organisations-operators

Subterms

    More stories

    • 88 Shares99 Views

      in organisations-operators

      TRAVELERS’ DEMAND FOR EXPERIENCES REQUIRES INDUSTRY RETHINK

      by

      A shift away from the purchase of goods toward investment in authentic, local experiences has gained momentum over the last few years – and that has important implications for the travel industry.“That momentum will continue to accelerate, in turn making the impact of travel and tourism on global economies that much more significant,” says Anthony Capuano, CEO of Marriott International, during a panel discussion at the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Global Summit 2022 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
      Consumers are spending a higher proportion of their discretionary income on activities and experiences than ever, according to panelist Greg O’Hara, founder and senior managing director at private equity firm Certares. When asked where he would invest $1 billion, O’Hara says in wellness and adventure.Historically, people decided to go to Greece or Saudi Arabia or Italy, and then would decide what to do. Nowadays, “people are making decisions about travel based on what they want to do, not where they want to go,” O’Hara says. Someone who wants to go kite surfing, for example, is going to choose from the top kite-surfing destinations, he adds.
      In a separate WTTC panel, Sandiaga Uno, Indonesia’s minister of tourism and creative economy, says the new trend in tourism is more personalized, localized, customized and smaller in size.
      “We need to change the mindset to quality and sustainability,” Uno says.
      If travelers previously wanted sun, sea and sand, now they’re looking for “serenity, spirituality and sustainability. They want to try planting mangroves to offset their carbon footprint. They want to visit villages.”ADVERTISEMENTSébastien Bazin, chairman and CEO of Accor, says the industry needs to understand that the customer is different, and therefore the offer should be different.
      “You just have to revisit the way we’ve been conducting business the last 50 years to a new world, which I think is a better world,” he says.
      Hotels should cater not to travelers, but to local residents, through entertainment, music and workspaces.“That’s a major shift,” Bazin says. “Make sure your hotel is busy from 7 o’clock in the morning until 11 o’clock at night.”
      While 25% of international business travelers are “gone forever,” domestic business travel has recovered, according to Bazin.
      “If you go for business [on a] less than four-hour flight or four-hour train ride, it is as strong today as it was in 2019,” he says.
      Many travelers are combining business and leisure trips. Hotels are no longer empty on Sunday nights thanks to people blending business and leisure travel, Bazin notes.
      Stephen Scherr, CEO at the Hertz Corporation, says the robust infrastructure that the industry needs, including charging networks, will require public-private cooperation.
      The looming recession can’t possibly hit the travel industry as hard as the pandemic, Scherr says, and the industry is better prepared for crises now “because you understand how to marshal the resources and what your moves will be.”
      Gloria Guevara, chief special advisor for Saudi Arabia’s ministry of tourism, says countries need the vision, the leadership and the resources to maximize their recovery.
      “I was very fortunate to have that in Mexico,” Guevara says. “We had a national agreement, and everyone was working [toward] the same goals, on the same plan, to recover from the crisis and to break new records.”
      Source: Phocuswire.com

      Older
      Thailand aiming for 80% of pre-pandemic tourism revenue within 2023

      Newer
      BMOTIA signs MOU with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism More

