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    Disney Cruise Line Announces Inaugural Sailings to New Island Destination

    Disney Cruise Line announced today the inaugural dates and select itineraries for its new island destination in The Bahamas, headlining a season full of new and guest-favorite itineraries around the world in summer 2024. Along with the first sailings to Lighthouse Point, families will be able to choose magical vacations to bucket-list destinations that include the Mediterranean, northern Europe, Alaska and the Caribbean.
    “We are delighted to take families to new places during the summer 2024 season, including our newest island destination at Lighthouse Point in The Bahamas,” said Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager, Disney Cruise Line. “We’re also thrilled to return to Europe with new ports of call and offer exciting adventures to Alaska and the Caribbean. All of these Disney Cruise Line sailings provide the unique experiences that our guests have come to expect from Disney, from world-class dining and dazzling entertainment to character encounters and legendary guest service.”
    Bookings open to the public March 30, 2023. For more details, visit the Summer 2024 itineraries page of disneycruise.com. https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/featured/2024-summer-itineraries/
    First Sailings to Lighthouse PointIn June 2024, Disney Cruise Line will debut its newest Bahamian destination on the island of Eleuthera at Lighthouse Point. Guests sailing aboard the Disney Magic from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, will discover a vibrant beach retreat designed with families in mind, infused with the color and energy of Bahamian artistry, and developed with a commitment to conservation at its core.
    A seven-night inaugural sailing aboard the Disney Fantasy from Port Canaveral, Florida, on June 8 will allow guests to be among the first to make a splash in the crystal-clear waters of this new destination at Lighthouse Point. This ultimate Disney Cruise Line island destination itinerary will feature two stops at Lighthouse Point and one day at Castaway Cay. On June 6, a three-night preview cruise on the Disney Magic from Fort Lauderdale will offer a sneak peek of Lighthouse Point with limited access to some areas.ADVERTISEMENTFollowing the inaugural voyage, Lighthouse Point will be a featured port of call on select three-, four- and five-night sailings to The Bahamas and Caribbean on the Disney Magic out of Fort Lauderdale. These itineraries will vary stops between Lighthouse Point and Castaway Cay, with five special departures including both Disney Cruise Line island destinations.
    New European DestinationsDreams will come to life for Disney Cruise Line guests in summer 2024 as the Disney Dream returns to premier European destinations in the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, British Isles and popular locales in the Norwegian Fjords and Iceland.
    These sailings will feature a number of new ports of call, including Valencia, Spain; Haugesund, Norway; and Hamburg, Germany, along with three Mediterranean destinations that will return for the first time since 2014: Catania, Italy; Kusadasi, Turkey; and Valletta, Malta.
    Mediterranean and Greek Isles cruises from Barcelona and Civitavecchia (Rome) will range from five to 11 nights, while northern Europe and British Isles sailings will offer itineraries anywhere from three nights to one 12-night voyage that includes the Norwegian fjords, three days in Iceland and an overnight stay in Reykjavik.
    Adventures in AlaskaCruises to Alaska from Vancouver, Canada, will return on the Disney Wonder from May through September 2024, offering more chances for families to experience the natural splendor and adventure of “The Last Frontier” with five-, seven- and nine-night sailings. Majestic wildlife and stunning scenery in iconic places like Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and glacier viewing along the Stikine Icecap will blend with Disney’s world-class entertainment, dining and guest service to create a family-friendly vacation that celebrates the spirit of Alaska both on land and on board.
    Tropical Escapes to The Bahamas and Caribbean from Port CanaveralThe Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish will travel to sun-kissed islands throughout The Bahamas and Caribbean in summer 2024. All sailings on these Port Canaveral-based ships will feature a visit to Castaway Cay, a picturesque private island oasis in The Bahamas that offers something for everyone in the family, from fun and relaxation to adventurous water activities.
    The Disney Wish will feature three- and four-night Bahamian vacations, while the Disney Fantasy will sail to popular ports in the eastern and western Caribbean on seven-night cruises. One five-night Disney Fantasy voyage in July will take families to Nassau with two stops in Castaway Cay, while a special 10-night southern Caribbean sailing will give families another opportunity to visit Lighthouse Point with additional visits to the islands of Antigua, St. Lucia, Dominica, Tortola and Castaway Cay.
    To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, visit disneycruise.com.

