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      Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) reports its best year for tourism ever

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      Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) reports its best year for tourism ever, welcoming a record 1.22 million overnight arrivals to the nature Emirate in 2023, up 8% on 2022 numbers and bolstered by a significant 24% year-on-year pick-up in international visitors.The robust performance is underscored by RAKTDA’s strategic growth plans. From investment in tourism infrastructure, targeted initiatives to drive more visitors to the emirate, to developing an ecosystem rooted in sustainability, Ras Al Khaimah continues to reinforce its position as a destination of the future. Its key 2023 achievements include:
      A 24% increase in international visitors, supported by over 2,200 international activities from roadshows, trade fairs to media events across 30 countries.Cemented status as a business and social events hub with a 23% growth in MICE revenue and 103% increase in revenue from weddings.Silver Certification under EarthCheck’s world-leading Sustainable Destinations programme – the only destination in the Middle East to receive this level of certification alongside more than 20 tourism partners from hotels and attractions.Featured in CNN Travel’s best destinations to visit in 2023; Condé Nast Traveler’s best places to go in Asia 2024; Travel + Leisure India’s Forget Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah Is The Place To Be In The UAE; and Forbes’ Why You Should Visit Ras Al Khaimah Now.Boosted international air connectivity with the introduction of direct flights with Qatar Airways, Indian carrier IndiGo’s, Smart Wings, Centrum Air and SmartLynx.Launched borderless travel with Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) for cross-destination tourism promotion and marketing initiatives, boosting visitor arrivals to Ras Al Khaimah and Musandam.Debut of Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort with the start of 2024 and the reopening of Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah following an extensive refurbishment.Staged multiple headline-grabbing events, including the 2023 WMF Minifootball World Cup, DP World Tour, RAK Half Marathon, Arab Aviation Summit, Exotic Wedding Planning Conference and the Global Citizen Forum.Set two new Guinness World Record titles and attracted over 65,000 visitors at its 2024 New Year’s Eve fireworks and drone display.RAKTDA was certified as a Great Place to Work® for the third consecutive year and ranked 4th in Best Workplaces in the Public Sector for the GCC in 2023.
      Commenting on Ras Al Khaimah’s record-breaking 2023, Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “It has been a great year for our Emirate, one that clearly set the groundwork for sustainable growth and development in Ras Al Khaimah.” He further added, “Despite global challenges that have impacted our industry, we remained agile and resilient as a tourism community, working together to deliver a destination offering that would resonate with our visitors and residents alike. From investing in infrastructure and staging world-class events to making our Emirate sustainable and accessible to all, Ras Al Khaimah is firmly on the path for continued success in 2024 and beyond.”
      Delivering more visitors to Ras Al Khaimah
      RAKTDA’s efforts to promote the Emirate to an even broader global audience paid dividends in 2023, delivering a 8% increase in total annual visitors to reach the 1.22 million milestone, supported by 24% boost in international visitors. Complementing this growth, hotel occupancy rate in the Emirate also saw a significant rise, with an impressive occupancy of 74%, marking a year-on-year growth of 12 percentage points.ADVERTISEMENTWith Ras Al Khaimah sharing its border with the Sultanate of Oman, RAKTDA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) to pursue cross-destination tourism activities to benefit both destinations. The first-of-its-kind strategic partnership aims to position Ras Al Khaimah and Oman’s Musandam region as leading global tourism destinations in the Middle East, creating opportunities for travellers to visit both in a single trip.
      Connecting the world to the Emirate
