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      Abu Dhabi Sovereign Wealth Fund in Talks for Heathrow Airport Stake Alongside Saudi and Qatar

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      Reports suggest that the Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund is considering an investment in London’s Heathrow Airport, potentially joining forces with Saudi and Qatari investors.The potential deal, as reported by Bloomberg, could see the UAE’s Mubadala Investment Company partnering with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Qatar’s Investment Authority to acquire stakes in the West London Hub.
      According to Bloomberg’s sources, Mubadala has been approached by Ardian, a France-based firm, to explore investment opportunities in Heathrow Airport. Talks are said to be ongoing, with no final decision reached by Mubadala regarding its participation in the deal.
      Last year, Spanish firm Ferrovial SE sold its 25% stake in Heathrow to PIF and Ardian for nearly £2.4 billion. However, other shareholders holding more than a third of the airport are reportedly part of a “tag-along” agreement, which necessitates their participation for the deal’s completion.
      If successful, this investment would mark the third Middle Eastern investor in Heathrow Airport, raising concerns about Gulf influence over critical UK infrastructure. While discussions continue, the outcome of these talks could significantly impact the ownership structure of one of the world’s busiest airports.
      As stakeholders navigate negotiations and potential partnerships, the evolving landscape of Heathrow’s ownership underscores the importance of balancing foreign investment interests with national security and strategic concerns. Further developments in these talks are awaited as stakeholders assess the potential implications of this proposed investment arrangement.Source: https://bmmagazine.co.uk/ADVERTISEMENT

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      Swissport Expands Network in Saudi Arabia, Adds Al-Ula Airport

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      Swissport Expands Network in Saudi Arabia, Adds Al-Ula Airport

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      Swissport International AG has added Al-Ula to its growing network of airports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, underlining the company’s ambitious and successful growth strategy in the Kingdom. Al-Ula, a rising international tourism hotspot, is already the sixth airport at which Swissport operates in Saudi Arabia.
      Swissport has added Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz International Airport at Al-Ula (ULH) to its growing network in Saudi Arabia. The first flight serviced by Swissport was a Royal Jordanian flight arriving from Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan. Swissport, the global leader in airport ground services and air cargo handling, will provide Royal Jordanian with passenger services and ramp handling at Al-Ula. Initially, Swissport will handle two weekly flights to and from Amman. The company expects flight volumes in Saudi Arabia to grow significantly as more airlines add destinations or increase frequencies in the thriving Kingdom.
      “We are delighted to be able to offer our high-quality aviation services at Al-Ula and are honored by the trust our launching customer Royal Jordanian places in us,” says Chris Browne, CEO of Swissport Saudi Arabia.
      Al-Ula is Swissport’s sixth airport in Saudi Arabia and further strengthens its position as the go-to service provider for airlines seeking a reliable long-term partner across the Arabian Peninsula and beyond. The start of operations at Al-Ula underlines Swissport’s strategic commitment to Saudi Arabia.
      “Jointly with ASYAD Holding, our Saudi joint-venture partner, we have ambitious plans and are committed to contributing towards the Saudi Vision 2030, which will place the Kingdom’s aviation sector in the ivy-league of global aviation,“ says Dirk Goovaerts, Swissport’s CEO for Continental Europe, Middle East, and Africa.ADVERTISEMENTAl-Ula is an ancient Arabian oasis and market town on the historic Incense Route that connected India and the Persian Gulf with the Levant and Europe. Today, it is one of the growing tourism destinations in Saudi Arabia, known for its landscape of cliffs, gorges and wadis and the contrast between this arid environment and the palm-covered oases. In 2023, Al-Ula airport welcomed more than two million passengers.
      STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH ASYAD HOLDING
      Swissport has been present in Saudi Arabia since 2016 when it started its operations in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. The company has since continuously expanded its business and turned its presence from a greenfield start-up into an established business with a broad customer base of regional and international carriers.
      Swissport and ASYAD Holding, a diversified, family-owned Saudi holding group with significant business activities in and outside Saudi Arabia across multiple sectors including aviation and infrastructure, recently joined forces to unlock the full growth potential in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The new strategic partnership underlines Swissport’s commitment to Saudi Arabia and is aimed at further accelerating the company’s growth in the largest economy in the Middle East. Swissport plans to further expand its Saudi presence in air cargo handling, airport ground services and in the lounge hospitality business, in particular also with Saudi carriers.
      In 2023, Swissport in Saudi Arabia served 7.7m passengers (+49 per cent vs. 2022) and handled some 28,000 flights (+39 per cent vs. 2022). Currently, Swissport provides passenger services and ramp handling at six airports in Saudi Arabia: King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh (RUH), King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah (JED), King Fahd International Airport in Dammam (DMM), Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina (MED), Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Al-Qassim (ELQ), and Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Al-Ula (ULH).

