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    FROM SOLO TRAVEL TO ‘PAY-CATIONS,’ YOUNG AMERICANS LEAD 2023 TRAVEL TRENDS

    Allianz Partners USA, the travel insurance and assistance company known for popularizing the term “micro-cation” in 2019 has identified yet another travel trend making waves amongst Americans.Allianz Partners’ 15th Annual Vacation Confidence Index* has revealed that around three in 10 Americans will choose to work remotely from a vacation destination in 2023, an intentional move that goes beyond “bleisure” travel that blends working time with vacation.The new work-from-a-vacation-destination travel trend, which Allianz Partners is calling a ‘pay-cation,’ has been encouraged by flexible remote work policies developed during the pandemic and is especially popular among young working Americans. The survey found that respondents in the 18 to 34-year-old demographic are more likely (42%) to travel to a vacation destination to work remotely, compared to 26% of those ages 35 to 54 years old and 12% who are 55 years and older.
    In other survey findings, travelers are putting themselves and their mental wellbeing first in 2023, another trend led by young Americans. Among all survey respondents, two in five (39%) say that wellness and self-care are a priority for travel this year, including a majority (54%) of those ages 18 to 34 who mark it top of mind.
    “Younger Americans who spent the early years of their career during the work-from-home era in the pandemic are re-shaping our preferences for the way we work and travel,” said Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at Allianz Partners USA. “While some companies have already returned to in-person work, our findings clearly show that a healthy balance of work and play is here to stay, and prioritizing self-care is going to impact the way Americans view travel and time off the clock.”
    Not only are younger Americans committing to wellness and self-care, they also are more likely to engage in a solo travel experience this year versus older generations. Two in five (42%) of them will embark on a trip alone this year, compared to almost one in three (31%) of 35- to 54- year-olds and seventeen percent (17%) of ages 55 and older.
    But solo travel doesn’t always have to equal alone time. Emotional well-being also extends to the inclusion of companion animals on trips, with four in ten (41%) of 18–34-year-olds opting to include their pets on vacations, compared to 36% of 34- to 54-year-olds and 20% of travelers aged 55 and older who want to bring a pet along on their travels.ADVERTISEMENT
    The Vacation Confidence Index has been conducted each summer since 2009 by national polling firm Ipsos Public Affairs on behalf of Allianz Partners USA. A vacation is defined as leisure travel of at least a week to a destination at least 100 miles from home.
    Allianz Partners offers travel insurance through most major U.S. airlines, leading travel agents, online travel agencies, hotel companies, cruise lines and directly to consumers. For more information on Allianz Partners and available travel policies, please visit http://www.allianztravelinsurance.com.

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    SITA Partners with Airports Authority of India for Technological Transformation of 43 Airports

    SITA, the technology provider for the travel and transport industry, secured a landmark deal with Airports Authority of India to support one of the biggest growth markets globally, providing technology to 43 of India’s biggest airports.
    India’s Civil Aviation is among the fastest-growing aviation markets globally and will be a major growth engine to make India a USD 5 trillion economy by 2024.
    The deal will see improvements to over 2,700 passenger touchpoints, paving the way for the adoption of new-age solutions to meet the modern passenger’s expectations. Initially deployed across 43 airports, the technologies are scalable to an additional 40 airports over the next seven years. Over 500 million passengers are expected to be processed during this period.
    The rollout of new cloud technology will enable Indian airports to shift to common-use passenger experiences where multiple airlines can leverage the same infrastructure, such as check-in counters, self-service kiosks, and boarding gates.
    The adoption of cloud solutions also brings new agility and flexibility to scale airport operations efficiently as passenger numbers grow. The cloud-first approach enforces better security and offers airlines a platform to host new progressive technologies and move away from native applications. Centralized cloud hosting of all servers means reduced on-premise infrastructure costs and results in centralized control, enabling proactive monitoring and control of services.ADVERTISEMENTSumesh Patel, President, Asia Pacific, SITA, said: “We’re excited to partner with AAI on this large-scale deployment of leading passenger processing solutions. The number of airports in India is expected to increase from 148 today to 220 by 2025. The new airports will bring closer together India’s almost 50 cities with populations exceeding one million people, creating substantial economic value in the long term. By connecting these cities better, air travel and transport will help unlock the full potential of India’s economic growth too. Ensuring efficient and fluid operations and a seamless passenger experience at these airports will be critical to delivering on India’s air transport industry opportunity.”
    The solutions will give passengers more control over their journey, offering a low-touch, efficient check-in, bag drop, and collection process through assisted and self-service mechanisms. The airports will benefit from a reduced infrastructure footprint and increased operational efficiency.
    Under the agreement, SITA will deploy its state-of-the-art solutions, including SITA Flex, CUPPS, SITA CUSS, and SITA Bag Manager. These IATA-certified platforms offer airlines and ground handlers the benefits of common-use technologies, enabling scalable operations to meet their specific requirements.
    The Baggage Reconciliation System ensures a high level of baggage accountability, preventing losses and security concerns, which is critical to industry recovery amidst a spiraling baggage mishandling rate. This project represents a significant shift towards adopting cutting-edge technological platforms, enhancing operational efficiencies, and paving the way for the future adoption of biometric passenger processing. Additionally, real-time dashboard-based information will be made available to governing agencies, promoting transparency and informed decision-making.
    AAI officers at the airport and headquarters now have access to online real-time dashboards, replacing the monthly service availability reports. The solution ensures they are better informed and know the availability of systems across all airports at every point in time, optimizing efficiency and promoting smooth operations.The project commenced in May 2022 and involved a comprehensive revamp of existing services without disrupting ongoing operations.

