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      &BEYOND ANNOUNCES REFURBISHMENT OF WELL-LOVED ECO-LODGE

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      Conservation-focused luxury travel company &Beyond has announced that one of its most iconic lodges, Phinda Forest Lodge, situated in &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, is due to undergo an extensive rebuild. The property, which was lauded as one of the first true eco-lodges at the time of its construction, will be reimagined within the context of the contemporary luxury safari, while retaining subtle references to its original ‘Zulu-zen’ décor with a new elegant and minimalist interior design.
      “&Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge was originally built in the early 1990s,” recalls Kevin Pretorius, &Beyond Managing Director for South Africa Lodges. “Back then, the lodge’s innovative and progressive design made a huge statement on sustainability, as it was sensitively constructed within the ancient sand forest with minimum impact at the heart of the project.”Pretorius continues, “Phinda, which started as an amalgamation of denuded farmlands in 1991, has grown into an extensive conservancy at the cutting edge of conservation, a modern example of Care of the Land, Wildlife and People. What was only our second owned and operated lodge following the birth of the company at &Beyond Phinda will now be reborn.”

      Interior designers Fox Browne Creative, who have previously worked on the refurbishments of the other five lodges on the reserve, are partnering with architectural designer Jack Alexander to reimagine and bring to life the new Phinda Forest Lodge in a design that will offer past guests the comfort and familiarity of one of their most loved lodges while also providing exciting improvements in room flow and functionality. Nestled inside 1 000 hectares (2 471 acres) of Africa’s last remaining dry sand forest in the north of &Beyond Phinda, the lodge embodies a commitment to minimise the impact on the environment. Its iconic rooms were built in perfect harmony with the existing flow of the forest and their design has stood the test of time. As such, the existing room structures will be used to redefine the new lodge in a way that will continue the legacy with which it was originally built.
      “The sand forest is one of Phinda’s most distinctive and delicate habitats. It occurs on deep sands, the leftover fossilised dunes of an earlier coastline,” explains Pretorius. Many of the plant species encountered in sand forest can be found nowhere else on earth. Normally shy mammals such as the red duiker, suni and Tonga red squirrel are often encountered in sand forest, and the area is also rich in birds, with several species restricted solely to this habitat.Due to the sensitivity of the habitat, the lodge refurbishment will utilise existing lodge and room structures to minimise impact associated with an entire rebuild, while also updating the architectural design and taking care not to detract from the essence of the lodge design and its original ‘Zulu-zen’ concept. Throughout the rooms and main guest areas, the interiors will be reimagined with new fixtures and finishes drawing inspiration from the surrounding sand forest, blending aspects of Japanese minimalism with an ode to local culture.ADVERTISEMENT
      Elements of the natural forest and Zulu culture will be brought into the room through the use of tactile textures and natural materials such as woven matting, textured grass cloth wallpaper, and hardwood floors, with natural stone tiling in the bathrooms. The intention is to reconfigure the room within the existing structure, creating a more comfortable layout that better utilises the existing space, while maximising the connection to the forest through wide open views.Phinda Forest Lodge has always provided &Beyond guests with an exclusive, private experience immersed in the sand forest, and this will be enhanced through the redirection and reduction of pathways to and from the rooms. In order to assist with the rehabilitation of the old pathways, we have established a nursery which will cultivate sand forest tree species to be planted along the trails.
      Major structural additions include a family suite, a library and lounge, a walkway with central fire pit linking the main area to the library, a newly reshaped and tiered pool, and significant upgrades to the main dining and bar areas. In keeping with the other lodges in &Beyond’s portfolio, the family suite will comprise a contemporary designed and decorated standard suite linked to a newly built second bedroom, which can be accessed privately or through an additional linked passageway.A new purpose-built building will contain the library and sitting room, centred around a reading table and double-sided fireplace with surrounding areas for guests to relax. Timber sliding doors will lead to an outdoor deck with its own shaded spaces, nestled among the trees with views of patches of forest and the wetland areas. The interior of the library and sitting room will combine elements of traditional Zulu culture with cosy minimalist elegance. A wooden walkway will seamlessly connect the library to a new pool area, which will include a reshaped and tiered swimming pool designed to maximize the scenic setting and timeless beauty of the sand forest. An all-new massage sala will also be constructed next to the pool.

