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      Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism Partner to Deliver Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) 2023

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      Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism have announced the 12th Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) will take place from 11 to 21 March at a new waterfront location in Qatar’s newest city, Lusail. The world-class festival is set to bring together many unique culinary experiences, featuring the biggest names in hospitality, outstanding restaurants, a cooking theatre, nightly fireworks shows and live entertainment.
      This year, QIFF will celebrate the world’s best cuisines, in a picturesque environment at Al Saad Plaza, between the iconic architecture of Lusail towers at Lusail Boulevard, the street synonymous with the 2022 FIFA World Cup final celebrations. The festival is set to provide incredible gastronomic delights in collaboration with international and local celebrity chefs.
      Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive and Qatar Tourism Chairman His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “QIFF has proven to be one of the most popular festivals over the years and this year Qatar Airways’ global destinations are being represented via the amazing national dishes and cooking influences on display at this international event. I am confident that Qatar’s food tourism industry will continue to grow at an exponential rate due to our exciting calendar of globally appealing events. Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism are working hand in hand to cement our country’s strong position as a desirable travel gateway, renowned for a multitude of events, sporting competitions, festivals and amazing food.”
      Gastronomy lovers can look forward to 100 kiosks featuring a variety of culinary delights, a nightly cooking theatre, two premium catered food lounges in collaboration with 5-star hotels, afternoon tea, daily entertainment, a skating rink and a family-friendly fun-filled atmosphere.
      They can savour the very best of Indonesia, home to the famed Spice Islands as this year’s event will honour the Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture. Visitors can sample dishes that bind the country’s diverse culinary traditions with a rich complex flavour. The food festival will also feature a special Qatari cultural tent that includes local delicacies, and a fascinating experience with Le Petit Chef, an interactive dining experience using 3D mapping, in collaboration with The Ritz Carlton, Doha.ADVERTISEMENTAdditionally, to celebrate the upcoming International Horticultural Expo 2023 Qatar, which will take place in October under the theme “Green Desert, Better Environment,” a special kiosk will be present with special plant giveaways for festival visitors.
      Qatar International Food Festival Timings will be as follows:
      ·      Weekdays:    16:00 –22:00
      ·      Weekend:      16:00 – 01:00
      The festival runs from 11 to 21 March 2023.

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      Yas Island Abu Dhabi announces two exciting offers to enjoy Guns N’ Roses’ live performance

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      Yas Island Abu Dhabi sets to delight Rock and Roll fans with a daycation and staycation package to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as legendary rock band Guns N’ Roses makes history at Etihad Arena on June 1. With the iconic band kick-starting their world tour live from the heart of Abu Dhabi, Yas Island is offering fans the chance to avail a daycation package which comprises a ‘Dine and Event’ bundle starting AED 1,450, and a staycation package starting AED 1,590 which includes a hotel stay at one of Yas Island’s leading hotels from May 31 to June 4, both valid for booking on Yas Island’s website until May 31, subject to availability. The packages count with a Floor Standing Ticket and young spirits under the age of 12 are excluded within the ticket category.
      Yas Island Abu Dhabi will be entertaining Rock and Roll fans with an unforgettable experience as Guns N’ Roses return to rock the stage at Etihad Arena in their first performance in the UAE since 2018.
      For more information and bookings, please visit: https://www.yasisland.com/

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      ATM 2023 witnesses 20% year-on-year increase in exhibitors from India