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      IATA Chief Reflects on Aviation’s Past, Present, and Future at Industry Event

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      IATA Chief Reflects on Aviation’s Past, Present, and Future at Industry Event

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      Minister Chee, honorable ministers, Salvatore Sciacchitano, Directors General, friends, and honorable guests. It is a great pleasure to be here and I want to add my thanks to all of those involved in organizing this wonderful event.
      It was said at the panel discussion last night that to better understand the future, it’s good to understand the past and the present. And I fully agree with that. Now, I don’t intend to reflect too much on the period of the pandemic. But I just want to give you some flavor for what has happened to the industry in 2023, to look back at the shape of the industry over the past few decades, and then to maybe draw some conclusions as to what we think might happen going forward.
      I’m pleased to say that the progress and recovery of the industry continued strongly during 2023. Full year 2023 was at just over 94% of where we were in 2019. And that consisted of very strong performance in domestic markets, almost 4% ahead of 2019, with international markets lagging at just over 88%.
      Now if we look at this region, the situation was slightly less than that, overall at 86% of where the region was in 2019. The strong performance in domestic markets over 2% ahead, but international travel in the region still lagged behind at about 73% of 2019. It is important to point out that there was a strong recovery as we went through the year, moving from about 57% in January to almost 83% in December.
      Looking forward, IATA estimates that over the next 20 years, the industry will grow at about 3.3% per annum. That is significantly lower than the growth we witnessed during 2010 to 2019. But I think it does reflect some of the challenges that we as an industry are facing and will face going into the future. Infrastructure constraints both in the air and on the ground. Supply chain issues which have now been a feature of the industry for a number of years and are likely to continue for a few more years. The delay and delivery of new aircraft, the problems in relation to engines, labour shortages in some parts of the world, and significantly the cost impact of our transition to net zero in 2050.ADVERTISEMENTBecause whatever way you look at this, there will be a cost associated with transitioning to net zero. And ultimately, that costs will have to be reflected in the ticket prices that we charge our customers, which will have a dampening effect on the level of growth that the industry sees going forward.
      Now I’m pleased to say this region is likely to lead the markets with growth around 4.5% per annum during that same period.
      Now, if I reflect back at 1990, and I’ve chosen 1990 for a couple of reasons. It recognizes that we had the introduction of the Boeing 737-300, 400 and 500s in the mid 80s, and the Airbus A320 in the late 1980s. It also reflects a fully deregulated market in the US, and a deregulated market in Europe. And it’s fascinating to look at the shape of the industry in that year.
      At IATA, we look at six major geographic regions when we’re assessing our economic performance, and we report on these on a monthly basis. That’s Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, Middle East and North America. In 1990, African airlines contributed 2.2% of global aviation.  Asia-Pacific carriers were 19.7%, Europe 28%, Latin America and Caribbean 5.4%, Middle East carriers 2.4% and a lot has been written about what has happened in the Middle East. But significantly North American carriers 42% of the global markets.
      Now if we roll forward and look at 2019, Africa continued to be at 2.1%. But we saw significant growth in the Asia-Pacific region, reaching almost 35% of the global market in 2019. Europe remained pretty static at 27%, Latin America 5%, the Middle East has grown from 2.4% to 9.1%, and North American carriers had reduced from 42% to just over 22%.