      Other innovative additions will include a central fire pit that will be located between the library and main area, cast out toward the wetland and offering guests the opportunity to indulge in a fireside chat before and after dinner.“We are excited about the refurbishment of one of our most loved lodges, and we hope to welcome guests back to Phinda Forest Lodge as of 1 December 2023,” says Pretorius.“Phinda was where &Beyond’s vision and impact model were born,” he recalls. “Over the years, we have curated a set of unique, immersive experiences born out of this ethos, which guests at Phinda Forest Lodge will continue to have access to. These include experiences focused on the conservation of species such as white and black rhinoceros, as well as Temminck’s ground pangolin, and a unique Zulu Village Tour which allows guests to ethically immerse themselves in traditional Zulu culture.”
      Phinda is also uniquely positioned to offer other extraordinary adventure activities like diving or ocean safaris at nearby Sodwana Bay. Depending on the season, guests may also be able to enjoy expeditions to admire turtles nesting along the Indian Ocean coastline.With such a wealth and diversity of unique offerings, combined with the newly refurbished Phinda Forest Lodge, &Beyond are excited to continue bringing their guests experiences that go beyond the expectation of average luxury to leave our world a better place

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      IsDB President and Board of Governors Chairman Highlight Achievements

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      IsDB President and Board of Governors Chairman Highlight Achievements

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      Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) President and Group Chairman, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, and Minister of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Benin who is also Chairman of IsDB Board of Governors, H.E. Romuald Wadagni,  addressed the media during a press conference held as part of the 2023 Annual Meetings of the IsDB Group taking place in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from 10-13 May.Opening the press conference, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser expressed profound appreciation to The Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for his patronage of the Annual Meetings. He also extended profound gratitude to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the generous support and warm hospitality extended by the country’s government to the event and its participants. H.E. Dr. Al Jasser congratulated H.E. Wadagni on his chairmanship of the Board of Governors of the IsDB and commended his exemplary leadership during the current tenure of the Board.  Speaking on the Islamic Development Bank’s vision and objectives as a leading AAA-rated multilateral development bank (MDB), H.E. Dr. Al Jasser highlighted the role the Bank plays in improving the lives of people in its member countries and Muslim communities worldwide, by promoting social and economic development and delivering impact at scale. Established in 1975, the Bank currently serves its 57 member countries from four continents, in addition to Muslim communities from non-member countries – through their respective governments – and its operations impact one-fifth of the world’s population.H.E. Dr. Al Jasser said that IsDB Group’s net financing for various sustainable development programs and initiatives since its establishment until 2022 amounted to a total of US$ 170.5 billion. Its annual net approvals increased by 18.5% to reach US$ 10.5 billion in 2022, up from US$ 8.9 billion in 2021. Various economic sectors received IsDB Group’s financing support during the past year, including energy (40.8%), industry and mining (14.4%), agriculture (12.6%), finance (8.6%), transportation (8.5%), water and sanitation (4.8%), health (3.6%), education (3.2%) and others (3.5%).Shedding light on the Bank’s achievements, H.E. Dr. Al Jasser explained that IsDB maintained its ‘AAA’ credit rating with a stable outlook in 2022. He asserted that it was the 26th time that the Bank has achieved this outstanding rating from S&P Global Ratings, the 16th time from Moody’s, and the 15th time from Fitch Ratings.For his part, H.E. Wadagni commented: “On behalf of the Board of Governors of the IsDB, I commend the Management and Board of Executive Directors for their deep commitment to supporting member countries to achieve sustainable development. Their visionary thinking and thorough understanding of the pertinent and emerging development challenges facing member countries prompted the realignment of the strategic vision of the IsDB Group to focus on promoting comprehensive human development and sustainable infrastructure toward boosting economic recovery, tackling poverty, building resilience, and driving green economic growth.”The Board of Governors of IsDB is the highest authority of the Bank. Each member country of the Bank is represented on the Board with a Governor and an Alternate Governor. The Board meets once a year to consider and approve the financial statements for the previous fiscal year, appoint external auditors, and lay down the future policies of the BankHeld under the theme of “Partnerships to Fend off Crises,” the four-day 2023 IsDB Group Annual Meetings have brought together policymakers, business leaders, senior executives and attendees representing more than 100 countries at the King Abdullah Congress Center – The Ritz-Carlton Jeddah. The 2023 edition of IsDB Group annual meetings seeks to provide an engaging, solution-oriented platform for participants to discuss current financial, economic and development issues faced by IsDB Group member countries and its partners.