    • 125 Shares119 Views

      in organisations-operators

      Thailand aiming for 80% of pre-pandemic tourism revenue within 2023

      by

      Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), shared Thailand’s plan to achieve 10 million international visitor arrivals in 2022, while speaking at the 22nd World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.As one of the speakers of the panel on “The Recovery of Travel in Asia and the Pacific”, Mr. Yuthasak underlined the strategies and approaches TAT was using to achieve these targets, while forecasting a return to 80% of the overall tourism revenue of the pre-pandemic era. He also stated Thailand’s direction towards more sustainable, more inclusive, and more environment-friendly tourism.
      He noted how the worldwide COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions had created much pent up demand for travel, and Thailand now, that it was fully reopened to foreign tourism, was seeing visitor arrivals from markets around the world rebound.
      Mr. Yuthasak said “TAT is welcoming back the world’s travellers with its ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022-2023: Amazing New Chapters’ marketing campaign, in which visitors are invited to experience the wealth of existing and new tourism experiences on offer throughout the kingdom.”
      Thailand’s drive towards more sustainable and responsible tourism is also in line with the government’s Bio-Circular-Green or BCG Economy Model.
      This new direction for tourism in Thailand is seeing TAT laying the foundation for a tourism industry that is customer centric and values experience tourism. TAT is encouraging more collaboration among players both inside and outside of the industry, and embraces innovation to develop and promote sustainable tourism products and create a tourism business ecosystem that offers mutual benefits to all parties.ADVERTISEMENTThe 2022 WTTC Global Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, took place from 28 November to 1 December. The Recovery of Travel in Asia and the Pacific panel was held on 29 November. Joining Mr. Yuthasak on the panel were Hiroyuki Takahashi, Chairperson of the Board, JTB Corp; Liz Ortiguera, Chief Executive Officer of the Pacific Asia Travel Association, and Gaurav Bhatnagar, Co-founder of the TBO Group. The session was moderated by Nawied Jabarkhyl, Correspondent and News Anchor, CGTN.

      Older
      Rwanda announced as next WTTC Global Summit host

      Newer
      TRAVELERS’ DEMAND FOR EXPERIENCES REQUIRES INDUSTRY RETHINK More

    • 100 Shares159 Views

      in organisations-operators

      Rwanda announced as next WTTC Global Summit host

      by

      During the closing session of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Global Summit in Riyadh, the Rwandan capital of Kigali, was announced as the host city for 2023, marking the first time the event will visit Africa.Rwanda, the home of the International Gorilla Conservation Programme, will showcase the power of sustainable tourism to protect biodiversity and create thriving communities.
      WTTC closed its largest ever Global Summit today with more than 3,000 delegates attending the event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
      The global tourism body’s Global Summit saw speakers such as former UK Prime Minister Theresa May, former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, and actor, filmmaker, and Golden Globe winner, Edward Norton.
      The most influential Travel & Tourism event in the calendar, WTTC’s record breaking Global Summit, was attended by more than 85 countries and over 50 ministers.
      More than 250 media delegates from around the world attended the event, with many thousands of people around the world watching remotely.ADVERTISEMENTDuring the event, WTTC and the Ministry of Tourism of the Kingdom Saudi Arabia launched the Environmental & Social Research (ESR).
      This groundbreaking new data details the climate footprint of the global Travel & Tourism sector, and in a world-first, this the research covers 185 countries across all regions, and will be updated each year with the latest figures.
      WTTC also launched its Cities Economic Impact Report (EIR).
      Sponsored by Visa, the report shows cities remain the powerhouses of global tourism and will drive the recovery of the sector and economies around the word.
      Addressing delegates during her closing speech, Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said: “Saudi Arabia will be the next major destination for visitors as it invests $800 billion in showcasing the Kingdom to the world.
      “From the Red Sea to snow-capped mountains, Saudi is full of surprises.
      “We are incredibly excited that Rwanda will host our next Global Summit in 2023. An amazing country famous for its conservation work, Rwanda is building its reputation as a must-see destination.”
      Under the theme “Travel for a Better Future” the event in Riyadh focused on the value of the sector, not only to the global economy, but to the planet and communities around the world.

      Older
      Cirium and Ski Solutions have released data showing demand is back to pre pandemic levels

      Newer
      Thailand aiming for 80% of pre-pandemic tourism revenue within 2023 More

