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    2022 Marks an Award-Winning Year for Miami Beach

    Miami Beach and the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA) celebrate a year of multiple award wins from a notable selection of the industry’s most recognized and respected organizations including Travel Weekly’s Magellan Awards and the World Travel Awards.As an international destination, Miami Beach was recognized as the “World’s Leading Lifestyle Destination 2022” and “North America’s Leading City Destination 2022” by the World Travel Awards, both testaments to the destination’s experiences rooted in arts + culture, wellness and wellbeing, outdoor activities, water sports and recreation and the rising culinary scene. The World Travel Awards also took note of the MBVCA’s work in the year, including the launch of a new experiential app, EXP Miami Beach Tour App, recognizing the MBVCA as “North America’s Leading Tourist Board 2022.” Adding to the year’s wins, Chairman of the MBVCA, Steve Adkins, has also been named “South Florida Tourism Professional of the Year” by the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism/NAF in the awards’ 31st edition.“As advocates for Miami Beach with a dedication to further enhancing our global reputation, we dedicate these awards to the community and those who work tirelessly to deliver stellar experiences to visitors and locals at our city’s hotels, restaurants and attractions,” says Steve Adkins, Chairman of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority. “The passion for hospitality is evident and we are proud to be recognized by our fellow industry professionals for the work we have done and will continue to do in the future.”
    Miami Beach was also a Travel Weekly Silver Magellan Award winner in the Culinary Mecca category, further cementing the city’s position as a travel-worthy destination for foodies. This year, Miami Beach became home to two Michelin star recognized restaurants, Stubborn Seed and Jaya at The Setai. In addition, Miami Beach’s signature and world-famous restaurants, all located within a seven-mile range, include legendary Joe’s Stone Crab, Prime 112, Carbone Miami Beach, Forte di Marmi, Chotto Matte, Nobu and Bagatelle. And, for the first time, the MBVCA won a Travel Weekly Gold Magellan Award for the consumer-facing Instagram handle @experiencemiamibeach, recognized for connecting with social users through authentic and engaging content, in the Social Media – Hospitality category.
    “We look forward to building upon these recent accolades in the areas we know have an impact on driving visitors to Miami Beach in the new year,” adds Grisette Marcos, Executive Director of the MBVCA. “These awards will continue to support our ongoing efforts to innovate and provide unique experiences that appeal to all traveler styles.”
    For more information and to plan a future trip to award-winning Miami Beach, download the Experience Miami Beach and EXP Miami Beach Tour App Miami Beach Apps and follow the @experiencemiamibeach handles on Instagram and Facebook for the most up-to-date details and offerings.

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    Spend the First Day of 2023 Hiking in America’s State Parks

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    Spend the First Day of 2023 Hiking in America’s State Parks

    America’s State Parks are inviting everyone to start the new year off enjoying time spent in nature and tapping into the health benefits of being outdoors.To make it easy, state parks from Maine to California are offering free, First Day Hikes on January 1st. The guided hikes are led by park staff members and volunteers who have expert knowledge of their respective locales.
    The distance and difficulty of the trails vary from park to park, but the hikes are designed to benefit the entire family. This year there are more than 1,300 hikes available!“It’s our way of wishing health and happiness for the coming new year,” said Lewis Ledford, executive director of the National Association of State Park Directors.
    “Recent research is confirming the benefits of just 30 minutes a week spent in nature, and what better way to start a new healthy habit for 2023 than taking advantage of hikes being offered in state parks across the nation,” said Ledford. “Our hope is that this event will stimulate a passion for the outdoors and a desire to explore our local treasures throughout the entire year.”
    Hikers can choose guided hikes that fit their comfort levels, including mountain and hill climbing, walks along lakes, exploring trails that wind through forests, and wildlife expeditions.
    “Each state enjoys unique outdoor features and wildlife on its public lands,” Ledford said. “And no matter your weather preference, whether it be snow in the north and across the Rockies or mild temperatures across the south and southwest, you can experience it all with First Day Hikes.”ADVERTISEMENTFirst Day Hikes began more than 30 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, which is a state park in Massachusetts.
    America’s State Parks are committed to promoting outdoor recreation to help address mental, emotional and physical health – especially among children. So begin 2023 with a focus on your physical and mental well-being with a First Day Hike in one of America’s State Parks.
    For more information on First Day Hikes at your nearest state park, go to https://www.stateparks.org/special-programs/first-day-hikes/. And use the hashtag #FirstDayHikes.