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      &BEYOND EXPANDS LODGE AND IMPACT FOOTPRINT IN KENYA’S LAIKIPIA REGION

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      &BEYOND EXPANDS LODGE AND IMPACT FOOTPRINT IN KENYA’S LAIKIPIA REGION

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      Luxury experiential and conservation company &Beyond has extended its lodge circuit in Kenya with the announcement of an Exclusive Tourism Concession over the 44 000 acre (approximately 18 000 hectares) Suyian Conservancy in Kenya in partnership with global conservation charity Space for Giants. The multi-decade long-term lease and partnership gives &Beyond exclusive access to over 44 000 acres of prime wilderness land on Suyian Conservancy in north-western Laikipia. As the sole luxury lodge and tented camp operator on the conservancy, the lease enables &Beyond to use its extensive lodge operating experience to build and develop, over time, the finest lodge, tented camp, sky beds and mobile camping experience in Kenya on this pristine and private wildlife conservancy.

      “Our expansion into Laikipia is the culmination of a long-held desire to increase our impact and lodge operating footprint in Kenya. Laikipia is a prime wilderness area that is home to a greater population of wildlife than anywhere else in Kenya outside of the Masai Mara. This includes a large number of globally threatened mammals that make it particularly important from a conservation perspective. Representing a critical piece of the Kenyan circuit, it not only offers a world-class game experience but also aligns with many of our ambitious impact objectives in terms of securing and protecting endangered wildlife and habitat ecosystems, as well as enabling conservation through empowered communities,” explains Joss Kent, &Beyond CEO and Executive Chairman.“In Suyian Conservancy and Space for Giants we have found the perfect partnership through which to bring our dream to reality. We are totally aligned in our goals to create one of the finest conservancy and lodge operations in Kenya and, indeed, Africa.”

      Space for Giants was founded by Dr Max Graham ten years ago, off the back of research into the conflict between people and elephants in Laikipia, home to the second largest population of elephants in Kenya and one of the largest free-roaming populations on the continent. A key lesson from this research, the importance of removing the cost of wildlife to local people and replacing it with benefits, has driven a strategy of transforming private ranches into wildlife conservancies owned by not-for-profit trusts, attracting investment into enterprises that can ensure the region is valued, not just because it protects critically important biodiversity, but also because it generates employment and builds the local and national economy.“Space for Giants has grown immensely in the last ten years and now operates across eleven countries in Africa,” explains Dr Graham. “If Laikipia is the heart of the organisation, Suyian is its soul. Last year, through the generosity of the former owners of Suyian and a transformational gift by American philanthropist Louis Bacon, we were able to support the transition of ownership of the 44 000 acres to the Suyian Conservancy Trust, a Kenyan not-for-profit.ADVERTISEMENTThis will ensure Suyian and its wildlife are protected in perpetuity for the benefit of Kenyans and, indeed, the world.”The partnership between &Beyond and Suyian Conservancy represents an important milestone in the property becoming a leading financially self-sufficient model for Protected Area Management in Africa.
      “In &Beyond we have a company that shares our values and has the capacity to ensure this magical natural ecosystem is not only protected but thrives,” concludes Dr Graham. “We could not have dreamed of a better partnership as a start to Suyian’s exciting journey.”Forming part of a vital wildlife movement corridor and home to a huge diversity of wildlife, including a significant number of endangered species, Suyian boasts a variety of compelling landscapes that include grassland, savanna,rocky outcrops or kopjes, dense vechellia woodland and more than 16 km (10 miles) of river frontage alongside the Ewaso Narok River. A thriving wildlife population includes rarities such as the melanistic, or black, leopard andAfrican wild dog, as well as northern Kenyan species like Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, desert warthog and more. Elephant and buffalo are present in healthy numbers, as are lion, leopard and cheetah, in addition to both striped and spotted hyena. General game includes dik dik, giraffe, Laikipia hartebeest, Beisa oryx and lesser kudu.With its remarkable wildlife and varying landscapes, Suyian is the ideal destination not only for an exclusive safari experience but also less commonly found activities such as walking safaris, camel safaris and horse-riding safaris on a neighbouring conservancy. The diversity of flora lends itself to engaging botany walks and the rich cultural history includes evidence of cave paintings and artefacts from as far back as the Stone Age. Guests will also be able to interact with local pastoral tribes such as the Samburu and Pokot, as well as participate in conservation and research activities.

