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    United States Air Force Flyover to Thrill Guests on Fourth of July at Walt Disney World Resort

    In celebration of Independence Day, Walt Disney World Resort plans to host breathtaking U.S. Air Force flyovers over Magic Kingdom Park on July 4, 2023. The Air Force is expected to showcase their capabilities with two flyovers (weather dependent) as part of their national outreach program which aims to engage and inspire the next generation of patriotism. Beginning at approximately 10:30 a.m. a squadron of F-35 stealth fighter jets flown by the 33rd Fighter Wing will make two passes over the world-famous theme park. The first flyover will also include a KC-135 tanker flown by the 6th Air Refueling Wing. 2023 marks the Air Force’s 100 years of aerial refueling capabilities. This year is also the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company.
    Fourth of July is a time for patriotic celebrations across the United States, and there is no better place to salute the stars and stripes than Walt Disney World Resort. Star-spangled spectaculars are a time-honored tradition across the resort, reflecting Walt Disney’s deep love of America and faith in the nation’s future. 
    The flyover is also the latest example of Disney’s long history of support for the military dating back to Disney’s founders, Walt and Roy Disney, who both served their country during the First World War. That tradition continues today with events like the daily Flag Retreat ceremony at Magic Kingdom Park, where an active-duty military member or veteran is selected from the park’s daily visitors to be honored. The Walt Disney Company has also been a leading proponent of hiring, training and supporting military veterans with the Heroes Work Here initiative, the Heroes Supply Here program and Disney’s Veterans Institute.

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    TUI ANNOUNCES ANT & DEC AS THEIR ‘HAPPINESS AMBASSADORS’

    TUI UK has appointed the nation’s favourite duo, Ant & Dec to bring holiday inspired fun and smiles to Brits. The Geordie pair will share their mischievous plans as they define their new roles as TUI’s ‘Happiness Ambassadors’. 
    Launching on the 28th June, the social media campaign will focus on how TUI create ‘happy’ every day. In a cheeky and entertaining way, Ant & Dec brainstorm their new job title, creating the perfect holiday pitch, and dial up the holiday inspo with TUI’s retail agents and cabin crew. 
    The social content focuses on the moments customers experience before they step foot overseas; from the planning and booking and just before they jet off, at the airport. Ant & Dec have a lot of fun creating extra happy moments every step of the journey in a surprising and memorable style. 

    The campaign, a creative co-production between Ant and Dec’s Mitre Studios and Leo Burnett London, is set to run across TUI’s and Ant and Dec’s social channels from 28thJune for six months. Be sure to follow @antanddec and @tuiuk to find out what they’ve been up to from today. ADVERTISEMENT
    Andrew Flintham Managing Director at TUI UK commented: “Ant and Dec are the perfect pair to showcase what our Makers of Happy do every day; delivering the best possible experiences for our customers. The partnership has come at an exciting time for TUI as our customers cannot wait to create amazing holiday memories. It’s brilliant to be working with Ant and Dec as they really are the happiest people on TV and are already sharing some great ideas on how we can bring even more fun to the holiday experience.” 

    Ant says: “We have worked successfully with TUI in the past on Saturday Night Takeaway so we were delighted to be invited to become their Happiness Ambassadors and create some fun content around their staff and customers as they plan holidays this year. 

    Dec adds: “We have loved working collaboratively with everyone at TUI and getting to know the team even better. We hope what we’ve created brings a smile to people’s faces and spreads a little happiness from the start to the finish of this year’s holidays.”

