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    Disney and Make-A-Wish® Celebrate Long Standing Relationship

    The Walt Disney Company and Make-A-Wish celebrated World Wish Day on Saturday, April 29, a date that marks the anniversary of the wish that inspired the founding of Make-A-Wish in 1980. Since the first official wish – which was granted at Disneyland® Resort – Disney and Make-A-Wish have worked together to help grant 150,000 wishes globally, delivering joy when it is needed most to wish kids and their families.
    Over the past 43 years, Disney has become the biggest wish granter in the world for Make-A-Wish, bringing the life-changing impact of a wish to children facing critical illnesses and their families.
    “Disney and Make-A-Wish are a perfect match – we’re both in the business of creating happiness,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks Experiences and Products, and Make-A-Wish America Board Member. “We also understand the transformative impact we can make on the lives of wish kids and their families. We’re thrilled to honor the history of Make-A-Wish and Disney together and look forward to creating special moments for many years to come.”
    As part of this year’s World Wish Day celebration, Disney unveiled special, first-of-its-kind windows on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland Park, dedicated to Make-A-Wish and all the wish kids of the world.
    Main Street, U.S.A. windows historically have been dedicated to people who have made significant contributions to Disney over the past century. The windows, the first ever dedicated to a nonprofit, represent the unique and special relationship Disney and Make-A-Wish have developed throughout the years. The three windows include a center window dedicated to Make-A-Wish and all the wish kids past, present and future; and side windows honoring Chris Greicius, whose wish inspired the creation of Make-A-Wish, and Frank ‘Bopsy’ Salazar, who made the first official wish granted by Make-A-Wish (and the first Disney wish).ADVERTISEMENT“World Wish Day presents an opportunity to bring together the global community of supporters that makes wishes possible, and Disney has been one of our most committed and impactful supporters from the very beginning,” said Make-A-Wish America President and CEO, Leslie Motter. “It’s a testament to the passion and generosity of cast members past and present that we have reached the point where our wish families are being recognized with their very own, dedicated windows at Disneyland Resort.”
    The three windows are located above the redesigned and rededicated Wish Lounge, where wish families can relax privately during their visit to Disneyland. Walt Disney Imagineering worked with story artists and animators at Walt Disney Animation Studios to bring to life this incredible wish lounge inspired by the artistic style and characters from Disney Animation’s upcoming animated film, “Wish.”
    Disney also announced this weekend that Mikayla, a talented 16-year-old from Florida who ‘lives and breathes theater,’ will be Disney’s official 150,000th wish. Mikayla and her family were surprised with the news on World Wish Day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort, where she was Grand Marshal of the Disney “Festival of Fantasy” Parade. After the parade, Disney had another surprise for Mikayla unique to this very special occasion marking this historic milestone of our 150,000th wish – an exclusive opportunity to stay in the famous Cinderella Castle Suite. She will return to the park later this year for a special celebration to fulfill her wish, which is to perform on stage at Disney.
    Disney also celebrated World Wish Day around the world, with several other Disney Parks hosting wish kids and their families, reminding us that wishes do come true:
    On Saturday, April 15, Shanghai Disney Resort hosted a charity concert that benefited its local Make-A-Wish affiliate.Hong Kong Disneyland hosted a World Wish Day celebration party, where 10-year-old wish kid Javis’ wish to play the drums onstage was fulfilled.Disneyland Paris held Wish Weekend, hosting 88 wish kids and their families at the theme park for a weekend full of wish granting.Across The Walt Disney Company, there were more celebrations in honor of wish kids:
    ESPN helped to enhance Kyle’s wish to announce the first-round draft pick for his favorite team – the New York Jets – at the NFL Draft in Kansas City. Kyle also was able to visit the sets of ESPN’s NFL Live and College GameDay shows.In Los Angeles, four wish kids were welcomed to Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 World Premiere, walking the red carpet, meeting the stars and getting a first look at the eagerly awaited third film in the trilogy.Pixar shared Addie’s wish on World Wish Day 2023. Addie’s wish to be a voice actor was granted with her visit to the Pixar campus.The Walt Disney Company works with Make-A-Wish to grant wishes ranging from theme park and resort vacations, cruises, and shopping sprees, to studio visits, talent meet-and-greets, sports-themed experiences and more. Many Disney cast members are also wish-granting volunteers, parents of wish kids, or wish alumni themselves. To learn more about the longstanding relationship between Disney and Make-A-Wish, visit wish.org/Disney.