      Increasing airlift into Ras Al Khaimah is crucial to achieving tourism arrivals goals and on November 1st 2023, the new Qatar Airways daily service to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport opened up the Emirate to a network of 160-plus destinations globally via the airline’s Doha hub.
      With India, a major tourism source market for Ras Al Khaimah, particularly for leisure, incentives and weddings, IndiGo’s introduction of a direct service from Hyderabad, adding to its direct Mumbai flight, helped accelerate arrivals growth. Moving from air to sea connectivity, Ras Al Khaimah welcomed six calls by four luxury cruise liners in H1 and will receive 14 luxury cruise calls this 2023/2024 season, growing to 20 by 2025/2026 and 50 by 2030/2031, bringing in cruise passengers that will further increase arrivals figures.
      Responsible tourism development​In 2023, the Emirate achieved Silver Certification under EarthCheck’s Sustainable Destinations program – a first in the Middle East. EarthCheck’s rigorous process involves monitoring and auditing across 10 sustainability indicators – from energy and water consumption to waste management, carbon footprint analysis and community engagement. Bolstering this initiative, RAKTDA launched its own sustainability certification programme for tourism businesses, Responsible RAK, with more than 20 hotels, attractions and tour operators having earned Responsible RAK Silver Certification to date.
      The Emirate outperformed the baseline average in three significant areas, reporting a performance that was better by 23% in energy consumption with savings of 12.4 gigajoules since 2021, 29% in greenhouse gas emissions equating to a saving of 1.8 million tonnes of CO2, and 61% in waste output, leading to savings of 420 million litres since 2021. ​
      More rooms drive visitor growth​Ras Al Khaimah’s fast-growing hotel portfolio is central to delivering more arrivals to the Emirate. In 2023, several new hospitality projects were announced including Nobu, Le Méridien, W Hotels, JW Marriott & Hilton on Al Marjan Island in addition to Nikki Beach on Mina Al Arab, representing over 1,800 keys in total. The destination also welcomed Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort, which fully opened its doors on 2nd January 2024 with 174 rooms, suites and villas, including the emirate’s first overwater villas. Additionally, the iconic Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah reopened following an extensive refurbishment, revealing revamped rooms and suites, new culinary experiences and a reimagined wellness and events spaces. Other upcoming hotel projects including Westin Resort (257 keys), Sofitel Al Hamra (292 keys), Rove Al Marjan Island (441 keys), Rotana Mangrove (258 keys) and Saij, A Mantis Collection Mountain Lodge (70 keys) are all set to open in the near future (2024/2025). Design details of the new USD $3.9 billion Wynn Al Marjan Island were also revealed, with the 1,500-key mega resort inspired by the seascape of Al Marjan’s four islands. The integrated resort will feature shopping, a gaming area, a state-of-the-art events centre, wellness and spa facilities, 24 dining and lounge experiences and extensive entertainment choices.
      A fast-growing events hub and record breaker​Ras Al Khaimah continues to cement its status as a global hub for business and social events, and in 2023, witnessed 23% growth in MICE revenue and 103% increase in revenue from weddings. The Emirate also hosted several headline-grabbers including Arab Aviation Summit, Exotic Wedding Planning Conference (EWPC) and the Global Citizen Forum, DP World Tour, and the RAK Half Marathon. Its reputation as a leading sports events destination was boosted too when the 2023 WMF Minifootball World Cup kicked off in November, marking the tournament’s Middle East debut and attracting 32 national teams and 30,000-plus spectators.
      Ras Al Khaimah also gained notoriety with its record-breaking 2024 New Year’s Eve extravaganza. An eight-minute-long firework and drone display set two new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ titles in a stunning spectacle that lit up the skies along 4.5km stretch of Ras Al Khaimah’s waterfront. The show made history, gaining titles for the ‘Longest chain of aquatic floating fireworks’ for a grand total of 5.8km and the ‘Longest straight-line drones display’ for a total length of 2km.
      To find out more about Ras Al Khaimah’s destination offering, please visit visitrasalkhaimah.com and check out the Emirate’s social platforms Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.

