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      Miral announces the much-anticipated SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi to open its doors on 23 May

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      Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, announced today that SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is set to open its doors to the public on the 23rd of May 2023. The next-generation Marine Life Theme Park will tell a captivating ‘One Ocean’ story that uncovers the interconnectivity between life on earth and our ocean. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will deliver engaging, and immersive family-friendly experiences through eight of its uniquely themed realms, featuring up-close animal encounters, exciting rides, inspiring entertainment, as well as unmatched dining and shopping experiences.
      A collaboration between Miral and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s eight realms can be explored across five indoor levels spanning an area of approximately 183,000m2 with the Endless Ocean realm set to be home to the world’s largest and most expansive multi-species aquarium. This innovatively designed aquarium will contain over 25 million liters of water and will be a dynamic habitat for more than 68,000 marine animals, including sharks, schools of fish, manta rays and sea turtles. Located on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, in total there will be over 100,000 marine animals including 150 species of birds, fish, mammals and reptiles at the Marine Life Theme Park. Animal habitats in each realm of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi have been custom designed using state-of-the-art technology and the highest standards for animal welfare.
      Chairman of Miral, His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, said: “We are delighted to announce the opening of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi this May, and proud of our partnership with SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment to bring the region’s next-generation Marine Life Theme Park to Abu Dhabi and to Yas Island. As part of our commitment to the Year of Sustainability, the marine life park will embed Sheikh Zayed’s legacy and profound respect for nature and all its beauty, as well as play a key role in promoting environmental awareness and protecting marine life in Abu Dhabi, the UAE and the wider region. Through its innovative programs and its state-of-the-art facilities, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi aims to inspire the next generation of conservationists and marine life scientists while fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s opening will mark an exciting new chapter in Yas Island and Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to promote tourism, showcase the emirate’s truly unique offerings and position it as a top global destination.”
      Designed according to standards set by the Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA) and American Humane, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s next-generation marine life habitats feature state-of-the art design and technology that will enable animals to live in dynamic habitats alongside other fish, birds, and animals as they would in nature.  Other spaces have been designed to provide flexibility for animal welfare allowing the SeaWorld Abu Dhabi animal care team to recreate social seasonal patterns for animals such as the walrus. Unique systems such as the Advanced Animal Lighting System (AALS) recreate night/day and seasonal light cycles while also providing the health benefits of full spectrum light and the Animal Life Support System (ALSS) that manages water quality to support the diverse array of fish and mammals living together in dynamic environments are some of the cutting-edge features at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.
      Chairman of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Scott Ross shared his thoughts on the occasion, saying: “We’re very excited to share that the highly anticipated SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will open its doors very soon.  We cannot be prouder and more honored to open our first SeaWorld outside of the United States with such dynamic and innovative partners as Miral and the UAE. It is only through the strength of our partnership,  unwavering support, and commitment that we are bringing this incredible experience to Yas Island. Years in the making, SeaWorld’s world-renowned team of animal care specialists, scientists, and engineers have worked alongside the visionary team at Miral, leading architects and designers to develop a next-generation SeaWorld park. By leveraging a fundamental SeaWorld design principle of putting animal well-being and care at the core of the design, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is set to redefine the standards of excellence for marine life theme parks across the world. The result is an enriching and immersive experience not only for our animals, but also for our guests. Across all eight realms, the enthralling One Ocean story comes alive through realm designs that simulate the natural and dynamic environments found within the ocean alongside fun and educational experiences that inspire guests of all ages to take an interest in our ocean’s future.”ADVERTISEMENTBased on the interconnectivity between all life on earth and our ocean, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will take guests through its unifying ONE OCEAN story, with stops in the tropics, the rocky coasts of the Pacific Northwest, the Arabian Gulf, the vast ocean and its smaller ecosystems along the way. Situated in the center of the park, the One Ocean realm acts as a portal to the park’s other realms and features One Epic Ocean, an immersive multi-media story shown on a 360◦screen. The realm also offers a glimpse into the Animal Care Center – the heart of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. There, guests are welcome to observe veterinarians and animal care experts providing animals from the park with around-the-clock care, routine check-ups and treatment when needed.