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    Marriott International Expands into Affordable Midscale Segment

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    Qatar Airways’ Stand Opens with Exhilarating Experience at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) More

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    Arabian Travel Market to welcome over 2,000 exhibitors

    From left to right: Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, IHG Hotels & Resorts; HE Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, part of DET; Vasyl Zhygalo, Managing Director, RX Middle East / Portfolio Director WTM and IBTM, RX; Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director for the Middle East, Arabian Travel Market; and Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates.
    Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023 is ready to welcome the global travel, tourism and hospitality community to the UAE from Monday 1 to Thursday 4 May. The 30th edition of the show will host over 2,000 exhibitors, representatives from more than 150 countries and an anticipated 34,000 attendees.Taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) in collaboration with the emirate’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), this year’s conference will once again form a central component of the UAE’s annual Arabian Travel Week.
    In line with its theme, ‘Working Towards Net Zero’, ATM 2023 will provide a forum in which participants can forge new connections, share knowledge and showcase innovations with the potential to expedite the global travel sector’s journey towards decarbonisation.
    Vasyl Zhygalo, Managing Director of RX Middle East and Portfolio Director of WTM, IBTM and RX, said: “Following the very successful WTM Africa and WTM Latin America earlier this spring it is great to now see the international travel community engage with Arabian Travel Market. We’ve seen a robust increase in exhibitor growth across all show areas and it’s exciting to be able to welcome back our Chinese colleagues after remaining covid restrictions were lifted in the region.”
    “With sustainability an ever-increasing consideration for the travel industry, and indeed across the WTM and IBTM event portfolios, it’s never been more important for the sector to interact with ATM 2023’s theme, ‘Working Towards Net Zero’ and explore the vast array of business trends and opportunities showcased around this topic at the show.”
    Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, added: “ATM 2023 will provide a platform for a diverse array of public and private-sector speakers, all of whom will offer expert insights into sustainable travel trends, responsible tourism and a host of other industry-critical issues.ADVERTISEMENT“Our opening session, for instance, will see policymakers take to the ATM Global Stage for a ministerial debate on how travel can tackle the climate crisis,” Curtis continued. “Moderated by CNN’s Eleni Giokos, this panel will see His Excellency Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy; His Excellency Makram Mustafa Abdul Karim Al-Qaisi, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Jordan; His Excellency Minister of Tourism Eng. Walid Nassar, Minister of Tourism, Lebanon; and Sukit Mohanty, Chief of the UNDRR for Arab States; come together to explore the ways in which our industry is working towards net zero.”
    Exhibitor participation in ATM 2023 has risen by 27% compared to last year’s event, with growth registered across all show sectors. These include regional upticks for the Middle East, representation for which will be 24% larger than in 2022, Europe (17% larger), Asia (15% larger) and Africa (8.5% larger). The event’s Travel Tech and hotels sectors have also witnessed sizeable year-on-year growth, expanding by 62% and 37.5%, respectively.
    Chinese exhibitors and travel professionals are making a welcome return to ATM 2023, after the country lifted its Covid-related travel restrictions earlier this year. China became the world’s top source market in 2019, with 155 million tourists spending more than $250 billion overseas, and CNN predicts the nation’s outbound market will recover to around six million travellers per month by the summer of 2023.
    Southeast Asia and India will feature prominently at this year’s event too. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Indian nationals spent a record $10 billion on overseas travel during the first nine months of 2022, an increase of nearly 43% compared to pre-Covid figures. Other estimates indicate the number of annual outbound journeys will reach more than 27 million by 2024, with a total value of over $42 billion.
    Saudi Arabia will have a considerable presence at ATM 2023. The Kingdom registered more international arrivals than any other Arab nation during the first nine months of last year, welcoming more than 18 million visitors during this period, according to government data. Tourism spending in KSA hit $7.2bn in H1 2022.
    To mark its 30th edition, ATM will be unveiling a dedicated sustainability pledge that has been designed to reinforce RX’s commitment to the delivery of sustainable events through the use of environmentally friendly materials, the elimination of single-use plastics and other forward-thinking initiatives. In addition to setting out the show’s journey towards net zero, this pledge will be accompanied by a new playbook, which offers participants a framework within which to mitigate their environmental impact before, during and after the event.
