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      OurAfrica.Travel kicked the 2023 tourism calendar off in style

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      The highly anticipated fourth edition of OurAfrica.Travel, the leading digital trade show for the African and Indian Ocean tourism industry, which took place from February 20th to 24th, was a tremendous success, attracting 186 exhibitors and over 440 buyers and media from around the world.
      The platform facilitated over 6,500 meetings, 44,192 networking chats, and received more than 85,000 profile views. Feedback from participants has been very positive, affirming the importance of virtual shows on the tourism events calendar.
      This year’s show ran for five days, with additional networking opportunities on either side, including a week of destination training hosted by The Africa Hub.
      The success of the 2023 event was due in no small part to the collaboration of various industry partners, including Wetu, ATTA, Nightsbridge, Atmosphere Marketing, Inspirational Places and Umlingo Travel PR.
      This spirit of ubuntu and partnership is what makes this virtual show such a success, in addition to its B2B nature, affordability in both time and money, accessibility due to it being virtual, and having a carbon-neutral footprint.ADVERTISEMENT“OurAfrica.Travel has once again proven that connecting on a virtual platform is now part of our day-to-day business practice and is the most convenient and opportune way to keep in touch with tourism industryplayers from around the world” said Napier and Hunt.
      We are already planning and looking forward to next year’s show (date to be announced), after receiving positive feedback from both our buyers and exhibitors.
      GIVING BACK
      OurAfrica.Travel is committed to driving sustainable tourism and giving back to both community and conservation projects. This year, 18 worthy causes were given a spotlight during the show, as participants were invited to nominate their favourite charities and grassroots projects.
      Nominations included Chefs with Compassion, Conservation South Luangwa, Dambari Wildlife Trust, Giraffe Conservation Fund, Global Sojourns Giving Circle, Good Work Foundation, HERD, How Many Elephants, Ingoma Choir, Meal For Two Project, Mukambi Community School, Nourish Eco Village, Onguma Anti-Poaching Unit, Seahorse Protection by ParCo, The Plaster House, The Rhino Momma Project, Tuk SouthForRangers and Uthando. A vote will be held over the coming weeks to see which causes will win a cash prize.
      Organisers Storm Napier and Allie Hunt will be announcing the winners later this month, in the run up to Indaba in Durban, South Africa.
      PRIZES GALORE – including a 27-night bucket list bonanza!
      Incredibly generous accommodation prizes were donated by exhibitors to reward the most active and engaged buyers. Buyers earned points for participating and the top 300 on the leader board went into a lucky draw to win nine incredible individual holiday combinations for two people sharing. The top 150 from the leader board went into a lucky draw to win the ultimate bucket list prize of 27-nights at some of Africaand the Indian Ocean Island’s most renowned hotels and lodges, showcased by Wetu.
      *** Congratulations to the winner of the bucket list prize, Ginny Russell at Cedarberg Africa in the UK, a long- time, loyal supporter of all things Africa.  You can see the full prize list on https://youtu.be/POe5MaTQsxY
      AGENT FEEDBACK
      “Thanks to Storm, Allie and team for organising another fantastic show – it’s such a great learning experience and lovely to meet new hoteliers, reps and reconnect with people I already know. Flights now booked for November/ December again – can’t wait!” – Fiona Bibby at The Travel Architect, UK
      “Such an amazing platform to unlearn, learn, interact and e-meet with some incredible people from across the globe! Such a productive week that we all must’ve had this past week, amidst our other regular busy schedule! Although in-person meeting has its own energy and charm to it, this meeting platform has been truly fab from start to finish. Thanks to each one of you who has interacted with me.  A BIG, BIG THANK YOU to everyone who has been working rigorously behind this show to make it a great success! Thank you OUR AFRICA TRAVEL team for this fantastic work!” – Merlyn Kurian at Evershine Holidays, India
      “Another great Our Africa show. So lovely to connect with people again and hear all about changes and positive impacts from the Covid years. Love the show, thanks”– Kirsten Treais at Amazing Adventures Travel at Principle, USA
      “It was an intense but prolific week for us….a sort of cheetah run…And before the show being over, on behalf of Australtravels would like to thank the organizers for a great event, to thank the exhibitors, some being old known good friends, other, new contacts we are looking forward to reciprocally develop new businesses, projects and opportunities. Last but not least a thank you to all who made us feeling and enjoying Africa again, from a certain geographical distance and from the commodityof our offices and homes. As our fellow in this picture, we look forward to meet you soon and join on another great OurAfrica event next year. – Octavian Nedea at Australtravels, Spain
      For more information about the virtual trade show, visit www.ourafrica.travel.