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    BOOKING.COM HITS A HOME RUN AS THE OFFICIAL ONLINE TRAVEL PARTNER OF MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL More

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    BOOKING.COM HITS A HOME RUN AS THE OFFICIAL ONLINE TRAVEL PARTNER OF MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

    Booking.com is pleased to announce it has signed on as the Official Online Travel Partner of Major League Baseball (MLB) in the United States. With Booking.com’s mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, the goal of this strategic partnership with MLB is to simplify the way Americans plan their unique baseball-inspired travels across the U.S.As part of this long-term partnership, Booking.com is now the presenting sponsor of the American and National League Division Series, too.
    A recent survey conducted by Booking.com revealed that almost half (49%) of U.S. baseball fans plan to travel to at least one MLB game this year with (61%) of respondents saying they are willing to travel up to 500 miles to do so. Booking.com, the global travel leader, is committed to helping travelers navigate their baseball trips by offering the widest selection of places to stay – from slick city apartments and vacation rentals in MLB cities to ballpark-adjacent hotels for those looking to stay near their favorite team’s stadium on gameday. Research performed by Booking.com also revealed that an overwhelming majority (81%) of respondents would rather travel to see their MLB team win the World Series, than win a holiday trip to their rival team’s state.
    Having been on the forefront of technology for over two decades, MLB offers fans numerous ways to engage with the sport, from the MLB app to MLB.TV and MLB.com, across mobile & connected devices, and through social media platforms. Aligning with MLB’s innovation-friendly approach to support baseball fandom and to lead off the partnership, Booking.com plans to make the process simpler for fans to book trips to games with an easily accessible Booking.com icon across Clubs’ digital schedule pages. These icons will direct fans to search and book properties near Major League stadiums.
    The top three deciding factors for Americans booking a trip to attend an MLB game are price (63%) relative to the amount they’d be willing to spend to travel to a game (48% say they would spend under $400) to the location in relation to the stadium (49%) and transportation to and from the property (21%). Booking.com offers something for everyone with great deals and stays at a variety of price points and conveniences such as free cancellation and custom maps that showcase properties in relation to key locations. Booking.com also features filters to find options with transportation, on-site parking and more all making the trip-booking experience with Booking.com more convenient.
    “Booking.com continues to invest in the U.S. market with our official sponsorship of Major League Baseball, showcasing our latest commitment to making it easier for Americans to find and book the perfect trip,” says Ben Harrell, Managing Director, U.S. at Booking.com. “With a variety of property options across the country in MLB cities – from hotels to vacation rentals and more – plus a user-friendly app, Booking.com looks forward to bringing baseball trips to life for fans, helping them with their travels as they enjoy America’s favorite pastime with family and friends.”ADVERTISEMENT“We are excited to welcome Booking.com to the MLB family of partners,” said Noah Garden, MLB Chief Revenue Officer. “With over 2,000 games across the country every summer, our fans love traveling to experience the incredible Major League atmosphere at our beautiful ballparks. We hope this partnership with Booking.com can make that experience all the more enjoyable.”
    Throughout the long-term partnership, Booking.com and MLB hope to develop inspiring and innovative ways for baseball fans across America to make the most of their travels – whether for rivalry games, events like All-Star Week or the National League and American League Division Series presented by Booking.com. As the season gets into full swing, fans can search for properties in MLB cities on Booking.com offering Getaway Deals, saving 15% on stays between April 4 and September 28, 2023.

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    Hawaiian Airlines and Gevo Enter into Sustainable Aviation Fuel Sales Agreement

    Hawaiian Airlines today announced that it has reached an agreement with biofuel company Gevo, Inc. to purchase 50 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) over five years. Gevo expects to supply the SAF from a facility to be constructed in the Midwestern United States and begin deliveries to Hawaiian’s gateway cities in California starting in 2029.
    “This offtake agreement gets us one step closer to achieving our goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050,” said Peter Ingram, Hawaiian’s president and CEO. “We intend to continue to invest in SAF, which will be pivotal in reducing our impact on the environment.”
    “Gevo is pleased to welcome Hawaiian Airlines to our customer family of airlines that are working hard to achieve their net zero goals,” said Gevo CEO Dr. Patrick Gruber. “By counting all of the carbon, analyzed using Argonne’s GREET (Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation) method, we are working to help airlines realize these goals.”
    Argonne National Laboratory’s GREET model measures the greenhouse gas life cycle impacts of fuels, from feedstock to production through combustion.
    Gevo will produce SAF using residual starch from inedible field corn, grown using regenerative farming practices. The production process also will utilize renewable electricity and renewable natural gas, resulting in low-carbon fuels with substantially reduced carbon intensity (the level of greenhouse gas emissions compared to standard petroleum fossil-based fuels across their life cycle). Gevo’s process is designed to maximize value and minimize waste by using the same acre of farmland to produce both animal feed and renewable fuels while sequestering atmospheric carbon through photosynthesis.ADVERTISEMENTThe fuel sales agreement is subject to certain conditions precedent, including Gevo developing, financing, and constructing the facility to produce the SAF contemplated by the agreement.
    Hawaiian has launched several sustainability initiatives in recent years including a partnership with Par Hawaii, the state’s largest provider of energy products, to study the commercial viability of producing SAF in Hawaiʻi. 