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      Digitrips debuts direct flight calendar to enhance travel searching and boost conversion rates

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      Digitrips debuts direct flight calendar to enhance travel searching and boost conversion rates

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      Digitrips, owner of leading French B2B multi-product travel platforms MisterFly and HResa, has enhanced its flight booking engine with a direct flight calendar, helping travellers pinpoint the best travel dates with ease.
      Once travellers input their desired departure and destination airports in a Digitrips-powered search form, the date selection tool promptly identifies the dates on which direct flights are available, saving them valuable time and effort.
      On routes with limited direct flights, Digitrips has already observed an increase of up to 10% in conversation rates following the launch of the enhanced calendar.
      Additionally, the technology provider reported a substantial decrease in search volume, with up to 60% fewer users initiating searches thanks to the efficiency of the direct flight calendar*.
      Emilie Dumont, CEO of Digitrips, said: “Many routes only offer direct flights on specific days of the week, and so those looking to avoid connections may need to spend a lot of time searching for the ideal day to travel.ADVERTISEMENT“Traditionally, customers would be expected to choose their preferred departure and return dates before they could filter the results to direct flights only. If there was no direct flight available, they would then have to manually adjust the date until they found one with a direct option.
      “We’re excited to have rolled out this innovative feature to all our partners, enabling them to streamline the search process, enhance the booking experience, and promote sustainable travel habits among their travellers.”
      Digitrips consistently updates its comprehensive database of over 730,000 direct flight rotations for its key departure markets: France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Switzerland.
      The new feature aligns with Digitrips’ commitment to helping customers reduce their carbon footprint by proactively encouraging them to choose direct flights. According to data from Digitrips, opting for a direct short-haul flight can slash emissions per passenger by up to 50%, compared to flying the same route with layovers.
      The company’s search engine also displays the estimated CO2 consumption of each flight during the booking process, empowering customers to make informed decisions.

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      Civitatis sets sights on 50% global growth for 2024

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      Civitatis sets sights on 50% global growth for 2024

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      With an unwavering focus on relentless expansion, Civitatis, the leading technological platform for booking Spanish-speaking activities, day trips, guided tours, and excursions worldwide – both in the B2C and B2B channels – is aiming for an ambitious 50% global growth in travellers 2024.
      This news follows the company’s recent announcements of reaching a milestone of 10 million travellers at the end of 2023 – an increase of 31% on 2022 – and experiencing significant expansion in the number of product and supplier partnerships by the close of 2023, reaching a total of 87,000 products supplied by 6,000 partners.
      Following the strategic appointment of regional directors in crucial Latin American markets like Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia – acting as country managers in these territories to equip Civitatis to cater to diverse regional needs – the company is eyeing triple-digit growth in these regions.
      Confirming the growth projections of Civitatis, only this week the company claimed the top spot in the annual ranking of Spanish firms likely to become ‘unicorns’ – startups with a valuation of $1bn –  published by Expansión, the leading economic daily newspaper in Spain.
      The recent growth and success of Civitatis has been driven by the company’s internationalisation strategy, focused on Spanish-speaking markets such as Latin America, enabling access to top-tier suppliers and thus amplifying the diversity of offerings available to B2B and B2C customers. As well as having a deep understanding of market dynamics and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Civitatis has also expanded its network of service providers and increased investments in marketing efforts.ADVERTISEMENTLooking ahead to 2024, CEO Alberto Gutiérrez asserts, “As we move into 2024, our firm commitment to relentless expansion remains stronger than ever. Our projected 50% global growth in travellers reflects to our team’s ambition and strategic plan. We’re excited about the opportunities ahead, particularly in key Latin American markets like Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia, where our regional directors will play a pivotal role in tailoring our offerings to meet diverse regional demands.”

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      SAUDIA HAS OBTAINED A LICENSE TO PROVIDE HAJJ SERVICES FOR PILGRIMS IN MAKKAH, MEDINA, AND HOLY SITE

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      Saudi Arabia designates 2024 as the Year of the Camel

