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    OCEAN PRIME LAS VEGAS NOW OPEN ON THE LAS VEGAS STRIP

    Ocean Prime Las Vegas Now Open on the Las Vegas Strip located at 63 on the bustling corner of Las Vegas Blvd. and Harmon Ave.
    Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (CMR) officially opens the nearly $20 million marquee restaurant Ocean Prime Las Vegas located at 63, centered on the bustling corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Harmon Avenue.
    This is the 18th Ocean Prime location in the U.S. and will serve as the flagship boasting 14,500 square feet with a nearly 2,500 square-foot rooftop terrace, more than 400 total seats, three bars and three private dining rooms. This premier location is set four stories above the Las Vegas Strip and offers breathtaking views from the restaurant’s outdoor terrace. Ocean Prime Las Vegas promises an unparalleled dining experience that blends extraordinary cuisine, genuine hospitality and captivating atmosphere
    Ocean Prime Las Vegas offers weekday lunch and dinner nightly along with weekend brunch – guests can indulge on an impressive menu of seafood and prime cuts of steak, signature cocktails and a Wine Spectator-honored wine list. The Signature “smoking” shellfish tower is one of the most popular selections on the menu and all steak options are seasoned and broiled at 1,200 degrees for the perfect finish.
    “As our team celebrates our 30th anniversary in the restaurant business, it gives us great pride to officially unveil our first restaurant in Las Vegas,” said Cameron Mitchell, Founder and CEO of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. “Ocean Prime Las Vegas offers a premier location at the epicenter of the Las Vegas Strip and features a spectacular design, we truly believe this flagship location will excite current Ocean Prime guests and entice new guests as well. We are thrilled to bring our philosophy of genuine hospitality from our esteemed group of associates to this iconic location.”
    Ocean Prime Las Vegas is designed by nationally recognized designer Karen Herold, Principal of Studio K. The restaurant design is inspired by the meeting of land and sea, from the lounge with soft wave elements, hues of the ocean and lighter tones to the main dining room with earthy hues intermixed with deep, dark blue shades of water. The outdoor terrace area is designed for guests to take in the energy and views of the Las Vegas Strip.ADVERTISEMENT

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    SANDALS® DUNN’S RIVER INTRODUCES NEW STARGAZING CONCIERGE

    In celebration of the Summer solstice, Sandals Resorts announces its very first Stargazing Concierge at the completely reimagined Sandals Dunn’s River in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The luxury all-inclusive resort company is inviting guests to embrace this planetary new offering included with a stay in the resort’s new Coyaba Sky Villa Swim-up Rondoval Suites.The recently debuted Sandals Dunn’s River ushers in a new era of hospitality and many ‘Sandals Firsts,’ including the brand’s first open-air rooftop suites complete with state-of-the-art telescopes to now the debut of Sandals’ first Stargazing Concierge. Guests who reserve a stay in a Coyaba Sky Villa Swim-up Rondoval Suite for travel beginning July 1, 2023, will be met with their very own Stargazing Concierge, a complimentary new Butler service offering. Upon request, the Stargazing Concierge will arrange bespoke stargazing experiences for couples to enjoy on their private rooftops. Beyond creating a romantic respite under the stars, the Stargazing Concierge will also help guests identify constellations and meteor activity in the Caribbean sky. To commemorate their trip, Sandals is providing couples staying in the villas with a complimentary custom star map of their personal stargazing experience, created by The Night Sky.*
    The innovative new stargazing service offered by Sandals is research backed. Earlier this year, a recent survey conducted by the Sandals Institute of Romance cited that the vast majority of couples (80%) want to prioritize romance this year, with beach vacations (67%) and secluded places (57%) being the preferred settings for connection.
    “We are constantly listening to our guests and looking for additional ways to give them that ‘stellar’ stay,” says Deryk Meany, General Manager at Sandals Dunn’s River. “Creating the perfect cozy Caribbean evenings – from moonlit cocktails to wine and cheese pairings to decadent dessert offerings under a canopy of stars, creates a new moment to relax and connect while staying with us.”

