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    Sandals Resorts Celebrates One Year Milestone of Future Goals Program with Month-Long Celebration

    Future Goals, a landmark partnership program between Sandals Resorts International (SRI) and AFC Ajax that turns fishing nets sourced from the ocean and recycled plastic waste into soccer goals for children, celebrates its first anniversary this month. Founded to expand opportunity to Caribbean children through the power of youth sports, the program which began in Curaçao with the debut of Sandals Royal Curaçao one year ago, announces milestone achievements and events marking the occasion.
    According to Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, SRI’s on-the-ground philanthropic arm, the Future Goals program has been a resounding success, providing goals for play, while removing plastic waste, training new coaches and most importantly, making a difference in the lives of local children.
    Working with innovative local Curaçaon plastic recycling company Limpi, Future Goals has created 40 football goals since its launch last year; each made from recycled plastic bottles and caps, of which more than 600,000 have been collected through recycling efforts of residents as well as clean-up drives at beaches and in communities. In addition, 160 square meters of ghost fishing nets – nets that have been lost or abandoned in the ocean – were retrieved from the Caribbean Sea and used to make the goals with enough material leftover to make 300 nets for the transport of soccer balls (footballs) provided by partner adidas. Overall, Future Goals programming was available at 29 classes, impacting more than 750 students island wide.
    “We are incredibly proud of this partnership with AFC Ajax for their commitment to Future Goals that has made a tremendous difference in the lives of Caribbean children,” said Clarke. “Over the course of this outstanding first year, we have watched young peoples’ love for the game of football be the catalyst that pushes them to learn important life skills such as teamwork, goal setting and resilience while empowering them to become stewards of the environment.  We are grateful for all that they have achieved and look forward to an even brighter future and the opportunity to expand programming through Future Goals to others.”
    “It’s a special moment for us here at Sandals Royal Curacao, as we not only celebrate the resort’s first anniversary but our continued commitment to the region. Although Sandals was new to Curaçao when we began our partnership with AFC Ajax, we were not new to the Caribbean, and have long understood the power of youth sports to lift kids up and teach them important life skills. We are so grateful to the team for their commitment to this community and to our new home, Curaçao. We are part of something wonderful here and I know, together, we will continue to make a difference for children and this beautiful country,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of SRI.ADVERTISEMENTCelebrations kicked off yesterday when legendary AFC AJAX players including Ronald de Boer, Richard Witschge, Rob Witschge, Ricardo van Rhijn, Henk Timmer, Jari Litmanen and Nordin Wooter joined Sandals Resorts International CEO Gebhard Rainer and other SRI team members at Sandals Royal Curaçao to commemorate the extraordinary year.
    On June 3, kids participating in Future Goals are invited to take part in The Legends Football Tournament, the annual event sponsored by The Curaçao Tourist Board, where this year, well-known former soccer players from AFC Ajax, Brazil, Colombia, and Curaçao come together for fun and friendly play. During the final match’s halftime show, local kids will participate in a crossbar challenge using the up-cycled goals from the Future Goals program. The event takes place at the Curaçao Airport Venue, in a specially built stadium with an artificial turf field.
    Fishing nets lost at sea, also known as ghost nets, make up nearly half of the world’s ‘plastic soup’ – a term for the accumulation of waste, including plastic, that ends up in the ocean. Helping to address that in Curaçao was an important impetus behind Future Goals and why on June 8, World Oceans Day – designated by the UN to raise awareness about protecting our oceans, Sandals Resorts International will donate $100 on guests’ behalf to the Sandals Foundation for every reservation made at any of the company’s resorts throughout the Caribbean on this commemorative day.
    Celebrations culminate when Future Goals will host its first “Trophy Event” for participants of the program at SDK Stadium in Willemstad, Curaçao, the island’s largest stadium, with a capacity of 10,000 spectators. June 20 Nearly 700 kids are expected at the event – which gives them the chance to vie for earned recycled plastic coins through a series of “sports stations” activities that reflect the core principles of the Future Goals program and are based on AFC Ajax values on the field including cooperation, respect, discipline and fun.  Children will also have the chance to earn extra points for their teams by demonstrating the success of their recently concluded Plastic Challenge, a central part of the Future Goals sustainability curriculum that teaches how to repurpose waste plastic and ways to influence peers and the community. All kids also earn a repurposed plastic medal of participation and the school with the most coins will take home an impressive trophy made of recycled plastic.
    Since its inception in 1981, Sandals Resorts has taken an unparalleled approach to supporting the communities where it operates. Through its philanthropic arm, the Sandals Foundation, the luxury all-inclusive resort company began its work in Curaçao – its seventh and newest destination in the Caribbean, ahead of the 2022 debut of Sandals Royal Curaçao, SRI’s first hotel in the country.

