Cruise, Organisations & Operators,

With less than three months to go until the launch of its new ship, Cunard has revealed a glimpse of the elevated retail experiences awaiting guests on Queen Anne.The world’s most iconic luxury cruise line has announced a unique collection of 115 household brands that will have a presence on board, from luxury watchmakers Bremont to the beauty division of French fashion house, Chanel.
And 27 of these exciting brands also represent first-time partnerships for Cunard – including Hugo Boss, Raishma, Chapel Down, Whittard, and 886 Royal Mint. Garrard, the first official crown jeweler in the UK, will also have its first boutique on board a Cunard ship.
In addition to an expertly curated selection of fellow Walpole brands on board, Queen Anne will also herald a new era of retail therapy at sea. Walpole is the official sector body for British luxury, and Cunard became a Walpole member in 2019.
The ship’s redefined retail spaces, expertly designed by Sybille de Margerie, will feature meandering pathways to inspire exploration and intrigue, enabling guests to intuitively weave through areas, with seamless connections leading shoppers from one category to another.
The on-board experienceADVERTISEMENTFrom light-filled boutiques with stunning sea views housing covetable jewelry, clothing, accessories, and gifts to carefully curated collections of pre-loved accessories from designer names for a sample of sustainable indulgence, Queen Anne will boast several feature spaces designed to bring products to life in up-close experiences.
The Grand Lobby Boutiques is the ultimate venue for retail indulgence and is where guests will find the first ever Garrard fine jewelry boutique at sea, as well as Queen Anne’s Cabinet of Curiosities, and Experience Lounge.
The Cabinet of Curiosities is a dazzling new concept featuring 38 display cases showcasing curated treasures from a variety of luxury brands that will celebrate the style and intrigue of travel.
This immersive, one-of-a-kind rotunda gallery will showcase a 360-degree display of collectibles, jewelry, fashion, and art from Cunard’s partner brands – such as Chanel and Bremont – that are available to buy, alongside never-before-seen treasures from the luxury cruise line’s archives.
Another element of Queen Anne’s elevated retail offering is the Experience Lounge, a space where retail intertwines with food and drink, allowing the ship to enhance activations and events in style.
To further enhance the guest experience, Queen Anne will boast a dedicated Shopping Host, the only role of its kind in the Cunard fleet. This personal shopping concierge will have an extensive knowledge of the available assortment as well as brands’ stories to offer guests a rewarding retail experience.
Furthermore, a personalization desk will be available for guests who wish to add a personal touch to purchases through engraving, embossing, and more.
Queen Anne
Throughout her maiden season, Queen Anne will sail from Southampton on itineraries to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the Canary Islands, and the Norwegian Fjords, visiting more than 60 unique destinations in 16 countries – taking in several of Europe’s most enchanting ancient cities.
Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “Luxury ocean travel is all about escapism and being immersed in a world full of unique and enriching experiences. It’s a philosophy we are passionate about bringing to life with our new ship Queen Anne, which is why we are all so excited about her elevated retail offering. Nowhere else will travelers be able to find such a beautifully curated collection of luxury brands at sea or learn about heritage brands in such an engaging way as with Queen Anne’s Cabinet of Curiosities.”
For Travel Advisors interested in further information, please contact your Business Development Manager, visit OneSourceCruises.com, or call Cunard at 1-800-528-6273.

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Travelzoo®, the club for travel enthusiasts has launched the brand-new ‘Cruise Hub’ – a guide to cruising from some of the most influential voices in the industry.Created for Travelzoo’s audience of cruise lovers, 84% of whom are open to going on a cruise, the platform is set to help travellers with fresh inspiration when it comes to cruising.
From no-fly cruises that offer hassle-free exploration to once in lifetime expeditions that are off the beaten path, Travelzoo’s new cruise hub covers no-fly, gourmet, river, expedition and luxury. Experts from Hays Travel, Oceana Cruises, SAGA, Seabourn and Imagine Cruising have joined forces to share their cruising knowledge, and ensure existing cruise goers and those new to cruise have everything they need to know before taking to the seas.
Check out the cruise hub here and keep an eye on Travelzoo’s social pages to catch their new ‘Sunday Sailings’ specials, all around the topic of cruising.https://www.travelzoo.com/uk/custom/travelzoo-guide-to-cruising/

