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      Cathay Pacific partners with VTC to develop aviation talent in Hong Kong

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      The Cathay Pacific Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Vocational Training Council (VTC) of Hong Kong to jointly nurture a new generation of talent as the aviation industry’s growth picks up in the lead up to the completion of the Three-Runway System in Hong Kong.
      The MoU Signing Ceremony was held at the Tsing Yi campus of the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE), a member institution of the VTC. Witnessed by Under Secretary for Transport and Logistics Liu Chun-san, Cathay Pacific Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam and VTC Executive Director Donald Tong, the MoU was signed by Cathay Pacific Director People Patricia Hwang and VTC Deputy Executive Director Alaina Shum.
      The Group’s participating companies include: Cathay Pacific, HK Express, Air Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific Services Limited – which operates the Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal – Cathay Pacific Catering Services (H.K.) Limited, Hong Kong Airport Services Limited and Vogue Laundry Service Limited.
      Liu Chun-san, Under Secretary for Transport and Logistics remarked that the pandemic has put the aviation industry on a bumpy flight over the past few years. But like planes flying out of an air turbulence, Hong Kong International Airport has been filling up again, and airlines have been flying to new destinations daily as the pandemic receded. Numerous exciting developments in our aviation scene have been also unfolding, including the Three-Runway System which would significantly increase our airport’s handling capacity.
      He said the cooperation between the Cathay Pacific Group and VTC was a very timely one to provide new talents to power our aviation industry through recovery and beyond. Cathay Pacific is a world-class airline well-known for its high quality service. VTC, on the other hand, has been a beacon of success in training our stewards of the sky by offering a broad range of courses covering aircraft engineering, aviation and logistics, aviation services and inflight and passenger services.ADVERTISEMENTLiu pointed out that the join-hand of the Cathay Pacific Group and VTC would further enhance the VTC’s training facilities and career support for students by the Group. Some elements of the Group’s cabin crew training would also be integrated into the VTC’s curriculum, thereby equipping students with practical industry knowledge that would prepare them even better for their future career.
      Cathay Pacific Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam said: “As Hong Kong’s home airline, we are committed to continuing to invest in young local talent and the long-term development of the Hong Kong aviation hub. The collaboration with VTC provides a sound foundation for the talent supply chain in the aviation industry. We look forward to welcoming students with a passion for joining the aviation industry and becoming part of the Cathay Pacific Group upon graduation.
      Donald Tong, VTC Executive Director remarked that MoU signing this time set a new milestone of the collaboration between the VTC and the Cathay Pacific Group in jointly grooming a new generation of aviation talents. Through the integration of the cabin crew training programme of Cathay Pacific and HK Express into VTC’s Higher Diploma programme, students could be given expanded learning opportunities to hone their professional knowledge and skills. The provision of student internships and project-based learning opportunities including inflight menu planning and design, as well as the CSR projects by the Cathay Pacific Group would also benefit students from other VTC’s member institutions, namely the Chinese Culinary Institute and the International Culinary Institute, as well as trainees of Shine Skills Centre and the VTC Social Enterprises.
      Through the collaboration, the Group’s training programmes and materials, student internships and collaboration on project-based learning will be integrated into VTC’s programme curriculum to help strengthen the learning experience for students of different disciplines.
      The Group will also provide a series of life-planning activities, including mock-up interviews and career talks to introduce the career prospects in the aviation industry to VTC students. Graduates who achieve an outstanding performance will also be nominated to full-time job interviews, capturing opportunities in advance to join the industry.
      The Cathay Pacific Group and VTC share the common vision of cultivating aviation talent and providing more a diversified learning experience to students. This MoU further enriches the VTC’s curriculum of the Higher Diploma in Aviation Inflight and Passenger Services programme by incorporating professional training materials from the Cathay Pacific Group, including cabin crew training.
      In addition, the Group will further actively explore the integration of innovative technologies into the programme, including applying Virtual Reality (VR) technology for service training and safety training for cabin crew. This brand-new teaching approach will give students a more comprehensive understanding of the actual working environment and situations they would encounter working in the industry.

