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      Cloudbeds unveils annual State of Independent Lodging Report

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      Cloudbeds, the hospitality management platform powering more reservations and happier guests for independent lodging businesses around the globe, today released its 2024 State of Independent Lodging Report.
      The second annual edition of the report offers a unique and data-rich perspective on the global independent lodging segment, shedding light on insights and trends from property types and segments often overlooked in industry reporting.Adam Harris, Co-Founder and CEO of Cloudbeds, said: “The outlook for the travel industry in 2024 looks rather encouraging, with economic forecasts shifting from fears of a global recession to expectations of a soft landing and moderate growth.
      “Advanced technologies are likely to usher in a shift in how owners, operators, and hoteliers do business as they chase demand. Unplanned overbookings, front desks staffed 24/7, and marketing or finance degrees to optimize revenue will soon be a thing of the past. So are siloed and disparate legacy systems.
      “Today, we’re pleased to unveil our findings from thousands of independent properties worldwide, empowering lodging businesses to benchmark their performance against industry peers.”
      Key findings from the report include:ADVERTISEMENTOccupancy patterns are projected to remain consistent in 2024. With demand relatively flat, hotels will need to focus efforts on growing market share and RevPAR.With travelers expected to be more price-sensitive this year, hoteliers may struggle to raise their average daily rates (ADR) and should explore new ways to hedge inflation.Online travel agencies (OTAs) have returned stronger than ever. In 2023, OTAs generated 60.5% of global bookings, a higher proportion than in any of the previous three years and much higher than the 39.5% of bookings generated on direct channels.
      By leveraging a wealth of aggregated and anonymized data from across the globe, Cloudbeds has also identified six new trends poised to reshape the travel landscape in 2024. These include a resurgence in lagging market segments, an uptick in inflation-busting travel hacks, and new spins on experiential travel. In addition, Cloudbeds anticipates continued growth in the short-term rental sector (despite rumors to the contrary), new efficiencies driven by generative AI, and growing demand for new skills among next-generation hoteliers.
      The new trends complement last year’s five key developments, which are set to continue this year: value-driven decision-making, the shift to virtual front desks, blended travel meeting hybrid hospitality, new technologies to disrupt travel search and inspiration, and a shift from focusing on amenities to guest experiences.
      Cloudbeds’ findings are grounded in data from 10,000+ independent properties, encompassing boutique hotels and guest houses, B&Bs, and hotel groups in over 100 countries. The results are divided into four regions: North America, Latin America (including Mexico), Europe, and Asia Pacific (including Australia and New Zealand).
      To download a free copy of Cloudbeds’ 2024 State of Independent Lodging Report, visit https://www.cloudbeds.com/hospitality-industry-report.

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      RIYADH AIR ELEVATES PLANNING EFFICIENCY THROUGH STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH SABRE

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      RIYADH AIR ELEVATES PLANNING EFFICIENCY THROUGH STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH SABRE

