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    UNWTO Launches Women in Tech Startup Competition in the Middle East

    UNWTO has launched a new Startup Competition to support women tourism tech entrepreneurs and innovators across the Middle East.Announced at Biban 2023, Saudi Arabia’s largest SME conference, the Women in Tech Startup Competition: Middle East, will further advance UNWTO’s work to make tourism a pillar of women’s empowerment. The initiative gives innovators the chance to compete for enhanced capacity building and visibility. Finalists in each category will join the UNWTO Innovation Network, giving them access to the UNWTO Member States network, mentorship programs and to UNWTO scholarship opportunities.
    Tourism startups are also leading the way in advancing women empowerment, in the Middle East and globally, and UNWTO is delighted to support the region’s best innovators and digital entrepreneurs
    UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, says: “Tourism startups have the power and agility to transform the sector in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. Tourism startups are also leading the way in advancing women empowerment, in the Middle East and globally, and UNWTO is delighted to support the region’s best innovators and digital entrepreneurs.”
    Who can apply?
    Startups must be led, owned or managed by women residing in any of the following countries: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Libya and Yemen.Idea Stage, Early Stage or Series A startups with a minimum viable product or idea that is ready to be developed and funded.Have a full-time team, a tested pilot and business plan.Be scalable with potential for international growth.ADVERTISEMENTStartups must also belong to at least one of the following categories:
    Social Impact: For startups that focus on technology in wellness, health, urban development, rural development, sustainability, and education with cross-cutting benefits with tourism.Tourism and Travel Experience: Startups focusing on the food and beverage, transportation and accommodation, travel, and retail industries to participate.Future Tech: Startups that leverage fintech, AI, AR/VR, cryptocurrency, Internet of Things, blockchain technology, digital twinning and the Metaverse.Events and Community: Startups focused on social and messaging platforms, e-sports and gaming platforms, community-based applications, events-related platforms, and education technology.Applications close at the end of July 2023 and the winners will be announced at the Tourism Tech Adventure (TTA), to be held on World Tourism Day (27 September Riyadh, Saudi Arabia).
    UNWTO and Innovation
    Since 2018, UNWTO’s IEI department has launched more than 21 startup competitions and innovation challenges, covering over 150 countries around the world. With over 10,000 participants and more than US$214 million in funding, UNWTO continues its efforts to support digitalization and innovation in line with the global entrepreneurship ecosystem. Tourism has the opportunity to improve inclusiveness, local community development, and resource efficiency by leveraging innovation and digital advancements.

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    Experience the Ultimate Grand Prix Weekend Onboard MSC Virtuosa

    As part of MSC Cruises Global Partnership with Formula 1®, a unique and high-end Grand Prix™ hospitality offering has been unveiled promising an unrivalled race weekend experience at this year’s FORMULA 1® ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX™ on 24-26 November.
    The new collaboration will take race weekend accommodation to the next level providing a fully integrated Grand Prix™ experience that will bring the trackside thrills of the final race of the season on board MSC Virtuosa, one of the line’s most modern and stylish cruise ships.
    Serving as a cruise ship hotel throughout the race weekend whilst docked in the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, the glamourous and modern MSC Virtuosa offers comfortable and stylish accommodation combined with an incredible array of amenities including restaurants and bars, two theatres, a shopping mall and Mediterranean-style promenade, luxurious spa and fully equipped gym, five swimming pools, an interactive waterpark, extensive kids’ areas and much more! Sales for the packages opened today (15 March 2023) and can be booked here.
    In 2022, MSC Cruises signed a multi-year deal to become a Formula 1® Global Partner and this new collaboration is a further enrichment of the partnership, which was established to bring together two global leaders in their respective fields to drive change through their shared passion for excellence, sustainability, and global entertainment.
    A range of different packages are available, combining accommodation, race tickets and exclusive insider access with F1® Experiences to make the race weekend truly unforgettable.ADVERTISEMENTWhether fans are looking for elegant cabins or deluxe suites, they will find a host of accommodation levels available aboard MSC Virtuosa, all with half board (breakfast and an evening meal), complimentary Wi-Fi and transfers to and from the track.
    Packages start with a cabin only option for those who already have race tickets or a cabin + Formula 1® Grandstand ticket option.
    For diehard fans searching for the ultimate Formula 1® weekend, there is a choice of cabin + F1® Experience that include exclusive trackside activities, through to premium all-inclusive hospitality (Turn 1 Suite, Paddock Club and Legend),  including exclusive insider access such as Pit Lane Walk, Guided Track Tour on a flatbed truck, Formula 1® personnel appearances, and more.
    The Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal where MSC Virtuosa will be docked is just a short drive from the circuit, allowing guests to get there and back with ease thanks to complimentary transfers. In addition, the city centre is very close by, making the ship a perfect base for the weekend. MSC Virtuosa will be in port from 23 to 27 November, allowing guests the opportunity to extend their race weekend.
    And the thrills won’t stop when the fans leave the track, as the festive atmosphere continues aboard for guests with a specially designed programme of themed activities, parties and entertainment, as well as a dedicated kids’ programme.
    Gianni Onorato, CEO MSC Cruises commented, “Through this exclusive hospitality offering we are bringing together the very best of two worlds – Formula 1® and MSC Cruises. By collaborating together, we are integrating the incredible atmosphere at the track with the incredible experience on board our ships to create an unrivalled and truly memorable race experience for fans of all ages.”
    Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1, said, “We are delighted to join forces with MSC Cruises and bring fans a unique and unparalleled hospitality experience during the season finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix™. With luxurious accommodations, exclusive insider access, and the convenience of all-in-one race packages, we’re confident that this partnership will make the race weekend truly unforgettable.”

