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    Mark Kirby celebrates Emaar Hospitality’s move into Saudi Arabia

    Emaar Hospitality’s Mark Kirby has celebrated the opening of the Address Jabal Omar Makkah, the operator’s Saudi Arabia debut, and its largest hotel at 1,484 keys.
    Designed by the architect Foster & Partners, the towers of Address Jabal Omar Makkah span over 5,000 sqm of space and can be seen for miles. The development includes a commercial area featuring a range of shops, showcasing local, regional, and international brands. In addition, guests can savour a range of culinary options at the many food courts and restaurants in close proximity, catering to various palates and preferences.

    Mark Kirby,  head of Emaar Hospitality said: “We are delighted to announce the opening of our newest hotel, Address Jabal Omar Makkah, which is conveniently located at the heart of the Holy City of Makkah. The prime location of the property makes it the preferred choice for those seeking to deepen their spiritual connection. With spacious rooms and suites, multiple dining options, and state-of-the-art prayer facilities, the hotel offers all the amenities necessary for a meaningful and unforgettable pilgrimage experience. Whether guests are here for Hajj, Umrah, or to enhance their spiritual connection, Address Jabal Omar Makkah Hotel is the optimal starting point for their journey.”
    The hotel is part of a wider development called the Jabal Omar Project, which includes 16 hotels with more than 13,000 keys, 40 towers and a targeted two million hotel guests annually. The project also looks to be able to handle 100,000 visitors a day during Hajj and Umrah.ADVERTISEMENTA handful of these hotels are already open, such as Jabal Omar Marriott providing 426 keys; the Jabal Omar Hilton Suites with 484 keys; the Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency with 657 keys; the Jabal Omar Conrad with 438 keys; the Jabal Omar Hilton and the Jabal Omar DoubleTree by Hilton Makkah with 676 keys.
    Source: Hotelier Middle East

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    Ferrari World Abu Dhabi welcomes three new characters

    Ferrari World Abu Dhabi has just introduced three new characters; Bella, Jack and GIO who are welcoming guests at Abu Dhabi’s leading theme park this summer.Bella and Jack are two enthusiastic 10-year-old Ferrari fans who are entertaining park-goers along with GIO, an aspirational super-hero in form of a genie engine-robot. As the Park’s new characters, the trio has joined Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s extended family during summer festivities, which will be running until September 3.
    The Park’s all-new characters are welcoming guests and families with all cheer and fun, promising to share their love for the legendary marquee where unforgettable Ferrari-inspired experiences await at every corner of the world’s leading theme park.
    Guests will get the chance to meet and greet with the Park’s new characters and make the most out of their visit during the eventful Race into Summer in addition to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s record-breaking rides and attractions.
    Ferrari World is an award winning entertainment hub, winning the World Travel Award in 2022 for World’s Leading Theme Park based on Yas Island
    Yas Island and its world-class theme parks, experiences and attractions were recognised with seven awards in the globally renowned World Travel Awards in 2022. In addition to scooping the accolade of World’s Leading Theme Park Destination 2022, Yas Island received the flagship Middle East’s Leading Tourism Development award for the fourth consecutive year, testament to the global reputation Yas Island has as a leisure and entertainment hub.ADVERTISEMENTFor more information, please visit: www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com

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    The World’s Leaders in Aviation Issued a Strong Call to Promote Gender Equality

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    The World’s Leaders in Aviation Issued a Strong Call to Promote Gender Equality