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      Riyadh Air, the new national airline of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that’s shaping the future of flying, announces a fundamental collaboration with Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR), a leading software and technology provider powering the global travel industry. This strategic partnership underscores Riyadh Air’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and driving incremental revenue gains through Sabre’s end-to-end Network Planning and Optimization solutions. Sabre Network Planning and Optimization solutions empower collaborative and intelligent decision-making, ensuring airlines can optimally design their networks, accurately forecast demand, and profitably schedule and allocate available capacity.
      Under this groundbreaking deal, Riyadh Air has chosen Sabre’s comprehensive suite of solutions, including Sabre Schedule Manager, Sabre Slot Manager, Sabre Profit Manager, and Sabre Market Intelligence – Global Demand Data (GDD) to achieve its strategic goals and drive its vision.
      “Sabre’s technology provides a new level of insight that will enable Riyadh Air to make informed network planning and commercial decisions, ensuring greater revenue returns, allowing us to invest more in enhancing the overall passenger experience,” said Vincent Coste, Chief Commercial Officer, Riyadh Air. “We have carefully selected a stable of world class technical suppliers to power Riyadh Air towards its maiden flight in 2025, and this collaboration is a key milestone in our journey to achieve operational excellence and scale our business efficiently.”
      Sabre Schedule Manager is an industry-leading scheduling solution that increases aircraft utilization by optimizing the schedule development process from planning to distribution, thereby increasing revenue potential. This solution seamlessly integrates with a wide range of third-party solutions and has globally assisted airlines in achieving incremental operating margins and increases in productivity, while maintaining robust and operationally feasible schedules.
      Sabre Slot Manager is another integral component of Sabre’s suite that automates the slot process and efficiently manages an airline’s critical slot portfolio with improved asset utilization. It stands out as the industry’s most comprehensive slot management solution used by airlines operating with the most complex slot portfolios at some of the most severely capacity constrained airports worldwide.ADVERTISEMENTAdditionally, Sabre Profit Manager, a key offering, accurately forecasts demand and profitability with an average increase of up to 2% in revenues. This empowers Riyadh Air to design profitable Network Plans and create an optimal hub structure. Profit Manager incorporates the industry’s most robust partnership and alliance modeling to pinpoint new revenue opportunities.
      Sabre Market Intelligence – GDD connects Riyadh Air to robust market data and provides advanced data analysis capabilities across multiple areas, including Network Planning and Optimization. It improves data efficiency, enabling Riyadh Air to identify new revenue opportunities and increases competitive advantage with robust booking, shopping and market data analysis for commercial planning teams.
      This strategic alliance between Riyadh Air and Sabre signifies a commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for sustainable growth, improved efficiency, and enhanced profitability.
      “Sabre has a strong reputation for driving results through our innovative solutions that enable airlines to respond swiftly to competitor changes, identify new market opportunities, and optimize flight times for incremental revenue gains,” said Garry Wiseman, Chief Product and Technology Officer, Sabre Travel Solutions. “Our end-to-end Network Planning and Optimization suite has been a cornerstone of commercial planning for over two decades, supporting brand differentiation and operational excellence.”
      Sabre’s Network Planning and Optimization solutions have a proven track record of innovating and transforming commercial planning, with more than 90 global customers, including prominent airlines around the world. The suite addresses the end-to-end planning and scheduling lifecycle, supporting airlines of all types and sizes.

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      Qatar Airways Group Partners with Our Habitas to Launch ‘Our Habitas Ras Abrouq’ More

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      Qatar Airways Group Partners with Our Habitas to Launch ‘Our Habitas Ras Abrouq’

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      Qatar Airways Group in partnership with Our Habitas has officially launched a luxury resort nestled on the West Coast of Qatar next to the Al Reem UNESCO-Designated Biosphere Reserve. Located about one hour’s drive from Hamad International Airport in Doha, the resort features unspoiled views of the Arabian Gulf, spectacular golden sunsets along with an exciting blend of art, culture, music, wellness, and adventure programmes.
      Her Excellency Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani along with VIP guests, media, designers and artists were present at an opening ceremony to showcase the distinctive hospitality venture that promises a unique experience.

      Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “Our Habitas Ras Abrouq is a breathtakingly beautiful Qatari desert destination and now travellers across the Qatar Airways global network can experience this landscape in a unique way when they fly to Doha. We are working with Our Habitas to unlock the future of travel by curating one-of-a kind, innovative, travel experiences.”
      Our Habitas co-founder and chief executive, Oliver Ripley said: “We believe that people are changing the way in which they choose to travel, seeking meaningful connection with places, culture, nature and each other, this resort welcomes global traveler’s to discover Qatar, its culture, and immerse themselves where the desert meets the sea inside a UNESCO biosphere.”ADVERTISEMENT
      The area stands out due to its unusual landscape of white cliffs and beautiful geological forms yielding a captivating view of the Qatari desert. The resort’s one-to-four-bedroom villas, each with private pools and large outdoor decks, overlook the Arabian Gulf.

      Internationally acclaimed artist Richard Serra’s public art installation, the East-West/West-East sculpture commissioned by Qatar Museums Authority, is 1.6km from the resort. Qatar Museums has also been working alongside Qatar Airways Group contributing a unique perspective and a creative, cultural element.