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      Thanks to a significant uptick in annual outbound journeys predicted over the next two years, the Indian tourism sector will represent a key focus during Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, which will return to Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) for its 30th edition from 1-4 May.According to recently released data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Indian nationals spent a record $10 billion in overseas travel during the first nine months of 2022, an increase of nearly 43% compared to pre-Covid figures.
      Moreover, estimates from Indian business consultants, Nangia Anderson LLP, in association with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), place the number of annual outbound journeys at more than 27 million, with a total value of over $42 billion by the year 2024. This makes India well-positioned to become one of the world’s most important outbound tourism markets and support growth in the Middle East’s tourism sector following the challenges of the global pandemic.
      Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “The levels of outbound travellers predicted from India in the coming years mean it can command serious attention within the travel, tourism and hospitality sector. At ATM 2023, we will give delegates, exhibitors and attendees the opportunity to explore the Indian travel sector through various show features, including the India Summit, which will look deeper into this key market.”
      Many Indians regularly travel to the GCC region for leisure, business, or a combination of both, taking advantage of the short distance, with Mumbai to Dubai, just a three-hour flight. The number of direct flights between India and this region reflects these trends, with Emirates alone operating over 170 weekly flights to nine Indian cities – Gulf Air, Etihad, Qatar Airways and Oman Air each also have regular flights to Indian destinations.
      Airfares to the Gulf from India are also far lower than for other destinations due to the short distance, further underscoring the convenience and popularity of leisure or business travel. In addition, there are 8.5 million Indian nationals currently working in the GCC, meaning there is already a significant level of familiarity between the two regions.ADVERTISEMENTLast year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM) hosted several high-profile exhibitors from India, including Goa Tourism and Uttar Pradesh Tourism. This year’s event will be no exception, with new Indian exhibitors such as One Above Destination Management Services (DMC), Adventure Overland and Visaero Visa already confirmed.
      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 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.
      To register for ATM 2023, please log on to: https://www.wtm.com/atm/en-gb/enquire.html.
      Souce: Zawya.com

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      Captivating Concerts Blossom at EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival March 1 – July 5, 2023

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      Captivating Concerts Blossom at EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival March 1 – July 5, 2023

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      Spring is in bloom at EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival!  On now and continuing through July 5, 2023, EPCOT will blossom with innovative topiaries, fresh flavors and high-energy concerts for the whole family to enjoy. Over 127 days, guests can explore lush gardens, sample sweet and savory bites with refreshing sips, and shop new merchandise collections featuring Orange Bird, Snow White and Figment.  Starting at sunset, festival guests can celebrate with a vibrant spectacle of light on Spaceship Earth set to a fresh and fun new soundtrack. 
      Enchanting Topiaries and Bright Blossoms
      Making their debut this year, topiaries of Mirabel, Antonio, Isabela and Luisa from Disney Animation’s Academy Award-winning “Encanto” greet guests in the main entrance of EPCOT. Each imaginative topiary features details inspired by each character, including Isabela creating beautiful flowers between her hands and an illuminated butterfly for Mirabel. 
      A new topiary of Princess Tiana from the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic “The Princess and the Frog” graces The American Adventure in World Showcase featuring a stunning ballgown and illuminated fireflies. In the France pavilion, Lumiere and Cogsworth topiaries return with innovative new elements, including lit candles for Lumiere and a working clock for Cogsworth. 
      More than 200,000 bedding plants are added to the gardens of EPCOT for the festival, including an additional 60,000 bedding plants that create the iconic floral designs that make up the World Celebration East & West Lakes. The Dragon topiary, located in the Japan pavilion, is composed of sun-loving succulent plants, adding bursts of colors to the nearly 20-foot-long display.  ADVERTISEMENT
      Because this year’s festival will be celebrated across two seasons, plant displays will also evolve with the weather, making for true seasonal beauty and detail. Guests visiting during both spring and summer months may see new selections as the season changes.
      Find Fresh Flavors at Outdoor Kitchens
      With more than 15 Outdoor Kitchens located throughout the park, guests can enjoy the freshest flavors as spring gives way to summer, including more than 50 new food and drink items.
      Citrus flavors abound at The Citrus Blossom, now located at the Odyssey, including Orange Sesame Tempura Shrimp with Orange-Chile Sauce; Citrus Baked Brie with preserved lemon marmalade, limoncello-macerated blueberries and spiced Marcona almonds; and a light and airy lemon meringue pie. 
      Befitting Princess Tiana’s residence nearby, Magnolia Terrace in the American Adventure pavilion features a menu with several new Louisiana-inspired bites and sips, including Muffuletta Panini with ham, salami, mortadella, provolone, and Swiss with olive salad; Crawfish Pie, Bananas Foster Bread Pudding and Bayou Cocktail, featuring Bayou spiced rum, coconut rum, fruit punch, and orange juice. The crowd-pleasing Spicy Chicken Gumbo with andouille sausage and BEN’S ORIGINAL™ Long Grain & Wild Rice returns to round out the menu.
      To showcase the freshest flavors of the season, EPCOT Farmers Feast near Test Track® presented by Chevrolet® will offer a rotating menu, changing three times throughout the festival, featuring the finest local ingredients. Highlights include Spice Cake with cream cheese icing and candied pecans and parsnip on the Early Bloom Menu; Grilled Swordfish with crushed fingerling potatoes, pea and mint purée, grilled asparagus, and lemon beurre blanc on the Springtime Menu; and Sweet Corn Crème Brûlée with corn biscotti on the Summer Solstice Menu.
      Guests can also take a tasty tour through the gardens and explore EPCOT with Garden Graze, a fresh food stroll highlighting 11 delicious sweet and savory plant-based offerings – all listed in the Festival Passport. 
      Captivating Concerts Nightly at Garden Rocks

