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    Forthcoming Aviation Convention in May set to change the narrative of African airline Industry

    In light of Africa’s vast landmass, its population accounting for 16% of the world population, and its low share of global trade of 2%, the continent is an excellent opportunity to develop air transport. However, as a market, Africa’s share over several decades has remained stagnant at less than 3% of the world market – it is time to take action to change this narrative.
    The 11th Aviation Stakeholders Convention, scheduled to take place from 07-09 May 2023 is timely and aligned to address this situation. The Convention, which is proudly being hosted by Ethiopian Airlines under the patronage of the Government of Ethiopia, will be held under the theme: “Changing the African Aviation Narrative”. The event will bring together over 400 delegates from Africa and across the globe. The Convention is one of Africa’s leading forums for air transport industry stakeholders to dialogue, exchange knowledge and experiences for the development of the travel ecosystem. Several African airline Chief Executive Officers and aviation industry thought leaders will be present at the event.
    Speaking in Addis Ababa on the significance of attainment of sustainability that will change the narrative of Africa’s air transport, Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé emphasized the importance of dialogue among stakeholders and collaborative initiatives such as those facilitated by AFRAA: “AFRAA and Ethiopian Airlines are excited to stage this Convention for the travel ecosystem stakeholders to meet, deliberate on strategies to enhance efficiencies, create synergies, develop intra-Africa connectivity, ensure business continuity that will redefine the narrative of Africa air transport industry.”
    Mr. Mesfin Bekele, Group CEO Ethiopian Airlines remarked, “We are delighted to host the 11th Aviation Stakeholders’ Convention of AFRAA which will serve as a forum for stakeholders in the industry to put their heads together and discuss the opportunities and pressing issues in Africa’s aviation sector. The forum will showcase the ‘Africa Rising’ mantra manifested in the growing opportunities for all stakeholders in the continent’s aviation industry.” 
    Event HighlightsADVERTISEMENTThe Convention will be held from 07-09 May 2023 at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa Ethiopia.  A robust and comprehensive programme has been lined up to facilitate discussions on various salient topics, masterclasses, networking opportunities at social events and B2B sessions through a conferencing application. Delegates will have the opportunity to network and discuss developments in the industry and forge business partnerships.
    CSR event for youth development in aviation: On 10th May, the Convention activities shall cover a CSR activity aimed at empowering the next generation of aviators at the Ethiopian University. The event will be sponsored by Collins Aerospace and staged in collaboration with AFRAA and Ethiopian Airlines. 
    Exhibition: There shall be exhibition and showcase of aviation-related products and solutions at the exhibition segment of the Convention.
    Sponsors: The Stakeholders Convention is proudly sponsored by Ethiopian Airlines, ASECNA, ATNS, Boeing, Collins Aerospace and Embraer.
    About AFRAA:
    The African Airlines Association, also known by its acronym AFRAA, is the leading trade association of airlines from the member states of the African Union (AU). Founded in Accra, Ghana, in April 1968, and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, AFRAA’s mission is to promote, serve African Airlines and champion Africa’s aviation industry. The Association envisions a sustainable, interconnected and affordable Air Transport industry in Africa where African Airlines become key players and drivers to African economic development. AFRAA membership of 48 airlines cuts across the entire continent and includes all the major intercontinental African operators. The Association members represent over 85% of total international traffic carried by African airlines. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

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    Cirque du Soleil and Outrigger Announce New Multi-Year Resident Show for Hawaii

    Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel and Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group have teamed up to bring Honolulu residents and visitors a new multi-year resident show, exclusive to Hawaii. Executives from both organisations were joined by Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi to make the announcement on 10 April.
    Anticipated to open in late 2024, the show will fuse the world-renowned acrobatics and innovation that Cirque du Soleil is known for with the natural beauty and unique culture of the Hawaiian islands. Native Hawaiian, Aaron J. Salā, PhD, has been retained as the creative cultural producer to assist in creating this show’s storyline along with other prominent Hawaiian artists, musicians and dancers.
    A joint venture is being made by both parties to create this opportunity and transform the 20,000 sq. ft. (1858 sqm) showroom venue at Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, previously used by Magic of Polynesia. The necessary permits for renovation work to commence and create the nearly 800-seat theatre with state-of-the-art audio-visual system are being submitted. The venue architect is Hawaii-based G70, with project estimating done by RLB in Honolulu.
    “Cirque du Soleil is an iconic company at the apex of entertainment,” said Jeff Wagoner, President and CEO of Outrigger Hospitality Group. “We are confident that the show created for Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel will delight and astound our guests and residents.”
    ADVERTISEMENTMr Wagoner added: “This collaboration with Cirque was years in the making and perfectly aligns with Outrigger’s brand elevation strategy, which includes a promise to provide authentic live music and signature experiences in renowned beach locations.”
    Mayor Rick Blanglardi, said: “In addition to bringing new vibrancy to Waikiki, this project will produce significant economic impact through job creations in redeveloping the theatre space and ongoing show operations. I’m honoured and excited to welcome Cirque du Soleil as the newest Honolulu resident.”
    More details will be shared in the coming months regarding the partnership, the show’s name and creative concept, as well as on-sale dates, with a target of December 2024 for the show’s debut.

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    Crystal Lagoons Expands Middle East Success

    Crystal Lagoons enters the largest country in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia, with a new mega deal to develop real estate, hospitality, and Public Access Lagoons™, also called PAL™, projects. The development plan consists of several luxury complexes, which will be located in coastal and inland cities such as Riyadh, as well as Jeddah, Dammam, Medina, and Khobar.
    The multinational innovation company, founded by scientist Fernando Fischmann, has partnered with A’amal Group, a major holding company with interests in the investment, hospitality, real estate & energy development across the Middle East, Asia and Africa. The company’s Founder & CEO Yassin Al Suroor, is also the Founder & CEO of DANA investment, specialized in the digital economy. He is a board member of several regional and international companies, as well as nonprofit global organizations.
    With the new partnership with A’amal Group, Crystal Lagoons consolidate its presence in the Middle East, where it already has ongoing projects in the UAE, Egypt, Israel, Palestine and Oman. In fact, the world’s two largest crystalline lagoons are located in the Middle East: District One in Dubai (30 hectares) and Citystars Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt (12.8 hectares).
    “I am very pleased to announce this strategic alliance between A’amal Group and Crystal Lagoons, and the potential that it holds for Saudi Arabia. We believe that this partnership follows our vision for the future, and are confident that working in synergy will lead to the development of unique destinations throughout the country.” Said Yassin Al Suroor, President & CEO of A’amal Group
    At the center of these PAL™ developments are large crystalline lagoons suitable for swimming and water sports, surrounded by white sandy beaches, which are open to the public for a fee. The complexes also have commercial areas, restaurants, weddings, hotels, concert venues, terraces, amphitheaters, etc.ADVERTISEMENT“Closing a strategic partnership like this for 10 PAL™ projects in Saudi Arabia is a milestone that validates our uniqueness and added value as a brand. It also shows that the Crystal Lagoons® concept and technology can bring idyllic beaches anywhere in the world, even to the middle of the desert, and create unique tourism opportunities,” said Alastair Sinclair, Regional Director of Crystal Lagoons.
    Crystal Lagoons experienced record global expansion in 2022 with its PAL™ projects. The company entered over 15 new markets and closed mega business deals in countries including Japan, Australia, India, Israel, Palestine, among others.

