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    Harry Potter Stars Return to Hogwarts to Celebrate the Opening of Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo

    Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo celebrated its grand opening with a magical red carpet event attended by Harry Potter actors Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood) and Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom) who joined local stars to mark the occasion.
    Excited fans lined the red carpet to see the Harry Potter actors as well as celebrities including voice actor Mamoru Miyano, musician DAIGO, Kabuki actor Matsuya Onoe and NiziU member Nina. Guests to the event were amongst the first to experience the wonder of the Studio Tour in its entirety. After walking through the iconic Great Hall, they ventured into the Forbidden Forest, explored Diagon Alley and discovered sets only available in Tokyo, including the Ministry of Magic.
    Torben Jensen, GM Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo said “After two years of hard work and preparation, we couldn’t be more excited to open the doors and welcome Harry Potter fans to experience Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo.”
    The attraction officially opens to visitors for the first time today with fans coming from across the globe to experience the magic. The Studio Tour is the first of its kind in Asia and offers fans the chance to discover the behind-the-scenes secrets that went into creating one of the most successful film series of all time.
    Actor Tom Felton, known for portraying Harry Potter’s enemy Draco Malfoy, returned to the Studio Tour this morning for the official opening ceremony. He was joined by Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Kazushige Tanaka, Director-General of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Rumi Furuya, Commissioner of the Bureau of Construction to cast the ‘alohamora’ spell to officially welcome guests to the Studio Tour.ADVERTISEMENTAbout Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo
    Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo will officially open its doors on Friday 16th June 2023. Opening for the first time in Tokyo, this brand-new Studio Tour will invite fans to step onto breathtaking sets including the iconic Great Hall at Hogwarts, Diagon Alley and the Forbidden Forest where they will see exquisite costumes and come face to face with magical creatures while learning filmmaking secrets. Fans will also enjoy lots of fun activities including riding a broomstick, drinking a refreshing Butterbeer, appearing in a moving portrait in the halls of Hogwarts, stepping into the crowd of a Quidditch game and shopping from a huge range of products, many of which are only available at Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo.
    The Studio Tour will also be home to the largest Harry Potter shop in the world, featuring 14 themed sections that are decorated with over 7,000 bespoke and specially sourced props. The areas are beautifully designed and take inspiration from elements of the shops on Diagon Alley including Honeydukes, Ollivanders and Flourish and Blotts. A huge range of products will be available to buy, many of which have been exclusively developed for Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo. In addition, visitors can enjoy a choice of restaurants and cafés which will serve a celebration of traditional British fare such as fish and chips, roast beef, English breakfast and Afternoon Tea.
    This will be the largest indoor Harry Potter attraction in the world and visitors can expect to spend around four hours exploring the only Warner Bros. Studio Tour to open in Asia. Building on the phenomenal success of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – the Making of Harry Potter which opened in 2012 and has maintained exceptional visitor reviews, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo will feature exclusive sets only available in this location, providing visitors with an experience like no other.

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    Boeing Forecasts Demand for 42,600 New Commercial Jets Over Next 20 Years

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    Boeing Forecasts Demand for 42,600 New Commercial Jets Over Next 20 Years

