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    Miral Destinations and Wego ink deal to promote Yas Island Kids Go Free summer campaign

    Miral Destinations, the trusted one-stop trade and promotional partner for Yas Island and Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi, has partnered with Wego, the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), to roll out joint marketing campaigns in 2023. The deal, which was inked at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) on May 3, falls under a GCC awareness campaign to promote the highly anticipated opening of SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi on May 23 and Yas Island’s ‘Kids Go Free’ summer offering.
    The agreement was signed by Liam Findlay, CEO of Miral Destinations and Mr. Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Commercial Officer & Managing Director – MENA and India, Wego, and was held in presence of Mohamed Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, with the attendance of representatives from both entities.
    “We are pleased to be joining hands once again with Wego to offer guests and travelers best-in-class leisure and entertainment experiences on Yas Island,” said Liam Findlay, CEO of Miral Destinations. “As we gear up to unveil the region’s first Marine Life Theme Park, SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, on May 23, we are delighted to see positive footfall and an increasing interest from visitors at ATM after showcasing a glimpse of the immersive marine experience that awaits guests at Yas Island’s newest attraction. Coupled with our family-friendly summer packages, guests from around the world can look forward to enjoying a wider range of world-class offerings on Yas Island.” 
    Commenting on this regards, Mr. Mamoun Hmedan, CCO and MD, MENA and India of Wego, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Miral Destinations to bring the magic of the ‘SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi’ theme park to adventure-seekers worldwide, offering a thrilling experience like no other. Our collaboration reflects our vision of providing travelers with unparalleled experiences and creating unforgettable memories. We look forward to continuing to work with Miral destinations to drive more travelers to their must-see
    SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is the latest addition to Yas Island’s award-winning entertainment portfolio, which includes world-leading theme parks Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi. Visitors at the Arabian Travel Market witnessed first-hand an immersive experience of the park inside a submarine, bringing guests one step closer to the underwater world of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi which will soon be revealed to the public later this month. ADVERTISEMENTEarlier this month, Miral Destinations announced the return of ‘Kids Go Free’ summer packages during ATM. The offering, which is valid for purchase until September 30, 2023, allows guests and children to stay, play and dine for free as they extend their stay on the island and avail access to all three award-winning theme parks during the summer season. 
    For more information on Miral Destinations, please visit: https://miral.ae/destinations/ 
    For more information on Wego, please visit: https://www.wego.ae/en

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    Jamaica to host Caribbean Travel Marketplace in 2024 at Montego Bay More

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    Jamaica to host Caribbean Travel Marketplace in 2024 at Montego Bay

    Jamaica is set to host Caribbean Travel Marketplace in 2024 at Montego Bay. We bring you this exclusive breaking news from on the ground from Caribbean Travel Forum 2023.
    The Honourable Edmund Bartlett has stated “we are delighted” to be hosting the event in 2024.
    Jamaica was the winner in 2022 of Caribbean’s Best MICE Destination 2022 at World Mice Awards
    Montego Bay Convention Center was voted Jamaica’s Best Convention Centre 2022 at World Mice Awards
    Take a 360 Virtual Tour of CHA 2024 Venue Montego Bay Convention Center
    For those looking to travel to Montego Bay check out some great activities, hotels and attractions here

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    Life’s a beach: 4 reasons to visit Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi’s picturesque beaches

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    Redefinition of Tourism Post COVID Needed to Accelerate Growth in the Region

    Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, (3rd R) pauses for a photo at the end of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) Travel Forum Panel held at Sandals Royal Barbados today. Sharing in the moment are (l-r) Hon. Kenneth Bryan, Minister of Tourism and Transport, Cayman Islands, and Chairman, Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO); Hon. Ian Gooding-Edghill, Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Barbados; President of the CHTA, Mrs. Nicola Madden-Grieg; Marc Melville, CEO, Chukka Caribbean and Renee Coppin, Chairman of the Barbados Hotel and Tourist Association.
    Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has urged regional tourism stakeholders to redefine the industry in what can now be described as the new post-COVID era.Speaking at the Caribbean Hotel and Tourist Association’s (CHTA) Travel Forum and Awards Luncheon today at Sandals Royal Barbados, Minister Bartlett said: “In this post-COVID era, we must as a region rethink and redefine the meaning of tourism if we are to maximize our earnings and growth. We must begin to appreciate the fact that tourism is so much more than hotels, cruise lines and attractions and that there are direct, indirect and induced economic benefits in the tourism value chain that can accelerate growth in the region.”
    The CHTA Travel Forum, which was held under the theme, “Tourism the Key Driver of Generational Wealth for Caribbean Nationals” included Hon. Kenneth Bryan, Minister of Tourism and Transport, Cayman Islands, and Chairman, Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO); Hon. Ian Gooding-Edghill, Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Barbados, and Marc Melville, CEO, Chukka Caribbean.
    “Tourism happens successfully because of all the sectors and subsectors that supply experiences, so there is a strong place for agriculture, technology, health and manufacturing and many more. The real wealth of tourism therefore lies in the capacity to supply on the demands of the industry,” added Minister Bartlett.
    The Caribbean Travel Forum, held within the margins of CHTA Caribbean Travel Marketplace, is a new event focusing on the business of tourism in the Caribbean with specific emphasis on topics such as intra-Caribbean travel with a focus on air connectivity and multi-destination marketing, sustainability, technology innovations, labour market constraints and taxation.
    “If 42% of people travel for just food, it means that suppliers of agricultural goods and services have the potential to really earn, and this is just one sector. We need to let everyone know that tourism is for them because once you have an idea you can convert that idea into tangible wealth,” Minister Bartlett noted.ADVERTISEMENTThe CHTA Travel Forum panel also looked at the impact of climate change and new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence on the tourism industry. Minister Bartlett in these discussions made another call for the establishment of a Resilience Fund that would allow every traveller to contribute a monetary sum towards their carbon footprints. He also embraced the new technologies that will shape tourism in the future by advocating for “training, training, training to ensure a better understanding to leverage them.”
    The 41st CHTA Caribbean Travel Marketplace, being held in Barbados from May 9-11, is the largest regional annual event, which brings together buyers and sellers of the region’s tourism products and services.

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    Ryanair Places Its Biggest Boeing Order for up to 300 737 MAX Jets

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    Ryanair Places Its Biggest Boeing Order for up to 300 737 MAX Jets

    Boeing and Ryanair announced Europe’s leading low-cost airline has selected the largest 737 MAX model to power its future growth with an order for up to 300 airplanes. The purchase agreement is the biggest in Ryanair’s history and includes a firm order for 150 737-10 jets and options for 150 more.Ryanair has deployed a growing fleet of 737-8-200 airplanes to accelerate its post-pandemic recovery and meet strong travel demand. The 197-seat 737-8-200 model has helped the airline reduce fuel use and emissions by over 20% compared to the airplanes they are replacing. The new order adds the larger 737-10 variant, which offers Ryanair 228 seats and the best unit economics of any single-aisle airplane.
    “Ryanair is pleased to sign this record aircraft order for up to 300 MAX 10s with our aircraft partner Boeing. These new, fuel efficient, greener technology aircraft offer 21% more seats, burn 20% less fuel and are 50% quieter than our B737-NGs,” said Michael O’Leary, Ryanair’s Group CEO.
    “We expect half of this order will replace older NGs while the remaining 150 aircraft will facilitate controlled, sustainable growth to just over 300m guests per annum by 2034.  This order, coupled with our remaining Gamechanger deliveries, will create 10,000 new jobs for highly paid aviation professionals over the next decade, and these jobs will be generated across all of Europe’s main economies where Ryanair is currently the No.1 or No.2 airline,” O’Leary said.
    “In addition to delivering significant revenue and market growth opportunities across Europe, we expect these new larger more efficient aircraft to drive further unit cost savings, which will be passed on to passengers in lower air fares. The extra seats, lower fuel burn and more competitive aircraft pricing supported by our strong balance sheet, will widen the cost gap between Ryanair and competitor EU airlines for many years to come, making the Boeing MAX 10 the ideal growth aircraft order for Ryanair, our passengers, our people and our shareholders.”
    “The Boeing-Ryanair partnership is one of the most productive in commercial aviation history, enabling both companies to succeed and expand affordable travel to hundreds of millions of people,” said Boeing President and CEO Dave Calhoun. “Nearly a quarter century after our companies signed our first direct airplane purchase, this landmark deal will further strengthen our partnership. We are committed to delivering for Ryanair and helping the airline group achieve its goals.”ADVERTISEMENTThis new order will be posted to Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website once it is finalized.