    • 188 Shares179 Views

      in organisations-operators

      Cirium and Ski Solutions have released data showing demand is back to pre pandemic levels

      by

      This December scheduled departures from the UK are projected to hit 83% of December 2019 levels, as the industry continues to see strong winter demand. Flights from UK airports are also up 35% compared to December 2021, with over 65,000 planned departures during this month.
      Flights from the UK to Europe’s most popular ski resorts are scheduled to exceed pre-pandemic levels this December, as winter leisure travel booms:
      Cirium’s data shows:
      Flights from the UK to Switzerland are projected to hit 94% of 2019 levels:o   With Geneva seeing 4.1% more flights than December 2019
      Flights from the UK to Austria are scheduled to reach 91% of Dec 2019 levels:o   With the ski resorts of Innsbruck and Salzburg both seeing 24% more UK flights than pre-pandemic. The lesser-known city of Klagenfurt will also see a huge 200% increase in UK flights this December versus 2019.ADVERTISEMENT
      While flights from the UK to France have only reached 74% of 2019 levels:o   Grenoble has seen a 4% rise in departures compared to December 2019, while the alpine airport of Chambery has matched pre-pandemic frequencies. The French gateway of Lyon, however, is scheduled to see flights 11% down.

      Northern Italy has also showed growth, with flights from the UK to Turin and Verona up 12% and 5% respectively. Flights to Milan Malpensa and Bergamo are also around the same levels as recorded in December 2019.
      Ski Solutions

      Booked revenues through the summer and into the peak booking period this autumn have been 51% ahead of 2021 levels.
      Despite the headwinds in the economy and political volatility in recent months, Ski Solutions has seen booking revenues up 23% compared to 2019, before the pandemic.
      Ski Solutions has been staggered by the unrelenting strength of demand coming through this year, with the underlying demographic of skiers looking to be incredibly resilient to the current economic pressures, with customers not prepared to give up their annual holiday to the mountains.
      Despite prices being up 15% compared to 2019, Ski Solutions is seeing no dip in demand for core four and five-star premium packages, or any trend towards lower grade destinations. Covid has highlighted the value that can come from booking a package with a genuine travel expert.
      The classic, snow-sure resorts of the Alps continue to feature most prominently (Val d’ Isère, Val Thorens, Verbier), though Ski Solutions has seen strong demand this year for Canada (Whistler in particular) and family friendly options in Norway which offer good value for money.Craig Burton, Managing Director of Ski Solutions has commented:“After a couple of seasons of unpredictability for the ski industry throughout the pandemic, we’re thrilled to see the demand for ski holidays this winter exceeding pre-pandemic levels with booking revenues up 23% compared to this time in 2019. This is reassurance that this winter is going to be one of the strongest seasons we’ve seen yet. Our bookings team has seen huge demand for some of the familiar favourite resorts such as Val d’Isère and Whistler, but also some of the lesser-discovered alternative options including new resorts that have been added to our portfolio in Norway. There’s never been a better time to get your ski holiday booked, and we look forward to welcoming our customers, both new and old, back to the slopes very soon.”

      Older
      Sustainability ‘superpower’ Saudi Arabia to lead clean energy revolution

      Newer
      Rwanda announced as next WTTC Global Summit host More

    • 150 Shares139 Views

      in organisations-operators

      PortAventura World and Sony Pictures Entertainment Announce World’s First ‘Uncharted’ Dark Ride

      by

      PortAventura World and Sony Pictures Entertainment announced today, Uncharted, the world’s first dark ride roller coaster based on the box office hit film, will open in mid-2023.The new attraction will be located in the resort’s Far West zone and will allow visitors to go on a dangerous search for one of the greatest treasures ever found.David Garcia, EVP and Managing Director of PortAventura World, declares “we are excited about the announcement of this strategic agreement with a reference company in the entertainment industry like Sony Pictures. This alliance will allow us to be present at a global scale launching our first dark ride roller coaster and perfectly complement our offering.”
      Jeffrey Godsick, EVP of Global Partnerships and Brand Management and Head of Location Based Entertainment at Sony Pictures Entertainment said: “The team at PortAventura World has designed a thrilling ride so that fans of the game and film can now step into Nate and Sully’s shoes and go on their own white-knuckle, treasure-hunting race.”
      Asad Qizilbash, Head of PlayStation Productions said: “Following the huge success of the Uncharted movie, we’re excited to see this entertainment franchise further expand into new and exciting spaces.”
      The most daring visitors will be able to enjoy nearly 700 meters of a vibrant ride on this exclusive dark ride roller coaster that reaches over 12 meters high in a unique enveloping space, 4,800 square meters and 16 meters high. The new attraction will feature a pre-show full of surprises and a journey of unexpected events in a totally immersive experience in search of the great treasure.
      With an investment in excess of 25 million euros, the project has been made possible thanks to a licensing agreement with Sony Pictures and its creation counts on the collaboration of the renowned design company Intamin Amusement Rides, and Sally Dark Rides, a leading international enterprise specialising in the development of dark rides and animatronics design.ADVERTISEMENTVideo – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I03W9dCrHYI