      The guest journey begins in the ABU DHABI OCEAN realm, where guests will be carried to the shallow shores of the Arabian Gulf to learn more about the UAE’s historic seafaring tradition of pearl diving and trading. Abu Dhabi Ocean will allow guests to experience up-close encounters with animals native to the emirate and wider region. This realm features several dining options including Matbakh Ummi, a signature dining experience with Arabic cuisine, and is also home to retail outlets in a Souk paying homage to Abu Dhabi’s heritage and its profound connection with the Arabian Gulf. Abu Dhabi Ocean will also be the first touchpoint for guests to enroll in SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s parkwide interactive game – S·E·A Guardian.
      POLAR OCEAN houses two unique realms taking visitors from the icy expanse of ANTARCTICA to the rich, bio-diverse tundra of the ARCTIC, illustrating how these distinct and extreme environments of Polar Ocean form an essential chapter of the One Ocean story. In these realms, guests can enjoy the colorful Juhani village and its harbor, depicting life in the North Pole, where walruses can be seen exploring their dynamic state-of-the-art habitats. The coldest of all realms will also simulate the temperatures that can be found in our planet’s polar regions – creating an environment well-suited for animals like penguins and walruses. At the Polar Ocean realm, guests can enjoy an immersive ride, indulge in dining options, explore retail outlets and visit a massive research vessel filled with fun interactive ways to learn more about these diverse regions and their inhabitants.
      When visiting the MICROOCEAN realm, small is BIG and small is IMPORTANT as guests will be swept by the ocean tides and feel shrunk to the size of plankton. In this realm, guests will have the chance to explore the ocean’s smaller wonders in a burst of colors and an immersive design highlighting the vital role of the ocean’s smallest marine-life. MicroOcean features family-friendly rides, play areas for the little ones, whimsical characters and performers, a playful retail outlet, and dynamic experiments taking young explorers on an unforgettable educational journey. 
      Beyond the little wonders of the ocean, lies the expanse of the ENDLESS OCEAN realm. Home to the largest multi-species aquarium in the world, stunning observation decks and a beautiful glimpse from a 20m viewing window, aptly named the Endless Vista, in a sea cave, this realm’s possibilities are truly endless. There will be over 68,000 animals within its awe-inspiring habitat including sharks, rays, eels and many more inspiring guests to explore the endless beauty and diversity of the vast ocean. Endless Ocean offers delectable dining options, including one fine dining option with mesmerizing views of the aquarium and one retail outlet.
      Bask in the warm sun along the sandy shores of the TROPICAL OCEAN, the largest realm in SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, in a magnificent medley of colors, dancing waterfalls and a crystal-clear lagoon. In Tropical Ocean guests will be able to see dolphins, flamingos and tropical birds including toucans in their lush rainforest aviary. Tropical Ocean also offers a thrilling roller-coaster ride, as well as retail outlets and delicious dining options with multiple viewing areas, both above and below water.
      Moving from the sun-kissed tropics to the USA’s rugged Pacific Northwest, the ROCKY POINT realm features a beautiful hidden cove with nesting sea lions and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to interact with these animals. Not as cold as the Arctic and Antarctic, Rocky Point will also include dynamic habitats for the sea lions with a climate that emulates the Pacific Northwest. The realm also includes a boardwalk-inspired snack stand.
      Adjacent to SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the park is home to Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the first-of-its-kind dedicated marine research, rescue, rehabilitation and return center in the region, serving as an advanced marine science knowledge hub and a key contributor to marine life conservation in the UAE and wider region. Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue opened in February 2023.

      For more information or to pre-book your tickets, please visit: seaworldabudhabi.com

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      FIVE NEW TUI BLUE HOTELS IN POPULAR UK HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS FOR SUMMER 2023