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    Royal Commission for AlUla announces contractor

    RCU CEO Amr AlMadani and Bouygues Construction Deputy CEO Pierre-Eric Saint-André
    The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has begun construction of its Sharaan Resort and International Summit Centre designed by French architect Jean Nouvel.The project will be built directly into the mountains of Sharaan Nature Reserve and aims to meet ambitious sustainability goals for the construction phase and resort operations.In a ceremony at Sharaan Nature Reserve, RCU signed an agreement with Bouygues Construction, a French engineering group, which will manage construction of the resort through a joint venture with Almabani, a leading Saudi engineering firm. Bouygues Construction brings a unique combination of experience in tunneling and construction of ultra-luxury hotels, both required for this complex development.
    RCU’s Development and Construction sector is spearheading this project with consultation from Canadian firm WSP and with program management support from Jasara, a Saudi firm. Together they will deliver the masterful vision which will immerse guests in the natural and cultural heritage of Sharaan Nature Reserve.
    Just as the Nabataean civilisation carved structures into nearby sandstone more than 2,000 years ago, Sharaan resort will carve a new chapter in stone for AlUla’s living museum while preserving the natural scenery and native flora and fauna at the heart of RCU’s vision for Sharaan. RCU consulted with the world’s top experts in mining and excavation to engineer solutions in line with the architectural vision.
    Built into a mountain dating back 500 million years, the Sharaan resort will offer a memorable and timeless experience with 38 suites, a spa and wellness center, kids club, sport centre, all-day dining restaurant and business centre. In addition, a signature fine-dining restaurant will sit atop the mountain with panoramic views of Sharaan. A unique glass elevator will connect the resort with a geologic and artistic experience, offering views of ancient sedimentary layers and niches filled with art and engravings.
    ADVERTISEMENTInside an adjacent mountain, the Sharaan International Summit Centre will host events and leaders from around the world. With a completely secure and private environment, its design will enable chance encounters and private interaction for guests with shared leisure activities in an informal setting. Facilities will include an auditorium, meeting rooms, majlis (sitting room), library, and a sport and leisure area.
    The Summit Centre will also have 13 total hospitality pavilions and two private villas will be constructed nearby, completing the project with 53 total hospitality keys.
    Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Sustainability Charter for AlUla, the Sharaan Resort and International Summit Centre is designed in harmony with its natural environment. Discreet studies of the site have informed the design of passive strategies and natural geological heat transfer to efficiently cool the property in summer and provide warmth in the winter. The project also aims for zero wastewater by using potable water only when needed and by recycling all treatable wastewater for irrigation and other purposes.
    Mohammed Altheeb, RCU Chief Development and Construction Officer, said: “Sharaan resort is our most ambitious project currently under construction. The resort was designed with complete reverence for the human and natural history of AlUla, and we are committed to sustainable building practices in line with this same philosophy. RCU and its partners are excited to unveil a new chapter in the story of these ancient mountains, where guests will experience the wonders of Sharaan Nature Reserve.”
    Pierre-Eric Saint-André, Deputy CEO of Bouygues Construction, said: “We are grateful to be part of the ambitious cultural and tourism project of AlUla, and in particular to have been chosen by the Royal Commission of AlUla with our partner Almabani to build the iconic Sharaan Resort and International Summit Centre. The bold vision of Jean Nouvel’s architectural firm – with whom we have already had the opportunity to work on the Paris Philharmonic Center for example – is a great source of inspiration for us, since the technical prowess it requires are absolutely unique and incredibly stimulating. We are confident that we will be able to bring our passion for challenges and our state-of-the-art expertise acquired over 70 years on all continents to ensure that this great project becomes an iconic reference in terms of exclusive tourist experience, respect for the environment and harmonious integration within grandiose landscapes.”