      Older
      Hawaiian Airlines to Begin Service Between Hawai’i and the Cook Islands

      Newer
      KERZNER INTERNATIONAL NAMES ONE ZA’ABEEL, DUBAI AS HOME TO FIRST SIRO HOTEL More

    • 88 Shares179 Views

      in organisations-operators

      UNDER CANVAS ANNOUNCES OPENING OF NEW LOCATION

      by

      Today, Under Canvas , the leader in upscale, outdoor hospitality, announced its latest brand addition with the opening of its 11th camp, Under Canvas North Yellowstone – Paradise Valley, for its inaugural season on June 15, 2023.Located on 50 acres of spectacular Montana ranchland with expansive valley and mountain views, Under Canvas North Yellowstone – Paradise Valley is ideally located near the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Located 20 minutes from the charming town of Livingston and 45 minutes from Bozeman, the North Yellowstone – Paradise Valley camp offers unprecedented access to Greater Yellowstone and complements its sister camp on the West side of the famed national park. In addition to providing access to lesser known but equally spectacular features of Yellowstone National Park, the Paradise Valley region has drawn recent fame via the Yellowstone television series, set in its breathtaking high mountain plains and ranchland. A highlight of Under Canvas North Yellowstone – Paradise Valley is the Yellowstone River which flows right through the property providing more than a mile of pristine and exclusive riverfront access, allowing for world-class fly fishing on-site and river float experiences steps from the lobby tent. Additional area offerings include bucket-list horseback riding through Montana’s mountains and plains, world-class river rafting, hiking, and live music at nearby Pine Creek Lodge featuring top Bluegrass, Rock and Country artists from around the country.
      “We are thrilled to be opening our third Montana camp, and second outside Yellowstone National Park. Montana is such a special place, with wild, natural beauty, and each of our properties has something unique to offer,” said Matt Gaghen, chief executive officer of Under Canvas. “Our Paradise Valley location provides the opportunity to explore the incredible north side of Yellowstone National Park while enjoying our amazing site right on the banks of the Yellowstone River with stunning views of Paradise Valley and its famous ranchland and mountains. It’s incredibly meaningful for us to announce this exceptional location where Under Canvas first started and welcome guests to this spectacular site that is so conveniently located near multiple bucket list Montana destinations.”
      Paradise Valley is ideally positioned to provide unparalleled access to the north side of the country’s first national park including major attractions such as Lamar Valley and Mammoth Hot Springs. Yellowstone National Park encompasses more than two million acres and spans three states, featuring dramatic canyons, alpine rivers, lush forests, hot springs and gushing geysers, including its most famous, Old Faithful. It is also home to hundreds of animal species, including bears, wolves, bison, elk and antelope. Much like Under Canvas’s Grand Circle road-trip of camps, Under Canvas now offers a one-of-a-kind experience for travelers to stay and discover additional sections of Yellowstone National Park with a multi-camp itinerary.