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    Fly private with RoyalJet to the top destinations of the world

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    BOC Aviation Announces Order for 40 Additional Boeing 737-8 Jets

    BOC Aviation Limited and Boeing today announced that the airplane lessor is growing its 737 MAX portfolio with an order for 40 additional 737-8 jets. With the order, BOC Aviation is advancing its strategy of purchasing new, fuel-efficient, environmentally sustainable airplanes that are in demand with airline customers.“We are pleased to continue to build on our existing relationship with Boeing, with this 40-aircraft incremental order for the fuel-efficient Boeing 737-8 aircraft. The incremental order takes our total 737 MAX 8 orderbook with Boeing to 80 aircraft,” said David Walton, BOC Aviation deputy managing director and chief operating officer. “We look forward to continuing to provide one of the industry’s most technologically advanced aircraft for delivery on lease to our airline customers, and to support their sustainable growth over the balance of this decade.”
    Boeing continues to see strong market demand for the 737 MAX family, with more than 1,500 gross orders since late 2020.
    “We are proud that BOC Aviation continues to invest in the 737-8 with its industry-leading versatility and ability to fly almost any short- and medium-haul market profitably,” said Ryan Weir, vice president of Global Leasing Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We look forward to more opportunities to expand our relationship to support BOC Aviation and its customers.”
    The 737-8 is designed to offer more fuel efficiency, reliability and flexibility in the single-aisle market. The airplane can fly 3,500 nautical miles – about 600 miles farther than its predecessor – allowing airlines to profitably serve new and more direct routes for passengers. Compared to the airplanes it replaces, the 737-8 also delivers superior efficiency, using 20% less fuel and significantly reducing CO2 emissions and operating costs.
    As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures, and services commercial airplanes, defense products, and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability, and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company’s core values of safety, quality, and integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at boeing.com/careers.ADVERTISEMENTBOC Aviation is a leading global aircraft operating leasing company with a fleet of 612 aircraft owned, managed and on order. Its owned and managed fleet was leased to 81 airlines in 38 countries and regions worldwide as of 30 September 2022. BOC Aviation is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEx code: 2588) and has its headquarters in Singapore with offices in Dublin, London, New York and Tianjin. For more information, visit www.bocaviation.com.

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    Aer Lingus announces January sale live until 16 January 2023

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    Al Hosn Festival Returns in 2023 to Celebrate Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Heritage