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    FOUR SEASONS ANNOUNCES NEW STANDALONE PRIVATE RESIDENCES IN LAS VEGAS, SET TO DEBUT IN 2026

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    FOUR SEASONS ANNOUNCES NEW STANDALONE PRIVATE RESIDENCES IN LAS VEGAS, SET TO DEBUT IN 2026

    Four Seasons, leader in luxury hospitality and branded residential, together with Azure Resorts & Hotels and Luxus Developments, announce a new standalone residential project in Las Vegas that will welcome residents home in 2026.Four Seasons Private Residences Las Vegas will be set within the MacDonald Highlands community, a private 11-acre (4.5 hectare) oasis in Henderson, Nevada and minutes from the world-class entertainment, fine dining and upscale shopping of Las Vegas. The new project will comprise 171 high-rise residences with panoramic views and six standalone, family-style villas, offering a cosmopolitan lifestyle with contemporary desert design, resort-inspired amenities and fully-serviced luxury living marked by Four Seasons thoughtful and genuine care.
    “We are honoured to be partnering with the legendary Four Seasons brand, known for its highly personalized service and ability to create exceptional lifestyle experiences for guests and residents alike. From the moment of arrival, owners will be greeted by elegant décor, unparalleled hospitality, and world-class amenities, attracting buyers who desire a social and active yet private community with exclusively curated experiences at their fingertips,” says Jim Reilly, President of Azure Resorts & Hotels.
    “Las Vegas has always been synonymous with entertainment and excitement and now it is rapidly evolving and maturing in the quality and sophistication of its product offering. We’re excited to introduce a one-of-its-kind offering to the city, bringing an elevated lifestyle experience like never before,” adds Jonathan Lawrence, Managing Partner of Luxus Developments.
    Leader in branded residential since 1985, Four Seasons continues to expand its global portfolio of luxury homes in the world’s most sought-after destinations. The company’s growing collection of standalone Private Residences offer unmatched privacy, alongside the renowned personalized service and property management expertise that homeowners can expect when living with Four Seasons.
    “Our standalone residential offerings present a unique opportunity to live with Four Seasons in destinations that are appealing to luxury homeowners, outside the walls of our hotels and resorts, while still delivering the exceptional care and service to residents that is core to our brand,” says Bart Carnahan, President, Global Business Development and Portfolio Management, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “This new project in Las Vegas is the perfect addition to our standalone portfolio, catering to discerning homeowners in this important destination, and with partners who share our vision for creating an unparalleled luxury lifestyle experience in the market.”ADVERTISEMENTAbout Four Seasons Private Residences Las VegasFour Seasons Private Residences Las Vegas will be the first residential tower in Henderson and will be designed by architectural visionaries Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo (WATG). The contemporary residences will range from 2,300 to 7,300 interior square feet (213 to 678 square metres) and 500 to 5,000 exterior square feet (46 to 464 square metres), offering expansive indoor and outdoor living space with sweeping views of the Las Vegas Strip and McCullough mountain range. Residences will feature thoughtful, turnkey touchpoints including semi-private elevators, private garages, and fully-furnished interiors. Wimberly Interiors selected superior designer finishes and fixtures with a rich palette of options, including epicurean kitchens and spa-inspired bathrooms. Each residence will offer customizable terraces equipped with outdoor kitchens, social gathering spaces and dining areas, extending owners’ seamless indoor-outdoor living and style.
    The new luxury residences will also feature a signature restaurant and wine bar, Noble Heights, for residents and locals to enjoy everyday dining, special occasions and much more right at their doorstep. Curated by hospitality industry veterans Elizabeth Blau and Chef Kim Canteenwalla of Blau + Associates (and Honey Salt and Buddy V’s Ristorante in Las Vegas and Crown Block Dallas), Noble Heights will anchor the community with an incomparable culinary offering complemented by unobstructed views, al fresco dining options and a culinary experience featuring ranch, farm and sea-centric cuisine alongside an elevated selection of cocktails.
    Led by a Director of Residences and a dedicated Four Seasons team, residents will enjoy a service-rich environment with premier amenities such as private chef services, private wine cellars, multi-level resort-style pools, cabanas, an on-site event lawn, catering services, a pet spa, auto spa, community boardroom, library, screening room, and myriad wellness amenities including a full-service gym and spa with a sauna, steam room, whirlpool, lap pool, multiple private treatment rooms and personal training offerings. Overseeing the complete residential experience as the ongoing property managers, Four Seasons will ensure that residents and their homes are cared for with the same quality and service excellence for which the brand is renowned.
    Residents will also have ease of access to surrounding scenic walking and biking trails, two pickleball courts, a virtual golf simulator within the MacDonald Highlands community as well as access to Dragon Ridge Country Club, the private golf, swim and tennis club.
    Four Seasons Private Residences Las Vegas is now accepting ownership inquiries, with homes starting from USD 3 million. For more information, visit www.lasvegasprivateresidences.com or contact the Four Seasons Private Residences Las Vegas Real Estate Discovery Studio at [email protected] | (702) 630-6000.