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    Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Honored as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for 2023 by Ethisphere

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    Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Honored as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for 2023 by Ethisphere

    Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,100 hotels in 95+ countries, today announced it has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for 2023 by Ethisphere, which honors companies demonstrating business integrity through best-in-class ethics, compliance, and governance practices.Wyndham stands alone as the only major hotel company to be honored for 2023, marking the third time Wyndham has been recognized for this distinguished accolade.
    “Our goal at Wyndham is to make hotel travel possible for all, and it’s important that the global community we foster for our team members, franchisees, guests and partners has its foundation in ethics and values,” said Paul Cash, general counsel and chief compliance officer, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “Our values of Integrity, Accountability, Inclusivity, Caring and Fun drive all business decisions we make and allow us to make an impact on the communities where we exist.”
    Wyndham operates under the philosophy that you can do well by doing good, which is why incorporating strong, ethical practices into everyday business activities are top priority. From robust anti-corruption and compliance training programs to an integrity hotline for anonymous reporting and an overarching code of conduct to guide team members on our values and principles, Wyndham provides team members a variety of resources to encourage the highest level of ethical behavior. The Company also supports industry organizations such as the American Hotel & Lodging Association and provides mandatory training programs to educate team members and franchisees on human trafficking prevention. Most recently, Wyndham pledged $500,000 to the No Room for Trafficking Survivor Fund to help support survivors’ immediate and long-term stability
    Grounded in Ethisphere’s proprietary Ethics Quotient®, the World’s Most Ethical Companies assessment process includes more than 200 questions on culture, environmental and social practices, ethics and compliance activities, governance, diversity, and initiatives that support a strong value chain. The process serves as an operating framework to capture and codify the leading practices of organizations across industries and around the globe. Ethisphere’s 2023 Ethics Index, the collection of publicly traded companies recognized as recipients of this year’s World’s Most Ethical Companies designation, outperformed a comparable index of large-cap companies by 13.6 percentage points over a five-year period.
    “Ethics matters. Organizations that commit to business integrity through robust programs and practices not only elevate standards and expectations for all, but also have better long-term performance,” said Ethisphere CEO, Erica Salmon Byrne. “We continue to be inspired by the World’s Most Ethical Companies honorees and their dedication to making real impact for their stakeholders and displaying exemplary values-based leadership. Congratulations to Wyndham Hotels & Resorts for earning a place in the World’s Most Ethical Companies community.”ADVERTISEMENTTo view the full list of this year’s honorees, please visit the World’s Most Ethical Companies website, at https://worldsmostethicalcompanies.com/honorees. For more on Wyndham’s growing resume of workplace awards, and to learn more about its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.corporate.wyndhamhotels.com.

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    Tourism Ireland’s new campaign set to ‘win hearts’ around the world!