      The desert resort also features an on-site restaurant, Qissa, a terrace lounge, beach club, wellness centre, state-of-the-art gym, water sports adventure hub, infinity swimming pool and padel tennis courts.

      Our Habitas Ras Abrouq offers travellers the opportunity to immerse themselves in various workshops and activities which include pottery, restorative sunrise yoga, breathwork, sound ceremonies, calligraphy and al sadu weaving workshops. Adventure seekers can also take part in exhilarating water sports such as kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, padel tennis, mountain biking, hiking, desert exploration and survival training.

      “Our Habitas Ras Abrouq” is the latest hospitality offering by Dhiafatina, the hospitality subsidiary of the Qatar Airways group which has a growing portfolio of local and International hotel properties and spas. Currently Dhiafatina owns or operates several local hotels such as the Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha, the Oryx Hotel at Hamad International Airport, and the Oryx Garden Hotel.

      Dhiafatina recently opened the water sports hotel in the North of Qatar, Fuwairit Kite Beach, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. The group continues to hand pick hospitality projects such as Ras Abrouq which caters to Qatar Airways travellers and the Group’s overall global strategy.

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      Mark Warner Launches Wingsurfing and Wingfoiling Courses for 2024 at Aeolian Village Beach Resort

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      Mark Warner Launches Wingsurfing and Wingfoiling Courses for 2024 at Aeolian Village Beach Resort

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      New for 2024, active beach holiday specialists Mark Warner (www.markwarner.co.uk, 0845 322 5037) is offering a range of exciting introductory wingsurfing and wingfoiling courses at their newest property, Aeolian Village Beach Resort in Lesvos. Offering an easy way to get out on the water, wingsurfing and wingfoiling are the latest must-try activities for watersports-lovers of all levels. he courses at Aeolian Village include group sessions and private lessons for guests aged 14 years and older, as well as Youth Intro to Wingsurfing for guests aged 10 – 13 years.
      Opened in 2023, Mark Warner’s Aeolian Village Beach Resort offers near-perfect conditions for the sports, with great wind and flat water making it an ideal location to learn.  Set against a backdrop of mountains, the resort opens directly onto a quiet corner of Eressos beach, a gorgeous sandy bay on southwest coast of Lesvos.  As at all Mark Warner resorts, a friendly team of coaches and specialist instructors are on hand to smooth the way.  Other watersports include sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing and rowing, as well as kayaks, which are ideal to explore the coastline.  Guests can choose from making watersports a central focus of the holiday, trying something new, or just dipping in and out of the programmes.
      Widely considered to be easier than windsurfing or kiteboarding, both wingsurfing and wingfoiling use a handheld ‘wing’ which has an inflatable leading edge and strut or boom to drive participants along. The wing is free of the board, and the fact that it is hand-held makes it easier to adjust than traditional windsurfing. Wingsurfing uses a plain board or stand-up paddle board and offers the chance to learn and get confident using the wing. No previous experience is required to give wingsurfing a go and once the basics are mastered, the next stage is wingfoiling, which uses a board with a hydrofoil attached to it, giving the impression of ‘flying’ across the water. 
      Courses available at the resort are as follows:
      Intro to WingSurfing (3hrs) 14 years upwards, pre bookable, £60 pp.Youth Intro to WingSurfing (3hrs) 10 to 13 years, pre bookable, £40 pp.Intro to WingSurfing PLUS (3hrs) 10 years upwards, bookable in resort, £60 pp.Intro to WingFoiling Course (9hrs) 14 years upwards, bookable in resort – £100 pp.WingSurf & WingFoil Private lessons – 1hr – bookable in resort – £50 pp.Aeolian Village Beach Resort: With the friendly and welcoming atmosphere that Mark Warner is renowned for, Aeolian Village combines outstanding sporting facilities, experienced instructors and exceptional childcare, along with expertly crafted sundowners, spa facilities and ample sun loungers, making the perfect mix for an as activity-filled or chilled-out holiday as you like. ADVERTISEMENTActivities:  Fitness-orientated guests will be spoilt for choice for activities on land or on the water. For those looking to explore the island on two wheels, either independently or on a guided cycle trip, the quiet roads and tracks that criss-cross Lesvos island make for memorable road cycling.
      There are two freshwater pools – one of which is perfect for swimming lengths, with an adjacent family-pool. A padel court offers the chance to try this increasingly popular racquet game, along with three astro tennis courts. The team of tennis staff are available for coaching and guidance, whether in private or group lessons, or in one of the sociable tournaments.  There is a varied fitness programme, with daily classes, an air-conditioned gym, sauna, whirlpool and spa area.
      Families: As is the case at all Mark Warner resorts, families have a superb range of options, allowing parents to switch off knowing their children are having a fantastic time. Choose from six different aged clubs for children and young people ranging from ‘Baby Club’ (4-11 months) to ‘Mini Club’ (3-5 years), Kidz Club (10-13 years) to the Indy Club (14-17 years).  The first-class childcare programme at Aeolian Beach Village is run by kind, experienced nannies, based in newly kitted-out, purpose built, air-conditioned childcare facilities.
      A fantastic choice of daytime activities is on offer to suit each age group.  From sailing, windsurfing and water polo for teenagers, to arts and music, beach and pool fun for younger guests, the emphasis is on fun and adventure in a warm and welcoming environment. Evening childcare and activities are also available, including movie nights and chillout time for older children. 
      Accommodation:  Accommodation is in two distinct areas. The main hotel wraps around the pool area, with lush gardens connected by meandering pathways, whilst the pretty pastel-coloured buildings of The Village are set up into the hillside behind the hotel. With two restaurants and three bars to choose from, the resort has the feel of a mini-Greek village. There is a tempting choice on offer and half-board dining is included in all stays.  Nearby Skala Eresou has a great selection of cafes and restaurants to choose from, just a short walk from the resort.
      Summer prices start from £849pp for a 7-night stay at Aeolian Village Beach Resort based on two adults sharing a Twin/Double room including half board accommodation and most activities.  Activity prices for the courses are based on current exchange rates.

