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    Dnata appoints Phil McGrane as CEO of dnata Brazil

    dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, announced the promotion of Phil McGrane to the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), dnata Brazil with immediate effect.
    In his new role, Phil will lead dnata’s overall strategy and business, driving the company’s growth and success across the country.
    Phil has been with dnata for over 10 years. Since last July, he has overseen dnata Brazil’s operations at 29 airports as Acting CEO, managing a team of 5,000 local aviation professionals. In his previous position as Chief Commercial Officer, he was responsible for leading all of the company’s commercial activities, including business development and customer relations.
    Phil has over 30 years’ experience in the aviation and transport industries. Prior to joining dnata he held various senior roles, supporting the commercial operations and growth of globally renowned companies in the Middle East, USA and Europe.
    David Barker, Divisional Senior Vice President, Airport Operations, said: “Phil has made a significant contribution to dnata’s business in Brazil over the past decade. His strong leadership skills, commercial mindset and customer-centric approach make him the right person to lead the company through its next phase of growth in the country.ADVERTISEMENT“Phil’s appointment is a reflection of our commitment to promoting from within and recognising the contributions and achievements of our high-performing colleagues.”
    In recent years dnata has significantly expanded its footprint in Brazil. It currently operates at 29 airports in the country, serving more than 15 airlines. In 2022, dnata acquired the remaining 30% stake to assume full ownership of dnata Brazil and has further plans to enhance its operations across South America.As one of the world’s largest air and travel services providers, dnata offers ground handling, cargo, travel and catering & retail services at over 130 airports in more than 30 countries across six continents.

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    Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism host Destination Wedding Planners Congress 2023 in Doha

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    Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism host Destination Wedding Planners Congress 2023 in Doha

    Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism joined forces to partner with the highly acclaimed Destination Wedding Planners (DWP) Congress 2023, an exclusive event that brought the largest Business-to-Business platform for weddings to Doha.This collaboration underscores the city’s growing stature as a key figure in the MICE industry, which continues to attract business travellers from around the world.
    The 9th edition of DWP congress was held from 14-16 March, to bring together leading wedding planner professionals who provided fresh perspectives on the industry through a series of keynote speeches and DWP masterclasses. Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker opened the congress with a speech to spotlight Qatar’s offerings as a versatile and captivating wedding destination.
    Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Our continuous effort to promote Qatar as a leading destination that caters to the needs of all travellers has been further strengthened by the recent hosting of the Destination Wedding Planners Congress 2023. This event is regarded as the most prestigious B2B gathering in the multi-billion-dollar wedding industry, and we are honoured to have had the best wedding planners and designers in Doha. We eagerly anticipate welcoming them back following an inspiring visit this year, and look forward to seeing their vision for luxurious and elaborate weddings.”Ackash Jain, Director of QnA International, organiser of the prestigious DWP Congress said: “Qatar is one of the most fascinating countries in the world to tie the knot with its majestic palatial resorts and scenic backdrops. Combining world-class hospitality with cosmopolitan sophistication, it seamlessly opens the door to planning some of the most opulent celebrations. We are proud to bring the world’s biggest destination wedding congress to Qatar, which was at a perfect timing right after the FIFA World Cup™. With the support of Qatar Tourism, Qatar Airways and other regional and international partners, we were able to showcase the best of Qatar as a wedding destination to leading wedding experts from around the world.”
    The DWP congress has grown rapidly since its inception in 2014, which took place in Greece, and has successfully made its mark in desirable destinations across the globe from Florence, Phuket, Los Cabos, Dubai and Bali.
    This year the congress highlighted Doha, a city that has undergone remarkable developments in hospitality, aviation, the service industry and tourist attractions. In the last year the country has hosted what is being called the greatest FIFA World CupTM, a mega-event which has made the country fully equipped to take on a wider range of global events.ADVERTISEMENTp > 

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    Vietnam Selected as the Destination for Ryder Cup’s Southeast Asian Media Outreach

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    Vietnam Selected as the Destination for Ryder Cup’s Southeast Asian Media Outreach

