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    AirAsia Super App Launches #AyokemBALI Campaign to Bring Tourists to the Iconic Island of the Gods

    Bali, also known as the Island of the Gods, has so many charms like no other. For a long time, the mystique of Bali has captured the attention of foreign tourists and even become an iconic destination of Indonesia in the eyes of the world.
    In fact, according to the data from the Central Statistics Agency of Bali Province, during the January-November 2022, there were more than 1.7 million tourist arrivals directly in Bali. This number skyrocketed to more than 3.4 million percent in the same period in 2021.
    Commenting on this great opportunity, Head of Marketing airasia Super App Indonesia Boni Andika said, “As a travel super app, we are very optimistic on the tourism potential of Bali, where it has been an iconic destination of Indonesia for foreign tourists worldwide, including Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines. In this early 2023, airasia Super App launches #AyokemBALI campaign with a series of appealing programs, such as airasia ride promos for e-hailing transportation in Bali, airasia hotels reservations and many more. Through these programs, we aim to present a more rewarding and seamless experience from an integrated travel super app to all users.”
    Already feel the excitement? Here’s the summary of hidden gems travel recommendations that you can find in Bali:
    Self-healing with Melukat Lots of people visit Bali to have a self-healing experience. For the past few months, Melukat ritual has become more popular amongst locals and foreigners. Melukat is a Balinese soul purification ritual which involves water. One of the best Melukat locations that you can try is Beji Griya Waterfall Park in the Badung area. Under the earthy sounds of falling water, you will feel a spiritual experience by releasing all negative emotions to gain calm and happiness energy inwardly. This hidden gem destination is surely worth trying for those who often feel emotionally tired because of work or routines.ADVERTISEMENT1. Experience the ‘Green Yoga’ in Ubud
    For those seeking lasting peace of mind, yoga is definitely one of the best alternatives! No need to worry to find the right yoga spot, you can stay at the Sankara Resort & Spa and participate in their yoga class. Located in the serene Ubud area, you may experience a calm yoga meditation within the natural scenery, surrounded by lush green trees. Besides yoga, the Sankara Resort & Spa also provides a variety of other activities, such as spa, Balinese dance class and cooking class. For more affordable hotel booking, you can make a reservation through airasia hotels on the airasia Super App with promo code BESTPRICE to get a discount up to 15%.
    2. Adrenaline Rush Experience by Cliff-Jumping from a Waterfall
    A contrast from the previous two relaxing destinations, we now turn to a thrilling activity by visiting the Aling-Aling Waterfall. Located in the Buleleng area, it has a height of about 35 meters with a natural charm that soothes the eyes. No doubt, the beauty of its natural scenery attracts both locals and foreign tourists. This place also offers tour packages for cliff jumping from a height of 5-10 meters. It is highly recommended for you to be accompanied by a local tour guide. Do you dare to try?
    3. A bit Sporty, Why not try Canoe?
    If you are looking for more challenging activities, you can try canoeing at Gunung Payung Beach. Just an hour from I Gusti Ngurah Rai airport, Gunung Payung Beach is a real hidden gem that is known to only a few. It is blessed with fine white sand, as well as the beautiful hidden spots behind the cliffs. To enjoy the canoeing experience, you can rent it on the spot at an affordable price.
    For a seamless travel experience, you can pre-book your airasia ride with the “Schedule Booking” feature. For those of you who are on vacation with family, airasia ride also provides vehicle options based on the number of passengers.
    As a special treat, enjoy various exciting promos from airasia ride. Use promo code BARURIDE to get a 50% Discount for your first trip, or promo code SUPERRIDE with a Discount of IDR 15 thousand for your next bookings. Members will earn airasia points for all their purchases on the airasia Super App. Use them like cash to redeem for airasia food, flights, hotels, travelmall, gifts, SNAP and more.
    Stay up to date with everything from the airasia Super App by following @airasiasuperapp.id on Instagram. For a seamless and enhanced experience, download your airasia Super App from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

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    Golf Saudi set to accelerate national mandate following appointment of Noah Alireza as CEO

    Golf in Saudi Arabia is set to embark upon the next phase of its growth among golfing nations around the world, following the appointment of Noah Alireza as new CEO of Golf Saudi. He succeeds Majed AlSorour in the role.
    Alireza is a former member of the Saudi Arabian national team who has represented his country at the Asian Games. He brings a wealth of experience in strategic advisory serving some of Saudi Arabia’s most influential entities within the public and private sectors, is a lifelong student of the game of golf and a graduate of Brown University.

