organisations-operators

Subterms

    More stories

    • 150 Shares139 Views

      in organisations-operators

      Manchester Airport Records Busiest January Ever, Anticipates Continued Growth with New Routes

      by

      It is the second consecutive record-breaking month for the airport, which also had its busiest December yet.
      Dubai was the most popular destination for travellers in January, with winter sun seekers heading there either to enjoy its attractions or to connect to other far-flung destinations.
      February is set to be a busier month at the airport with half term for many schools starting this week. Almost 700,000 passengers are expected between Friday, February 9 and Sunday, February 18, with the most popular destinations set to include Tenerife and Alicante.
      Those passengers can feel confident of a good experience in the airport with data showing that during January 99.9% of passengers queued for less than 15 minutes to get to security – and nine out of 10 passengers waited for less than five minutes.
      Manchester Airport Managing Director Chris Woodroofe said: ADVERTISEMENT“January can be a great time to travel – whether you’re looking to get a bit of sun or heading for the slopes for some winter sports, you can take advantage of things being a bit quieter and get some good offers – and we’ve certainly seen that here at Manchester Airport.
      “Our network of around 200 routes means we connect the people of the North to more destinations than any airport outside London and in practice that means that people here have real choice when it comes to their trips. So whether you’re travelling from Bolton to Bodrum or Bradford to Beijing, we have you covered all year round.
      “It’s half term for lots of families this week so we’re seeing one of our first really busy weeks of the year – but with 99.9% of our January passengers queuing for less than 15 minutes to get to security, we’re confident that all those jetting off this week will be able to start their holidays here at the airport.
      “We’re preparing for a really exciting year at Manchester Airport – we have a range of new routes launching – including Las Vegas from June and others still to be announced. We’re also continuing work on our award winning Terminal 2 as we reach the final stages of our £1.3bn transformation programme.”
      January’s most popular destinations were:
      1.    Dubai – 89,783 passengers
      2.    Dublin – 82,188
      3.    Amsterdam – 79,841
      4.    Tenerife – 76,960
      5.    Qatar – 60,948
      Manchester Airport is preparing for the launch of a number of new routes in the coming months including Virgin Atlantic flying to Las Vegas, making Manchester the only English airport outside London to fly direct to America’s West Coast, Royal Jordanian’s new service to Jordan’s capital Amman and Luxair’s flights to Luxembourg. This year will also see an increase in the service to Beijing with Hainan Airlines to make it daily.
      In January the airport also marked a year since work started on the final phase of its £1.3bn transformation programme. The airport’s brand-new Terminal 2 is already open but work continues and will see it double in size, meaning the modern facility will serve over 70% of the airport’s passengers when it is fully open in 2025.
      The first phase of the project was awarded the prestigious Prix Versailles in November, which recognises it as one of the most beautiful airport buildings in the world.
      Over the coming months the programme will reach a number of key milestones, including the announcement of new retailers, bars and restaurants to go in the new section of Terminal 2 and the activation of a new, state-of-the-art baggage system.

      Older
      Phocuswright reveals six biggest trends in travel innovation and technology

      Newer
      Ethiopian Airlines Unveils State-of-the-Art Gode Ugaas Miraad Airport Terminal More

    • 138 Shares189 Views

      in organisations-operators

      UN Tourism Secretary-General to Address Second Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference.

      by

      H.E. Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of United Nations (UN) Tourism, (formerly the United Nations World Tourism Organization – UNWTO) will deliver the Keynote Address during the opening ceremony of the second Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference, which will be hosted by Jamaica from February 16-17, 2024.
      The much-anticipated conference, which will be held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, will be attended by local and international tourism stakeholders. These include government ministers from several countries, policy advisors, academics, executives of several international organisations, international business leaders among other key stakeholders. The conference forms part of efforts by the Ministry of Tourism and its tourism partners, including the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC), to bolster resilience in global tourism. Day one of the conference will feature panel discussions on building tourism’s digital and infrastructural resilience, women in tourism resilience and how to finance tourism resilience. Jamaica will also officially recognize the second annual Global Tourism Resilience Day during the conference on February 17.