    The initiative was discussed during the ICAO Global Aviation Summit in Madrid.
    ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano issued the call to action, arguing that promoting gender equality across the industry is not only the ethical thing to do but an essential shift for the future of the business. The Call to Action sends a message of resolve and urgency, and it lays out several options for moving forward strategically.
    To better foresee trends, expected requirements, and prepare for them, as well as make educated policy and decision, the creation of better data was identified as a top priority in the area of gender equality.
    “I am fully convinced that if we don’t give up, if we keep pushing forward, we can transform aviation into a beacon of inclusivity, and a global industry of diversity and equality,” Sciacchitano added.
    Participants at the summit emphasized the need to integrate gender equality into all facets of the aviation industry, from policy formulation to the allocation of resources. The panel concluded that policies and initiatives should be reflective of fundamental concepts of working conditions supportive of women’s advancement in their careers and leadership roles.ADVERTISEMENTSpecific goals surrounding these objectives were regarded as vital to their attainment, as was the development and pushing of higher representation of different abilities into executive, leadership, and board positions.
    In closing, attendees acknowledged the critical significance of increasing exposure to STEM education and inspiring the next generation to pursue professions as qualified aviation specialists. The importance of role models, ambassadors, and mentoring programs was also emphasized, as was the need for coordinated effort and cooperation with various stakeholders and businesses.

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    Banyan Tree Group Expands Sustainable Food Journey More

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    Banyan Tree Group Expands Sustainable Food Journey

    Banyan Tree Group, a leading player in sustainable tourism and a founding signatory of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) in Singapore, has long been committed to its ethos of “Embracing the Environment, Empowering People” and actively implementing sustainability practices ever since its founding. In recognition of the fact that a significant portion of environmental impact stems from its food supply chain, Banyan Tree Group is continuing to implement a series of sustainable food policies while enhancing existing best practice. This comprehensive transition encompasses various initiatives, including the introduction of the Meatless Monday program in all associate restaurants, increased plant-based cuisine options, clear food waste targets, and partnering with organizations such as Humane Society International to develop best practices on food sourcing to protect animal welfare. 
    Moreover, the Group is actively expanding sustainable food sourcing methods by prioritising seasonal and local produce, prohibiting the use of endangered fish species, and promoting responsible fishing practices. At the same time, the Group acknowledges the complexities involved and aims to work closely with local communities in order to tap on their expertise and ensure a sustainable long-term future. 
    The following are some key policies that have been implemented to drive sustainability efforts: 
    Sourcing Seasonal and Local Produce: Practiced across multiple locations, including the recently launched Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape, which features a zero-mile cuisine initiative.  On-property Farms: Over 10 Banyan Tree locations have on-property farms, including in Chiang Mai, Laguna Phuket, Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape, Banyan Tree Veya Phuket, Banyan Tree Anji, Banyan Tree Huangshan, Banyan Tree Lijiang, Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Banyan Tree Yangshuo, Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui, and Homm Saranam Baturiti.  Endangered Species Policy: Implemented since 2023, prohibiting the use of endangered species.  Sustainable Seafood Commitment: Implemented since 2023, with a clear commitment to achieving sustainable sourcing for 50% of all seafood by 2025.  Cage-Free Eggs Commitment: Supported by research and collaboration with HSI, the Group is committed to transitioning to 100% cage-free eggs by 2025 and will commence reporting of progress by 2024. Several properties such as Banyan Tree Phuket, Dhawa Xi’an Chanba, Cassia Phuket, Angsana Maison Souvannaphoum, and the upcoming Homm Tu Le are already sourcing 100% cage-free eggs, with 7 more close to completing their transition. Banyan Tree Group reports progress in annual Sustainability Reports, demonstrating its commitment to transparency and accountability. Earlier this year, the Group released its 17th annual Sustainability Report, which adheres to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and SGX Sustainability Reporting Standards, while also aligning short- and long-term targets with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 
    For more information on Banyan Tree Group’s sustainability efforts and initiatives, and for the latest Sustainability Report, please visit www.banyantreegroup.com.ADVERTISEMENT

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    FROM SOLO TRAVEL TO ‘PAY-CATIONS,’ YOUNG AMERICANS LEAD 2023 TRAVEL TRENDS