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      Visit Missouri’s “What’s Your M-O?” Campaign Sparks Interest in the Show-Me State

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      Visit Missouri’s “What’s Your M-O?” Campaign Sparks Interest in the Show-Me State

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      “What’s Your M-O?” It’s not just a question, it’s at the heart of the successful Visit Missouri integrated communications campaign.According to Strategic Marketing and Research Incorporated (SMARI), the campaign generated $884 million in incremental visitor spending in the state of Missouri in 2022.
      The Missouri Division of Tourism (MDT) and its agency partner, Osborn Barr Paramore (OBP), created the campaign, which has been recognized with more than 30 awards to date. Most recently, the work won platinum, gold, silver and bronze awards at the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International’s (HSMAI) prestigious Adrian Awards honoring the best in hospitality advertising, digital, PR/communications and integrated campaigns.
      “The creativity of this campaign has allowed us to showcase the variety the state of Missouri offers visitors in a unique and personal way,” said Stephen Foutes, director of the Missouri Division of Tourism.
      The campaign was shortlisted as a finalist for the 2022 World Advertising Research Center (WARC) Awards for Effectiveness, North America Edition, in the Sustained Growth category. The U.S. Travel Association honored the work with an Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations (ESTO) award. The Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA) awarded the campaign with the first-ever Cheryl Schutz Award for Destination Marketing and Research Excellence. This award recognizes an individual or Destination Marketing Organization for research that resulted or contributed to key decisions that helped promote travel and tourism within their destination and the industry. The campaign also earned two Telly awards for excellence in video and television.On a regional level, the campaign received a Mid-America EMMY award, several regional American Advertising Federation (AAF) awards and multiple silver and gold honors by the St. Louis AAF.
      The “What’s Your M-O?” campaign features “Mo,” a genial tour guide that embodies Missouri and all the state has to offer. Just as different people seek different experiences on vacations, there’s a different Mo for everyone’s M-O (modus operandi). Learn more about the campaign here.ADVERTISEMENTThe campaign has generated more than 2 billion impressions and 138 million social engagements through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and 4.8 million website visits to VisitMo.com. New advertising for the campaign debuted in February 2023.

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      Finnair celebrates 40 years of flying to the Land of the Rising Sun

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      Jamaica’s Tourism Boom Set to Continue

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      Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has expressed optimism in the growth prospects for the sector stressing that “this is the biggest and best winter season Jamaica has ever had in the history of tourism” adding that the tourism industry was set on a path to continue the boom now being experienced
      He said: “For the January to March 2023 period, it is estimated that Jamaica welcomed 1.18 million visitors, which represents growth of 94.4% when compared to the same period in 2022. This represents earnings of US$1.15 billion, 46.4% above the US$786.8 million earned for the same period in 2022.”
      In reviewing the performance of the tourism sector as he opened the Sectoral Debate in Parliament yesterday, Minister Bartlett noted that arrivals for 2022 were up by 117% and earnings by 71.4% when compared to 2021. Jamaica welcomed 3.3 million visitors and earned an estimated US$3.7 billion in 2022 and projections for 2024 are for US$4.1 billion in earnings.

      He told Parliament that: “If there was ever an industry that has the potential to transform our nation, our communities and the lives and livelihoods of the Jamaican people for the better, it is tourism” adding that real gross domestic product (GDP) for the economy is projected to “grow within the range of 3.0% to 5.0% during January – March 2023 when compared to January – March 2022.” This growth is expected to be led by strong performances by the hotels and restaurants, and the mining and quarrying industries.ADVERTISEMENTMinister Bartlett highlighted that in fiscal year 2023/24 GDP is anticipated to be driven by continued robust performance in stopover arrivals, facilitated by increased room capacity and intensified marketing efforts.
      “Never before in the history of Jamaica has tourism made such a great contribution to the national economy and we are willing to contribute to that process and to make even greater contributions,” declared Mr. Bartlett, noting that “Jamaicans at all levels of society can enjoy a bigger slice of the tourism pie.”