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      TUI’s global leisure hotel brand, TUI BLUE, has added five hotels in some of the UK’s favourite short, mid and long-haul destinations this summer.  As well as the new TUI BLUE Victoria in Menorca, TUI BLUE hotels will be joining the brand portfolio in Hurghada, Egypt; Ayia Napa, Cyprus; Cala Bona, Majorca; and Thailand.
      The adults only 4+star TUI BLUE Victoria Menorca will be opening its doors on 1st May. With a peaceful plot just a few steps away from the seafront in Santo Tomas, a small, laid-back town on Menorca’s south coast, this hotel allows holidaymakers to swap between pool and beach with ease. It has all the hallmarks of a TUI BLUE hotel, from a luxurious BLUE® Spa to world-class fitness classes and yoga in the BLUEf!t® offering, to the personal advice and insights of TUI BLUE Guides with insider local knowledge, design touches inspired by the region and authentic, fresh locally sourced food and drink. There are two outdoor pools to choose from, and restaurant-wise, guests will have the choice of a buffet and an à la carte option. Plus, there’s a handy snack bar and a trio of bars for drinks. There are plenty of room types to choose from too, including suites with private pools.
      North Africa destinations have gone from strength to strength for TUI’s UK customers, with 80,000 additional seats and the new destination of Marsa Alam in Egypt added for winter. Capitalising on the huge demand across the year, TUI BLUE has added the 5T TUI BLUE Crystal Bay to the line-up in Hurghada.  Also opening on 1st May, its modern architecture is chic with natural beauty and the sumptuous gardens are stunning. Sitting in a prime location on a private beach next to the Red Sea, making it a perfect location for scuba diving, all the usual top notch TUI BLUE facilities are available. It’s also a short hop away from both the historic old town and Sakalla, the frenetic and fast-paced town centre.
      Two more additional Mediterranean hotels – the 4T TUI BLUE Levante, Majorca and the 4T TUI BLUE Atlantica Sungarden Park, Cyprus will be open even earlier, ready for Easter guests. The adults only TUI BLUE Levante, is steps away from Cala Bona’s bars and restaurants and is well positioned for seafront strolls to Cala Millor. The sleek TUI BLUE Atlantica Sungarden Park is near the seafront, just 15 minutes walk from the famous Nissi Beach, and near the centre of buzzy Aiya Napa. The resort’s pool is the centre of attention as it comes with a string of sun loungers, a separate children’s section and widescreen sea views. Kids and adults alike will love the new waterpark which is kitted out with a lazy river and a couple of slides.
      Further afield, TUI BLUE The Passage, becomes the third TUI BLUE hotel in Thailand. Due to open this summer it’s in an attractive beach location in the northwest of Koh Samui. The resort is designed in a boutique hotel style with 50 villas in total. A perfect natural hideaway for both honeymooners and families alike, and just 30 minutes from Samui International Airport, the resort overlooks a national marine park with nearby snorkeling, kayaking, beach biking and hiking on offer.ADVERTISEMENTWith nearly 100 TUI BLUE hotels internationally, the addition of these five resorts for Summer 2023 is part of an ambitious growth plan for TUI’s global hotel brand, with plans for new openings across four continents in exciting destinations including Asia, the Caribbean and West Africa planned over the next two years.

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      ANA Holdings and IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan sign comprehensive commercial agreement

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      ANA Holdings and IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan sign comprehensive commercial agreement

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      ANA HOLDINGS, INC. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Koji Shibata) and IHG Hotels & Resorts (Headquarters: UK; Japan: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Local operating company: IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan LLC; CEO and Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts, Japan & Micronesia: Abhijay Sandilya) have signed a comprehensive agreement.The two companies began a strategic alliance in hotel business operations in 2006, developing Japan’s first dual-branded hotel by combining the know-how cultivated by the ANA Group and the global brand of IHG Hotels & Resorts. As part of the alliance, a wide range of services are available for ANA Mileage Club members staying at IHG hotels, including special offers on accommodation and restaurants and welcome drink services based on member status.
      As demand for flights and hotels are showing signs of recovery, ANA Group and IHG will strengthen collaboration in various fields with a focus on sales and marketing through a new comprehensive agreement that utilizes the ANA Group’s airline network and IHG’s hotel network. The new programs launching will help raise awareness of the ANA Group’s airline network and the properties of IHG Hotels & Resorts in and out of Japan among not only the members of the loyalty programs, but also non-members, all while enhancing the value of the customer experience.
      Both companies will implement joint campaigns throughout the year, including IHG Hotels & Resorts advertisements on ANA flights and at major domestic airports, and offer benefits and promotions for ANA Mileage Club members on the IHG website and mobile app. In addition, to commemorate the agreement, the companies will launch the “IHG ANA Hotels X ANA WOW! Experience Campaign” where customers and guests can win ANA miles or hotel accommodation vouchers.
      In addition to stimulating demand for domestic and international travel through collaboration between the two companies, ANA Group and IHG will go beyond the boundaries of the airline and hotel industries to promote initiatives for sustainable regional development as well as next-generation talent development in hospitality sector.
      IHG ANA Hotels X ANA WOW! Experience CampaignADVERTISEMENTTo commemorate the strategic partnership, the IHG ANA Hotels X ANA WOW! Experience Campaign will be held from early April to June 30, 2023. Please take this opportunity to enrol in the ANA Mileage Club and IHG One Rewards and enjoy a stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts. The campaign page will be available on the ANA website in early April 2023.*The campaign page is only available in Japanese.
      Campaign Overview50 guests will receive 10,000 ANA miles and 100 guests will receive 5,000 ANA miles by lottery from those who book and stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts properties during the eligible period. In addition, accommodation vouchers for 11 IHG Hotels & Resorts properties in Japan, including newly opened hotels are also up for prizes. Regular accommodation miles can also be accrued.Campaign period:Reservation period: Early April 2023 – Friday, 30 June 2023Period of stay: Sunday, 7 May – Monday, 31 July 2023*Reservation starting date will be announced on the campaign page.Reservation and entry method for lottery:The following conditions must be met to be eligible for the campaign lottery.
      1. Guests must book and stay during the eligible period at any IHG Hotels & Resorts property worldwide, by making a direct reservation through the IHG Hotels & Resorts official website, IHG app, customer care center or directly at the hotel.*Eligible rates are all reservations eligible for IHG One Rewards points accumulation.*Reservations made through travel agencies are not eligible.
      2. Guests must register to participate in the campaign from the ANA campaign page (scheduled to open in early April).
      3. IHG One Rewards members must specify their preference for earning points with ANA miles.*If guests are not an IHG One Rewards member, they must register as a member before check-in and specify ANA miles as the point accumulation preference in the account profile.