      At last year’s World Travel Awards Jamaica was again named Caribbean’s Leading Destination for the 17th consecutive year with the Jamaica Tourist Board winning the Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board award for the 15th year in a row.
      www.Worldtravelawards.comADVERTISEMENT

      Older
      Emirates Brings the Flavours of Brazil to the Skies for Carnival Celebrations

      Newer
      Riyadh Air elevates planning efficiency through strategic partnership with Sabre More

    • 188 Shares129 Views

      in organisations-operators

      PM Holness, Minister Bartlett to Address Day 2 of Second Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference

      by

      Prime Minister Andrew Holness will deliver the Keynote Address during the Live Celebration of Global Tourism Resilience Day on the final day of the second Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference. Minister Bartlett will also address the high-level summit.This year’s staging follows Jamaica’s efforts to bolster resilience in global tourism by proposing the official designation of February 17th as Global Tourism Resilience Day annually, which yielded great success, as the United Nations (UN) ratified the move last February to facilitate its observance globally. The much-anticipated conference will be attended by government ministers from several countries, policy advisors, academics, executives of several international organisations, international business leaders, among other key stakeholders. The event forms part of efforts by the Ministry of Tourism and its tourism partners, including the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC), to boost resilience in global tourism. The Prime Minister’s address will be followed by remarks by international speakers from Malaga, Spain, Kenya, and Saudi Arabia. Following a brief book launch, a Ministerial Round Table discussion will be held with UN Tourism Secretary-General H.E. Zurab Pololikashvili and representatives from across the globe.
      At last year’s World Travel Awards Jamaica was again named Caribbean’s Leading Destination for the 17th consecutive year with the Jamaica Tourist Board winning the Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board award for the 15th year in a row.

      Older
      Stars Join Spectacular Weekend To Celebrate The Launch One&Only One Za’abeel in Dubai

      Newer
      DINNER BY HESTON BLUMENTHAL INTRODUCES THE LUNCHEON AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL HYDE PARK, LONDON More

    • 175 Shares129 Views

      in organisations-operators

      Dusit Thani Public Company Limited expands its operations in the luxury residential management area

