Wellness Trips
    Exploring the remarkable benefits of cold therapy mentioned earlier, it becomes apparent from various perspectives, that the demand for colder wellness trips is not only evident but also sensible in the context of the climate change crisis. A growing number of British travellers find the heat on typical sunny getaways overwhelming, leading to an increased preference for refreshing wellness retreats closer to home, potentially within Great Britain, thereby reducing their carbon footprint.
    Whether its traversing through the dramatic, breath-taking landscapes of the Scottish Highlands or venturing abroad to explore Austria or Iceland, there’s a plethora of stunning destinations for everyone to enjoy this exciting new wave of wellness travel.
    Top 3 Destinations: Spa at Grantley Hall, Wellness Tours – Iceland, Health Check-up at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz
    Active Nutrition
    Whilst the body of the non-stop fitness enthusiast needs a diet that is heavier in calories, with more carbohydrates and protein, the mindful yoga practitioner will likely fare far better consuming less of such foods, and instead opting for different aliments. On a deeper physiological level – the seemingly healthy meal that works wonders for one person, may end up spiking gastrointestinal issues, inflammation or worse. Therefore, pinpointing exactly what works for an individual will be reflected greatly in their mood, energy, cognitive function and overall level of wellbeing.
    Unveiling such information can indeed produce life-changing results. There are wellness destinations that can help to achieve exactly this, with expert teams of nutritionists and chefs working in unison to serve delicious, nutritious food, all the while, sharing invaluable information about one’s body.
    Top 3 Destinations: Detox at The Farm at San Benito, Ayurveda Cleanse at Galo Resort, Detox & Cleanse at REVĪVŌ Wellness Resort
    For advice, guidance and booking visit https://www.healthandfitnesstravel.com/wellness-holidays or call 0203 397 8891

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    Experience a transformational start to 2024 at one of India’s most magical retreat locations