    Allianz Partners USA, the travel insurance and assistance company known for popularizing the term “micro-cation” in 2019 has identified yet another travel trend making waves amongst Americans.Allianz Partners’ 15th Annual Vacation Confidence Index* has revealed that around three in 10 Americans will choose to work remotely from a vacation destination in 2023, an intentional move that goes beyond “bleisure” travel that blends working time with vacation.The new work-from-a-vacation-destination travel trend, which Allianz Partners is calling a ‘pay-cation,’ has been encouraged by flexible remote work policies developed during the pandemic and is especially popular among young working Americans. The survey found that respondents in the 18 to 34-year-old demographic are more likely (42%) to travel to a vacation destination to work remotely, compared to 26% of those ages 35 to 54 years old and 12% who are 55 years and older.
    In other survey findings, travelers are putting themselves and their mental wellbeing first in 2023, another trend led by young Americans. Among all survey respondents, two in five (39%) say that wellness and self-care are a priority for travel this year, including a majority (54%) of those ages 18 to 34 who mark it top of mind.
    “Younger Americans who spent the early years of their career during the work-from-home era in the pandemic are re-shaping our preferences for the way we work and travel,” said Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at Allianz Partners USA. “While some companies have already returned to in-person work, our findings clearly show that a healthy balance of work and play is here to stay, and prioritizing self-care is going to impact the way Americans view travel and time off the clock.”
    Not only are younger Americans committing to wellness and self-care, they also are more likely to engage in a solo travel experience this year versus older generations. Two in five (42%) of them will embark on a trip alone this year, compared to almost one in three (31%) of 35- to 54- year-olds and seventeen percent (17%) of ages 55 and older.
    But solo travel doesn’t always have to equal alone time. Emotional well-being also extends to the inclusion of companion animals on trips, with four in ten (41%) of 18–34-year-olds opting to include their pets on vacations, compared to 36% of 34- to 54-year-olds and 20% of travelers aged 55 and older who want to bring a pet along on their travels.ADVERTISEMENT
    The Vacation Confidence Index has been conducted each summer since 2009 by national polling firm Ipsos Public Affairs on behalf of Allianz Partners USA. A vacation is defined as leisure travel of at least a week to a destination at least 100 miles from home.
    Allianz Partners offers travel insurance through most major U.S. airlines, leading travel agents, online travel agencies, hotel companies, cruise lines and directly to consumers. For more information on Allianz Partners and available travel policies, please visit http://www.allianztravelinsurance.com.

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    SITA Partners with Airports Authority of India for Technological Transformation of 43 Airports

    SITA, the technology provider for the travel and transport industry, secured a landmark deal with Airports Authority of India to support one of the biggest growth markets globally, providing technology to 43 of India’s biggest airports.
    India’s Civil Aviation is among the fastest-growing aviation markets globally and will be a major growth engine to make India a USD 5 trillion economy by 2024.
    The deal will see improvements to over 2,700 passenger touchpoints, paving the way for the adoption of new-age solutions to meet the modern passenger’s expectations. Initially deployed across 43 airports, the technologies are scalable to an additional 40 airports over the next seven years. Over 500 million passengers are expected to be processed during this period.
    The rollout of new cloud technology will enable Indian airports to shift to common-use passenger experiences where multiple airlines can leverage the same infrastructure, such as check-in counters, self-service kiosks, and boarding gates.
    The adoption of cloud solutions also brings new agility and flexibility to scale airport operations efficiently as passenger numbers grow. The cloud-first approach enforces better security and offers airlines a platform to host new progressive technologies and move away from native applications. Centralized cloud hosting of all servers means reduced on-premise infrastructure costs and results in centralized control, enabling proactive monitoring and control of services.ADVERTISEMENTSumesh Patel, President, Asia Pacific, SITA, said: “We’re excited to partner with AAI on this large-scale deployment of leading passenger processing solutions. The number of airports in India is expected to increase from 148 today to 220 by 2025. The new airports will bring closer together India’s almost 50 cities with populations exceeding one million people, creating substantial economic value in the long term. By connecting these cities better, air travel and transport will help unlock the full potential of India’s economic growth too. Ensuring efficient and fluid operations and a seamless passenger experience at these airports will be critical to delivering on India’s air transport industry opportunity.”
    The solutions will give passengers more control over their journey, offering a low-touch, efficient check-in, bag drop, and collection process through assisted and self-service mechanisms. The airports will benefit from a reduced infrastructure footprint and increased operational efficiency.
    Under the agreement, SITA will deploy its state-of-the-art solutions, including SITA Flex, CUPPS, SITA CUSS, and SITA Bag Manager. These IATA-certified platforms offer airlines and ground handlers the benefits of common-use technologies, enabling scalable operations to meet their specific requirements.
    The Baggage Reconciliation System ensures a high level of baggage accountability, preventing losses and security concerns, which is critical to industry recovery amidst a spiraling baggage mishandling rate. This project represents a significant shift towards adopting cutting-edge technological platforms, enhancing operational efficiencies, and paving the way for the future adoption of biometric passenger processing. Additionally, real-time dashboard-based information will be made available to governing agencies, promoting transparency and informed decision-making.
    AAI officers at the airport and headquarters now have access to online real-time dashboards, replacing the monthly service availability reports. The solution ensures they are better informed and know the availability of systems across all airports at every point in time, optimizing efficiency and promoting smooth operations.The project commenced in May 2022 and involved a comprehensive revamp of existing services without disrupting ongoing operations.