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    IHG to Expand Egypt Portfolio with Three New Luxury Hotels

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    IHG to Expand Egypt Portfolio with Three New Luxury Hotels

    IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with Arabella Group to develop three new hotels in Egypt between 2023 and 2026.The hotels — InterContinental North Coast Direction White, voco Cairo Arabella Plaza Cairo, and Crowne Plaza Cairo Arabella Clubhouse — will see IHG add over 500 keys to its Egypt portfolio in response to the growing demand for luxury resorts and premium hospitality options in the North African country. The agreement strengthens IHG’s presence in the luxury and premium sectors in the region as well as underlines the appeal of its high-end hospitality offering among owners and guests alike.
    The new-build hotel projects, currently under construction, are set to open in notable areas of Egypt. The incoming new voco Cairo Arabella Plaza is scheduled to open its doors in July 2023, with the Crowne Plaza Cairo Arabella Clubhouse slated for a January 2026 opening and the InterContinental North Coast Direction White for a September 2026 launch.
    Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG, commented: “Egypt offers a wealth of opportunity for the hospitality industry today with New Cairo and other attractive, high-end destinations attracting more visitors to the nation. The signing of three new hotels alongside Arabella Group will support the growth we are witnessing in the country by offering new and compelling luxury and premium hospitality experiences to satisfy the most discerning of travelers.”Mohamed Amin El Dokhmesy, president of Arabella Group added: “We are pleased to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to expand the footprint of three of its leading brands — InterContinental, voco and Crowne Plaza, in Egypt. IHG has delivered first class hospitality experiences to guests worldwide and in Egypt, and as a partner of Arabella Group, we can guarantee it. With Egypt’s hospitality sector seeing exceptional growth, we are confident that both parties will benefit tremendously from this latest partnership.”
    InterContinental North Coast Direction White
    The InterContinental North Coast Direction White will be located in Ras El Hekma, one of the fast-growing luxury resort destinations in the region. Ras El Hekma is also considered one of the most desirable beachfront areas along Egypt’s Northern Coast. Located on the Mediterranean sea, the Ras El Hekma bay is gaining popularity thanks to its crystal-clear water, stunning beaches and rich culture. Sprawling across 290 acres of residential, retail and hospitality developments, the Direction White project is set to attract growing numbers of domestic and international tourists to the area.ADVERTISEMENTThe hotel will feature 346 lavishly designed rooms that appeal to the taste of luxury-seeking guests. The property’s culinary experiences are also set to be unmatched, with five food and beverage outlets including an all-day dining restaurant, two specialty restaurants, a lobby lounge and a destination pool bar. Meanwhile, the resort will feature a fully equipped 397sqm meeting space for corporate guests. Other facilities to relax and unwind include a club lounge, 1,500sqm spa, health club, and a swimming pool.The new InterContinental hotel is a 90-minute drive from Alexandria International Airport and less than one hour from the soon-to-open Al Alamein International Airport.
    voco Cairo Arabella Plaza
    Situated in a prime location in Egypt, New Cairo, Voco Arabella Plaza Cairo promises accessibility to business parks, universities, shopping centres and multiple leisure attractions.
    The modest 77-key hotel will cater to the area’s high demand for exclusive and premium hotel experiences. It will house five food and beverage outlets, including an all-day dining restaurant, a range of small-scale signature restaurants and a rooftop bar. The property will feature a swimming pool and health club, while serving corporate guests with a 427sqm meeting space. voco Cairo Arabella Plaza is just 20 minutes from Cairo International Airport and a 35-minute drive to downtown Egypt.
    Crowne Plaza Cairo Arabella Clubhouse
    Also located in New Cairo, the 146-key Crowne Plaza Cairo Arabella Clubhouse will be situated within the family friendly Arabella Compound — near business parks, universities, leisure attractions and the popular Arabella Plaza.
    The hotel will offer a comprehensive, comfortable and elegant guest experience with its three food and beverage outlets, a spa, health club and swimming pool. Domestic and international business travelers are well catered to with a wide meeting space that includes a 750sqm ballroom for special events. Crowne Plaza Cairo Arabella Clubhouse is just 20 minutes from Cairo International Airport and a 35-minute drive to downtown Egypt.
    Guests of all the three hotels will benefit from IHG’s best-in-class loyalty program, IHG One Rewards, which provides an elevated guest experience – giving them richer benefits that can be availed on IHG’s new mobile app. The benefits range from suite upgrades and annual lounge memberships to extended check-outs, and much more, depending on the chosen benefit level.
    IHG® currently has 7 hotels in Egypt, and 13 hotels in the development pipeline.

