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    Quito features in the 101 World’s Best Steak Restaurants

    The 2023 edition of the official list of the world’s best steak restaurants was published on 24th March and, for the first time, Ecuador is part of this prestigious ranking, represented by Tributo, located in Quito.
    In order to create the list of the 101 World’s Best Steak Restaurants, a team of expert ambassadors from Upper Cut Media House made undercover visits to the 700 establishments nominated across all continents, assessing quality of the meat, quality of the service, knowledge of the product, menu variety, interior design and facilities.
    Tributo was launched in 2021, with the view to create cuisine exclusively using local ingredients and to raise awareness of their meat-based research and development by way of the ‘Vaca Vieja Andina’ proposal, which pays homage to Andean culture, preserving the full value chain, complying with animal care policies to ensure the use of all cuts and the delivery of a quality product.
    The creation of the ‘Vaca Vieja Andina’ implies understanding the breeds of cattle that were historically brought to Ecuador, and the genetic crosses used to adapt them to the characteristics of the Andes. Based on this, the arduous task of perfecting breeding, feeding, slaughter, maturation and preparation of the ‘Vaca Vieja Andina’ was undertaken.
    Its proposal and concept come from dairy cattle from the mountains, which have completed their productive cycle and are now in a new phase, with fair pay for producers and permanent training for those who form part of the process. Tributo therefore aims to place the ‘Joya de Los Andes’ at a global level.ADVERTISEMENTLuis Maldonado, chef at Tributo and one of the ‘Vaca Vieja Andina’ project mentors, highlighted the work undertaken by the restaurant to re-frame Ecuadorian meat culture and support the mission of the local gastronomy movement.  “We’re proud to honour Ecuador with this recognition, which we know has been achieved through the careful work we’ve undertaken during this short time, complying with all the processes and regulations that have won us a place on the global stage”, he added.
    Tributo therefore joins other restaurants in Quito that have received international recognition, positioning the Capital of the Middle of the World as a gastronomic destination.

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    SeaWorld Recognizes Manatee Appreciation Day

    In honor of Manatee Appreciation Day, SeaWorld today shared the story of ‘Reckless’, a catastrophically injured manatee rescued in May 2022 with her newborn calf ‘Churro’ and their continued journey of rehabilitation at SeaWorld Orlando. Over the last ten months of rehabilitation, SeaWorld has taken extraordinary measures to save her life with veterinarians performing a series of nine groundbreaking procedures to repair injuries from a devastating boat strike. Outside experts have also been bought in to help with her innovative treatment regimen. All the while her newborn calf has remained with her under the watchful around-the-clock care of SeaWorld animal care experts. The prognosis is good for Reckless’ full recovery and eventual release back to Florida waters, along with her calf.
    Dr. DiRocco, senior veterinarian at SeaWorld Orlando said, “When we first saw her, she was in one of the worst conditions our team had ever seen. She had massive open wounds, an exposed shoulder blade, protruding bones and other serious ailments. All of us felt like her chances of survival, even with help, were very low.” 
    Despite her dire condition, the manatee mom retained normal buoyancy – meaning she was able to stay afloat on her own – and she demonstrated a strong will to live, likely to support her healthy newborn. Dr. DiRocco added, “It became clear very quickly she was a fighter. That’s when all of us knew we had to do everything in our power to save her life and give her newborn a chance to grow to adulthood.” 
    Dr. DiRocco and other SeaWorld veterinarians performed a total of nine lifesaving procedures and other rehabilitative treatments on Reckless. Some of these procedures are unprecedented for manatee rehabilitation, including:
    A complete pectoral flipper amputation, including the shoulder, accomplished over multiple surgical eventsInnovative procedures and techniques to facilitate healing, such as cold laser therapyA combination of steroid injections, physical therapy and massage therapy to assist with return to normal functionThe veterinary team performed several other innovative rehabilitation techniques with Reckless, including wound debridement, abscess removal, gastroscopy, radiographs and steroid injections. Reckless also suffered from kidney failure, so an IV line was placed to give fluid support and flush her kidneys. Reckless is expected to undergo one more procedure in the coming weeks, but SeaWorld veterinarians expect her to make a full recovery.ADVERTISEMENT“This is an extraordinary story of survival and speaks to the power of collective action in addressing the needs of animals in distress,” said Andy Garrett at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). “Without the care provided by the SeaWorld team, this animal would not be alive today. With every manatee that we save and return, we are helping to strengthen the resiliency of the population to current and future threats.”
    SeaWorld Orlando Rescue Center is one of only five critical care centers in the U.S.
    SeaWorld’s five-acre Rescue Center in Orlando is one of the largest spaces available and serves as one of only five critical care facilities in the U.S. for the treatment and care of injured, sick and orphaned animals, including manatees. SeaWorld has helped more than 1,300 manatees in need to date. SeaWorld Orlando’s Rescue Center can care for up to 60 manatees at a time, giving it the largest capacity in the state of Florida and in the U.S. Its facilities have a wide range of critical care amenities including lifting floors, top-of-the-line therapeutic and diagnostic equipment, and expert veterinary staff to rehabilitate manatees in need.
    SeaWorld’s innovative and life-saving animal care and treatment methods for manatees include the development of a unique formula for baby manatees that can be customized to meet the specific requirements of each nursing calf, as well as the creation of a hand-held bottle that mimics a mother manatee’s feeding style. SeaWorld has also pioneered several manatee treatment techniques such as ultrasound, X-rays, surgery and thermography. Notably, SeaWorld’s veterinarians were the first to use a cast to treat an injured manatee.