    Specially timed to coincide with this week’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations, the new adverts will be seen in some of Tourism Ireland’s key markets, including Great Britain, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the Nordic countries. The campaign will continue to be rolled out in other markets over the coming weeks.The ‘Fill your heart with Ireland’ campaign is all about celebrating the different ways in which the island of Ireland fills the hearts of its visitors and of locals, and inviting potential holidaymakers to come and experience those for themselves. The advocates and personalities starring in the adverts share the things that fill their heart with Ireland, dialling up what differentiates Ireland from other destinations. They will shine a light on Ireland’s characters, character and culture, through engaging personal anecdotes told by those who love it best – its stars, local characters and visitors.
    The first adverts of the new campaign feature actors Sharon Horgan, from Bad Sisters, and Saoirse-Monica Jackson and Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, from Derry Girls. On St Patrick’s Day, Tourism Ireland’s new ‘Fill your heart with Ireland’ campaign will be rolled out in Great Britain with a special TV ‘mega spot’. At 21:00, a bespoke 60-second advert will air on more than 100 channels across Great Britain, including ITV, Channel 4, Dave and Channel 5 – reaching more than 7.7 million people. Click here to view the advert.

    Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said: “As people everywhere around the world celebrate St Patrick’s Day, we are delighted to roll out our new ‘Fill your heart with Ireland’ campaign this week. It will highlight our rich and authentic experiences, breath-taking landscapes and, in particular, our warm welcome – encouraging people to put the island of Ireland on their holiday ‘wish-list’ for 2023.
    ADVERTISEMENT“Our aim is to deliver ‘stand-out’ for Ireland in the hugely competitive international marketplace. Our ‘Fill your heart with Ireland’ campaign will position the island of Ireland as a place that fills the heart and restores the spirit. Our people and welcome are key differentiators for Ireland from our competitor destinations; and this campaign puts them front and centre.”

    The ‘Fill your heart with Ireland’ adverts will run on multiple channels including TV, cinema, social media, online and outdoor. They will also be shared on Tourism Ireland’s social media platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and TikTok.

    St Patrick’s Day traditionally marks the real start of the tourism season and, as the rebuilding of overseas tourism to the island of Ireland continues this year, it offers a unique opportunity to launch the new ‘Fill your heart with Ireland’ global campaign, as Tourism Ireland capitalises on Ireland’s heightened profile around the world during this St Patrick’s Day period.

    The campaign will deliver over 100 million impressions (opportunities to see) in the first half of 2023. An additional 50 million impressions will be delivered in the second half of this year.

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    Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter Opening 16 June 2023

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    Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter Opening 16 June 2023