      Under Canvas North Yellowstone – Paradise Valley will offer upscale, safari-inspired canvas tents on elevated decks with private ensuite bathrooms, and views of the Yellowstone River and Absaroka Mountain Range. Complimentary programming will include acoustic live music, daily yoga and more. Off-site adventures including horseback riding, Yellowstone River luxury float trips, guided hiking tours, fly-fishing and white-water rafting are available to be booked in advance via an Under Canvas Adventure Concierge. An on-site Guest Experience Coordinator can also recommend favorite local hikes and must-see attractions both on and off property. In true Montana style, the main lobby tent will be adorned with mountain contemporary indoor and outdoor furnishings from West Elm, and design features with nods to the region’s storied ranch history. Embers will serve as a communal hub for cafe-style dining and lounging by the idyllic riverfront, featuring fresh and healthy dishes from the brand’s signature menu including salads, charcuterie, fresh trout, grains, vegan and vegetarian dishes, as well as Western-style, specialty barbecue, smoked meats and sides, and locally sourced cocktails and refreshments. Grab ‘n go options are also available for purchase for lunch items and snacks, ready for a day’s adventure. Premium brand partnerships will provide complimentary guest use of lululemon mats and yoga blocks, Black Diamond hiking poles, a Gibson guitar for an acoustic fireside strum and s’mores with new friends. Additional partnerships provide access to curated retail offerings for purchase, including activewear from lululemon, Hydro Flask drinkware, Sun Bum sun products, Pendleton® wool products to stay cozy and warm, and an exclusive Under Canvas line of apparel and dog-friendly items so all family members can explore Montana in comfort and style.
      Under Canvas’ safari-inspired tents are furnished with plush king size beds, luxe linens, USB charging packs, bedside lanterns, a wood burning stove, private deck with views and ensuite bathroom (hot shower, sink and flushing toilet). Unique lodging tent accommodations feature the Stargazer Tent, complete with its own viewing window above the king bed to stargaze at night. Ideal for families or groups and exclusive to this new location, the Yellowstone River Suite Tent features two tents adjoined by a private deck, with its own private firepit and outdoor area for the ultimate getaway. Included in this ultimate set-up is a Suite Tent with a bedroom wing outfitted with a king bed, lounge area with a queen size sofa-bed, ensuite bathroom, wood stove and private deck, and additional deluxe tent with two twin beds and ensuite bathroom.ADVERTISEMENTA cornerstone of the Under Canvas experience and development ethos is the brand’s Mindful Approach. This includes pull chain showers, low-flow toilets and rechargeable battery pack charging in tents, that all work to minimize energy use and carbon footprint. Under Canvas camps are designed to minimize disturbance and maximize open space, each with dedicated, undisturbed green spaces. The camps are designed to flow with the natural topography of the land to eliminate unnecessary earthwork. Under Canvas and global environmental nonprofit The Nature Conservancy (TNC) have come together to fund conservation and raise awareness through education, volunteer efforts and donation programs. The brand’s commitment also includes efforts to minimize overall environmental footprint in the areas of waste management, water use, and special lighting to mitigate light pollution, maximizing the enjoyment of the night’s sky.
      Since opening the first camp 10 years ago near West Yellowstone, Under Canvas has dedicated itself to inspiring connections with extraordinary places, people, and the planet by enhancing access to the outdoors. The inaugural season for North Yellowstone – Paradise Valley is June 15 – September 25, 2023. Under Canvas operating dates for the 2023 season: Moab from March 2-October 23, Zion from March 9-November 6, Lake Powell – Grand Staircase from March 9-October 30, Great Smoky Mountains from April 6-November 27, Grand Canyon from April 13-October 23, Mount Rushmore from May 4-September 25, Acadia from May 11-October 9, West Yellowstone from May 18-September 5 and Glacier from June 8-September 11. Reservations for the 2023 season are available now at www.undercanvas.com.