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    HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts Partners with Brand Ambassador Jingting Bai

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    HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts Partners with Brand Ambassador Jingting Bai

    HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts, a member of IHG Hotels& Resorts, recently announced its partnership with new brand ambassador – actor Jingting Bai, who will join the brand to convey the elegance and charm of Chinese aesthetics. Along with the announcement, HUALUXE is also launching its ‘Eight refined cultural activities’, to further extends its iconic ‘HUALUXE Gathering’, showcasing the essence of Chinese traditional arts and culture through the timeless, transforming hotels into not only places of accommodation but also platforms for cultural immersion and exchange.
    Florence Hu, Chief Marketing Officer, IHG Greater China, said, “Adhering to IHG ‘in China, for China’ commitment and deep understanding of the Chinese market, we made the far-sighted decisions on HUALUXE. As a premium hotel brand tailored for Chinese guests and travelers who appreciate Chinese culture, HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts continually creates a unique stay experience that embodies Chinese cultural heritage. With this in mind, we are delighted to be joined by young actor Jingting Bai as our brand ambassador, as his gentle and elegant demeanor perfectly align with the HUALUXE brand. Together, we aim to bring HUALUXE’s Chinese aesthetics to a new generation of travelers, showcasing the charm of Chinese culture.”
    Jingting Bai, Brand Ambassador of HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts, said, “I am thrilled to become the brand ambassador for HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts. In HUALUXE Hotels, the essence of Chinese culture permeates every aspect, from the refined experiences of dining and seasonal transitions to the captivating moments. Join me at HUALUXE to immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Chinese aesthetics.”
    Embracing Chinese Aesthetics at HUALUXE
    Since its establishment in 2012, HUALUXE has been dedicated to providing guests with a premium hotel experience rich in Chinese cultural characteristics. Upholding the brand’s philosophy of integrating Chinese aesthetics into daily life, HUALUXE aims to create an immersive cultural experience rooted in Chinese beauty, encompassing aspects of clothing, food, accommodation, and HUALUXE Gathering.ADVERTISEMENT
    Clothing: Visually Showcasing Chinese Elegance
    In collaboration with Chinese fashion designer GRACE CHEN, HUALUXE has created a series of new staff uniforms inspired by Chinese cultural aesthetics. The modern designs embody both elegance and resilience, showcasing the beauty of the East in every gesture and conveying the allure of Chinese heritage to guests.
    Food: Experiencing Chinese Etiquette Centered around ‘eat’ and ‘meet’
    HUALUXE has developed a deep understanding of the habits of Chinese travelers, and accordingly offers opportunities for ‘eat’ and ‘meet’ through unique culinary and social experiences. As the partner of the popular TV series ‘Destined’ featuring brand ambassador Jingting Bai, HUALUXE offering themed Chinese afternoon tea which presenting the unique charm of Chinese cuisine through handmade tea snacks. Individual hotels are taking this further, with HUALUXE Xi’an Chanba bringing nationally acclaimed senior tea artist, who also is the long-spout teapot performers, to showcase Chinese tea culture. HUALUXE Shanghai Changfeng Park is introducing the fusion afternoon tea, incorporating Chinese exclusive flavors of tea, soy milk, and traditional Shanghai yogurt into Western-style desserts. HUALUXE Kunshan Huaqiao offers a Kunqu Opera-themed afternoon tea, where guests can experience traditional Chinese cuisine and culture in the brand’s distinctive social space, ‘LUXE Tea’.
    Accommodation: Conveying Elegance with Chinese Aesthetics
    HUALUXE’s revamp its design and architecture features embodies the beauty of Chinese traditional craftsmanship and color palettes through the concept of ‘One stay, one heritage’. The signature F&B highlights the taste and beauty of Chinese culinary culture. Gardenesque scenes showcase the essence of traditional Chinese garden architecture in a natural and relaxed manner, while the spatial sequence presents the aesthetics of traditional indoor architecture. HUALUXE Gathering, meanwhile, conveys the elegance of Chinese social spaces and etiquette. These design features combine to comprehensively present the experience of Chinese aesthetics to guests. Chinese elements further pervade every detail of the stay experience, as HUALUXE collaborated with Chinese ink brush artist Jiu Chen, to incorporates classical Chinese opera into room amenities, including keycards, umbrellas, and paper bags, offering guests a distinctive of Chinese art throughout their surroundings.
    HUALUXE Gathering: Offering Immersive Experiences of Chinese Culture into daily life
    HUALUXE has meticulously created the exclusive “HUALUXE Gathering” to bring Chinese aesthetics and cultural heritage to life. In February, HUALUXE has partnered with QQ Music to present a captivating HUALUXE Gathering livestream concert on QQ music. HUALUXE Nanjing Yangtze River hosted the ‘HUALUXE Gathering’ World Book Day event, inviting guests to enjoy tea, read books, and share the everyday moments of a Chinese aesthetic lifestyle. The ‘Eight refined cultural activities’ serves as a continuation of the HUALUXE Gathering philosophy, allowing guests to experience the essence of Chinese culture on a deeper level. Through immersive experiences such as tea ceremonies, chess matches, musical performances, gardening, savoring the sound of rain, calligraphy, and literary pursuits, guests could appreciate Chinese aesthetics together with fellow enthusiasts.
    HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts currently offers a total of 20 hotels in operation and 22 hotels under construction in the Greater China region. Newly opened hotels include the HUALUXE Nanjing Yuhua, HUALUXE Sanya Yalong Bay Resort, and HUALUXE Guiyang Financial City, covering popular cities and vacation destinations. In the future, HUALUXE will maintain steady development, delving into traditional Chinese culture while bringing an engaging experience of Chinese aesthetics to more destinations.