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      KLM Royal Dutch Airlines appoints new leadership to strengthen brand and customer experience

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      CHOICE HOTELS EMEA AND SEERA GROUP ANNOUNCE THE OPENING OF A NEW PROPERTY IN RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA More

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      The Leading Hotels of the World Welcomes Eight New Member Hotels to its Portfolio

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      Offering travelers exclusive access to the largest collection of independent, luxury hotels in the world, The Leading Hotels of the World is delighted to welcome eight new member hotels to its portfolio. This season’s collection includes three new hotel openings, demonstrating a boom in luxury hospitality globally. The new openings include a stylish city pad in Milan, futuristic desert dens in Arizona, and a Belle Epoque gem on the French Riviera.
      “2023 has started with strong momentum, following Leading Hotels’ banner year in 2022. The range of visionary new hotel openings and ambitious renovations show that the independent hotel sector is currently brimming with energy. Alongside exemplary design and delivery, luxury travelers are looking for unique-in-destination concepts and unmatched experiences. Our carefully curated new members perfectly demonstrate these qualities,” said Deniz Omurgonulsen, Vice President, Membership, The Leading Hotels of the World. “This cohort includes our first LHW hotels in new destinations: Arizona, USA, and Belek in Turkey. LHW continues to empower independent, innovative and family-owned hotels that are tailored to curious travelers’ desires.”
      Become a Leaders Club member for richer travel benefits:
      Each new hotel can be booked on LHW.com where travelers can sign up for a complimentary Leaders Club membership. This entitles members to exclusive preview offers such as Leaders Club First Look— including round-trip airport or rail station transfers, guaranteed upgrades at check-in, and flexible check-in and check-out. The global loyalty program offers benefits at the entire LHW collection, including free breakfast, room upgrades, and rewards points to use towards future bookings.
      Discover LHW’s Spring CollectionADVERTISEMENTUnited States
      Architecturally-designed private ‘Atriums’ with dramatic desert views Ambiente, A Landscape Hotel Arizona (Sedona, Arizona, USA) NEW OPENING February 2023
      A first of its kind in the US, Ambiente, A Landscape Hotel is set on three rugged acres amongst Sedona, Arizona’s iconic red rock monoliths. It is uniquely designed to blend in with the desert topography and offer guests the opportunity to intimately experience the natural beauty of one of the world’s most stunning locations. The hotel’s 40 cubed-shaped, Atriums exemplify elegant minimalism with bronzed glass and metal exteriors that reflect the surrounding landscape. Expertly placed piers elevate the structures above the ground to minimize the impact on the land and maximize the property’s dramatic, 360-degree panoramic views. With contemporary, elemental interiors and private rooftop decks that put the Dark Sky city’s beaming stars on full display, the sleek design embodies a tranquil, lavish hideaway and the utmost in luxurious accommodations. Ambiente is committed to providing a sustainable destination for global travelers that is harmonious with the environment.
      Exclusive, all-residences enclaveEspacio The Jewel of Waikiki (Honolulu, Hawaii)
      An exceptional jewel of a property on Honolulu’s legendary Waikiki beach, this property brings a new level of privacy and luxury to Hawaii by offering just nine luxurious multi-bedroom residences with their own butler service. Each two or three bedroom accommodation occupies an entire floor and delivers unrivalled views of the Pacific Ocean via floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies. Beyond their full-service private residence, guests also have access to a rooftop infinity swimming pool, carefully customized treatments at the ESPACIO spa; and Franco-Japanese fine dining at Mugen restaurant, courtesy of visionary chef Jason Yamaguchi.
      Europe
      Deluxe Alpine retreat with sensational spa and sportAlpin Resort Sacher Seefeld (Tirol, Austria)
      Immersed in the natural splendor of the Austrian countryside, this storied and sensational family-owned retreat has just completed intensive renovations, extensions and refinements. 81 individually designed suites and rooms and 54,000 square feet of wellness space offer a generous and timeless, alpine haven for mind, body and spirit. The warmth of Tyrolean hospitality meets the elegance of chic Alpine style, blending natural materials with contemporary flair. From award-winning dining that highlights the authentic flavors of Tyrol, to an expansive wellness complex, guests can enjoy a seemingly endless array of on-property amenities. Summertime is perfect for hiking between Alpine huts through flower-filled pastures or taking a guided e-bike tour of the mountains. In Winter choose cross country skiing with access to over 150 miles of perfectly prepared trails including two illuminated night trails, snow shoeing and the Olympic-grade ski slopes of Seefeld.