    VGS Group is proud to announce that it is the only company selected to organize the Vietnam Italy Golf Tournament, an international friendly golf tournament that will be held on March 20th, 2023, at the Long Bien Golf Course. The Ryder Cup is one of the world’s most prestigious golf tournaments, held biennially in a team format between Europe and the United States. The event features some of the most renowned professional golfers and draws the attention of millions of golf enthusiasts worldwide. Vietnam, the rising golf tourism destination in Asia, has been selected as the only country in Southeast Asia to host a series of ancillary events to promote this significant golf tournament. The series of activities leading up to the Ryder Cup 2023 in Vietnam includes a formal announcement of the event, which was held by the Italian Embassy in Vietnam on March 17th. According to Mr. Bui Duc Long, Chairman of VGS Group, “The Ryder Cup is one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world, and we are proud that Vietnam has been selected as a destination to promote this important event in Southeast Asia. With the advantage of having the most comprehensive golf ecosystem and experience in organizing international tournaments, VGS Group is honored to be the only company selected to host this significant event, contributing to the promotion of tourism, especially golf tourism, in Vietnam to international friends.”
    In the theme of Italy and Vietnam sharing a 50-year history of diplomatic relations, the Ryder Cup and Italian Tour Operators’ representatives present their goal of associating the capital Rome with not only an attractive tourist destination but also being capable of organizing large-scale events. The World Expo 2030 in Rome will actively discuss solutions, ideas, and strategies to tackle these issues.
    Vietnam’s golf tourism has been gaining recognition globally, with titles such as World’s Best Golf Destination in 2019 and 2021, and five consecutive years as “Asia’s Best Golf Destination” from 2017 to 2021, awarded by the World Golf Awards.
    “Besides golf development throughout Vietnam, we have a bold vision for my hometown, Da Nang – Hoi An, and we are committed to making it a reality. We believe that by leveraging the power of sport, culture, and technology, we can create an unforgettable destination that will capture the hearts and minds of visitors from around the world. Our action masterplan includes exciting sport events such as AquaX, Superboat P1 World Championship, GKA Kite World Tour, World Chase Tag and more, all designed to showcase the beauty and diversity of our region. We look forward to working with our partners and stakeholders to build a truly world-class destination that will inspire and delight travelers for years to come” The Chairman of VGS Group conveyed his dedication.
    VGS Group is Vietnam’s leading golf organization, with a comprehensive ecosystem of golf-related businesses including golf course management, hospitality, events, and equipment sales. The company has a strong track record of organizing professional golf tournaments and promoting golf tourism in Vietnam and their ownership of the technology for live broadcasting of golf tournaments in Vietnam and internationally. They were also the first to produce live signals for golf events at the SEA Games 31, receiving high praise from other countries in the region.ADVERTISEMENTThe selection of Vietnam as the only country in Southeast Asia to host Ryder Cup’s media outreach events demonstrates the country’s growing reputation as an emerging golf destination.
    For more images, please see here: https://bit.ly/RyderCupVN

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    Reimagined Mickey’s Toontown Reopens March 19, 2023, at the Disneyland Resort