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      THE PENINSULA LAUNCHES EXCLUSIVE BRAND-WIDE PARTNERSHIP WITH THE WORLD OF PETER RABBIT™

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      TRON Lightcycle / Run Presented by Enterprise Opens April 4, 2023, at Walt Disney World

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      Beginning April 4, 2023, Walt Disney World Resort guests, also known as Users, will be digitally scanned into a mysterious game world in TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise. As members of Team Blue, they will board high-speed Lightcycles for a thrilling race through a dark, computerized world, facing off against a fierce group of Programs known as Team Orange.
      The new attraction, located in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park, is the fastest coaster attraction in a Disney theme park, alongside its sister coaster at Shanghai Disneyland. It masterfully blends coaster thrills with speed, visual effects, music and a one-of-a-kind ride system to create an experience like no other.
      Following events in The Walt Disney Studios 2010 film, “TRON: Legacy,” TRON Lightcycle / Run enables guests to enter the digital world via gateways that Grid creator Kevin Flynn’s son, Sam Flynn, opened. The Magic Kingdom gateway complements another gateway located in Shanghai Disneyland. Sam created the Lightcycle / Run competition as a “friendly” way for Users and Programs to interact in a gaming-style, competitive event.
      >◎//: Welcome to TRON
      With its massive, awe-inspiring “curved wave” canopy, the new attraction is a stunning addition to the Tomorrowland skyline. Lightcycle trains appear from seemingly out of nowhere, making flowing, high-speed twists and turns beneath the gleaming canopy as they launch onto the Game Grid. The experience is even more dramatic after dark as shifting patterns of light and color create a powerful visual for riders and bystanders alike.ADVERTISEMENT >◎//: Onto the Grid
      The experience of TRON begins before guests board Lightcycles. After passing beneath the dazzling attraction canopy, they will enter a Digitizer for another powerful preview of what’s in store when they join the games. Then it’s time to board Lightcycles in the Sync Chamber and prepare for upload.
      Launching onto the Grid is an unforgettable experience for Users as their powerful Lightcycles arc gracefully beneath the towering attraction canopy and charge into a mysterious game world of light, sound and speed. The quest: Race through eight Energy Gates to defeat the menacing group of Programs known as Team Orange.
      >◎//: Gear Up for the Grid with New TRON Merchandise
      An all-new retail experience is the place to gear up for the Grid with racing-themed apparel, collectible pins, must-have toys and light-up accessories all inspired by the TRON films and the new attraction. Guests can also purchase and customize their own TRON action figures.
      >◎//: Power Up at Energy Bytes
      Energy Bytes, a new quick-service kiosk near TRON Lightcycle / Run, will put a fun spin on global cuisines. Items both savory and sweet offer nods to regional food offerings at Shanghai Disneyland, where the first TRON gateway is located. Selections include:
      Digital Dumplings – Choose from Buffalo Chicken: Chicken Dumplings, Blue Cheese Powder and Cayenne Pepper Broth; or Beef & Broccoli: Beef Dumplings, Broccoli Pesto and Ginger-Soy BrothStrawberry IceOform – Strawberry Ice Cream Mochi, Graham Crackers and Cheesecake FoamWatermelon Refresher – A frozen beverage with Yuzu and GingerChocolate Doughnut Holes with Mocha SauceJoffrey’s™ Cold Brew Coffee with Mocha SauceThe new “bytes” are the perfect way to power up for competition.

