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    RYANAIR CELEBRATES 15-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF BOURNEMOUTH BASE

    Ryanair, Europe’s No.1 airline, has celebrated the 15-year anniversary of its Bournemouth base. Ryanair was the first low-cost airline to operate at Bournemouth Airport, starting with its first flight from Dublin Airport in 1996.
    Ryanair opened its base at Bournemouth Airport, growing to now carry over 776,000 passengers per year to/from Bournemouth Airport.
    Ryanair’s Bournemouth Summer ‘23 schedule will deliver:
    2 based aircraft – $200m investment18 total routes incl. 3 new routes to Carcassonne, Edinburgh, and Venice120+ flights per week28% growth on S22Supporting over 640 jobsThis summer, Ryanair operates its biggest ever summer schedule at Bournemouth Airport with over 120 weekly flights across 18 routes incl. new sunshine destinations, like Carcassonne and Venice, offering Bournemouth’s customers/visitors unbeatable choice at the lowest fares when booking their summer ’23 getaways and driving invaluable inbound tourism for the region at the same time.
    To celebrate the 15-year anniversary since our base opening, as well as its record-breaking Bournemouth schedule for Summer ‘23, the airline has launched a special seat sale with fares from just £29.99 for travel between July and Sept available only at Ryanair.com.ADVERTISEMENTRyanair’s Head of Communications, Jade Kirwan said:
    “We are delighted to celebrate 15 years since our base opening at Bournemouth Airport. Ryanair has operated at Bournemouth Airport since 1996 and our record Summer ’23 schedule of more than 18 routes will not only provide Bournemouth’s customers/visitors with an unbeatable selection of sunny hotspots and vibrant European city break destinations for their Summer ’23 getaways, particularly the likes of Budapest, Dublin, Faro, Venice, and Zadar where we operate exclusively to/from Bournemouth Airport, but will continue to promote important regional development through the support of over 640 local jobs, and delivery of even greater connectivity with Europe and its millions of holidaymakers.
    To celebrate this significant milestone, we have launched a special seat sale with fares from £29.99 for travel between July and Sept available only at Ryanair.com.”
    Steve Gill, Managing Director of Bournemouth Airport added:
    “In the 15 years since Ryanair opened its base at Bournemouth Airport our partnership has gone from strength to strength with more routes, more choice and more low fares for local people. We look forward to continuing that long association and celebrating further growth in the years to come.”

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    easyJet holidays, have announced they will launch 15 new routes for next summer from Birmingham

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    easyJet holidays, have announced they will launch 15 new routes for next summer from Birmingham