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      Norway Implements New Tourism Regulations in Svalbard for Wildlife Protection

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      Starting January 1, 2025, Norway plans to introduce new restrictions for cruise ships and other tourist activities in Svalbard to protect its unique wildlife, including a cap on ship passengers and designated landing sites.Svalbard, a remote archipelago situated above the Arctic Circle, is set to see significant changes in tourism regulations aimed at preserving its pristine environment and diverse wildlife. Known for its dramatic landscapes and as a haven for species like polar bears, reindeer, and walruses, Svalbard’s popularity among adventurous travelers has prompted the Norwegian government to take action to ensure the archipelago’s protection.
      The proposed regulations, pending parliamentary approval and slated to take effect on January 1, 2025, will impose stricter controls on the number of visitors and their activities. Key among these measures is the limitation on the number of passengers allowed on ships in protected areas to a maximum of 200 and the restriction of shore landings to 43 specified sites across the archipelago. These steps are designed to minimize the human impact on the area’s delicate ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
      Further, the use of drones will be prohibited in protected zones, aiming to reduce disturbances to wildlife. The rules also enforce a permanent ban on snowmobiles and other tracked vehicles on sea ice in certain fjords post-March 1, with exceptions made only for cabin access. Additionally, the regulations extend to maritime activities, with specific guidelines to avoid disturbing nesting birds and marine mammals. For instance, ships are required to maintain speeds below 5 knots within 500 meters of bird cliffs during the breeding season and adhere to distance guidelines when near walrus haul-out sites or polar bear habitats.
      Cruise operators like Hurtigruten and its sister brand HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) that offer itineraries in Svalbard will need to adjust their operations to comply with the new restrictions. These measures reflect a growing trend towards sustainable and responsible tourism practices in vulnerable regions, emphasizing the balance between exploration and conservation.
      As Svalbard prepares for these changes, the move is broadly seen as a positive step towards safeguarding the archipelago’s natural beauty and unique wildlife for future generations. The initiative highlights the importance of proactive environmental stewardship in the face of increasing tourism pressures on the world’s last wild frontiers.ADVERTISEMENT