      Easily accessed by air or road from Nairobi, Suyian is also a gateway to more remote adventures, such as helicopter safaris and visits to the Northern Frontier region of Kenya, including Samburu, the Matthews Range and the EndotoRange, Lake Turkana and the fabled Suguta Valley. The conservancy not only offers magnificent views of Mount Kenya but can also be used as a base for scenic flights or even fishing trips to this majestic and beautiful mountain.Transformed from pure cattle ranching to land managed for conservation with a limited number of cattle, Suyian combines rapidly evolving conservation practices with the opportunity for community development. Theconservancy utilises a unique model of limited cattle ranching that uses rotational grazing to improve soil health and biodiversity. In combination with wildlife conservation and tourism, this not only contributes towards the economic development of neighbouring communities but also ensures a more diversified income stream.
      “As a partner of Suyian Conservancy, our intention is to make an impactful contribution towards the development of conservation and community projects in the fragile Laikipia ecosystem,” says Kent. “Over the past thirty years, we have learned a lot of impact lessons across our 29 lodges and 1 million acres of primary conservation land under management in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is our hope that we can share some of these learnings to support and assist in the various projects at Suyian.”
      The &Beyond ethos of Care of the Land, Wildlife and People is directly aligned with the existing aims of Suyian Conservancy, which include land stewardship, wildlife protection and security, as well as community support for schools, health programmes and education. Being contiguous with other nature conservancies such as Loisaba and Sosian provides the opportunity to work on shared conservation projects, as well as the possibility of creating a larger ‘super conservancy’ at some time in the future. Suyian also shares borders with the research conservancy of Mpala, which is run by Princeton University and offers the option for &Beyond guests to learn about and becomeinvolved in a multitude of conservation topics.
      “Suyian offers the perfect potential for &Beyond to make a contribution to community and conservation efforts in Kenya while creating an exceptional experience for our guests,” concludes Kent. “Its untouched nature and wild spaces, combined with our strict conservation ethics, will make this the ideal exclusive wildlife viewing destination, far from the large tourist numbers that can often be found in other parts of East Africa.”
      &Beyond Suyian Lodge is expected to open in 2025. Log on to andBeyond.com or follow &Beyond on social media for further updates.

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      READ NOW! Breaking Travel News Arabian Travel Market 2023 – Review Issue

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      ON LOCATION UNVEILS HOSPITALITY AND TRAVEL PACKAGES FOR THE PARIS OLYMPICS