      Mr. Bartlett outlined that “investments continue to boom to drive the industry’s recovery (and) over the last five years tourism investment contributed 20% of the island’s total foreign direct investments (FDI) and over the next 5 to 10 years, there are multiple upcoming investment projects which will see the addition of 15,000 to 20,000 new rooms with investment of US$4 billion to US$5 billion.”
      The Minister said stakeholders had been working together to build a tourism industry that was equitable, viable and which generates opportunities for all. He noted that “tourism will be the biggest driver of economic growth and prosperity in Jamaica for years to come and it is absolutely important that you are made aware of the work that we have been doing over the last year in repositioning the sector to achieve higher growth rates, a better spread of the benefits of tourism to each and every Jamaican and stronger linkages throughout the economic fabric of this beautiful island.”

      Jamaica was named the Caribbean’s Leading Destination 2022, for the 16th straight year at last year’s prestigious World Travel Awards. Jamaica also picked up the the award for Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination 2022, Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board 2022, for the 14th year in a row and Caribbean’s Leading Nature Destination 2022.

      Other winners on the night included Go Jamaica Travel, Half Moon, S Hotel and Spanish Court hotels, Jamaica Inn, Goldeneye, Rockhouse, Island Car Rentals, Island Routes, VIP Attraction’s Club MoBay, Sangster International Airport, the Montego Bay Convention Centre, Sandals Whitehouse, Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals South Coast, Beaches Negril and Hyatt Ziva.

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      This summer, the family-owned El Fuerte Marbella hotel will reopen after an extensive renovation More

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      ROYAL SCOTSMAN, A BELMOND TRAIN UNVEILS NEW DIOR SPA AND LAUNCHES THEMED JOURNEYS FOR 2023

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      To mark the start of an epic season, Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train, Scotland, is proud to announce a long-term partnership with Dior Beauty to create the Dior Spa Royal Scotsman, which will join the rake from this month, , as well as the addition of new adventure and culinary focussed journeys to its 2023 schedule. These include the adrenaline-filled Highland Survival Adventure, designed in partnership with luxury adventure travel experts WILDNIS, from 30 June to 3 July 2023, and A Taste of Scotland with Michelin-starred Chef Tom Kitchin, the ultimate gourmet escapade, taking guests on a gastronomic adventure through the country’s finest flavours from 4 to 6 September 2023.
      DIOR SPA ROYAL SCOTSMAN: HIGHLAND-INSPIRED BEAUTY RITUALS, ON THE MOVE
      In homage to Christian Dior’s love for Scotland – where he famously hosted his much acclaimed fashion show in 1955, the new Dior Spa Royal Scotsman will be housed in one of the train’s plush carriages. Completely dedicated to wellness, the carriage will boast two lacquered treatment rooms, restyled with Dior’s iconic burgundy toile de Jouy motif. A cocoon of serenity on the rails, Dior Spa Royal Scotsman offers guests a tranquil space to unwind and rejuvenate as the train snakes through Scotland’s awe-inspiring peaks and dramatic valleys. The new bespoke wellbeing menu will feature three tailor-made treatments devised by the French Maison’s wellness experts to cater to the specific needs of the train’s guests, ensuring a truly immersive Scottish experience that leaves them feeling refreshed and invigorated.

      Dior Spa’s expert body massage D-Travel (30 minutes / 1 hour) is designed to purify the body of toxins and release tension through deep, slow and soothing movements that ultimately relieve muscular pain. Inspired by the Scottish landscape, the D-Elements full body treatment (1 hour) combines the country’s natural beauty in all its glory to achieve a sense of mind and body relaxation. The treatment begins with the application of semi-precious hot stones on the back to create a sense of warmth, followed by massage strokes that simulate a cooling breeze. Bain Dior body mist and hot oshibori that recreate the country’s drifting mists end the treatment on a calming note. For those seeking a rejuvenating facial, the D-Highlands (1 hour) is inspired by Kobido facial massage techniques and thanks to the application of Dior Prestige line, it sculpts the face’s features and improves the skin’s appearance.ADVERTISEMENTBringing the savoir-faire of two leading luxury brands together, Dior Spa Royal Scotsman provides guests with the ultimate beauty experience to complement their outdoor wellness activities – such as wild swimming, hiking and farm to table dining – holistically enhancing their overall wellbeing.