      The ever-popular Garden Rocks Concert Series returns to the America Garden Theatre this spring featuring internationally recognized artists Friday through Monday and local Orlando talent rocking the house Tuesday through Thursday. This year’s lineup includes:
      Smash Mouth Blue Oyster Cult (New) The Pointer Sisters Luis Figueroa (New) Piso 21 (New) Switchfoot (New) AJ Croce (New) Casting Crowns (New) Jason Scheff (New)  Plain White T’s Simple Plan And many others!  Dining packages for lunch and dinner are available at eight EPCOT locations with guaranteed seating at the Garden Rock Concert Series. Visit FreshEPCOT.com for full concert lineup and dining package availability. 
      In addition to enjoying the festival, guests can explore the endless possibilities that EPCOT has to offer. Help save the galaxy on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, shrink to the size of Remy on Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, dine with Disney Princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and so much more. Now through March 31, guests can also take advantage of their last opportunity to enjoy Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary celebration by hunting for golden statues featured in the Disney Fab 50 Character Collection. Through April 2, guests can finish their day of fun with the sights and sounds of “Harmonious,” a nighttime spectacular celebrating the power of Disney music and stories to inspire and unite us all. 
      The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is included with valid theme park admission and a park reservation for the same date. Guests can visit DisneyWorld.com for more information about planning their visit.

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      Airlines join forces, urge courts to safeguard the future of Schiphol Airport