    Offering unmatched views of the Ocho Rios skyscape, the Coyaba Sky Villa Rondoval Suites reinvent the state of romance and luxury with private soaking tubs, a sun-lounging area, and direct access to a sprawling river pool. Guests checking in to Sandals Dunn’s River will also delight in 12 Global Gourmet™ restaurants – with 10 concepts entirely new to the Sandals brand – as well as nine bars, including Dunn’s Rum Club, where the island’s signature libation is shaken and stirred into authentic, expertly mixed craft cocktails. Located on a stunning stretch of white sand beach, the 260-room resort welcomes guests to a remarkable luxury all-inclusive experience on Jamaica’s north coast.ADVERTISEMENTFor more information and to book a stay, visit: www.sandals.com/stargazing-concierge/.
    Sandals Resorts were voted the Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand 2022 at the World Travel Awards and have excelled in these prestigious awards for the past 25 years continuously.

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    Pratt & Whitney GTF™ Engines Surpass 800 Orders and Commitments in 2023

    PARIS AIR SHOW—Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, has announced more than 800 GTF engine orders and commitments, including spare engines, since the beginning of 2023.Airlines and lessors who have announced orders include Azorra, CALC, Carlyle Aviation Partners, Binter, Croatia Airlines, LATAM Airlines, Qantas Airways, United Airlines and Volaris. In total, more than 10,000 GTF engine orders and commitments have been placed by more than 90 customers worldwide.
    “The GTF engine offers unmatched economic and environmental benefits, and these latest orders are a testament to the value it delivers to customers,” said Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney. “The GTF Advantage engine will extend this lead while providing more thrust and higher durability. As we increase time on wing and resolve supply chain challenges, GTF engines will continue to drive reductions in operating costs, new routes and revenue, and progress towards meeting the industry’s sustainability targets.”
    Since entering service in 2016, GTF-powered aircraft have saved airlines more than 1.2 billion gallons (nearly five billion liters) of fuel – and the planet over 12 million metric tons of carbon emissions. GTF engines currently power over 1,600 aircraft and have accumulated more than 23 million engine flight hours of experience across nearly six million flights, carrying an estimated 860 million passengers to their destinations. GTF engines power the Airbus A220 and A320neo families and the Embraer E-Jets E2 family, including E190-E2 and E195-E2 model aircraft.

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    Xiamen Airlines, Airbus in tie-up to advance sustainable development

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    Xiamen Airlines, Airbus in tie-up to advance sustainable development

    On June 21, Xiamen Airlines and Airbus announced a strategic partnership focused on sustainable development during the Paris Air Show. The partnership aims to enhance collaboration in advancing sustainability within the civil aviation sector.
    Both parties are committed to supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering the long-term growth of the aviation industry.The partnership was initially discussed at the IATA Annual General Meeting in Istanbul, Turkey. During the meeting, Xiamen Airlines chairman Zhao Dong and Airbus chief commercial officer Christian Scherer engaged in discussions leading to the concept of forming the partnership. Subsequently, the two companies signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to solidify their intentions, which had been earlier established at the 14th Airshow China held in Zhuhai in 2022.
    The MoC encompasses several areas of collaboration, including the expanded adoption of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) across test, freight, and commercial flights, exploration of innovative solutions and technologies to enhance fleet fuel efficiency, reduction of emissions, and mitigation of noise levels, collaborative implementation of eco-friendly travel initiatives to encourage low-carbon transportation, fulfillment of corporate social responsibilities, nurturing of talent development in emerging technologies and sustainability expertise, and strengthening of cooperation in the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) realm.
    “Sustainability has not only become a global consensus but has also emerged as a new trend in the aviation industry, presenting both opportunities and challenges for the sector,” said Xiamen Airlines chairman Mr. Zhao. “Over the years, Xiamen Airlines has consistently pursued sustainability with a particular focus on green development, social responsibility, and corporate governance. We look forward to deepening our partnership with Airbus to advance the industry’s green, low-carbon transition.”
    “We are thrilled with the prospect of collaborating with Xiamen Airlines in creating a sustainable future for the aviation industry,” stated Xu Gang, global executive vice president of Airbus and CEO of Airbus China. “Although the airline just joined the Airbus fleet family earlier this year, we share a vision and ambition for spearheading sustainability in the aviation sector, making us crucial strategic partners.”ADVERTISEMENT Xiamen Airlines has consistently demonstrated its active participation in and support of the UN SDGs. The airline’s commitment to the SDGs was highlighted when it became the sole Chinese airline to join the UN Global Compact in late 2022. This significant milestone followed an agreement signed with the UN in 2017, affirming their dedication in promoting the SDGs on a global scale. In May 2023, the airline successfully accomplished mainland China’s inaugural commercial A321neo flight utilizing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in collaboration with Airbus and China Aviation Oil. The milestone marked an important step towards promoting sustainability within the aviation sector. Building upon this achievement, the company aims to further develop its sustainability alliance, fostering a more environmentally friendly and promising future for the entire industry.