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      On Location, the official and exclusive hospitality provider for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, unveils today its Hospitality and Travel Packages for the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Olympic fans and companies globally will have unprecedented access to a historic Opening Ceremony in Paris through one single provider.For the first time ever in the history of the Olympic Games, the Opening Ceremony will take place on July 26, 2024 outside of a stadium, with an exceptional 6 km (3.7 miles) route along the Seine River. The hospitality experiences created by On Location will enhance this extraordinary event and bring the historic city of Paris to life, by offering spectators from all around the world unique seating options never before available to guests. This unique hospitality experience allows them to view the Opening Ceremony from iconic Paris landmarks and become immersed in the extraordinary backdrop to the action. Fans from all over the world can now book their packages on the dedicated Paris 2024 Hospitality Online Platform and choose from a suite of hospitality and travel packages: https://olympics.onlocationexp.com/paris2024/ceremony
      Paul Caine, President of On Location and IMG Events declared “We are thrilled to offer our guests an unparalleled hospitality experience at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony. Our official packages provide exclusive access to premium seating, exceptional cuisine, and unforgettable entertainment, making this a once-in-a-lifetime event for sports fans and enthusiasts. We look forward to welcoming our guests to the world’s greatest celebration of athletic excellence and international unity.”
      Riverside packages
      Visitors of the Olympic Games who choose Riverside packages will be given premium seating options on the banks of the Seine, coupled with an elevated hospitality area offering Gold service level in the Palais de Tokyo, close to the end of the Opening Ceremony route, or a Silver service level in the Maison de l’Amérique Latine, located within a short walk of the Seine River.
      Gold: in a Parisian-style setting decorated in the colors of the Olympic Games, spectators will have reserved premium seating along the banks of the Seine with a breathtaking view of the Opening Ceremony. A dedicated hospitality area accessible on foot from the seats will be open before, during and after the Opening Ceremony. The programme includes buffet and cocktail dining with a selection of champagne, wine, beer, and soft drinks, as well as entertainment and performances by artists in the hospitality area.Silver: visitors will enjoy a reserved seat in a grandstand on the banks of the Seine with a superb view of the Opening Ceremony. In the private hospitality, they will have access to a cocktail reception and live music will animate the evening.Bridge 360 packageADVERTISEMENTGuests will be welcomed in the spectacular Café de Paris, Paris’ largest open-air brasserie, nestled on a mythical bridge of the capital located near the famous Trocadero and Eiffel Tower. Guests will be able to dine at this exceptional brasserie with an exclusive view of the Seine and will have access to entertainment and a Gold level of service.
      This unusual grandstand with its Parisian-style décor and Olympic colors will allow guests to enjoy a panoramic and impressive view of Paris and of the Opening Ceremony. Guests will share an unforgettable moment in a dedicated hospitality area with an excellent cocktail style dinner, special guest appearances, and various animations and performances creating a unique, once in a lifetime hospitality experience.
      With the exception of the Paris 2024 Ticketing Programme, the official Paris 2024 Hospitality Programme is the only official way to guarantee your place for the Opening Ceremony, as these are the only official and safe sources to buy tickets and hospitality packages for the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
      For these exceptional packages, the per person prices range from €5,750 including VAT (€5,000 excluding VAT) to €11,000 including VAT (€9,500 excluding VAT).
      In addition to the packages for the Opening Ceremony, there are various options for corporate hosting opportunities and for fan hospitality packages for all sporting sessions, all of which are available on the official hospitality sales platform: https://hospitalitytravelpackages.paris2024.org/discover/?language=en
      On Location has created packages which offer fans from all over the world the possibility to watch, enjoy, embrace and share the thrill of the Olympic Games. They can choose from a selection of hospitality experiences in private suites or in shared spaces, each having a different level of premium hospitality service.
      The official Paris 2024 Hospitality Program is based on 3 key pillars and is aimed at the general public, companies and official partners:
      CLUBHOUSE 24: Clubhouse 24 is a centralized hospitality and entertainment zone located in the heart and the center of Paris at the iconic Palais de Tokyo, with easy access on foot or via public transportation, to 15 competition venues. Guests can enjoy a host of food and beverages at the Parisian-inspired food market, and entertainment options, including the Clubhouse 24 main stage, featuring live music performances, sports demonstrations, interactive activities, family fun, special fans appearances and much more.ON-SITE HOSPITALITY: The highest-quality, in-venue hospitality experiences delivered within official competition venues in private suites or in shared lounges, with access to different levels of service (Gold, Silver, Bronze, Private).TRAVEL PACKAGES: To suit all needs, depending on the length of stay and interests, combining one or more tickets for the Olympic Games sporting sessions with a full range of services to enrich and complete the stay in Paris (Discover 2024, Explore 2024 and Custom Packages).On Location offers protection for hospitality packages sold to guests in the United States, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, on the Paris 2024 hospitality platform from March 21, 2023, through Allianz Partners. The Allianz insurance services include hospitality package protection which reimburses guests if event attendance is not possible due to a covered reason, trip interruption coverage, luggage protection and 24/7 expert assistance and concierge services.
      Consumers and Olympic sports fans should visit the dedicated hospitality sales platform to discover the range of packages being offered: https://hospitalitytravelpackages.paris2024.org.
      For large group orders (from 11 people), and for all corporate enquiries, please visit the dedicated Corporate Hospitality Booking Platform to discuss packages tailored to specific requirements and preferences: https://corporatehospitality.paris2024.org/en
      In recognition of Visa’s long-standing partnership with the Olympic and Paralympic Games, @Visa is the Official Way to Pay.