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    New Tourism Group at IPRN: Specialized Offer for International travel companies and destinations

    The IPRN Tourism Group is made up of agencies with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the sector that aim to share high-value information, develop business in new markets and learn as much as possible from each other.
    IPRN announces the creation of a specialised tourism group to boost international public relations in the sector. With the growing importance of tourism as an economic and cultural driver, IPRN has identified the need for a specialised (and internationally inclusive) approach to tourism. The creation of this group provides IPRN members with access to tourism specific expertise for their own clients whilst the group members can leverage their specific knowledge and expertise with the best-practice experience of other group members to deliver strategies and campaigns tailored to the unique needs of the tourism industry.
    Optimal PR support on the way abroad
    IPRN’s new tourism specialty group brings together PR agencies from around the world that excel in tourism and share the goal of promoting tourism destinations and businesses with innovative and creative approaches. These agencies will work closely together to exchange knowledge, develop best practices and provide customised solutions that boost the promotion and global visibility of their clients in the tourism industry.
    Diego Barceló, CEO of Comunicación Iberoamericana (Spain) and Chair of the IPRN Tourism Group explains: “The tourism industry faces unique communication and promotional challenges, and we are committed to providing effective and strategic solutions to our tourism clients. By bringing together the best tourism PR agencies from around the world, we will be able to offer world-class services and leverage our global expertise to promote tourism destinations and businesses in an impactful way”.ADVERTISEMENTIPRN Tourism Group agencies
    At the moment, the IPRN’s Tourism Group includes more than ten agencies from four continents. Leading the group is Comunicación Iberoamericana (Spain), Central de Informaçao (Portugal), Luna (Belgium), Wright on Comm (United States), MANGO-OMC (South Africa), Mekky Media (United States), EXTROVERT Business Communitacion (Greece), Public Dialog (Poland), Fortuna PR (India) and Concept PR (India).

    Strategic advantages for international PR
    Rodrigo Viana de Freitas, the newly elected president of the IPRN, explains the strategy behind the “Global Market Sector Leaders Groups”, which are also being established for other industries such as Real Estate, Technology, Healthcare or Food & Beverage: “The Tourism Group was made to share information in this exciting sector and to learn from one another. With this IPRN Group, companies can access a network with huge expertise and no borders”.

    About IPRN
    IPRN is an international network of independently owned and operated public relations and communications agencies with more than 50 members in more than 100 major cities and more than 40 countries around the world, including North and South America, Western Europe and Eastern, Middle East, Africa, Far East and Australia. It represents all sectors of the industry and represents a cumulative turnover of around 150 million dollars, with more than 1,000 employees and 4,000 clients among the different agencies. More information at www.iprn.com

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    What type of couple are you? Yas Bay Waterfront’s ultimate guide to date night More

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    What type of couple are you? Yas Bay Waterfront’s ultimate guide to date night