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    DENVER TOURISM SURGES TO A RECORD 36M+ VISITORS IN 2022

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    DENVER TOURISM SURGES TO A RECORD 36M+ VISITORS IN 2022

    In 2022, Denver welcomed a record 36.3 million visitors, marking a 15 percent increase over 2021 and surpassing all historic tourism totals by a large margin.  A record number of visitors also spent more money in Denver than ever before, generating $9.4 billion in tourism revenue, far beyond the previous record of $7 billion spent in 2019.
    “Tourism continues to be a key economic driver for our city, and we are pleased to see travel demand return in such a big way,” said Richard W. Scharf, president and CEO of VISIT DENVER. “In many regards, travel was a significant bright spot for our local economy in 2022, creating record spending at local businesses, generating millions in state and local taxes, and supporting tens of thousands of jobs.”
    Overnight visitors totaled nearly 20 million, a 20 percent rise over the prior year. Growth was particularly strong in the domestic overnight leisure market, which rose by 13 percent over the prior year to a new high of 16.7 million visitors. 
    The new tourism data was generated by the 2022 Longwoods International annual visitor profile study. Longwoods has been studying Denver visitors since 1994 and conducts research that provides a standard visitor tracking tool for many of the country’s top tourism destinations.
    Longwoods also studies the impacts of VISIT DENVER’s efforts to target “marketable” visitors, the primary focus of the organization’s promotional efforts. In 2022, these marketable visitors increased by 18 percent over 2021 surpassing eight million for the first time.ADVERTISEMENTSpending by overnight visitors increased in 2022 to $8 billion, a 45 percent increase over 2021. Among all traveler types, marketable leisure visitors spent the most at $229 per day followed by business travelers at $152 per day.
    Longwoods International also conducted Return on Investment (ROI) research for VISIT DENVER’s 2022 summer advertising campaign, its largest of the year. The study revealed the strongest ROI numbers VISIT DENVER has ever seen, showing that the campaign generated 1.8 million incremental trips, generating $641 million in incremental visitor spending and $72 million in state and local taxes. Measured against spending, the campaign generated an ROI of $167 in visitor spending and $19 in taxes for every $1 in advertising investment.
    Key numbers for 2022 include:
    Denver welcomed 36.3 million total visitors in 2022, including 19.9 million overnight visitors and 16.4 million day visitors.Overnight leisure visitors totaled 16.7 million in 2022, a 13 percent increase over 2021.There were 8.3 million “marketable” leisure visitors in 2022, an 18 percent increase over 2021. This segment has the most discretion on where to vacation and responds to tourism marketing. This audience is the primary focus of much of VISIT DENVER’s marketing efforts and spends more time and money in-market than any other leisure visitor type.Denver visitors spent $9.4 billion in 2022, including $8 billion from overnight visitors and an additional $1.4 billion in spending from day visitors. Total spending increased by 42.5 percent over 2021.Denver overnight visitors spent nearly $2.3 billion on accommodations, and $1.3 billion on food and beverages.Expenditures by overnight visitors on transportation reached nearly $2.7 billion. Retail purchases were $969 million, while overnight visitors spent nearly $685 million on paid attractions and other recreational and sightseeing activities.On average in 2022, the biggest spenders were marketable travelers, who spent $229 per day, followed by business visitors, who spent $152 per day. Day visitors spent $88 per day.Out-of-state overnight leisure travelers comprised 76 percent of visitors.The top five states sending vacationers to Denver in 2022, apart from Colorado itself, were:
    CaliforniaTexasArizonaFloridaKansasThe top five cities from outside of Colorado sending leisure visitors to Denver in 2022 were:
    Los Angeles, CA*Phoenix, AZ*Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX*Chicago, IL*New York City, NY**Denotes VISIT DENVER advertising market
    Top 10 2022 Visitor Attractions*
    Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre**Denver ZooDowntown AquariumDenver Museum of Nature & Science/IMAX TheaterDenver Botanic GardensMeow WolfColorado RockiesDenver Art MuseumDenver Performing Arts ComplexDenver Union Station***Based on survey responses**Denotes a free attraction
    Top 2022 Entertainment Areas*
    “LoDo” Lower Downtown Historic District16th Street Mall*Based on survey responses
    Top 2022 Shopping Areas
    Cherry Creek area (shopping center and neighborhood)Outlets at Castle RockDenver Pavilions