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      For time immemorial, the camel has held a deep-rooted presence and unique role in the lives of Saudis and in shaping the Kingdom’s cultural heritage. As the national animal of Saudi Arabia and a traditional source of livelihood, the camel underpins a vast cultural heritage that has been expressed through art, crafts, literature, and the Kingdom’s way of life.
      Throughout 2024, a series of events, exhibitions, educational programs, and activities organized by the Saudi Ministry of Culture will highlight camel-inspired activities in a multitude of sectors, such as arts, fashion, quality of life, food production, culinary traditions, and sustainability practices.
      The Kingdom’s designation of the Year of the Camel coincides with the United Nations’ designation of 2024 as the International Year of Camelids. The combined recognitions underline the significant heritage and strength of the bond between humans and camelids. Across cultures, the camel has been part and parcel of people’s daily lives worldwide. The global focus on celebrating camelids’ place in society across geographies also represents an opportunity to highlight their importance for sustainability. As the planet tackles the challenges of climate change, food security and fragile biodiversity, the camel, capable of traveling up to 150 km in the desert without water, is an enduring emblem of resilience.
      As a symbol of patience, perseverance and adaptation, the camel has been a faithful companion to humans as they have acclimatized to various environmental landscapes. Throughout history, camels have forged new trails, which earned them the title of the ships of the desert. By bridging distances across arid lands, camels connected people from different cultures together.
      The traditions and heritage formed from these ancient human interactions with the camel run very deep. Life-size camel carvings have been found on the desert rocks of Al-Jawf, in the Kingdom’s northern region, dating back 2,000 years. Inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the special oral tradition called “Alheda’a” used by camel herders to communicate with these emblematic desert animals and call their flocks, represents the strong bond between animal and herder. Additionally, the traditions of camel racing and beauty pageants instill pride in camel owners and excite the imagination.ADVERTISEMENTThe new cultural year offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the cultural significance of camels in Saudi society across generations. Having traversed time as a bedrock of national identity, the camel represents a vital link between Saudi heritage, values and modern aspirations.
      Blending tradition and modernity, the Year of the Camel events will support and feature the participation of local artists, writers, and artisans actively contributing to the preservation and continuity of camel-themed ancestral traditions. This priceless heritage is preserved for future generations by safeguarding and furthering these cultural practices. It will also offer multiple avenues to shine a light on Saudis’ long history and companionship with the camel and serve as a platform for cultural collaboration and dialogue.
      Cultural preservation is foundational in transmitting the ancient legacy and heritage inspired by the Saudis’ unbreakable bond with the camel. The designation of cultural years provides a critical platform to share the greatness and beauty of Saudi Arabia’s culture with local and global audiences. They are a chance to celebrate and shine a spotlight on countless valuable tangible and intangible cultural elements through a series of events and initiatives.

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      Introducing the Most Expensive Ice Cream Bars in the World at DOOZEE Bespoke Ice Cream Bar

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      WELCOME TO MIAMI: ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S HIGHLY ANTICIPATED ICON OF THE SEAS ARRIVES FOR THE FIRST TIME More

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      NEOM announces Aquellum, a futuristic lifestyle community

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      The Board of Directors of NEOM has announced Aquellum, a luxury and experiential space embedded within the mountains, and the latest striking addition to the ongoing regional development in northwest Saudi Arabia. With its foundations steeped in cutting-edge technology, avant-garde architecture and forward-thinking concepts, Aquellum will offer guests a taste of futuristic living through its array of pioneering experiences.
      Concealed from the outside along the Gulf of Aqaba coastline, Aquellum is hidden within a breathtaking, 450-meter-high mountain range and represents a futuristic ecosystem that is harmoniously integrated into the natural surroundings. Crafted to inspire originality and imagination, Aquellum will push the boundaries of conventional design and construction possibilities.
      To access Aquellum, visitors will embark on an extraordinary journey, beginning at the world’s first floating marina. Here, guests will board a specially designed vessel to enter Aquellum through a concealed underground canal, unveiling a hidden community that offers an incredible sensory journey.
      Once inside, visitors will be treated to an exhilarating, 100-meter-high vertical experience with an impressive courtyard space stretching from the water to the sky. This subterranean digitalized community creates vibrancy and interconnectivity through seamlessly blending hotel accommodation, apartments, retail spaces, leisure and entertainment zones and innovative hubs.
      A dynamic boulevard winds through the courtyard, connecting diverse social spaces, world-class hospitality, immersive arts, events, shopping and dining. A signature space, dubbed ‘The Generator’, houses unique research labs for disruptors, innovators, and creative thinkers, offering a platform where the future is reimagined.ADVERTISEMENTAn omnidirectional internal transit system facilitates easy access to upper floors, transporting residents and visitors to their homes and hotels, ascending to rooftop gardens with breathtaking coastal views.
      Guided by its unwavering commitment to crafting spaces in nature that epitomize the future of luxury, innovation and lifestyle, Aquellum stands as a testament to the fusion of cutting-edge design and construction techniques.
      Aligned with NEOM’s commitment to conservation and innovation, Aquellum complements its coastal location. This new development follows recent announcements of Leyja, Epicon, Siranna, Utamo, and Norlana, which are also sustainable tourism destinations located in the Gulf of Aqaba.