      The figures for 2023 are broadly similar. Asia Pacific, reflecting the fact that the recovery has been slightly slower in international markets at about 32%.
      Now, it’s interesting also to reflect on the fact that if I look at the major domestic markets, the domestic market in China in 1990 was just over 1% of all global activity, and India about 0.2%. Looking forward at 2023, the Chinese domestic market now represents over 11%, of total commercial aviation, and India has grown to almost 1.8%. We’ve seen significant growth in these markets in that period. And I think when you look at the demographics of the world, it doesn’t take much to imagine what is going to happen in these countries going forward, particularly in India, which I think represents a fantastic opportunity for the industry.
      I think it is disappointing for us to reflect on the fact that Africa remains in the doldrums at just over 2%. I think the potential for growth in Africa is huge. But there has to be change to enable consumers in the African region to take advantage of the opportunities that aviation provides.
      We also looked at major route groups. The top 20 route groups account for about 95% of all international travel. I’m not going to go through them all but just to reflect that in 2019, before the pandemic, the Asia-Pacific region was at number two, with 13.3%. The biggest international market was Western Europe. International travel within Europe at 18%, and Europe to North America represented 11.4%.
      In 2023, and this demonstrates why we’ve seen a lag in the recovery in Asia-Pacific, international travel within the Asia-Pacific region had fallen to 9.7%. So, this is a huge opportunity for continuing recovery in the market here and I’m excited about what things are going to look like in the years ahead.
      Now, a lot has been said about the challenges we face. And some of these will be discussed in the panel. But I just want to comment briefly on the environment.
      This industry is absolutely committed to achieving net zero CO2 in 2050. And we cannot fail or falter in our efforts to achieve that goal. It is absolutely essential that we work together to ensure that we can credibly provide people with confidence that we have a pathway to decarbonize our industry. And I think we can take a lot of confidence from what we’ve achieved already. And we’ve talked about this in many different forums.
      But just to give you one figure. If you look at the CO2 produced by the industry in 2000, and compare that to what we did in 2019 just before the pandemic, our CO2 footprint increased by almost 54%. But during that same period, passenger traffic grew by 175%. So, there is complete disconnect between passenger growth and our C02 growth. So, we know that we can be confident that with the measures we’ve put in place, with the advances in new technology, there are opportunities for us to address this critical issue. But as the Minister said, central to achieving our goal will be the use of sustainable aviation fuel. For us, this is the most important issue in the short to medium term.
      Now I believe the industry has shown strong demand for this product. Every single drop of sustainable aviation fuel that has been produced has been used by the industry. In 2020, 2021, 2022, during the height of the pandemic, the industry continued to invest in this expensive product. And I’ve absolutely no doubt that we will continue to do so. What we need to see as an industry is greater production. We need to see governments providing the incentive for production to significantly increase. And with that increase in production, I guarantee you that the airlines will use all of the fuel produced despite the cost impact that will represent.
      Technology, labour issues, all of these are fascinating opportunities for the industry going forward. But as I stand and look at the future of this industry, I’m very confident that we can overcome all of the challenges that we’re likely to face. We can take confidence in our ability to overcome some significant challenges in recent times. And working together, with the right policy frameworks in place from governments, the industry has a very credible path to achieving all of the necessary measures to ensure that we are net zero in 2050.
      Thank you very much.