    If you’re running out of ideas for date night – whether it’s your first or fiftieth – here is Yas Bay Waterfront’s guide to an unforgettable night out. No matter what type of couple you are, here is what you can expect:
    The Sunset LoversCatch the sun as it begins its descent, painting the sky with hues of gold and pink at Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar’s ‘Sunset Session’ every Monday to Thursday, from 5:00PM – 7:00PM. This elegant spot is the perfect place for sundowners with your special someone, with a tranquil ambience that will whisk you to a state of pure bliss as you indulge in a menu of beverages and complementary canapés.
    For reservations, please call +971 50 601 1194

    The FoodiesThe way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach – so why not elevate your evening at Akiba Dori? Experience a non-traditional Japanese feast for two, where Japanese street food takes centre stage and sparks are sure to fly. Share the joy of maki for two, savouring every bite that transports you to sushi heaven as well as one of a kind Tokyo-style Neapolitan pizzas and savoury yakitori skewers, their menu is sure to steal your hearts (and taste buds).ADVERTISEMENTFor reservations, please call +971 2 886 8988

    The Culinary ConnoisseursLooking for a night for the books? Look no further than the award-winning Hunter & Barrel, where indulgence and gourmet brilliance intertwine. Indulge in a candlelit feast for two, where each bite becomes a symphony of flavours as you watch the artistry unfold through their open-kitchen concept. From succulent steaks seared to perfection to barrel-aged craft beverages, Hunter & Barrel is the place to be.
    For reservations, please call +971 50 452 5958

    The Fitness FanaticsFor those couples who love to work up a sweat together, Warehouse Gym is the ultimate destination. Step into a world where white walls are replaced by a vibrant atmosphere that inspires you to unleash your inner fitness warriors – side by side. Warehouse Gym offers best-in-class cardio, strength, and stretch equipment as well as a selection of group exercise classes, including CrossFit, Cycle, Boxing, Yoga, and more. Remember, the couple that trains together, stays together.
    For reservations, please call +971 56 406 2114

    The Competitive CouplesIf you and your partner thrive on friendly competition and are seeking an exceptional experience, look no further than Central’s unmatched burgers, beats and bowling. Get ready to unleash your inner child as you step into a world of action-packed arcade games, challenge each other to epic battles and revel in the joy of victory (or the laughter of playful defeat). All that competition will probably work up a winning appetite, so don’t forget to dive into Central’s downright mouthwatering menu– from juicy burgers to shakes, you won’t want to share.
    For reservations, please call +971 4 423 8311

    The Art AficionadosImmerse yourselves in the captivating world of Artmarket, a haven for creative souls seeking a delightful experience. Indulge in an afternoon tea that tantalizes your taste buds while you take in the stunning collection of art surrounding you that is sure ignite meaningful conversations. And gentlemen, while your partner immerses themselves in the world of art, why not treat yourself to a fresh fade at Section? It’s a win-win for everyone.
    For more reservations, please visit artmarketco.ae

    The Dance EnthusiastsCalling all party animals! Get ready to unleash your groovy moves at La Carnita, where Mexican-inspired culinary delights, toe-tapping mixtapes, and delightful drinks come together in perfect harmony. Step into this vibrant spot and let the beat guide your every move as you indulge in mouthwatering tacos and irresistible churros. So put on your dancing shoes, savour the flavours, and let La Carnita be the backdrop for a memorable evening.
    For reservations, please call +971 50 185 8068
    Yas Island and its world-class theme parks, experiences and attractions were recognised with seven awards in the globally renowned World Travel Awards in 2022. In addition to scooping the accolade of World’s Leading Theme Park Destination 2022, Yas Island received the flagship Middle East’s Leading Tourism Development award for the fourth consecutive year, testament to the global reputation Yas Island has as a leisure and entertainment hub.

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    ITB 360°: The World’s Leading Travel Trade Show launches a new year-round content concept

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    ITB 360°: The World’s Leading Travel Trade Show launches a new year-round content concept