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      The KLM Group, Delta Air Lines, Corendon, easyJet and TUI are joining forces to take summary proceedings against the Dutch government in a bid to keep the Netherlands connected to the rest of the world via Schiphol Airport.The airlines are challenging the government’s unilateral decision to significantly cut flight movements at Schiphol, confident they can reduce noise levels and CO2 emissions while maintaining a network of destinations for the millions of passengers and tonnes of cargo they carry annually to and from Schiphol.
      Schiphol Airport makes a significant contribution to the Dutch economy, providing more than a hundred thousand jobs, both directly and indirectly. Millions of people across the Netherlands use the airport every year for business trips, vacations, family visits or studies, while the airport’s international network makes it attractive to foreign companies looking to establish themselves in the Netherlands.
      The airlines maintain that the Dutch government’s unilateral and sudden decision to reduce Schiphol’s capacity from 500,000 to 460,000 flight annual movements (with the ultimate goal of reducing flight movements to 440,000 by 2024) is incomprehensible. The airlines have already made multi-billion euros investments to meet near- and long-term goals in line with their own decarbonization trajectories as well as government policies, while the government’s justification hinges on operational restrictions with no consideration of alternative workable solutions to effect noise reduction.
      In addition to negatively impacting the Dutch economy, the capacity reduction would significantly reduce travel options and connectivity for consumers. The airlines maintain that, along with violating national, European and international legislation, the decision is unnecessary, damaging and lacks proper substantiation, given the airline industry is already achieving significant results in relation to reducing CO2 emissions and lowering noise levels.
      For these reasons, KLM, KLM Cityhopper, Martinair, Transavia – all part of Air France-KLM Group – as well as Corendon, Delta Air Lines, easyJet and TUI are urging the courts to safeguard the future capacity of Schiphol Airport.ADVERTISEMENTThe KLM Group, which accounts for close to 60% of traffic at Schiphol, initiated this legal action in line with parent company Air France-KLM Group’s position on the matter. In addition, industry association BARIN has indicated its full support for this initiative. This initiative is also fully supported by industry associations Airlines for Europe (A4E) and the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) because the capacity reduction at Schiphol has major implications for the EU’s single aviation market. In a further move, industry association IATA and a number of airlines will also be going to court to initiate proceedings against the Dutch government.
      KLM PRESIDENT & CEO MARJAN RINTEL SAID:“We are embracing the targets set for reducing noise levels and CO2 emissions, investing billions in fleet renewal and SAF procurement that will ultimately supersede these targets while maintaining our network that serves 170 destinations worldwide. This is good news for the millions of people who fly from the Netherlands with KLM every year whether for business or leisure and for the cargo industry. As the government appears not to hear our call, unfortunately we find ourselves compelled to take legal action.”
      DELTA AIR LINES’ EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT EXTERNAL AFFAIRS PETER CARTER SAID:“Delta is committed to ambitious sustainability targets and wants to work collaboratively to meet these goals. We firmly believe that it is possible and, indeed, necessary to properly balance sustainability priorities with economic and wider societal interests. We strongly object to capacity reductions at Schiphol Airport and remain actively focused on investing in our fleet renewal and modernization program as the most effective way forward to mitigate noise and environmental concerns.”
      GENERAL MANAGER TUI NETHERLANDS ARJAN KERS SAID:“The proposed measures will negatively limit Dutch travelers’ options. That is why TUI wholeheartedly supports this action. The measures are contrary to (European) regulations and government policies that have been in place for years and do not reward the efforts that have been and are being made by airlines to reduce noise and emissions.”
      CEO CORENDON STEVEN VAN DER HEIJDEN SAID:“Emphatic focus on rapid fleet renewal will reduce noise levels and emissions in the short term far more effectively than imposing limits on capacity, which will only serve to put pressure on network connections and holiday flights, driving passengers across the border.”
      CEO TRANSAVIA MARCEL DE NOOIJER SAID:“Transavia finds itself compelled to join the summary proceedings against the reduction of capacity at Schiphol to 460,000 flight movements. As a company, we have made an important decision to investment billions in a cleaner, more fuel-efficient and quieter fleet, so that we can continue to offer our passengers a pleasant trip to beautiful destinations. Reducing the number of flights does not provide a solution and will not have the desired effect for local residents and the environment.”
      EASYJET COUNTRY MANAGER WILLIAM VET SAID:“By choosing to pursue an arbitrary flight cap the Dutch government totally disregards both the efforts made by the industry to decarbonise as well as the socio-economic benefits of aviation, significantly reducing connectivity. easyJet is taking important steps towards the decarbonisation of our operations, having recently published our roadmap to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, which includes a combination of operational efficiencies, fleet renewal, and other elements like airspace modernisation.”