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      Qatar Airways Joins FIA World Endurance Championship as Title Sponsor for Qatar 1812 Km Race

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      Solos Launches an Epic Group Tour to New Zealand, Ready for 2025

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      Home to epic landscapes, natural wonders, and Māori culture, New Zealand is a magnetic destination just begging for a solo adventure.
      Departing on 14 April 2025, guests can now book Solos’ brand-new 20-night New Zealand Explorer that winds across the North and South Islands, meaning solo travellers can fully immerse themselves in the splendour of this fascinating country.Solos was founded in 1982 and now offers a wide range of holidays for globetrotters. From Costa Rica to Canada, Africa to America, India to Iceland, Croatia to the Caribbean, Uzbekistan to the UK, and Norway to the newly released New Zealand, Solos has divided its holidays into easy-to-select categories depending on interests. Whether it be Winter Sun, Discovery, Walks & Treks, Golf, or City Breaks, the only thing guests need in common is a zest for life and a desire to travel.
      Solos is also keen to challenge the assumption that solo travel is purely for single people. Regardless of age, ability, circumstance, background, gender – there really is something for everyone – especially on this brand-new tour.
      Beginning in Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’, the New Zealand Explorer begins in the Bay Of Islands, before heading down to Rotorua and Wellington. Here, guests will cruise from the North Island to the South Island, then board the TranzAlpine train that snakes into the Southern Alps towards Arthur’s Pass National Park. Continuing by coach – pausing at Milford Sound, Te Anau and Twizel, and Mount Cook National Park – to Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island, and – sadly – the end of the trip.
      New Zealand is a country full of wonders; Solos has pulled out all the stops to include as many of these in the itinerary as possible, meaning guests can truly appreciate and understand this unique destination.ADVERTISEMENTHighlights, from beginning to end, include:
      From Auckland, cross the Harbour Bridge and enter the Reed Memorial Park in Whangarei. Stroll on an elevated canopy walkway through a remnant kauri forest – many of the maturing trees are at least 500 years old.
      After travelling north to Paihia (from Auckland), cruise to the Bay Of Islands – home to 144 secluded isles. Continue to Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’ where, conditions permitting, the boat will travel slowly through the gap before heading to the seaside settlement of Russell, full of quaint-colonial charm.
      Returning to Auckland, join a sightseeing tour followed by a visit to the Auckland Museum, showcasing the rich tapestry of New Zealand and the many treasures of the Māori.
      Departing Auckland, journey down through the southern suburbs, over the Bombay Hills, into the lush Waikato Valley and on to the Waitomo Cave region. Jump on a boat and navigate the famous limestone caves into the mesmerising Glow-worm Grotto – reminiscent of a magical starry-night sky.
      Continue to Rotorua, where, on arrival, visit the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, showcasing the recovery plans to bring this treasured bird back from the brink of extinction. Afterwards, join a Redwood Treewalk in Redwood Grove: comprising 21 suspension bridges connecting 22 Californian Redwoods that are 115 years old, the walkway is the ideal way to appreciate the beauty of the forest. As evening falls, learn about the Māori culture complete with a waiata (song), mōteatea (traditional chant), poi and haka in Te Po.
      Travel to Taupo and admire the humungous pine forests and thundering Huka Falls – Lake Taupo is a world-renowned trout fishery and the largest lake in New Zealand.
      On arrival in Wellington, take a guided tour of the city and ride the cable car to Kelburn for panoramic views of the municipality and beyond.
      After cruising to Picton and travelling to Christchurch, traverse the Southern Alps aboard the renowned TranzAlpine train to Arthur’s Pass National Park. Look out for plunging gorges, intersecting river valleys, and far reaching plains. From Arthur’s Pass, board a private coach and tour the Westland National Park, home to Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Here, an optional scenic helicopter ride offers the chance to see the gnarly, icy terrain up close. 
      When arriving in Queenstown, sign up to extra excursions, including jet boating, guided walks, lake cruises on a vintage steamer TSS Earnslaw, a four-wheeled drive experience focusing on filming locations used in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, and even a bungee jump! Afterwards, visit Walter Peak High Country Farm and watch an entertaining sheep shearing demonstration.
      Departing Queenstown early, travel around Lake Wakatipu and through Te Anau and the Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound. Fiordland National Park, part of the UNESCO Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area, is one of the great wilderness areas of the Southern Hemisphere. Think lofty mountains, rushing streams, and native rainforest. Embark on a scenic cruise down Milford Sound, past the towering Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea. Inquisitive seals and leaping dolphins can often be seen in the clear waters; keep an eye out for them during a delicious picnic lunch on board.
      Before returning to Christchurch, where the tour ends, there’s time to look around Mount Cook Village. Found in a National Park, Mount Cook reaches 3,754 metres and is the highest peak in Australasia.
      In Christchurch, join a sightseeing tour of the city seeing Cathedral Square, River Avon and Hagley Park. Following this, make the most of the all-day pass on the restored heritage Christchurch Tram, hopping on and off whenever wanted. As the day draws to a close, dine on fresh, local cuisine at the Curator’s House Restaurant, found in a 1920s mansion in the colourful Botanic Gardens.
      Janie Burt, Managing Director of Solos, says: “After expanding our worldwide portfolio to the Oceania region, we love that we can now offer our customers this once-in-a-lifetime trip to New Zealand. The detailed itinerary we’ve created means everyone can immerse themselves in this fantastic country and make the most of their time there. Exploring the world – or in this case, the other side of the world – with like-minded individuals is an incredible experience. It’s about connecting with fellow travellers who share a passion for adventure and discovery. Whether it’s tasting local cuisine, marvelling at breath-taking landscapes, or delving into the heart of a new culture, these shared moments are what make travel truly special. If ever there was a destination to experience new places with new people – it’s New Zealand!”. 
      The 20-night New Zealand Explorer, departing on 14 April 2025, costs from £7,999 pp (no single supplement) and includes return flights from London Heathrow* (with a stopover in Singapore), room for sole use at a range of comfortable hotels, welcome drink, breakfast every day, one lunch and six dinners, sightseeing programme, cruises along Milford Sound, Queen Charlotte Sound, Bay of Islands, and Lake Wakatipu, journey on the TranzAlpine train, Māori experience in Rotorua, and an accompanying Solos Tour Leader.
      *Regional flights available on request.
      For more information on Solos, please visit https://www.solosholidays.co.uk/