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    Winner of the IATA and AWS Diversity & Inclusion Datathon Announced

    The Winner
    The SMBC Aviation Capital solution demonstrated a positive correlation between gender balance on airline senior management teams and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) scores to a CEO.
    In this proof-of-concept exercise, the winning team developed a data-led model that analyzed airlines across 12 countries, focusing on metrics around financial and ESG performance. The model produced ESG scores that improved the more senior leadership teams were gender-balanced.
    In addition, the winning team came up with the concept of a sector-specific Aviation Gender Equality Index to track performance of the entire aviation value chain in promoting gender equality through policy development and representation.“DEI initiatives drive business results. The SMBC Aviation Capital solution is custom designed to help airline managements measure the impact of a gender balanced management team on a company’s ESG performance. It’s a winning solution that we look forward to seeing in action by airlines as ESG metrics play a growing role in investment decisions,” said Jane Hoskisson, IATA’s Director Talent, Learning, Engagement and Diversity.
    “The datathon provided a fantastic opportunity for those taking part to explore solutions that will help strengthen gender diversity within the aviation sector. The use of data and the value that it brings can be transformational, and AWS was proud to be part of this initiative – congratulations to not just the winners SMBC Aviation Capital, but to all the teams that took part,” said Charlie Anderson, AWS World Wide Public Sector.ADVERTISEMENT“We are delighted that our team had the opportunity to take part in the datathon and to present thoughtful and practical solutions to the challenges we are collectively facing, demonstrating how our people are committed to IATA’s 25by2025 initiative. SMBC Aviation Capital remains devoted to its ESG and gender diversity goals and we look forward to championing industry-wide initiatives in the future, where we can foster innovation and dialogue to create a more inclusive, diverse and sustainable aviation industry,” said David Swan, Chief Operations & Sustainability Officer at SMBC Aviation Capital.
    The Datathon Challenge
    Participants of the 2023 edition of the Diversity & Inclusion Datathon were asked to address one of the following challenges:
    How to demonstrate to a CEO the impact of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion using data and/ or new technologies? Find out more in this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8n2eJkZ4hM
    How can airlines redress the gender balance on the flight deck and other technical roles through data and/ or new technologies? Find out more in this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAH9Kv72BpQThe Judging Panel
    Submissions for the IATA and AWS Diversity & Inclusion Datathon were evaluated by a panel of experts from IATA and AWS. Key criteria taken into account included the originality of the solution, its applicability in the aviation sector and the va

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    Play Celebrity for a Day at SeaWorld this Summer with the “Ultimate VIP Tour