      AN ACTION-PACKED SCOTTISH ADVENTURE
      Running from 30 June to 3 July 2023, the new Highland Survival Adventure itinerary has been designed with adrenaline-seekers in mind and features several outdoor challenges in some of the most secluded locations in the Western Highlands. Led by WILDNIS’ guides – former Royal Marines Sergeant, George MacHardy, a seasoned survivalist, Eliza Brown – the Royal Scotsman guests will unleash their innermost primal skills and survival abilities as they connect to nature far from the stresses of everyday life.
      The first day of the new three-night journey will be spent on board, as the train departs Edinburgh for Fort William. Day two will be entirely dedicated to thrilling outdoor activities. Guests will explore the indigenous flora and fauna, take part in a modern-day Royal Marines Commando Assault Training programme and feast on an al fresco lunch prepared by WILDNIS’ chef and ‘field to plate’ cuisine advocate, Tom Byrom. On the third day, guests will put their skills to the test with an abseil down a cascading waterfall, rewarded by a reinvigorating wild swim session before WILDINS guide Eliza Brown will teach them how to survive in the wild. Back on the train for their final night onboard, guests will dine on Scottish delicacies as Royal Scotsman makes its way back to Edinburgh, where the group will arrive the following morning.

      AN EPICUREAN GETAWAY WITH TOM KITCHIN
      Bon vivants are invited to enjoy a late summer getaway with Scotland’s most celebrated culinary star, Chef Tom Kitchin. From 4 to 6 September 2023, the Michelin-starred chef will host A Taste of Scotland with Tom Kitchin, a gastronomic, two-night journey through the Scottish Highlands. Allowing guests to delve deeper into the region’s indigenous produce Tom Kitchin will showcase his ‘From Nature-to-Plate’ culinary philosophy as the train journeys from Edinburgh to Boat of Garten, Inverness, Dundee and back to the capital.
      A true epicurean adventure, the itinerary includes an exclusive wine masterclass with local wine merchants, L’Art du Vin, in the train’s unique Observation Car on the first day of the trip. The evening continues with a glorious 4-course dinner designed by Chef Tom Kitchin. The second day will be spent enjoying country pursuits at Rothiemurchus Estate, in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Here, Chef Kitchin will host a lunch barbecue by the quaint Lochside bothy, before guests return to the train to reach the legendary Benromach distillery in Forres for a tour and expert-led whisky tasting. A fabulous Gala dinner will mark the end of the second day, as the train travels South towards the city of Dundee. While savouring their final breakfast on the rails, guests will cross the Firth of Forth on the Forth Railway Bridge and, shortly after, they will arrive in Edinburgh.
      Passionate about celebrating the Scottish larder and the wonderful game, meat, seafood, vegetables and fruits that can be found across the country, Chef Tom Kitchin will host a memorable gourmet feast celebrating the best of Scotland’s land and sea.

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      OLEADA PACIFIC LIVING & GOLF,  TO WELCOME FIRST ERNIE ELS DESIGNED GOLF COURSE IN MEXICO

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      OLEADA PACIFIC LIVING & GOLF,  TO WELCOME FIRST ERNIE ELS DESIGNED GOLF COURSE IN MEXICO