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      Luxury travel company andBeyond has announced the extension of its South America portfolio

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      Luxury travel company andBeyond has announced the extension of its South America portfolio

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      Conservation-led luxury travel company andBeyond has announced the extension of its South America portfolio with the launch of an expedition yacht in the Galapagos Islands. Named the andBeyond Galapagos Explorer, the 38 m (124 ft) yacht will operate on two 7-night routes in the east and west of the famed Galapagos Islands. Boasting just six suites and cabins, the yacht will cater for a maximum of 12 guests, with two expert guides present on each departure.“A uniquely biodiverse environment with the highest number of endemic species in the world, the Galapagos is a natural choice for the further expansion of our portfolio in South America. We are absolutely thrilled to finally have the opportunity to bring our brand of responsible tourism to this precious part of the world, which the Ecuadorian government has protected from over-tourism by strictly limiting the number of operating licences issued,” says andBeyond Executive Chairman & CEO, Joss Kent.
      “We have long believed that the best way to encourage our guests to help protect the world’s wild places is for our skilled guides to help travellers not only fall in love with those places, but also to gain an understanding of the threats that they are facing. This is what we are aiming to do through the introduction of our luxury yacht, where two knowledgeable guides will host just twelve guests, showcasing the wonder and mystery of this exceptional destination.”
      With only 12 guests on board, the elevated guest-to-staff ratio makes the Galapagos Explorer the most exclusive yacht operating in the islands. In addition to the highest level of guiding, the vessel will also offer beautifully appointed spacious indoor and outdoor guest areas, as well as four exquisite cabins and two luxury suites. Currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment of its interiors, the andBeyond Galapagos Explorer will set sail on its first departure on 17 June 2024.
      Situated on the equator, the Galapagos consists of 18 main islands, three smaller islands, and 107 rocks and islets. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1878, the islands are home to a remarkable variety of flora and fauna, with many species found nowhere else on earth. Notable species include the Galapagos giant tortoise, marine iguana, and blue-footed booby. The islands also feature unique geographical features, and each has created a distinct ecosystem of its own, with strict conservation measures in place to preserve the delicate balance. The Charles Darwin Research Centre, located on Santa Cruz Island, focuses on conservation efforts and conducts scientific research to protect the rare biodiversity of the islands. ​
      Operating on two different 7-night itineraries, the andBeyond Galapagos Explorer will offer the choice of discovering the east or the west of the main cluster of islands, while including the highlights of the destination in both. Highlights of the eastern itinerary include the magnificent formation of Kicker Rock, located just off San Cristóbal Island, as well as sightings of the critically endangered waved albatross in Gardner Bay on Española Island. The western Itinerary features highlights that include exploring the geographical centre of the Galapagos Islands, Sombrero Chino Island as well as close encounters with the rare Santa Fe land iguana on Santa Fe Island.ADVERTISEMENTBoth itineraries present plenty of opportunities for land and sea adventures such as snorkelling, hiking and birdwatching, as well as a plethora of unique and interesting land, air and marine species. Rates for both itineraries begin from USD 10 950 per person sharing per 7-night cruise. 
      In keeping with its stated mission to leave our world a better place, andBeyond will apply its ethos of Care of Land, People and Wildlife to its new base of operations. The company plans to extend its Oceans Without Border initiative into the area and hopes to be able to review and implement projects that support the Galapagos’ incredible land and wildlife. Furthermore, in line with its dedication to community development, it also aims to train and upskill local residents, as well as to highlight local procurement opportunities.
      For more information or to book, log on to andbeyond.com or contact your preferred travel provider.