    His Excellency, Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, commented: “It is indeed fitting that this year’s ATM theme focusses on sustainability to build a better future for tourism. For us, this theme assumes even greater significance as 2023 is UAE’s Year of Sustainability and Dubai will be hosting COP28, the UN Climate Change Conference. Dubai has made significant strides in this area, with strategies to reduce carbon footprint and create a more environmentally conscious tourism industry, aligned with the ambition of our visionary leadership to make Dubai the best city in the world to visit, live, and work in. As momentum continues to accelerate across the global tourism and MICE segments, we welcome the pursuit of a more evolved, collaborative, inclusive and long-term approach to sustainable growth and practices for the industry.”
    This year’s show will also feature the inaugural ‘ATM Sustainable Stand Award’, the results of which will be announced as part of the ATM 2023 Best Stand Awards. Entries will be judged according to an extensive range of sustainable criteria, including supplier choice, material usage, operational efficiency, and even what will happen to stands once the exhibition has concluded.
    In addition to sustainability, the ATM Global Stage will host a variety of sessions focused on pivotal industry issues, including, but not limited to: hotels and hospitality; aviation and transport; meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE); business travel; investment; responsible tourism; workforce diversification; and emerging segments such as attractions, cruises, wellness and cultural tourism.
    The upcoming edition will see the return of the ATM Travel Tech Stage, which will host discussions on how factors such as artificial intelligence, the metaverse, cryptocurrency and big data are impacting the travel sector, while showcasing cutting-edge innovations and solutions with the potential to drive the next generation of sustainable tourism.
    ATM 2023 will also feature a Sustainability Hub for the first time in the show’s history. This space will offer a venue for sessions dedicated to the latest sustainable travel trends and innovations, while providing the backdrop for the ATM 2023 Start-up Competition – an event hosted by conference partner Plug and Play, which will see entrepreneurs go head-to-head in a ‘Sustainable Tech Pitch Battle’.
    This year’s show will see the return of International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Arabia, which will explore trends and opportunities within the burgeoning field of high-end tourism. In terms of luxury travel priorities, 25% of those living in the UAE are looking for great entertainment, whereas 19% place the biggest emphasis on premium-quality accommodation when booking trips, according to market research published by YouGov.
    There will also be sessions from the International Tourism & Investment Conference (ITIC), the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA).
    With a wide array of other must-attend events on the agenda, including sessions focused on the key markets of India, China and the GCC, plus a new informal speed networking platform, ATM 2023 will offer something to suit every specialism and interest, not to mention unparalleled networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
    Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer at Emirates, said: “As we celebrate 30 years of partnership and commitment at ATM, it’s remarkable to see this event’s evolution and growing prominence on the global stage. We are proud of the role we have played in the growth of ATM and strengthening its mindshare as an industry event, as well as the growth of our home city Dubai, which is at the forefront of global tourism. This year, Emirates will be showcasing our latest products, connecting with our industry partners as well as demonstrating our commitment to minimise our environmental impact and sustainable aviation practices.”
    Haitham Mattar, Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts, added: “As the official hotel partner for ATM 2023, we look forward to the events’ momentous 30th edition. It is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our wide-ranging portfolio of hotels in the region, introduce new and upcoming hotels and delve further into our new ‘IHG One Rewards’ loyalty offering for both leisure and business travellers. Given the theme of this year’s event, “Working towards Net Zero,” we will also be showcasing our commitments to drive environmental and social change across our estate. Most importantly, we will be focussed on connecting with new and existing partners, suppliers and industry peers to ensure we facilitate greater, collective success for the hospitality sector at large.”
    The 30th edition of ATM will take place as part of Arabian Travel Week, a festival of events dedicated to enabling industry professionals from all over the world to collaborate and capitalise on market opportunities through exhibitions, conferences, breakfast briefings, awards, product launches and networking events.
    In addition to ATM 2023, the ATM Start-up Competition, ATM Travel Tech, ILTM Arabia, GBTA Business Travel Forums, Buyer Speed Networking, the Influencer Networking Event, the Business Traveller Awards and Dubai Food Festival will all take place under the auspices of Arabian Travel Week 2023, which will run from Monday 1 May to Wednesday 10 May across Dubai.
    ATM 2023’s strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as the Destination Partner, Emirates as the Official Airline Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts as the Official Hotel Partner and Al Rais Travel as the Official DMC Partner.