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    JetBlue to Launch First Ever Nonstop Service from Los Angeles to Nassau, Bahamas

    The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA) welcomes the announcement by JetBlue to launch its first-ever nonstop flight from Los Angeles to Nassau.
    The new service connecting the United States West Coast to the Islands of The Bahamas will debut on 4 November, with a once- weekly Saturday flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Nassau’s Sir Lynden Pindling Airport (NAS).
    “Over the past nine months, the Ministry has been in constant dialogue with key international aviation stakeholders, including JetBlue to increase airlift capacity to meet the demand for travel to our destination.” said the Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation.“We are thrilled that within a few short months, travellers will be able to board a JetBlue flight in Los Angeles and be in The Bahamas within a matter of hours, to enjoy the beautiful beaches, the rich culture and the myriad of experiences on offer in Nassau and Paradise Island,” said DPM Cooper.
    JetBlue’s announcement of the launch of nonstop service from Los Angeles to Nassau comes only days in advance of the Ministry of Tourism’s “Bringing The Bahamas to You” Global Sales Mission Tour scheduled for California 12th – 15th June. The 3-day tour will make stops in Los Angeles and Costa Mesa, to showcase the 16-island destination’s latest tourism offerings and developments, spotlight The Bahamas’ longstanding film legacy and celebrate the milestone 50th Anniversary of Independence.
    The Los Angeles/Nassau nonstop route will also allow for more connectivity from major markets in Asia and the Pacific, putting The Bahamas’ 16 destinations in easier reach for new visitors. The new Los Angeles/Nassau route will also feature JetBlue’s award-winning Mint premium service.ADVERTISEMENTLos Angeles International Airport is the world’s fifth busiest airport, with 645 daily commercial flights to 162 destinations.