    Europe’s leading airline easyjet and the UK’s fastest growing tour operator easyJet holidays, have today announced they will launch 15 new routes for next summer from Birmingham, with thousands of package holidays on sale today to the range of brand new destinations.Holidaymakers from Birmingham looking for a relaxing beach holiday, or exciting city escape, now have thousands of packages to choose from with easyJet holidays and can make the most of brand new routes to Barcelona, Tenerife, Antalya, Berlin, Jersey, Malaga, Sharm El Sheikh, Rhodes, Alicante, Dalaman, Corfu, Heraklion, Larnaca, Tunisia and Kos.
    easyJet holidays customers have exclusive early access to the flying schedule, enabling them to book packages from today. What’s more, packages include flights, hotel, 23kg luggage and transfers on beach holidays, all covered by its Ultimate Flexibility, offering freedom to change a booking, a refund guarantee, and best price guarantee. Flights across the new routes will be on sale on easyJet.com in the coming months.
    The network expansion comes just a month after easyJet confirmed that that it will open a new three-aircraft base at Birmingham Airport in spring 2024.
    easyJet already serves 13 key domestic connections and international routes from Birmingham to popular beach and city destinationsincluding Amsterdam, Geneva, Milan, Naples, Lisbon, Faro and Palma de Mallorca. The opening of the base with the addition of three aircraft at the airport has enabled the airline to further expand its Birmingham network with 15 new routes that will prove popular with leisure and business travellers flying from the UK’s second largest city.
    Paul Bixby, Commercial Director at easyJet holidays, said:ADVERTISEMENT“We’re delighted to be putting thousands of package holidays on sale from Birmingham today. We’re absolutely committed to ensuring our brilliant holidays at unbeatable prices are available to holidaymakers across the UK, so we’re pleased that those from the West Midlands can now fly from their doorstep.
    “We’re offering a huge range of holidays on the 15 brand new routes. Whether customers are seeking relaxation by the pool, or a cultural city escape, we’re got a fantastic range of Europe’s most loved destinations, with hundreds of hotels to choose from.”
    Ali Gayward, UK Country Manager at easyJet, said:
    “We are delighted to announce our network expansion for our new base in Birmingham, which will create around 100 direct jobs for pilots and crew and over 1,200 more indirect jobs.
    “Investing in a ninth base in Birmingham further strengthens easyJet’s network by positioning it as the carrier of choice to serve UK consumers and capture the continued demand for travel, further growing its share of the UK leisure market for both the airline and easyJet holidays.”
    Tom Screen, Aviation Director for Birmingham Airport (BHX), said:
    “As we look forward to easyJet basing three of its aircraft here from March 2024, we are thrilled to see the launch of easyJet holidays to BHX customers.
    “In addition to an attractive roster of destinations, including beach resorts like Faro, Palma and Malaga and cities like Berlin and Paris, easyJet holidays customers get exclusive early access to new flight schedules.
    “With packages including flights, 23kg of luggage and transfers, easyJet staying true to its name – by making things easy for customers.”
    Customers from Birmingham have a huge range of package holidays to choose from, (www.easyjet.com/en/holidays tel: 0330 365 5005):
    > Antalya: seven nights at the 4* Eftalia Splash Resort on an All Inclusive basis for £601 per person including 23kg of luggage per person, transfers and flights from Birmingham on 6 May 2024.
    > Sharm El Sheikh: seven nights at the 5* Aurora Oriental Resort on an All Inclusive basis for £561 per person including 23kg of luggage per person, transfers and flights from Birmingham on 1 June 2024.
    > Tenerife: seven nights at the 4* Landmar Costa Los Gigantes on an All Inclusive basis for £787 per person including 23kg of luggage per person, transfers and flights from Birmingham on 16 September 2024.
    > Berlin: three nights at the 4* Hotel Riu Plaza Berlin on a Bed & Breakfast basis for £366 per person including 23kg of luggage per person and flights from Birmingham on 3 May 2024.
    > Paris: three nights at the 4* Dream Castle Paris on a Bed & Breakfast basis for £332 per person including 23kg of luggage per person and flights from Birmingham on 24 April 2024.

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    The Nordic Region’s Hidden Gem for LGBTQIA+: Discover Finland

    Its landscapes and sites are unique, ranging from the calm Lapland to the largest archipelago in the world.
    SchengenVisaInfo.com says that Finland is not just about beautiful sights. It’s also one of the most welcoming destinations for LGBTQIA+ members.
    “Not only is Finland a safe travel destination, but also an extremely beautiful one. The peace, calm, and vastness of nature are unparalleled. From Helsinki, the capital of Finland, it only takes an hour to the middle of a national park,” Hannu Medina, the Founder of We Speak Gay and Gay Travel Finland mentioned.
    According to a report by the Willams Institute, Finland is one of the most tolerant countries in the world when it comes to the rights of LBTQIA+ people.
    The survey, which gathered responses from respondents from all 175 countries, revealed that Iceland, the Netherlands and Norway were the countries with the highest acceptance levels from 2014 to 2017. Canada, Spain, Canada, and the Netherlands also ranked highly. The same study shows that the most accepting nations are becoming more accepting with time.ADVERTISEMENT“Yet, while Finland is often seen as an oasis for peace and calm, it does also turn up. The number of gay bars is internationally on the decline in most big cities, but not in Helsinki. Our numbers are going up, and we are, in fact, getting the largest gay club, DTM, in Finland in the Meatpacking District in Helsinki this summer,” Medina concludes.
    In Finland, pride festivals are held in the summer, especially in Helsinki, Turku, and Tampere. However, they are also celebrated in smaller towns, where there are more than 40 events.
    Tom of Finland, an exhibition that opens on April 28 at the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, in Helsinki, highlights Touko Laaksonen’s artistic mastery.
    Kuori is another place worth visiting during your trip to Finland. It is a vegetarian and vegan restaurant owned by a woman and LBTQIA+ in Turku. The restaurant offers a menu of raw ingredients composed by women, as well as unisex toilets. It also hosts parties every Wednesday.
    Aurora holidays in Utsjoki are also worth considering, since visitors can travel with the most LGBTQIA+ friendly operator of all Lapland. Aurora Holidays, located in Utsjoki offers visitors a once-in-a lifetime experience of Northern Lights hunting and outdoor activities in Finnish Lapland.
    Source: schengenvisainfo.com

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    Abu Dhabi to host Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition on 2nd September

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    Its landscapes and sites are unique, ranging from the calm Lapland to the largest archipelago in the More

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    Abu Dhabi to host Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition on 2nd September

    Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers Club (EFC), the 20th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX 2023), will be held from 2 to 8 September 2023.The exhibition, which is the largest of its kind in the Middle East and Africa, will feature 11 diverse sectors, including arts and crafts, equestrian, falconry, hunting tourism and safari, hunting and camping equipment, hunting and shooting sports guns and equipment, preservation of environment and cultural heritage, outdoor leisure vehicle and equipment, veterinary products and services, fishing equipment and marine sports, and media.
    The Higher Organising Committee of ADIHEX announced that the exhibition will be held over a period of seven days for the third time in its history, in response to the demands of both visitors and exhibitors. Local, regional, and international companies have praised this qualitative shift within the exhibition development strategy, reflecting the increasing public turnout, and meeting the aspirations of falconry, hunting, equestrian and heritage enthusiasts.
    Several interactive digital services and promotional benefits were announced through the official website of ADIHEX to ensure a smooth and exceptional experience for all exhibitors.
    Majid Ali Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of ADIHEX, the Secretary General of the EFC, expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him, and to H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, Chairman of the Emirates Falconers Club, for the great support provided by Their Highnesses the Sheikhs to the exhibition, and for all the local efforts that contribute to the protection of the Emirati and human heritage.
    He expressed his contentment with the various successes of ADIHEX, and its rich program with its many features, shows, and workshops that succeeded in attracting a wide audience. He emphasised that the next edition would witness the presence of many new products, innovations, and features that meet the aspirations of exhibitors and visitors interested in the sectors of the largest hunting, equestrian, and heritage preservation exhibition in the Middle East and Africa.ADVERTISEMENTThe next edition of ADIHEX will be organised by the Emirates Falconers Club, under the theme “Sustainability and Heritage… A Reborn Aspiration”, with the official sponsorship of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, the International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC), and the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC) where the event takes place. Whereas the golden sponsor is the German company SCHIWY, the sector sponsor is Caracal International LLC, and the official automotive industry partner is ARB UAE.
    The supporting partners of ADIHEX are the Ministry of Interior, Abu Dhabi Police, the Cultural Programs and Heritage Festivals Committee, the Emirates Heritage Club, the Emirates Arabian Horse Association, the Abu Dhabi Chamber, and the British Chamber of Commerce in Abu Dhabi. The industry partners are the International Association for Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey, the European Foundation for Falconry and Conservation, the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, Dubai International Horse Fair, The Game Fair – France, and JAGD & HUND in Germany, and the American Chambers of Commerce in the Emirates. In addition to the visitor experience partners are Mohamed bin Zayed Falconry & Desert Physiognomy School, and the Arabian Saluki Center in Abu Dhabi.
    It is noteworthy that more than 900 companies and brands from 58 countries participated in the last edition, over an area exceeding 60,000 square meters, and provided about 150,000 visitors with the latest technologies, innovations, and trends in falconry, hunting, and equestrian industry, including hunting and camping equipment, accessories, as well as falconry tools and traditional and modern hunting methods, in addition to the best hunting destinations in the world.
    The last edition of ADIHEX hosted 127 speakers who participated in presenting their techniques, skills, visions, and professional experience through 134 specialised workshops that represented a source of knowledge, awareness, and a means for business success and development. The workshops were categorised into four educational platforms: sustainability, outdoor adventures, arts and crafts, and connect with nature.
    More than 100 live performances of birds of prey, Salukis, and police dogs (K9) were also held, along with exciting heritage and sports shows that enhanced the exhibition’s attractiveness, in addition to educational activities and innovative artistic, cultural, and scientific competitions which attracted hundreds of competitors.
    The auctions of camels and falcons were among the noticeable features of the event, and provided a valuable opportunity to get closely acquainted with some of the most important pillars of Emirati and Arab heritage and authentic traditions.

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    Morocco has been announced as Premier Partner of WTM London 2023

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    Morocco has been announced as Premier Partner of WTM London 2023