    Disneyland Resort continues the Disney100 anniversary celebration with the reopening of the reimagined Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland Park on March 19, 2023.At this animated neighborhood, families can explore, play, discover and unwind together while enjoying new interactive experiences, returning familiar favorites and the new attraction Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.At Mickey’s Toontown, guests can play in their own way, invite others to play and play together. The environment and the experiences in this land were designed to allow guests to see, hear, feel and interact with one another in various ways.
    The reopening of Mickey’s Toontown offers young families even more experiences to enjoy together in a distinct area of Disneyland Park, adjacent to Fantasyland, home of “it’s a small world” and the Fantasyland Theater, which features the uplifting “Tale of the Lion King” live show on select days.
    New interactive areas and grassy spaces
    The reimagined Mickey’s Toontown was thoughtfully designed by Walt Disney Imagineering to try to remove as many barriers to play as possible, with more open green spaces for gathering and play. Guests will experience thoughtful elements for different needs of young families, from companion restrooms and a quieter area for decompression to a curb-free land that helps make navigation easier for guests of differing abilities.
    CenTOONial Park is the first space guests see when they enter the land. CenTOONial Park will be anchored by two new interactive play experiences: a beautiful fountain featuring water tables designed for play that invite guests to have a sensory experience, plus a nearby dreaming tree with sculpted tree roots for children to crawl around and explore.ADVERTISEMENTGoofy’s How-To-Play Yard incorporates a whimsical sound garden where kids will discover new ways to make wacky noises, as well as an all-new, elevated clubhouse. Inside Goofy’s House, guests can help operate a fun, interactive candy-making contraption that only Goofy could imagine.
    Donald’s Duck Pond will help little ones get the wiggles out and make a splash. Perched in the duck pond, Donald’s Boat is surrounded by larger-than-life spinning water lilies, balance beams and rocking toys. Explorers can look into the boat’s portholes to witness bubbles of fun inside featuring familiar ducklings Huey, Dewey, Louie and Webby.
    Mickey’s Toontown is also home to the new, family-friendly attraction Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, which debuted Jan. 27, 2023. The attraction features no age/height restriction, so families can travel all together into the wacky and unpredictable cartoon world of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. More details on how guests can experience this attraction can be found on Disneyland.com.
    When Mickey’s Toontown reopens, guests will also be able to enjoy favorite returning attractions like Mickey’s House, Minnie’s House and Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin once again. Plus, the fun-sized attraction has transformed into Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster, where guests can go nuts on a coaster created by the resident tinkerer of Mickey’s Toontown, Gadget Hackwrench.
    Classic characters, cartoon cuisine and whimsical wares
    While visiting this whimsical world, guests may spot and take photos with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their pals Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Pluto, Clarabelle and Goofy. For the first time at any Disney park, Pete will also make appearances as he causes mischief around the neighborhood. Mickey Mouse will sport a new outfit specifically for when he is greeting guests outside of his home.
    Two all-new dining locations in Mickey’s Toontown will serve colorful comfort foods and scrumptious snacks that are sure to satisfy kids and kids-at-heart. Café Daisy, which offers food and beverages via mobile ordering through the Disneyland app*, serves up playful spins on diner classics – including a plant-based option. The Good Boy! Grocers farmers market stand offers grab-and-go drinks, snacks and novelties. For a memorable mealtime and while supplies last, families can pick up the Souvenir Slushee Sipper or Perfect Picnic Basket novelty, which includes guests’ choice of three snack-sized items. Guests can also add on the Perfect Picnic Blanket to go with their baskets. While supplies last, the popcorn cart near Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster will feature a “yummy” souvenir popcorn bucket.
    Located next to Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, EngineEar Souvenirs features a selection of Mickey Mouse and pals toys, apparel, headwear and more to “choo-choo-choose” from – including the new Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Remote Control Trackless Train.** EngineEar Souvenirs offers merchandise mobile checkout, which enables guests to scan and pay as they shop for select items right from their phones using the Disneyland app.
    Disney100 anniversary celebration at the Disneyland Resort
    Mickey’s Toontown is among the new experiences debuting as part of the Disney100 celebration at the Disneyland Resort, which honors Disney’s 100th anniversary with new and limited-time offerings throughout the year. The celebration also features exciting entertainment, including two all-new nighttime spectaculars, “World of Color – ONE” at Disney California Adventure Park and “Wondrous Journeys” at Disneyland Park, and the return of the “Magic Happens” parade at Disneyland Park.
    For a limited time, Southern California residents may visit the Disneyland Resort for as little as $73 per person per day with the purchase of a three-day, one-park per day weekday ticket, which is valid through May 25, 2023, subject to park reservation availability.*** Guests may find more information at Disneyland.com/offers.

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    Bermuda Tourism Authority Confirms Tracy Berkeley as Chief Executive Officer

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    Bermuda Tourism Authority Confirms Tracy Berkeley as Chief Executive Officer

    The Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) has confirmed Tracy Berkeley as Chief Executive Officer, creating history as the organisation’s first female leader. Berkeley has been serving as the BTA’s Interim CEO since June 2022.  Tracy Berkeley joined the Bermuda Tourism Authority in January 2020 and took on the role of interim CEO in June 2022.  Within the last nine months, Berkeley has worked tirelessly to stabilize the organization for increased team productivity, raised the awareness and relevance of the destination by meeting with stakeholders in the travel trade, and media industries, and worked alongside partners to deliver the BTA’s award-winning Lost Yet Found campaign. With her steady hand, Berkeley has helped to build a new leadership team that is better fit to meet the organisation’s needs, reengaged with key industry leaders, and most importantly, restored the credibility of the BTA in the eyes of its stakeholders. Berkeley serves on several private and public Boards and is a 2024 Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) candidate.
    When asked about her appointment as BTA CEO, Tracy Berkeley said: “It is with a deep sense of pride and humility that I officially take the helm as the CEO of the Bermuda Tourism Authority. We are starting to see incremental growth along with a reinvigorated local community. Our success can be attributed in part to a focused, data-led strategic recovery plan and our commitment to seeing it through.  By championing Bermuda’s core strengths and engaging with media and trade partners around the world, we have been able to leverage the island’s key selling characteristics and reinforce the message that we are open business.  I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to further develop this vital sector of the island’s economy.”
    “We are excited to announce Tracy Berkeley to the position of CEO and are confident that the organization — and Bermuda as a whole — will benefit greatly from her leadership and expertise,” said Wayne Caines, Chairman of the BTA Board. He continued, “as Interim CEO, she answered the call to take on the challenge and delivered against a clear set of mandates, determined by the board, impeccably. I am confident that she will continue to do so with our support and the support of the island’s valuable community.”
    “I am pleased by the announcement of Tracy Berkeley in the role of CEO for the BTA. I support her confirmation in the role and that this appointment was done in consultation with me as the Minister of Tourism. I am looking forward to continued engagement with Ms. Berkeley, her team and all of our industry partners.” said Minister of Tourism and Cabinet Office, Vance Campbell JP, MP.
    “There is renewed energy and focus within our organisation and the tourism industry as a whole. As we gear up for what looks to be a steadying year of growth, we are working hard to strengthen our local and international partnerships to lay out plans for the future of tourism. The team is progressing with an emphasis on enhanced product offerings and service levels. We look forward to putting our ideas into action and working together to ensure continued prosperity for Bermuda,” ended Tracy Berkeley. ADVERTISEMENT

