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      ITB BERLIN 2023: TECHNOLOGY, TOURS & ACTIVITIES SEGMENT

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      For the second time, the Technology, Tours & Activities (TTA) segment is represented live at the World’s Largest Travel Trade Show. The TTA marketplace and TTA Forum augment a wide-ranging programme with networking events and convention sessions for trade visitors and exhibitors.
      Four years ago the Technology, Tours & Activities (TTA) segment was the first of its kind in Europe to successfully debut at ITB Berlin. In 2019 already, exhibitors, trade visitors, speakers and several hundred participants were able to build contacts, exchange experiences and discuss forward-looking topics surrounding one of the fastest-growing markets of the travel industry. From 7 to 9 March at ITB Berlin 2023, the TTA segment will again gather the relevant players of the tourism industry.
      Inside the display area in Hall 4.1, the TTA segment is the main platform for three of the tourism industry’s most important markets, which all have one goal: to promote and sell in-destination services. The TTA marketplace at ITB is an important meeting place for tour managers, operators, technology specialists, travel destinations and agencies. This is where trade visitors will find startups as well as established companies exhibiting their products.
      eTravel Track – TTA Forum focuses on trends, discussions and innovations
      At the ITB Berlin Convention at the TTA Forum of the eTravel track, informative sessions on Tours & Activities featuring the latest survey findings, trends, numerous insights and discussions await trade visitors. Industry experts will provide first-hand information on specialist topics. Ahead of Wednesday’s TTA Forum, on Tuesday, 7 March 2023 on the Orange Stage in Hall 7.1, Johannes Reck, CEO of GetYourGuide, and Douglas Quinby, co-founder and CEO of Arival, will kick off themed events.ADVERTISEMENTCharlotte Lamp Davies of A Bright Approach, the moderator at the TTA Forum, said: “I am really delighted to be able to moderate a live TTA Forum again. In 2019, when the event was launched, we witnessed one of the busiest days at ITB Berlin. The industry is desperately awaiting its return. We have prepared a wide-ranging programme and look forward to live participation from the audience. The afternoon session will provide insights and specific tips for travel and tour operators.”
      On the afternoon of Wednesday, 8 March 2023, industry experts will take a look at the future and discuss changing consumer behaviour, sustainability, corporate partnerships and the use of new technologies. The ITB Berlin Convention slogan ’Mastering transformation’ is particularly relevant to the Tours & Activities industry. Recent events and profound challenges have changed consumer behaviour, the focus and booking patterns in this sector.
      At several interactive sessions on the ITB eTravel Stage in Hall 6.1, TTA specialists will have information on the latest trends, look to the future and offer practical tips. Douglas Quinby, co-founder and CEO of Arival and moderator of a C-Suite panel hosted by TourRadar, Tiqets and Viator, will highlight how adjusting to new technologies has changed consumer behaviour. Travel Curious, Hyatt, G Adventures and Planeterra will present case studies illustrating successful partnerships. Layered Reality will demonstrate the potential AR has for the industry and explain how this technology can augment traditional tour products.
      Full details of the programme of the TTA Forum are available online now.

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      BROTHERS NAMED CO-CAPTAINS OF CELEBRITY CRUISES’ FOURTH EDGE SERIES SHIP

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      Jetstar Asia CEO meets with Manila Airport and Department of Transportation