      Rejuvenated Riviera Belle with wellness at its coreAnantara Plaza Nice Hotel (Nice, France) NEW OPENING 2023
      Epitomizing the dazzling glamour of the French Riviera, this new 151-room Anantara hotel is set within the Belle Epoque architecture of Jean-Antoine Scoffiera in a freshy-renovated landmark, steps away from the Jardin Albert and the palm-lined beaches of the Promenade de Anglais. Since it first opened in 1848, the iconic hotel has played host to a collection of famed artists, politicians, and cultural luminaries. It remains a destination immersed in the beautiful coastline and elegance of the Cote d’Azur, featuring contemporary styling and gilded glamour by David Collins Studio and TBC Interiorismo. A serene retreat with five treatment rooms, a sauna and hammam, the Anantara Spa delivers Riviera-inspired wellness, using the aromas of essential oils from nearby Grasse and beauty treatments by Haute Cosmetics brand: Thalion. On the rooftop, SEEN BY Olivier restaurant and bar blends striking views, imaginative mixology and gastronomic discoveries masterminded by Portuguese chef-entrepreneur, Olivier da Costa. Beyond the hotel, Riviera experiences are also crafted with care, including learning the art of glass blowing in the medieval, Alpes-Maritimes village of Biot, tracing the footsteps of Coco Chanel to her official Nice residence and running the seafront Promenade with a personal trainer.
      A celebration of Milanese art and design, in stylish BreraCasa Baglioni (Milan, Italy) NEW OPENING 2023
      Within walking distance of Milan’s chic-est galleries, boutiques, bars and antique shops, this Brera-neighborhood hotel is ode to 1960’s Italian style. 30 rooms and suites showcase the very best mid-century design inspiration, re-imagined by a host of Made-in-Italy talent including architects Spagnulo & Partners, lighting by heritage brand Panzeri and customized fabrics and furniture. Every aspect is crafted and curated by interior designer Gala Rotelli, down to creative travel experiences and private tours. Follow in the footsteps of polymath Gio Ponti, explore the refined ceramic arts at Villa Necchi, or discover the artists of the Brera School. Italian Michelin-starred chef Claudio Sadler is at the helm of the hotel’s destination restaurant, and a modernist wine cellar offers tastings of more than 850 Italian and International vintages.
      Sea-view suites on Sicily’s sparkling bayMazzarò Sea Palace (Taormina, Sicily, Italy)
      Located on one of the prettiest bays in Sicily with its own private beach club, this 70-room resort is a luxurious little hideaway within easy reach of lively Taormina. Each room, decorated in a relaxed, contemporary aesthetic, has a dreamy view of the cerulean sea. The scenic pool, solarium and Hyd’Or spa offer moments of tranquillity and wellbeing. Crafted wellness programs feature natural ingredients like Sicilian mud and locally-grown citrus, focusing on beauty and health benefits. Panoramic Armònia restaurant promises Sicilian flavors in a sophisticated seaside setting, while Amarè Bar offers chic cocktails. Just steps away from the hotel is a quirky cable car to the historic town center of Taormina with its perfectly preserved Greek Theatre. Private boat trips can be arranged to Isola Bella and the surrounding Natural Marine Reserve.
      Frescoed Florentine mansion steps from cultural highlightsRelais Santa Croce by Baglioni Hotels (Florence, Italy) Re-opening 2023
      Featuring original frescoed ceilings and lavishly furnished interiors, this just-renovated 18th century, 24-room, noble mansion, is one of Florence’s most intimate and historic hotels. Set amid the lively arts district of Santa Croce, the hotel is steeped in the stories of history’s most renowned artists and is only steps away from the home of Michelangelo and a trove of cultural landmarks that include the Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery. Two restaurants: Guelfi e Ghibellini which presents Tuscan traditions with creativity and warmth, and the three-Michelin starred Enoteca Pinchiorri serves haute cuisine and gastronomic experiences. From a hot-air balloon tour over the Tuscan landscape to a private concert in the hotel’s wood-beamed music room, extraordinary experiences are delivered with thought and imagination. The hotel re-opens this spring after extensive renovations.
      Luxury all-inclusive resort promising a world of entertaining family-friendly facilitiesThe Montgomerie Golf Club by Maxx Royal Resorts (Belek, Turkey)On an idyllic Mediterranean bay and set within the prestigious Montgomerie Golf Club, the 512-room lavish resort features stylish suites and private villas with the unlimited service of the “Maxx Inclusive” concept. The complex offers an impressive selection of 14 on-property dining experiences, including three gourmet restaurants, a patisserie and ten bars. Beyond its outstanding connection to a world-class golf course, the property also promises an array of family-friendly entertainment, ranging from music, acrobatic displays, tennis courts, multiple swimming pools, an aquapark and MaxxiLand wonderland for children.