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    PLANS TO BUILD THE BAHAMAS’ FIRST CORAL GENE BANK

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    PLANS TO BUILD THE BAHAMAS’ FIRST CORAL GENE BANK

    Atlantis Paradise Island, a global leader in marine life conservation, will be home to The Bahamas’ first coral gene bank, making strides in the global fight against Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD), an affliction decimating coral populations in The Bahamas and beyond.Nearly half of The Bahamas and Caribbean’s reef-building coral species are susceptible to SCTLD. Of the 45 reef-building coral species within the region, more than half can catch the disease, including some of the slowest-growing and longest-lived species such as brain, pillar and star corals. Coral survival rate of SCTLD is extremely low and once infected, corals can die within weeks.
    Signed into effect on May 18th, The Bahamas Coral Gene Bank at Atlantis Paradise Island (BCGB) is a collaboration between Atlantis and its 501(c)3 nonprofit organization Atlantis Blue Project Foundation (ABPF), The Bahamas Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs, Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS) and University of The Bahamas. Under this agreement, Atlantis and ABPF will support the effort to build and equip a biosecure facility to save the most vulnerable coral species from SCTLD until they can be safely returned to the reefs.
    In its 25-year history, Atlantis has established itself as a leader in sustainable tourism with ongoing work to protect, rehabilitate and conserve marine life in The Bahamas. The Atlantis team makes decisions guided by current and future environmental, social and economic impacts. The resort’s innovative, progressive, passion-driven approach to preserving paradise underscores every aspect of the iconic destination resort, from family-friendly activities to diverse dining offerings.
    When visiting Atlantis, guests have a unique opportunity to contribute to marine life conservation. Proceeds from all experiences at the resort’s world-class marine habitats and Dolphin Cay directly fund ABPF initiatives. Most recently, Atlantis, ABPF and Perry Institute for Marine Science led a coral out planting excursion using coral fragments harvested from nurseries at the resort, and replanted a nearby coral reef to accelerate the process of ecosystem replenishment.
    The Atlantis Blue Project Foundation is championing the efforts to preserve marine life in The Bahamas. The foundation has successfully financed the country’s first coral reef report card, which involved surveying over 400 reefs to determine the extent of damage and predict recovery after natural disasters. They have established 25 coral nurseries and planted thousands of corals to aid in the growth of depleted reefs. Their efforts have also contributed to creating 1.4 million acres of Marine Protected Areas on the west side of Andros Island and the designation of 17 marine protected areas with coral reefs in The Bahamas. Additionally, the foundation has provided funding for the implementation of coral reef education programs in schools throughout the country.ADVERTISEMENTThe Bahamas Coral Gene Bank at Atlantis will allow marine biologists and students to rescue, preserve, study and grow coral species in a controlled environment. The BCGB will house up to 600 coral colonies of more than 15 species vulnerable to SCTLD and will be designed to allow for coral propagation, producing tens of thousands of offspring annually. The BCBG will safeguard genetic diversity and foster coral breeding for reef regeneration and restoration.
    “We have a responsibility to the ecosystems surrounding us, and establishing The Bahamas Coral Gene Bank is our next step in the ongoing effort to protect our reefs and stop Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease. The Atlantis team is proud of its commitment to conserving marine life and restoring our oceans. As we celebrate World Ocean Month, we aim to raise greater awareness and education to the local and global community about the critical environmental challenges we face,” said Audrey Oswell, President and Managing Director of Atlantis Paradise Island.
    “The Bahamas Coral Gene Bank at Atlantis Paradise Island goes beyond coral rescue—it is about securing the future of Bahamian reefs,” said Michele Liu, Senior Vice President of Atlantis Marine and Water Park Operations and Board Member of Atlantis Blue Project Foundation. “Through this initiative, our goal is to preserve critical marine life and safeguard the livelihood of future generations, which has been the goal of Atlantis Blue Project Foundation since its inception in 2005.”
    World Ocean Month will be celebrated throughout June at Atlantis with various fun and educational activities for guests of all ages as well as its team members. These include coastal restoration community events, mangrove seedling plantings, ocean conservation talks, ocean-themed culinary adventures for kids, aquatic-themed movies celebrating all things aquatic, and a special scavenger hunt as part of the World Ocean Month experience at Atlantis.
    You can learn more about Atlantis Paradise Island and Atlantis Blue Project Foundation’s sustainability efforts by visiting the website.https://www.atlantisbahamas.com/sustainable-tourism

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    UNWTO’S MIDDLE EAST MEMBERS MEET IN JORDAN

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    UNWTO’S MIDDLE EAST MEMBERS MEET IN JORDAN