      by

      Dusit Hospitality Services, a subsidiary of Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT), one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has expanded its operations in the luxury residential management segment by winning the contract to manage MARQUE Sukhumvit, a super luxury condominium which has the highest price per square meter in the Phrom Phong, Sukhumvit area, for the next three years, effective immediately.
      Designed to leverage the strength of the Dusit Thani brand in Thailand and the extensive experience of Dusit’s hotel teams, Dusit Hospitality Services (DHS) was formed in early 2019 offering specialised services for hotels and hospitality businesses based in Bangkok.
      DHS focuses on three key areas: facility services and management for the luxury housing market; advisory and training services for residential project operators seeking to deliver five-star service excellence; and Dusit on Demand, an on-demand housekeeping, engineering, banqueting, and stewarding service, which currently works with 10 hotels in Bangkok.
      Luxury condominiums currently managed by DHS in Bangkok include Sukhothai Residences on Sathorn Road; COCO Parc Managed by Dusit Hospitality Services, developed by Ananda Development Public Company, on Rama IV Road; and now, the prestigious 205-unit MARQUE Sukhumvit condominium in Bangkok’s Khlong Toei district.
      “Managing MARQUE Sukhumvit marks an exciting new chapter for DHS’s expansion, and we are honoured to be awarded the contract,” said Ms Suphajee Suthumpun, Group CEO, DUSIT. “Born from a dual vision to fill the gap for five-star service in luxury residences and provide new opportunities for our displaced staff during the redevelopment of our flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel, DHS embodies our commitment to balance, expansion, and diversification, and delivering our unique brand of Thai inspired gracious hospitality in innovative ways. Since 2019, DHS has flourished, and I have unwavering confidence that our renowned service, facility management expertise, concierge services, and ‘Dusit on Demand’ housekeeping services will propel us even further.”ADVERTISEMENTThe contract with MARQUE Sukhumvit’s residential juristic person entrusts DHS with the vital task of providing exceptional customer service and care to residents. Leveraging Dusit’s 75-year legacy of hospitality excellence and its diverse service portfolio, DHS aims to take the residential experience at MARQUE Sukhumvit to new heights.
      Mr Supakit Tiyawatchalapong, Managing Director of Dusit Well-Being Hospitality, said, “Signing the facility management contract with MARQUE Sukhumvit marks another significant milestone for DHS. We are delighted that the MARQUE team recognises the unique value we offer, not just five-star service standards but the ability to elevate residents’ well-being and enhance their property’s value. This three-year contract, the longest awarded by MARQUE’s Executive Committee, is a testament to our expertise, and we look forward to delivering exceptional service to residents.”
      Mr Tiyawatchalapong added that, alongside the target of adding 8 – 10 facility management projects each year, DHS will also seek to expand its advisory and training services for residential project operators and promote Dusit On Demand as an effective solution to the labour shortage facing many owners and operators in the hospitality and condominium management sectors.
      “The demand for solutions like Dusit on Demand underscores the pressing challenge of workforce shortages in our industry,” said Mr Tiyawatchalapong. “In response, our team has collaborated closely with both public and private sectors to address this gap by offering targeted training programmes that align with market needs. Our innovative Housekeeping Certificate Programme, featuring Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels, provides a tailored approach based on individual skills and availability. This flexibility empowers businesses to select housekeeping services that suit their specific requirements and budgets – a distinctive edge in today’s competitive market. This approach, coupled with our commitment to continuous improvement, ensures we are positioned to drive sustainable growth for our business in the months and years ahead. We now aim to capture a 10-15% increase in facility management market share, solidifying our position as a leader in luxury residential service.”
      Alongside providing its various services for third-party developers and property owners in Bangkok, DHS will also oversee Dusit’s very own ultra-luxury condominium project, Dusit Residences and Dusit Parkside, part of the highly anticipated Dusit Central Park mixed-use development currently under construction opposite Lumpini Park in the heart of Bangkok.

      Older
      easyJet lands industry leading A- rating from CDP in global climate impact assessment

      Newer
      MELIÁ WILL OPEN ITS FOURTH LUXURY HOTEL IN MADRID: CASA DE LAS ARTES More

    • 163 Shares179 Views

      in organisations-operators

      Impending North America total solar eclipse presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for travel tra