    Warner. Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter today announced it will officially open its doors on Friday 16th June 2023, with tickets going on sale 22 March 2023 at 14:00 JST. Stepping into the new walking tour, visitors will be taken behind-the-scenes of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films into the incredible world of film production.
    For over 25 years, J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter stories have captivated and inspired hundreds of millions of people around the world. Today, the Wizarding World celebrates the global community of fans of all ages who cherish these tales and seek to dive even further into the magic of the characters, the values they represent and the adventures they embark upon.
    Opening for the first time in Tokyo, this brand-new Studio Tour will invite fans to step onto breathtaking sets including the iconic Great Hall at Hogwarts, Diagon Alley and the Forbidden Forest where they will see exquisite costumes and come face to face with magical creatures while learning filmmaking secrets. Fans will also enjoy lots of fun activities including riding a broomstick, drinking a refreshing Butterbeer, appearing in a moving portrait in the halls of Hogwarts, stepping into the crowd of a Quidditch game and shopping from a huge range of products, many of which are only available at Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo.
    To mark the occasion, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo revealed the first of many magical film sets – The Hogwarts Express on Platform 9 ¾. At an event featuring Mana Ashida and Harry Sugiyama, the media were invited to pose for the’ push a trolley through the wall to Platform 9 ¾’ photo opportunity and even step onboard the train. Visitors exploring the Studio Tour will be able to imagine how Hogwarts students would have felt and enjoy the same experiences as they journeyed to Hogwarts.
    The Platform 9 ¾ set was created by the original Harry Potter filmmakers using authentic techniques. It’s home to the Hogwarts Express which is an original British steam locomotive that was built in 1929 called The Dumbleton Hall. Operated by the Great Western Railway, it continued to run for over 35 years until it was retired. The locomotive was refurbished in England, then shipped to Japan to take up its position at the Studio Tour.ADVERTISEMENTTorben Jensen, VP and GM, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter said: “The Studio Tour is a completely new experience for Harry Potter fans in Japan and I’m so excited to open the doors on 16th June. In addition to fantastic interactive features, multiple photo opportunities and the world’s largest Harry Potter shop, the Studio Tour will exclusively showcase a number of incredible film sets that are one of a kind.”
    Ms. Mana Ashida commented: “I love the Harry Potter series, so I’m very happy to be standing on Platform 9 ¾. I’ve heard that some of the sets will be on show for the first time in Japan and I’m really looking forward to seeing those.”
    Mr. Harry Sugiyama said: “I’m here today as a presenter, having narrated the English version of the film that introduces Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo in Japan and I’m really looking forward to exploring the sets for the first time. I am very excited to see the Hogwarts Express.”
    Also featured in this section of the Studio Tour is The Great Wizarding Express, a set that is exclusive to Tokyo, which appeared in Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore. The train carriage is art deco in styling, to match the era, and is decorated with ornate detailing throughout recreating the appearance of birdseye maple, ebony and brass inlay strips. Depicting the scene where Newt Scamander leads an intrepid team of wizards, witches, and one brave Muggle baker on a dangerous mission, the mannequins display the costumes of Newt Scamander, Jacob Kowalski, Theseus Scamander, Bunty Broadacre, Yusuf Kama and Eulalia “Lally” Hicks.
    The Studio Tour will also be home to the largest Harry Potter shop in the world, featuring 14 themed sections that are decorated with over 7,000 bespoke and specially sourced props. The areas are beautifully designed and take inspiration from elements of the shops on Diagon Alley including Honeydukes, Ollivanders and Flourish and Blotts. A huge range of products will be available to buy, many of which have been exclusively developed for Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo. In addition, visitors can enjoy a choice of restaurants and cafés which will serve a celebration of traditional British fare such as fish and chips, roast beef, English breakfast and Afternoon Tea.
    This will be the largest indoor Harry Potter attraction in the world and visitors can expect to spend around four hours exploring the only Warner Bros. Studio Tour to open in Asia. Building on the phenomenal success of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – the Making of Harry Potter which opened in 2012 and has maintained exceptional visitor reviews, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo will feature exclusive sets only available in this location, providing visitors with an experience like no other.

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    National Veterans Memorial and Museum to Host National Vietnam War Veterans Day Ceremony on March 29 More

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    National Veterans Memorial and Museum to Host National Vietnam War Veterans Day Ceremony on March 29

    In observance of National Vietnam War Veterans Day, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM) invites the public to join in honoring and welcoming home our Vietnam Veterans with a special in-person and live-stream ceremony on March 29 at 10 a.m in the Great Hall. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the return home of U.S. combat troops from Vietnam and the repatriation of U.S. prisoners of war (POWs).Museum admission is free to all guests on March 29, thanks to the support of NVMM sponsors. Free Welcome Home Ceremony tickets are available on the NVMM website. The event will be live-streamed on NVMM’s Facebook and YouTube channels.
    “The Vietnam War was the first war from which many Americans did not welcome our Veterans back home as heroes, so we want to take this day as a time to recognize these Veterans and say ‘thank you,’” said Lt. General Michael Ferriter, U.S. Army (Retired), president and CEO of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. “Vietnam Veterans served when they were called upon by our country, and they and their families deserve our honor and gratitude for their service and sacrifice.”
    The Welcome Home Ceremony will feature a keynote speech from Captain Charles “Charlie” J. Plumb, U.S. Navy (Retired). He will share his story as a “Top Gun” jet fighter pilot who completed 75 combat missions before being shot down by a surface-to-air missile. Plumb ejected from his aircraft, parachuting into enemy territory where he endured six years as a POW. He now uses his journey of courage and resilience to help others face their challenges during speaking events and through his book, Who Packs Your Parachute: A True Story about Charles Plumb. Books will be available for purchase at the event, and Plumb will meet with guests after the ceremony.
    National Vietnam War Veterans Day was established as a national observance in 2017, the 50th anniversary of the start of the Vietnam War, to recognize the 9 million Americans who served during the Vietnam War. March 29, 1973, was the day U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, was disestablished and the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam.