    ITB Berlin is offering the global tourism community even more high-quality themed content in the form of newsroom articles, podcast episodes and other innovative formats. Every month, ITB 360° devotes itself to another pressing headline topic aimed at attracting the industry’s attention and sparking discussion, including blended travel, LGBTQ+, the skills shortage, travel technology hypes and China’s travel market.
    From 5 to 7 March 2024 ITB Berlin will be taking place live again on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds, providing a platform for the entire value chain of the travel industry. With ITB 360°, the World’s Leading B2B Travel Trade Show is hosting a new content concept that provides a year-round platform for the wide range of topics of the global travel and tourism industry. With ITB 360°, ITB Berlin offers the global travel community access to valuable industry knowledge, including interviews with experts, surveys, trends and other insights – and every month covers a new key topic. It incorporates the expertise and knowledge of all the international trade shows of the ITB brand family – including ITB Asia in Singapore, ITB China in Shanghai, ITB India in Mumbai as well as ITB Berlin, together with that of various international industry experts.
    “As an internationally established brand with wide-ranging expertise in every tourism segment, ITB sets standards. With ITB 360°, we are pursuing an integrated content concept by offering the travel community outstanding events, expert knowledge, the latest trends and fascinating insights from around the world. By taking this approach we want to further strengthen our position as a global brand and to inspire, educate and inform the tourism community with first-class content throughout the year. Our extensive network of partners and experts enables us, as a platform for the global tourism industry, to begin a new chapter and communicate a comprehensive range of topics“, said Deborah Rothe, Exhibition Director, ITB Berlin.
    ITB 360° kicked off in June with blended travel, currently a much talked-about headline topic. Here, ITB Berlin looked at whether bleisure is likely to be a new form of business travel, or whether it is a trend that in future will merely complement traditional holiday trips. A deep dive podcast episode with Euromonitor International examined the statistics behind the trend. Charlotte Lamp Davies, founder of A Bright Approach, and Stephen Dutton of Euromonitor debated whether the trend towards bleisure and workationing is already reflected in numbers, while an interview with Raoul Dery, founder and CEO of the startup Newworkation, looked at workations, an increasingly popular form of travel. He talked about what companies should consider when planning workations and why remote working is not just a passing fad. Click here for the podcast episode Deep Dive: Blended Travel with Euromonitor International and to the ITB Newsroom article with Newworkation: “Remote Work: What companies should consider when planning workations”.
    In July, to mark International Pride Month, ITB Berlin will also be looking at LGBTQ+ Tourism. In the podcast episode entitled ’Low Hanging Fruit for entrepreneurship: Tourism’, Pavel Subrt, Co-founder of East meets West, and presenter Charlotte Lamp Davies, founder of A Bright Approach, will among other topics discuss how to successfully tap into the LGBTQ+ market in Eastern Europe.ADVERTISEMENTIn a series of brief podcasts entitled ’300 Seconds With’, together with leading industry experts Dirk Rogl, member of the ITB Berlin Board of Experts, will discuss the state of the travel industry. Lydia Li, Exhibition Director of ITB China, will talk about the belated easing of restrictions in China’s travel industry compared with other regions, and how that impacts the global travel industry. She will provide an insight into estimated travel volumes and growth rates for 2023, present Chinese travellers’ preferred destinations abroad, and talk about the importance of the domestic and foreign travel market. Charuta Fadnis, SVP Research Phocuswright, will present the destinations with the highest overall booking rates in 2022 as well as forecasts for 2023 and the years to come, and talk about the winners and losers among the service providers at destinations and in travel markets. Andreas Wulfes, CEO of Neusta Data Intelligence, will talk about overall developments in the German travel market in 2023 and compare them with the pre-pandemic era.
    August will be devoted to the skills shortage, a pressing issue that was already an important topic at the ITB Career Center at ITB Berlin 2023. Topics discussed in that month will include how the tourism industry can become more attractive for Generation Z. Best cases will highlight how companies and institutions can successfully win over young people. As in its June podcasts, and on the subject of the skills shortage and lack of young professionals, ITB Berlin will again pick up on new forms of work. For its Travel Hero Podcast episode, ITB Berlin will be setting up an intriguing blind date with members of Gen Z and older guests who will exchange views on blended travel and share their differing outlooks and experiences.
    In September ITB Berlin will take the opportunity to look back on this year’s ITB Berlin Convention and in particular to follow the most important tech trends. Interviews, podcast features and visits to startups and trendsetters are currently scheduled. In addition to the convention and travel tech, the month’s topics will include ITB China, which is taking place in-person again for the first time since the pandemic in September in Shanghai. Together with the market research organization IPK International, ITB Berlin will be analyzing whether China is back in terms of both inbound and outbound travel. In a deep dive podcast there will also be an interview with a high-profile speaker from the ITB China Conference 2023.
    Additional information on the focus of autumn and winter topics to come will be available soon from ITB Berlin.

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    Quark Expeditions Announces Sizzling Summer Specials—Up to 30% Off, Plus Solo Deals!