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    China makes welcome return to Arabian Travel Market

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    China makes welcome return to Arabian Travel Market

    Chinese exhibitors and travel professionals are making a welcome return to Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023 which is being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) for its 30th edition from 1-4 May, for the first time in three years.
    China lifted its covid-related travel restrictions on 8th January 2023, allowing Chinese tourists to travel abroad, without having to quarantine upon their return.  Bookings for overseas travel during Chinese New Year, soared by 540% compared with the same period in 2022, according to data from the Chinese travel site Trip.com.
    Furthermore, in a CNN report, Steve Saxon, a partner at McKinsey, based in Shenzhen,  predicted the Chinese outbound market would recover to around six million per month by the summer of 2023, driven in part by the pent-up demand especially from young, affluent Chinese.
    Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market commented, “China became the world’s top source market in 2019, with 155 million tourists spending more than $250 billion overseas. However, its isolation from the global market over the past three years has set the industry back by an estimated $840 billion, equivalent, to 16% of the $1.7 trillion spent annually on global tourism, according to UNWTO.”
    Dubai received almost one million Chinese visitors in 2019, which was an increase of over 15% compared with 2018. And while the 154,000 Chinese visitors Dubai welcomed over the first 11 months of 2022 was down 83% compared to the same period prior to 2020, it was up 115% year-on-year, which bodes well not only for Dubai, but also for the wider Middle East tourism sector.ADVERTISEMENTPopular destinations such as Dubai, Saudi’s AlUla, Egypt and Jordan, which have consistently marketed to Chinese outbound business-to-consumer and business-to-business, should be in a strong position to benefit from the predicted rebound of Chinese visitor numbers.
    “We have noticed a considerable amount of enquiries recently from travel professionals in China. Although we would not expect the same volume of Chinese exhibitors and visitors we received in 2019, we are confident of healthy participation numbers this year,” she added.
    The market leading travel and tourism event brings the whole world together in the Middle East. Join us from 1–4 May 2023 in Dubai, UAE.
    Considering the short notice, ATM 2023 has already confirmed the participation of key Chinese exhibitors such as FLIGHTROUTES24 Travel, Shenzhen GoodLuck Trip International and Travel World China, with many more bookings anticipated ahead of the show.
    ATM is also organising a dedicated conference session on its Global Stage, entitled ‘China is back on the map: Macro and micro impacts’, in partnership with Dragon Trail International.
    An expert panel of speakers including Sienna Parulis-Cook, Director, Marketing and Communications for Dragon Trail International, Peggy Li, CEO & Chief Trouble shooter at sps:affinity and Winnie Chiu, President, Dorsett Hospitality International, will discuss the latest trends that are driving the recovery of Chinese tourism to the Middle East.
    Business travel will be integral to the tourism revival. According to a recent survey by the Shanghai Institute of International Studies and PwC China, over 75% of Chinese businesses polled were looking to enter or expand their presence in the Middle East over the next three to five years, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia top destinations for investors.
    “I am convinced that the Middle East will experience a surge in Chinese tourism, reminiscent of the rebound we witnessed from Europe and India in late 2021 and early 2022,” said Curtis.
    Other highlights at ATM 2023 include exploring the future of sustainable travel in line with its theme of ‘Working Towards Net Zero’. Having officially initiated its journey to net zero, the conference programme will explore how innovative sustainable travel trends will likely evolve. It will enable delegates to identify growth strategies within key vertical sectors while providing a platform for regional experts to explore a sustainable future ahead of COP28, which will take place in November 2023 at Expo City Dubai.
    The conference will also feature a sustainability category at its annual exhibitor awards for the first time. Exhibiting organisations will be recognised based on the extent to which they have considered the environmental impact of their stands and their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.
    ATM 2023 is held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, and its 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 2023 edition of the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge officially kicks off More