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      Process Begins for Giant Pandas Potential Return to the San Diego Zoo

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      San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) took an important step forward in having giant pandas return to the San Diego Zoo by signing a cooperative agreement with China Wildlife Conservation Association and filing a permit application with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.SDZWA has a nearly 30-year conservation partnership with research collaborators in China focused on protecting and recovering giant pandas. These collaborative efforts have had a significant impact—including, increased scientific understanding of giant panda biology, care and wellness, and what pandas need to thrive in a changing climate—contributing directly to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List downgrading the giant panda from Endangered to Vulnerable in 2021. But there is still much more work to do to secure their safe future.
      “We are humbled by the potential opportunity of continuing our collaborative conservation efforts to secure the future for giant pandas. As such, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is taking important steps to ensure we are prepared for a potential return. This includes sharing our detailed conservation plans with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure alignment for the greater benefit of giant pandas,” said Dr. Megan Owen, Vice President of Conservation Science.
      Collaboration between SDZWA and Chinese research partners has contributed to critically important and far-reaching discoveries as well as scientific contributions that have played a meaningful role in China’s efforts to bring the iconic and beloved giant panda back from the brink of extinction. These include critical findings on giant panda reproductive behavior and physiology, nutritional requirements, habitat needs and genetic research among other areas of focus. The efforts include developing a giant panda milk formula and other neonatal conservation techniques that dramatically increased survival rates for nursery-reared cubs from 5% to 95%, the first successful artificial insemination of a giant panda outside of China and contributing valuable expertise to efforts led by Chinese scientists to track wild giant pandas at the Foping National Nature Reserve using GPS technology.
      Although the conservation status of the giant panda is improving, there is still much work needed to ensure they remain on the path to recovery with healthy and flourishing populations.
      Climate change, habitat fragmentation and population isolation are some of the pressures facing giant pandas. SDZWA’s proposed conservation strategy aims to improve giant panda population health and resilience in some of the smallest and most isolated populations vulnerable to extinction and loss of genetic diversity.ADVERTISEMENT“Pandas in our care and in the care of Chinese colleagues at conservation facilities play an important role as assurance against extinction and loss of genetic diversity in their native habitats, as well as a source population for reintroductions,” said Dr. Owen. “Our partnership over the decades has served as a powerful example of how—when we work together—we can achieve what was once thought to be impossible. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is uniquely positioned to collaborate toward a shared goal of creating a sustainable future for giant pandas.”

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      Singapore Aviation Industry Eyes Hydrogen Fuel for Decarbonization