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    The Caribbean Travel Forum a new event for CHTA now in its second year takes place on May 9, 2023 More

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    The Caribbean Travel Forum a new event for CHTA now in its second year takes place on May 9, 2023

    The Caribbean Travel Forum a new event for CHTA now in its second year and will take place on May 9, 2023. It will focus on the business of tourism in the Caribbean with specific topics such as multi-destination marketing, intra-Caribbean travel with emphasis on air connectivity, sustainability, technology innovation, labor market, taxation and linkages.Captains of the travel industry, general managers, thought leaders and government officials will provide insightful and relevant information to the Caribbean Travel Industry including sharing global and regional travel industry data insight, as well as consumer and travel trends.
    The keynote address will outline the important of the Travel and Tourism industry as one of the world’s largest economic sectors by international recognized tourism research body and will include industry trends and growth sectors.
    The forum will kick off The State of the Regional Industry address by CHTA President, Nicola Madden-Greig, followed by a Keynote speaker then the CHTA Awards lunch to honor the CHTA Hotelier of the Year as well as the Destination Resilience Award.
    LOCATION: Sandals Royal Barbados
    A Private – Public Partnership discussion panel will discuss the most important issues to ensure Caribbean tourism remains the #1 warm weather destination while addressing some of the major potential headwinds.  This panel will include discussion on Multi-destination marketing, Intra-Caribbean travel with emphasis on air connectivity, new markets, public and private sector policies.ADVERTISEMENT

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    Wynn Al Marjan Island unveils design vision; resort to be new architectural landmark in the UAE

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    Arabian Travel Market to welcome over 2,000 exhibitors More

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    Wynn Al Marjan Island unveils design vision; resort to be new architectural landmark in the UAE