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    New Tourism Group at IPRN: Specialized Offer for International travel companies and destinations

    The IPRN Tourism Group is made up of agencies with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the sector that aim to share high-value information, develop business in new markets and learn as much as possible from each other.
    IPRN announces the creation of a specialised tourism group to boost international public relations in the sector. With the growing importance of tourism as an economic and cultural driver, IPRN has identified the need for a specialised (and internationally inclusive) approach to tourism. The creation of this group provides IPRN members with access to tourism specific expertise for their own clients whilst the group members can leverage their specific knowledge and expertise with the best-practice experience of other group members to deliver strategies and campaigns tailored to the unique needs of the tourism industry.
    Optimal PR support on the way abroad
    IPRN’s new tourism specialty group brings together PR agencies from around the world that excel in tourism and share the goal of promoting tourism destinations and businesses with innovative and creative approaches. These agencies will work closely together to exchange knowledge, develop best practices and provide customised solutions that boost the promotion and global visibility of their clients in the tourism industry.
    Diego Barceló, CEO of Comunicación Iberoamericana (Spain) and Chair of the IPRN Tourism Group explains: “The tourism industry faces unique communication and promotional challenges, and we are committed to providing effective and strategic solutions to our tourism clients. By bringing together the best tourism PR agencies from around the world, we will be able to offer world-class services and leverage our global expertise to promote tourism destinations and businesses in an impactful way”.ADVERTISEMENTIPRN Tourism Group agencies
    At the moment, the IPRN’s Tourism Group includes more than ten agencies from four continents. Leading the group is Comunicación Iberoamericana (Spain), Central de Informaçao (Portugal), Luna (Belgium), Wright on Comm (United States), MANGO-OMC (South Africa), Mekky Media (United States), EXTROVERT Business Communitacion (Greece), Public Dialog (Poland), Fortuna PR (India) and Concept PR (India).

    Strategic advantages for international PR
    Rodrigo Viana de Freitas, the newly elected president of the IPRN, explains the strategy behind the “Global Market Sector Leaders Groups”, which are also being established for other industries such as Real Estate, Technology, Healthcare or Food & Beverage: “The Tourism Group was made to share information in this exciting sector and to learn from one another. With this IPRN Group, companies can access a network with huge expertise and no borders”.

