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    Renowned Travel Journalist Doug Lansky to Launch Exclusive Interview Series

    Breaking Travel News is thrilled to announce an exciting collaboration with journalist Doug Lansky to launch a groundbreaking interview series focusing on service and hospitality in the travel industry. This series aims to delve deep into the minds of global thought leaders, providing invaluable insights for destinations, airlines, and hotels worldwide.
    Doug Lansky, widely recognized for his expertise in travel journalism and destination development, brings his wealth of knowledge and experience to the forefront in this innovative project. With a career spanning decades and a portfolio of work featured in prestigious publications, Lansky is renowned for his insightful commentary and keen understanding of the travel landscape.The interview series will showcase in-depth conversations with prominent figures shaping the future of service and hospitality within the travel industry. From CEOs and industry innovators to renowned experts in customer experience, each episode promises to offer unique perspectives and actionable strategies for success.Breaking Travel News, a leading source of global travel industry news and insights, is excited to partner with Doug Lansky to produce this exclusive content. The series will serve not only as a valuable resource for industry professionals but there will also be a long-form version of each interview that will serve as a knowledge bank for destinations, airlines, and hotels seeking to enhance their service offerings and elevate the customer experience.
    The interview series will be available exclusively on Breaking Travel News, providing subscribers with access to unparalleled expertise and thought-provoking discussions on service and hospitality in the travel industry.For more information and updates on the interview series, visit BreakingTravelNews.com

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    Ryanair Extends Partnership with Vistair for Streamlined Operations

    Ryanair, Europe’s No.1 airline, renewed its partnership with Vistair, a market leading provider of advanced Operational Content Management and Safety Management Systems for the aviation industry, for a further 5 years. As part of this renewed agreement, Ryanair will continue to use Vistair’s industry leading document management system, DocuNet, to streamline the creation, distribution, and maintenance of operational manuals as the airline continues to grow to 800 aircraft and 300 million passengers by 2034.
    Ryanair’s Chief Operating Officer, Neal McMahon, said:
    “We are pleased to announce a 5 year extension to our longstanding partnership with Vistair. As Europe’s No.1 airline, Vistair’s reliable and efficient document management system, DocuNet, has helped us maintain operational efficiency and responsiveness across our vast fleet and complex operations. DocuNet continues to meet our high expectations, contributing to our ongoing strong operational performance ensuring that Ryanair remains at the forefront of operational and compliance standards as we continue to grow to 800 aircraft and 300 million passengers by 2034.”
    Dominic Clarke, Chief Commercial Officer at Vistair, added:
    “We are delighted to extend our partnership with Ryanair. The renewal of this agreement reflects the trust Ryanair places in Vistair and DocuNet. As Europe’s largest airline group, superior operational performance is paramount. We look forward to continuing to support Ryanair in achieving operational excellence and maintaining the highest standards of compliance.”ADVERTISEMENTIn January 2024, Vistair and Comply365 announced their merger creating a leading global provider of compliance, safety and data intelligence technologies serving the aviation, defence, and rail industries.

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    AdventureSmith Expands Sailing Routes for 2024

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    AdventureSmith Expands Sailing Routes for 2024