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      OLEADA Pacific Living & Golf, a brand-new 860-acre oceanfront resort community on the southern point of Mexico’s stunning Baja peninsula, has announced it will be the flagship location for World Golf Hall of Famer Ernie Els’ first golf course in Mexico.Els is designing an 18-hole links-style championship course, OLEADA GOLF LINKS LOS CABOS, situated just 15 minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas, set along OLEADA’s expansive one mile stretch of golden sand beach. With the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop for the breathtaking desert landscape, the resort community of OLEADA will offer a unique untamed luxury experience that melds an unparalleled collection of resort and residential options.“Alongside introducing OLEADA to the world, we are honored to announce a spectacular championship course by Ernie Els, one of golf’s greatest players,” said Federico Gaxiola, project director at OLEADA Pacific Living & Golf. “As we create a destination founded in responsible luxury, we selected Ernie because of his true understanding of sustainable development and sound environmental practices.”
      Els, winner of 75 professional tournaments worldwide, including four major championships, has evolved into one of the game’s leading architects, with numerous award-winning courses dotting the globe. Based on decades of competing on different types of courses across four continents, Els has accrued a profound understanding of how to utilize the best elements for golf design. He believes in producing an aesthetically pleasing course, and one that’s challenging and enjoyable for golfers at all ability levels.
      “Our goal at OLEADA will be to build a core golf course that harmonizes with nature,” Els said. “We envision a compact design that drapes naturally on the land, steps lightly on nature’s toes and functions as an environmental steward of the site’s indigenous flora and fauna. With its rolling dunes, elevation changes and majestic desert-meets-ocean setting, I believe we can produce a versatile test that will rank among the best and most beautiful courses we’ve ever built.”
      The seaside site for the new course, a spectacular parcel of land on the Pacific Ocean near Cabo San Lucas, has an intricate maze of windswept dunes and sandy ridges. These natural landforms offer sheltered valleys and winding corridors ideal for the placement of golf holes. Els, a two-time winner of the Open Championship, has a special fondness for links courses and a deep knowledge of how seaside breezes dictate shot values and strategy.
      “Because the native contours and dune formations are so good, very little earthmoving will be required to build the course,” said Els. “Shaping will be very minimalistic. Man cannot improve on what Mother Nature has created over the eons. The golf course that we create at OLEADA will be here long after I’m gone. That means something and it makes me feel very proud.”ADVERTISEMENTOLEADA will feature some of the most recognized names in design, including Vision Land Design, WATG, iconic Mexican architect Victor Legorreta and landscape architecture by Design Studio of Michael McKay.
      Along with the 18-hole links golf course, OLEADA will offer: oceanfront living; world-class resorts; a nursery, orchard and garden; nature, fitness, hiking and biking trails; and much more. Every amenity will be created through a hospitality and wellness centered mindset aimed to provide opportunities to enjoy life at its fullest.
      Phase One will comprise the golf course, three luxury beachfront resorts, and high-quality infrastructure to receive guests and golf enthusiasts. The gated community will feature 24/7 security to keep guests safe and provide peace of mind. The development broke ground in January 2023 and is expected to open in early 2026. OLEADA GOLF LINKS LOS CABOS will be open for public play in its first season.
      To learn more about OLEADA Pacific Living & Golf, visit oleadaloscabos.com.

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      Iceland expanded programme for Winter 23/24

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      Iceland expanded programme for Winter 23/24