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      Denver Gears up for an Unprecedented Summer Travel Season

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      SOUTHWEST AIRLINES DEBUTS FIRST-EVER BRAND FILM, “ALONE IN TOMBSTONE,” More

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      Denver Gears up for an Unprecedented Summer Travel Season

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      Warmer days bring countless ways to play in the city with world-class exhibits, live music, food, festivals and more. As summer travel plans are unfolding, Denver truly offers something for everyone. Below are some seasonal highlights, for a full list of events, things to do and hotel deals, check out the VISIT DENVER website.
      New in Denver this SeasonFrom exciting new events to new restaurant concepts, there are plenty of unique ways to experience Denver this season. The highly anticipated Casa Bonita is slated to reopen in May after being purchased by “South Park” creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Known as an “eatertainment” venue located just west of downtown Denver, it will open its doors with renowned chef Dana Rodriguez behind the new menu and offerings. The Culinary Creative Group, the group behind Denver favorites such as A5 Steakhouse, Mister Oso, Bar Dough and more, will debut a few new spots this season; including an all-day breakfast spot, Fox & The Hen and a new bar in the Cherry Creek neighborhood, Ay Papi, which will honor Puerto Rican heritage. Developed by the Downtown Denver Partnership, ¡Viva Streets! is a new season-long event that pays homage to Ciclovia’s Latin American roots and allows locals and visitors to experience a car-free way to explore the city over four Sundays from May through August. Participants can enjoy food from Taste of Colorado all while walking, biking, rolling, jogging, scooting, or even dancing through the heart of our city. Denver’s popular RiNo Art District will help close out the season with DENVER WALLS, a street art festival organized by the globally renowned WORLD WIDE WALLS. The event will bring a mural festival and interactive art to the district September 22 – October 3, 2023.
      Events and FestivalsFrom early spring through fall, weekends in Denver are filled with arts, entertainment, food and more. To kick off the summer season, the Denver BBQ Festival takes place at Empower Field at Mile High over Memorial Day weekend, May 27-28. Juneteenth Music Festival 2023 is June 17-18 in Denver’s historic Five Points neighborhood. Denver’s two-day PrideFest from June 24-25 draws visitors from throughout the state of Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. In July, head to South Broadway for three days of tunes at more than a dozen music venues from over 100 live bands at the Underground Music Showcase (July 28-30, 2023). Find more spring and summer festivals and events on the Denver 365 Event Calendar.
      Basecamp DenverSpring and Summer are the perfect seasons to play in the mountains then stay in the city. The neighboring Rocky Mountains invites visitors and residents to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, white water rafting, kayaking, rock climbing and more, all within a two hour drive from Denver. After a full day of outdoor adventures, return to the city and enjoy a meal on an outdoor patio, grab a craft beer along the Denver Beer Trail or explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods. For those that prefer to maintain their adventure in an urban environment, the Denver metro area boasts more than 5,000 acres of traditional parks and parkways and endless trails for biking, running and urban hikes. Learn more about Denver’s outdoor and urban adventure offerings here.
      Music, Arts and CultureThe Mile High City’s thriving arts and culture scene is on display this season with new exhibits, live music and more. Seeing a concert at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre is a high point of any summer. The world famous venue is positioned to have a record-setting year with Old Dominion, Zach Bryan, The Avett Brothers, Beck and Phoenix, Vance Joy, Brandi Carlile and many more household names. What’s more, the surrounding park offers gorgeous free hiking around sandstone monoliths. Plus, you can practice mindfulness at Yoga on the Rocks or catch a movie under the stars during the Film on the Rocks series. The Denver Art Museum will reopen its Arts of Africa, Modern and Contemporary Art and Arts of Oceania collections to the public for the first time since campus construction preparations began in 2016. Additional blockbuster events include Bugs at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (DMNS), Awful Bigness at the Clyfford Still Museum, The World in Denver: Photography by Robert Weinberg at History Colorado Center and more.ADVERTISEMENTHead to the VISIT DENVER website to learn more about spring and summer in Denver and to take advantage of various offerings, including hotel deals hot for the summer months.