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    WTTC data reveals Portugal’s Travel & Tourism sector’s climate footprint

    New groundbreaking data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Saudi-based Sustainable Tourism Global Center reveals the climate footprint of the Travel & Tourism sector in Portugal.In one of the largest research projects of its kind ever undertaken, WTTC can, for the first time ever, accurately report and track the impact the sector has on the environment.
    According to the data, Portugal’s Travel & Tourism has continued to grow, whilst reducing its emissions intensity.
    In 2019, the sector accounted for 17.8% of total greenhouse gas emissions across Portugal. Whilst this is above the European average, WTTC’s EIR research also shows how heavily the Portuguese economy relies on Travel & Tourism. In 2019, the sector contributed nearly €38 billion, representing almost one fifth of the overall economy.
    But this share dropped eight percentage points, to reach 9.8% in 2020 and 10.2% in 2021, mainly due to the reduced activity in the sector during the pandemic.
    Between 2010 and 2019, Portugal’s Travel & Tourism sector’s economic growth decoupled from its greenhouse gas emissions.ADVERTISEMENTDuring this period, the sector’s contribution to the national economy grew on average nearly 5% annually, while greenhouse gas emissions increased by 4.1% per year.
    In 2010, for every €1 generated by Travel & Tourism in Portugal, the sector produced 0.77 kg of greenhouse gases.
    But this figure dropped by an average annual rate of nearly 1% until 2019, when Travel & Tourism was at its peak, to reach 0.72 kg per €1 created. In the years that followed, this amount decreased even further, reaching 0.59 kg per €1 in 2021.
    This significant decrease clearly demonstrates the impact of changes implemented by the Portuguese government and business leaders to create a more sustainable sector.
    Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Portugal’s Travel & Tourism sector has decoupled its economic growth from its greenhouse gas emissions and continues to reduce its emissions intensity.
    “We know there is still work to be done. To reach our goals and ambitions, we must make bigger and bolder steps to reduce our absolute emissions.“We need continued government support in increasing sustainable transportation. This will have a significant impact on our footprint, minimising our absolute emissions, which will see the sector meet its goals and ambitions.”
    Energy Usage
    The global tourism body also provides insights on the sector’s energy usage and efficiency, and shows that between 2010 and 2019, the sector’s total energy usage increased by only 3.6% annually, demonstrating that while Travel & Tourism continued to grow, it also became more energy efficient.
    Between 2010 and 2021, the share of low-carbon energy in the national energy mix increased from 6.6% to 7.5%, whilst the sector’s reliance on fossil fuels as a source of energy also declined.
    This comprehensive research covers 185 countries across all regions and will be updated each year with the latest figures.
    This research was made possible thanks to the partnership between WTTC and the Saudi-based Sustainable Tourism Global Center. Under the Saudi green Initiative, more than 60 initiatives have been launched in the past year, representing more than $186BN USD of investment in the green economy.

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    Fairmont Bab Al Bahr announces water-from-air bottling plant

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    Fairmont Bab Al Bahr announces water-from-air bottling plant

    As 2023 marks the year of sustainability, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr will complete its commitment to replace or remove all plastic items, from toiletries to water bottles. The hotel’s water-from-air bottling plant will be operational by March 2023, allowing for the substitution of the last item on the list, plastic water bottles.A first of its kind in the United Arab Emirates, The Fairmont Bab Al Bahr’s water bottling plant will use advanced technology to produce water from air. This air-to-water process utilises Atmospheric Water Generator, an innovative solution developed by Eshara Water.
    Once produced, the water will be filtered and mineralized, and then filled into reusable, encapsulated glass bottles. Serving a total of 367 luxurious rooms, suites, and villas, as well as all restaurants across the hotel, the plant will produce a total of 4,000 liters of water per day.