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    Wego and Tourism Authority of Thailand Collaborate to Showcase the Land of Smiles

    Wego, the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), join hands with Tourism Authority of Thailand to promote and enhance tourism in the captivating country.This collaboration aims to leverage Wego’s extensive reach and advanced travel technology to provide travelers with an exceptional experience while exploring Thailand.
    By combining their expertise, Wego and the Tourism Authority of Thailand strive to create a seamless and convenient platform that showcases the country’s rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities.
    Through this partnership, Wego and the Tourism Authority of Thailand will focus on multiple aspects to ensure an unforgettable journey for travelers. Wego’s advanced search capabilities and personalized recommendations will enable users to discover the best flight and accommodation options tailored to their preferences and budget.
    Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director, MENA and India, Wego said: “Thailand is an extraordinary destination, renowned for its rich cultural tapestry, breathtaking scenery, and warm hospitality. We saw over 4 million searches this year and expect the numbers to grow in the summer. This collaboration with Tourism Authority of Thailand fills us with great enthusiasm as we strive to curate unparalleled travel experiences and spotlight the diverse wonders that Thailand has to offer.”
    Moreover, the collaboration aims to offer comprehensive travel guides, insider tips, and deals, allowing travelers to make well-informed decisions and experience Thailand’s hidden gems.ADVERTISEMENTMr. Chaiwat Tamtai Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand for Dubai and the Middle East, commented: “Our target audience comprises of Arab families and millennials, with Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, and Krabi being our top cities for Arab travelers. With 13 airlines operating the Middle East-to-Thailand route, we are expecting an exceptional 300% increase in growth for the summer holiday season in July-August 2023.”
    Thailand’s diverse attractions make it a captivating summer destination that promises unforgettable experiences for every traveler.

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    IATA Launches Program to Improve Aviation Safety in Africa

    The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is launching the Collaborative Aviation Safety Improvement Program (CASIP) to reduce the accident and serious incident rate across Africa as part of the Focus Africa initiative.
    Launch partners in the program are: The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), The African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Boeing, The Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA).
    Together, the CASIP partners will prioritize the most pressing safety concerns on the continent and rally the resources needed to address them. The benefits of improving aviation safety in Africa will be spread across the economies and societies of the continent.
    “Improving aviation safety will play an important role in Africa’s overall development. Safe, efficient and reliable air connectivity is a major driving contribution to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. In that sense, CASIP will make it clear to governments across the continent that aviation must be prioritized as an integral part of national development strategies. With such broad benefits at stake, we hope that other parties will be encouraged to join the CASIP effort,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
    The starting point for safety improvement is the effective use of global standards for safety. At government level, a key indicator is effective implementation of ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS). Data for the year 2022 reveals considerable room for improvement with only 28 of 54 African states reaching an effective implementation rate for ICAO SARPS of 60% or higher.ADVERTISEMENTIn parallel, the CASIP partners will
    – Identify deficiencies in operational safety and implement corrective action plans
    – Provide safety training and workshops continent wide
    – Promote a data-driven approach to safety performance with emphasis on making safety data available to decision-makers and ensuring efficient accident/incident reporting
    “Improving safety performance is a priority for Africa. And we don’t need to reinvent the wheel to deliver the needed results. Collaborative safety teams in Latin America have demonstrated that safety improves when government and industry work together to implement global standards. By working together, the partners will pool resources to have a greater impact on areas where risk can be reduced, leading to measurable improvements in safety,” said Walsh.