    Join Chaya Yoga Retreats for a transformational start to 2024 at Cabo Serai, Goa, one of India’s most magical and secluded retreat locations
    Escape the cold this month for a unique India Awakening Yoga and Movement Retreat from 19th to 27th January 2024(More dates to be announced later this year)
    January 2024…/ Looking for a last-minute chance to banish the winter blues and start 2024 off with a rest and reset? This January Chaya Yoga Retreats is offering a nine-day retreat at the beautiful eco-luxury resort, Cabo Serai in southern Goa, India. Guests can enjoy movement, yoga, breathwork, ice bath therapy, meditation and nature bathing, plus nourishing foods and healing treatments designed for total rejuvenation of body, mind and soul.
    This is Chaya’s 12th year in India, promising India veterans and newbies alike an enchanting and uplifting experience like no other, supported by a world-class team of practitioners. Chaya Yoga Retreats are open to guests of all ages and levels, and welcome solo travellers, couples and groups of friends.
    The ExperienceEscape the cold and gift yourself a truly life-changing experience. Spend your days immersed in yoga and movement practices with leading yoga practitioner Nics Bannister, hosted in the resort’s shady coconut grove yoga shala. Indulge in a lazy, multi-course brunch with panoramic sea views. Take a nap and then dip in the warm, turquoise, Arabian sea. Bask in the non-stop balmy sunshine, or enjoy a deeply healing treatment at your leisure.ADVERTISEMENTBe guided through a breath-taking sunset hill top meditation with incredible views, followed by an epic community feast under the stars, before drifting off to sleep listening to the sound of the waves and twilight songs of tropical birds.
    The locationOpened in 2019, Cabo Serai is a beautiful eco-luxury resort on the stunning South Goa coast and the new Indian home for Chaya retreats. Nestled upon a hillside surrounded by untouched nature and offering panoramic sea views from every room, Cabo is a hidden gem in this part of the world. Only accessible by buggy – to get there is a mini adventure in itself – on arrival guests walk through coconut groves and across a pretty stream meandering to the sea where you’ll find yourself in this private tropical paradise.
    Each ecologically designed suite or luxury tent has panoramic views of the ocean. With no neighbours in site and Chaya’s exclusive use of the property for the duration of the retreat, the team at Chaya promise to create a peaceful, inspiring and healing environment for guests to completely relax and let go within.
    Yoga and MovementLeading the retreat’s twice daily yoga classes will be Nics Bannister, an experienced yogi with 20 years’ experience in health and wellbeing. Nics has developed a unique method of teaching yoga and mobility that stems from her belief that yoga should be fully inclusive and adaptable for everyone. She strongly encourages kinaesthetic and spatial awareness to work on deeper trapped stresses and softly holds space for physical and emotional healing.
    Breathwork and ice bath therapyIsaac Mullen, a trained breathwork practitioner in many transformative techniques including the profound Buteyko method and the invigorating practices of the Wim Hof method, will be leading an ice bath and breathwork workshop during the retreat. Designed to enliven, revitalise and elevate your overall wellbeing and boost mental clarity.
    Treatments and therapiesChaya therapists and practitioners cover a variety of massage disciplines. Included in the retreat will be a one-hour treatment of your choice, hosted either in-room or at Cabi Serai’s secluded treatment area.
    Food and wellbeing menusFood plays a huge part on every Chaya Yoga Retreat. The talented chefs at Cabo Serai will work with the retreat’s famed Chaya Kitchen menus and in-house team to bring guests exceptional food using local, seasonal and, where possible, organic ingredients. Fuel up on delicious, nutritious and Indian-style, regional multi-course menus, designed to balance, nourish and delight. Chaya Yoga Retreats’ Founder, Lucy Hill, will also apply her knowledge and understanding of wellbeing food to the retreat’s menus. The food will refer to the pillars of a therapeutic diet to best support your rejuvenation. Enjoy juices and homemade plant-based milks, two delicious plant-based meals per day, free-flowing coconuts, fresh fruits and herbal teas, all designed to leave you feeling nourished on every level.
    Other activitiesAside from the daily schedule, if you’re feeling adventurous Chaya can arrange for guests to discover local markets and other gorgeous beaches, visit a traditional temple, an organic spice farm or take a trek to the famous Dudshagar waterfalls.
    Typical daily retreat schedule08:00 – 10:00 Yoga, movement with Nics11:00 – 12:00 Buffet brunch12:00 – 15:00 Free time, treatments15:00 – Afternoon tea, light snack16:00 – 19:00 Evening practice19:30 – 20:30 Dinner21:30 – 22:00 Meditation (once per week)
    Included in the retreat:
    Inbound private airport transfer to Cabo SeraiTwice daily yoga, movement and meditation with Nics BannisterFull board, including 2 x multi-course gourmet meals, afternoon tea, unlimited teas, fresh fruit and mineral waterChoice of 1 hour treatment, plus a selection of beautiful additional therapiesWellbeing food workshop with Lucy Hill2.5 hour breathwork and ice bath workshop with Isaac Mullins Evening guided meditation and sound healingKirtan (singing circle)Optional additional activities such as spice plantation visits, shopping and cookery classesChoice of beautiful, luxurious accommodation with far reaching sea and jungle viewsNot included in the retreat:
    Flights and onward transfer from the retreat.
    Prices start from £2442 per person all inclusive (except flights). Price is based on guests sharing a lux tent or suite (each with ensuite bathroom) based on two or three people sharing. Book now with a friend and get a £200 discount each.
    To book your spot or for further details visit www.chayayogaretreats.com or email [email protected].