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    The 2023 edition of the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge officially kicks off

    Hotelschool The Hague has announced the launch of the 2023 Sustainable Hospitality Challenge (SHC). This year’s edition will include for the first time, leading international architecture, technology and design universities who will be joining the participating top-tier hospitality institutions to form multidisciplinary student teams.
    The Sustainable Hospitality Challenge (SHC) is a Hotelschool The Hague initiative that aims to enhance the evolution of sustainable hospitality, foster innovation driven by the leaders of tomorrow, and nurture talent on a global scale by bringing them close to industry organisations who want to reimagine the future of hospitality.
    Over 40+ universities from around the globe, including returning champions, Cornell University, Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), Toronto Metropolitan University, Hotel Institute Montreux, CY Cergy Paris Université, and Hotelschool The Hague, will be competing in this year’s challenge.
    Paul Griep, founder of the SHC said:“When looking at Cornell University’s winning 2022 concept, it is a perfect example of added value thanks to multi-disciplinary synergy. By seeking the support from aero-space engineers, architects and financial advisors, they were able to lift their winning project to the next level. Working with other disciplines in the 2023 SHC will allow innovation to be well integrated, complete and feasible. I am already seeing how bringing together students from different disciplines in this year’s challenge benefits the sustainable future of our industry and the planet. It will empower them to create the best, most innovative, and complete concepts. I welcome all multi-disciplinary teams to this year’s challenge and cannot wait to see what great concepts they have created. “
    The challenge, founded in 2014 as the ‘Genio Worldwide Innovation Summit,’ has re-established itself to make sustainability its central theme, given the urgent relevance of the climate crisis to the hospitality industry. Presented by Hotelschool The Hague, The Sustainable Hospitality Challenge, together with their partners The Bench, The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, and its main sponsor NEOM, is committed to building a more sustainable future.ADVERTISEMENTChris Newman, the Executive Director for Hotel Development at NEOM said: “We are delighted to support the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge once more in its mission to inspire and challenge the next generation of hoteliers to create innovative and sustainable concepts. We are looking forward to witnessing the inventive projects and creative solutions that the students will come up with.”