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    SeaWorld Entertainment Names Marisa Thalberg as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer

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    SeaWorld Entertainment Names Marisa Thalberg as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer

    SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc, a leading theme park and entertainment company, today announced that Marisa Thalberg will join the company as their Chief Marketing and Communications Officer effective April 24, 2023.
    In this role, Marisa will be responsible for brand and marketing strategies that drive revenue, increase visitation across the organization’s award-winning portfolio of 12 parks, and elevate the company’s conservation mission. Marisa is a globally recognized brand-builder and pioneer of digital, social and eCommerce marketing. She is a five-time honoree on Forbes’ “World’s Most Influential CMOs” list, among other industry accolades.
    Marc Swanson, Chief Executive Officer of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. said, “Marisa’s experience with some of the most recognized retail and F&B brands, coupled with her strong history of driving revenue growth through holistic marketing strategies, represents a great opportunity to better showcase our iconic brands and the passionate work we do with conservation. We are thrilled to have her join our leadership team.”
    Marisa added, “From the moment I experienced SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment and learned more about all of the brands within it, I have been so excited to join this leadership team. This is a company that is uniquely built on delivering joy and creating memories that matter, while also educating and inspiring others to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world. Across SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Sesame Place, Discovery Cove and every brand in the portfolio there is a unique story that I cannot wait to work with the team to tell. The growth opportunities ahead are incredibly exciting.”
    Marisa was the first Executive Vice President, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer for Lowe’s Companies Inc. from 2020-2022. At Lowe’s, she was responsible for the transformation of marketing during which she helped drive record sales and brand growth for the company.ADVERTISEMENTPrior to Lowe’s, Marisa was the Global Chief Brand Officer at Taco Bell, where she achieved category-beating same store sales growth every quarter and captured the highest passion index among fans of any QSR brand. She also provided global brand stewardship for Taco Bell’s rapid international expansion.
    From 2007-2015, Marisa was the head of Corporate Digital Marketing Worldwide for The Estee Lauder Companies (ELC), where she was responsible for the total company leadership of digital/social marketing and content strategy to support brand and eCommerce development worldwide, across the company’s portfolio of 30+ leading prestige global beauty brands.
    In 2002, Marisa founded Executive Moms (www.executivemoms.com), an organization created to connect and support accomplished women who are both professionals and moms. She currently serves as a Strategic Advisor to the VC firm Composite Ventures and is on the boards of the Blumenthal Center of the Arts and the MMA. She has served on the boards of the AdCouncil, International Women’s Media Foundation, TheatreworksUSA and the Orange County School of the Arts. Marisa graduated Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa from Brown University with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

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    QUARK EXPEDITIONS DELIVERS HIGH ON HELICOPTER ADVENTURES IN THE ANTARCTIC 2024-25 SEASON

    Quark Expeditions, the global leader in polar adventures, has announced an exciting Antarctic 2024.25 season that offers more helicopter adventures than any other operator in the Polar Regions.In addition, the company has introduced various incentives to help travelers fulfill their dreams of a polar expedition to the 7th Continent.
    “Without a doubt, our 2024.25 season will be our most helicopter-focused Antarctic season ever,” said Andrew White, President of Quark Expeditions. “We’ve increased the opportunities for guests to experience the Antarctic from the air in Ultramarine’s two twin-engine H145 helicopters. This has been part of our longterm strategy for the game-changing Ultramarine, which will offer heli-landing and flightseeing on multiple Antarctic voyages.”
    “Guests on World Explorer and Ocean Adventurer will be able to choose from a robust portfolio of land- and sea-based adventures—including kayaking, Zodiac cruising, hiking and wildlife-watching—under the expert guidance of our expedition team, who are recognized as the best in the polar industry,” said White.
    The 30 departures (ranging from 7 to 23 days) in Quark Expeditions’ Antarctic 2024.25 season include voyages to the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia Island, the Falkland Islands and Patagonia.
    Quark Expeditions has also introduced a variety of incentives for the 2024.25 season. “When planning for this new Antarctic season, we took into consideration the barriers currently facing global travelers,” said Thomas Lennartz, Vice-president of Sales and Client Experience. “In addition to offering 25% off select Antarctic voyages—with an extra 10% off when paying in full at time of booking—we’re introducing a $1,000 USD flight credit off the top of their trip costs on all departures. We’re topping that off with a US $250 shipboard credit (on all departures) which guests can use at their discretion.”ADVERTISEMENTThe financial incentives, combined with the one-of-a-kind off-ship experiences exclusive to Quark Expeditions, bode well for a very successful Antarctic 2024.25 season.
    Guests get up to 25% off select voyagesAn additional 10% off when paying in full at time of booking$1,000 USD flight credit on top of traveler’s trip costs on all Antarctic 2024.25 departures$250 shipboard credit on all departuresThe most helicopter adventures than ever before offered in the Antarctic.View the entire Antarctic 2024.25 quarkexpeditions.com/antarctic/season-launch/2024.