      by

      On April 8 this year a total solar eclipse 115 miles across will pass over Mexico, the United States and Canada, and the sky will temporarily darken as if it were night-time.  Given there’s no further total eclipses in the US until 2033, this is a rare and spectacular event likely to create an influx of travel to the region in the days beforehand. This will be even more unique considering its location, spanning across many of the world’s major tourism destinations.
      Some reports suggest this could be the most watched celestial event ever – “like 50 Super Bowls happening all at once” comments on solar eclipse expert – with around 40 million people living in ‘path of totality’, crossing 15 states in the US alone.  As a result, many eclipse-related excursions are already booked up and hotels in the viewing zone are in high demand.  With this expected to be amongst one of the biggest ever drivers of travel, how can the industry – B2B and B2C specialists, as well as their tech partners – get involved?
      We spoke with a range of online travel experts to gain their view on what is likely to happen and how to prepare.
      Civitatis, an online platform for Spanish-speaking booking activities, day trips and guided tours, warns that competition for eclipse-related excursions will be high from both domestic and international travellers. “Whilst late in 2023 US outbound international travel grew over domestic, as people returned to travelling aboard after Covid, this event clearly is likely to turn the tide. When it comes the domestic market don’t forget that one in five Americans is a Spanish speaker, so make sure that you’ve Spanish language content – and are marketing in Spanish sales channels – to stand out to them. Consider too what kind of special deals you can put on or how you can collaborate with tour operators or OTAs promoting eclipse focused packages. Many of the locations falling in the path of the eclipse are not your typical places for tours & activities, but everyone arriving is going to expect for such things to laid on for them so partnerships are going to be key.”
      One of Latin America’s biggest global distribution companies, PriceTravel Holding, has also noticed an uptick in demand for the major tourism destinations that fall within the path of the eclipse. A spokesperson for the company states that “given our strength in Mexico we’ve really noticed that, but also for hotel sales in the US and Canada too as there are lots of enthusiasts Latin Americans who would like to experience this one-off event in somewhere they’ve not visited before, and enjoy the experiences that a country like Mexico offers. Travel sellers everywhere should note that the total eclipse happens over the Easter holidays for many parts of the world, which is a typical time for families to take longer holidays – so, it’s a good time to aim your products at families more than you might have otherwise done so, whether marketing in the Americas or in Europe too.”ADVERTISEMENTSuch a big influx of visitors who might never have come otherwise nor ever return again could have an unusual and potentially negative impact when it comes to online reviews, warns Jose Arozarena from TourReview, a platform for tours & activities providers to manage their online reviews. “Destinations and travel service providers in general need to think about what experience visitors might have during this highly unusual event and what reviews they might subsequently post online. No matter if they are being unfair, a traveller who sees overcrowding or is forced to pay higher than normal prices is likely to leave a critical review or lower satisfaction scores on online review pages like Tripadvisor and so on. Is there anything they can do to combat this? Certainly think about those pain points and how you can communicate about those in advance to prepare people or even reduce the negative impacts.”
      Janis Dzenis from US focused travel comparison website WayAway, which helps travellers to find the best discounts online, offers some advice for travel companies considering how to respond: “It might seem counter-intuitive to incentivize bookings and offer group discounts at eclipse locations, as they are already in high demand it would seem.  However, attractively-packaged offers can encourage travelers to secure their spots early and even bring along extra family and friends.  Such discounts can also create a sense of urgency and exclusivity, driving more bookings.  On the flipside, the eclipse might present the opportunity for travel business to promote bargains elsewhere in the world; those who are not bothered about seeing the eclipse, or simply don’t have the cash, might be susceptible cheaper travel to other destinations struggling to gain their slice of Easter holiday tourists.”
      Finally, more on the topic of business travel, Traxo, which specialises in aggregating traveller booking data from all booking channels, warns the event may lead to duty of care issues for corporations.  “One-off events like the solar eclipse are likely to lead to more ‘bleisure’ bookings, where people making business trips to North America may well try to incorporate this into their trip – or may even arrange their business trips around it. Corporates should make sure they have a way to see bookings across all sources to provide proper duty of care and address non-compliant bookings. Already 40% of travel bookings are made outside of company tools, making it difficult for companies to know where their employees are and that figure is likely to be temporarily ‘eclipsed’, excuse the pun, by this upcoming event.”

      Older
      AFC Asian Cup Final 2024: A Triumph for Qatar

      Newer
      INVEST SAUDI TO LEAD A HIGH-LEVEL SAUDI DELEGATION TO THE WORLD’S TOP REAL ESTATE EVENT More

    • 113 Shares169 Views

      in organisations-operators

      AFC Asian Cup Final 2024: A Triumph for Qatar

      by

      In a momentous occasion for football enthusiasts across Asia, the AFC Asian Cup Final 2024 concluded with an electrifying showdown, marking a significant chapter in Qatar’s footballing legacy. As the host nation, Qatar not only provided a stage for the tournament but also emerged victorious, securing the championship title amidst a wave of excitement and celebration. Qatar became the first country in 20 years to win back-to-back Asian Cup titles with a 3-1 win over Jordan
      The road to the final was paved with fierce competition and gripping matches, showcasing the immense talent and passion for football present in the Asian continent. Teams from across the region battled it out on the field, each vying for the prestigious title and the opportunity to etch their names in the annals of football history. From thrilling encounters to nail-biting finishes, the tournament captivated audiences worldwide, drawing attention to the evolving landscape of Asian football.
      As the host nation, Qatar spared no effort in ensuring the success of the tournament. With state-of-the-art facilities, impeccable organization, and a warm hospitality, Qatar set the stage for a memorable sporting spectacle. From the dazzling opening ceremony to the final whistle of the championship match, the tournament was a testament to Qatar’s commitment to excellence and its ability to host world-class sporting events.