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      GEORGIA, THE HOST COUNTRY OF ITB BERLIN, PRESENTS A WEALTH OF ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS

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      GEORGIA, THE HOST COUNTRY OF ITB BERLIN, PRESENTS A WEALTH OF ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS

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      ’Infinite Hospitality’ is the slogan of the host country of ITB Berlin 2023 – Events will kick off with the opening press conference and opening gala on 6 March – A wealth of displays and events in hub27, Hall 4.1., Entrance South and throughout the ITB Berlin Convention – Culinary attractions and handicrafts: daily activities on the Georgian stand – Representation devoted to MICE audiences in Hall 3.1The stage is set for Georgia, the host country of ITB Berlin. From 7 to 9 March 2023 at ITB Berlin, the World’s Largest Travel Trade Show, taking as its slogan ’Infinite Hospitality’, the Georgian National Tourism Administration (GNTA) will be making an impressive appearance featuring a wide range of tourism attractions and many activities and events.
      Events kick off with the opening press conference and the official opening gala on 6 March, the eve of the show
      On 6 March 2023, events will kick off with the official opening press conference at 10 a.m. at the Palais am Funkturm with H.E Mr. Levan Davitashvili, Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, and the festive opening gala at 6 p.m. at the CityCube Berlin. Throughout the trade show Georgia will be widely represented on the exhibition grounds in both hub27, Hall 4.1 and Entrance South.
      At the official opening show on the evening of 6 March 2023, all stage events will take place under the heading ’Infinite Georgian Culture – from the beginnings of viniculture to modern avant-garde art’. The brilliant presentations will be contemporary in style and present masterpieces of various genres of Georgia’s performing arts, including ethno jazz, classical and electronic music, part-singing, as well as the Georgian National Ballet.
      Culinary attractions and handicrafts: daily activities on the stand in hub27ADVERTISEMENTAround 80 exhibitors from the tourism, hotel and aviation industries will be represented on Georgia’s stand occupying around 705 square metres and two floors in hub27. The official opening tour of ITB Berlin will as always take place on the morning of the first day of the show, 7 March 2023, on the stand of the host country with an official ribbon cutting ceremony, attended by the Prime Minister of Georgia, the Governing Mayor of Berlin, the Secretary-General of UNWTO and the Managing Director of Messe Berlin. Daily activities on Georgia’s stand will include culinary masterclasses, handicraft workshops and a calligraphy masterclass (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), at which Georgian Saperavi wine will also be served.
      In addition, the host country will also be represented in Hall 4.1, home of the Youth Travel and Accommodation and Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism segments. On 7 March 2023 at 2 p.m., a representative of Georgia will open the stand there with a speech. Moreover, The Panel Discussion: “Adventurous Georgia – Possibilities, Offers and Challenges” will be held at the Lighthouse Stage in Hall 4.1b, where the audience will have the chance to get more information about adventure tourism potential of Georgia, new initiatives and opportunities, sustainable development vision as wall es experience Georgia’s gorgeous hiking regions, dense forests and exciting nature parks.
      Additional events featuring the host country Georgia at ITB Berlin
      Visitors to the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show can look forward to more events featuring this year’s host country at ITB Berlin. At the ITB Berlin Convention, Georgia will be taking part in the Ministers Round Table: “Ministers Round Table: Mastering Transformation on a Global Scale” on 7 March 2023 from 1 to 1.45 p.m. in Hall 7.1. On Tuesday, 7 March 2023, from 10.30 to 11.10 a.m., the ITB Berlin Convention session “Gender Equality in Tourism” will welcome a representative from Georgia to the podium of the “Green Stage” in Hall 3.1.
      On 7 March 2023 at 3 p.m.at the CityCube Berlin (Room M6), Georgia will extend an invitation to a press conference at which, as part of a national presentation, it will present the country along with tourism highlights. In the framework of the event Mariam Kvrivishvili, Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, will provide the audience with significant information about Georgia’s tourism potential, namely, developments and trends, offerings and competitive tourism products, new policies and initiatives to support the sustainable tourism development.
      On Wednesday, 8 March, the host country will be hosting a networking event at its stand in hub27 from 3 to 4 pm. In Hall 5.3, in the Hybrid Studio, a session on “Discovering Adventure Tourism in Georgia” will be held from 2 to 3 pm. Speakers include Urs Wellauer, President of the Intl. Federation of Mountain Guides Association IFMGA, Nick Paliani, freeride skier and IFMGA mountain guide, and la Tabagari, Chair of the Georgian Incoming Tour Operators/ GM of the Lost Ridge Group.
      At the south entrance to the exhibition grounds, visitors to ITB Berlin can look forward daily to DJ music and coffee from 9.30 to 11 a.m. as well as music and Georgian wine from 4.30 to 6 p.m.
      Representation devoted to MICE audiences in Hall 3.1
      At the MICE HUB in Hall 3.1, the Convention and Exhibition Bureau of Georgia (GCEB) will highlight the country’s potential in the MICE sector as well as possibilities for collaboration. Representatives of the GCEB will hold national presentations twice daily. The Convention and Exhibition Bureau of Georgia (GCEB) belongs to the Georgian Tourism Board and the Georgian Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development. The GCEB was set up in 2016 and is a member-based organisation which aims to establish Georgia as an attractive MICE destination on the global business travel map. Its main goal is to increase the number of international events, conferences and meetings in Georgia.