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    BASKETBALL AFRICA LEAGUE AND RWANDA DEVELOPMENT BOARD ANNOUNCE MULTI-YEAR EXTENSION

    The Basketball Africa League (BAL) and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) today announced a multi-year extension of their existing collaboration that will see the BAL continue to play games at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda each season, including the BAL Playoffs and Finals in 2024, 2026 and 2028. The BAL and RDB will also collaborate on youth development and social impact programs.
    The extension will see “Visit Rwanda” – the country’s marketing and tourism initiative – continue as a Foundational and Host Partner of the BAL. Through the agreement, Visit Rwanda will continue to be showcased on BAL team uniforms and at the BAL Combine. [RwandAir – Rwanda’s national airline – will continue as the Official Airline Partner of the BAL and facilitate travel to and from Kigali for select BAL teams and staff.
    “The Rwanda Development Board, as a Foundational Partner, has been integral to the launch and continued growth and success of the Basketball Africa League over our first three seasons,” said BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall. “Coming out of our most competitive and compelling season yet, we’re excited to renew our collaboration with RDB that will bring BAL games as well as youth development and social impact programs to Rwanda for years to come.”
    “We are excited to extend our collaboration with the Basketball Africa League,” said RDB CEO Clare Akamanzi. “We have seen tremendous success and return on investment over the last three years and look forward to doing much more together. The BAL has proven to be a great unifier, and we remain committed to showcasing the best Rwanda has to offer in terms of tourism, investment opportunities, talent development, Made in Rwanda products and much more to the world. With the BAL and other major events, Rwanda is the home for sport in Africa.”
    Yvonne Makolo, RwandAir CEO, said: “RwandAir is proud to be a partner of the Basketball Africa League and we are excited to see the Rwandan Development Board continue to bring world-class basketball to Rwanda.ADVERTISEMENT“We know how sport can bring communities together as teams compete to win and celebrate the power of teamwork and know the extended partnership will further strengthen those bonds.
    “We are also focused on our goal of delivering world-class customer service as we bring people together through our extensive route network, and we look forward to flying fans and players over the coming years.”
    On May 27, 2023, Egypt’s Al Ahly defeated Senegal’s AS Douanes 80-65 to win the 2023 BAL Finals, which took place at BK Arena and reached fans in 214 countries and territories in 17 languages.
    In conjunction with the 2022 and 2023 BAL Playoffs and Finals, the BAL and NBA Africa held a variety of youth development and social impact programming in Rwanda, including in collaboration with RDB. Activities to date have included Jr.
    NBA, Special Olympics and coaches clinics; an environmental day of service; innovation summits that brought together African leaders from business, entertainment, sports, social entrepreneurship and beyond to discuss the enormous growth opportunities on the continent; and a series of workshops for young women from the local community as part of BAL4HER, the league’s platform for advancing gender equality in the African sports ecosystem and celebrating women in the sports industry who serve as role models to young women across the continent.
    The BAL’s Foundational Partners also include NIKE, Jordan Brand, Wilson and New Fortress Energy (NFE). The league’s roster of world-class marketing partners also includes the Attorney General Alliance (AGA-Africa), Envol City, Hennessy, SERTEM and Socieìteì Peìtroliere (SP).
    The 23rd World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit will take place in Kigali, Rwanda, 1st – 3rd November 2023.
    WTTC’s annual Global Summit is the most influential Travel & Tourism event on the calendar, and this year, industry leaders will once again gather with key government representatives to continue aligning efforts to support the sector’s recovery and move beyond to a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.

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