    The partnership with World Travel Market, 6-8th November, will turn the spotlight on Morocco.
    The Premier Partnership announcement comes as Morocco experiences growth in its tourism activity, aiming to double the number of incoming tourists to 26 million by 2030, elevating Morocco as a leading leisure destination to the world’s travel trade.It is already known that Morocco’s presence at World Travel Market London will focus on the “Morocco, Kingdom of Light” international campaign of the Moroccan National Tourism Office.Launched in April 2022, this campaign was designed to inspire a new generation of traveller, showcasing the attractions and experiences of a “contemporary and dynamic” nation.
    World Travel Market, the most influential travel and tourism event in the world, provides the perfect opportunity for Morocco to demonstrate its efforts in joining the league of highly favoured destinations.
    Morocco’s relationship with WTM spans far beyond Premier Partner of the flagship London event, as the destination has also seen tremendous success participating in ATM, ILTM, IBTM, IFTM, and IGTM. The Moroccan National Tourism Office is relying on commercial events to boost the activity of all Moroccan tourism professionals.
    Adel El Fakir, General Director of the Moroccan National Tourism Office, said:“Our presence at WTM London will be an excellent showcase to further boost the attractiveness of the Moroccan tourism destination. We will thus be in the heart of the action when tourism professionals from around the world come up with new products for 2024 and beyond, and we will also be at the forefront in terms of communication and promotion of the country.”ADVERTISEMENTJuliette Losardo, Exhibition Director at World Travel Market London, said:“We are thrilled to announce Morocco as Premier Partner for World Travel Market London 2023 and excited to support them in reaching their goals for 2030. WTM London is the world’s most influential travel and tourism event, as well as being the sourcing hub for international travel buyers, and so provides the ideal place for Morocco to showcase what they have on offer, highlighting their vibrant culture and incredible hospitality.”

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    Norwegian and Strawberry to establish shared “currency” for loyalty programmes

    Petter A. Stordalen, owner and founder of Strawberry (former Nordic Choice Hotels), and Geir Karlsen Photo, CEO of Norwegian.
    Norwegian and Strawberry are to establish a joint company that will provide a wider selection of services to the members of the companies’ respective loyalty programmes. The company will create a common loyalty currency and a platform where members can earn and use loyalty points across different programmes. The entity will be jointly owned by Norwegian and Strawberry, each retaining an equal ownership stake.
    The digital loyalty currency will replace the loyalty point systems which are used by various loyalty programmes today. In this way, members who earn points at hotel stays can choose to use them to pay for airfares, or vice versa.
    “We are developing our already popular loyalty programme, Norwegian Reward, by thinking outside the box and cooperating with new partners. I am very pleased to have found Strawberry as a partner and that by joining forces, we are developing a new platform which will give even more customers the opportunity to choose from a broader selection of services. We would also like to invite more partners to join this collaboration as we move forward,” said Geir Karlsen, CEO of Norwegian.
    For now, the cooperation involves the loyalty programmes Norwegian Reward and Strawberry’s loyalty programme. The ambition is to grow and include new partners from the Nordics to give members even more opportunities to earn and spend loyalty points. The new company will reach out to a significant share of Nordic households from the beginning.
    “We currently offer a universe of exciting experiences and an attractive loyalty programme with fantastic partners. Strawberry’s ambition it to be relevant to more people more often. Uniting two companies with Nordic roots and histories to create a common loyalty currency is part of reaching this ambition. This will be a game changer for members and guests, providing people in the Nordic countries better and more frequent opportunities to earn and use their loyalty points. We look forward to embarking on this journey together with Norwegian,” said Petter A. Stordalen, owner and founder of Strawberry (former Nordic Choice Hotels).ADVERTISEMENTNorwegian’s and Strawberry’s loyalty programmes have a total of around 7.5 million members in the Nordic countries. Details about the company and the loyalty currency will be made public at the launch later this year. The two existing loyalty programmes of Norwegian and Strawberry will maintain their customer offering as today and continue to be owned by Norwegian and Strawberry respectively.

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    ITB Asia 2023 Unveils Top Exhibitors and Introduces New Hall for Travel Tech Asia 2023