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      Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort, Los Cabos Reopens Its Doors

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      The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, is thrilled to once again welcome guests to Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort, Los Cabos. The 34-acre beachfront oasis overlooks the Sea of Cortez and invites guests to discover the enduring beauty of Los Cabos as it reopens, revealing new luxury suite offerings and a fresh dining concept.
      “We are excited to reopen and showcase the exciting new upgrades that elevate the experience of visiting Solaz and Los Cabos,” said Giuliana Torres, General Manager of Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort, Los Cabos. “We look forward to welcoming new visitors and seeing our returning guests continue to create unforgettable memories at the resort.”
      Enhancements to the property include the addition of 21 new luxury suites, including the Villa Solaz Suite. The spacious, new Villa Solaz Suite defines roominess and with its 10,645 square feet and its 4 private bedrooms, offering an exquisite atmosphere for an elevated gathering experience. Inside, guests will have access to a private chef, private mixologist, and exclusive Artisan Butler service, all of which ensures their stay is tailor-made to the smallest detail. The resort will also debut two Wellness Suites, focusing on relaxation and whole-body therapy. The relaxation Wellness Suite boasts a double-bed massage table and steam room, while the whole-body therapy Wellness Suite offers heated loungers combined with meditation visors and halotherapy that balance the alkalization of the body through an immersive experience. The new suites increase the resort’s total room count to 145 guest rooms and suites.
      Another distinct enhancement to the property is the addition of Mako Beach, poised to become Los Cabos’ newest hotspot. Overlooking the glittering sea, Mako Beach features an exclusively designed Airstream® serving delicious Baja-style cuisine where guests can enjoy local bites and international flavors with live entertainment and DJ sessions on the beach. With the liveliest atmosphere in Baja, Mako Beach will breathe new life into the spirit of “Yesteryear Baja” while serving as one of Los Cabos’ new “it” places to be.
      Guests at Solaz can expect to experience the same level of excellence that has made it one of Los Cabos’ most remarkable destinations since it first opened in 2018. The resort’s Artisan Butlers are ready to anticipate guests’ needs and offer exclusive and dedicated 24-hour service. What’s more, they serve as guests’ own guided storyteller and Baja expert. Every guestroom offers access to the artisan butler service, no matter the room category.ADVERTISEMENT“The reopening of Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort, Los Cabos marks the return of one of The Luxury Collection’s most beloved and exceptional resorts in the Caribbean and Latin America,” said Philipp Weghmann, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection. “A truly destination-defining property, Solaz offers an exceptional luxury experience in Los Cabos.”
      CulinaryCulinary offerings at the resort include seven unique restaurants, lounges and/or cellars all led by Executive Chef Elihu Sepúlveda and his team. The epicurean experience at Solaz highlights fresh seafood, sustainable ingredients, and local Baja influences. On-site dining venues include:
      Al Pairo, a concept crafted by Chef Martín Arellano, offers contemporary dishes that draw inspiration from Asian, European, American, and Latin influences and are brought to life using fresh, locally sourced, and sustainable ingredients from Baja.La Cava, Solaz’s exclusive wine cellar is expertly curated by Solaz’s sommelier Ulises Barrios. It boasts magical sea views and evening sunsets, making it the perfect setting for an unforgettable wine tasting experience.Cascabel, the resort’s casual indoor/outdoor restaurant featuring traditional, contemporary and authentic Baja Market Style Breakfast.Foresta, which is part of Solaz’s Curated Wellness Heritage by Ojo de Liebre Spa (Ojo; the resort’s spa) boasts a fully plant-based menu featuring a variety of nourishing, hydrating, and detoxifying smoothies or juices as well as energizing bowls and fresh dishes made from locally sourced and sustainable vegetables.Mako, a “Dinner Grill” featuring dry-aged steaks, local lobsters, and the sea’s freshest fish.Riccio di Mare, an Italian offering inspired by the contemporary Osterias of northern Italy and taking advantage of the riches that this land offers; and lastly.Mako Beach, with local food, live DJ sessions, and authentic Cabo vibes, this new beachfront venue has an exclusively designed Airstream® that serves delicious Baja style food and will be the new place to be seen in Cabo.Guests also have access to in-room and outdoor dining with specialty menus while lounging by the pool or beach.