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      The Singapore Hydrogen Cooperation Committee sees hydrogen fuel playing a potential role in the state’s aviation decarbonisation journey.
      The working group was formed following the signing of the Cooperation Agreement by Airbus, Changi Airport Group, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), and Linde in February 2022. Since then, the committee has examined regional and local market demand and supply for hydrogen, the hydrogen supply chain and infrastructure requirements, and the potential considerations for establishing a successful hydrogen ecosystem for aviation in the city-state.
      The technology to use liquid hydrogen to power aircraft is currently under development and will only be applied on future generations of large commercial aircraft. The early technical feasibility study undertaken by the committee is useful to ensure that when the technology becomes mature and feasible, Singapore will be well prepared to incorporate liquid hydrogen as part of its aviation decarbonisation strategy.
      “Stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region are increasingly taking greater interest in making significant investments into hydrogen, developing new technologies and establishing supply chains. Together with our partners, we recognise the potential of hydrogen becoming a longer-term decarbonisation pathway for aircraft operations, complementing sustainable aviation fuel, in support of our transition towards net zero by 2050,”said Sabine Klauke, Chief Technology Officer, Airbus.
      As part of the study, the committee has identified infrastructure scenarios that could support the progressive deployment of a large-scale supply of liquid hydrogen for aviation at Changi Airport in the longer term future. Singapore’s aviation sector may consume up to 50 tonnes of liquid hydrogen daily from the 2040s, and up to 600 tons per day beyond 2050. These scenarios are based on future hydrogen aircraft with capacities of 100 to 200 passengers, operating range of 1000 to 2000 nautical miles, entering service between 2035 and 2040 in Singapore.ADVERTISEMENTWhile a 2,000 NM range from Singapore’s Changi Airport would allow an aircraft to reach about 74 airports in 20 Asia-Pacific countries and territories, the committee highlighted that other key factors such as the hydrogen readiness levels at potential destination airports and airlines’ commercial considerations would also be important to realise the eventual hydrogen-powered flights between Changi Airport and other airports in the region.
      Mr Han Kok Juan, Director-General of CAAS, said, “The International Civil Aviation Organisation Member States have adopted a collective long-term global aspirational goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. While the near-term focus is on the wider adoption of sustainable aviation fuels in aircraft operations, hydrogen can potentially play a complementary role as a sustainable energy fuel in the longer term. CAAS has shared some of the key findings from the study with relevant government agencies for longer-term national planning for demand of hydrogen and will continue to monitor signposts around the development of hydrogen technology for aircraft operations.”
      Ms Poh Li San, Senior Vice President, Terminal 5 Specialised Systems, Changi Airport Group said, “Hydrogen technology is still in its nascency, with many uncertainties and the industry is working hard to study aspects such as operations, safety, regulation and economics. These need to be examined further. As the aviation industry progresses on its sustainability journey, it is prudent to take a phased approach as air hubs study how best to support the use of hydrogen by aircraft.”
      “Hydrogen has a key role to play in the global clean energy transition. In aviation, hydrogen shows promise on two fronts: reducing aircraft emissions in the air, and decarbonising airside ground activities,” said John Panikar, EVP and CEO APAC, Linde. “Linde has over 100 years of experience with hydrogen. Our business spans the entire global hydrogen value chain and we look forward to leveraging our capabilities to further develop the promise of hydrogen in aviation.”
      To enable hydrogen powered aviation to take-off when the technology, regulations, infrastructure and supply chains are ready, the committee also agreed that it was important to continue monitoring the development of hydrogen technology for aviation around the following signposts:
      Technology: monitor hydrogen aircraft technology maturity and develop related signposts, including the launch of Airbus’ ZEROe aircraft demonstrator in 2027.Concept of Operations (CONOPs): monitor development of associated CONOPs for logistics, storage, onsite distribution and refuelling of liquid hydrogen in an airport environment.Regulations:monitor development of safety regulatory frameworks and standards around the use of liquid hydrogen for aircraft operations.Hydrogen Supply Chain and Airport Infrastructure: monitor development of robust and commercial-scale liquid hydrogen supply chain compatible with an airport (from import, storage, and onward distribution network to aircraft).Readiness of other airports for liquid hydrogen aircraft operations.Relative price of liquid hydrogen as an alternative aircraft fuel.About Changi Airports International
      Changi Airports International (CAI) is a leading airport investor, manager and consultant in the global aviation market. As a strategic partner, CAI designs integrated solutions that enable its clients and partners to fulfil their potential of being world-class airports.
      As one of the leading airport investors and airport consulting firms, CAI has extensive global experience that spans over 20 countries and more than 60 airports around the world, including Singapore Changi Airport. CAI is committed to being a valued partner in the global aviation market, creating airports of the future and delivering sustainable value to our partners and investee airports. CAI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Changi Airport Group. For more information, visit: www.cai.sg.

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      Swissport’s Aspire Executive Lounges Partners with oneworld for New Lounge Experience at Schiphol