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      Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks have expanded their Iceland programmes for Winter 23/24, meaning they are offering customers and independent travel agents their biggest ever choice of winter services and dedicated trips to this bucket list destination.
      This announcement sees the leading leisure airline and UK’s largest operator of city breaks to Europe put on a total of 14 additional breaks in February and March next winter from two airports (Leeds Bradford and Newcastle). 
      The additional breaks come in response to strong demand from customers and independent travel agents, and are timed perfectly for customers wishing to experience the natural wonders of Iceland, such as the Northern Lights.
      As a result of today’s expansion, the award-winning airline and city break operator will operate its biggest ever programme to Iceland, with flights and city breaks departing from all ten of its UK airports in Winter 23/24. 
      The programme now represents over 150 departing flights and over 30,000 seats on sale, meaning a capacity increase of 36% compared to Winter 22/23.  ADVERTISEMENTThe new flights and breaks added today are:
      Leeds Bradford:
      Seven weekly departures added thanks to new Sunday services operating between 11th February and 27th March.  Thanks to these weekly Sunday services operating from Leeds Bradford during this time, this is perfect for those wanting a three-night break, returning on the Wednesday (weekly Wednesday services returning to Leeds Bradford during this time). This means the companies will now operate two weekly services (Wednesday and Sunday) from 27th September to 2nd November. Weekly Sunday services will operate from 11th February to 24th March, with twice weekly services (Wednesday and Sunday) operating from 27th March to 21st April. Newcastle:
      Seven weekly departures added thanks to new Wednesday services operating between 7th February and 24th March. Thanks to these weekly Wednesday services operating from Newcastle during this time, this is perfect for those wanting a four-night break, returning on the Sunday (weekly Sunday services returning to Newcastle during this time). This means the companies will now operate two weekly services (Wednesday and Sunday) from 27th September to 2nd November. Weekly Wednesday services will operate from 7th February to 20th March, with twice weekly services (Wednesday and Sunday) operating from 28th March to 21st April. A programme of flights will also operate from Manchester and Birmingham Airports in Winter 23/24, with two weekly flights (Monday and Thursday) operating in late-September, October, November, February, March and April.
      In addition, Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks’ popular programme of dedicated trips to Iceland are also available from Belfast International, Bristol, Edinburgh, East Midlands, Glasgow Airports and London Stansted for Winter 23/24. Customers can choose from a wide selection of three-night or four-night trips, with trips taking place either in November or between February and March. 
      Today’s expansion comes in response to customers booking early when it comes to choosing a flight or city break to Iceland. With Jet2.com and Jet2holidays pledging not to introduce any surcharges, this means customers can book their flight or city break, knowing that they have locked the price in.
      Iceland has continued to experience strong demand thanks to its abundance of natural wonders, with early and late Winter proving to be particularly popular. Whether it is the cityscape of Reykjavik, the spectacular Northern Lights, or the stunning Golden Circle and its geothermal lagoons, spas and waterfalls, Iceland offers an incredible variety of things for customers to experience and see, which is why Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks have expanded their programme for Winter 23/24.
      Customers can pick from flight-only or package holiday options, with package options with Jet2CityBreaks available for a low £60 per person deposit. Jet2CityBreaks packages include a guided Northern Lights Tour, flights with Jet2.com, including 22kg hold luggage, coach transfers, as well as a choice of 3 and 4-star hotels in central Reykjavik which provide the perfect base from which to explore and experience authentic Icelandic cuisine. In addition, a choice of excursions are also available to purchase including those to the South Shore, Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon.
      All flights to Keflavík International Airport near Reykjavik will be operated by award-winning airline Jet2.com.
      Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “We have continued to experience strong demand for flights and city breaks to Iceland from customers and independent travel agents, so we are very pleased to be expanding our programme today in response. This means we have our biggest ever programme on sale to Iceland for Winter 23/24 and the natural wonders of this magnificent destination, couple with our award-winning product, means we expect these new flights and breaks to sell very quickly.”
      Grétar Már Garðarsson, director for airline relations and route development at Isavia, said: “We at Keflavik Airport are delighted by the news that Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks have decided to expand their services between Iceland and the UK for the Winter 23/24 season. We are excited to hear of the strong demand for flights to Iceland being the reason for this decision. Keflavik Airport looks forward to welcoming even more Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks travelers and seeing our good relationship with Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks continuing for many years to come.”

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      Princess Cruises Biggest Ship Will Sail Caribbean Itineraries from Port Everglades from Late 2024

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      THE CORDISH COMPANIES UNVEILS PLANS FOR NEW LIVE! CASINO & HOTEL RESORT DESTINATION IN LOUISIANA