    With a resurgence in international traffic and domestic air travel back to pre-pandemic levels, Boeing has projected global demand for 42,595 new commercial jets by 2042, valued at $8 trillion.
    Boeing released its 2023 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO), the company’s forecast of 20-year demand for commercial airplanes and services, in advance of the Paris Air Show.
    The new CMO comes three years after the pandemic grounded most of the global fleet. Key findings include:
    Passenger traffic continuing to outpace global economic growth of 2.6%.The global fleet nearly doubling to 48,600 jets, expanding 3.5% per year.Airlines replacing about half of the global fleet with new, more fuel-efficient models.“The aviation industry has demonstrated resilience and adaptability after unprecedented disruption, with airlines responding to challenges, simplifying their fleets, improving efficiency and capitalizing on resurgent demand,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “Looking to the future of air travel, our 2023 CMO reflects further evolution of passenger traffic tied to global growth of the middle class, investments in sustainability, continued growth for low-cost carriers, and air cargo demand to serve evolving supply chains and express cargo delivery.”
    Boeing’s projections for regional demand and key trends through 2042 include:ADVERTISEMENTAsia-Pacific markets to represent more than 40% of global demand with half of that total in China.South Asia’s fleet will expand more than 7% annually, the world’s fastest rate, with India accounting for more than 90% of the region’s passenger traffic.North America and Europe each will account for about 20% of global demand.Low-cost carriers will operate more than 40% of the single-aisle fleet in 2042, up from 10% 20 years ago.After omitting demand for Russia and Central Asia in last year’s CMO due to uncertainty in the region, this year’s forecast covers Russia and Central Asia in the Eurasia region, which comprises about 3% of the global fleet by 2042.Commercial Services forecasts a total served market worth $3.8 trillion, including digital solutions that increase efficiency and reduce cost; robust demand for parts and supply chain solutions; growing maintenance and modification options; and effective training to enhance safety and support the pilot and technician pipeline.Also in the 20-year forecast period, Boeing anticipates demand for these models:
    New single-aisle airplanes will account for more than 75% of all new deliveries, up slightly from the 2022 outlook, and totaling more than 32,000 airplanes.New widebody jets will be nearly 20% of deliveries, with more than 7,400 airplanes enabling airlines to open new markets and serve existing routes more efficiently.Air cargo will continue to outpace global trade growth, with carriers requiring 2,800 dedicated freighters. This includes more than 900 new widebodies as well as converted narrow-body and widebody models.
    Boeing has published the CMO annually since 1961. As the longest-running jet forecast, the CMO is regarded as the most comprehensive analysis of the commercial aviation industry. Learn more about the Commercial Market Outlook on Boeing.com. Boeing will release its complete Pilot and Technician Outlook the week of July 24.
    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 and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity. Learn more at www.boeing.com.

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    Captivating Images Showcase the Wonder of National Parks

    The National Park Foundation and partners are excited to announce the winners of the 2022 Share the Experience photo contest and launch the 2023 contest.The Share the Experience photo contest invites amateur photographers to share photos of their favorite views, moments, memories, and adventures from national parks and public lands across the United States, with safety top of mind.
    “America’s national parks are home to a tremendous diversity of natural landscapes, wildlife, history and heritage,” said Will Shafroth, president and CEO of the National Park Foundation. “Congratulations to this year’s contest winners whose images capture the beauty of parks inspired by each photographer’s unique personal connection to these places we share.”
    Nearly 8,000 photos were submitted to the contest which ran from June 22, 2022 through December 31, 2022. The winning image is featured on the America the Beautiful: The National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Annual Pass, which covers entrance and standard amenity fees for participating federal locations throughout the country.
    Top Three Winners
    ADVERTISEMENTFirst place: A colorful Eastern Collared Lizard stands out bright and beautiful among the desert landscape of Wupatki National Monument. This photo, captured by Paulette Donnellon, will be featured on the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.Second place: A photograph by Aaron Enloe of a sunlit creek with a backdrop of snow-covered mountains in Inyo National Forest. Third place: Josh Keogh’s photo captures a peaceful moment while kayaking at sunset along the minor islands at Isle Royale National Park.The National Park Foundation is also excited to launch the 2023 Share the Experience photo contest with co-sponsor Booz Allen Hamilton, the contractor and partner for the Recreation.gov platform. This year’s contest invites amateur photographers to submit their favorite recent shots.
    The grand prize for the winning image is $10,000, followed by $5,000 and $3,000 for second and third place. Winners also receive outdoor gear provided by Celestron and Hydro Flask, hotel vouchers courtesy of Historic Hotels of America®, and an annual National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
    Prizes will also be awarded for the following six categories:
    Outdoors for All
    Demonstrate how public lands welcome and connect us by highlighting the diversity of locations, activities, and visitors. This category spotlights people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, exploring and enjoying the spectrum of experiences available at our public lands and waters.Everyday Adventures
    An incredible experience doesn’t require visiting an iconic destination. Adventure can be found in the everyday. Discover new places and capture activities and imagery from lesser-known public lands and waters across the country.History & Heritage