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      UN Tourism Secretary-General Outlines Plans to Boost Job Creation in the Caribbean

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      UN Tourism Secretary-General Outlines Plans to Boost Job Creation in the Caribbean

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      UN Tourism Secretary-General, His Excellency Zurab Zurab Pololikashvili addresses the 2nd Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference, emphasising the need for increased focus to be placed on boosting job creation and sustainable investments aimed at building tourism resilience, especially for small countries.
      UN Tourism Secretary-General H.E. Zurab Pololikashvili has outlined plans to boost job creation and investment in the Caribbean’s tourism industry. Mr. Pololikashvili was a keynote speaker during the just concluded 2nd Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.Underscoring the importance of building the resilience of tourism in the Caribbean, he stated: “We need presence; we need to support families whose income is only from tourism and agriculture, and fishing.” That’s why, he said, with the support of ministers present, “I promise all Jamaicans and all Caribbeans that we’ll be here talking about how to develop the tourist industry and how to create new jobs.”
      The Secretary-General underscored that jobs were crucial, as well as education, stressing that UN Tourism would be focussing more on job creation and investments. He added that: “We need more money here, more foreign direct investments in the region.” While promising that more would come, he warned that “it’s not easy, it takes time.”
      The conference was jointly organised by the Ministry of Tourism, UN Tourism (formerly the United Nations World Tourism Organization, UNWTO), and the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC), which is being rebranded as the Global Tourism Resilience Centre (GTRC),  under the theme, “Navigating the Future of Tourism Resilience.”
      Also speaking at the event, which ran from February 16-17, Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett said “understanding the impact and the role that tourism is going to play in how the world changes and morphs into the future is important for us as we try to bring the next generation into an understanding of this great economic activity called tourism.”
      Underscoring the importance of the industry, Mr. Bartlett said it was now regarded as one of the fastest ways of transferring wealth, arguably from the rich to the poor.ADVERTISEMENT“So, tourism, in that space, has now become the main driver of this process of building capital across the world, and the value of tourism is that it is not really extracted. It can be but it is not; it adds value every step of the way and it encourages creativity and innovation,” he said.
      Minister Bartlett also posited that tourism responded to the demands of people in a holistic way “so that anyone and almost everyone, can benefit from tourism activity.”

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      Inclusive Morocco’s trips to empower and support women for International Women’s Day and beyond

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      Inclusive Morocco’s trips to empower and support women for International Women’s Day and beyond

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      Inclusive Morocco, the first LGBTQ-founded and led luxury travel company in Morocco is proud to share its suggestions for celebrating International Women’s Day with substance this year, thanks to their support of female communities across Morocco. From artisanal collectives to female-led workshops and social enterprises, support for women threads through all of Inclusive Morocco’s trips and itineraries. Here, they have picked out their top choices for supporting and celebrating women across Morocco.
      Artisanal creators and beauty workshops
      Guests of Inclusive Morocco are always encouraged to immerse themselves fully into the traditions and heritage of the destination, and nothing reflects the history of Moroccan craft than the Anou Cooperative.
      The Anou Cooperative is a collective of more than 600 Moroccan artisans, more than 90% of whom are women. Guests can participate in their workshops to understand and try their hand at some of Morocco’s best-known crafts, such as a weaving workshop in the medina of Fes. The artisans themselves earn 80% of the goods sold, and the remaining 20% is invested back into the community for training and employment to ensure a future for the craft and the women who specialise in it.
      For guests more interested in the art of beauty, Inclusive Morocco also organise hands-on beauty secrets workshops in Fes. Given this is a traditionally female space, guests will naturally work with women in these workshops, gaining a deeper understanding of aromatherapy and other holistic beauty techniques, all while supporting these women and their trade.ADVERTISEMENTInspiring collectives and cooperatives
      Guests of Inclusive Morocco will also get the opportunity to experience much larger projects during many of their itineraries. As part of the Echoes of the Atlas trip, guests stay overnight in Tizkmoudine village, the first regenerative hospitality project in Africa, created collaboratively by 700’000 Heures Impact and The Global Heritage Foundation. The site is fully run by women who also run a cooperative on-site using sustainable weaving techniques to create uniquely designed yet traditional items. Guests are encouraged to spend quality time with the women, meeting them over dinner to learn about their work and witness them performing their traditional heritage songs, before visiting the cooperative the next morning. This experience perfectly combines a celebration of Moroccan women’s heritage and tradition with an insight into women’s industry and craft in Morocco today.
      In Marrakech, many guests cite a visit to the Amal Centre as one of the highlights of their trip. The Amal Centre is a non-profit organisation and social enterprise, founded by Nora Fitzgerald Belahcen and Oumaima Outghouli in 2012 with the goal of empowering disadvantaged women through training in culinary arts and hospitality skills. The centre offers cooking classes, catering services, and a restaurant for visitors to enjoy delicious Moroccan cuisine prepared by the women who have trained there. The Amal Centre also provides literacy and language classes and supports women in improving their lives and becoming financially independent. During and following the devastating earthquake in 2023, The Amal Centre was pivotal in providing warm meals to affected areas and communities in Marrakech and the High Atlas Mountains.
      Guests booking with Inclusive Morocco can not only expect to be immersed in these experiences directly but can also rest assured that they are actively contributing to Inclusive Morocco’s support of every one of the women involved, championing them as leaders in industry and showcasing their inspiring work to the wider world.Visit www.inclusivemorocco.com for more information.