    Wynn Resorts, Limited has announced the name of its new multi-billion-dollar integrated resort, debuting in Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE): Wynn Al Marjan Island. The Company also unveiled the design vision of its first-ever beachfront resort, which is inspired by the tranquil seascape of Al Marjan Island, a group of four islands. The resort is being developed with local partners Marjan LLC, and RAK Hospitality Holding LLC.
    Set in a pristine setting overlooking the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf, Wynn Al Marjan Island rises more than 1,000 feet (305 meters) above the sea, welcoming visitors to a premium luxury experience, including exceptional entertainment and gaming amenities. For its first project in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region, the US-listed developer and luxury resort operator will create a serene and stylish setting that takes inspiration from the stunning sea views and brings the warm, relaxed ocean setting into its modern world-class hotel.
    With an estimated project cost of approximately USD 3.9 billion, the iconic silhouette of Wynn Al Marjan Island will transform and accelerate the Emirate’s rise as a major global tourist destination, while also creating substantial value to its economy through tourism and job creation. The project will pave the way for the accelerated growth of allied business sectors. Foundation construction work began onsite earlier this year.
    The brand’s signature, high-design opulence will be reflected in its approximately 1,500 lavishly styled rooms, suites and villas. Visitors can look forward to a wide array of entertainment options, a gaming area, 24 dining and lounge experiences, innovative spa and wellness experiences, a high-end shopping esplanade, a state-of-the-art events center, a theater hosting a unique production show, and other amenities. Designed for both longer visits and day trips from neighboring Emirates, the resort will offer abundant and layered experiences including nightly state-of-the-art laser and light shows.
    ADVERTISEMENTThe design of Wynn Al Marjan Island takes its inspiration both from the natural landscape surrounding the resort and the leading design aesthetic of Wynn Resorts. The same geometric configuration of the curved shape of the beach on the island is echoed through the podium structure, similar to a great opera house, creating majestic views of the beach, sea and the horizon. Every diner in the abundant restaurant offerings lining the beach-facing promenade at Wynn Al Marjan Island will enjoy sweeping views of the sea.
    “We have spent the past year meticulously programming and concepting Wynn Al Marjan Island, carefully considering its unique location,” said Craig Billings, CEO of Wynn Resorts, “I am incredibly proud of our design and development team’s ability to impart our legacy of rich, thoughtful design into a sun-soaked beachside resort that will delight customers, new and old.  We look forward to opening Wynn Al Marjan Island in early 2027.”
    The new resort on Al Marjan Island, a flagship development of Marjan, highlights Ras Al Khaimah’s growing global reputation as a leading investment destination for high-quality hospitality projects. With a rapidly growing portfolio of luxury five-star hotels and residential developments that offer a wide range of amenities and services and boasting over 7.8 kilometers of sparkling beaches and twenty-three kilometers of waterfront, Al Marjan Island is today seamlessly transitioning into a world-class resort destination.
    Positioning itself as a sustainable and nature-based destination, Ras Al Khaimah is one of the fastest growing tourism markets in the MENA region. With its well- preserved history, rich archaeological heritage, and nature tourism offerings, the Emirate earned a place on the list of CNN Travel’s best 50 destinations to visit in 2023 and featured on TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places in 2022.

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    Boeing Expands ecoDemonstrator Flight Testing with ‘Explorer’ Airplanes

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    The Caribbean Travel Forum a new event for CHTA now in its second year takes place on May 9, 2023 More

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    Boeing Expands ecoDemonstrator Flight Testing with ‘Explorer’ Airplanes