    AdventureSmith Explorations introduces a new sailing route in Indonesia, providing travelers with enhanced opportunities for immersive cultural experiences and wildlife encounters. Departing from Flores Island, the 9-day trip aboard traditional Indonesian sailing vessels offers a compact yet robust itinerary, featuring close encounters with Komodo dragons, whale sharks, and volcanic landscapes. A new sailing route in Indonesia offered by AdventureSmith Explorations, the leader in small-ship adventure cruising, is giving expedition travelers more opportunities to explore and immerse themselves in Indonesian culture and its distinct wildlife experiences. Aboard either the 24-guest Ombak Putih or 12-guest Katharina traditional Indonesian sailing vessels, the 9-day trip sets sail from and returns to Flores Island between April and August. The perfect introduction to Indonesia, the compact yet robust itinerary gets active travelers up close and personal with Komodo dragons, whale sharks and volcanic islands, while also connecting them with the people living and working in local villages.
    Featuring fewer full days at sea than other similar routes require, the new route allows for more time off the boat. That means more time in Komodo National Park, swimming along pristine coral reefs, exploring the site of a coral restoration teeming with fish and black-tip reef sharks, and experiencing volcanos, quiet coastal villages, bustling colorful markets, and more. The added flexibility of the itinerary and local knowledge of the ships’ experienced guides gets snorkelers in the water as much as possible to see the region’s iconic species like whale sharks, manta rays and sea turtles.
    “This new route gives travelers the convenience of not being required to navigate hotels or traffic in Bali, or a long day at sea just to get to where the trip’s adventures truly begin,” said Todd Smith, AdventureSmith Explorations founder and president. “For those who have dreamed about exploring Indonesia’s rich islands in an active and immersive way, the options to do so are extensive and customizable.”
    Along the new sailing route, travelers will have unique experiences including the opportunity to snorkel at the north end of Sangeang Volcano over underwater geothermal fissures that release gas bubbles into the water. They’ll also meet local heroes working to protect whale shark and coral populations, and have opportunities to support local businesses and villagers while traveling by traditional sailing ship.
    Naturalist-led trips are also offered twice annually along this route that are suited for families with children ages 4+. Educational, immersive experiences on these themed trips give kids and adults with child-like curiosity fun, memorable ways to explore Indonesia together.ADVERTISEMENTAdventureSmith also offers a standout 10-day Ring of Fire trip aboard Ombak Putih, noted for its access to more remote villages and its stop at a dugong conservation project. Launched in 2023, this trip accesses islands off-the-beaten-path east of Komodo National Park. Here, people are still living life on their own terms and making textiles and fishing using traditional methods. Extensive exploration of volcanoes, with a new one to wake up to each day, an opportunity to see historic Portuguese forts used in the spice trade, plus a free bar tab and hotel nights en-route make this trip a memorable getaway from start to finish.
    Separately, another new offering for 2024 will feature a special 7-night sailing on the August 10, 2024 departure of the Aqua Blu Komodo National Park Cruise. Hosted by Chef Benjamin Cross, this trip aboard a dive-equipped 30-guest luxury yacht, will include a culinary adventure featuring his signature recipes inspired by East Indonesia’s spice routes. Chef Cross honed his craft under some of the top icons of Australian cuisine and his restaurants frequently rank among the top dining spots in Bali.
    Learn more about AdventureSmith’s Indonesia cruise options, or contact their team of experts to find the best Indonesian cruise that suits your interests at adventuresmithexplorations.com.

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    Sailaway Launches World’s First All-Electric Tender & Glass Bottom Boat on Great Barrier Reef

    Advanced Eco Tourism and Climate Action tourism operator, Sailaway Port Douglas, this week launched the world’s first all-electric tender and glass bottom boat providing a “whisper quiet” sustainable experience for guests heading to the picturesque Low Isles on the Great Barrier Reef.The 22 passenger ‘eTender’ EV Discovery is 100% electric and is designed to operate as both a transfer tender and a glass bottom boat for coral viewing of the Reef’s rich underwater biosphere.
    Using the latest technology from Torqueedo (the global leader in electric marine power), the EV Discovery pairs 48v lithium-ion batteries with solar power to drive the vessel’s 12R outboards. Direct sun alone is sufficient to propel the vessel for glass bottom boat tours, offering a minimally intrusive experience for wildlife interpretation and marine life viewing. The vessel is a prototype for further e-vessel development.
    Developing the sea-worthy vessel with the highest eco credentials was a no-brainer for Reef operator and owner Steve Edmondson whose corporate philosophy is, “Its all about the environment.”
    “Low Isles was the first place for coral research in 1928. So the fact that we are operating the world’s first eTender glass bottom boat to this carbon neutral island is a nice addition to that record,” said Steve.
    “I like to think Sailaway is an inspiration for increasing awareness and appreciation of our fragile, yet beautiful natural environment. Successful Eco Tourism has the privilege to connect people together from around the world to natural attractions at a time when we all must strive to be kinder to our planet Earth of eight billion population.” ADVERTISEMENTHailed as one of the first Advanced Eco Tourism Operators and Climate Action Leaders in Australia, Sailaway Port Douglas has been offsetting carbon through contributions to local tree planting project Eco Shamba Tree Farm since 2013. Further to running a small fleet of luxury sailing vessels that focus on wind power, the company is now constructing another larger 30 seat AMSA NSCV vessel for Sailaway’s Outer Reef destination.
    Steve believes his developments are paving the way for future fully “off-grid” sustainable power boating to pristine environments including islands, environmentally threatened sites, small passenger transfers, dive and snorkel tender, birds and wildlife spotting, education and eco-tourism resorts.
    Sailaway’s 100% electric tender was designed by Sailaway’s Steve Edmondson and built by Ocean Blue Boats in Cairns and the expertise of Pasma Electrics. The eTender harnesses the latest technology from Torqeedo, the global leader in electric marine power. The fully electric Cruise 12R outboards and paired 48v lithium-ion batteries are perfect fit to operate in iconic natural locations.