    Last year’s edition of the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge had ‘REMOTE’ as its central theme. The winning team from Cornell University presented their concept “Nimbus”, an eco-resort in remote areas. By means of hot air balloons, Nimbus
    would bring economic opportunities to local communities while promoting sustainable tourism.
    The theme of this year’s challenge will be: ‘ONE WITH NATURE’, focusses on the urgent need to preserve and regenerate ecosystems. Primarily inspired by NEOM’s respectful relationship with nature, this year’s challenge touches upon regenerative tourism.
    NEOM is located in the Tabuk Province of north-western Saudi Arabia. It will cover 26,500km2 and extend 460 km along the coast of the Red Sea. Built on a most ancient land, enhanced by world-leading design, immersive digital experiences and seamless travel. It will challenge and shape the possibilities of global travel in the years to come.
    Griep also added saying:” last year, we got the opportunity to visit NEOM, and it was incredible to witness their focus on the preservation of its surrounding. Regenerative tourism and protecting nature are a clear golden thread that runs through all of their initiatives.”
    The qualifications rounds will be held in March 2023, followed by the semi-finals in Amsterdam. The finals, in partnership with The Bench and The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, will be held at the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) in Abu Dhabi. Tickets and information for these events will be shared on LinkedIn, Instagram, and the challenge’s website, www.thestudentchallenge.com.
    “We’re very excited to host the finals of the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge at the Future Hospitality Summit again this year and we look forward to welcoming the finalists to Abu Dhabi in September. We have been blown away by the young talent over the past few years and I’m sure we’re in for a great final round again this year, especially with the introduction of the multidisciplinary teams. Architecture, design and technology are key drivers of innovation in hospitality and I’m excited to see what sustainable solutions they will be able to bring to our industry,” said Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench.
    “The Sustainable Hospitality Challenge is always one of the highlights of our summit. It is exciting to see these young bright minds come together to think of solutions for a more sustainable future for the hospitality industry” Glenn Mandziuk, CEO Sustainable Hospitality Alliance.
    “Change is the only constant for sustainability and innovation and the next generation of hospitality professionals are those who will push the envelope of innovation for all of us. Giving them a voice and decision-making powers to lead the change bottom-up will further disrupt our space and drive more change. This is why we have chosen to join and contribute to the student challenge and drive change with the youth talent from far and wide joining our ranks. Looking forward to the disruptive ideas they will share for a greener and more inclusive world.” Marloes Knippenberg, CEO of Kerten Hospitality.