    Boeing is expanding its ecoDemonstrator program to include “Explorer” platforms that will focus on short-term testing of a specific technology. The first Boeing ecoDemonstrator Explorer, a Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, will participate in an operational efficiency exercise in June 2023.
    Boeing is expanding its ecoDemonstrator flight-test program to further accelerate innovation for sustainability and safety. The company today announced its 2023 plan to assess 19 technologies on the Boeing 777 ecoDemonstrator, while also adding “Explorer” airplanes that will focus tests on specific technologies.
    The first ecoDemonstrator Explorer, a 787-10 Dreamliner, will conduct flight tests in June from Seattle to Tokyo, Singapore and Bangkok to demonstrate how coordinating navigation across global airspace jurisdictions can improve operational efficiency, which can reduce an airplane’s fuel use and emissions by up to 10%. Utilizing today’s onboard capabilities, Boeing and air navigation service providers (ANSPs) in the U.S., Japan, Singapore and Thailand will collectively sequence the airplane’s routes to achieve the optimal flight path across multiple regions, factoring in conditions such as weather, air traffic and airspace closures. The airplane will fly on the highest available blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at each location.
    “To support our industry’s goal for net zero carbon emissions by 2050, Boeing is expanding our ecoDemonstrator program with Explorer airplanes to test even more sustainability-focused technologies,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We continue to invest in innovation that reduces fuel use, emissions and noise on our products and to partner with governments and industry to make progress on sustainability during each phase of flight.”
    “The industry will need continued fleet renewal, efficiency gains, renewable energy carriers such as sustainable aviation fuel and advanced technology to meet the civil aviation industry’s commitment to achieve net zero carbon emission by 2050,” said Boeing Chief Sustainability Officer Chris Raymond. “Our initial Explorer testing in partnership with aviation stakeholders in four countries is a great example of how we can work together to optimize operational efficiency and reduce emissions.”
    In 2023, Boeing also will use its current flagship ecoDemonstrator airplane, a 777-200ER (Extended Range), to test 19 technologies including:ADVERTISEMENTSustainable wall panels in the cargo hold that are made of 40% recycled carbon fiber and 60% resin made from a bio-based feedstockA fiber optic fuel quantity sensor compatible with 100% SAFAn Electronic Flight Bag application featuring Smart Airport Maps, a component of Jeppesen FliteDeck Pro, which reduces operational costs and supports safe taxi operations with the depiction of contextual airport dataFor all flight tests, the airplane will fly on the highest available blend of SAF locallySince its initial flights in 2012, the Boeing ecoDemonstrator program has accelerated innovation by taking new technologies out of the lab and testing them in an operational environment. Including the 2023 plan, the program will have tested about 250 technologies to help decarbonize aviation, improve operational efficiency and enhance safety and the passenger experience. Approximately a third of tested technologies have progressed onto Boeing’s products and services.
    More information about the 2023 ecoDemonstrator and previous ecoDemonstrator airplanes is available at boeing.com/ecoDemonstrator. Boeing’s sustainability commitments, partnerships and efforts are available at https://www.boeing.com/principles/sustainability.

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    Four Seasons Continues Middle Eastern Expansion with Island Resort on Sindalah in NEOM, Saudi Arabia

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    Wynn Al Marjan Island unveils design vision; resort to be new architectural landmark in the UAE More

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    Four Seasons Continues Middle Eastern Expansion with Island Resort on Sindalah in NEOM, Saudi Arabia

    Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the world’s leading luxury hospitality company, and Hotel Development, the NEOM division that is responsible for building a future-centric hospitality ecosystem in the developing region, have announced plans for a new luxury resort as part of the NEOM master project, located on Sindalah Island.Extending over an area of approximately 840,000 square metres (9,041,684 square feet), Sindalah is one of a group of islands in the Red Sea that will be developed in NEOM, each according to its unique vision and design. In addition to the upcoming Four Seasons resort, Sindalah will be home to a luxury marina and yacht club, 9-hole golf course with 18 pin experiences and a vast array of dining destinations. It will also host sophisticated cultural events, grand sporting spectacles and glamorous social celebrations throughout the year.
    “Four Seasons upcoming resort in NEOM will be a one-of-a-kind project, blending the natural wonders of the Red Sea with the future-forward technologies on which this new, exciting destination is being built,” says Bart Carnahan, President, Global Business Development and Portfolio Management, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “We are proud to be part of the ambitious vision that our partners at NEOM have for transforming the future of hospitality in the region and look forward to welcoming guests to discover a new part of the Kingdom.”
    The Resort will feature 225 guest rooms and suites with terraces overlooking the beaches of the Red Sea, as well as 52 villas with one to four-bedroom configurations with plunge pools and beach views, and with the Presidential and Royal Villas offering private swimming pools, gyms and access to private yacht docks. The Resort architecture is being led by LUCA DINI Design & Architecture, with interiors for guest rooms and public areas by RBTA and LW Design respectively.
    “Sindalah follows NEOM’s vision and purpose of mitigating the impact of unchecked urban development, while protecting and regenerating the rich natural capital of the region. In terms of hospitality, our goal is to shape a new frontier for the industry, and Four Seasons is the perfect partner to work alongside towards this,” says Chris Newman, Executive Director, Hotel Development at NEOM. “While NEOM will have something for every kind of traveller, the Resort on Sindalah will be perfect for those looking to rest, relax and explore in the beautiful setting of the Red Sea, while enjoying the service that Four Seasons has built an incredible global reputation on.”
    ADVERTISEMENTWhile visiting the Resort, guests can choose from four unique culinary experiences, as well as several lounges, in addition to the other dining options on Sindalah. Four Seasons will also offer an expansive spa experience with varying treatment rooms, relaxation lounges, a hammam and vitality pool. For those looking for an active getaway, guests will have access to a fitness centre, multiple indoor and outdoor pools, and a variety of water activities such as water skiing, kite surfing, windsurfing and more. An onsite diving centre will allow guests to explore one of the world’s most sought-after diving destinations and discover the abundant marine life and ecosystems that exist within the Red Sea.