    About IPRN
    IPRN is an international network of independently owned and operated public relations and communications agencies with more than 50 members in more than 100 major cities and more than 40 countries around the world, including North and South America, Western Europe and Eastern, Middle East, Africa, Far East and Australia. It represents all sectors of the industry and represents a cumulative turnover of around 150 million dollars, with more than 1,000 employees and 4,000 clients among the different agencies. More information at www.iprn.com

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    What type of couple are you? Yas Bay Waterfront’s ultimate guide to date night More

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    What type of couple are you? Yas Bay Waterfront’s ultimate guide to date night

    If you’re running out of ideas for date night – whether it’s your first or fiftieth – here is Yas Bay Waterfront’s guide to an unforgettable night out. No matter what type of couple you are, here is what you can expect:
    The Sunset LoversCatch the sun as it begins its descent, painting the sky with hues of gold and pink at Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar’s ‘Sunset Session’ every Monday to Thursday, from 5:00PM – 7:00PM. This elegant spot is the perfect place for sundowners with your special someone, with a tranquil ambience that will whisk you to a state of pure bliss as you indulge in a menu of beverages and complementary canapés.
    For reservations, please call +971 50 601 1194

    The FoodiesThe way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach – so why not elevate your evening at Akiba Dori? Experience a non-traditional Japanese feast for two, where Japanese street food takes centre stage and sparks are sure to fly. Share the joy of maki for two, savouring every bite that transports you to sushi heaven as well as one of a kind Tokyo-style Neapolitan pizzas and savoury yakitori skewers, their menu is sure to steal your hearts (and taste buds).ADVERTISEMENTFor reservations, please call +971 2 886 8988

    The Culinary ConnoisseursLooking for a night for the books? Look no further than the award-winning Hunter & Barrel, where indulgence and gourmet brilliance intertwine. Indulge in a candlelit feast for two, where each bite becomes a symphony of flavours as you watch the artistry unfold through their open-kitchen concept. From succulent steaks seared to perfection to barrel-aged craft beverages, Hunter & Barrel is the place to be.
    For reservations, please call +971 50 452 5958

    The Fitness FanaticsFor those couples who love to work up a sweat together, Warehouse Gym is the ultimate destination. Step into a world where white walls are replaced by a vibrant atmosphere that inspires you to unleash your inner fitness warriors – side by side. Warehouse Gym offers best-in-class cardio, strength, and stretch equipment as well as a selection of group exercise classes, including CrossFit, Cycle, Boxing, Yoga, and more. Remember, the couple that trains together, stays together.
    For reservations, please call +971 56 406 2114

    The Competitive CouplesIf you and your partner thrive on friendly competition and are seeking an exceptional experience, look no further than Central’s unmatched burgers, beats and bowling. Get ready to unleash your inner child as you step into a world of action-packed arcade games, challenge each other to epic battles and revel in the joy of victory (or the laughter of playful defeat). All that competition will probably work up a winning appetite, so don’t forget to dive into Central’s downright mouthwatering menu– from juicy burgers to shakes, you won’t want to share.
    For reservations, please call +971 4 423 8311

    The Art AficionadosImmerse yourselves in the captivating world of Artmarket, a haven for creative souls seeking a delightful experience. Indulge in an afternoon tea that tantalizes your taste buds while you take in the stunning collection of art surrounding you that is sure ignite meaningful conversations. And gentlemen, while your partner immerses themselves in the world of art, why not treat yourself to a fresh fade at Section? It’s a win-win for everyone.
    For more reservations, please visit artmarketco.ae

    The Dance EnthusiastsCalling all party animals! Get ready to unleash your groovy moves at La Carnita, where Mexican-inspired culinary delights, toe-tapping mixtapes, and delightful drinks come together in perfect harmony. Step into this vibrant spot and let the beat guide your every move as you indulge in mouthwatering tacos and irresistible churros. So put on your dancing shoes, savour the flavours, and let La Carnita be the backdrop for a memorable evening.
    For reservations, please call +971 50 185 8068
    Yas Island and its world-class theme parks, experiences and attractions were recognised with seven awards in the globally renowned World Travel Awards in 2022. In addition to scooping the accolade of World’s Leading Theme Park Destination 2022, Yas Island received the flagship Middle East’s Leading Tourism Development award for the fourth consecutive year, testament to the global reputation Yas Island has as a leisure and entertainment hub.

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