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      Jetstar Asia CEO, Barathan Pasupathi has met with the new Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Mr Roberto Cecilio Lim, and the General Manager of Manila Airports, Mr Cesar Chiong in Manila this week. Mr. Pasupathi took the opportunity to showcase Jetstar Asia and the Singapore-based airline’s commitment to supporting the Philippines’ aviation and tourism industry as air travel continues to recover.
      Statement attributed to Jetstar Asia CEO, Barathan Pasupathi
      “Since the Philippines relaxed travel restrictions for vaccinated tourists in April 2022, Jetstar Asia has steadily increased services to the Philippines, responding to the pent-up demand for these services.
      “We’ve been focused on ramping up flying to Manila and Clark, which saw us restore our capacity to 50 per cent of our pre-COVID levels in 2022, and we’re now operating up to 32 weekly services to these two popular destinations.
      “In addition, Jetstar Japan recently relaunched its first international service in nearly three years, recommencing its popular service between Manila and Narita, Tokyo. ADVERTISEMENT“As we welcome the Year of the Rabbit, we’re excited to grow our fleet, capacity and network further, as consumer confidence grows. Direct services connecting Singapore and Manila have always been a critical link and we are committed to seeing it grow to pre-COVID- levels and beyond.
      “We also remain focused on improving the customer journey by enhancing our systems to support a more seamless check-in and boarding process across our network, including our Philippine ports, ensuring a better customer experience.
      “We also look forward to expanding gateway opportunities that the new Manila International Airport will bring to the Jetstar Group while working closely with the Philippines Government and the Department of Transportation to help our customers reconnect with family and friends as well as travel for business and leisure.”
      Statement attributed to the General Manager for MIAA Mr Cesar Chiong:
      “The strong rebound in international travel that we have seen during the holiday season is very encouraging and we are gearing up with new measures to provide better travel experience to everyone this 2023”.

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      ABTA to engage members and wider industry on ATOL reform proposals

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      ABTA – The Travel Association has welcomed the CAA’s update on ATOL reform and request for information from the industry.ABTA says that it is right the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has provided its latest thinking, and that businesses will be invited to share views before firm proposals are developed, particularly as the first-stage consultation occurred at the height of COVID-related disruption within the industry.
      ABTA will be responding to the CAA and has put in place plans to engage with members and the wider industry to inform its response.
      As part of its process ABTA will be reconvening its focus groups on financial protection, which include representatives from the travel industry and the main financial services sectors, including banks, merchant acquirers, bond obligors and financial failure insurance providers.
      The ABTA-led groups originally met in the summer to exchange views on current financial protection arrangements and the existing proposed options under the CAA’s ATOL Reform consultation. The groups also gave consideration to areas of duplication and/or overlap that could be removed or streamlined by changes to the ATOL scheme and/or longer-term revisions to the Package Travel Regulations (PTRs) which are currently under a separate review by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
      Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA – The Travel Association said:ADVERTISEMENT“We’re pleased to see the CAA publish this update on ATOL reform. It has been much-anticipated and today’s development is the next step in reaching clarity about future regulations and requirements.
      “We’ll be consulting with our members to get their insight, and also bringing together representatives from the wider financial protection landscape in February. We’d really encourage members to engage with our process so that we can provide an informed and constructive response to influence the CAA’s decisions.”

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      Disneyland Resort Celebrates Disney100

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      The Walt Disney Company marks its 100th anniversary in 2023, and the Disneyland Resort will celebrate the milestone with new experiences and entertainment, décor, specialty treats and more throughout the year, beginning Jan. 27, 2023.Disney100 celebrates Disney storytellers, creators and fans around the world who, together, spark the magic and wonder of Disney. This celebration will bring new experiences with beloved Disney characters along with heartwarming new stories to delight guests and audiences around the globe.While Disney Parks around the world will commemorate the 100th anniversary, the heart of the celebration is rooted at the Disneyland Resort. The festivities at The Happiest Place on Earth begin on Jan. 27 with the grand opening of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and the debut of all-new nighttime spectaculars by Disney Live Entertainment: “World of Color – ONE” and “Wondrous Journeys.” More magic will arrive throughout 2023, including the return of the “Magic Happens” parade on Feb. 24, reopening of Mickey’s Toontown on March 8 and new developments at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort coming later this year. Disneyland Resort cast members will be among the first to experience select offerings with special #DisneyCastLife opportunities.