    ‌Pushing forward in line with the meaningful innovation, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr aims to continue to moving towards a better, greener and more sustainable environment for the hotel industry.
    Source: https://www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/ADVERTISEMENT

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    SANI RESORT NAMED WORLD’S LEADING GREEN RESORT

    Sani Resort, Greece, has been named the World’s Leading Luxury Green Resort at the 2022 World Travel Awards for the third year running, Sani Resort embraces a multitude of sustainable initiatives under their sustainability programme, Sani Green
    Scattered across 1,000 acres of nature reserve, Sani Resort sits at the intersection of three beautiful, natural worlds: the sea, forest and wetlands. Recognised for 3 consecutive years as the ‘World’s Leading Luxury Green Resort’ at the World Travel Awards, we are deeply committed to preserving this environment and its rich mix of wildlife, as well as supporting the local community so that guests can experience the natural wonder of Sani for years to come.Under Sani Green, the resort’s sustainability programme, and in partnership with the Forest Research Institute, Sani Resort has established the Sani Environmental Observatory Project to help protect the verdant pine forest around the resort. With this initiative guests are invited to add an extra €1 to their final bill, which Sani Resort pledge to double. This donation will go towards supporting the lush forest, as Sani Resort continues to plant new trees and to conserve its forest trails and wildlife.When you arrive at this pristinely presented resort, you soon understand why they promise guests that the possibilities are endless when you stay at Sani.

    Sani Resort is extraordinary! Covering 1,000 acres, and boasting over 35 exquisite bars and restaurants, serving a choice of menus from fresh local fare to Michelin starred gastronomy, as well as multiple pools, spas at each of the hotels and an exciting array of guest experiences and Academies, as well as designer stores, including Missoni and Melissa Odabash, all guests have to do is choose the resort hotel that suits their style.Surrounded by nature, including protected wetlands, pine forests and beautiful beaches, the Sani property has 5 resort hotels. Once checked in you can use all the facilities of the entire property.  Each hotel has its own dedicated beach and spa facilities.With 27 restaurants, 13 bars, 11 dine around set menus and 19 child-friendly menus, Sani resort offers international cuisine for the most discerning palate, as well as catering to children’s tastes.
    Sani believed in a farm to table approach, with over 60% of Sani’s produce coming from within 100 miles of the resort. There are herb and vegetable gardens on the sort too, which the chefs use on a daily basis.ADVERTISEMENTFrom Modern and Traditional Greek to Spanish, Italian, Peruvian and Japanese, plus Mediterranean and International menus, as well as beachside and poolside dining, and an array of cocktail bars, wine bars and coffee bars, there is a world of high quality food to explore across the resort. Special baby & children’s menus are available, designed by Annabel Karmel, as well as vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and well-being menus.
    Source: https://theluxuryeditor.com/

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    Munich Airport to welcome new airline and routes for summer 2023 schedule

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    Munich Airport to welcome new airline and routes for summer 2023 schedule

    The summer flight schedule will begin on Sunday, March 26, 2023, and end on Saturday, October 28. Munich Airport is offering many new destinations again this summer, as well as a new airline. Lufthansa, the biggest airline at Munich Airport, will start operating additional flight connections.Its long-haul routes will now include Osaka in Japan and Mexico City. After a long break, Shanghai will return to Lufthansa’s flight schedule from April 1 and later also Beijing.
    In Europe, there will be flights to Bordeaux in France and Rzeszow in southeast Poland again. For the first time, the airline will also fly to Oviedo, the capital of the Asturias region in northern Spain. In addition to the new destinations, Lufthansa is now offering almost all routes that it used to fly before the COVID-19 pandemic.
    The world’s biggest passenger aircraft is also making a comeback: Lufthansa will reactivate four of its out-of-service Airbus A380s for flights from Munich to North American destinations.
    In addition, Air China is planning to start flights to the two metropolises Shanghai and Beijing this summer. While Lufthansa will be offering more frequent flights to Tokyo, the Star Alliance partner All Nippon Airways (ANA) is also returning to Munich after a three-year break. Starting from March 27, there will be three flights a week to the Japanese capital.Easyjet is also starting a new route from Munich. From June 28, the airline will fly to and from Naples up to three times a week. On June 27, Croatia Airlines will start offering its sixth destination from Munich. The new location is the popular holiday island Brac in Croatia.
    In addition to the familiar carriers, one new airline is starting operations at Munich Airport. Fly One is planning services to Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, from June 26.ADVERTISEMENTJost Lammers, CEO Munich Airport, comments: “With a large number of airlines and a wide variety of destinations in the upcoming summer flight schedule, we are well on track to return to our pre-crisis level and further enhance the appeal of our premium hub.”

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