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    THE RITZ-CARLTON, NAPLES REOPENS ON JULY 6TH

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    North Dakota Invites Golfers to Play at its Standout Courses

    In celebration of longer days and mild temperatures, North Dakota Tourism invites visitors to kick-off the golf season by playing incredible courses found throughout the state.With more golf courses per capita than any other state, North Dakota offers ample opportunities to shake the winter rust off. With inflation top of mind for summer vacationers according to a recent survey, golf enthusiasts can rest assured knowing North Dakota’s courses won’t break the bank. In fact, the state’s Triple Golf Challenge features three courses that can be enjoyed by golfers of every skill level for less than $200. Here are some of the best courses to play this summer:Bully Pulpit Golf Course – Medora, North DakotaBully Pulpit Golf Course, in the heart of Medora, is one of the most unique golf courses in North Dakota. Named after a term coined by former President Theodore Roosevelt, the course is fully immersed in the badlands with spectacular views across the greens. Toward the end of the 18-hole course, golfers are met with Bully Pulpit’s infamous “Badlands Holes,” carved out of the landscape and featuring a 120-yard drop from the tee to the fairway.
    Fox Hills Golf Course – Watford City, North DakotaNamed a runner up in Golf Digest’s ranking of best new public courses for 2023, Fox Hills Golf Course was designed by golf course architect Kevin Norby. The expansive 18-hole course sits on 200 acres of rolling prairie and offers five different tee boxes to give players different views and distances. For a sneak peek of the course, take an online tour featuring drone footage and photography of each hole.
    Hawktree Golf Club – Bismarck North DakotaNatural hills and contours, brilliant coloration, plentiful wildlife, and native grasses add to the experience at Hawktree Golf Club in Bismarck. The course’s unique black sand bunkers and devilish design were the brainchild of architect Jim Engh. No club goes unused on this picture-perfect course sculpted from land near the Missouri River.
    Links of North Dakota – Ray, North DakotaRecently named one of the state’s best courses by GOLF Magazine, the Links of North Dakota is nestled on the bluffs of Lake Sakakawea. It is the area’s only 18-hole championship course with bent grass greens, fairways and tee boxes which allow a true links-style experience. While a round during the summer months is always a good idea, locals find the fall months equally appealing. Book a stay at one of the on-site cabins or secure a spot at the adjacent RV park as part of its stay and play packages.
    Other notable courses throughout the state include Grand Forks’ King’s Walk, Minot’s Vardon Golf Club and Fargo’s El Zagel. Ideal for beginner golfers, El Zagel is a nine-hole, par-three course located along the Red River. The course also features FootGolf, which is a cross between soccer and golf.ADVERTISEMENTIf golfing at 9-hole courses is more your pace, test your skills at some unique and challenging rural courses such as Bottineau Country Club Golf Course, Medicine Hole Golf Course in Killdeer or the Rolla Country Club, known to be one of the toughest 9-hole courses in North Dakota.
    For more information on North Dakota’s courses and to plan the ultimate golf road trip, visit NDtourism.com/golf.
    Follow North Dakota Tourism on Facebook at facebook.com/TravelND, on Instagram at instagram.com/northdakotalegendary/, or on Twitter at twitter.com/NorthDakota and get tips on what to see and do all year long.