      “We are excited to bring this milestone celebration to life right here at The Happiest Place on Earth,” said Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock. “For generations of families and fans around the world who have made Disney a part of their lives, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy all-new experiences with beloved Disney characters, our caring cast and our amazing storytelling throughout the year.”
      New attractions and entertainment celebrate Disney stories
      All-new experiences debuting on Jan. 27 immerse guests in beloved Disney stories and draw inspiration from the history of The Walt Disney Company.ADVERTISEMENTThe all-new, family-friendly attraction Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway makes its Disneyland Park debut. Inside the El CapiTOON Theater in Mickey’s Toontown, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway transports guests into the wacky and unpredictable cartoon world of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, where they board a train engineered by Goofy and embark on a zany, out-of-control adventure with surprising twists and turns.
      To experience Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, guests will be required to join the complimentary virtual queue*, which is accessible only via the Disneyland app.** Upon its grand opening, there will not be a standby line for this attraction. The virtual queue enrollment times will be twice daily, at 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. PT. More information on the virtual queue system is available at Disneyland.com. Guests may also get quicker entry to this attraction with the purchase of an individual Lightning Lane arrival window, subject to availability.

      “World of Color – ONE” at Disney California Adventure Park celebrates the storytelling legacy started by Walt Disney a century ago, illustrating how a single action, like a drop of water, creates a ripple that can grow into a wave of change. Featuring a new original song, “Start a Wave,” this new nighttime spectacular brings some of the most courageous, loving and inspiring characters to life in new ways. This is the first Disneyland Resort nighttime spectacular to feature characters, music and moments from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, the Avengers and Star Wars in the same production.
      Guests will be able to access viewing areas for “World of Color – ONE” through the virtual queue* system available only via the Disneyland app. Distribution for the complimentary virtual queue will begin at noon, daily, subject to availability. More information is available at Disneyland.com. If the virtual queue reaches capacity, guests can check in with a cast member at the Paradise Bay viewing area shortly before “World of Color – ONE” begins for walk-up viewing options. Joining the virtual queue is not required, but it is highly recommended as walk-up viewing options for each performance are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
      “Wondrous Journeys” at Disneyland Park features nods to every Walt Disney Animation Studios film over the last century and a new song, “It’s Wondrous.” Filled with artistry, music, storytelling and heart, the nighttime spectacular builds upon the park’s state-of-the-art projection effects to turn Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, the façade of “it’s a small world” and the Rivers of America into an artist’s canvas. On select nights, “Wondrous Journeys” goes even bigger with the addition of sparkling fireworks.
      MagicBand+ builds another dimension of storytelling to “World of Color – ONE” and “Wondrous Journeys,” with dancing lights and vibrations synchronized to both spectaculars.

      A new exhibit, The Disney Gallery Presents: Disney 100 Years of Wonder, will be on display at Disneyland Park. Inspired by Walt’s vision for Disneyland to be where his films come to life in the real world, the exhibit pays tribute to Disney films that became Disneyland Resort attractions, park experiences that later inspired Disney films and the rich traditions they both share. Guests will see artwork created by original Disney animators for some of Walt’s early films, alongside artwork concepted by original Disney Imagineers to recreate those stories in the park – in addition to an animator’s desk, a model of a multi-plane camera and more.
      Disney100 offerings at The Happiest Place on Earth
      Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, Downtown Disney District and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort will be adorned in platinum-infused décor – including platinum statues and medallions scattered across the resort. Later in 2023, MagicBand+ will interact with and add more dazzle to select décor.
      Walt Disney’s original Sleeping Beauty Castle will be dressed in elegant platinum banners and bunting, accented by a magnificent cabochon, two majestic water fountains in the surrounding moat and a wishing star shining on the tower above. At Disneyland Park, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their pals will don new, sparkling outfits designed to reflect the optimism and creativity that are at the heart of everything Disney.
      Guests can savor a century of magic through more than a dozen specialty food and beverage items, such as the platinum trifle and old-fashioned cream soda, and novelties like the Disney100 Mickey Mouse sipper and platinum Mickey Mouse balloon bucket.
      Disney fans can also bring the magic home with commemorative Disney100 merchandise and collectibles released throughout the year, including the Disney100 Platinum Celebration Collection, special MagicBand+ designs, collectible medallions and pressed pennies.
      The Disney100 celebration extends to the Downtown Disney District with platinum décor, fun photo opportunities and special menu items at select dining locations.
      More magic to come in 2023
      The “Magic Happens” parade makes its highly anticipated return to Disneyland Park on Feb. 24. Led by Mickey Mouse and his pals, the daytime spectacular celebrates moments of magic from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios films as they are brought to life with grand-scale floats, artistic costumes and an energetic musical score.
      Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will be joined by additional new experiences and returning favorites when the reimagined Mickey’s Toontown reopens on March 8, 2023. The beloved land will feature more play activities and attractions than ever before, in addition to grassy play spaces for guests of all ages to unwind. Interactive play areas such as CenTOONial Park, Goofy’s How-To-Play Yard and Donald’s Duck Pond create more opportunities for families and young children to play together inside Disneyland Park, and guests will be able to enjoy classics like Mickey’s House, Minnie’s House and Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin once again.
      In the spring, guests are invited to experience seasonal offerings and returning fan-favorite events at the Disneyland Resort. Disney California Adventure Park is ringing in the Year of the Rabbit with the Lunar New Year celebration through Feb. 15, and the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival returns March 3 through April 25.
      Alongside the Disney100 anniversary celebration, the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort will debut new developments later this year. Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel will become Pixar Place Hotel, which weaves the artistry of Pixar into a comfortable, contemporary setting. The Villas at Disneyland Hotel – a new, 344-room tower – will immerse guests in decades of animated classics through a blend of contemporary designs and timeless artworks inspired by Disney Legends.

