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    Jet2.com and Jet2holidays Announces Biggest Summer Program Ever

    Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have announced that their third summer of operations at Bristol Airport will be their biggest yet, and they are expanding their team to support this huge Summer 23 programme with over 100 positions available.The UK’s leading tour operator to many leisure destinations across the Mediterranean and Canary Islands is looking to recruit passionate and talented individuals to fill Cabin Crew, Ground Operations, Flight Deck and Engineering positions at Bristol Airport. Further information can be found at www.jet2careers.com.
    On the back of strong demand for flights and package holidays, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have announced a significantly expanded programme for Summer 23, in just their third summer of operations at Bristol Airport. This expansion includes two brand-new destinations for Summer 23 – Malaga and Chania (Crete), the latter which is an exclusive destination from the airport.
    In total, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have 32 sun and city destinations on sale for Summer 23 from Bristol Airport – with capacity increasing by 13% compared to last summer. With over 925,000 seats on sale, the companies will operate almost 100 weekly flights during peak periods to destinations including the Canaries, Balearics, Mainland Spain, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Italy, Austria and Malta.
    A seventh-based aircraft will come into operation at the base to support this expansion, with a team of over 400 colleagues helping to deliver the award-winning customer service which just last week saw Jet2holidays recognised as a Which? Recommended Provider for the fifth year running.
    With over 100 positions available ahead of their biggest ever summer programme from Bristol Airport, vacancies include:ADVERTISEMENTFlight Deck roles targeted at experienced Pilots with a strong training record and the commitment, energy and flexibility required to deliver the best service to customers.Ground Operations positions, with colleagues responsible for ensuring that flights depart safely and on time. Working as part of a team of Customer Helpers, they work hard to ensure that customers have the perfect start to a lovely holiday.Cabin Crew positions, with colleagues expected to deliver a consistently high level of safety and a VIP service to customers, working closely with the Flight Deck and the rest of the Crew to make every flight memorable.Engineering roles to perform scheduled, unscheduled and preventative maintenance to ensure that aircraft are kept in the absolute best shape at all times.Key Summer Sun highlights for 2023 from Bristol Airport for Jet2.com and Jet2holidays include:
    32 sun destinations on sale (peak number of flights per week in brackets).Includes BRAND NEW Malaga and Chania (Crete) announced today.Antalya (6), Bodrum (2), Dalaman (6), Tenerife (7), Lanzarote (4), Fuerteventura (2), Gran Canaria (3), Alicante (4), Malaga (4), Reus (2), Girona (1), Palma (Majorca) (9), Ibiza (5), Menorca (3), Faro (Algarve) (6), Madeira (1), Crete (Heraklion) (2), Crete (Chania) (1), Corfu (3), Halkidiki (1), Kefalonia (2), Skiathos (3), Santorini (1), Kos (3), Preveza (1), Rhodes (4), Zante (3), Larnaca (2), Paphos (2), Verona (1), Innsbruck (1), Malta (2).Over 925,000 seats on sale (capacity increase of 13% compares to Summer 22) and almost 100 departing weekly flights during peak periods.A team of over 400 colleagues.
    Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said: “We are extremely excited about our third summer at Bristol Airport, which will be our busiest and biggest yet. Since launching flights and holidays in 2021, the response from customers and independent travel agents across the South West and South Wales has been enormous and this has enabled us to enjoy the growth we have seen. With such a huge programme on sale for Summer 23 and customers flocking to book their place in the sunshine, we are delighted to be expanding our Bristol Airport team even further. The success of our award-winning business is down to the hard work of our colleagues and we are looking forward to meeting like-minded passionate people to help us delight even more customers from Bristol Airport.”