    SeaWorld has launched its reimagined, exclusive “Ultimate VIP Tour” at parks across the country. The first-of-its-kind private VIP Tour allows guests the opportunity to feel like a celebrity for a day with a highly tailored experience. Where else in the world can you ride some of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the country, feed a shark, interact with penguins in their unique habitat, learn how to care for wildlife and meet the rescue team all before lunch?
    “We are introducing the Ultimate VIP Tour as a special combination of personalized education and thrills that will enrich an already great day and turn it into a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the whole family,” said Marisa Thalberg, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. “There is so much to do in our parks, but also so much to experience, and learn, and that’s what makes this such a unique opportunity.”
    SeaWorld’s “Ultimate VIP Tour”, available at all parks, blends luxurious convenience and exclusivity, with personal VIP Tour guides for each tour armed with expert knowledge of the parks, opening doors to once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters with unprecedented access to enriching marine conservation education where the wonders and curiosity of the sea are explored firsthand.
    The “Ultimate VIP Tour” offers guests priority access to highly coveted animal interactions only available on a limited basis each day. Experiences range from the ability to touch and feed stingrays, enjoy up-close encounters with dolphins and sea lions, meet and greet penguins, sharks and orcas, and spend time with the rescue teams and dedicated animal care specialists. In addition to these animal interactions available in every park, VIP Tour guests receive priority reservations for special animal interactions only available in individual parks, such as:
    At SeaWorld Orlando, VIP guests can come “face-to-whiskers” with a walrus and meet a new fabulous flippered friend while they slurp fish right from guests’ handsIn San Antonio, guests can swim with sea lions and interact with penguins inside their 35-degree home as they waddle and swim among the rocky cliffs and icy water of this wonderfully naturalistic habitatAt SeaWorld San Diego, get in a wetsuit for an in-water interaction with belugas as animal behaviorists share how they care for and relate to these warm-hearted residents of the cold Arctic watersVIP Tours are now available for booking, with the purchase of a park ticket, with prices starting at $499/per person. Guests can book their VIP Tour online at SeaWorld.com or by contacting SeaWorld’s VIP Concierge Services.ADVERTISEMENTFor more information on SeaWorld San Antonio, SeaWorld San Diego, and SeaWorld Orlando, including park hours, ticket purchases, and Annual Passes, please visit SeaWorld.com. Stay up to date with the latest park updates and information by following SeaWorld on Facebook and Instagram.

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    Make Epic Outdoor Memories on Florida’s Space Coast this Summer

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    Make Epic Outdoor Memories on Florida’s Space Coast this Summer

    This summer, the Space Coast is your one-stop bucket list destination for epic experiences from the surf to the skies. Learn more at VisitSpaceCoast.com.
    Watch a Rocket Launch from the Beach or your RV – Launches continue to become more frequent on the Space Coast, so there’s a good chance one may happen during a visit. Head to any stretch of the 72 miles of beach for a one-of-a-kind view or rent an RV spot at Jetty Park at Port Canaveral. Pair it with a brew from the Launches and Lagers trail.Experience Bioluminescence – The Indian River Lagoon comes to life with this sparkling phenomenon on summer nights. Dinoflagellates light up when disturbed, leaving the wake from boats and paddles shimmering neon blue and green. Experience this magical spectacle firsthand.
    See a Sea Turtle Lay her Eggs – The Space Coast is one of the top sea turtle nesting locations in the world, making up 75% of all nests in Florida. Take a turtle walk with a sea turtle conservation non-profit and watch a loggerhead lay her eggs up close!
    Kayak at Brevard Zoo – Make time to visit the only zoo in North America with a kayak tour around habitats. See Giraffes, rhinos, and more from this unique view.
    Surf like the Champions – Dubbed the East Coast Surfing Capital, the Space Coast is home to some of the greats, including 11-time World Champion Kelly Slater and Olympian Caroline Marks. Take a lesson on the beach or head to the Intracoastal Waterway to try wakesurfing and kitesurfing.ADVERTISEMENTEnjoy a Fisher’s Paradise – There are multiple ways to fish on the Space Coast. For salt water, try surf fishing straight from the beach or charter an offshore fishing excursion. Head out on an inshore trip on rivers and canals or Headwaters Lake for freshwater fish.
    Take a Bike Ride through Nature – Titusville and Malabar are two of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s 17 Trail Towns and bookend the county. For endurance riders, head to Titusville where three long-distance trails converge: Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail, East Coast Greenway, and the St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop. Looking for mountain biking or BMX trails? Visit the Grapefruit Trails down in Palm Bay. Keep an eye out for the many amazing creatures like scrub jays and gopher tortoises that call the Space Coast home.