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      Why Vietnam is Asia’s Best Golf Destination

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      Why Vietnam is Asia’s Best Golf Destination

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      In the last few decades Vietnam has risen rapidly to become one of the world’s leading golf destinations. Just a decade ago, it was named as “Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year” by the International Association of Golf Travel Operators. Just five years later, it was honored as “Asia’s Best Golf Destination” by the World Golf Awards. After two more years, in 2019, the World Golf Awards honored Vietnam as the “World’s Best Golf Destination.” Till 2020, there are about 80 golf courses in operation throughout the nation, and at least a third are of international five-star standard, attached to luxury resorts. The total number of golf courses is expected to increase to 200 by 2025, with at least 300,000 players including Vietnamese, foreign expats, and travelers.
      Golf in Vietnam continues to grow at a rapid pace – in 2019, Forbes magazine estimated that it is the fastest-growing golf market in the world. New courses are being regularly built by world-famous designers. The climate of the country is perfect for year-round games, and the landscape is stunning enough on its own that designers need to merely collaborate with nature to produce stunning vistas.
      Year-Round Games – Golf Weather in Vietnam Every month of the year offers a perfect golf holiday somewhere in the country.
      Vietnam is a long and thin country, a 3,260-kilometer coastline and diverse terrain with 3/4 being hilly. The mountainous north, the thickly-jungled central highlands, and the tropical south offer topographical variety for golf courses and a 12-month playing season.
      November to April are the perfect months for playing in the north, when the weather is dry and cool. Head to central Vietnam, where the weather is cool and dry from February to May. Ho Chi Minh City and the rest of Southern parts in Vietnam, where the weather remains stable, it’s a perfect destination to have year-round games. Head up into the highlands like Dalat for cool mist and mountain breezes. ADVERTISEMENTThe temperature is consistently warm year-round in the tropical south. The wet season is May through November, but typically this means a few hours of cooling heavy rain that quickly dissipates into blue skies.

      Best Golf Courses in VietnamThere are courses scattered through every region of Vietnam.
      Some of the best are on the coast, in cities like Danang. Hoiana Shores, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., features undulating dunes much like a links golf course, but with ocean views that seem to melt into the sand. Danang Golf Club and Montgomerie Links are two other worthy courses in this coastal city.

      The Dalat Palace Golf Club in the highlands of Central Vietnam is the only course in Asia built with bent grass greens, fairways, and tee boxes. This particular grass – perfect for golf courses due to its density and ability to be closely mowed – grows best in cooler weather, and no other destination in Vietnam offers quite such a hospitable environment.

      Perhaps the biggest part of what makes Vietnam’s golf tourism industry internationally competitive is the presence of world-famous golf course architects. Greg Norman has designed numerous award-winning courses throughout the country – the aforementioned Danang Golf Club is one of these.

      The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip might be considered Norman’s Vietnamese masterpiece. In a tiny fishing village called Ho Tram, about an hour and a half southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, this course has been voted the “World’s Best New Golf Course” at the World Golf Awards.
      The Bluffs is designed on a coastal plateau, with holes routed through sand dunes up to 50 meters tall. The layout undulates through elevation changes, with spectacular views across the East Sea from almost every hole. The Bluffs is attached to a luxury resort and leisure complex called The Grand Ho Tram, which features a casino and a beachside restaurant.

      Also designed by Greg Norman is the KN Golf Links course in Nha Trang. This too makes use of the natural undulations of sand dunes. Every tee allows for sweeping views of the hole as well as the surrounding landscape. The course is beautifully designed and maintained, with grassy fairways smoothly harmonizing with bunkers and sandy wastes.
      Hanoi offers one of the most exclusive golf clubs in the nation. Designed by Peter Rousseau, the 18-hole par 72 Van Tri course integrates water at most holes as well as complex dog-leg designs for challenges. Exclusivity guarantees low foot traffic, so the course is always in immaculate condition.
      Just 45 kilometers away from Hanoi’s city center, the Sky Lake Resort and Golf Club has been awarded as the best championship course in Vietnam and the fifth best in the country. The club features two courses designed by a Korean architect, Ahn Moon Hwan. The Lake Course is long and exceptionally challenging, while the beginner-accessible Sky Course runs through pristine forest. The 36-hole resort is mountainous with spectacular viewpoints of an enormous natural lake, perfect for whole families to enjoy a holiday.