      Older
      Global Citizen Forum delivers a first-of-its-kind immersive Summit in Ras Al Khaimah

      Newer
      Japan Commitment to Reopen Cruising Sets Stage for Long-Awaited Holland America Line Asia Voyages More

    • 150 Shares169 Views

      in organisations-operators

      Global Citizen Forum delivers a first-of-its-kind immersive Summit in Ras Al Khaimah

      by

      Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and in partnership with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), the Global Citizen Forum (GCF) Annual Summit welcomed more than 650 speakers and guests, hailing from over 90 countries.The Global Citizen Forum’s 2022 Annual Summit brought together a diverse group of attendees for its first chapter of The Butterfly Effect trilogy in Ras Al Khaimah, under the theme Human Metamorphosis – acknowledging the paradigm shift of a new era illuminated by individual and cultural evolution. 
      Human interconnectivity, community, and personal development were the overarching messages of the two action-packed days with attendees coming together to embark on a journey of self-discovery in order to collaboratively address world issues through the lens of global citizenship.
      Armand Arton, Founder, Global Citizen Forum, commented on the significance of the theme in his opening remarks on the Summit’s first day, sharing: “Many of us here have made great journeys – both literally and metaphorically. We have circled the planet many times to get to where we are and have helped bring this special group of people together. Becoming a global citizen does not mean that we are citizens of nowhere, […] it means we become a citizen of everywhere, without forgetting where we started – this is our task, this is our purpose.”
      Arton also shared: “The challenges and opportunities of today’s world are interconnected, and the key to unlocking our human potential is through the power of collaboration and communities. If we can imagine a new world – together, we can also create one.”
      Speakers across the two-day event called for a renewed focus on self-growth and human connection to empower humanity to succeed in our ever-changing world. Attendees participated in interactive sessions and immersive experiences led by global visionaries and changemakers, such as Ricky Martin, Deepak Chopra, Richard Quest, Vishen Lakhiani, Karen Wazen, Chris Voss and Wyclef Jean.ADVERTISEMENTIn his powerful keynote on the beach stage, global superstar and humanitarian, Ricky Martin, shared: “We must adapt and transform our communities in times of crises because together we are stronger. Creating inclusion is what it is all about. Creating equal conditions within the framework of acceptance and with respect of individuality is the only route that brings us closer to like-minded thoughts and long-lasting prosperity.”
      In addition to an interactive mind-body-spirit program of events, and a fundraiser Gala in support of UNHCR, the Ricky Martin Foundation and the Global Gift Foundation, the Summit also sought to play its part from an environmental perspective, planting 700,000 trees in the Brazilian Amazon to offset carbon emissions.
      Notable attendees at the star-studded Global Citizen Gala, hosted by reality stars Sara Al Madani and Kris Fade, included Huda and Mona Kattan, Founders of Huda Beaty; Caroline Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard; Bobby Sager, acclaimed photographer and humanitarian; and featured electric performances by Grammy Award-Winning musicians, Ashanti, and Wyclef Jean.
      “Overall, the summit centered on celebrating chaos as the sacred energy of new beginnings,” said Global Citizen Forum CEO, Talimka Yordanova. “We welcomed attendees on a journey of self-discovery in order to awaken our collective consciousness and bring about the change we wish to see in the world.”
      In 22 immersive and interactive sessions, a packed house of attendees unveiled the magic and opportunity that lies in chaos — from global thought leaders including the Prime Minister, Antigua and Barbuda, Hon. Gaston Browne; Actor, Producer and Presenter of La Magia del Caos podcast, Aislinn Derbez; Economist, Nouriel Roubini; Member of European Parliament, Elena Yoncheva; Senior Advisor and Representative to the GCC Countries, UNHCR, Khaled Khalifa; and Vice-President, Commissioner for Promoting out European Way of Life, European Commission, Margaritis Schinas.
      “It was truly inspiring to welcome leading minds to Ras Al Khaimah and be part of this important event that is helping shape the future for the next generation. With a vision of becoming the regional leader in sustainable tourism by 2025, we aim to nurture an industry that is economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable, that supports quality of life for our people,” commented Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.
      The Global Citizen Forum was established in 2013 as a social action platform built on a community of leaders committed to improving the state of global citizenship for future generations. These leaders are bound by the shared belief that citizenship stands for freedom, representation, equality, but also for responsibility, sustainability, and impact.
      Looking ahead — planning for the second chapter of The Butterfly Effect is already underway, with a keen focus on driving conversations on how the world can collectively bring about global change and empower initiatives that bridge dialogue with action.
      Ricky Martin concluded: “To achieve peace, we must first transform ourselves and experience our own metamorphosis… Together we can transform the world.”