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    ONE&ONLY RESORTS REVEALS NEW GLOBAL BRAND CAMPAIGN

    One&Only, the ultra-luxury collection of iconic Resorts and Private Homes, has unveiled a new global brand campaign celebrating exceptional one-offs.The statement-making campaign reflects the brand’s new positioning, showcasing the unique narrative and charisma of each one-of-a-kind resort. Far from being a cookie-cutter experience, each One&Only Resort is an individual star – and so too are One&Only’s guests: discerning, well-travelled and accomplished people who are increasingly seeking authenticity and exceptional, money-can’t-buy experiences. To bring the campaign to life, One&Only collaborated with Pentagram, the multi-disciplinary design studio that originally conceived the One&Only brand in 2002. Together they have created a dynamic campaign that presents One&Only’s one-off Resorts and Private Homes through the lens of real people doing authentic things in exceptional places. Launching last week, the first instalment follows celebrated sustainable fashion designer Mara Hoffman, President/Creative Director of her eponymous brand, as she enjoys an intimate holiday with family and friends in Mexico. Mara and her family stayed at One&Only Mandarina in Riviera Nayarit, a resort that aligns with her brand’s unique approach, centred on beauty, spirituality, environmentalism and humanity.
    The family’s stay at One&Only Mandarina was captured by renowned fashion photographer Lachlan Bailey, who has worked with some of the world’s biggest brands, stars and publications, along with a full social media team. Lachlan and the social media team artfully captured spontaneous, candid images and videos as Mara’s holiday unfolded in real time, creating an authentic connection with the audience that is a clear departure from the more staged and stylised resort campaigns of the past.
    Inspired by legendary celebrity photographer Slim Aarons, the campaign is rich in intimate details and off-the-cuff vitality, celebrating ‘exceptional people, doing exceptional things, in exceptional places’. Lachlan’s striking photography depicts Mara, her husband, collage artist Javier Piñon, son Joaquin, and close friends Lysa Cooper, a vibe enhancement specialist, and Astrid Schmidt, a psychotherapist and jewellery designer, exploring the unspoilt Riviera Nayarit via curated adventures, alfresco celebrations, and quiet moments among nature. Lachlan’s signature style of sunshine-drenched elevated reality delivers an aesthetic that is both sophisticated and intimate. The resulting imagery illustrates natural, genuinely candid moments, showcasing a distinctive ‘story’ unique to its location, underpinned by a personalised service philosophy that informs One&Only’s ultra-luxury guest experience.
    “Capturing the mood and energy of Mara and her family at One&Only Mandarina was one of the most perfect and authentic pairings I’ve been a part of,” said Lachlan Bailey. “Communicating the family characteristics and intimate interactions in such a raw environment is the essence of the campaign.” Mara and her family also recorded their own behind-the-scenes holiday moments, sharing beautiful user-generated content that adds incredible depth and honesty to the campaign. Charli Crosland, One&Only Head of Brand, continued: “Everything you see in this campaign is real – their love for each other, their enjoyment, their excitement – it’s all real and completely unscripted.”
    “When selecting families to feature in the newest One&Only brand campaign, we were looking for a series of real people doing authentic things in one-off places,” commented Brett Armitage, Chief Commercial Officer, Kerzner International. “Mara Hoffman exemplifies the One&Only brand values – conscientious, accomplished, and glamorous, and was purposefully paired with One&Only Mandarina as her reputation and values mirror those of the resort. The campaign recognises a desire for people to see content they can connect with. It further reflects the continued growth of multi-family travel and conveys the energy of the One&Only guest experience, local culture and genuine hospitality.”ADVERTISEMENTAs a leader in sustainable fashion, there’s a natural synergy between Mara’s ethos rooted in care for the planet and all of its inhabitants, and One&Only Mandarina’s conscious philosophy. “I am so grateful for the hospitality and respite that One&Only Mandarina offered me, my family and my friends in one of the most luxurious resorts, outshined only by its awe-inspiring, natural surroundings,” said Mara Hoffman. “Between walks amongst giant trees, surfing, visiting neighbouring towns, and moments of solitude and deep introspection, the balance of adventure and quiet serenity was unparalleled. Knowing that One&Only actively values the natural world, preservation of culture, and respect for all humans truly cemented our experience and we greatly appreciate Lachlan for capturing these special moments so beautifully.”
    Launching this month across print and digital media outlets worldwide, the campaign includes several short videos portraying Mara Hoffman and her family’s one-of-a-kind stay at One&Only Mandarina. Throughout the remainder of the year, additional elements and activations with Mara will be revealed. Mara is the first instalment in a three-year series that will star modern, multigenerational families who exemplify the One&Only values and epitomise diversity across ethnicity, gender, age and lifestyles. To watch the campaign unfold, follow @OOResorts as Mara’s One&Only story is revealed.
    For reservations or information on One&Only Resorts and Private Homes, visit oneandonlyresorts.com.

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    1000 MIGLIA RETURNS TO THE ROADS OF CAMPANIA FOR THE SECOND EDITION OF SORRENTO ROADS BY 1000 MIGLIA

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    1000 MIGLIA RETURNS TO THE ROADS OF CAMPANIA FOR THE SECOND EDITION OF SORRENTO ROADS BY 1000 MIGLIA