    The 49th meeting of the UNWTO Regional Commission for the Middle East brought high-level delegations from 12 countries together at the Dead Sea, in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, to assess the current state of tourism in the region and advance shared plans for its future.
    Middle East: First Region to Exceed Pre-Pandemic Levels
    According to UNWTO data, the Middle East is the first global region to exceed pre-pandemic numbers of international tourist arrivals so far in 2023.
    Overall, international arrivals to destinations in the Middle East during the first quarter of 2023 were 15% higher than in the same period of 2019Jordan welcomed 4.6 million tourists in 2022, close to the 4.8 million recorded in 2029, with receipts from tourism totaling US$5.8 billion for the yearOn the eve of the Regional Commission meeting, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili met with HRH Crown Prince Al Hussein to congratulate him on the “rapid and remarkable” recovery of Jordanian tourism. The Secretary-General also commended the strong support shown to tourism by the Jordanian Royal Family and the Government, including for ongoing work to diversify the sector.UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Tourism has shown its resilience in the face of crisis. And now, recovery is well underway – with all the challenges and opportunities this brings. For the Middle East, tourism represents an unrivalled driver of employment and opportunity, as well as economic diversification and resilience.”
    UNWTO Supports Members’ Priorities in the Middle EastParticipants, representing 12 of the 13 UNWTO Member States in the region, and including 7 Ministers of Tourism, benefitted from a comprehensive overview of the Organization’s progress achieving its Programme of Work.:ADVERTISEMENTEducation: Members were given an overview of UNWTO’s work to advance one of its key priorities for tourism. Key achievements include an agreement signed with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to develop tourism education, including through online courses with the potential to reach up to 300 million people worldwide, and the Jobs Factory, linking 50 employers with 100,000 jobseekers. UNWTO is also launching a first Undergraduate Degree in Sustainable Tourism Management and developing plans to make tourism a high school subject.Tourism for Rural Development: The UNWTO Regional Office for the Middle East (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) is growing as a global hub of tourism for rural development. Members were updated on its work, including the Best Tourism Villages initiative, which is welcoming applications for its third edition.Innovation: UNWTO is working with its Members to make the Middle East a hub of tourism innovation. Recent initiatives include the Women in Tech Start-Up Competition for the Middle East, aimed at supporting female entrepreneurs across the region, and the Tourism Tech Adventures forum held in Qatar.Looking AheadIn line with UNWTO’s statutory obligations, Members from the Middle East agreed:

    Jordan will serve as the Chair of the Commission for the Middle East for the period 2023 to 2025. Egypt and Kuwait will serve as the Vice Chairs.The Commission will meet in Oman for its 50th meeting.

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    Discover Your Personal Path to Healing and Wellbeing with Four Seasons Resorts Thailand

    Ensconced in mesmerizing tropical abundance, and with a rhythmic pace of life, Thailand’s profound beauty and compelling culture lends itself naturally to wellbeing and consciousness.
    Here, the art of wellness – in mind, body and soul – is commonplace as the ritualistic way of life unfolds through dramatic landscapes, sensory wellness experiences and cuisine concepts. “In a post-pandemic world, where luxury travelers are looking for greater purpose to their holiday plans, enhanced wellness experiences have emerged as primary catalysts,” shares Sean Mosher, general manager, Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai and Tented Camp Golden Triangle. “At the Four Seasons Resorts Thailand, we have re-calibrated our programs to be immersive and innovative, so that our guests can derive maximum benefit from our exclusive range of treatments and therapies,” adds Jasjit Assi, general manager, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui.Wellness by the sea