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    Digitrips unveils ‘eco-certified accommodation’ filter to help travellers make informed decisions

    Digitrips, owner of leading French B2B multi-product travel platforms MisterFly and HResa, has enriched its flight booking engine with a new ‘eco-certified accommodation’ filter.The new functionality, now available to B2B2C partners as part of Digitrips’ hotel and dynamic package booking engines, empowers travellers to make informed choices and encourages responsible tourism practices.
    The feature already enables customers to narrow their search to eco-certified accommodation options in nearly 1,500 destinations worldwide, based on a variety of sustainable tourism labels recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.
    Digitrips data shows accommodation options labelled as ‘eco-certified’ have seen a 9% surge in bookings on average since the label was introduced.
    Although so far only around 1% of Digitrips’ 1.2 million properties boast the new ‘eco-certified’ label, the tool has quickly become one of the most widely used filtering options across all Digitrips-powered search platforms.
    Emilie Dumont, Managing Director of Digitrips, said: “The launch of our new eco-certified accommodation filter is the latest milestone in our ongoing efforts to help travellers make informed decisions about their travel and accommodation options.ADVERTISEMENT“The new feature extends far beyond the realms of green marketing. It is a practical tool for our B2B2C partners and their customers alike, enhancing transparency and providing useful information during the booking process. Over the coming months, users can expect to see the new label appearing on more and more properties across our vast directory of accommodation options.”
    The new filter follows other sustainability-focused enhancements from Digitrips, including the addition of estimated CO2 consumption figures to its flight booking engine, as well as the integration of a unique direct flight calendar into its search platforms last month.
    Digitrips’ ‘eco-certified accommodation’ filter encompasses a variety of labels validated by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. This includes GSTC-recognised sustainable tourism standards owned by certification bodies, specialised tourism organisations, large tourism businesses, as well as municipal, provincial, and national tourism authorities.

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    SeaWorld Unveils 60th Anniversary Celebration Plans for 2024