      Vietnam is Asia’s Best and the World’s Best Golf DestinationIt isn’t only locals and tourists that recognize Vietnam as a brilliant golf destination. Vietnam has repeatedly won international awards for its excellence in golf tourism.
      The 9th annual World Golf Awards took place on November 15, 2022 in Abu Dhabi, where Vietnam took the title as “Asia’s Best Golf Destination” for the sixth consecutive year. This win is remarkable next to competitors like Thailand, which has long been recognized as a superb golf tourism destination; Japan, with its more than 2,000 spectacular and elite courses; and Korea, where golf is so wildly popular that courses are built next to each other to handle the sheer volume of players.
      Not only has Vietnam claimed the title for the region for six years running, but it’s also been named the World’s Best Golf Destination in both 2019 and 2021. These two recognitions are a high honor from the World Golf Awards, which celebrate and reward excellence in golf tourism as part of the World Travel Awards.
      The victory is a real testament to Vietnam’s momentum in the industry, and a sure marker of the growth that’s still to come.

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      BCD Travel expands Amadeus partnership

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      GEORGIA, THE HOST COUNTRY OF ITB BERLIN, PRESENTS A WEALTH OF ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS More

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      Vote for the Best Travel Brands in Africa, Asia, Indian Ocean & Oceania in World Travel Awards 2023

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      Voting is now open for organisations in Africa, Asia, Indian Ocean and Oceania of the World Travel Awards 2023 programme. Industry professionals, the media and consumers worldwide have until midnight on 19 March to vote for travel brands that they consider the very best in the world.The nominee gaining the most votes in a category will be named as the winner in the landmark 30th anniversary year.
      Graham Cooke, Founder, WTA said: “With voting now open for our key regions of Africa, Asia, Indian Ocean and Oceania, momentum for our landmark 30th anniversary is now building. It is time for you to choose the organisations that are raising the bar of travel excellence.”
      Nominees this year cover a broad spectrum of categories including Aviation, Tourist Attractions, Car Hire, Cruise, Destinations, Hotels & Resorts, Meetings & Events, Travel Agencies and Tour Operators.
      For more information on WTA, visit worldtravelawards.com.

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      Historic Global Tourism Resilience Conference Ends With Major Declaration More

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      Historic Global Tourism Resilience Conference Ends With Major Declaration

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      HM Málaga) Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (2nd right) and Deputy Mayor of the City of Málaga, Spain, Jacobo Florido Gomez (2nd left), shake hands following the signing of a communiqué to facilitate cooperation in areas of tourism and human capital development between Jamaica and the Spanish city. The signing took place on Global Tourism Resilience Day, February 17, and formed part of the Global Tourism Resilience Conference, which was held from February 15-17, 2023, at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Regional Headquarters in Kingston. Sharing in the moment are the Ministry of Tourism’s Permanent Secretary, Jennifer Griffith (right), and Minister of Tourism, Cayman Islands, and Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), Hon. Kenneth Bryan.
      The historic Global Tourism Resilience Conference, which was held from February 15-17, 2023 at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Regional Headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica, ended with a major declaration recognizing the importance of building tourism resilience to safeguard the sustainability of the industry globally.The declaration, among other things, formally recommends the establishment of a global tourism resilience fund to support tourism-dependent nations in periods of disruption. The fund was proposed by Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett as global tourism stakeholders and policymakers commemorated the first official Global Tourism Resilience Day on February 17.
      Outlining the ‘Kingston Declaration for Tourism Resilience and the Future of Tourism,’ Mr. Bartlett as host minister listed three recommendations adopted in the Kingston Declaration:
      “1. To reignite global South – South relations using tourism as the driver beginning with Africa and the Caribbean and thereby promote mutual understanding, cultural exchange and sustainable economic growth in the tourism sector.
      2. To establish a global tourism resilience fund that will provide support to individual destinations in responding to their own crises and disasters. Each country will manage their own Tourism Resilience Fund and employ the fund to enforce its tourism resilience, thus guaranteeing the sustainability of international travel and tourism.
      3. To urge labour markets to reignite recovery that does not leave the tourism workers behind.”ADVERTISEMENTThe declaration outlined that the COVID-19 pandemic would always serve as a stark reminder “of the indispensable necessity to build tourism resilience” and that despite its reputation for being a highly resilient segment of the global economy simultaneously the industry would always be vulnerable to various internal and external shocks.
      Also, having been actively engaged in promoting tourism resilience in the Americas, Africa and the Middle East, the work of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) “revealed an urgent need to consolidate learnings and build resilient strategies that will enable us to prepare for the next major disruptions to the travel and tourism space,” the Minister noted.
      The recommendations came out of the conference participants’ deliberations and recognition of the challenges facing the tourism industry and the importance of building tourism resilience.
      In the closing session of what Minister Bartlett and others hailed as a very successful conference it was disclosed that the 2024 conference would be held in Málaga, Spain, which signed a communiqué with Jamaica’s ministry of tourism.
      The signing of the document which encompasses various aspects of tourism development, has been described by Minister Bartlett as “a momentous occasion for us here in Jamaica and the Caribbean,” being the first time that an agreement of this nature has been formalized.