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    Amanda Joiner appointed as Global Vice President and Head of The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center

    Amanda Joiner takes the helm as the Global Vice President and head of The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center®, a leading global consulting and advisory firm delivering award-winning services that have enabled clients worldwide to improve customer and employee engagement, innovate their culture, and drive competitive advantage.
    Joiner transitions from her role most immediately as General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis and brings over three decades of luxury hospitality experience in which she has driven continued innovation, improvement, and success through the culture of the iconic brand.
    “At a time when disruption drives competition and innovation is essential for long-term success, the Gold Standards of The Ritz-Carlton continue to be a consistent benchmark across industries for the level of customer and employee experience clients are seeking to attain in today’s highly competitive, fast-changing world.” Joiner says. “I am excited for the opportunity to further amplify the brand’s legendary culture and strategy that are so deeply woven throughout my career, as well as to lead this pioneering team.”
    In business for over two decades, The Leadership Center continues to experience and deliver against high demand from brands around the world and across diverse industries seeking to learn from The Ritz-Carlton for their high-profile business launches, innovations, and transformations. “The critical role of culture in driving business strategy can’t be overstated,” says Jessica Lee, Senior Vice President of Global Talent Development at Marriott International and The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center. “For brands wanting to learn from the very best, Amanda’s track record of success in leading with culture first will be a tremendous asset to The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center clients.”
    Joiner and The Leadership Center team leverage the systems and best practices of the award-winning Ritz-Carlton brand to deploy best-in-class organizational strategies at scale in order for clients to retain and attract top talent, outperform the competition, and gain market share.ADVERTISEMENT“A quintessential ambassador of the culture of The Ritz-Carlton, Amanda’s authentic and exceptional leadership success throughout her career will add tremendous value to The Leadership Center and its clients,” says Chris Gabaldon, Senior Vice President of Luxury Brands at Marriott International.
    Joiner’s extensive brand experience will truly transform The Leadership Center’s journey to innovate service excellence and customer engagement, and to transform organizational culture.

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    UNWTO, UN Women and German Partners Launch Free Online Gender Equality Training for Tourism Sector

    UNWTO, in collaboration with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and UN Women has launched a free online training course focused on gender equality within the tourism sector.The course, which is available through atingi.org, is part of the pioneering ‘Centre Stage’ project which is putting women’s empowerment at the heart of tourism development. Aimed at National Tourism Administrations, tourism businesses, tourism students and civil society organizations, it focuses on the importance of gender equality, why women’s empowerment matters and what steps can be taken to advance diversity and inclusion efforts across the sector.
    Education is key to reimagining the future of tourism and although our sector employs a huge number of women, equality is remains a long way off
    UNWTO Secretary General said: “Education is key to reimagining the future of tourism and although our sector employs a huge number of women, equality is remains a long way off. We call on all tourism businesses and organizations to use this free course to train their staff and help us to ensure that tourism continues to be at the forefront of gender-equality efforts.”
    The training course can be taken for free at any time in English, Spanish, Arabic, French and Russian on atingi.org. Users are issued with a certificate upon successful completion of the course. For more information, contact: [email protected]

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    ‘Space age’ Sheybarah Resort opens in 2024 at Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Project

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    ‘Space age’ Sheybarah Resort opens in 2024 at Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Project

    Sheybarah Resort, one of the most futuristic hotels on the planet, is due to open in 2024. One of the flagship properties at Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea gigaproject, it is set apart by its metal orb villas and entirely renewable energy usageMaster developer Red Sea Global says it is ‘targeting’ to open the super resort in 2024. Earlier this month, the first batch of the eventual 73 overwater villas arrived at the archipelago tourism spot, a feat celebrated across the industry.
    Upon the delivery, CEO John Pagano said: “Welcoming the future of tourism to Saudi Arabia. These space age orbs are the first batch of 73 overwater villas for our iconic Sheybarah Resort at The Red Sea.”The upcoming resort has been designed by Killa Design, the same firm behind Dubai’s Museum of the Future. Sheybarah Resort is an LEED Platinum off-grid, zero-energy, zero-water development that widely promotes sustainable design in every aspect of its environment to ultimately create a hospitality benchmark for regenerative developments.

    It’s powered by a centralised solar farm and fresh water is supplied from a solar-powered desalination plant. The recycling of waste material takes place on the island which minimises the need to bring or remove materials from the island. The solar plant supports over 140 guests and 260 staff for all needs including transportation from the mainland.
    It is expected the Sheybarah Resort will be among the most luxurious of all 50 hotels planned for the destination, which include St. Regis, Six Senses, Jumeirah, Raffles, SLS, and other big-name brands.ADVERTISEMENT
    In an interview in September 2021, Pagano said Red Sea Global could well develop its own resort brand for its top-most luxurious properties.
    He revealed: “There are elements of the project, however, that don’t necessarily fit into any one hotel brand. Brands have their own standards, but since we are designing something that has never been designed before, it’s needed in some instances for us to create our own separate one-offs than to try and force a brand into something.”