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      THE RITZ-CARLTON YACHT COLLECTION OPENS RESERVATIONS FOR THIRD SUPERYACHT LUMINARA

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      THE RITZ-CARLTON YACHT COLLECTION OPENS RESERVATIONS FOR THIRD SUPERYACHT LUMINARA

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      The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection unveiled its summer 2025 itineraries across its fleet, Evrima, Ilma, and Luminara, marking an exciting moment as the company opens bookings for the inaugural season of its third superyacht. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection debuted in October 2022 with the launch of Evrima, the first time a luxury hospitality brand expanded into the cruising category. With all three superyachts now open for reservations, the brand extension continues to build on its success signifying continued growth and offering more opportunities for luxury travelers to enjoy unforgettable getaways at sea.“A standard in luxury cruising was set in 2022 with the introduction of Evrima, the first of our Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection fleet, marking our expansion into the yachting category,” said Tina Edmundson, President, Luxury, Marriott International. “In a short time, our world-class itineraries have attracted guests who are new to the category and interested in exploring new horizons and cultures with the assurance of The Ritz- Carlton brand. We are thrilled to have created experiences that redefine luxury cruising. Endless explorations await as we prepare to launch our second yacht, Ilma, in 2024, and our third, Luminara, in 2025.”
      “With Luminara, we are not just adding another superyacht to our fleet; we are expanding the horizons of ultra-luxury travel,” stated Jim Murren, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “This growth embodies our unwavering dedication to exploration, enrichment, and the pursuit of extraordinary experiences for our guests. Luminara is an invitation to embark on remarkable journeys and discover the world’s most captivating destinations with unparalleled amenities and service.”
      The Inaugural Season of Luminara
      Inspiring curiosities and celebrations, Luminara, derived from Latin origin and meaning “light,” will measure 794 feet (242 meters) and accommodate up to 452 guests. In addition to 226 spacious suites, each boasting a private ocean-view terrace, a higher percentage of upper-suite categories, and superior guest amenities, the onboard experience will feature world-class dining, a wine vault, The Ritz-Carlton Spa®, and an expanded marina providing direct access to the sea. Among its range of upper-suite categories will be a new expansive accommodation, The Residential Suite, promising a collection of offerings that caters to a variety of preferences.
      Luminara will embody contemporary craftsmanship and refined interior finishes envisioned by AD Associates, a renowned London-based architectural and design firm, with creative direction by Chapi Chapo Design, an internationally acclaimed Toronto-based luxury design firm, and celebrated lighting designer DPA. The yacht’s sleek and graceful exterior design, expertly envisioned by Helsinki-based design studio Aivan, draws inspiration from the elegant aesthetics of private yacht design. Inspired by light and luminescence, Luminara’s design emphasizes elegance and sophistication. Its layout, featuring explorative passages and favoring circular silhouettes over geometric edges, creates a seamless design, forming a sense of limitless space in each area. A serene color palette of soft brown oak, Calcutta marble, leather accents, and touches of rich red, navy, and green will provide an elegant oasis at sea.ADVERTISEMENTThe 2025 Summer Season
      The summer season spanning from April to October 2025 presents a curated selection of 53 itineraries, featuring new ports of call, standout shore excursions, and an inaugural experience – nine exclusive voyages aboard Ilma in Northern Europe. Ilma will navigate the North Sea and Baltic Sea, offering journeys to dynamic cities like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Reykjavík, alongside culturally rich stops in Belfast, Bergen, Antwerp, and more. Guests will also explore beloved yachting havens, including the Greek Isles, the Balearic Islands, the French Riviera, and the Italian Riviera.
      Breathtaking ports of call bring novel adventures to travelers such as the historic maritime city of Toulon, the lively nightlife of Marbella, and the pristine beaches in Kos. Wine enthusiasts can discover the iconic vineyards of Bordeaux while history aficionados can venture through the historic castles of Edinburgh. With more time in port, the new voyages allow plenty of time for exploration.