    Al Hosn Festival, Abu Dhabi’s annual celebration of the emirate’s cultural heritage, is set to return with a packed ten-day programme taking place from 13 to 22 January at the iconic Al Hosn site. Set across Al Hosn’s historic buildings and outdoor areas, the event will showcase the best of Abu Dhabi’s heritage as well as the breadth of its creativity.
    Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the festival promises an exciting array of activities for visitors of all ages, with cultural performances, film screenings, art installations, craft and design demonstrations, creative workshops, retail pop-ups, and a variety of culinary experiences.
    His Excellency Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Each year, Al Hosn Festival tells the story of Abu Dhabi at its place of origin. A key component of our cultural calendar, the festival celebrates Abu Dhabi’s heritage and craftsmanship and connects them with the contemporary art practices of the emirate. The festival has quickly become a focus of inspiration and exchange for the emirate’s cultural ecosystem, and a key element of DCT Abu Dhabi’s drive to both preserve the emirate’s treasured heritage and support and grow its new generation of artists and creative practitioners.”
    Activations will span the vast Al Hosn site, with Qasr Al Hosn transporting visitors back in time to offer a glimpse of life in Abu Dhabi in decades past. Guests will enjoy live demonstrations of Emirati craftsmanship and artisanal techniques at House of Artisans, where they can also participate in creative workshops and witness competitions highlighting Emirati cultural excellence. Similarly, Cultural Foundation is once again set to offer an engaging and thought-provoking programme of art exhibitions, performances, film screenings, interactive installations and workshops.
    The festival’s Makers Village is set to return, offering unique items created by artists and designers from local and regional concept stores. There will also be a creative culinary experience.ADVERTISEMENTAl Hosn Festival provides a platform for cultural experimentation and exchange in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s ever-evolving urban landscape, while remaining rooted in the emirate’s authentic traditions. The event aligns with the vision and mandate of DCT Abu Dhabi to protect, preserve and promote the emirate’s heritage, showcase Abu Dhabi as a cultural destination and provide a platform for artistic experimentation and public engagement.
    Al Hosn is the original urban block of the city and comprises the historic Qasr Al Hosn Fort, the Cultural Foundation, the National Consultative Council building and the House of Artisans. Al Hosn is emblematic of the proud cultural heritage of the UAE, bringing to life the rich fabric of its history, people and traditions and highlighting the city’s future ambition.Full details of the Al Hosn Festival 2023 programme will be announced closer to the event. For more information, please visit www.alhosnfestival.ae

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    The Walt Disney World Railroad Returns

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    The Walt Disney World Railroad Returns

    Folks, the renowned Walt Disney World Railroad has officially returned, and John and his team would love to welcome you aboard!“The first time cast members brought the Walter Elias train into Main Street Station, guests and cast gathered below to cheer and welcome the trains home,” John muses. “You can see the excitement on kid’s faces as they see the train coming around the corner for the first time and hear its whistle. It’s magical, and an honor to introduce the next generation to the beauty of steam trains, carrying on my family and Walt’s legacy.”
    From a young age, the sound of a train whistle was a familiar staple in cast member John’s life. Both his grandfather and great-grandfather were engineers on the steam trains at the Pittsburgh steel mills. John never imagined he would carry on their, and Walt’s legacy, at the Magic Kingdom Park overseeing the Walt Disney World Railroad’s historic return today.
    Starting at Magic Kingdom in 1995, John’s first role was as a Conductor on the Walt Disney World Railroad. “It was this moment of serendipity,” John explains. “My grandma was so tickled that I was working on the railroad just like my grandfathers. They love to tell the story that when I was born, my grandfather was on the train and blew his whistle nonstop when he found out he was having a grandson.”
    A young 17-year-old at the time, John was incredulous that he was being trusted with such an iconic piece of the park. “You can’t get more Disney than the steam train,” he says. He felt a deep connection with Walt, but also his grandfathers who had both since passed away.
    ADVERTISEMENTNow, 28 years later, John has spent almost the entirety of his Disney career on Main Street, U.S.A. His full-circle journey has brought him to this very moment where he now oversees the operation of the Walt Disney World Railroad! The enormity of bringing these historical 100-year-old trains back to the Magic Kingdom isn’t lost on him. It’s an opportunity to introduce guests to the same feelings of whimsy and childlike wonder that made him fall in love with the park all those years ago.

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    Korean Air receives approval from China on Asiana acquisition

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    Korean Air receives approval from China on Asiana acquisition

    The Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China (MOFCOM) announced its approval of Korean Air’s business combination with Asiana Airlines on December 26.MOFCOM has demanded that the merged Korean Air-Asiana entity reduce its market share due to competition concerns, to which Korean Air has submitted remedies proposing to transfer slots to any new airlines wishing to start air services on nine routes where both Korean Air and Asiana Airlines operate. Five of the nine routes have been proposed by the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) earlier this year and an additional four routes have been advised by MOFCOM.
    Korean Air expects MOFCOM’s approval of the business combination to play a positive role in the review process of the remaining competition authorities.
    Currently, Korean Air is still waiting for business combination approvals from the U.S., E.U. and Japan, countries where reporting is mandatory, as well as the final approval from the U.K., where reporting is arbitrary. The U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has accepted remedies submitted by Korean Air, but will gather opinions from the market before giving their official approval. Korean Air will continue to cooperate closely with the remaining competition authorities to ensure the review process is completed as soon as possible.
    The airline submitted business combination reports to the nine countries that require reporting on January 14, 2021. Out of these nine countries, Korean Air has received approval from China, Korea, Turkey, Taiwan and Vietnam. The Thailand Competition Commission announced that submission of a business combination report was not necessary.
    From countries where reporting is arbitrary, Korean Air has received clearance from Singapore, Malaysia and Australia. The Philippines has confirmed that the business combination report was not required.ADVERTISEMENT