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    Discover Qatar announces second edition of ‘Whale Sharks in Qatar’ tours from May 18 to August

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    Discover Qatar announces second edition of ‘Whale Sharks in Qatar’ tours from May 18 to August

    Discover Qatar, the destination management company of Qatar Airways, has announced that the second edition of its ‘Whale Sharks in Qatar’ tours will begin from 18 May, 2023 and run until the end of August. Daily tours and private charters can be booked exclusively through the Discover Qatar and Qatar Airways Holidays online platforms.
    The once-in-a-lifetime experience departs every Thursday to Sunday for eight hours on a 40-seater catamaran, and starts from USD 249 per person. Nature enthusiasts can also avail private charters on a luxury yacht with a capacity up to 16 guests. Both tours include an expert guide, with Wi-Fi, refreshments, and breakfast and lunch provided.
    Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said: “Our second edition of the exclusive ‘Whale Sharks in Qatar’ tours, offered through Discover Qatar, presents an unmissable opportunity for nature lovers to witness and interact with the grand and gentle creatures of the sea. We are proud to call Qatar a home to one of the largest congregations of Whale Sharks in the world, and remain committed to being the leading destination to connect people from all over the world with such fascinating marine life.”
    Qatar has the largest concentration of Whale Sharks in the world, making it the only place visitors can see so many in a single sighting. Often referred to as ‘gentle giants’, they are estimated to have existed for 60 million years, can live up to 100 years, and grow up to 12 metres in length.Launched in 2022, the ‘Whale Sharks of Qatar’ tour has been a resounding success, with nearly 500 explorers becoming the first to observe up to 300 Whale Sharks congregating off the north-eastern coast of Qatar. Discover Qatar have also produced a detailed e-brochure which provides more information about the tours.
    For more information and to book please visit https://www.discoverqatar.qa/whale-sharks-of-qatar/ADVERTISEMENT

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    British Airways and VisitBritain team up for new campaign: ‘Ask Britain Anything

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    British Airways and VisitBritain team up for new campaign: ‘Ask Britain Anything