      >◎//: TRON Lightcycle / Run – Data Points
      TRON Lightcycle / Run is the fastest coaster attraction in a Disney theme park, alongside its sister coaster at Shanghai Disneyland.It took more than 3,800 pieces of steel weighing almost 1,900 tons to create the attraction. The ride track is more than 3,000 feet long.The dramatic attraction canopy covers more than 50,000 square feet, reaches 105 feet high and features more than 1,200 lights.The Lightcycle ride vehicle incorporates onboard audio and lighting, as well as a specially crafted safety restraint that allows riders to lean forward on the cycles.The urgent, moody musical score for the attraction was written by composer Joseph Trapanese.The attraction’s 10-acre footprint is the largest expansion of Magic Kingdom since New Fantasyland opened in December 2012. >◎//: Prepare for the Grid
      To prepare for upload onto the Grid, guests will input bags, purses, hats and other items into double-sided lockers that are opened and locked using a MagicBand, MagicBand+ or ticket media. Smaller items such as cellphones, sunglasses or wallets can be placed in a small compartment located on each Lightcycle. Following the race, guests will return to the real world and retrieve their belongings.
      With Disney PhotoPass, Users have myriad ways to commemorate their experiences on the Grid with special photo and video effects, including Magic Shots.
      Guests with valid park admission and Magic Kingdom Park reservations can request to join the virtual queue to experience the attraction via the My Disney Experience app on the day of their visit. The virtual queue is limited and subject to availability and is not guaranteed. Guests will also have the option to purchase individual Lightning Lane entry for the attraction via the My Disney Experience app on the day of their visit. Lightning Lane purchases are limited in availability. More information about the virtual queue is available at DisneyWorld.com/virtualqueue. A standby queue will not be available for TRON Lightcycle / Run.
      To experience TRON Lightcycle / Run, guests must be at least 48 inches tall. Guests can visit DisneyWorld.com for more information about planning their visit.

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      Riu Party events make their debut in Spain

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      JEN Shenzhen Qianhai by Shangri-La Opens in China More

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      Cirium launches the first Airline Routes tool based on satellite-based flight tracking

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      Cirium, the aviation analytics leader, has launched the aviation industry’s first Airline Routes tool to identify actual flights flown by aircraft type.
      It uses applied analytics to derive routes flown by airlines based on satellite-based flight tracking and fuses this with advanced fleet data.
      The new premium Routes tool is part of Ascend Profiles, a visual descriptive analytics tool which enables businesses to quickly view aircraft intelligence by airline or lessor.
      Businesses such as aircraft lessors, banks or aircraft manufacturers are empowered to identify the aircraft flown by route for 1,700 airlines and factor development opportunities or risk into their decision making.
      By leveraging satellite-based flight tracking data the tool identifies what routes and aircraft airlines actually flew rather than what they planned to fly, providing the most accurate flight completion picture.ADVERTISEMENT
      Kevin Hightower, Cirium VP of Product, said: “The Airline Routes tool is the first of its kind to bring together such advanced data – the satellite-based flight tracking and the comprehensive fleet data – meaning businesses can conduct quick yet accurate due diligence on an airline portfolio.
      “Understanding which aircraft an airline is actually flying and on what routes is critical to identify where aircraft demand may be and whether an airline is growing or reducing their network.”
      India is one of the markets in the spotlight currently, as air travel is helping to boost economic growth in the region. Low-cost-carrier, IndiGo, recently announced it was looking to grow its international network and further solidify its domestic operations.
      According to Ascend Profiles, IndiGo has a fleet of 306 aircraft – (273 in service and 33 in storage), plus 501 on order. Of the delivered fleet, 36% are on operating lease.
      The Routes tool shows which two-way international routes IndiGo was operating this January which it was not in January 2022. For example, 172 flights were tracked on the newly added route between Indira-Gandhi International Airport in Delhi to Tribhuvan International in Kathmandu. All operated using Airbus A320s.
      Additionally, the new tool shows the bi-directional routes for which IndiGo has ramped up operations. The carrier saw the most significant growth on the Singapore – Bengaluru route, where it completed 62 flights, all using A320s, this January versus only one flight, using an A321, last January.
      IndiGo also substantially increased its operations this year on the Dubai – Ahmedabad route, completing five times the number of flights in Jan 23 when compared with Jan 22.
      The Airline Routes tool is part of Ascend Profiles which visualizes aircraft intelligence of airline or lessor profiles and provides quick and accurate insights showing the latest 12-month year-over-year flights flown by an airline’s routes and can be viewed by flights, seats and ASKs.
      The tool is available as a web-app on desktop, tablet, and mobile