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    Now Open: Nobu Residences Los Cabos, A New Hospitality Concept at Nobu Hotel Los Cabos

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    Boeing Expands ecoDemonstrator Flight Testing with ‘Explorer’ Airplanes More

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    ROSEWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS TO DEBUT IN THE MALDIVES WITH ROSEWOOD RANFARU

    One of the most coveted island destinations on the planet, the Maldives is considered by many to be the ultimate luxury wanderlust experience. This picturesque archipelago boasts bright white sands, warm calm waters and a standard of hospitality that is second to none. Now, having achieved worldwide recognition as a preeminent tropical paradise, the Maldives is looking toward the future with an eye on longevity and sustainability, making the destination a natural fit for the unique approach to luxury lifestyle offered by Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®. Rosewood Ranfaru, opening on the islands in 2027, is the latest development in the discerning brand’s thoughtful growth pipeline. The resort will reflect Rosewood’s guiding A Sense of Place® philosophy through a highly curated experience that emphasizes privacy, luxury, and a connection to the natural habitat.
    Stretched across a striking chain of private islands around a pristine lagoon in the South Male Atoll, Rosewood Ranfaru will be situated less than an hour away from Velana International Airport in Male. From touchdown to toes in the sand, guests will be able to make the journey to the resort via either a 35-minute yacht ride or a ten-minute seaplane hop. Both experiences will exude the same level of luxury that awaits on the property’s shores. Upon arrival to the resort, travelers will be met with endless opportunity to embark on truly restorative getaways, all surrounded by stunning views of the world’s most beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Developed by Estithmar Holding, this project represents the next generation of Maldives tourism and elevates the overall luxury offerings available in this sublime corner of the globe.
    “The Maldives has its own mystique and allure,” says Radha Arora, President of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. “Given its well-earned reputation as a haven for discerning travelers, we are excited to bring our unique brand of lifestyle and hospitality to this chain of islands. We are confident that through our commitment to immersive amenities, world-class design, and high-touch service, Rosewood will be able to offer the next iteration of Maldivian paradise.”
    Rosewood Ranfaru will offer approximately 120 beachfront and overwater villas, ranging in size from one- to five-bedrooms, all with private pools and a select number located on private islands. In true Rosewood fashion, unsurpassed service and amenities will be central to the guest experience, including a Rosewood Explorer’s Club to spark discovery and inspire imagination among the youngest visitors. At the heart of the property will lie several specialty restaurants, a beach club, and an Asaya® well-being facility and fitness center, together offering a holistic wellness escape. A true leisure oasis, Rosewood Ranfaru will also feature numerous swimming pools, both for adults and families; paddle courts, and an array of water sports that will allow guests to fully explore the peaceful and crystal-clear waters of the encircling lagoon.
    “I am delighted to announce our latest investment in the Maldives, a destination that offers unparalleled beauty and a vibrant culture, making it one of the most attractive tourist spots in the world,” says Moutaz AlKhayyat, Chairman of Estithmar Holding. “We believe that the Maldives is an ideal location for investment and tourism, and it continues to attract visitors and investors from around the world with its friendly atmosphere and supportive government policies. Our new resort development aligns perfectly with our company’s vision and growth plans, and we are excited about the prospect of expanding our portfolio of luxury travel destinations.”ADVERTISEMENTRosewood Ranfaru’s world-class team of associates will leverage their rich understanding of the destination to create a highly curated menu of on- and off-property experiences designed to truly immerse guests into their surroundings. Their guiding mission will be to showcase the undiscovered sides of this island paradise.