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      Holland America Line’s 2023 Alaska Cruisetours Included in Wave Offer for Free Upgrades etc

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      Holland America Line’s 2023 Alaska Cruisetours Included in Wave Offer for Free Upgrades etc

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      For more than 75 years, Holland America Line has been exploring Alaska, making it the pioneer cruise line in the region. For travelers who want to venture farther and take in the all-encompassing exploration of the north, Holland America Line’s Cruisetours combine an Alaska cruise with an inland journey to Denali and the Yukon. To make an Alaska adventure even more enticing, Holland America Line is including Cruisetours in its current “Time of Your Life” wave offer.With the promotion, guests who book select summer 2023 Cruisetours receive a free stateroom upgrade, fare discounts, free fares for kids and reduced deposits—plus tours, beverages, specialty dining and Wi-Fi with the “Have It All” premium package. As a bonus for a limited time, guests also receive up to $300 per stateroom onboard credit, depending on the length of the Cruisetour. The offer runs through Feb. 28, 2023.
      “Holland America Line’s Yukon Cruisetours are exclusive to our brand, and the experiences we offer go back to a by-gone era, immersing our guests in a culture that is a deep part of North American history,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer for Holland America Line. “The breathtaking scenery of the Yukon perfectly complements the beauty of Alaska and Denali, not to mention the abundance of wildlife waiting to be photographed. Yukon is a must-visit destination, especially with the ‘Time of Your Life’ wave booking offers.”
      Holland America Line is the only cruise line that extends the Alaska Cruisetours up to the unspoiled reaches of Canada’s Yukon Territory. In 2023, 16 different Cruisetour options ranging from nine to 18 days will be offered on four ships, with six of those options including the Yukon. In addition to incredible scenery and an abundance of wildlife, the Yukon has a rich history that comes to life as only Holland America Line can showcase.
      Holland America Line’s top five reason to put the Yukon on your 2023 travel list:
      Relive the Klondike Gold RushEvery Yukon and Denali Cruisetour features up to two nights in Yukon’s Dawson City, affording guests more time to relive Gold Rush history. Guests can visit an operating placer gold mine located in the historic gold fields of the famous Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. Learn how placer mining is done, how to stake a claim and about selling the gold the miners discover, all while comparing the historical methods to the modern technologies. There even is an opportunity for gold panning in the creek.Breathtaking ScenerySome of the most amazing landscapes that the Yukon has to offer can be enjoyed on a scenic view along the Dempster Highway en route to Tombstone Territorial Park. The lucky ones will see wildlife while taking in the beautiful flora and fauna of the region. At Tombstone Territorial Park, hit the trails for a guided hike along the North Klondike River or a more challenging hike up the Goldensides Trail to a fantastic lookout point.Caribou, Wolves and Bears, Oh My!Part of the allure of an Alaska cruise is the diversity of wildlife. From orcas and humpbacks to otters and eagles, the opportunities to see amazing animals extends up into the Yukon. Lucky guests will see Arctic fox, Dall sheep, wolves, caribou, grizzlies, moose and more throughout their time in Canada.Glide Along the Yukon RiverIn Dawson City, a tour on the classic Klondike Spirit paddlewheeler takes guests on a nostalgic journey along the Yukon River past stunning tall pines, historic towns and wildlife. Learn about the Yukon First Nation based in