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      The Cordish Companies has presented master project plans to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board for the redevelopment of Diamond Jacks Casino & Hotel in Bossier City. Cordish intends to transform the property into a world-class Live! casino resort and entertainment destination. Centrally, this includes the construction of an entirely new, first-class land-based Live! casino and the removal of the existing casino riverboat. Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana is scheduled to open in 2025.
      “We’re very excited and honored to present our plans to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and thank them for their enthusiastic support of our project,” said Joe Weinberg, Managing Partner, The Cordish Companies. “Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana will be a world-class resort destination that brings a first-class gaming, dining, entertainment and hospitality experience to the region, creates significant new jobs, and generates millions of dollars in economic benefits for the community. We look forward to working with Foundation Gaming & Entertainment, state and local officials, and the community to bring the project to fruition.”
      “The development plan for the Diamond Jacks property that was presented this morning will be transformative, and we are thrilled to be a part of it,” said Greg Guida, Co-CEO of Foundation Gaming & Entertainment. “We are looking forward to finishing up the demolition that was started in February to get the property ready for the transformation to a Live! Casino & Hotel.”
      The new LIVE! CASINO & HOTEL LOUISIANA, which represents an investment of $250+ million, will be a world-class gaming, dining, entertainment and hotel destination, featuring:
      more than 47,000-square-feet of gaming space including 1,000+ slots and electronic table games and 30+ live action table games;an upscale 400+ room resort-style hotel;a 25,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art, multi-purpose event center for top name entertainment, meeting, conventions, non-profit and social gatherings;structured and surface parking;and 30,000-square-feet of best-in-class dining and entertainment venues including 6+ new food and beverage outlets featuring nationally acclaimed concepts Sports & Social and PBR Cowboy Bar.“The Louisiana Gaming Control Board looks forward to working with The Cordish Companies to bring a world class casino and entertainment destination to the Bossier/Shreveport market. The reputation of The Cordish Companies throughout the country to own and operate first class casinos, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment destinations is exemplary. We thank Cordish for choosing Louisiana to bring their expertise and major investment to our gaming market,” said Ronnie Johns, Chairman, Louisiana Gaming Control Board. “The Board also wants to thank Foundation Gaming for their vision in beginning this much needed process of rebuilding a closed casino property. We will be working closely with both Foundation and Cordish to make this project a reality as soon as possible to deliver a gaming and entertainment destination that Louisiana can be proud of.”ADVERTISEMENT“We are very excited to welcome The Cordish Companies team to Bossier City and look forward to working with them on this beautiful project,” said Thomas Chandler, Mayor of Bossier City, LA. “Live! Casino and Hotel Louisiana will attract millions of visitors to our city, create substantial new jobs, and generate additional significant tax revenue for our community. It’s a life changer for our region.”
      In addition to fully renovating the hotel rooms and public space, Cordish plans to develop a brand new, land-based casino to replace the existing casino riverboat, as well as introduce a variety of new dining and entertainment concepts including a fine dining steakhouse and an Asian restaurant.
      Among the featured outlets in the facility will be Sports & Social and PBR Cowboy Bar, two powerhouse names that are among the fastest growing concepts in the United States. The concepts are located at the front door of professional sports stadiums, high-profile entertainment and lifestyle districts, and world-class casino resort destinations across the U.S. including The Battery adjacent to Truist Park in Atlanta, GA; Ballpark Village adjacent to Busch Stadium in St. Louis, MO; Texas Live! in the heart of the Arlington Entertainment District; Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia in South Philadelphia’s Stadium District and Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland in the Baltimore/Washington Corridor.
      Sports & Social, the premier sports bar and restaurant in the United States, offers guests an immersive sports entertainment atmosphere as the next best game watching experience outside of a stadium or arena. Curated by James Beard Award Nominee Chef John Suley, Sports & Social’s menu features an elevated selection from its made-from-scratch kitchen for lunch, dinner, and a can’t-miss brunch experience on the weekends. The bar’s beverage program includes creative craft cocktails, specialty drinks, and an extensive line-up of brews on tap.
      The venue features multiple digital media experiences, including a state-of-the-art LED media wall, that allows guests to watch multiple games and sporting events at once. Game days at Sports & Socials feature an electric environment with elements such as emcees and DJs, live fan-cams, competitions and games, and industry-leading audio and visual displays including music and light effects. Sports & Social venues showcase a wide variety of interactive social and nostalgic arcade games throughout the space, as well as live music and special events during the week.
      Born from the toughest sport on dirt, the iconic PBR Cowboy Bar lives up to its legendary namesake, Professional Bull Riders, which embodies toughness, determination, and a true spirit of independence. PBR Cowboy Bars fuse that spirit with first-class hospitality, bringing an authentic country western experience that marries an electric combination of “cowboy cool” and big-time entertainment. The venue offers high-energy music, expansive bars, private VIP tables, industry-leading sound & lighting, and a mechanical bull.
      The soul of PBR Cowboy Bar comes alive through its great entertainment, the best in country music, and its rich traditions, including Freedom Friday, a night of appreciation once a month for all military personnel, veterans, first responders and public service members. PBR Cowboy Bars have welcomed some of the biggest names in country music including Luke Bryan, Old Dominion, and Justin Moore.
      The development of Live! Casino & Hotel in Bossier City continues Cordish’s vast expansion across markets in the South Central and Southeast regions of the U.S. including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas where the Company currently has over $1 billion under construction adjacent to its Texas Live! development in the Arlington Entertainment District in North Texas.
      For over a century, The Cordish Companies has created and managed an extraordinary portfolio of upscale mixed-use, entertainment and casino resort destinations throughout the United States. Its Live! brand, highly regarded as one of the premier entertainment brands in the country, welcomes over 55 million annual visitors to its dining, entertainment, casino, hotel, and sports-anchored entertainment districts, many of which have revitalized communities and reshaped the social and economic landscape of major markets across the country. This transformational effect has earned the Company an unprecedented seven Urban Land Institute Awards for Excellence for its urban revitalization efforts, more than any other developer in the world. For over two decades, Live! has dramatically changed the entertainment experience, creating one-of-a kind destinations that offer a curated year-round calendar of special events, premier dining venues, first-class hospitality, and the best of local, regional and national entertainment.
      In gaming, The Cordish Companies has developed the most successful casino entertainment resorts in the U.S. including the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, FL; the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, FL; Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland; Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia; and Live! Casino Pittsburgh. The award-winning properties have been nationally recognized for excellence in operations, food and beverage offerings, and its Live! Rewards Loyalty Program, annually named one of the best casino loyalty programs in the country by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards.
      The Cordish Companies and its affiliates also have a strong history of leadership in philanthropy, volunteerism and community service working with local non-profit organizations in all markets where it does business and becoming active members of the community. Cordish is committed to supporting the Bossier City community and its non-profit organizations through direct monetary contributions and in-kind services, acting as a convener to assist community organizations and non-profits in their fundraising efforts and volunteerism, an endemic value to the Company and its team members.
      The proposed project is subject to approval by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. More details will be shared in the coming months. New information will be posted to the website as available at www.LiveCasinoLA.com.