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      Loews Hotels & Co Returns with New Summerfest Programming Launching June 1, 2023

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      Hertz and Mayor Dyer Launch “Hertz Electrifies Orlando”

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      Hertz CEO and Chair Stephen Scherr joins City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Public School Leaders, and students from Orange Technical College to celebrate the launch of Hertz Electrifies Orlando.
      Hertz chair and CEO Stephen Scherr and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer launched Hertz Electrifies Orlando, a public private partnership aimed at accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and expanding the environmental and economic benefits of electrification across Orlando.
      As part of the partnership, Hertz aims to add up to 6,000 rental EVs to its existing fleet in Orlando, for availability to leisure and business customers as well as rideshare drivers. To help expand charging, Hertz will support the installation of up to 50 public fast chargers across the Greater Orlando area, in partnership with bp. In addition, Hertz is working with Orange Technical College (OTC) to help bring EV tools and training to its auto servicing students. Hertz is also making summer jobs available through the city’s Summer Youth Employment Program.
      “We are thrilled to partner with Mayor Dyer to launch Hertz Electrifies in Orlando, the largest rental car market in the world,” said Stephen Scherr, Hertz chair and CEO. “It seems fitting that we are launching this public private partnership during National Travel & Tourism Week, given the city’s enormous importance as a destination for travelers around the globe. Hertz is excited to expand our EV offerings to our diverse customer set in Orlando, and to partner with Orlando Technical College to help bring EV education and training opportunities to students.”
      Hertz Electrifies Orlando aligns with Mayor Dyer’s 2030 Electric Mobility Roadmap goals to accelerate EV adoption in multiple transportation sectors and develop a robust charging ecosystem to reduce emissions that harm public health, bolster climate change resilience, and increase access and affordability for all communities.
      “We have the opportunity to transform our transportation landscape as we work to be the most sustainable city in the southeast,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “Our partnership with Hertz Electrifies will help us meet our goal of accelerating electric vehicles and expanding charging infrastructure. We are making Orlando ready for the future and working to ensure that everyone experiences the benefits that electric mobility options can bring, including our future workforce.”ADVERTISEMENTTo help support the next generation of EV technicians, Hertz is donating an electric vehicle to Orange Technical College and providing EV education and training materials that will enable the school to incorporate EV technology into its auto servicing programs.
      “Having access to electric vehicles provides critical hands-on experience with new technology for students in Orange County,” said Dr. Maria Vazquez, Superintendent of Orange County Public Schools. “We are truly grateful for Hertz for donating this vehicle and we look forward to a future partnership to increase education and training opportunities.”
      Orlando is the fourth City to partner with Hertz through Hertz Electrifies, as part of a multi-city rollout of this national public-private initiative.