    From monuments and battlefields to re-enactments and cultural celebrations, this category is meant to showcase the rich history and diversity of the United States and the special places and traditions that preserve and promote them.Scenery & Seasons
    The scenic vistas, sweeping landscapes, and beautiful flora of public lands can be found in far-off locales or closer to home than you think – capture fall foliage, forests, winter wonderlands, flowers, mountains, deserts, canyons, lakes, seashores, rivers and more.Wildlife
    Take a walk on the wild side with photos of the incredible array of animals that call federal lands and waters home. Remember to always keep your distance and stay safe!Night Skies
    Starlight and starbright, capture the magic of a night out under the stars. Slow the shutter speed down and see what develops! Remember to stay in designated areas and follow all guidelines about hours for visitation.The 2023 Share the Experience photo contest is hosted by the National Park Foundation and Booz Allen Hamilton in partnership with the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and Recreation.gov. Share the Experience is the official photo contest of America’s national parks and federal recreational lands and waters, showcasing the more than 500 million acres of federal lands and waters and drawing entries from across the United States. The 2023 contest is now open and accepting entries through December 31.
    Please visit sharetheexperience.org to learn more about the contest, including how to submit an image, the full list of prizing, and contest rules. You can also follow @NationalParkFoundation on Instagram for photo inspiration.

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    Weeva Makes Waves at Travel Trade Shows and Awards

    It’s been an exciting couple of months for Weeva as momentum gathers around the new digital sustainability management platform built FOR the tourism industry, BY the tourism industry.In April, MD Julie Cheetham and Sustainability Content and Support Lead Nwabisa Mjoli were delighted to accept Weeva’s first Responsible Tourism Award for “Addressing Climate Change” at WTM Africa. The new, disruptive data management tech is also making waves internationally – making it to the last three finalists from thousands of applicants for both the UNWTO Awake Tourism Challenge and the Business Travel Awards Europe for “Achievement in Sustainability: data and reporting”.
    Weeva was also excited to sponsor the Sustainability Stage at the We Are Africa Open House in Cape Town last month, which included a special Africa edition of the “Funny Old World” podcast hosted by eco-guru Juliet Kinsman (Sustainability Editor) and media pundit Simon London.In this bonus WAA episode they drew interesting insights from both experts and new voices in sustainable travel on topics including:
    ⚡ Why you cannot shame the luxury traveller into being more sustainable
    ⚡ How to spot the difference between marketing ploys and genuine action
    ⚡ Tell don’t sell — why stories matter in today’s media landscapeADVERTISEMENT⚡ The lessons luxury tourism properties can take from manufacturing lines
    Julie Cheetham, Managing Director of Weeva, also presented and facilitated an interactive sustainability masterclass at the Sustainable Travel & Tourism Agenda (STAS) conference alongside Dr Anne-Kathrin Zschiegner, Director of The Long Run, hosted at the Serena Beach Resort & Spa in Mombasa, Kenya from 8-9 June 2023.
    Users will be able to produce impact reports for their tour operator and travel agent partners backed by real data.  You can view the demo video on weeva.earth, sign up for the newsletter and follow weareweeva on LinkedIn, Facebook,  Instagram and YouTube.