    Alireza’s remit will be to activate and accelerate Golf Saudi’s mandate in creating and serving new demand for golf in Saudi Arabia, through mass participation programmes and increasing access to the sport in the country.
    AlSorour, whose four years at the helm saw unprecedented progress in Saudi Arabia’s golfing landscape, will remain as Board Member of Golf Saudi, Board Member and Deputy Chairman of the Saudi Golf Federation and Secretary of the Arab Golf Federation.ADVERTISEMENTSince its formation in 2018, Golf Saudi has created opportunities for more people to experience the benefits of golf. In the last year alone, over 50,000 individuals have been introduced to golf through a wide variety of activities.
    The organisation has placed equal emphasis on the development of a sustainable ecosystem for the sport, creating the world’s first National Sustainability Strategy for golf, centred upon environmental, social and economic impacts. This has included alignment with the United Nations’ Sport for Climate Action Framework and the creation of higher education programmes in collaboration with the Club Managers Association of Europe (CMAE) and the National Training Center for Facilities and Hospitality Management (FHM Academy).

    “I’m honoured to start this role and be part of the future of the Golf ecosystem in Saudi,” said Alireza. “Golf Saudi is set to deliver significant initiatives and programmes aligned with the objectives of Vision 2030 to improve quality of life and sports mass participation; my goal is to ensure that the acceleration and activation of these creates a highly significant impact on the nation.
    “The task at hand is to further enhance the country’s masterplan for golf and, in hand with private and public sector bodies, create an unparalleled ecosystem which derives incredible value for the people of Saudi Arabia and visitors from around the world.
    “I appreciate the trust of Golf Saudi’s Board for giving me this opportunity, and I would like to thank my predecessor, Mr. Majed AlSorour, for his role during the foundational phase of the organization.”
    Today’s announcement comes on the cusp of an historic event season, with no fewer than four international events upon the men’s and women’s global schedules set to take place in Saudi Arabia in 2023, starting next week at the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers. These occasions serve as a crucial point of inspiration for future generations of golfers, and are fundamental to the national golf development strategy.

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    Aeroflot begins flights to Beijing Daxing International Airport

    From 15 February, Aeroflot will begin operating flights to new Beijing Daxing International Airport. The frequency of regular services to China’s capital will increase to three per week.Flights on the Moscow – Beijing – Moscow route will be operated on Boeing 777 widebody aircraft. Flights from Sheremetyevo Terminal C will be operated on the following schedule*:

    Beijing Daxing International Airport opened in autumn 2019, and is set to become China’s biggest air hub with an annual capacity of up to 100 million passengers. The airport is well-connected with Beijing city center through high-speed railway, a metro line and an extensive bus network.
    The up-to-date schedule is available on Aeroflot’s website.
    To book tickets, please,  go to Aeroflot’s website,  mobile application, contact the airline’s 24-hour call centre: +74952235555, 8-800-444-5555 (free call in Russia), *555 (for mobile phones), or visit one of the airline’s sales offices , or ticket sales agents.ADVERTISEMENT

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    Sustainable Travel International announces second season of SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL

    Sustainable Travel International has officially announced that they will be releasing a second season of their Sustainable Travel: Where Next? documentary series. The new season of the sustainable travel series is set to release in September 2023 on World Tourism Day.Sustainable Travel International is once again partnering with Zinc Communicate, a Zinc Media Group Company, to produce the series of short-form documentary films. The upcoming season of Sustainable Travel: Where Next? will highlight a new collection of stories about conservation, regeneration, innovation, inclusion, and empowerment in travel and tourism.
    The first season of the series debuted last September, consisting of 17 short-form documentary films, each spotlighting a different tourism destination or organization. All of the episodes can be streamed online for free at sustainabletravel.org/where-next.
    The new season of Sustainable Travel: Where Next? will take a similar approach, and the production team is currently on the lookout for groundbreaking initiatives and captivating sustainability stories to share. To mitigate the environmental impact of the film, Zinc Communicate will once again be partnering with Sustainable Travel International to offset emissions generated by the film production by investing in a portfolio of forestry, energy, and blue carbon projects.
    “We were overwhelmed by all of the positive feedback we’ve received about the documentary series, and that’s a great sign for what’s to come,” said Paloma Zapata, CEO of Sustainable Travel International. “We are in the midst of a pivotal moment for tourism as the industry is rapidly evolving. By sharing real-life examples in a succinct, immersive format, we believe that Sustainable Travel: Where Next? is a powerful vehicle to drive awareness and inspire sustainability action during this time of transformation.”
    To learn more about sponsorship opportunities and how your destination or company can be featured in the series, please contact Adam Harrod at [email protected]ADVERTISEMENT

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    ITB BERLIN 2023: TECHNOLOGY, TOURS & ACTIVITIES SEGMENT

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    ITB BERLIN 2023: TECHNOLOGY, TOURS & ACTIVITIES SEGMENT

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

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    Jetstar Asia CEO meets with Manila Airport and Department of Transportation

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

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    ABTA to engage members and wider industry on ATOL reform proposals

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

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    Disneyland Resort Celebrates Disney100

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

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

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

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

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