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    TUMI AND McLAREN COLLABORATE TO CELEBRATE SIX DECADES OF McLAREN More

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    TUMI AND McLAREN COLLABORATE TO CELEBRATE SIX DECADES OF McLAREN

    (Left to Right) Velocity Backpack, Aero International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On, Torque Sling
    Today, international travel and lifestyle brand TUMI launched its limited-edition TUMI | McLaren 60th Anniversary Collection to celebrate six decades since the founding of elite motorsports team and luxury supercar maker McLaren.
    he collection was unveiled in the final installment of the brand’s Spring 2023 campaign, entitled “Unpack Tomorrow,” featuring returning TUMI Crew member and McLaren Formula 1 driver Lando Norris.“As two brands rooted in the creation of world-class, performance luxury products with a true understanding of how technology and functionality coincide, the synergies between TUMI and McLaren are undeniable,” said TUMI’s Creative Director, Victor Sanz. “We are thrilled to have collaborated on this collection with McLaren, utilizing their famous papaya color and combining modern, lightweight materials to create luggage, bags and accessories that celebrate their 60th anniversary.”
    TUMI and McLaren’s commemorative collaboration will continue to seamlessly integrate fashion, lifestyle and technology with its newest seasonal pieces through a combination of cutting-edge technology, innovation, and design excellence.
    Designed to accommodate the needs of pioneers, travelers and adventurers on the go, the collection offers a range of limited-edition styles in McLaren’s signature papaya colorway, including the Velocity Backpack, Aero International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On, and Torque Sling, as seen in Lando’s “Unpack Tomorrow” campaign images. The new collection officially dropped today, April 13th, and is now available to shop in TUMI stores worldwide and on TUMI.com.
    “Together with TUMI, we wanted to build on the success of our core and carbon fiber collections with a bespoke capsule edit to celebrate sixty years of McLaren,” said Goran Ozbolt, Chief Designer of McLaren Automotive. “This edition of luxury travel pieces also celebrates our founder Bruce McLaren’s passion for looking to the future, pushing the boundaries, and matching effortless functionality with a modern design language that reflects the ethos of both companies.”ADVERTISEMENTLando’s installment of “Unpack Tomorrow,” which follows that of fellow TUMI Crew members Richarlison de Andrade and Reneé Rapp, features the racing superstar in a short-film montage of his travels, showcasing a hybrid McLaren Artura supercar and the ways that his TUMI bag’s performance matches his own.

    The Formula 1 driver’s campaign video reintroduces best-selling pieces from TUMI’s core TUMI | McLaren collection which the brand has relaunched this season, furthering the celebration of McLaren’s special anniversary and the ongoing partnership between the international travel and lifestyle and luxury automotive brands.
    In addition to the launch of the 60th Anniversary collection, TUMI will be amplifying its partnership with McLaren through a global content series at key Grand Prix races, including multiple community engagement tactics, influencer talent, and exclusive giveaway prizes.