    ITB Asia, Asia’s leading travel trade show, is pleased to announce the top exhibitors for its highly anticipated 16th edition, set to take place from 25 – 27 October 2023 in Singapore
    Co-located with MICE Show Asia and Travel Tech Asia, this year’s event promises three full days of networking opportunities with international exhibitors, complemented by insightful conference sessions at the threeconference theatres located at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore.
    Well ahead of the show in October, many exhibitors confirmed their participation with expansion at ITB Asia 2023. With an impressive line-up of National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) including Brand USA, Croatian National Tourist Board, Czech Tourism Authority, Japan National Tourism Organization, Jordan Tourism Board, Korea Tourism Organization, Malta Tourism Authority, Marianas Visitors Authority, PROMPERU, Singapore Tourism Board, Taiwan Tourism Bureau, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, Tourism Seychelles, Visit Estonia, Visit Finland, Visit Iceland, Visit Maldives, Visit Monaco, Visit Norway, and more.
    Attendees can expect a comprehensive showcase of global destinations and tourism products. Latest floorplan can be found on: itb-asia.com/floorplan
    “At ITB Asia attendees can feel the pulse of innovation, network with global trailblazers and boost their business growth to seize the opportunity to shape the future of the travel industry. By expanding the Travel Tech segment with another hall, we’re opening doors to limitless possibilities, ensuring we stay ahead in this rapidly evolving industry”, says Katrina Leung, Managing Director of Messe Berlin (Singapore), the organiserof ITB Asia, MICE Show Asia and Travel Tech Asia.Trade visitors are invited to join the event with an all-access pass, granting entry to all three shows – ITB Asia, MICE Show Asia, and Travel Tech Asia. They can take advantage of the Super Early Bird rate available until 3 September 2023 by registering at www.itbasia.com/visit-register.ADVERTISEMENTNew hall dedicated to Travel Tech AsiaIn conjunction with ITB Asia, Travel Tech Asia will expand its exhibition and conference theatres at Level 1 of Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre. Travel Tech Asia is the most important travel technology marketplace for digital travel leaders. Building on its successful comeback last year, the show will feature exhibitors from the travel technology sector, including renowned companies like Amerilink InternationalCorporation, DerbySoft, Go Global Travel, Hotelbeds, Infor, Korea Tourism Startup Center, Rakuten Travel Xchange, SUNRATE, Trip.com, TBO Holidays, and UNIFIFI Group.
    Travel Tech buyers who are sourcing for travel technology systems may apply for a free pass on: www.traveltechasia.com/visitor
    For visitors specifically interested in travel technologies, the Travel Tech Asia Visitor Pass offers exclusive access to the Travel Tech Asia exhibition and conferences. The Super Early Bird rate is available now, visitors may register before 3 September 2023 at: www.traveltechasia.com/visitor.

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    Jet2.com celebrates 15 years in Corfu

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    Jet2.com celebrates 15 years in Corfu

    On 30th June 2008, the first Jet2.com flight landed in Corfu from Newcastle International Airport and a decade and a half later the leading leisure airline is celebrating 15 years of operating award-winning flights to Corfu. Since 2008, when Jet2.com operated just one route to Corfu, the company has enjoyed tremendous growth, both through Jet2.com and the UK’s largest tour operator Jet2holidays, with over one million customers having travelled to the destination.
    Today, the companies operate to Corfu from nine of their UK bases (Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, London Stansted, Manchester and Newcastle International) and have over 300,000 seats on sale to the destination this summer. 
    In addition, Jet2holidays has nearly 100 hotels on sale in Corfu for Summer 23 and Jet2Villas, which offers customers their own villa and complete privacy alongside the benefits of a package holiday, has over 30 villas on sale this summer to the ever-popular Greek island. 
    With up to 41 weekly flights arriving from the UK during peak periods this summer, customers and independent travel agents have unrivalled choice and flexibility when it comes to booking and travelling on award-winning flights and ATOL package holidays to Corfu this summer.
    In addition to booking and travelling on award-winning flights and package holidays, customers can experience and enjoy the company’s VIP customer service which has seen Jet2.com and Jet2holidays win high-profile accolades, such as Which? Recommended Provider.  ADVERTISEMENTThis VIP customer service includes friendly low fares, great flight times and a generous 22kg baggage (plus 10kg hand baggage) allowance through a flight-only booking with Jet2.com. Holidaymakers booking through the UK’s largest tour operator, Jet2holidays, receive that very same VIP customer service and flights through Jet2.com, as well as in-resort Customer Helpers, 24/7 customer helpline, transfers, free child places and ATOL protection, all for a low £60 per person booking deposit. 
    Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “This year marks 15 years since we started operating to Corfu, when we had just one route on sale. Today, we operate an enormous programme with unrivalled frequency to Corfu from the UK and have flown over a million customers to this magnificent destination. Such growth and success over the last two decades would not be possible without the fantastic partnerships we have in Corfu, and I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to hoteliers, airports, tourist boards and all our partners. As we continue to grow and take more customers to Corfu on our award-winning flights and holidays, we will continue to put that partnership approach at the very heart of everything that we do and bring even more happy holidaymakers to the destination.” 
    Eleni Skarveli, Greece National Tourism Organisation, Director UK & Ireland, added: “Congratulations to Jet2.com on their 15th anniversary of connecting travellers to the picturesque island of Corfu! Over the years, Jet2.com has provided exceptional service and unforgettable experiences to all their customers visiting Greece. The bond between British travellers and Corfu runs deep, with shared history, cultural exchanges and cherished memories of ginger beer and cricket. Corfu’s idyllic landscapes, adorned with olive groves and turquoise waters, have beckoned British travellers for generations. This strong connection has been nourished by Jet2.com over the last 15 years, offering memorable holidays in Corfu and creating amazing stories. Here’s to reaching 100!”

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