      The final match itself was a showcase of skill, determination, and resilience, as Qatar faced off against a formidable opponent in a clash that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with passionate supporters from both sides cheering on their teams with unwavering fervor.ADVERTISEMENTIn a display of sheer brilliance, Qatar emerged victorious, clinching the championship title with a stellar performance that will be remembered for years to come. The win not only solidified Qatar’s status as a rising force in Asian football but also served as a source of pride for the nation and its people.
      Beyond the thrill of victory, the AFC Asian Cup Final 2024 served as a platform for promoting unity, diversity, and friendship across the continent. Through the universal language of football, nations came together to celebrate the spirit of competition and camaraderie, fostering connections that transcend borders and cultures.

      Looking ahead, the success of the tournament bodes well for Qatar’s future as a global sporting hub. With the FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Qatar has demonstrated its ability to host major international events with aplomb, setting the stage for an unforgettable tournament in 2022.
      In conclusion, the AFC Asian Cup Final 2024 was a resounding success for Qatar, showcasing the nation’s prowess both on and off the field. As the host nation, Qatar delivered a tournament that will be remembered for its thrilling matches, outstanding hospitality, and enduring legacy in the world of football. As the celebrations continue, the tournament stands as a testament to the power of sport to unite nations and inspire greatness.

      Older
      Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism Promote Qatar as the Ultimate Tourism Destination More

    • 125 Shares179 Views

      in organisations-operators

      iGA Istanbul Airport has declared 2024 the “Year of Investments.

      by

      During its 2024 press conference, Selahattin Bilgen, CEO at iGA Istanbul Airport, stated that the airport invested 160.1 million Euros in 2023 and announced an investment target for 2024 as 656.5 million Euros, as well as outlining key targets across flight routes, runways, sustainability and passenger satisfaction.Increasing its influence as a global transfer hub day by day, iGA Istanbul Airport started 2024 with innovations and ambitious growth targets, following a very successful 2023. Despite being open for only five years, it has held the title of “Europe’s Busiest Airport” in terms of number of flights for the last four consecutive years. Bilgen said:
      “Since we started flight operations in 2019, we have increased the number of flights from 329,876 to 505,968 at the end of 2023, and thereby the number of passengers from nearly 53 million to 76 million, breaking records for both daily flights and passenger numbers in the summer. Türkiye as a destination has also seen a boost in tourism, becoming the fourth country in the world to host the highest number of tourists. We are so thrilled to be able to contribute to Türkiye’s national economy and to our citizens through this sector.”
      Targets for 2024

      Increased passengersADVERTISEMENTAnnouncing that its passenger target for 2024 is 85 million, Bilgen stated that iGA Istanbul Airport continues to grow its passenger traffic with more passengers every day. “We plan to increase the number of flights to 532,000 in 2024,” said Bilgen, highlighting that the airpor plans to increase the number of passengers by 12.77%.

      Additional airlines
      Expressing that the airport is proud to increase the number of airline companies it serves, from 61 in 2019, to 101 by the 100th anniversary of the Republic, Bilgen announced that iGA will be welcoming a total of 11 new airlines by the end of 2024. He stated: “This signifies iGA Istanbul Airport establishing leadership in the global aviation industry. iGA Istanbul Airport ranks among the world’s top three airports regarding the number of served airline companies.