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    OurAfrica.Travel Gives Back and Announces 2024 Dates

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    OurAfrica.Travel Gives Back and Announces 2024 Dates

    OurAfricaTravel organisers Storm Napier and Allie Hunt
    The success of the 2023 edition, held in February was due in no small part to the collaboration of various industry partners, including Wetu, ATTA, The Africa Hub, Nightsbridge, Atmosphere Marketing, Inspirational Places and Umlingo Travel PR. This spirit of ubuntu and partnership is what makes this virtual show such a success, in addition to its B2B nature, affordability in both time and money, accessibility due to it being virtual, and having a carbon-neutral footprint.
    This year’s show attracted 186 exhibitors and over 440 buyers and media from around the world. The platform facilitated over 6,500 meetings, 44,192 networking chats, and received more than 85,000 profile views. Feedback from participants has been very positive, affirming the continuing importance of virtual shows on the tourism events calendar. An African-focussed show of this size gives everyone a platform and voice to connect, rather than being lost in the noise.
    “ OurAfrica.Travel has once again proven that connecting on a virtual platform is now part of our day-to-day business practice and is the most convenient and opportune way to keep in touch with tourism industry players from around the world”, said organisers Storm Napier and Allie Hunt.”
    CAUSES FOR IMPACT
    OurAfrica.Travel is committed to driving sustainable tourism and giving back to both community and conservation projects. This year, 18 worthy causes were given a spotlight during the show, as participants were invited to nominate their favourite charities and grassroots projects.  We are delighted to announce that Tuk South ForRangers and Uthando are our winners for 2023 and will be receiving cash donations shortly.OurAfrica.Travel would like to thank all the worthy causes nominated for the vital work they do in Africa including Chefs with Compassion, Conservation South Luangwa, Dambari Wildlife Trust, Giraffe Conservation Fund, Global Sojourns Giving Circle, Good Work Foundation, HERD, How Many Elephants, Ingoma Choir, Meal For Two Project, Mukambi Community School, Nourish Eco Village, Onguma Anti-Poaching Unit, Seahorse Protection by ParCo, The Plaster House and The Rhino Momma Project.ADVERTISEMENTFor more information about the OurAfrica.Travel virtual trade show visit https://ourafrica.travel/.

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    Issam Kazim wants to convert Dubai’s tourists into full-time residents

    Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) CEO Issam Kazim has told the emirate’s hospitality leaders he wants to convert holiday-makers into residents.
    Speaking at DET’s latest City Briefing, held at Dubai World Trade Centre on Thursday June 15, Kazim said: “Today we have two new KPIs. We want to make sure Dubai continues to be one of the best cities to work in, and more importantly, one of the best cities in the world to live in.”Around a quarter of all Dubai tourists return within a year. Kazim said convincing those people to make Dubai a permanent home is key.He added: “Once you bring them in, you’d hope they spend more money next time and stay for longer. Eventually, they would consider living in Dubai, and we have all the visas to facilitate that. We’d like them to work here, live here and retire here.
    “It’s all about closing the loop.”
    Dubai has a high proportion of tourists visiting friends and family, Kazim explained. “The more we grow the community here locally,” he added. “It both retains spend, and it brings in even more first-time visitors. That needs to continue.”
    The latest data from Dubai’s tourism performance (which goes up to April 2023) shows that the average length of stay in the city is four nights. Increased from 2019. In total, 6.02 international visitors came to Dubai from January to April 2023, closing the gap on 2019’s 6.26 million during the same period.ADVERTISEMENTDubai’s population is around 3.5 million, 85 percent of which are expats.The Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) plans to add billions of dirhams to the economy across more than 100 projects in the next 10 years. It was announced at the start of the year by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.
    By 2033, Sheikh Mohammed would like to see Dubai one of the top four global financial centres, doubling the city’s economy.
    The plan includes a programme to support 30 private companies to achieve unicorn status ― worth more than US$1 billion (about AED3.67 billion). Other business incubators will support the growth of private companies, with 400 of the most promising identified.
    Dubai was voted Middle East’s Leading City Destination 2022 at last year’s World Travel Awards.
    Source: Hotelier Middle East

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    The World’s Biggest Wavepool Is Coming to Abu Dhabi