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      Jetstar to recommence seasonal flights between Cairns and Newcastle

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      VIKING EXPEDITION TEAM PUBLISHES FIRST SCIENTIFIC PAPER FROM INAUGURAL ANTARCTIC SEASON

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      Viking® has announced its Viking Expedition Team has published the company’s first scientific paper, following observations of the rarely encountered scyphozoan Stygiomedusa gigantea, commonly known as the giant phantom jellyfish. The encounters took place during submersible dives in the coastal waters of the Antarctic Peninsula in early 2022. Despite reaching up to 30 feet (10 meters) in length, only 126 encounters with the giant phantom jellyfish have ever been recorded since the species was first described in 1910. During Viking’s inaugural season in Antarctica in 2022, direct observations of the giant phantom jellyfish were made three times from submersibles deployed from Viking’s expedition vessel, the Viking Octantis®, and documented through stills and video photography.
      Authored by two of Viking’s Chief Scientists with contributions from the submersible teams, the scientific paper describes for the first time how personal submersibles, such as those on the Viking Octantis and her identical sister ship, the Viking Polaris®, can be vessels of opportunity for biological research in polar regions and allow the science community to access under-explored waters. With citizen science activities being popular among expedition guests, the paper also notes the potential to gather guest-derived data from submersible dives. Lead author, Dr. Daniel Moore, noted “It is extraordinary that we know so little about such large marine creatures as the giant phantom jellyfish, however now we have the means to make regular observations at greater depths than previously possible, which provides an exciting opportunity for discovery.” 
      Published in Polar Research, the scientific journal of the Norwegian Polar Institute, the article can be read here: http://dx.doi.org/10.33265/polar.v42.8873.
      “In creating ‘the thinking person’s expedition,’ it was our intention that every voyage should provide opportunities for scientific discovery,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “At the core of Viking Expeditions is the goal to do meaningful scientific work. After just one full season in service, we are pleased that our expedition vessels and scientists have already contributed to research that might not have been possible otherwise, and we look forward to providing critical research opportunities on future voyages.”
      Viking Expedition Team & Scientific PartnersADVERTISEMENTViking has created the world’s leading scientific enrichment environment in an expedition setting with the help of partnerships with esteemed academic institutions. During each expedition, visiting researchers from partner institutions are part of the 36-person Viking Expedition Team. This diverse group of experts lead guests through meaningful scientific work, provide guiding and interpretation during shore excursions and deliver world-class lectures.
      “The Viking Octantis and the Viking Polaris are re-imagining what a research ‘ship of opportunity’ can be,” said Dr. Damon Stanwell-Smith, Head of Science and Sustainability at Viking. “During each voyage, our guests participate in real, significant science. Our scientific approach centers on having the platform to explore with the personnel to interpret what is found, and we believe this is the first of many scientific papers that will result from research conducted on board Viking expedition vessels.”
      In April 2022, Viking announced a strengthening of its lead partnership with the University of Cambridge, establishing a new Professorship aimed at advancing research in the field of polar environmental science. The Viking Polar Marine Geoscience Fund endows the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI) with its first-ever fully funded professorship—the Viking Chair of Polar Marine Geoscience. This new post enhances the scientific leadership at the Institute and enables the development of new lines of research into the behavior of polar environments, including polar ice sheets, sea ice and ocean circulation.
      The research fund builds on Viking’s existing partnership with Cambridge University’s SPRI, which played a significant role in developing the scientific enrichment program for Viking Expeditions. Specialists from the Institute were also consulted in the development of The Science Lab on Viking’s expedition vessels; the 380-square-foot lab is comprehensively appointed with wet and dry laboratory facilities and supports a broad range of research. Julian Dowdeswell, Professor of Physical Geography at the University of Cambridge, and former director of SPRI, serves as the Chair of the Viking Research Advisory Group, a consortium of scientific leaders from Viking’s partner institutions who have been actively involved in overseeing the field research being undertaken on board.
      In addition to the University of Cambridge’s SPRI, Viking’s other scientific partners include:
      The Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Ornithologists are regularly on board Viking’s expedition vessels, undertaking post-doctoral research on new observation methods and providing guest advice and interaction.National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL): Conducts innovative research on the dynamic environments and ecosystems of the Great Lakes and coastal regions to provide information for resource use and management decisions that lead to safe and sustainable ecosystems, ecosystem services, and human communities. Viking’s expedition ships have been designated official NOAA / US National Weather Service weather balloon stations, from which regular launches are undertaken.Norwegian Institute of Water Research (NIVA): Scientists from NIVA are engaged in cross-disciplinary research programs on water-related issues. On Viking’s expedition ships, NIVA FerryBoxes are installed to sample the marine and freshwater regions the vessels sail, to provide continuous information about chlorophyll, oxygen, temperature, salinity, microplastic presence and complementary meteorological data.Norwegian Polar Institute: The permitting authority for Viking’s Norwegian flagged expedition vessels, who review and approve all of Viking’s expedition and science activities in Antarctica.Oceanites: Viking supports the fieldwork of Oceanites, an American Not-for-Profit field research entity, that has led on Antarctic penguin monitoring for the past thirty years, through mobilizing teams of penguin researchers on Viking expedition Antarctic voyages.Fjord Phyto: Viking hosts a NASA-funded program of Scripps Institution of Oceanography, that provides the opportunity for guests to engage in research and public education through novel citizen science sampling of polar phytoplankton, for genetic population analyses.  The IUCN Species Survival Commission Species Monitoring Specialist Group: Viking coordinates with this international group of experts to develop marine biodiversity monitoring systems that enable Viking expedition vessels to collect valuable species population data.Viking Expeditions
      Viking offers destination-focused expeditions in Antarctica and North America’s Great Lakes, with an expedition fleet that includes the Polar Class Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris. Designed for discovery by the same team that designed the award-winning Viking Longships® and ocean ships, the 378-guest vessels are purpose-built for expeditions, at an ideal size for safety, comfort and to support an unrivalled range of activities in remote destinations. With more indoor and outdoor viewing areas than other expedition vessels, guests are as close as possible to the most magnificent scenery on earth.