      Upgraded runways
      iGA Istanbul Airport also has plans to implement the first triple parallel runway operation in Europe in 2024. Selahattin Bilgen added, “We will break new ground among ICAO member nations with our triple independent runway operations.” Bilgen continued: “We are targeting operations with the highest efficiency and capacity, after the USA. With this method, our 120 ATM/h (hourly air traffic capacity) capacity can potentially exceed 148 ATM/h. This capacity increase in air traffic will play an essential role in our airport exceeding its contract’s 150 million passenger target and reaching 200 million passengers without any additional runway investment following Phase 5.”

      Increased Investment
      Stating that it had invested 160.1 million euros in 2023, Bilgen confirmed plans to increase their investment at iGA Istanbul Airport in 2024. He continued; “2024 will be the “Year of Investments” for iGA.  We will invest 35 million Euros for the General Aviation Terminal, which we plan to complete at the end of the year, and we hope to invest 146.4 million Euros in the Eskişehir GES Project, which we will also complete by the end of the year. With the 199.32 MWe unlicensed SPP (Solar Power Plant) to be established on an area of 3,000,000 square meters by iGA Havalimanı İşletmesi A.Ş. in Eskişehir,  iGA will be the first airport in the world to meet all of its electricity needs with renewable energy. We anticipate an annual energy production of 340.446.833 kWh/year through this plant. For the Hilton Istanbul Airport, which we plan to complete in the first quarter of 2025, we have an investment target of 25.6 million Euros this year. We aim to invest a total of 656.5 million euros in 2024,  with a total investment of 331.2 million euros planned for the construction of the East-West runway and the North-South backup runway in 2024.”
      Cargo expansion
      iGA Istanbul Airport is a significant centre in terms of world cargo transportation, with the cargo area now reaching three times that of Hong Kong Airport’s. Bilgen added: “There are currently 14 scheduled cargo airline companies that are actively operating at the airport, and our current infrastructure could reach a capacity of 5.5 million tons, at an impressive level of 1.4 million square meters.”
      Investment from FedEx and Trendyol
      iGA Istanbul Airport also announced its cooperation with Trendyol and FedEx Express, the world’s largest express transportation company. FedEx Express has started installing a 23,000-square-meter facility in the iGA Istanbul Airport Cargo Zone, which will be a hub that will integrate operations on three continents, providing strategic connectivity between Asia and Africa. Bilgen commented that the team “is proud to host Europe’s new global air transportation facility.”
      The Trendyol project, which will have a total area of ​​12,000 square meters and a daily output capacity of 150,000 products, with an investment of 36 million euros, is planned to become operational in the first quarter of 2025. Thus, the storage areas will increase to 150,000 square meters, the number of warehouses to 14, and the parcel area to 353,000 square meters.
      Reducing emissions
      iGA Istanbul Airport, with its “Our Focus is the World, Our Goal is the Future” mission, is among the world’s airports committed to “Net Zero CO2 Emissions”, aiming to reduce their emissions by 45% in six years compared to the base year.  “We will achieve a 73% emission reduction in 2040 and reach the Net Zero Emission target in 2050”, Bilgen said, underlining that iGA completed the year 2023 with 14% less emissions than targeted, according to the Net Zero roadmap prepared in line with the IPCC 1.5°C scenario.
      He added: “With our waste recycling program, we are determined to achieve our zero emission targets by 2050, taking concrete steps such as reducing waste emissions by 50% and converting 50% of our vehicle fleet to electric vehicles,” he said. iGA Istanbul Airport has already achieved significant success in the ACI Airports Carbon Accreditation programme by reaching Level 4 in three years. This was achieved through decreasing energy consumption by nearly 11%, and decreasing the water footprint by 5%. iGA Istanbul Airport recycled 35% of their waste and ensured its addition into Turkey’s economy as a raw material.
      Passenger satisfaction
      The passenger satisfaction rate is increasing every day, and following a study conducted by GfK Research Company over three years, the public’s appreciation rate of Istanbul Airport has increased continuously, reaching 89% in 2023. Selahattin Bilgen stated that he believes this rate will increase even higher with the opening of the Gayrettepe-Istanbul Airport metro and emphasised how proud they are to be the preferred airport of the people of Istanbul.
      Source: https://www.timesaerospace.aero/news