      Wellness + AmenitiesWith wellness at the core of the Solaz experience, the resort features elevated offerings for those seeking health, wellness and/or a re-charge. Its fitness center has state-of-the-art Technogym® equipment and Cryotherapy. Additionally, Ojo de Liebre offers a one-of-a-kind, resort spa experience. With 12 private treatment rooms, including 4 VIP double private treatment rooms, Ojo de Liebre’s spa menu includes an enchanting assortment of services to revitalize mind, body and soul.
      Signature experiences at Ojo de Liebre include the Sea Essence, Cryotherapy Treatment and the Baja Experience Connection. The spa offers a wide range of massage therapies, detox treatments and facials. Guests can also choose from a selection of healing retreats that combine several treatment options for an all-encompassing wellness experience. Spa offerings specifically designed for men are also available through the Gentlemen Scape options. Pets can even take advantage of Ojo de Liebre with treatments specially designed for dogs and cats.
      Solaz sits in the middle of the two Cabo towns with an extraordinarily rare private beach of 1,246 linear feet and a natural bay nestled between two rock beds. Guests can indulge in the turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortés, all while enjoying a variety of high-end water activities that Solaz can provide as well as a world of adventure and signature pursuits just minutes away in the mountain and desert.
      Other amenities ideal for all visitors include Solaz’s 50-meter infinity pools lining the beach overlooking the Sea of Cortez as well as the children’s and teen club perfect for families to take advantage of. Both “clubs” offer kids and teens a perfect escape with daily planned activities and events.
      Art, Design + Historic AppreciationCelebrating art and design at every turn, the resort showcases works by top Mexican artisans, including architecture by renowned firm Sordo Madaleno and more than 450 pieces of sculpture and art by renowned artist César López-Negrete. Landscape architecture by the award-winning Jeronimo Gabayet blends seamlessly into the architectural design of the resort and highlights the over 120 endemic species living on the property.
      The resort also features El Gabinete “Del Barco,” an indigenous gallery + museum featuring regional artifacts and open spaces to walk through while enjoying breathtaking natural scenery. One of the special and unique artifacts includes a whale fossil floating from the ceiling. The gallery offers daily guided tours, children’s sleepovers and secret cocktail party invites, making this a special experience for all.
      Meetings, Conferences + EventsSolaz is the ideal destination for meetings and special occasions offering the largest meeting space at any luxury hotel in Los Cabos. The resort has over 20,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including the 3,400-square-foot Cousteau Ballroom and the expansive 11,000-square-foot outdoor Calypso Ocean Front Deck. Solaz’s team of expert curators will flawlessly execute each moment with careful planning, catering, and by providing state-of-the-art equipment.
      SustainabilitySolaz’s green design helps the property lower its carbon footprint and supports its relationship with the nature that surrounds it. The resort features 53,000 square meters of green areas, greatly reducing its carbon footprint by returning oxygen to the environment. 36% of its rooms contain green roofs, more than any other hotel in Cabo, which allows for lower energy consumption.
      Smart rooms are controlled with Crestron technology, from check-in to check-out, to maintain temperature levels, lighting, and even to close the curtains when the guest is not in the room. Additionally, 80% of the hotel’s lights are LED, which decreases its energy consumption.
      For more information on Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort, Los Cabos and to make reservations, please visit https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sjdlc-solaz-a-luxury-collection-resort-los-cabos/overview/