      Older
      San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s 50-year History of Wildlife Conservation

      Newer
      UNDER CANVAS ANNOUNCES OPENING OF NEW LOCATION More

    • 125 Shares99 Views

      in organisations-operators

      San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s 50-year History of Wildlife Conservation

      by

      On Jan. 2, 2023, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance—an international conservation organization with “two front doors”: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park—will participate in the 134th Rose Parade® presented by Honda, with a float celebrating the Safari Park’s 50th anniversary.The Safari Park opened in 1972 and since the beginning, saving species has been a key part of the Safari Park’s mission. The Safari Park has played a huge role in the conservation of species ranging from condors and hornbills to rhinos and elephants. With its theme “Celebrating 50 Years of Conservation,” the float depicts rhinos, giraffes and the Safari Park’s iconic Wildlife Safari experience, and brings to life the Safari Park’s ability to connect guests with wildlife and create life-changing moments.“Unlike any other place on Earth, the Safari Park transports guests into sprawling landscapes and dynamic ecosystems teeming with amazing wildlife, offering one-of-a-kind experiences where stories of nature and conservation come to life,” said Paul Baribault, president and chief executive officer, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “Conservation starts with people—and at the Safari Park, we are able to make a connection between our guests and wildlife every day. Our hope is connecting people to wildlife will inspire them to help support our mission and our global conservation programs to protect endangered wildlife.”
      The “Celebrating 50 Years of Conservation” float features 4-month-old Neville, and his mother Livia, two southern white rhinos who bring enormous hope to the cutting-edge efforts to save the distantly related northern white rhino. With only two northern white rhinos left on Earth, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is combining groundbreaking conservation science with more than a century of world-class wildlife expertise to save the species. Neville is the third rhino born as part of this revolutionary program at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park—joining Edward and Future, who also made history as the first southern white rhinos born through artificial insemination in North America.
      Secure on her 4-foot legs, is Msituni (pronounced see tune neee), an 11-month-old giraffe born at the Safari Park. Born unable to walk, a condition in which she would not have survived in her native habitat, she required months of critical around-the-clock care, along with several pairs of custom giraffe-sized orthotic leg braces, to support her while she gained the necessary strength to walk. Today, after making a full recovery, Msituni runs alongside dozens of giraffes, wildebeest, impalas, rhinos, and Cape buffalo in the Safari Park’s African savannas.
      A pair of African crowned cranes meander through lush landscapes, as Msituni’s parents peek with curiosity into an open-air safari truck filled with guests. The riders are wildlife care specialists, veterinarians and conservation scientists from the Safari Park who have dedicated their lives to caring for Neville, Msituni and countless other species in San Diego and around the globe. They are joined by the Safari Park’s Executive Director, Lisa Peterson, and expert wildlife guides from the Safari Park. Representing how a moment at the Safari Park can change a lifetime, are four young children who may aspire to be the next generation of conservationists, surrounded by the wonders of wildlife and intricate beauty of nature.
      The planned floral array on the float will illustrate that both the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and San Diego Zoo are accredited botanical gardens that feature over 2 million plants—and serve as a reminder of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s dedication to plant conservation through its many efforts, including the Wildlife Biodiversity Bank.ADVERTISEMENTThe Safari Park’s 1,800 acres are home to vital conservation efforts, with more than 3,600 individual animals from more than 300 species, and a botanical collection of more than 1.75 million plants. The Safari Park welcomes more than 1 million guests each year, providing an ideal setting for visitors to connect with nature and wildlife, while supporting San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s conservation efforts worldwide.

      Older
      Nobu Hospitality and Simon Celebrate Opening of Nobu Hotel & Restaurant at Phipps Plaza

      Newer
      Global Citizen Forum delivers a first-of-its-kind immersive Summit in Ras Al Khaimah More