      Older
      10,000-room Crystal Lagoons Project Opens in Orlando

      Newer
      Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism Promote Qatar as the Ultimate Tourism Destination More

    • 138 Shares199 Views

      in organisations-operators

      Royal Commission for AlUla celebrates International Day of the Arabian Leopard

      by

      Following the United Nations declaration of the first International Day of the Arabian Leopard, on 10 February the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) continues to expand its long-term mission to safeguard the ‘Critically Endangered’ Big Cat species from the physical world into the virtual.
      As part of RCU’s new ‘Leap of Hope’ campaign, this year’s international edition of the annual call-to-action to conserve Arabian Leopards includes the launch of the ‘Quest for Hope’ gaming experience on the Roblox and Decentraland online platforms.Named ‘Leap of Hope’ after the Arabian Leopard’s athletic prowess and ability to capture its prey in the wild, this year’s campaign also emphasises the pressing need to increase wild population numbers – a ‘leap’ being the collective noun for a group of leopards.
      Starting today, the ‘Leap of Hope’ campaign will install eye-catching billboards in cities including Beijing, London, New York, and Paris to showcase its bold ambition as well as to highlight RCU’s goal to comprehensively regenerate AlUla, a vast swathe of northwest Saudi Arabia, as a leading global destination for cultural and natural heritage.
      In AlUla itself, a Community Catwalk event on International Day of the Arabian Leopard, organised by RCU and Catmosphere, will encourage members of the public to connect with nature as they follow a route of up to 7km on Sharaan’s Catwalk Trail, drawing local attention to the campaign and its long-term goals in northwest Arabia and beyond.
      In the digital space, an immersive adventure, ‘Quest for Hope’ engages global gamers to discover the real-world impact of the Arabian Leopard’s ‘Critically Endangered’ status in the wild by joining a virtual conservation mission to search expertly recreated digital landscapes that mirror the Big Cats’ native habitat, including the mountains of AlUla in northwest Arabia.ADVERTISEMENTThe new state-of-the-art and engaging game complements the release of a campaign film that takes the viewer on a deep dive into the plight of the Arabian Leopard, explaining the essential role leopards play in restoring balance to the natural environment and allowing vital eco-systems to flourish.
      Arabian Leopard Day was first launched by RCU in 2022. In June 2023, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously passed a resolution designating 10 February as the International Day of the Arabian Leopard, in support of RCU and its conservation partners.
      The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ranks the Arabian Leopard as ‘Critically Endangered’, representing a level of risk more severe than Vulnerable or Endangered. If the population continues to decline, the next stages on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species are Extinct in the Wild and, lastly, Extinct.
      RCU’s Arabian Leopard Conservation Breeding Programme has achieved recent successes in ensuring a healthy population of leopards in captivity, welcoming the birth of seven healthy cubs in 2023 and introducing new Arabian Leopard ‘founders’ to increase the genetic diversity of its breeding animals and contribute to the advancement of long-term conservation goals.
      Dr Stephen Browne, Wildlife & Natural Heritage Vice President at RCU, said: “International Day of the Arabian Leopard Day is an important opportunity to draw the world’s attention to the plight of the Arabian Leopard and RCU’s mission to conserve and safeguard AlUla’s natural environment.
      “While recent successes give us hope, we recognise that the work of conservation must continue to ensure that this species can one day thrive in the wild. We encourage the international community to join us on Arabian Leopard Day by engaging with activities that strengthen our understanding and love for these magnificent Big Cats.”
      For more information on the day, visit https://www.rcu.gov.sa/en/ArabianLeopard

      Older
      Marco Polo Ortigas Manila Hosts Month-Long Celebration of Love in February 2024

      Newer
      THE LEELA PALACE NEW DELHI ELEVATES THE ART OF HOSPITALITY More