Dawson City, the village of Moosehide, the history of the gold rush, the paddlewheel graveyard and the story of Dawson City. Klondike Spirit is included in some Cruisetours and can be added for a fee on others.Walk in the Footsteps of Jack London and Robert ServiceMuch like Anne of Green Gables is to Prince Edward Island, so are famed authors Jack London and Robert Service to the Klondike. In Dawson City, fans of London can visit the Jack London Museum and see a replica of where he lived while calling the Klondike home in 1897. This replica is built from half of the logs from London’s original cabin, which was located on the North Fork of Henderson Creek; the other half resides in London’s hometown of Oakland, California. The “White Fang” author lived in the area and spent time as a Yukon gold seeker.ADVERTISEMENTLikewise, visitors in town can tour the Robert Service cabin, where the Engli-born Canadian poet and author lived and penned best-selling “The Trail of ‘98.” Service worked as a banker in Whitehorse and later in Dawson City before he resigned in 1909 to focus exclusively on his writing craft that had blossomed with poems and tales of the gold rush after he was first transferred by his bank to Whitehorse in 1904.
      BONUS: A Journey Host Guides the WayEvery Yukon and Denali Cruisetour includes the services of a professional Journey Host, who makes time on land easy, convenient and insightful. Along the way, the Cruisetour Host provides expert narration of the sights and views, as well as travel coordination for the hotel, air, land and sea transportation.Sail the Splendors of AlaskaAll Alaska itineraries highlight the best of the Great Land aboard perfectly sized ships designed for immersive travel. From April through September 2023, guests can cruise aboard six ships to the pristine waters of Alaska. Explore Glacier Bay and the captivating towns of the Inside Passage and beyond. Itineraries are seven or 14 days and sail roundtrip from Seattle, Washington; roundtrip from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; or between Vancouver and Whittier, Alaska.
      “Yukon & Denali Cruisetours” includes either a three- or four-day Inside Passage cruise on Koningsdam or Volendam, or a seven-day Glacier Discovery cruise on Nieuw Amsterdam or Noordam; a two- or three-night stay at Denali National Park; and a journey into the Yukon. Holland America Line also offers Cruisetour options that just include Denali National Park.
      Voted Number-One Cruise Line in AlaskaNo other cruise line has explored Alaska longer than Holland America Line, and throughout the years the brand has collected awards and accolades from the world’s most discerning travelers and cruise experts for Alaska cruising. Holland America Line was named the top pick for Alaska in the Porthole Cruise Magazine Editor-in-Chief Awards, AFAR Travelers’ Choice Awards, Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Destination Awards and TravelAge West Wave Awards Editor’s Pick.
      Alaska Up Close Immerses Guests in the Local CultureWith Holland America Line’s “Alaska Up Close” program, guests on Alaska cruises are deeply immersed in the local culture with authentic onboard programming, cruise activities and award-winning shore excursions. The exclusive experiences are delivered through experts leading workshops and lectures, EXC Talks exploring the stories of real Alaskans, tours highlighting the best of each destination, and Port to Table cooking demonstrations and fine dining events showcasing the culinary traditions of the region.
      For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

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      Lufthansa and Munich Airport Sign Letter of Intent to Strengthen Sustainable Partnership

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      Lufthansa and Munich Airport Sign Letter of Intent to Strengthen Sustainable Partnership