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    NATIONALLY ACCLAIMED #1 FIELD OF SCREAMS MARYLAND ANNOUNCES MAJOR EXPANSION

    Field of Screams Maryland, ranked #1 in USA Today’s Best Haunted Attractions in the country, opens Saturday, Sept 23 and runs through October 31, 2023Located in Olney, Maryland, this Hollywood-level production has now gained the attention of the movie industry due to its high-quality sets, props, and custom sounds meticulously designed to deliver an intense fright experience.Due to incredible success and record crowds, Field of Screams Maryland, an immersive Halloween attraction for more than 20 years, has doubled the number of stations of their flagship Super Screams Haunted trail, a one-hour walk through dark, cold, sinister woods, to include over 50 terrifying scenes packed full of custom props, décor, and actors, including Skinner Shack, Infested House, Laser Maze and the all-new Clown Freak Show.
    “Our company’s goal is to deliver high-quality entertainment experiences to our customers that rivals anything you can find in the country,” said Christian Cedillos, Creative Director for Steelhead Events and Productions. “Our commitment to quality, and our growing popularity, has led to more and more opportunities, including an upcoming horror movie based on our Super Screams Trail slated for production this fall.”
    General admission tickets start at $44 and include the Slaughter Factory Haunted House, a high-end haunt experience where every detail has been attended to; the one-hour Super Screams trail with over 50 stations; and a compound with more than 30 bonfires; tasty concessions; and scares and fun for anyone over age 12. Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.screams.org.

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    Qatar Airways Celebrates Eid Al Adha with Passengers

    Qatar Airways is sharing its Eid Al Adha festivities with passengers onboard and at its global premium lounges by creating memorable experiences showcased through special product designs and passenger giveaways. The airline’s Eid Al Adha celebrations will start from 28 June to 01 July in both Premium and Economy cabins.
    Marking the end of the Hajj pilgrimage and the start of Eid Al Adha holiday, Qatar Airways will welcome Premium passengers onboard with celebratory beverages, and invite them to explore a bespoke à la carte menu that feature lentil soup, Middle Eastern spiced prawns and a special local dish prepared by Chef Aisha Al Tamimi. Meals will be presented with a themed festive lantern, napkin band, beverage coaster, and a dessert box filled with traditional Baklava.
    Passengers travelling in the Economy cabin can select from holiday favourites including dates and Couscos salad with Labneh and a traditional grilled Kofta with Bukhari rice. Food will be served with a custom made cutlery band, featuring a special message wishing passengers a blessed Eid. When travellers are ready for desserts, they can indulge in a Kunefe cheesecake – an indulgent holiday dessert.
    Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Eid Al Adha signifies an important occasion for our passengers; it is a time for sharing gifts and spreading positivity, as well a time to reunite with one’s friends and family. At Qatar Airways, we take pride in connecting passengers with their loved ones. To make their travel journey a memorable experience, we have added small gestures to make our passengers smile at every touchpoint. On behalf of Qatar Airways, I wish you and your families a very blessed Eid.”
    At Hamad International Airport, Qatar Airways will host Eid celebrations at Al Safwa First and Al Mourjan Business Lounges, where passengers will be offered a variety of welcome drinks including Qamar Al-Deen, Tamar-Hindi, and Jallab. In addition, customers will also be able to treat themselves to a selection of Eid flavours that will be offered as part of the lounges’ expansive food menus. The celebrations will also continue in our global Premium Lounges at Bangkok, Beirut, London, Paris, and Singapore.ADVERTISEMENT

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