    SeaWorld is turning 60 this year, and the parks have revealed big plans to celebrate all year long. The party officially gets started on March 21st – 60 years to the day that SeaWorld first opened its gates in 1964 – and will be in full swing through the weekend and continue throughout the year. The parks are teasing what’s to come as the 60th celebrations get underway, including all-new themed rides and attractions coming this spring, exciting new presentations and shows this summer and more exclusive, collectible merchandise dropping throughout the rest of the year.
    To get the celebration started, the parks will be hosting a special 60th Anniversary launch party March 21-24 that will feature:
    The return of fan-favorite live costumed characters, including Shamu, Coral, and Puck, plus confetti ribbon cannons and a cake-cutting ceremony with specially crafted celebratory cupcakes for guests, while supplies last.New and returning fan favorite food and beverage items, including special snacks, desserts and drinks.New and exclusive vintage merchandise, including reusable water bottles, plush animals, snow globes, backpacks, notebooks, blankets, t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, a custom Precious Moments collectible, and more.A variety of special entertainment, including dancers and high-energy atmospheric acts.Commemorative in-park screens sharing memorable moments in the parks from guests and ambassadors. Guests are invited to share their own images and videos of their favorite SeaWorld memories using #SeaWorld60.All-new historical exhibits in all three parks: Pass Member Lounge in SeaWorld Orlando, Explorers Hub in SeaWorld San Diego and Chill Bar in SeaWorld Antonio. These exhibits invite guests to embark on a trip down memory lane through SeaWorld’s 60-year history.“We are thrilled to celebrate 60 years of creating enriching, animal care experiences, exhilarating rides and all-around fun for everyone with our family – the exceptional guests, ambassadors and partners that have made SeaWorld the special place it is today,” said Marc Swanson, Chief Executive Officer of United Parks & Resorts Inc. “As we look to the next 60 years and beyond, we are excited about the future and the one-of-a-kind experiences that will continue to inspire the next generation of guests.”
    There’s “So Much More to Sea” at SeaWorld this year as the 60th Anniversary celebrations continue, with more new ways to enjoy all the parks have to offer coming this year, including:
    All-New Thrilling Rides and Attractions: SeaWorld San Antonio just opened the world’s first launched flume coaster, “Catapult Falls,” to kick off Spring Break, and there’s more to come! SeaWorld Orlando’s highly anticipated “Penguin Trek” will open this spring, and SeaWorld San Diego is getting ready to soon open “Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience,” one of the largest jelly cylinders in the country.All-New Presentations & Shows: New exciting Cirque-style shows at SeaWorld Orlando and SeaWorld San Antonio and a live performance character show: Shamu and Crew – ‘Together Again’ at SeaWorld San Diego, will bring guests more exciting experiences.All-New Character Parades: Making its debut this summer, guests of all ages will enjoy a new 60th Anniversary celebration parade featuring fan favorite live costumed characters.All-New 60th Anniversary Food & Beverage, Merchandise and Collectibles: Guests will be able to celebrate SeaWorld’s milestone 60th Anniversary with special limited-edition food and beverage offerings, collectables and exclusive memorabilia throughout the year.The best way to take in the 60th Anniversary Celebrations and everything happening at SeaWorld parks this year is with an Annual Pass. Annual Passholders enjoy 12 months of visits with special benefits like exclusive access to new events and attractions, FREE parking, FREE guest tickets, access to special VIP events, savings on merchandise and more! Guests are invited to check out the park’s local webpages for special offers on tickets and passes – SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld San Antonio and SeaWorld San Diego.ADVERTISEMENTSince opening for the first time in 1964, SeaWorld has provided meaningful experiences that educate and inspire guests of all ages to care about marine life. The “So Much More to Sea” 60th anniversary campaign continues to deliver on this commitment and promises to provide guests with enriching experience for years to come.

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    Southern Oregon’s Lake County Outback Named World’s Largest Dark Sky Sanctuary

    A 2.5-million-acre area of southeastern Oregon was certified as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary today by DarkSky International, making it the world’s largest Dark Sky Sanctuary to date. The Sanctuary, which is approximately one-half the size of New Jersey and is located within an area commonly referred to as the Oregon Outback, has committed to protect its starry night skies for the benefit of visitors, residents, and wildlife.A Dark Sky Sanctuary is a certification given by the DarkSky International to public or private land that has an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is protected for its scientific, natural, or educational value, its cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment. To qualify as a Dark Sky Sanctuary, the area must meet strict criteria for sky quality, commit to protecting the night sky through responsible lighting practices, and provide public outreach. These sanctuaries provide opportunities for stargazing, astrophotography, and other nighttime activities that benefit from minimal light pollution.
    The Outback is located within the largest, contiguous, pristine dark sky zone in the lower 48 states, and this certification helps to protect a large portion of the designated zone. Within the Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary (OOIDSS) are the unincorporated communities of Adel, Plush, and Summer Lake, the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, a portion of the Fremont-Winema National Forest, nearly 1.7 million acres of land managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Summer Lake Wildlife Area, nearly 80,000 acres of state-owned rangeland, and the Oregon Outback Scenic Byway.
    The intentions behind pursuing a large-scale sanctuary are to protect much of the unique, pristine, dark sky zone, to keep any additional dark sky recreation dispersed (as it is now), to allow a number of incorporated gateway communities to economically benefit from the same project, and to more effectively and efficiently manage a certification within a remote area.
    “As the population of Oregon and the trend of light pollution continue to rise, the unparalleled scale and quality of the Outback’s dark skies will long serve as a starry refuge to people and wildlife alike,” said DarkSky Delegate Dawn Nilson, the environmental consultant who managed and authored the application. “Adherence to the Lighting Management Plan (LMP)  will allow this large expanse of land to serve as a demonstration site of sustainable lighting principles not only within southeastern Oregon but possibly the Pacific Northwest Region.”
    “This four-year collaboration brings together so many of the elements we try to achieve in regenerative tourism,” said Bob Hackett, Executive Director of Travel Southern Oregon. “It not only elevates the destination experience for visitors to Lake County and opens up opportunities for local businesses, but it also helps agencies and residents steward their lands in ways that celebrate a legacy of starry night skies for generations to come.”ADVERTISEMENTThe OOIDSS is situated in the northern extent of the Basin and Range Province of the Western United States. It’s sparsely populated, very remote, and primarily comprised of public lands. It’s a high desert area characterized by sage scrub and abrupt changes in topography that alternates between narrow faulted mountain chains and flat, arid valleys and basins. Within this unique geography of geological wonders is priority habitat for an array of wildlife, including American pronghorn, bighorn sheep, sage grouse, white-tailed jack rabbit, and migratory birds navigating the Pacific Flyway. The region is also culturally significant and is home to a 13,000-year-old human occupation site. Dispersed within the OOIDSS are hot springs, wild horses, private rangelands, ranches, and cattle.
    During the nomination process, stakeholders also participated in night sky monitoring, lighting inventories, lighting improvements (i.e., decommissioned 14 lights and retrofitted 60 lights on public and private land). Education and outreach efforts included: Stargazing & Natural Night Skies Webinar Series, screenings of the film Saving the Dark, tri-county library access to Night Sky Adventure Kits, dark sky gatherings, local dark sky videos, educational exhibit tables coinciding with popular local events, dark sky presentations and workshops, and library programs as well as partnering with the neighboring Idaho Dark Sky Alliance to cohost educational events.
    About the International Dark Sky Places Program: Founded in 2001, the International Dark Sky Places Program is a non-regulatory and voluntary program to encourage communities, parks, and protected areas around the world to preserve and protect dark sites through effective lighting policies, environmentally responsible outdoor lighting, and public education. When used indiscriminately, artificial light can disrupt ecosystems, impact human health, waste money and energy, contribute to climate change, and block our view and connection to the universe. The Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary now joins more than 210 Places that have demonstrated robust community support for dark sky advocacy and strive to protect the night from light pollution.” Learn more by visiting www.darksky.org/conservation/idsp.