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      Boeing Doubles Sustainable Aviation Fuel Purchase for Commercial Operations

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      Boeing has agreements to purchase 5.6 million gallons (21.2 million liters) of blended sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) produced by Neste, the world’s leading SAF producer, to support its U.S. commercial operations through 2023.These agreements more than double the company’s SAF procurement from last year.
      “We are demonstrating our commitment to reduce our carbon footprint and catalyze the SAF industry,” said Sheila Remes, Boeing vice president of Environmental Sustainability. “This SAF procurement makes up 25% of Boeing’s total jet fuel needs for last year including our production, delivery, Boeing ecoDemonstrator, and Dreamlifter flights, and we aim to increase that portion in the years to come.”
      The purchase agreements include supply of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ which is blended with conventional jet fuel at a 30/70 ratio to produce the blended SAF. Neste MY SAF is made from 100% renewable waste and residue raw materials, such as cooking oil and animal fat waste, and meets strict sustainability criteria.
      EPIC Fuels and Signature Aviation company will provide 2.3 million gallons and Avfuel will supply 300,000 gallons of this blended SAF for the Boeing ecoDemonstrator flight test program and the company’s commercial sites in Washington state and South Carolina. Boeing is also purchasing an additional 3 million gallons of the same blended SAF from EPIC Fuels and Signature Aviation, generating emissions reduction credits for commercial deliveries, Dreamlifter and executive flights. These benefits are generated by a book-and-claim process that displaces petroleum jet fuel with SAF in fueling systems outside the company’s fuel supply.
      In 2021, Boeing committed to deliver its commercial airplanes capable and certified to fly on 100% SAF by 2030. SAF reduces CO2 emissions by as much as 80% over the fuel’s life cycle with the potential to reach 100% in the future and is widely recognized as offering the greatest potential to decarbonize aviation over the next 20 to 30 years. Made from several feedstocks, SAF is certified for commercial use and can currently be blended up to 50% with traditional jet fuel without modifications to airplanes, engines or fueling infrastructure.ADVERTISEMENTAmong Boeing’s key milestones to enable SAF:
      In Feb. 2023, Boeing announced a pivotal testing milestone — the development of jet reference fluids to enable SAF compatibility testing to help fulfill the company’s commitment to producing 100% SAF-capable airplanes.In 2019, Boeing began offering customers the option to power commercial delivery flights with SAF to demonstrate commitment to reducing CO2 and further spur the use of cleaner fuels.In 2018, the Boeing ecoDemonstrator made the industry’s first commercial airplane test flight with 100% SAF in both engines of a 777 Freighter in partnership with FedEx.Boeing made initial SAF test flights in 2008, enabled approval for commercial SAF use in 2011 and airplane delivery flights in 2012.As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity.

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