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      Reducing flights at Schiphol Airport could deliver €13.6 billion blow to Dutch trade and tourism

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      Reducing flights at Schiphol Airport could deliver €13.6 billion blow to Dutch trade and tourism

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      The decision by the Dutch government to limit the number of flights taking off and landing at Schiphol Airport will reduce the value of trade and tourist expenditure in the Netherlands by up to €13.6 billion, according to a new study by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr).The report, commissioned by the Red Schiphol Campaign, predicts that the decision to reduce flight movements at the airport to 440,000 per year will lead to a 180,000 tonne drop in the amount of cargo handled at Schiphol compared to 2019 levels. This represents €11.5 billion worth of goods or about 11.4% of Schiphol’s usual cargo volume.
      Under a worst-case scenario, Cebr suggests this figure could rise to 330,000 tonnes, or €21.3 billion worth of goods. This represents over a fifth (21.2%) of Schiphol’s 2019 cargo volume. The report also outlines that the flight cap could result in 1.3 million fewer tourists using Schiphol Airport each year – roughly equivalent to the total number of travellers who visited the Netherlands from Asia in 2019. According to Cebr, this reduction would be associated with a €2.2 billion drop in annual tourist expenditure.
      George Chichester, campaign manager for the Red Schiphol Campaign, says this could have a disastrous impact on the Dutch economy.
      “In 2019, Schiphol Airport was responsible for over 90% of the cargo coming into the Netherlands and 88% of all passengers flying into or out of the country. It is unlikely that other airports will be able to handle the extra passengers or cargo that will be uncatered for under the flight cap, meaning the value from these two revenue sources is essentially lost to the Dutch economy,” Chichester said.
      In addition, Cebr estimates that the reduction in flights is associated with a reduction in Dutch economic activity supported by Schiphol Airport’s operations, amounting to a €205 million fall in Gross Value Added (GVA) and 599 fewer jobs supported throughout the airport and its supply chain. Much of this impact will be felt in the Noord-Holland region, which the report suggests will experience 94% of the impact on GVA.ADVERTISEMENTRowlando Morgan, Head of the Environment, Infrastructure and Local Growth team at Cebr, says that Schiphol’s current contribution to the national and local economy should not be understated. “This research shows that the decision will have significant adverse economic impacts on the consumers and businesses that rely on Schiphol Airport.”
      The report also highlights that the flight cap could lead to higher ticket prices. For instance, evidence shows that constrained capacity at London Heathrow has been associated with a 17% premium on short-haul fares and a 25% premium on long-haul fares.
      Chichester argues this will hit ordinary Dutch families particularly hard at a time when the cost of living is already very high.
      “The government has already tripled the tax on plane tickets. If this flight cap goes ahead, the price of tickets will climb even higher and hard-working Dutch families will no longer be able to afford to go on holiday,” he said.
      The Red Schiphol Campaign has been set up to bring together concerned Dutch citizens and businesses in opposition to what it calls the ‘440 decision’ to limit flight movements at Schiphol.
      Marc Mabelis, a local politician and active supporter of the campaign, has voiced his concern over the government’s decision, stating that “In an open economy, logistics by air is very important via a strong network for passengers and cargo at Schiphol.”
      Supporters are encouraged to sign the campaign’s petition – which is already at over 5,700 signatures – or email [email protected] to find out more ways to get involved.

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