    These one-off projects will make up a very small portion of the destination – just 10 percent said Pagano.
    Source: Hotelier Middle east

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    EXPEDIA REPORTS 96% OF TRAVELERS WANT TO DO NOTHING ON THEIR NEXT VACATION

    New research from leading travel app Expedia® reveals the over-scheduled holiday season has prompted many Americans to plan a “nothing-cation,” a trip where warm weather and relaxation are the main attractions. According to a survey of 4,000 U.S. travelers conducted during December, more than a third (34%) report feeling burned out from the holidays, and nearly everyone surveyed (96%) plans to spend a portion of their next trip doing absolutely nothing.Expedia internal data confirms January is one of the top months for researching and booking beach vacations, which is a favorite trip type for nothing-cationers. On average, about a quarter of getaways planned during the first month of the year are to beach destinations, and many hotspots including Cancun, Riviera Maya, Punta Cana and Oahu are already seeing double-digit increases in demand compared to the same time in 2019.2
    “There’s a time and place for an action-packed vacation itinerary, but our data shows the first trip after the hectic holiday season calls for a more relaxed agenda,” says Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group brands public relations. “For most travelers, getting the most out of their next vacation means setting aside dedicated time for nothing. One trick to avoid unnecessary stress while planning a nothing-cation is to bundle flights, hotel and car rental on the Expedia app, which not only saves you time but more than 10% off the price on average.”
    When nothing is really something:According to Expedia’s research, nearly half (47%) of travelers say they like to start off the new year with a trip on the calendar to look forward to, as a remedy for feeling anxious (31%) or tired of cold and rainy weather (34%) in January. Furthermore, most (62%) agree that “doing nothing” is their favorite part of vacation and consider it time well-spent (61%).
    Parents of young children (4 years old and under) are particularly in need of a nothing-cation, reporting higher levels of post-holiday burnout than average (49% compared to 34%). For them, a successful nothing-cation consists of watching movies in bed, reading and ordering room-service rather than dining out.
    Plan a nothing-cation to remember:Travelers will have a chance to win $4,500 in Expedia points on January 18, 2023, by following @expedia on Tiktok, to use on a nothing-cation of their own.ADVERTISEMENTReady for some nothing-cation inspiration? Expedia’s travel experts compiled a shortlist of idyllic tropical destinations far from the crowds and perfect for days spent doing a whole lot of nothing. Head over to the Expedia Explore blog to learn more, including recommendations on where to stay.
    Kauai, HawaiiCosta RicaFijiNevis, CaribbeanKoh Samui, ThailandAlgarve, PortugalSanibel Island, Florida

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    Zurich Airport celebrates 75 years with anniversary events, exhibitions, and airport festival