    The US has always been curious about British culture, but how well do Americans truly know the British? British Airways and VisitBritain have joined forces in a new campaign that gives an insider’s view on modern Britain, with all its vibrancy and warmth, to inspire US visitors to book their next visit.
    The campaign ‘Ask Britain Anything’, created with Uncommon Creative Studio, takes a deep dive into 50 of Americans’ most-searched online questions about the UK and puts these directly to British people to respond.
    Some of the most-searched questions by Americans included: What are British people like? Why do British people like queuing? Why travel to Britain? What do British people eat for breakfast? Is all British food beige? And, what do British people mean when they say ‘hello love’?
    The new campaign, which launches this week across the US via connected television and social media, sees British Airways’ colleagues alongside people from across Britain answer some of these burning questions. Behind the campaign’s humor is a ‘bird’s-eye’ view of modern British society, with its unique people, cultures and quirks that make Britain such a special place to live and visit.
    “The most surprising question was about British food being beige. I’ve been debating it among my friends ever since!” said British Airways Inflight Manager Jason Consiglio, who took part in the campaign. “Answering these questions gave me a chance to recognize how much I love being British, and the confidence to say how great we really are. We’re a beautiful country that champions traditions, cultures and people. I could not be happier to represent Britain, and British Airways, in this campaign.”ADVERTISEMENTBritish Airways Director of Marketing Hamish McVey said: “Everyone knows about Britain’s vibrant cities, historical sites and beautiful landscapes. But there is a curiosity around British culture – now more than ever. We’re incredibly proud of this campaign, which dispels the stereotypes, sheds light on who we truly are and why you should visit to get to know us better. And what better place to immerse yourself in the British spirit than on a British Airways flight.”
    VisitBritain Executive VP for The Americas, Australia and New Zealand Paul Gauger said: “We are delighted to launch this fun and engaging campaign, inviting our visitors to ‘Ask Britain Anything’ and extending a warm welcome to the US, Britain’s largest and most valuable inbound visitor market. By telling the story of our dynamic destinations and diverse culture, we’re inspiring visitors from the US to explore further, stay longer and discover the new and surprising experiences to be had in Britain all year-round.”
    The campaign includes a series of 12 unique and original films. More than 70 individuals were interviewed to take part in the series from across the UK’s nations and regions. The cast included a Welsh rapper, an NHS neurosurgeon, Liverpudlian firefighters and a Scottish astrologer, to name a few, as well as British Airways colleagues. A selection of the original films is available to view online through the campaign’s landing page at BA.com/visitbritain.
    The British Airways and VisitBritain’s ‘Ask Britain Anything’ campaign is part of the UK Government’s GREAT Britain global campaign.

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    British Airways raises £27.3m for Flying Start on Red Nose Day

    This Red Nose Day, British Airways is proud to have raised an incredible £27.3 million for Flying Start, through the airline’s global charity partnership with Comic Relief. The money has been raised over the past 13 years, since the partnership’s launch in 2010.
    To celebrate this ‘oarsome’ milestone, British Airways teamed up with Comic Relief celebrity supporters Alison Hammond, Rylan and Sir Steve Redgrave to find out if one of its aircraft could beat the GB Rowing team in a race next to London City Airport.
    Never one to shy away from a challenge, rowing legend Sir Steve Redgrave brought together medal-winning members of the GB Rowing Team to take on the challenge. The World Champions and Olympians in the mixed eight boat comprised a cox, four female and four male rowers, who took on a British Airways Cityflyer Embraer 190 Aircraft.
    Ahead of the race, Alison Hammond gave words of wisdom to the rowing team, showing them some of her own special warm up tips. At the same time, Rylan prepped the airline’s crew, before both celebs took to the water to cheer everyone to the finish line.The race took place at London City Airport, next to the Royal Albert Docks with the runway running parallel to the water where many Olympic and World Champion rowers train.
    A video of the special challenge can be viewed below and customers will also be able to watch it on British Airways’ inflight-entertainment system later this year.ADVERTISEMENTSir Steve Redgrave, an honorary trustee of Comic Relief and five-time Olympic gold medal rowing champion, said: “As a trustee for Comic Relief, it’s so fantastic to combine my passion for rowing with a cause so close to my heart. I trained at these docks for many years, so I know them well, but seeing a challenge like this was certainly a first for me. It was a lot of fun and a privilege to be a part of – I’m so pleased to have had the opportunity to help raise awareness for British Airways’ Flying Start charity partnership, that has helped millions of individuals worldwide with its fundraising.”
    Mary Brew, British Airways Community Investment Manager said: “We’re so proud to have reached the 13th year of our long-standing partnership with Comic Relief. It’s the generous donations of our customers and the fundraising efforts of our colleagues that has helped us reach another milestone this Red Nose Day.”
    Across the business, British Airways’ colleagues also supported fundraising efforts for Red Nose Day this year, with 56 of its cabin crew taking part in the airline’s eighth trolley dash, pushing aircraft trollies more than 15km around the capital. This year’s trolley dash raised more than £12,000 for Flying Start through donations from spectators and online sponsors.
    Funds raised through the Flying Start partnership support projects both in the UK and around the world in destinations that British Airways flies to. Examples include Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland which provides tailored support to families with children affected by spina bifida and /or hydrocephalus, and Butterflies in New Delhi, which works with children living or working on the streets to give them life skills to prosper. Butterflies has supported an estimated 2,250 children in New Delhi over the last two years.Customers can donate to Flying Start by visiting here.https://www.comicrelief.com/partners/british-airways-flying-start

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