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      Alaska Airlines unveils salmon livery designed by Alaska Native artist

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      Embraer and NetJets announce deal for up to 250 Praetor 500 jets

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      To continue providing reliable global access and exceptional service to current NetJets Owners and their guests, NetJets has signed a new deal with Embraer for up to 250 Praetor 500 jet options, which includes a comprehensive services and support agreement.The deal is valued in excess of US $5 billion, with deliveries expected to begin in 2025, and will be NetJets’ first time offering the midsize Praetor 500 to customers. For over a decade, NetJets has operated Embraer’s Phenom 300 series—one of NetJets’ most requested aircraft.
      The partnership between Embraer and NetJets began in 2010 when NetJets first signed a purchase agreement for 50 Phenom 300 aircraft, with up to 75 additional options. In 2021, after Embraer successfully delivered over 100 aircraft, the companies signed a continuing deal for up to 100 additional Phenom 300/E jets, in excess of $1.2 billion.
      With this new agreement, NetJets signifies not only its commitment to creating an enhanced customer experience as the company is averaging over 1,200 worldwide flights per day but also its trust in Embraer’s industry-leading portfolio and top-ranked support to deliver the ultimate experience to NetJets customers.
      “Since 2010, Embraer has enjoyed NetJets’ ongoing commitment to our industry-leading aircraft, which is a true testament to the value of our brand and our ability to deliver the ultimate experience in business aviation,” said Michael Amalfitano, President and CEO of Embraer Executive Jets. “Our strategic partnership has been an integral part of our business growth, with NetJets taking all aircraft delivery options that have been ordered with Embraer since inception. After building this successful foundation with the Phenom 300 series, it’s our pleasure to have now signed this monumental deal for the Praetor 500 midsize jet, and we look forward to an even more exciting future ahead.”
      “We are eager to add the Embraer Praetor 500, one of today’s most state-of-the-art business jets, to our midsize fleet,” said Doug Henneberry, Executive Vice President of NetJets Aircraft Asset Management. “This historic fleet agreement is another way that we are growing our fleet for the benefit of our loyal customers. By adding up to 250 aircraft to our fleet, we will continue providing NetJets Owners with exceptional service and seamless access to all corners of the globe.” ADVERTISEMENTThe Praetor 500 is the world’s most disruptive and technologically advanced midsize business jet, boasting an impressive best-in-class range—enabling U.S. coast-to-coast capability—industry-leading speed, and unparalleled runway performance. In terms of technology, it’s the only aircraft in its category with full fly-by-wire flight controls.
      Not only does the Praetor 500 offer exceptional performance but it also offers one of the most comfortable cabin experiences. It features the lowest cabin altitude in its class, as well as the tallest and widest cross section in the segment. Additionally, it offers a flat-floor cabin, stone flooring, a vacuum lavatory, and ample baggage space, including a fully enclosed internal baggage compartment.

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      Global Tourism Resilience Centre partners with Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association

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      Global Tourism Resilience Centre partners with Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association

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      Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, (R) and President of the CHTA, Mrs. Nicola Madden-Grieg hold the signed MOU.
      The Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) has partnered with the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) to help build tourism resilience in the region. Both entities forged this partnership with the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during CHTA Marketplace being held in Barbados. This groundbreaking partnership aims to strengthen resilience within the tourism industry, fostering a united front against potential crises and challenges that may arise The GTRCMC will provide invaluable communications and research support to the CHTA, further empowering tourism stakeholders across the Caribbean region. “Resilience must be at the core of tourism operations if we are to ensure the viability of this great industry. We are still one of the most vulnerable industries susceptible to many disruptions and so building capacity to plan and respond to these disruptions effectively,” said Co-founder of the GTRCMC and Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett
      Together, the GTRCMC and CHTA will work hand in hand to promote sustainable practices, enhance disaster preparedness, and facilitate effective crisis management within the vibrant tourism sector.  “The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that partnership and collaboration are key to survival and having this added support in the form of the GTRCMC will assist the CHTA in our crisis management strategy,” said CHTA President, Mrs. Nicola Madden-Grieg.“By sharing knowledge and expertise, we will build a resilient future that can withstand any hurdle and ensure the continued growth and prosperity of the Caribbean’s tourism industry,” said Executive Director of the GTRCMC, Professor Lloyd Waller.

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