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      Flughafen München GmbH (FMG) and Lufthansa are reaffirming and strengthening their successful strategic partnership. The two companies are now signing a letter of intent (LOI) to intensify and continue the sustainable development of Munich Airport.In the LOI, both parties commit to a shared sustainability strategy, to the expansion of Munich Airport as an intermodal transport hub, to the needs-based expansion of infrastructure, and to the promotion of digitalization and innovation in operations. This includes projects such as smart passenger handling and automated handling processes in order to make passengers’ travel experience more enjoyable and efficient.
      In order to remain competitive in the long term, both organizations are driving forward the fulfillment of their sustainability targets so that the entire Munich Airport campus will benefit from this. The commitment to the respective climate and sustainability goals is a central component of the LOI.
      Jost Lammers, CEO of Munich Airport, says: “We went through the hard times of the COVID-19 pandemic together with Lufthansa and we will return to our former strength together. With our shared goals of sustainability, innovation, digitalization, and the persistent enhancement of Munich Airport as a premium hub, we will successfully continue this strategic partnership.”
      Stefan Kreuzpaintner, CCO of Lufthansa Airlines, says: “Our partnership with Munich Airport can definitely be described as unique. Together, we will continue to take on and meet the challenges of the aviation industry. Sustainability is one of the top issues. This includes better rail links – not only to reach the airport quickly and conveniently, but also to make a vital contribution to climate change mitigation.”Albert Füracker, Bavarian Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Flughafen München GmbH: “Sustainability is an important issue for the future of aviation. Back in 2016, we agreed that Munich Airport will be operated on a CO2-neutral basis by 2030 at the latest. We are working hard towards this ambitious climate target with a wide range of measures – and are well on the way to achieving it. I am very pleased that Munich Airport, as Bavaria’s gateway to the world, is leading the way together with its strong partner Lufthansa and serving as a role model.”
      The partnership between Munich Airport and Lufthansa to build and expand airport traffic began at the end of the 1990s. With the joint construction and operation of Terminal 2, which opened in 2003, the two companies launched a unique model of cooperation in Europe – and established Munich Airport as an efficient global aviation hub. The satellite building, which opened in April 2016, marked the first expansion of this eminently successful joint venture.ADVERTISEMENT

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      onefinestay launches long-stay New York offering

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      Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival set to launch its 11th annual edition on February 3rd

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      The 11th edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival (RAKFAF) officially opens to the public on Friday, February 3rd, 2023, at 9pm, at the Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village – the historic home of the ancient Al Za’ab tribe and pearling village dating back to the 17th century.
      Established under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, this year’s festival will showcase the talent of more than 120 local and international artists from over 35 countries under the theme of Nature. The 11th edition of RAKFAF is presented by Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), supported by partners including Stevin Rock LLC, RAK Ports, RAK Economic Zone, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, VOX Cinemas, RAK Transportation Authority, RAK Hospitality Holding, Accenture Song and MonViso.
      The 2023 theme pushes boundaries to display artists’ interpretations of nature conveyed through the senses emphasizing the creative minds of painters, sculptors, designers, filmmakers, and photographers to create an immersive experience for all.
      From art to heritage talks, pet-oriented events, thematic weekend programs, art workshops, musical performances, film screenings and much more, 2023 RAKFAF will engage the community through diverse cultural and creative experiences.
      Festival Curator and Art Director for RAKFAF, Alfio Tommasini says: “The perception of nature around us always starts from a journey that begins inside of ourselves. In the case of those who transform it into artistic forms, a personal sensibility is shared with us to stimulate our curiosity and show us the many possibilities of representing it. Ras Al Khaimah as a region itself is an enchanting desert that includes the rich heritage of the Al Hamra Heritage village – a site carved out of clay, sand and coral.  RAKFAF is a meaningful connecting point for global artists to come together, interact and showcase their unique art depicting nature in various forms.” ADVERTISEMENTCelebrating a new gastronomical adventure, RAKFAF is proud to host the first-ever Middle East culinary journey by Chef Paolo and Kelly Picarazzi from the award-winning Australian restaurant Antica Australis. Inspired by Ras Al Khaimah’s organic farms, and foraged natural flora, the team will curate a special four-course Italian/Emirati fusion menu. Cultural aficionados and food lovers can enjoy this once-in-a-life-time exclusive food and storytelling style of dining only for two days at the Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village from February 10th-11th and is one that is not to be missed!