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      RYANAIR PETITIONS EU TO SORT OUT ‘UNACCEPTABLE’ IMPACT OF FRENCH ATC STRIKES

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      RYANAIR PETITIONS EU TO SORT OUT ‘UNACCEPTABLE’ IMPACT OF FRENCH ATC STRIKES

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      Ryanair has called on the EU to protect travellers by enforcing minimum service laws during the French air traffic controllers’ strikes, and has petitioned the European Commission to encourage change.French air traffic controllers have joined the hundreds of thousands of workers in staging protests against president Macron’s decision to increase the retirement age from 62 to 64. Expected to last until Thursday (23 March), the disruption will mainly impact overflights as French laws protect domestic services.
      The low-cost carrier launched a petition on Monday (20 March) calling on EC president Ursula von der Leyen to allow foreign air traffic controllers (ATCs) to manage flights passing through France’s airspace. It has also urged Brussels to mandate that French unions engage in “binding arbitration” processes before laying down tools.
      “While we respect the right to strike, it is completely unacceptable that Europe’s passenger flights that overfly France are repeatedly delayed or cancelled by French ATC strikes,” said Ryanair DAC chief executive Eddie Wilson.
      “So far in 2023, more than one million EU passengers have faced unnecessary delays/cancellations as a result of 14 separate French ATC strikes, with zero action taken by Ursula von der Leyen’s commission to protect them,” he continued.The petition will be submitted to the commission once it reaches one million signatures, the airline confirmed. “After all, if the EU won’t listen to its airlines, perhaps they’ll listen to millions of Europe’s passengers instead,” he added.
      This is not the first time Ryanair executives has blasted the EC for not having a firm hand. Group chief executive Michael O’Leary told Irish politicians in December that visitors were “being completely screwed while a bunch of French air traffic controllers go on strike.”ADVERTISEMENT“It is bizarre that Europe’s free movement of people across Europe in a single market is allowed to be threatened by the French every time they have these recreational strikes, which they have frequently in the summer,” he told members of the Irish transport committee
      Source: TTG media.com

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      UK to Introduce Travel Authorisation Requirement in November 2023 More

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      UK to Introduce Travel Authorisation Requirement in November 2023

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      The United Kingdom authorities have announced that the country will introduce a travel authorisation requirement – the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) – in November 2023, but this will not apply to EU nationals until next year.An ETA is a new requirement that will start to apply soon to all those who do not need a visa to enter the UK, and based on the data provided by the government of the UK, nationals of the EU won’t have to get an ETA until after February 2024, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
      The UK government has already announced that nationals of Qatar will need to get an ETA from November 15, 2023, to travel to the UK.
      Moreover, the same said that nationals of another six countries – Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates – will need to get an ETA from February 22, 2024, and stressed that more countries would be added to the scheme later.
      This means that since none of the EU countries is part of the list yet, EU citizens will not be required to get an ETA this year.
      All people who get an ETA once they are required to do so will be allowed to enter and stay in the UK for up to six months to visit family or friends, as well as for business, travel, or study purposes.ADVERTISEMENTMoreover, those who get an ETA will also be allowed to enter and stay in the UK for up to three months on the Creative Worker visa concession, and they will also be permitted to transit through the UK.
      The application for an ETA will need to be made on the UK ETA app or online through the official website of government.
      According to the UK authorities, the processing times will be around three working days. However, depending on whether the authorities need to carry out further checks, it might take more or fewer days.
      “You’ll need to apply on the UK ETA app or online on GOV.UK. You’ll usually get a decision within three working days, but you may get a quicker decision. It may take longer than three working days if we need to make further checks,” the statement of the UK government.
      As for the exact cost of an ETA, no information has been made available yet, but the price is expected to be lower than when applying for a visa. Each traveller will have to apply for their own ETA, including children, and once the application is approved, everyone will receive an email confirmation.
      By introducing the ETA, the UK wants to strengthen its borders and security further. Several other countries have similar systems in place, and the EU is expected to launch one soon, too – the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