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    Wego and Egyptian Tourism Authority sign a new deal

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    Wego and Egyptian Tourism Authority sign a new deal

    Wego, the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), recently signed a new partnership with Egyptian Tourism Authority as part of its efforts to boost tourism in the region.This partnership is aimed at promoting Egypt’s rich history, culture, and tourism opportunities. Through this campaign under the theme “In Egypt, your expectations are history”, Wego will work closely with Egyptian Tourism Authority to promote this campaign on all its marketing channels and bring travelers the best of Egypt’s summer and Eid Al Adha celebrations, including festivals, events, and attractions.
    Mamoun Hmedan, CCO and MD, MENA and India, Wego, said: “We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with Egyptian Tourism Authority. Egypt is a perfect destination for travelers looking for a mix of history, culture, and adventure. Summer and Eid Al Adha are the ideal times to visit Egypt. We have recorded over 24 million searches from MENA to Egypt between 1 January to 27 April 2023 and we expect to see a surge around the Eid Al Adha period.”
    Wego will be presenting its users with a comprehensive guide highlighting the best places to visit, things to do, and experiences to enjoy. To reward travelers, a social media competition will run online to give people the chance to visit this must-see destination.
    Egypt has a variety of activities and experiences to offer visitors during summer and Eid Al Adha. Travelers can explore ancient monuments as Egypt is home to some of the world’s most iconic ancient monuments, including the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the temples of Luxor and Aswan.
    Amr ElKady, CEO of Egyptian Tourism Authority, commented: “We are excited to partner with Wego for another year. With Egypt’s rich cultural heritage, diverse landscape, and welcoming people, and Wego’s large user base in MENA, we are confident that we can attract more visitors to Egypt and provide them with an unforgettable experience.”ADVERTISEMENTSuzan Mostafa, General director of Tourism Promotion at Egyptian Tourism Authority, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Wego and promote our country through this joint campaign. We will benefit from Wego’s large user base in the MENA region, which will enable us to drive more traffic to Egypt and attract holidaymakers in the summer season.”
    During this period, Egypt comes alive with music, dance, and traditional festivities. Moreover, tourists can explore Egypt’s stunning beaches, desert landscapes, all of which make Egypt a unique and unforgettable destination.

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    Jamaica and Dubai to Collaborate on Tourism

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    Jamaica and Dubai to Collaborate on Tourism

    (HM Dubai Meeting) Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (centre) shares lens time with (l-r) Dr. El Hassan Jouaouine, Economic Advisor, Office of the Minister of the Economy, United Arab Emirates (UAE); Mr. Ibrahim Ayoub, Group CEO of ITIC and Invest Tourism Ltd.; Mr. Delano Seiveright, Senior Strategist, Ministry of Tourism; H.E. Abdulla Al Saleh, Undersecretary, Ministry of Economy, UAE; Mr. Gerald Lawless, Partner ITIC, Invest Tourism Ltd. and World Travel and Tourism Council Ambassador and Mr. Ammar Sajwani, Director of the Tourism Development Department, Ministry of Economy, UAE. The officials met recently at the UAE’s Ministry of Economy, which has oversight for tourism in the UAE, where they discussed plans to facilitate tourism cooperation between Jamaica and Dubai.
    Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has revealed that plans are afoot to facilitate tourism cooperation between Jamaica and Dubai following a meeting with H.E. Abdulla Al Saleh, Undersecretary of Foreign Trade and Industry in the Ministry of Economy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
    They met recently at the UAE’s Ministry of Economy, which has oversight for tourism in the UAE, where they discussed areas for cooperation in tourism that will redound to the benefit of both countries and their citizens.
    Minister Bartlett outlined that: “We concluded that Jamaica and Dubai can collaborate in tourism. Dubai will support us in terms of MICE market development, logistics and technology and we will reciprocate in terms of resilience and sustainability, the building out of human capital programmes, product development and marketing.”
    In expressing his enthusiasm at the possibilities for collaboration in cruise tourism, Minister Bartlett noted that “Dubai Ports, one of the largest in the world with enormous capacity, is looking for partnerships across the world and Jamaica is a good place to start.”
    A key matter that was also explored during the meeting was the possibility of establishing an outpost of the Jamaica-based Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) in the UAE. This would mark the centre’s latest satellite location, adding to its offices in countries including Kenya, Jordan and Canada.ADVERTISEMENTThe tourism minister indicated that further discussions will be held to formalise these arrangements through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) when both countries convene alongside other nations at COP 28 this November.

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    BASIL HAYDEN DEBUTS AS OFFICIAL AMERICAN WHISKEY OF THE MICHELIN GUIDE U.S.

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