      The Festival will also host the Middle East premiere of The Chocolate War – a documentary by Miki Mistrati. The film will be followed by a panel discussion led by human rights lawyer, Terry Collingsworth, shedding light on the ethical sourcing of cocoa and production of chocolate. Attendees will also be able to enjoy other outdoor screenings of foreign film hosted by VOX Cinemas with films from the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Dubai, Embassy and Consulate General of France in UAE, and Institut Français.
      This year, RAKFAF will feature six special exhibitions in collaboration with their cultural partners including the Marinko Sudac Foundation, US Mission to the UAE, Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands in Abu Dhabi, Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Dubai, Consulate General of France in Dubai, and FLICK Camera. To celebrate unity and diversity, each bayt (meaning ‘house’ in Arabic) will act as a dedicated space for these partners to interpret and define Nature in their own way.

      A key highlight of the festival is the Avant-garde artworks from Central and Eastern Europe presented by Croatian curator and art collector, Marinko Sudac as a part of the Marinko Sudac Foundation and the Gorgona Group. Themed ‘The Solitude of Thought’, the exhibition will include works from variety of artists including renowned featured artists, Marko Pogacnik and David Nez.
      A permanent installation created for the 2023 RAKFAF, Pogacnik’s ‘Portal of Peace’ represents his philosophical interpretation of the relationship between humans and the biosphere. This permanent installation is made possible by Stevin Rock LLC.

      Speaking ahead of next week’s opening, Suqrat bin Bisher, Director of the Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival concludes, “We are extremely delighted to host the 11th edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival reinforcing the presence of our Emirate at the heart of UAE’s art and cultural scene. This year’s festival inspired by our regional treasure, the Arabian Almond, challenges us to reconsider our own relationship with the natural environment, its influence on our lives and what can we do to preserve it for future generations. I’m proud to see the ingenuity of so many talented artists with their creative perceptions of nature through an array of modern art forms. We look forward to welcoming all visitors, locally and internationally, to this massive event”.
      For more information on the public-free Festival or to register for any of the workshops, activities, tours, film screenings, visit www.rakfinearts.ae

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      Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Qatar Duty Free Announce a World First

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      Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Qatar Duty Free Announce a World First

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      In an industry first, from today members of Qatar Airways Privilege Club (QRPC) will be able to collect and spend Avios at almost 200 outlets at Hamad International Airport (HIA) in partnership with Qatar Duty Free (QDF). In another innovation, passengers at all departure points will be rewarded with Avios points upon check in which will be credited up to 120 minutes before flights departure.
      This will allow members of Qatar Airways Privilege Club to then collect and spend Avios at the World’s Best Airport as part of their journey. Avios can be used in an expansive list of luxury fashion outlets and world-class dining options at the HIA, which has recently launched a major expansion which features a luxury shopping hub “ORCHARD” set in a tropical garden which includes one-of-a-kind brand offerings.
      Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, stated: “We have enhanced and upgraded our redemption options for our loyalty members and we are enabling access to a truly unique airport shopping and dining experience. A first in the world initiative, this demonstrates our commitment for going the extra mile when enhancing the quality of our offerings by providing members with a seamless experience. We encourage everyone travelling through HIA to avail themselves of this experience and opportunity as there has never been an easier way to collect and spend Avios.”
      Avios is the reward currency of Qatar Airways Privilege Club and preferred currency of the Airline offering its most regular flyers extraordinary payment products. Avios can be used in conjunction with cash offering a part payment option. Avios are collected when members or their nominated family members fly with Qatar Airways, oneworld airlines, plus QR’s airline partners. Avios can also be collected with more than 100 global partners and co-branded payment cards. Avios can be spent in multiple ways and the most recent enhancement is shopping and dinning at Qatar Duty Free.

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