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    SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s interactive submersible brings an ocean of fun to students

    SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the region’s first Marine Life Theme Park, introduced an innovative and immersive activation that aims to inspire and educate young minds. In a creative endeavor to drive interest and promote education about marine life, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi brought its miniature submersible to Yas American Academy on Yas Island.Offering a unique experience designed to engage students, the submersible is equipped with an educational component, allowing participants to embark on a simulated underwater adventure right within their school’s courtyard. Up to six children can board the submersible at a time for a five-minute journey filled with excitement and learning.
    The activation featured an impressive sound and light show, simulating a dive into the depths of the ocean. A large screen within the submersible displayed mesmerizing underwater scenes, showcasing various marine life species swimming past. Four SeaWorld Abu Dhabi educators guided the students, inviting them to become part of the explorer crew. Interactive touch screens provided an opportunity to learn fun facts about the diverse species they will encounter at the Marine Life Theme Park.
    “We believe in fostering curiosity and passion for marine life from a young age. The submersible is an immersive way to ignite this interest and encourage learning about marine ecosystems,” said Thomas Kaferle, General Manager at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.
    Chris Nourse, Principal at Yas American Academy, said: “This immersive adventure served as a valuable educational experience that offered Yas American Academy students a profound insight into the world of marine life. Through this activation, students not only deepened their understanding of the diverse marine ecosystems but also developed a heightened sense of environmental stewardship, recognising the vital importance of marine conservation. This initiative aligns with Aldar Education’s overarching goal of nurturing responsible global citizens and resonates with Yas American Academy’s commitment to providing a holistic and high-quality education that extends beyond the confines of a traditional classroom.”
    Additionally, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi has distributed educational puzzles to participating students.ADVERTISEMENTAs part of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s aim to spread the love and care for marine life across people of all ages, the submersible experience is designed to inspire, educate and build anticipation for the oceanic adventure that guests can experience at the region’s first Marine Life Theme Park.        For more information on SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, please visit www.seaworldabudhabi.com.

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    Airbus statement on Flight JAL516

    Airbus regrets to confirm that an A350-900 operated by Japan Airlines was involved in an accident during flight JAL516 from Sapporo New Chitose Airport to Haneda International Airport shortly after 17:47 (local time) on 02 January 2024. All 367 passengers and 12 crew members on-board evacuated the aircraft.The A350 collided with a DHC-8 aircraft at landing in Haneda. The Japanese authorities have since confirmed that sadly five of the six people on board the DHC-8 did not survive. The exact circumstances of the event are still unknown.
    The aircraft involved in the accident, registered under the number JA13XJ, was MSN 538, delivered to Japan Airlines from the production line on 10 November 2021. It was powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.
    In line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 13 recommendations, Airbus will provide technical assistance to the Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses (BEA) of France and to the Japan Transport Safety Board (JTSB) in charge of the investigation. For this purpose, Airbus is presently dispatching a team of specialists to assist the Authorities.
    Further updates will be provided as soon as consolidated information is available and Airbus is authorised to release them.
    Our concerns and sympathy go to the families, friends and loved ones affected by the accident.ADVERTISEMENT

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    Shanghai launches new online portal for expat services