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      WTTC Announces Next Stage of its groundbreaking Hotel Sustainability Basics initiative

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      WTTC Announces Next Stage of its groundbreaking Hotel Sustainability Basics initiative

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      The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has today launched the Hotel Sustainability Basics (Basics) verification scheme. Announced at ITB Berlin, Basics will ena-ble tourist accommodation providers from around the world, regardless of their size, to begin their sustainability journey.
      Basics, an industry-wide supported initiative, first launched at WTTC’s Global Summit in Manilla last year, is a globally recognised and coordinated set of criteria that all hotels should implement as a minimum to drive responsible and sustainable Travel & Tourism.
      Basics emerged as a result of a clear demand from a group of influential global hotel brands and whilst there a great number of sustainability initiatives, Basics focuses on an achievable starting point. It will encourage all hospitality businesses to begin their sustaina-bility journeys and redefine the non-negotiables of sustainability in the industry.
      Made up of 12 key criteria, the Basics are achievable for all hotels to implement as a bare minimum. They serve as a stepping-stone to more complex sustainability schemes and even greater sustainability.
      Basics has also been recognised by the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance as the starting point for a net positive industry, who announced the latest version of the Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality.ADVERTISEMENTVerification Scheme
      In order to ensure the validity of the programme WTTC partnered with Green Key and SGS to develop a simple online verification system to allow hotels to provide evidence and en-sure they are following the Basics.
      The verification scheme enables hotels and other tourist accommodation to be officially verified for meeting eight of the 12 criteria in the first year and demonstrate their com-mitment to working toward all 12 of the criteria by year three.
      Together, the criteria ensure the sector is eco resilient and adaptive to the changing needs of the planet.
      Hotel Partners
      Six major international hotel groups, collectively representing tens of thousands of sites from around the world have now joined Basics as inaugural partners. The first hotel groups include well-known brands such as Accor, Jin Jiang International, Louvre Hotels Group, Meliá Hotels International, Meininger, and Radisson Hotel Group.
      Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said “We are incredibly proud to have launched the verification scheme for Hotel Sustainability Basics. The initiative is a response to the sector’s need for a baseline for hotels and other tourist lodgings to start their sustainability jour-neys.
      “Our research shows that most business owners are aware of their responsibility to the en-vironment but many sustainability practices such as efficient water use initiatives are patchy. Basics fills the gap by creating that level playing field for the sector.
      “It is testament to the need for such a scheme that already thousands of hotels from around the world have already signed up to Basics and are beginning their verification processes from today.”
      Inge Huijbrechts, Global Senior Vice President of Sustainability, Security & Corporate Com-munications at Radisson Hotel Group said “Hotel Sustainability Basics is filling a new and unanswered demand in the hotel industry: to provide a solid, trusted, and clear label for es-sential hotel sustainability. It’s important we define responsible travel to preserve the planet and protect communities. With Hotel Sustainability Basics we offer the traveller a clear sus-tainable stay option for all types of hotels around the world.
      “Radisson Hotel Group commits to implement Hotel Sustainability Basics in all its 1,100 ho-tels by 2025. We do this together with our shareholder Jin Jiang International, their affiliate Louvre Hotel Group and other major hotel groups and destinations around the world.”
      Green Lodgings Trend Report
      WTTC carried out an extensive international benchmarking exercise through the Green Lodgings Trends Report, learning from 27,000 accommodation providers on how they are currently fairing against the 12 criteria.
      Crucially, this benchmark will allow WTTC to track the progress of Basics over time.
      Almost 100% of accommodation providers implement at least one initiative to reduce ine-quality and 96% have adopted linen reuse programmes.
      The report also showed many hoteliers are establishing sustainable practices but there is still a way to go for these to become common across the sector.
      Two-thirds of those surveyed have already begun to eliminate the use of certain single-use plastics such as straws and implementing other waste reduction initiatives.
      Emerging practices were also highlighted in the report.
      Almost half of respondents have replaced small plastic toiletry bottles with bulk dispensers and a third now provide vegetarian options for every course in their food and beverage pro-vision.
      Sector Partners
      In addition to the Alliance, WTTC collaborated with other key leading sector figures includ-ing representatives from Greenview, WTTC’s hotel members, Expedia, the Global Sustaina-ble Tourism Council (GSTC), Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and Trip.com, as well as the certification bodies SGS and Green Key.
      Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance said “We are incredibly proud to work alongside the World Travel & Tourism Council to launch the Hotel Sustainability Ba-sics. Basics is a key part of the Alliance’s Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality which sets am-bitious targets to create a prosperous and responsible global hospitality sector that gives back to the destination more than it takes.
      “Net Positive Hospitality is a tremendous objective for us to achieve. Going beyond net zero and actually being contributory to the world’s future is a bold ambition but one I believe that the sector can achieve.”
      Randy Durband, CEO of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) said “Hotels throughout the world need to march towards sustainability quickly but the first step can be the hardest.
      “The WTTC Hotel Sustainability Basics provide an excellent way to understand and take the first steps. With twelve clear actions that map to the eight of the GTSC Industry Criteria, the Basics are indeed an essential part of the journey.”
      Jane Sun, Group CEO of Trip.com said “Sustainability is a collective goal. As demand for sus-tainable options increases, Trip.com Group will deepen cooperation with our partners, in-cluding WTTC, and empower hotels globally to adopt the best sustainability practices.”
      Destination Partners
      A number of global tourism destinations have already recognised the strength of Hotel Sus-tainability Basics and demonstrated their commitment to ensure their hotels implement the Basics.
      Azerbaijan was the first Destination Partner to support the Basics, followed by other sup-porters such as Belize, Colombia, and Mauritius.
      Florian Sengstschmid, CEO of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board said “The Basics are an im-portant add-on to Azerbaijan’s sustainable tourism development strategy. We are commit-ted to prioritize sustainability throughout the entire value chain and customer journey.
      “We take pride in being a country partner of this initiative and pledge to continue our ef-forts in promoting responsible tourism practices.  Our mission is to care for the country’s intangible and tangible resources for future generations to enjoy, and a tourism industry, that benefits both visitors and hosts alike.”