    A new project from Modon Properties has been announced, located on Abu Dhabi’s Hudayriyat Island, and featuring what they’re calling the world’s “largest man-made wave pool.”
    “Set to open by the end of 2023, Surf Abu Dhabi will be the biggest and most advanced artificial wave facility in the world. Designed in partnership with Kelly Slater Wave Co., the landmark destination will offer a high-performance surfing experience, featuring the world’s longest ride, biggest barrel, and largest man-made wave pool. Underscoring Abu Dhabi’s sporting and leisure credentials, the exclusive surfing complex seeks to attract everyone from beginners to pro-surfers. Surf Abu Dhabi will provide an ideal location to host major international events and will play a major role in developing the surfing community locally, regionally, and globally.”
    Specifics on just how big the pool will be, and the size of the waves it will be able to produce, are still scarce. However, per a report from TimeOut, the pool will span 51 million square meters. The Surf Ranch in Lemoore, CA is reportedly 2,300 feet long – that’s only 700 meters.
    So, it’s bigger. Much bigger. You do the maths.

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    Etihad Airways partners with Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

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    Etihad Airways partners with Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

    Etihad Airways is teaming up with Paramount Pictures to celebrate the theatrical release of the highly anticipated feature film Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.
    The next installment of the epic action franchise, written and directed by Christopher McQuarrie, will be released globally beginning 12 July. Among other locations, the movie was also shot in Abu Dhabi, Etihad’s home city
    You can catch a glimpse of the iconic sand-dunes of the Liwa desert as well as Midfield Terminal, Abu Dhabi’s upcoming new flagship airport terminal and Etihad’s future home in the latest movie trailer.
    From June to August, guests flying in Etihad’s First and Business cabins will be treated to a cinema style Movie Snacks menu and indulge in themed mocktails such as Mission Accomplished, Undercover Sipper, Secret Agent and Thyme’s Up. All Etihad guests will enjoy inflight entertainment featuring Mission: Impossible content.
    In addition to the onboard experience, Etihad will be celebrating the film’s release with a co-branded marketing campaign featuring bespoke content and flight specials with self-destructing offers. Fans around the world will get to travel on their next mission with a movie themed experience.ADVERTISEMENTLater in the year, guests travelling on Etihad will be able to experience a dedicated Mission: Impossible channel on E-BOX, its inflight entertainment service. The channel will feature all seven of the Mission Impossible series as well as exciting behind-the-scenes content.
    Amina Taher, Vice President Brand, Marketing and Sponsorships, Etihad Airways, said: “The Mission Impossible blockbusters are a phenomenal series and we’re incredibly proud to partner with Paramount Pictures to showcase Etihad and Abu Dhabi to the world. We are thrilled to be able to give millions of guests the opportunity to enjoy the Mission Impossible films during their Etihad flight and to showcase the film across our global network.”
    Irene Trachtenberg, SVP, Worldwide Marketing & Partnerships, Paramount Pictures, commented: “We are happy to partner with Etihad and to shoot in Abu Dhabi once again. Having Etihad aircraft and cabin crew authentically in the movie celebrates our appreciation of the warm welcome Abu Dhabi gave to our production. Our partnership with Etihad will help to reach Mission: Impossible fans globally as they can watch the previous Mission: Impossible movies on the inflight entertainment as they fly to, from or through Abu Dhabi on their own missions.”
    This is the third time the blockbuster movie series has chosen the UAE as a location, with Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol being the first of the franchise to be filmed in the country in 2011.
    Abu Dhabi is now a popular location for movie makers having attracted Hollywood blockbusters and independent filmmakers from across the globe in recent years. The film industry in Abu Dhabi has seen significant growth thanks to the Abu Dhabi Film Commission and its investment in cutting edge production facilities and infrastructure.Abu Dhabi’s diverse landscapes offer captivating and inspiring backdrops for cinematography, ranging from the modern, skyscraper filled skyline to the expansive deserts and sand dunes featured in the Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One trailer.

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