    Since the maiden flight 75 years ago, Zurich Airport has developed into Switzerland’s most important transport hub. In the anniversary year 2023, Zurich Airport looks back on its long history and looks ahead to future projects. The festivities include a big airport festival from September 1-3, an anniversary exhibition and many other highlights.
    On June 14, 1948, a Swissair Douglas DC-4 was the first aircraft to take off from Zurich Airport to London – on the airport’s only runway 10/28 at the time. Only about five months later, the second runway 16/34 was put into operation and the third runway 14/32 opened in 1976. Over the years, docks B, A and E have been built where there once was a marshland. In five construction phases, Zurich Airport developed into an international transport hub with numerous direct connections to the world’s metropolises. Zurich Airport is not only of great importance for travellers, but also for the local population: it is a business location, workplace, commercial centre, excursion destination and meeting place. Zurich Airport employs around 27,400 people at over 300 companies.
    Numerous highlights in the anniversary year 2023
    Various celebrations and events will take place at Zurich Airport in the anniversary year. On June 14 – the day of the maiden flight – an anniversary exhibition will start in the Airport Shopping area. On the weekend of September 1-3, a big public airport festival will take place. President of the Swiss Confederation, Alain Berset, will be one of the guests of honour at the official ceremony on Friday evening. As part of the anniversary year, the airport’s history will also be digitally processed and the spotter areas as well as the observation deck will be upgraded.Constantly updated information on the anniversary year:Zurich Airport of the future
    Zurich Airport is and will remain on the move and wants to be a safe, modern and sustainable airport for future generations. Projects such as the runway extensions or the new dock A are important elements in ensuring safe and high-quality airport operations. The expansion of the landside passenger zones (ELP) will enhance Zurich Airport in the coming years with generous passageways, better logistics processes, new retail spaces and a food hall with outdoor terraces. The sustainable construction of future projects and the replacement of fossil fuels are key components of Flughafen Zürich AG’s ambition to reduce its CO2 emissions to net zero by 2040. As a result, Zurich Airport will continue to be Switzerland’s gateway to the world, connecting people and places.ADVERTISEMENTAnniversary year – Celebrations at a glance
    May 2023: Launch of airport historyJune 14, 2023: Opening of the anniversary exhibition at Airport ShoppingSeptember 1-3, 2023: airport festival

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    TUI Group Appoints New CIO to Lead Digital Transformation Efforts

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    TUI Group Appoints New CIO to Lead Digital Transformation Efforts

    Digital transformation continues to be a top priority for TUI Group. Due to this special importance, CEO Sebastian Ebel had already assumed overall responsibility for IT on the Executive Board as of 1 October 2022.As of 1 January 2023, the vacant CIO position at Group level will be filled by Pieter Jordaan – with a direct reporting line to Sebastian Ebel. As Chief Information Officer (CIO), Pieter Jordaan will lead the IT Leadership Team and be responsible for the implementation of the strategic priorities in IT: the expansion of dynamic production, new products like Accommodation Only and Flight Only, the expansion of the TUI App, as well as the further roll-out of TRIPS in the Western Region.
    As a South African native, Pieter has worked successfully for TUI for more than eight years. In the past three years, he has led the technological development and harmonisation of numerous Group platforms as Group Chief Technology Officer. In addition, he modernised the IT infrastructure of the company and was responsible for the successful implementation of its cloud strategy. Prior to TUI, he worked for several IT consultancies in the UK.
    “I am delighted that Pieter Jordaan joins us as CIO from our TUI IT leadership team. He will drive the close integration with TUI’s operational areas to enable a fast and efficient implementation of our ambitious digitalisation strategy,” says Sebastian Ebel, CEO of TUI Group.

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    Orlando Unveils 23 New Experiences to See in 2023

    Orlando, the most visited destination in the U.S. and Theme Park Capital of the World, kicks off 2023 with a wide a range of all-new experiences for visitors to enjoy.“Orlando is an ever-growing destination offering incredible new experiences, unique places to stay and diverse dining for travelers,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “With major new attractions opening at our theme parks, several brand-new hotels ranging from luxury to budget, and increased accessibility for travelers to arrive in Orlando, 2023 is the perfect time to visit our unbelievably real destination.”
    Continuous updates on what’s new in Orlando can be found at VisitOrlando.com, the official visitor information source for the destination.
    ATTRACTIONS
    Walt Disney World Resort Based on the Disney sci-fi film TRON: Legacy, TRON Lightcycle / Run will open at Magic Kingdom Park in spring and take guests across a world without horizons in a high-stakes race in their very own Lightcycle.
    Magic Kingdom Park’s updated nighttime spectacular will feature the return “Happily Ever After.”ADVERTISEMENTJourney of Water, inspired by Moana, opening late 2023 within World Nature at EPCOT, allows guests to explore and engage with water as it travels from the skies to the oceans and back again. Universal Orlando Resort Universal’s Great Movie Escape at Universal CityWalk is an escape room experience inspired by Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s blockbuster films Jurassic World and Back to the Future.
    Opening this summer inside a new Minion land at Universal Studios Florida, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast will be a game-based adventure where guests encounter immersive environments, nefarious villains and mischievous Minions from Illumination’s blockbuster films. SeaWorld Orlando Parks & Entertainment Debuting spring at SeaWorld Orlando, Pipeline: The Surf Coaster will be the world’s first “Surf Coaster” offering immersive design elements, including a dynamic surfing launch and “wave jumping” motions.
    LEGOLAND Florida Resort