    Everything is ready for the second edition of Sorrento Roads by 1000 Miglia, the event that from Friday 31 March to Sunday 2 April will take the Red Arrow from the Gulf of Sorrento to the Gulf of Naples, to the immensity of the Royal Palace of Caserta and among the steep cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, which among its citrus groves hides glimpses of unique beauty, made even more special by the colours of the sea and mountains.Thirty-five cars will be at the start, from the 1938 BMW 328 to various models from Gilco-Fiat, Ermini, Jaguar, Alfa Romeo, Porsche, Mercedes, O.S.C.A., Triumph, Aston Martin, MG, Chevrolet and Ferrari. There will be thirteen Italian crews but, reflecting the growing popularity of the Roads by 1000 Miglia format, there will be numerous Belgian, German, Dutch, British and Swiss drivers and navigators.
    Friday 31 March will be dedicated to the regularity race, with competitors called to test themselves against four blocks of Time Trials: the first on the south-eastern shore of the Gulf of Naples, the second in the majestic setting of the Royal Palace of Caserta and valid for the Trofeo Cento Anni dell’Aeronautica Militare, the third on the Monti Lattari and the final one at Priora on the way back to Sorrento. The Passage Controls will instead be in Maiori, marking the arrival on the Amalfi Coast, and in Sant’Agata dei Due Golfi, overlooking the bays of Naples and Salerno.
    Saturday 1 April will begin with the showing of the cars in Piazza Veniero, in the heart of Sorrento’s historic centre: the fascinating liveries spanning more than eighty years of automotive history will be on display for the public and the popular jury’s vote called upon to elect the two favourites, one historic and one modern (post-1980). During the morning, local gastronomic and artistic excellence will delight participants, who will be able to enjoy a demonstration on the indigenous art of milk processing and a visit to the Correale Museum.
    With the second edition of the Trofeo Città di Sorrento, 1 vs 1 regularity challenges to the hundredth of a second on the Corso Italia promenade, the sporting activity of the event will come to a close: the winning crew will be guaranteed participation in the Coppa delle Alpi 2024, as will the first classified overall who will also receive a pair of Chopard 1000 Miglia Sorrento Roads limited edition watches.

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    United Announces $5 Million Investment in Carbon Capture Company Svante