    Shanghai Municipal People’s Government launched the beta version of a new online portal (english.shanghai.gov.cn) for expat services on Jan 1.
    Called International Services Shanghai, the new website will have its own Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), and WeChat accounts.
    The portal, operated by China Daily, serves as a one-stop platform for foreigners, regardless of whether they are looking for information related to work, travel or study in Shanghai.
    It is answering the call to stress the need to effectively remove the obstacles for foreigners to come to China for business, study, and tourism made during the annual Central Economic Work Conference held in Beijing on December 11-12.
    The portal has been integrated with the city’s e-governance platform, Government Online-Offline Shanghai, to offer quick online access to foreigners.ADVERTISEMENTOnline and offline activities, such as policy introduction sessions, business consultations, themed salons, cultural experiences, and learning and training events, will be organized to better serve and engage with the expat community.
    Many expats who participated in the beta testing of the portal have lauded its launch.
    Michael Wong, managing partner of Talent Service, Asia Pacific, EY, said the portal will allow people interested in coming to Shanghai to make better-informed decisions.
    Montealegre Carvajal Edwin Roberto, who is currently an international student at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, said the information provided on the website regarding the setting up of businesses has allowed him to thoroughly understand the nitty-gritty of the process. The Costa Rican is planning to open his own performance company after graduation.
    Clarisse Le Guernic, who works in the tourism industry in Shanghai, said the new website would be beneficial as it would allow her to better answer queries from her customers about the city.
    Shanghai-based marketing consultant Natacha Extier, said the website is useful even for long-term residents like her as it contains a wealth of useful content on doing business in the city.
    The website will be made available in eight other languages – Japanese, Korean, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic at a later time.
    “Shanghai is a charming city full of hope and unlimited opportunities, and it is a land for entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams and make a career. We will continue to create a first-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based and internationalized, provide accurate, convenient and innovative high-quality services, and work hand in hand with everybody to create an open and prosperous future,” Gong Zheng, the mayor of Shanghai, said during the “Invest in China Year” summit in November.
    Video – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2309505/MG.mp4

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    The World Travel Awards Recognizes Miami Beach as World’s Leading Lifestyle Destination

    In early 2023, Miami Beach was officially named “North America’s Leading Beach Destination” and “North America’s Leading City Destination” by one of the travel industry’s most respected organizations. Now, the world-famous destination has been recognized as the “World’s Leading Lifestyle Destination 2023” by the World Travel Awards, adding to Miami Beach’s collection of awards and accolades designated in the 2023 calendar year.As a diverse city with an abundance of experiences for all travelers, Miami Beach is home to a renowned public art collection, variety of museums and galleries, a selection of globally-recognized luxury hotels and spas and travel-worthy restaurants with both established and rising chefs at the helm.
    “It is an honor to be named as the World’s Leading Lifestyle Destination of 2023 by the prestigious World Travel Awards after being recognized in two previous categories that represent Miami Beach’s global appeal,” says Grisette Marcos, Executive Director of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority. “We’ve continued to make strides as a destination leader by continuously working to showcase our city’s best attributes with interactive resources and thoughtful user experiences to connect with repeat and future visitors.”
    Miami Beach welcomes travelers to a city with architectural roots and design that is perfectly situated amongst iconic waters that offer a variety of activities to connect with the natural beauty of the area and lifestyle, from water sports and beachfront yoga to menus featuring invasive species and conscious techniques to help preserve marine life. And, this past year, the Miami Beach and Visitor and Convention Authority has doubled down on immersive technology, including the launch of the EXP Miami Beach Tours App, now available for download on Google Play and Apple,  that seamlessly allows users to explore the many lifestyle itineraries available in-market including a including a cultural institutions tour, public art tour, art deco tour and LGBTQ+ tour and more.
    Adding to Miami Beach’s reputation as a world leader in the lifestyle space, the destination will participate in the debut Open House Miami showcase scheduled to take place March 1-2, 2024.
    Open House Miami will be only the fourth city in the U.S., following New York, San Diego, and Chicago, of what has become a worldwide movement to open cities and engage the community in conversations about how to shape the future and celebrate historic design and architecture. Complimentary direct access to experience a collection of buildings throughout Miami Beach will provide opportunities for visitors to connect, learn, discuss and debate amongst experts and themselves.ADVERTISEMENT“As we work to preserve our award-winning history in 2024, we look forward to introducing new offerings and experiences, like Open House Miami, that attracts visitors from around the world,” adds Grisette Marcos. “We’re also set to further enhance our technology resources through the use of augmented reality across a number of owned platforms to help highlight the Miami Beach lifestyle.”
    To learn more about Miami Beach’s recent awards wins, the upcoming Open House Miami experience and more, follow the @experiencemiamibeach handles on Instagram, Threads and Facebook, and subscribe to receive information and deals from the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority at miamibeachvca.com.

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