      Providing the opportunity to uncover all a destination has to offer, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers a curated collection of enriching onshore excursions. In Palma de Mallorca, guests are invited to book a private helicopter tour to a wine tasting nestled at the foot of Mallorca’s mountain region. Guests in Livorno, Italy may sail the canals of the city in a boat exclusively for guests of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection before disembarking for a mixology class with a world class bartender. Panoramic views of Portofino Bay await voyagers at the elegant Hotel Splendido where guests will enjoy a lunch of traditional Italian recipes, paired with one of Italy’s most precious ingredients: olive oil.
      Highlights of 2025 Summer Itineraries Aboard Luminara:
      July 31, 2025 | 7-Night Rome Round TripDuring an overnight in Livorno, go truffle hunting in Tuscany, climb the infamous Tower of Pisa, and discover the Renaissance icons of Florence. Then take in the scenic Ligurian coast by kayak from Portofino and the equally stunning Côte d’Azur via helicopter from Monte Carlo, continuing to the mountains of Corsica and the yacht-filled harbor of Porto Cervo.
      August 7, 2025 | 7-Night Rome Round TripOn the rooftop terrace of a 17th-century palace in Malta, the Michelin-starred restaurant De Mondion offers a delicious prelude to adventures in Italy. Contrast Sicily’s ancient Greek theaters with the vast ruins of Pompeii near Sorrento and reflect on the ancient history you’ve witnessed while boating along the Amalfi Coast and exploring ethereal blue grottoes.
      August 21, 2025 | 7-Night Barcelona Round TripEnjoy two days to explore the countless icons of Rome, such as the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums, and toss a coin in Trevi Fountain to ensure your return. Then natural wonders take center stage as you kayak the Ligurian coastline and explore the scenic countryside around Collioure that inspired artists like Matisse and Picasso.
      Highlights of 2025 Summer Itineraries Aboard Ilma:
      June 29, 2025 | 9-Night Lisbon to PortsmouthWine connoisseurs and novices alike will appreciate the opportunity to sip port in Portugal, taste Rioja in Spain, and spend two days exploring the renowned vineyards of Bordeaux. Culinary delights are complemented by cultural marvels like Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum and the magnificent abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel perched on a tidal island near Saint-Malo.
      July 24, 2025 | 7-Night Copenhagen to StockholmUNESCO protects many cultural treasures surrounding the Baltic Sea, including the 17th-century naval port of Karlskrona, the 18th-century fortress guarding Helsinki, and the medieval Old Town of Tallinn. While exploring five different countries along these fascinating shores, shop for a souvenir of Baltic amber in Gdansk, and try Swedish pancakes and smoked salmon in Mariehamn.
      August 17, 2025 | 7-Night Reykjavík Round TripSetting off from the cosmopolitan capital of Reykjavík, circumnavigate Iceland to experience this wonderland from the waterfalls and thermal baths around Akureyri to the mountains and glaciers near Grundarfjörður. Explore remote villages where intrepid locals have made lives amidst the raw natural beauty and sail as far north as the Arctic Circle along the way.
      Highlights of 2025 Summer Itineraries Aboard Evrima:
      April 24, 2025 | 10-Night Lisbon to BarcelonaBask in the Mediterranean’s balmy spring as you sail from Lisbon to Barcelona. Compare two grand Moorish fortresses protected by UNESCO – the Alcázar royal palace of Seville and Granada’s Alhambra castle near Málaga – and then explore the contrasting cultures and unrivaled beaches of the Balearic Islands.
      June 5, 2025 | 7-Night Venice Round TripAdriatic culture, cuisine and history are the themes of this journey that begins and concludes along the iconic canals of Venice. Stroll the narrow medieval streets of the Old Towns in Kotor and Zadar, sip Croatian wine as the sun sets on Dubrovnik, and tour the 15th-century Venetian palace in Koper’s historic center.
      June 27, 2025 | 9-Night Athens Round TripExperience two of Turkey’s most wondrous icons with an overnight stay in a nexus of civilization – the city of Istanbul – and a visit to the remarkably restored ruins of the ancient Greco-Roman city of Ephesus. Along the way, go Greek island hopping through whitewashed villages dripping in bougainvillea from Skiathos to Mykonos.
      The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection brings the renowned service of The Ritz-Carlton to sea, offering a luxury yachting experience that navigates guests to the world’s most sought-after destinations. Spanning three superyachts, the bespoke collection provides airy, inviting spaces, encouraging relaxation and exploration. With more daytime and overnight ports of call, guests enjoy increased flexibility for onshore experiences. For more information on Evrima, Ilma, Luminara, and the upcoming yachting seasons of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, please visit www.ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com.