    United today announced its $5 million investment in carbon capture technology company Svante, who provides materials and technology as part of the value chain that has the potential to convert CO2 removed from the atmosphere and from industrial emission sources into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
    This is the latest announced investment from the new UAV Sustainable Flight FundSM, a first-of-its-kind investment vehicle that is designed to leverage support from cross-industry businesses in order to support start-ups focused on decarbonizing air travel through SAF research, technology and production.
    The airline aims to be 100% green by reducing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 100% by 2050, without relying on traditional carbon offsets. To date, United has invested in the future production of over three billion gallons of SAF – the most of any airline in the world.1
    “Carbon capture technology has the potential to be a critical solution in the fight to stop climate change and has the added benefit of helping us scale the production of SAF,” said United CEO Scott Kirby. “And at United we’re building on that approach by investing in both companies that can capture CO2 and others that can turn it into fuel. There’s no question that this carbon utilization is in its infancy today, but as a leader in sustainable flying we must help build the foundation to deploy this technology of the future as expediently as possible. This is truly a global imperative, and United’s investment in Svante reflects our dedication to making sustainable travel a reality.”
    This investment was made as part of Svante’s Series E financing round and will fund and support Svante’s commercial-scale filter manufacturing facility in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Svante is working with world-leading organizations around the world, including Dimensional Energy, a carbon utilization – CO2 to jet fuel – company that United Airlines Ventures invested in last year.ADVERTISEMENT“We are pleased to have the support of United Airlines as one of our world-class investors,” said Claude Letourneau, Svante’s President & CEO. “The airline industry has a huge opportunity to make a big impact on global decarbonization – battling climate change through the transition to sustainable aviation fuels and other innovative technologies that will help the world achieve net zero. Their investment in companies like ours will aid in accelerating the commercialization of carbon capture and removal technology.”
    Svante is a leader in second generation solid sorbent-based carbon capture and removal. The company’s scalable, eco-friendly, and commercially available carbon capture and removal technology employs structured absorbent beds, known as filters. These filters can capture 95% of CO2 emissions from industrial sites as well as CO2 that’s already in the air. Once the CO2 is captured, it is concentrated and can be used in the creation of SAF or other products. It can also be safely transported and stored underground.
    Svante’s manufacturing facility is anticipated to produce enough filter modules to capture millions of tons of carbon dioxide per year across hundreds of large-scale carbon capture facilities.
    “It’s great to see United’s commitment to building an ecosystem for carbon dioxide (CO2) to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) manifest through this significant investment in Svante,” said Jason Salfi, Dimensional Energy’s CEO. “The teams at Svante and Dimensional Energy are working together to design integrated systems for captured CO2 to SAF today. There is enough CO2 in the atmosphere and in industrial process emissions to provide all of the carbon necessary for the fuels and products people use every day now and into the future. Svante provides the first step toward a circular carbon economy.”
    SAF is an alternative to conventional jet fuel that, on a lifecycle basis, reduces GHG emissions associated with air travel compared to conventional jet fuel alone. SAF is made from used cooking oil and agricultural waste, and, in the future, could be made from other feedstocks, including household trash, forest waste, or compressed CO2, the end product of Svante’s carbon capture process.
    The Federal Government Recognizes the Value of SAF
    The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act includes the largest governmental climate change investments in U.S. history—a new blended tax credit specifically for SAF along with other critical incentives for clean energy and carbon capture – that will help spur an increase in SAF infrastructure and supply while lowering costs for SAF consumers.
    The U.S. military currently uses nearly five billion gallons of jet fuel annually and the Department of Defense will use a jet fuel blend containing at least 10% SAF by 2028 because of the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act.
    And according to the U.S. Department of Energy, the country’s vast feedstock resources are enough to meet the projected SAF demand of the entire U.S. aviation industry.
    United’s Commitment to Net-Zero Emissions by 2050
    United was the first airline to commit to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, without relying on traditional carbon offsets. In addition to the UAV Sustainable Flight FundSM, United has launched a SAF purchasing program called the Eco-Skies Alliance and established a venture fund – United Airlines Ventures – to identify and invest in companies and technologies that can decarbonize air travel. These strategic investments include carbon capture, hydrogen-electric engines, electric regional aircraft and air taxis.

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    The Alabama Tourism Department Declares 2023 The Year of Alabama Birding

    Alabama hosts 430 bird species within its borders, and to a bird lover’s delight, the Alabama Tourism Department is announcing a year-long celebration with its new Year of Alabama Birding campaign. Bird lovers and bird enthusiasts are invited to flock to the state to birdwatch or participate in other birding activities to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of Alabama’s feathered friends.
    From the majestic bald eagle to the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker to the crowd-pleasing painted bunting, visitors will be in awe of the many species they see as they journey through Alabama’s eight birding trails and over 280 birding sites. These can be found from the foothills of the Appalachians to the sugar-white sandy beaches of the Gulf Coast.
    As the year unfolds, a series of promotional activities will jumpstart visitors’ Alabama birding experience. Travelers can relax as well as listen to the peaceful sounds of Relax with Birdsong found at any of the state’s eight official welcome centers. Travelers will be able to listen to the Sounds of Happy playlist online or by streaming on select audio platforms. Find Your Flock is an online quiz that will associate travelers with the birds they most resemble and where they can find them. Follow a Birder is documentary-style content as seen through the eyes of local experts. Travelers also may share their Alabama birding photos with website visitors. These interactive activities were created by Intermark Group, the Alabama Tourism Department’s agency of record.
    “A world of wonderful sights and sounds await those who travel to Alabama,” said Lee Sentell, director of the Alabama Tourism Department. “The Year of Alabama Birding will be an experience that will focus on the state’s birding trails and habitats. We’re offering people an opportunity to commune with nature in a unique and relaxing way.”

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