    LEGOLAND Florida’s family-friendly treasure hunt adventure – Pirate River Quest – will take guests through the uncharted waters of the legendary Cypress Gardens to discover the secrets protecting its canals starting early 2023.
    HOTELS & RESORTS
    Conrad Orlando will debut with 433 rooms, 40,000 square feet of indoor meeting space, a tranquil spa, numerous dining options and signature rooftop experience this fall. The hotel will be the first phase of Evermore Orlando Resort, a massive 10,000-bedroom resort complex.
    Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando — Disney Springs® Area, the newest official Walt Disney Partner Hotel, will be completed in the spring with 604 guestrooms, resort-style pool, splash pad, extensive marketplace and dining, complimentary hot breakfast and evening snacks, shuttle service to all four Walt Disney World® Resort theme parks and more.
    Opening in winter and located in the International Drive Resort area, Cambria Hotel Orlando Universal Blvd is a 118-room property offering amenities including rooftop pool and lounge, state-of-the-art fitness center, the sophisticated Veer Kitchen & Bar restaurant and more.
    Opening this fall, Aloft Lake Nona will be a six-story, 205-room music-themed property featuring a 10,000 square-foot conference center and full-service restaurant.
    JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes completed several multimillion-dollar renovations with new amenities and offerings, including an expansive waterpark, refreshed rooms/suites, inspired executive family suites, and redesigned lobby lounge.
    Visitors staying at Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando will experience new additions – like the upscale Altira Rooftop Pool Lounge – and reimagined guest rooms and spaces like the property’s signature restaurant, The Boheme, and the Bösendorfer Lounge.
    Award-winning boutique hotel The Alfond Inn at Rollins will complete renovations of 112 existing rooms/suites and add 71 luxury guestrooms and suites, meeting space and lobby café this summer. A new spa will feature seven treatment rooms and fitness area.
    DINING & NIGHTLIFE
    The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers, an Indiana-based table service restaurant and bakery, will open a new location at Disney’s BoardWalk in Walt Disney World Resort in 2023, offering savory and sweet options and afternoon tea service in a whimsical atmosphere.
    Brew Theory Marketplace, an all-new food hall coming to Apopka summer, will feature a full liquor bar, Brew Theory taproom, a beer garden and more.
    Opening early 2023 in the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, Rosa Mexicano will feature a menu showcasing a contemporary interpretation of authentic Mexican cuisine and an extensive beverage program boasting over 100 varieties of tequila and agave-based spirits.
    Pointe Orlando has two new restaurant additions. KAVAS Tacos + Tequila, a concept by the owners of Tapa Toro and Taverna Opa, pays tribute to Mexico’s rich culinary history, with fresh tableside experiences and recipes hand-crafted from the freshest ingredients. JoJo’s ShakeBAR, offers a modern diner experience featuring incredibly Instagram-worthy desserts, milkshakes and smashburgers.
    Dizzy Donuts, from Pizza Bruno’s Bruno Zacchini, is slated to open by early 2023 in College Park serving hot, made-to-order donuts tossed in different toppings, as well as prepared donuts dressed in more elaborate flavors.
    ARTS & CULTURE
    Orlando Fringe will open “Fringe ArtSpace,” a year-round performing arts venue this January in downtown Orlando. The 9,100 square foot space will include two performing theater spaces offering a mix of performances and pop-up events.
    Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts will open Judson’s this fall, a dynamic music room offering intimate cabaret-style seating for live performances. Judson’s joins Steinmetz Hall, Walt Disney Theater and Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater as the fourth performance space in the $613 million, 9-acre venue.
    TRANSPORTATION
    Brightline Orlando Station, located at Orlando International Airport’s Terminal C, will connect domestic and international visitors traveling between Orlando and Miami with stops in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Riders will enjoy touchless ticketing, premium in-station lounges, complimentary WiFi, and bars and restaurants at every Brightline station.

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