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      Elite Havens responds to the return of destination weddings and other special events

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      Elite Havens responds to the return of destination weddings and other special events

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      Elite Havens, the leading provider of high-end vacation rentals in Asia, owned by Dusit International, has expanded its portfolio of more than 300 luxury villa rentals by adding four outstanding new properties to its hand-picked collection of exceptional event villas in Thailand and Indonesia.
      Ideally positioned to leverage the return of destination weddings and other special events, the new additions include Permata Ayung Private Estate, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia; Tirtha Bayu Estate Seseh-Tanah Lot, Bali, Indonesia; Infinity View, Kata, Phuket, Thailand; and Inasia, Lipa Noi, Koh Samui, Thailand. Each new property offers privacy and personalised experiences executed by Elite Havens’ expert in-house teams and event organisers.

      Set within a magnificent riverside estate in the hills of Ubud, Permata Ayung Private Estate offers 12 bedrooms in individual pavilions across five hectares of land with multiple event spaces, both indoor and outdoor. It features its own standalone riverside spa with an adjoining bridal suite, a plush private cinema, organic juice and cocktail bars, colourful tropical gardens, lush coconut groves, and serene views of rice fields, making it a great venue for wellness retreats and large-scale weddings in a private oasis.
      Also in Bali, Tirtha Bayu Estate is a spacious oceanfront estate overlooking the dramatic black sands of Cemagi Beach. Artfully blending traditional and contemporary design, it features an interconnected complex of two villas – the modern and elegant six-bedroom Villa I and the traditional and refined five-bedroom Villa II. With multiple indoor and outdoor living spaces, plus two infinity pools, the beautiful property can host events and weddings with up to 150 guests.ADVERTISEMENT
      Over in Thailand, Infinity View is an elegant four-bedroom villa for intimate celebrations near Phuket’s Kata Noi Beach. The beautiful property certainly lives up to its name, featuring a majestic ocean backdrop beyond its crystal blue pool. Its idyllic location offers complete privacy for small family gatherings and milestone celebrations just five minutes from the beautiful white sands of Kata Noi and Kata.
      Rounding out the new additions in Thailand, the latest addition to the Elite Havens Koh Samui portfolio, Inasia, is also an excellent choice for large families or groups of friends celebrating life’s special moments. Situated next to Lipa Noi beach, it features eight guestrooms with views of the deep green sea. Shallow waters running 100 metres off the shore make it a safe environment for children to splash and play. Indoor and outdoor dining areas add a sense of variety for those looking to celebrate an intimate event.

      “The last few years have left people with renewed zeal to explore more of the world and clarity about the importance of celebrating each small moment with near and dear ones,” said Ms Maya Rigg, CEO, Elite Havens. “Not only are travellers seeking to return to familiar locations and revisit their favourite villas, but they are also booking private venues like luxury villas at exclusive destinations to celebrate life events like weddings, family reunions, and other milestones. We expect the confidence of travellers to continue the upward trend seen in 2022, and we look forward to welcoming guests to make lasting memories at our exquisite new additions in Bali, Phuket, and Koh Samui.”
      More details about the new properties can be found at the following links:
      Permata Ayung Private Estate (Bali): https://www.elitehavens.com/the-permata-ayung-private-estate-villa/ubud-bali-indonesia.aspx
      Tirtha Bayu Estate (Bali): https://www.elitehavens.com/tirtha-bayu-estate-villa/sesehtanah-lot-bali-indonesia.aspx
      Infinity View (Phuket): https://www.elitehavens.com/infinity-view-villa/kata-phuket-thailand.aspx

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