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    Quark Expeditions Announces Sizzling Summer Specials—Up to 30% Off, Plus Solo Deals!

    Quark Expeditions, the global leader in polar adventures, announces hot summer promotions for polar explorers—up to 30% discounts on Arctic and Antarctic expeditions, plus new solo traveler deals.“For those that act fast, this is an incredible opportunity to explore for less with the best team in the polar regions,” said Thomas Lennartz, Vice President of Sales for Quark Expeditions. “And for our solo travelers, removing single supplements in Antarctica makes our extraordinary adventures even more enticing.”For a limited time, guests can book at up to a 30% discount across any sailing season: Arctic escapes this summer, Antarctic expeditions next winter, and all itineraries in 2024 or 2025. Solo travelers on select Antarctica voyages—including the legendary Emperor Penguin Quest to Snow Hill—can save up to $20,000 by booking now with no single-occupancy premium.
    Together with these summer specials, regular offers are always available—an additional 5% discount for guests combining back-to-back voyages, an immediate 10% off when paying in full at time of booking and, for all repeat explorers with the company, a further 5% discount for life as a member of the Shackleton Club.
    To learn more and book the adventure of a lifetime, visit the Quark Expeditions website’s Featured Deals page. https://www.quarkexpeditions.com/offers/featured-deals

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    ST. KITTS MARRIOTT RESORT & THE ROYAL BEACH CASINO CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY

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    The New Delta Vacations Makes it Easier for SkyMiles Members to Book Vacations

    Delta SkyMiles® Members can now get even more out of a dream trip with Delta Vacations thanks to major program enhancements that begin today:
    Increased Value: Miles are now worth at least 15% more when put toward any Delta Vacations destination, at any time. This means SkyMiles Members can get more vacation value for their miles than ever before.More Rewards: When booking Delta Vacations packages, SkyMiles Members can now earn more miles and MQDs than ever before*. Additionally, Members can use their miles to cover all or a portion of the vacation package, including hotels, transportation and activities/excursions.Better Booking Experience: Delta Vacations has a new booking experience making it easier for customers, on any device, to find and book the right vacation package for their needs. Delta Vacations allows travelers to choose from flights, hotels, rides and activities all over the world, all in one place.“We believe the whole point of earning miles is to go on a bucket-list vacation, and we are dedicated to making it easier than ever for SkyMiles Members to earn, book and plan the trips of their dreams,” said Kama Winters, President of Delta Vacations.
    Delta Vacations is just one more reason for Delta customers to become SkyMiles Members. The SkyMiles Program is free to join, allows travelers to earn and use miles that don’t expire, and continues to lead the industry with benefits like free Wi-Fi on most domestic flights and the ability to earn miles beyond the flight with customer-favorite brands.
    For more information, visit: www.delta.com/vacations

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    World’s Fastest Man, Usain Bolt, Trades Track for Tackle

    Usain St. Leo Bolt, renowned as the world’s fastest man, traded his racing lanes for the resplendent deep sea waves off Cabo San Lucas on an extraordinary fishing trip.The Jamaican sprinter embarked on an exhilarating deep-sea fishing escapade, adding yet another string to his bow of vast athleticism. Under the seasoned guidance of local experts, Bolt skillfully reeled in a stunning haul of four striped marlins.
    The day’s thrill reached its zenith when Bolt engaged in a breathtaking duel with a majestic blue marlin. Despite a grueling struggle, the fish sadly didn’t survive. Acknowledging the sanctity of marine life, Bolt and Tag Cabo Sportfishing crew decided to responsibly harvest the creature, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices even in recreational pursuits.
    The idyllic waters of Cabo San Lucas bore witness to an extraordinary day as the world’s fastest man showcased his love for the sport, alongside his beloved wife. This adventure not only demonstrated the diverse talents of Bolt but also highlighted the unique, thrilling experiences the Cabo region has to offer.
    As Bolt continues to captivate the world with his talents and charisma, his venture into the heart of Cabo’s adventurous landscape exemplifies the region’s wide array of exhilarating experiences. From speed on the track to strength on the sea, Bolt’s deep-sea quest underlines the enchanting allure of Cabo.
    Tag Cabo Sportfishing stands as Cabo’s premier deep-sea fishing company, renowned for its exceptional services and commitment to sustainable fishing practices. Their aim is to provide unforgettable, ethical, and conservation-minded sportfishing experiences to all their clients.ADVERTISEMENT

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