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    Boulevard World Contributes to Saudi Vision 2030

    Riyadh Season, a pivotal step in achieving Saudi Vision 2030, seeks to attract more tourists and boost tourism growth in Saudi Arabia through various cultural and entertainment experiences and diverse cultural contents.Boulevard World was officially launched on November 21st as part of the Riyadh Season 2022, taking visitors on a journey around the world by presenting diverse cultures from the US, France, Greece, India, China, Spain, Japan, Morocco, Mexico, and Italy.Boulevard World collaborated with Unilumin Group, a Chinese high-tech company, to draw tourists from all over the world and create novel entertainment experiences they have never had. With a large number of Metasight LED displays supported by software integration and control technologies, Boulevard World showcased artistic design and creative content to the audience and created an immersive experience space filled with modern science and technologies. Boulevard World has thus become another world-class entertainment landmark.
    The huge spherical screen created by Unilumin will catch tourists’ eyes immediately when they enter Boulevard World. As an innovative product by Unilumin, the spherical screen has broken the Guinness World Records and become a new city landmark in Saudi Arabia. It also represents the strong connections across the global village advocated by Boulevard World. In addition, the largest LED ceiling screen in the Middle East and the first one in Saudi Arabia, together with dozens of outdoor ultra-high-definition (UHD) large screens, allows Boulevard World to present diverse cultures and history to the visitors.
    Riyadh Season started cooperation with Unilumin back in 2021. Using Unilumin’s LED displays and Metasight solutions, Riyadh Season has served over 15 million tourists worldwide and has driven the region’s tourism development. The professionalism of Unilumin throughout the project has left a deep impression on the clients in the Middle East.

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    ABTA Members’ customers travel with confidence in latest campaign

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    ABTA Members’ customers travel with confidence in latest campaign

    ABTA has launched the second phase of its annual flagship Travel with confidence campaign with a customer-focused video to be promoted through social media advertising. The campaign launches today,  Boxing Day, to coincide with the start of the peak holiday booking season and to promote and support Members during the busy period.The two-minute video shares testimonials from loyal customers talking about what holidays mean for them, and the various reasons why they book with an ABTA member.  The video reinforces the reassurance and peace of mind that comes with booking through a trustworthy and reputable company.  Customers featured include Naomi, a Virgin Atlantic Holidays customer, who says:
    “Holidays are very important as they provide that much needed time away from work, the chance to explore new cultures, and to spend quality time with loved ones. 
    “Total confidence in an ABTA registered Member is 100% peace of mind which makes for a perfect holiday.”
    The feel-good video drives home the importance people place on their holidays, with customers listing the time away from work, the chance to explore new cultures, the opportunity to spend time with loved ones, and being good for mental health as the main benefits of going away.  The initial phase of the campaign launched in early December with radio advertising on Heart Digital and reiterated the importance customers place on their holidays. 
    The video will be cut to different lengths for Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Reddit and will run throughout January.  The campaign will conclude at the end of January with a consumer competition. ADVERTISEMENTGraeme Buck, ABTA Director of Communications said:
    “This next phase of our Travel with confidence campaign is designed, just like the radio ads we are still airing, to help drive business for our Members through the peak booking period. 
    “It was great to see so many ABTA Members’ customers submitting content for the video and sharing the true excitement of booking a holiday. These real views from real people make this year’s Travel with confidence campaign heart-warming, relatable and effective.”
    For more information about the campaign, please visit www.abta.com/travelwithconfidence

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