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    RCD Hotels Partners with Hudini for Digital Transformation

    RCD Hotels, a leading hotel company with luxury properties in different tourist destinations, with a multi-brand portfolio that includes all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotels, Unico 20º87º Hotel Riviera Maya and other luxury brands in Mexico, the Caribbean and the United States, has selected smart hospitality solutions provider, Hudini, to provide its guests with a multi-channel, contactless guest engagement experience across their hotels, resorts, and casinos.
    In selecting Hudini, RCD Hotels will be able to provide its guests with a connected guest journey from pre-arrival to post departure and allow for faster, seamless, contactless and hyper personalized service delivery. Hudini, thanks to its powerful middleware and data management layer, comes preconfigured with a wide selection of APIs that seamlessly connect to over one hundred different hospitality systems. This seamless integration enables each property, and its guests, to manage every step of their journey from online booking and mobile check-in and digital room keys to in-room services, communication, check-out and payments, using a wide range of personal, wearable, and mobile devices. Guests will be able to digitally interact with the hotel from the comfort and security of their personal devices. In addition, guests can access their rooms with a mobile digital key and book, reserve and pay for spa treatments, personal training and F&B with the mobile app.“Our platform is ideally suited for organizations like RCD Hotels, that value the power of digitization.  Through our proprietary middleware we integrate with 100+ best-in-breed technology solutions, and seamlessly connect with hotels’ existing tech stacks. We are honored to have been chosen by RCD Hotels and to support the team on their digital transformation journey,” said Prince Thampi, CEO and founder of Hudini. “Once deployed, hotels can analyze and predict their guests’ needs to deliver a hyper-personalized experience, influence purchasing behavior to generate more revenue, and save valuable time by making services more seamless.”“RCD Hotels has always prided itself in giving its guests an unforgettable experience. The shift to digital services is in keeping with our goal of being a guest-centric brand. Knowing our guests better will only help us serve them better. We have many loyal guests and the digital engagement platform we are building will go a long way to making our loyal guests more satisfied with our products and services.”, said Jose Orlando Cruz of RCD Hotels.Witnessing an unprecedented demand from the hospitality industry, Hudini has doubled its growth in the past 12 months. The global pandemic has not just accelerated the demand for contactless technology to provide a safe and seamless guest experience, but more importantly, has caused a significant shift in mindset when it comes to digital transformation in hospitality.As a brand, RCD Hotels has been a pioneer in the industry since its inception. The company introduced the all-inclusive concept to Mexico nearly three decades ago and has since kept its position as an industry trailblazer with strong traditional roots. RCD Hotels’ previously established success in the luxury market has left a standard of excellence that will become even stronger with this digital transformation.

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    Third Global Tourism Resilience Conference to be held in the City of Malaga, Spain on the 16/17 Feb

    Hosting the Global Tourism Resilience Day 2024 in Malaga, from left to right the Spanish Ambassador to South Africa HE Raimundo Robredo Rubio along with the two deputy Mayors Jacobo Florido, Susana Carillo and the Director of Tourism Jonathan Gomez-Puzon of Malaga as well as ITIC group CEO Ibrahim Ayoub with Hon Edmund Bartlett Founder and Chairman of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre
    Following a meeting in Cape Town on the 4th April 2023 during the ITIC-WTM African Tourism Investment Summit, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism of Jamaica and Co-chair and Founder of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre GTRCMC is pleased to announce that next year’s Global Tourism Resilience Conference will be held in the City of Malaga on the 16th and 17th February
    The 17th February has been proclaimed by the United Nations as the Global Tourism Resilience Day, an initiative spearheaded by Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism of Jamaica and voted by 94 nationsat the General Assembly of the UN on the 4th February 2023. This United Nations proclamation culminated in the second edition of the Global Tourism Resilience Conference from the 15th to the 17th February 2023 in Kingston, Jamaica.GTRCMC and its partners have united their forces to advance the capacity of countries and especially of the tourism industry across the world, to enhance their preparedness and response to the increasingly complex risk scape resulting from climate change and natural hazards.
    This initiative shows the commitment of GTRCMC to host the conference in the City of Malaga which is also known as the European Capital of Smart Tourism.The project is a collaboration of ITIC, GTRCMC and the City of Malaga and such a partnership will not only enable countries to harness disruptions but also to attract more sustainable investment flows forging a more resilient and prosperous future for all nations.

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