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      AirAsia Super App Introduces Queuing Service to Help Tourists and Locals

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      AirAsia Super App Introduces Queuing Service to Help Tourists and Locals

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      One of the best things about travelling is the food & cuisine that each destination offers, but sometimes long lines at famous restaurants with no online table reservation allowed can dampen the excitement. The airasia Super App has introduced a brand new service, specifically to address that inconvenience of queuing up at famous restaurants at tourist destinations, beginning with Bangkok.
      The ‘Queuing Service’ by airasia food, available from today onwards in Bangkok, enables travellers and local Bangkokians alike to book the service and have airasia riders queue up for them at participating restaurants such as CQK HOTPOT, Jeh O Chula, Lek Seafood Yaowarat, Khun Ple Mookata and Yi Ja Suki Mala. Dinner service can be booked in advance for any day from 6PM – 8PM.
      Miss Nattinee Tawanchulee, Country Head of airasia Super App Thailand, said, “With the launch of ‘Queuing Service’ on airasia food, we reinforce our position as a leading travel and lifestyle platform, providing value-added services for tourists and locals alike to have a better culinary experience when they travel. We have all experienced the frustration caused by long wait times at popular restaurants. In addition, there can be language barriers for foreign visitors meaning they miss out on signature dishes. To solve these issues and support the revival of local businesses, we introduce the ‘Queuing Service’ with five initial restaurants: CQK HOTPOT, Jeh O Chula, Lek Seafood Yaowarat, Khun Ple Mookata and Yi Ja Suki Mala and we look forward to adding more restaurants in the near future.”
      Steps on how to book this service easily via the airasia Super App by clicking on the ‘food’ icon, and follow these simple steps:
      Once you click on ‘Food’ icon, Select ‘Queuing Service’Choose a participating restaurant (CQK HOTPOT, Jeh O Chula, Lek Seafood Yaowarat, Khun Ple Mookata and Yi Ja Suki Mala are the participating restaurants for the moment)Enter the number of people who will be dining-inAgree to our terms and conditions, then confirm the restaurant locationBook the service and select your desired date and time (Dinner service can be booked in advance for any day from 6PM – 8PM)Pay the service fee starting at 300 THB.Stay up to date with good deals from the airasia Super App by following @airasiasuperapp.th on Instagram for the latest updates. For a seamless and enhanced experience, download your airasia Super App from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.ADVERTISEMENT

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