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      ATLANTIS PARADISE ISLAND ANNOUNCES NEW RESTAURANT, FIELDTRIP WITH AWARD-WINNING CHEF JJ JOHNSON

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      MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL AND NEOM TO BRING APARTMENTS BY MARRIOTT BONVOY TO SINDALAH

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      Marriott International has signed an agreement with NEOM to bring Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy to Sindalah, the luxury island destination in the Red Sea off Saudi Arabia’s northwest coast.Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy will offer premium and luxury apartment-style accommodations to meet the increased demand from families and younger travelers, who now seek more space and homely amenities when staying away from home.
      “Marriott International has deep insights into the continuously evolving preferences of global travelers. It positions them as a perfect partner for us as we look to develop an array of accommodation options to meet the needs of Sindalah visitors. We are excited to strengthen our partnership by introducing their new brand to the region, which will elevate the guest experience for a growing number of groups traveling together,” said Chris Newman, Executive Director, NEOM Hotel Division.

      “We continue to strengthen our collaboration with NEOM with the signing of our first Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy in the Middle East,” said Chadi Hauch, Regional Vice President, Lodging Development, Middle East, Marriott International. “We continue to see a growing desire for premium and luxury apartment-style accommodation among travelers. Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy will be a great fit for Sindalah which is anticipated to offer our guests and members exciting, year-long travel experiences on the island.”
      ADVERTISEMENTDesigned to cater to travelers seeking more residential amenities, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy Sindalah will feature units ranging from studios to one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, all equipped with a separate living room, full kitchen, and in-unit washer and dryer. The property, set to open in 2024, is also slated to offer a fitness center and swimming pool.

      “We are proud to be introducing the first Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy to the Middle East adding another tier to our luxury accommodation offering,” said Antoni Vives, NEOM’s Chief Urban Planning and Islands Officer. “We understand the desires of our guests traveling with family or a group of friends to have more space to relax. Located near the promenade close to culinary experiences and luxury fashion, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy will meet those needs to linger longer, for a comfortable and luxurious stay. We are excited to start welcoming guests so that they can experience all that Sindalah has to offer.”

      The signing of Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy Sindalah marks the fourth collaboration between NEOM and Marriott International on the luxury island, which will also include two Luxury Collection properties and an Autograph Collection Hotel.
      The Luxury Collection properties will include a beach resort offering a mix of 70 luxury rooms and suites with private pools. The second Luxury Collection project will be an all-suite property offering, situated in the heart of the retail and marina district. The Autograph Collection property is anticipated to offer 66 rooms and suites, multiple dining options and a spa.
      Sindalah is the first island to be developed in NEOM and is set to be among the most alluring destinations in the Red Sea. A yachting paradise, Sindalah is just a 17-hour sail from the Mediterranean and will be home to a prestigious 86-berth marina. The island will also include over 400 ultra-premium hotel rooms and 300 top-end suites, a beach club, a glamorous yacht club, and a golf course which will deliver two unique nine-hole experiences, 51 luxury retail boutiques along with 38 unique culinary offerings.