    The quintessential seaside experience on Koh Samui is accentuated by its growing reputation as a destination for wellness, and at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, this is manifested through a broad spectrum of activities that are inspired by the ‘island life’. Guests can discover the wisdom of ancient Thai wellness at the award-winning The Secret Garden Spa, where traditional techniques of massage and a variety of home-grown herbs and medicinal plants are interwoven into an exclusive range of signature therapies. Private and group sessions of holistic healing with reputed, visiting and local practitioners, are available on request, covering a vast range of therapies including kundalini yoga, and sensory sound healing. For guests looking to reset their circadian rhythm, the newly launched in-villa ‘Sleep Indulgence’ ritual is the ultimate intervention, combining aromatherapy, sound healing, and mindful breathing to induce a deep and restorative night’s sleep.Set along a dramatic hillside that rolls into the ocean, the possibilities for an active fitness regimen at the resort are endless: from Muay Thai, a Thai combat sport , tennis and volleyball on shore, to snorkeling, kayaking and paddle-boarding in the Gulf of Thailand. Sustainability is at the core of our philosophy of positive engagement between man and habitat, and this ties into a host of environmentally conscious projects at the resort. Our team of experts lead interactive sessions of coral conservation, and beach explorations, that children are also welcome to attend through our Kids For All Seasons program. Keeping cuisine at the core of the wellness experience, personal modules at the resort can be customized to cater to dietary needs, while the daily breakfast buffet and the menu at Pla Pla offer a variety of health specific options. 
    ADVERTISEMENTHealed by mountain airFar up north and deep in the bamboo jungles of the Golden Triangle, the path to wellness is an ‘off the grid’ adventure on its own. Live in our luxurious tented accommodation at Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, and connect with nature for some digital detox that can have miraculous effects on your consciousness. Attuning to nature’s rhythm, guests can begin early, and join the kilometer long hike up to Camp Peak, where they are rewarded with glorious sunrise views over the horizon. Our jogging routes transcribe this riverine landscape, crossing over the Ruak River and circumnavigating the camp. Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy the local way of life, crisscrossing through tapioca and pineapple fields while on tour.Surrender to some rest and recuperation afterwards at our exotic jungle spa. Experience the healing benefits of locally foraged mountain herbs and spices, while focusing on your mindfulness through signature treatments like the Ruak Bamboo massage, Mekong Meditation and the Myanmar Thanaka Brightening Mask, that are inspired by the three intersecting cultures that coalesce at this point. The Lhong Rak Chiang Rai Couples Connect is a special sensory spa experience that is especially recommended for couples looking for an intimate jungle escape.Mindful living at the countryside

    With a legacy of over two decades, Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai is a true reflection of the spiritual heartland of Thailand with easy access on property to forms of dynamic wellness ( cycling/Muay Thai/Tennis/ Gym) or Meditative wellness Yoga/meditation/Singing Bowl Healing and slow living practices) Wrapped in verdant rice fields and overlooking the mystical peaks of Doi Suthep, wellness takes on a deeper meaning here, as guests are encouraged to embrace a life lived in balance – integrating body, mind, and soul.
    Anchored in slow living as meditative forms of art, pottery and tie & dye help u get so focused on the creative act of making that there’s no room for your other thoughts or worries; it provides your mind with a much-needed rest from these areas of your life. Discover time-honored tools and techniques used in rice cultivation, learn to plant shoots first-hand from our experienced farmers, spin the potter’s wheel or create beautiful art on fabric with natural dyes. Walk through our carefully nurtured herb and vegetable garden, and help our friendly water buffalo with their ritualistic bath.
    “The Art of Mindful Living is central to our wellness orientation,” explains director of spa, Saowapa Thumapun, “The four pillars of physical rejuvenation, mental equilibrium, spiritual renewal and true nourishment stand as one.” Besides the packaged four-night experience that includes clay molding, yoga, sound healing, a monk offering experience, a spa session, nourishing meals and more, the resort also offers a range of customized half-day and full-day programs that focus on balancing the body’s circadian rhythm. Our Rhythmic Balance Programs are designed to provide a deeper understanding of the imbalances that may occur due to lifestyle choices. Physical balance: Foster connection with the healing power of nature. Suggested experiences include energy circuit, Pilates, body toning, wheel yoga, Muay Thai and traditional Thai massage.Mental balance: This experience is suited for those who want to reconnect with their inner self, de-stress, feel grounded and work through mental blocks. Suggested experiences include sunrise yoga, hatha yoga, nature trail, pottery class, crystal sound healing and harmonic hand massage.

    Spiritual balance: Nurture your spirit, reflect inward and emerge with renewed energy. Suggested experiences include yoga nidra, monk chat at the temple, pranayama, reiki healing, guided meditation and foot reflexology.To discover your personal path to healing and wellbeing, call +66 2 207 8900, email [email protected], or chat via the FS Chat App.