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      At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport oneworld has inaugurated the second alliance lounge worldwide. Aspire Executive Lounges, the lounge business of Swissport, is responsible for the daily operation of the lounge. In addition to the oneworld lounge, Aspire Executive Lounges is opening its own new lounge at Schiphol Airport. The two new lounges share a kitchen to increase efficiency in service delivery in the daily operation.
      Aspire Executive Lounges has opened the second oneworld lounge for the global airline alliance. Following the opening of a first branded airport lounge in Korea in January of this year, oneworld has inaugurated a second lounge at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. The lounge concept was developed in close cooperation with Aspire Executive Lounges, the lounge business of Swissport International AG, the global leader in aviation services. Aspire Executive Lounges is responsible for the daily operation of the oneworld lounge. At Schiphol Airport, Swissport has also opened its own redesigned and completely refurbished Aspire Executive Lounge. To increase efficiency, the lounges share a kitchen where top chefs prepare fresh dishes and together with the lounge agents ensure the delivery of an unforgettable experience.
      “After the successful debut of the first oneworld lounge in Korea, we are pleased to support the expansion of oneworld airport lounges in Europe,” said David Collyer, Global Vice President Executive Lounges at Swissport International AG. “I am delighted with the opening of our 69th Aspire Executive Lounge at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and the progress we have made in sustainability terms. The new lounge is partly furnished with reused items from our previous lounge that were refurbished to our exacting standards contributing to a circular economy. In addition, Aspire Executive Lounges has recently committed to eliminating single-use plastic in all our airport lounges by 2025.”
      Gerhard Girkinger, oneworld Vice President, Customer Experience, Delivery and Membership, said: “We have created a lounge that upholds our vision to make travel bright. Customers can expect a modern setting that blends refined fixtures and fittings with digital technologies and warm, ergonomic seating areas, offering a memorable travel experience.”
      Oneworld’s first European loungeADVERTISEMENTThe new oneworld lounge is located on the airside in departure hall 2 and takes the place of the former British Airways lounge. The lounge is 473 sqm in size and offers 118 seats. The main space of the lounge is upholstered in luxurious textures such as royal blue velvet and eco-leather, while a separate business area provides an array of seating configurations and meeting booths where travelers can enjoy a coffee and quick bite while catching up with work. Sheltered from the rest of the lounge by a softly illuminated screen is a separate space for travelers to unwind and re-energize. In addition, the oneworld Amsterdam Lounge offers an eye-catching carousel bar, self-service buffet counters where guests will find a range of inspiring culinary delights, and dedicated washrooms including two showers.
      Schiphol Airport is served by eight oneworld members: American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc and Royal Jordanian. The eight airlines operate more than 200 weekly flights to and from Amsterdam, connecting the Dutch capital with more than 900 destinations globally through the oneworld network. oneworld Emerald and Sapphire customers departing Amsterdam on a oneworld flight, as well as First and Business Class customers travelling with oneworld member airlines, enjoy access to the new lounge.
      Aspire Executive Lounge: Refurbished and redesigned
      On 625 sqm with subtle allusions to the design character of the Amsterdam School and the basalt stones of the Dutch dikes, the newly designed Aspire Executive Lounge offers an oasis of well-being 178 travelers. A botanical room tucked away in the back of the lounge, offers a tranquil retreat amidst the hustle and bustle of Schiphol Airport. For business travelers, Aspire Executive Lounges has expanded the workspace options, ensuring there is ample space to catch up on work while on the move. Solo travelers will appreciate the dedicated single seats, providing privacy and comfort throughout their journey. With an emphasis on sustainability, the new lounge also features repurposed furniture from the previous space, showcasing Swissport’s commitment to sustainability.
      With over 30 years of experience, Aspire Executive Lounges is Europe’s largest brand in the airport lounges sector. In 2023, Swissport welcomed more than five million customers worldwide at over 69 lounges in 20 countries. The airport hospitality brand recently opened new lounges at Toronto City Airport in Canada, and Helsinki-Vantaa Airport in Finland. Aspire Executive Lounges recently created a new lounge concept in partnership with the airline alliance oneworld. The first oneworld branded lounge was launched at Incheon Airport in Seoul, Korea, in December 2023. Aspire Executive Lounges is owned by Swissport International AG, the global leader in aviation services, serving airlines at 286 airports in 44 countries across 6 continents.
      “When our airline customers prioritize their core product, they seek dependable outsourcing partners, also for airport lounges. Our hospitality services are tailored to meet the dynamic needs of airports, airlines, and alliances,” says Dirk Goovaerts, CEO CEMEA of Swissport International AG. “We’re honored to be chosen as oneworld’s partner for their airport lounges in Amsterdam and Incheon.”

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