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      ETIHAD AIRWAYS UNVEILS LUXURY NEW AMENITIES FOR GUESTS IN ALL CABINS

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      Stuart Greif joins InterLnkd as board advisor

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      InterLnkd – the travel industry’s intelligent shopping mall partner and winner of the 2023 WTM and World Aviation Festival start-up competitions – has today announced the appointment of global travel executive and industry expert Stuart Greif on its board of advisors.The appointment comes just months after the start-up raised £1 million in a seed funding round led by Vanneck Ltd., to accelerate its growth and international expansion.
      In his role as a board advisor, Stuart will leverage his extensive industry knowledge to provide strategic guidance to the InterLnkd leadership team and identify new growth opportunities.
      With 30 years’ global experience focused at the intersection of travel, customer experience and technology, Stuart currently serves as Executive Vice-President of Forbes Travel Guide. In this capacity, he spearheads strategy, innovation, and operations across more than 80 countries.
      Previously, Stuart served as Senior Executive for Travel & Hospitality at Microsoft, and led J.D. Power’s Global Hospitality & Travel group. In addition, he played a pivotal role in the success of tech start-up – and now unicorn – Amperity, backed by early investors in Amazon, Facebook, and LinkedIn. He continues to actively engage in the travel start-up community as an investor, advisor, and mentor.
      Stuart Greif, board advisor to InterLnkd, said: “I love that InterLnkd is providing highly contextually relevant product offers post-booking from over 20,000 brands, bringing retail shopping into the travel post-booking process for suppliers and sellers of travel. The team has identified a multi-billion-dollar opportunity, of which the travel industry has barely scratched the surface.ADVERTISEMENT“No matter the type of vacation, Ski, Beach, City, Adventure or Golf, the industry is leaving significant revenue on the table, and InterLnkd has built a solution to capture that revenue and return it to the travel industry for free. I am excited by what the team has built so far for leading travel brands and look forward to supporting their global ambitions.”
      Barry Klipp, Chief Executive Officer of InterLnkd, added: “Stuart is one of the most recognised thought leaders in our field and a dedicated supporter of innovative travel start-ups. With his vast experience spanning top-tier consultancies, prominent tech companies, VCs, and private equity, he will be an invaluable asset to the InterLnkd team.”
      InterLnkd found the average traveller spends £270 on products across fashion, beauty, and essentials for their upcoming holiday. The UK start-up’s white-label technology enables travel sellers – including airlines, tour operators, and Online Travel Agencies – to earn a cost-free incremental revenue stream from these purchases.
      Thanks to its intelligent matching engine, InterLnkd seamlessly curates a personalised selection of products that align with a customer’s travel booking from over 20,000 brands.
      Last year, the company solidified strategic partnerships with leading travel brands including Thomas Cook, HolidayPirates, and LeShuttle (Eurotunnel).

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