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    JetBlue To Start New Nonstop Flights to Belize

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    JetBlue To Start New Nonstop Flights to Belize

    The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is pleased to announce a new partnership with JetBlue Airlines, New York’s Hometown Airline®, which today revealed the first-ever nonstop service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Belize’s Phillip S.W. Goldson.
    Marking New York as the 11th U.S. city to offer nonstop service to the Central American nation, JetBlue will operate year-round roundtrip flights three times a week – Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays – with the inaugural flight scheduled for Dec. 6, 2023.
    “We’re thrilled to announce the new partnership between Belize and JetBlue and can’t wait to welcome JetBlue’s first-ever flight to our country in December,” said Hon. Anthony Mahler, Belize’s Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations. “This is a huge win for our ongoing efforts to make Belize accessible to more U.S. visitors, with JFK being one of the biggest air travel hubs for tens of millions of travelers. We’re excited for JetBlue to join the family of airline partners offering nonstop flight options to Belize and we invite everyone to visit and discover the beauty of this enchanting country and all that it has to offer.”
    “JetBlue is committed to delivering exceptional travel experiences to our customers and our expansion to Belize reflects our dedication to connecting customers to the most popular and unique destinations,” said David Jehn, vice president of network planning and partnerships, JetBlue. “We look forward to not only introducing our low fares and great service to Belize customers but also providing access to all the cities we serve from New York.”
    Belize is quickly becoming a popular destination for American travelers. As of April 2023, more than 68% of all overnight arrivals to the destination came from the United States. This is expected to increase thanks to the new direct flight service and represents a very optimistic outlook for the dynamic growth of the Belizean tourism industry.ADVERTISEMENTAs one of Central America’s most biodiverse countries, Belize is home to the largest Barrier Reef in the Northern and Western Hemispheres, indigenous cultures, mystical Maya caves, pristine Caribbean waters, wondrous aquatic habitats, lush tropical jungles, wildlife reserves, and cascading flora and fauna. Belize is the only English-speaking country in the region where the U.S. dollar is widely accepted making it an ideal vacation destination where numerous adventures are waiting to be had. To learn more, visit travelbelize.org.

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    Thailand celebrates sensational rainbow phenomenon with “Pride for All” campaign

    Celebrate Pride Month: experience the magic of colourful Pride festivals here in Thailand, supporting and celebrating the LGBTQIAN+ community. Join the Spectacular Pride parade at Central World shopping center – one of a leader of the celebration of the Pride festival in Thailand, JVs with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Thailand, partners from government and private sectors led by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Galderma Thailand, Muse by Metinee, Bangkok PRIDE and Tiffany’s Show Pattaya Co., Ltd. to roll out the great celebration of THAILAND’S PRIDE CELEBRATION 2023 – ‘PRIDE FOR ALL’
    PRIDE HAPPENING – the rainbow phenomenon throughout June.
    The Biggest Pride Parade – waving rainbow flags in eight branches nationwide led by ‘Proud to be Pride’ at Central World with the show ‘Fly High In The Sky for Pride’ and Fashion Parade that gathers over 500+ models together with the ‘This is my look’ Parade from Galderma (Thailand) to express self-expression with confidence and charm. Followed by the sensational ‘Pride Concert’ by Thailand’s leading artists.
    Echoing voices of diversity and equality with the Bangkok Pride 2023 parade, which Central World co-hosted with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration in addition to Naruemit Pride. The parade are moved from the Pathumwan intersection to the Ratchaprasong intersection at Central World, waving the beautiful and spectacular 144.8-meter rainbow flag with hundreds of thousands of people joining the grand procession. Enjoy special shows, mini concerts and celebrations of gender diversity attended by provincial governors ambassadors, government agencies and representatives from the LGBTQIAN+ community.

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