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    Travel Leaders of Tomorrow Celebrates 10 Years

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    Now Open: Nobu Residences Los Cabos, A New Hospitality Concept at Nobu Hotel Los Cabos More

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    Travel Leaders of Tomorrow Celebrates 10 Years

    Travel Leaders of Tomorrow, the award-winning training program for new travel advisors, is celebrating its first decade in business. Started on April 13, 2013, Travel Leaders of Tomorrow represented a solution to the growing problem of bringing fresh talent into the industry with the absence of the traditional travel school.As a completely virtual program, Travel Leaders of Tomorrow is uniquely designed for today’s busy adults who frequently have work and family obligations. Participants can choose between an Independent Learner track, which is completely self-paced, and a Virtual Campus, which includes a study cohort, guest lectures and a final business presentation.
    “As we looked around the landscape of the industry in the 2010s, it became clear that we desperately needed the ideas and perspectives that new travel advisors bring,” said Heather Kindred, Program Director of Travel Leaders of Tomorrow. “The entire travel advisor profession benefits from that, but despite the allure of a career in travel, interested people didn’t know how to actually get going. We developed Travel Leaders of Tomorrow to teach not only the basics of travel, but how to sell effectively and how to be a true partner to clients. Our curriculum has allowed people to start their career as they see fit, whether that is full-time, part-time, as an agency owner or as an independent contractor. Over the last decade, our team has watched thousands of travel advisors dive into entrepreneurship and develop lucrative, thriving businesses. We are excited to watch what our participants do in the next decade.”
    Since its first student, Travel Leaders of Tomorrow has had more than 2,200 people go through its programs. Although the program is an initiative of Internova Travel Group, one of the largest travel services companies in the industry, participants are free to choose to join any host or consortia after they complete their studies.
    Travel Leaders of Tomorrow has also opened its curriculum to American and Canadian military veterans and spouses with the Nexion Veterans in Travel scholarship program. Participants go through the Virtual Campus track and then join premier host travel agency Nexion Travel Group as members.
    Savannah Hill completed Travel Leaders of Tomorrow in 2016. Since that time, she has been named to her host agency’s top producer award numerous times and was awarded the Rising Star Award very early in her career. “Travel Leaders of Tomorrow has led me to an incredible career,” Hill said. “Owning my own travel agency is a dream come true, and without Travel Leaders of Tomorrow, it wouldn’t have happened. The program worked with me to develop my skills so that I could be confident in my new career. Travel Leaders of Tomorrow is where it all started and I am so grateful I found it.”ADVERTISEMENTAs part of the celebration of its first decade, Travel Leaders of Tomorrow will be revamping its curriculum in 2023, including a new focus on corporate travel.
    “The best is yet to come for Travel Leaders of Tomorrow,” Kindred said. “Travel advisors are thriving, our cohorts are consistently full, and our industry is strong. And we’ll be there every step of the way, continuing to improve and refine Travel Leaders of Tomorrow to serve tomorrow’s advisors.”
    To learn more about becoming a travel advisor, visit www.TravelLeadersofTomorrow.com

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    Sleep Inn Previews Next-Generation Prototype Emphasizing Modern Design and Guest Wellbeing

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