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    ATM has launched an ‘Exhibitor Environmental Checklist’ and ‘Most Sustainable Stand’ award

    The organisers behind Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023 have implemented an ‘Exhibitor Environmental Checklist’ and introduced a brand-new ‘Most Sustainable Stand’ award as part of their commitment to ensuring the upcoming show is the most climate-conscious in its history. The 30th edition of ATM will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 1-4 May.Developed by show organiser Reed Exhibitions (RX) in line with ATM 2023’s theme of ‘Working Towards Net Zero’, the new checklist has been created with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in mind. It features practical advice for participants on how to manage waste, minimise their energy consumption and reduce CO2 emissions, as well as guidance on how to create greener promotional materials and exhibition stands.
    By introducing a ‘Most Sustainable Stand’ category to the ATM 2023 Best Stand Awards, RX aims to highlight the importance of ‘thinking green’ when it comes to large-scale conferences and exhibitions. Entries will be judged based on an extensive range of sustainable criteria, including supplier choice, material usage, operational efficiency, and even what happens to the stand once the show has concluded.
    Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “We’ve really had to think outside the box this year when it comes to supporting and encouraging sustainability. From an internal perspective, our team has implemented a range of purposeful innovations and changes ahead of ATM 2023, such as the removal of printed show guides, QR codes for scanning purposes and digital leads capturing to remove the need for exhibitor to hand out brochures.
    “We are confident that by engaging stakeholders with tools and initiatives such as our Exhibitor Environmental Checklist and Most Sustainable Stand category, ATM 2023 will not only set a new benchmark for sustainability within the Middle East’s exhibitions space but also help drive climate-conscious decision-making across the region’s travel, tourism and hospitality industry,” Curtis added.
    Other on-the-ground innovations set to shape ATM 2023 and future editions include a ban on single-use plastic across the venue, water refill stations, a reduction in the volume of printed graphics and signage, and the use of recyclable materials across the show.ADVERTISEMENTOn a broader level, ATM 2023 will explore 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 are likely to evolve, allowing 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.
    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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    PAN AM FLIGHT ACADEMY LAUNCHES MULTI CREW COOPERATION COURSE More

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    PAN AM FLIGHT ACADEMY LAUNCHES MULTI CREW COOPERATION COURSE

    Pan Am Flight Academy, a facility that specializes in training aviation professionals from around the world, has announced the addition of a new course to its curriculum. The new, Multi Crew Cooperation (MCC) program is offered to international customers and complies with the requirements of South American and European regulations. Upon completion of the course, pilots will be proficient in multi-crew operations with a focus on operating safely in the National Airspace System under instrument flight rules.
    The Multi-Crew Cooperation Course consists of 45 hours of training, including 25 hours of instructor led ground training, and 20 hours of training in a Flight Simulation Training Device (FSTD). The course training objectives includes crew resource management, decision-making, task management, use of checklists, and team member support through normal, abnormal, and emergency situations. MCC training emphasizes the development of skills necessary for working effectively in a multi-crew environment.
    “The aviation industry continues to demand more pilots,” said Jeff Portanova, President of Pan Am Flight Academy. “At Pan Am, we continuously strive to offer courses that further enhance pilot skills and qualifications producing highly trained professionals to meet industry demands.”
    To enroll, pilots must possess a valid ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) Airman Certificate with multiengine and instrument ratings. Pilots should also demonstrate competence in aviation English Language (minimum ICAO Level 4) before enrolling.
    Pan Am offers a variety of FAA, ANAC, and other DGCA approved pilot training programs including ATP-CTP, Initial, Upgrade, Recurrent, Requalification, Recency, Type Ratings, Differences, VMC Limitation removals, and Foreign License Conversion to FAA ATP, among others.ADVERTISEMENTTraining programs are offered utilizing a wide variety of full flight simulators, flight training devices and emergency training equipment on the following fleet types: A320; B737CL; B737NG; B747-400; B757/B767; B777 and SAAB-340

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