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    Introducing The Luxury Chalet Company

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    Introducing The Luxury Chalet Company

    The Luxury Chalet Company is a portfolio of some of the most super luxe ski properties available to rent across Europe, offering a money can buy experience to those who have the cash to splash.Launched in 2022 by Cameron Temple, The Luxury Chalet Company’s passion for premium alpine properties began on the slopes. As avid skiers and snowboarders, the team has spent many decades in Europe’s most popular ski resorts witnessing a shift in the accommodation available. Where there were once rather standard holiday homes, gradually more and more exquisite slopeside properties have begun to emerge across Europe. Today, the continent’s luxury ski chalets are some of the world’s most opulent, and with the amenities to match. From outdoor pools overlooking the snow capped mountains to temperature-controlled cellars filled with some of the rarest French wines around.
    With the team’s expert resort knowledge and extensive connections to the top private chefs, leading ski instructors, wellness and fitness practitioners and show stopping event planners, The Luxury Chalet Company pride themselves on delivering an unparalleled winter holiday, where every need, no matter how niche (think flying in specific washing up soap – yes, really), has been listened to and every detail taken care of.
    Whether you want to reach the slopes via helicopter and be first on the fresh snow with ‘first tracks’ access, attend exclusive apres-ski parties or looking for the best family-friendly spots with ski schools, childcare and premium all-day dining options, The Luxury Chalet Company promises a true VIP experience for every eventuality.
    Each handpicked chalet in the current collection of over 600 properties falls into three categories:
    Ultimate – typically valued at over €100,000 for a seven-night stay. These are the ultimate chalets, resorts and exclusive hotels which include multiple members of staff, spas, swimming pools, saunas, hammams, cinema rooms, 24hr chauffeur service and an in-house gourmet chef.ADVERTISEMENTLuxury – typically valued at €15,000 – €100,000 for a seven-night stay. These are five- star luxury chalets, exclusive hotels and penthouses which include staff, leisure amenities and various fine dining catering options.
    4* Lux – typically valued at €5,000 – €15,000 for a seven- night stay. These include apartments, penthouses and chalets and may include shared leisure amenities or a single private leisure amenity. The majority of these properties are self-catered but some B&B options are available.
    With such an expansive portfolio, The Luxury Chalet Company has a wide range of availability, from Christmas and New Year, right through to early Spring.
    To view The Luxury Chalet Company portfolio and check availability, please visit their website.  https://www.luxurychaletco.com/

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