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      “Spring Blanc”: Events and Sunshine Skiing in Ischgl

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      “Spring Blanc”: Events and Sunshine Skiing in Ischgl

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      Springtime in Ischgl is one more reason to hit the slopes: From the end of March to early May the so-called “Spring Blanc” takes place, a mix of sporty, music and culinary events as well as sunshine skiing, ensuring fun on and away from the region’s pistes.Sun, snow, spring temperatures, excellent cuisine and spectacular open-air concerts. At the end of March, Ischgl ups its game once again with “Spring Blanc”, an event series at the Silvretta Arena, that will surely bring additional enjoyable reasons to spend springtime in the snow. The Top of the Mountain Easter Concert with German rapper Nina Chuba on 31 March 2024 marks the official kick off, afterwards holidaymakers can look forward to a colourful mix of food, music, and top-notch skiing up until the season closing on 1 May 2024. Among the Highlights: Culinary festivals and competitions, the Top of the Mountain Spring, Easter and Closing Concerts with international headliners including the Black Eyed Peas, the Spring Snow Festival at the Alp Trida and smaller special moments (see full event schedule below).
      The best thing about it:  The Silvretta Arena with its 239 km of slopes is located 2,000m above sea level, meaning skiers can whizz down the pistes, and enjoy exhilarating powder descents before and after the events up until the very end of the season.More information: www.ischgl.com
      Spring Blanc – Event schedule
      21/03/2024   Top of the Mountain Easter ConcertAt the Idalp with Nina Chuba (German rapper/actress)
      05/04/2024   sun.downerSunset with a lounge vibe and cocktails from 7 to 9 pm at Pardatschgrat (2,624 m)ADVERTISEMENT07/04/2024   grenzenlos.kulinarischInternational food trucks and music at the Swiss-Austrian border at Flimjoch
      10/04 –11/04/2024   Austrian Ski Cross Championship (and Junior Championship)
      14/04/2024   Top of the Mountain Spring ConcertAt the Idalp with Andreas Gabalier (Austrian folk rock’n’roll star)
      14/04 – 30/04/2024   dine.aroundIschgl’s award-winning restaurants await guests cheese and wine tastings, themed menus, gourmet safaris, and more
      17/04 –18/04/2024   Ski World Cup of Gastronomy13th edition of the skiing event at the Idalp where chefs, bartenders, and sommeliers compete against each other
      19/04/2024   sun.downerSunset with a lounge vibe and cocktails from 7 to 9 pm at Pardatschgrat (2,624 m)
      21/04/2024   International Spring Snow Festival Alp TridaWith German rock duo The BossHoss
      21/04 –22/04/2024   Star Cup of the ChefsMore than 40 award-winning chefs from Austria and Germany compete against each other on the slopes and in the kitchen
      23/04/2024   Tourism Games by IschglChefs, bar keepers and hospitality marketing talents under 30 compete against each other on the Ischgl Stage
      30/4/2024     Top of the Mountain Closing ConcertWith the Black Eyed Peas at the Idalp
      Galtür Nordic Volumes for Cross-Country Fans
      Fans of cross-country skiing will be delighted that the Galtür Nordic Volumes, a four-day festival dedicated to the sports, will take place for the third time from 21 – 24 March 2024.  Cross-country skiers can look forward to races, including the Galtür Nordic Night Race, a Junior Race and the Cross Country Climb from Galtür to Bielerhöhe (considered a FIS race!), with a total prize money of 15,000 EURO (approx. 14,000 GBP) – registration is now open!New this year: The Tirol Nordic 3 Challenge where racers can compete in three events in Tirol.Apart from the competitions, there are daily workshops with experts, and a cross-country skiing camp, plus the chance to try out all the latest gear from Fischer Sports, LEKI and gloryfy unbreakable.
      Click here for information and registration

      Galtür Nordic Volumes – Event schedule
      21/03/2024   Galtür Nordic Night Race5th edition with races for pros, amateurs and kids
      22/03/2024   Cross-Country CampFree workshops for all skill levels, including beginners
      23/03/2024   Galtür Cross Country ClimbA picturesque route for intermediates and pros
      24/03/2024   Junior RaceA 5 km-long race for teenagers born between 2009 and 2012
      21/03 –24/03 2024   Expo & Ski TestCross-country exhibition and chance to try new gear on-site

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