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Holland America Line team members were invited to Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky to join Mayville and Johnson in the private barrel selection room, located in the well-known Warehouse D.
Holland America Line’s beverage program is introducing an exclusive single barrel select bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery, the oldest continuously operating distillery in the United States. This premium offering, curated by Sazerac Master Blender Drew Mayville and Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame inductee Freddie Johnson, will be available fleetwide in March while supplies last.The opportunity to serve this unique bourbon arose when Mayville, an avid Holland America Line cruiser, endorsed the cruise line for the prestigious Sazerac Barrel Select program — an honor limited to only a few participants each year. Sazerac is a family of more than 450 brands from award-winning distilleries around the world. The Sazerac Barrel Select Program allows spirits enthusiasts the unique opportunity to hand-pick a barrel from Sazerac’s award-winning collection.
“We strive to share experiences with our guests that they won’t find anywhere else,” said Michael Stendebach, Holland America Line’s vice president of food, beverage and rooms divisions. “Collaborating with Buffalo Trace to craft a signature bourbon has been an incredible journey. Drew and Freddie guided us to select a barrel that will resonate with our guests and is the perfect representation of our two iconic brands.”
Holland America Line team members were invited to Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky to join Mayville and Johnson in the private barrel selection room, located in the well-known Warehouse D. At the distillery, the group chose four barrels, and then Mayville and Johnson — both icons in the bourbon and spirits world — guided them through a tasting. The group ultimately chose a barrel that offers the distinct characteristics of Buffalo Trace Bourbon, with more intense notes of oak and spice on the nose with a smooth, lingering finish. Mayville reflected on the experience, stating: “We aimed to select an expressive and distinctive barrel for Holland America Line, confident that their guests would enjoy trying something truly unique to the cruise line.”
The standout choice was Barrel #002, filled on Dec. 21, 2015, and aged in Warehouse U on Floor 5, Rick 34. This hand-selected barrel has been bottled and shipped fleetwide and will be available for guests to order in March. Enthusiasts seeking to try this exclusive bourbon will find it in the Ocean Bar on each Holland America ship, where it will be served neat, on the rocks, or as an Old Fashioned.
Buffalo Trace joins Holland America Line’s evolving beverage program that includes partnering with award-winning bartender Ivy Mix who created new cocktails that capture the essence of Mexico and Latin America, launching its own De Lijn gin and introducing a traditional, pirate-inspired rum punch crafted by renowned mixologist David Wondrich that is available on Caribbean cruises. Additional destination-inspired beverage partnerships will be announced soon.ADVERTISEMENTFor more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

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(REYA) is pleased to announce the appointment of its newest client Delfin Amazon Cruises (Delfin). The first Relais & Châteaux Cruise in the world, Delfin is an upscale river cruise operator in the Upper Peruvian Amazon offering a truly comprehensive gastronomic, cultural, and historic adventure. The New York and Miami-based communications firm will handle the US media relations for Delfin, who is returning to REYA’s roster of luxury travel brands committed to conservation, sustainability, and social impact.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Delfin back and have an opportunity to promote Peru and its natural beauty with the media once again. Our portfolio has always attracted the pioneers of their sector, and Delfin is no exception. From delivering first-in-class hospitality in the remote waterways of the Amazon to the social impact made within the local communities to the conservation efforts made to protect the wildlife and habitats of this crucial rainforest, we couldn’t be more excited,” shares Alexandra Avila, Co-Founder of REYA.
Delfin takes personalized boutique travel and services to new levels, with three luxury cruises ranging in capacity from 4 to 22 award-winning suites. All cruises provide five-star, farm-to-table dining services from Delfin’s local garden, blending Peruvian history with contemporary dishes. The newly renovated Delfin II and Delfin III offer both elegance and comfort with spa and gym services. The Delfin II cruise was recently honored in Condé  Nast Traveler’s 2024 Gold List as a “ Best Cruise Ships In The World.” Excursions like kayaking the Amazon waterways and trail walks through the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve are included. Delfin provides an exceptional experience for guests while supporting riverine communities, from purchasing the artwork of local women to aiding wildlife conservation initiatives including the protection of rare pink river dolphins.
Delfin’s Founder & CEO,  Aldo Macchiavello shares, “We are excited to return to REYA, which has always shared our commitment to social responsibility. Peru is prime for tourism and we know our partnership will help put the spotlight back on our beautiful country.
Delfin joins REYA, which has garnered global recognition for its commitment to promoting responsible tourism and championing family-owned travel brands making a local difference. Founded by travel PR veterans Alexandra Avila and Julie Leventhal, REYA combines their passions for working with independent hotels and operators, using digital marketing strategies that yield more effective results. Avila was honored in 2020 as a “Top Woman in PR” by PR News for leveraging her media and digital marketing expertise to support and drive results. In 2022, REYA was honored as a ‘CSR Agency of the Year’ finalist in PR News’ Social Impact Awards for their contributions to gorilla conservation in East Africa.ADVERTISEMENT

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

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Iglu Cruise has launched a huge New Year Sale, with discounts, offers and benefits on thousands of cruises. Highlights include:
A free £100 John Lewis Gift Card on selected luxury cruisesWellbeing Cruise under £800 with TV presenter Cherry HealeyAll-inclusive sailings from under £1,640 with MarellaFree $200 drinks bar tab with Virgin’s Sea Terrace Cabins20% discounts with added £50 discount for January bookings
TOP CRUISE OFFERS IN JANUARY 2024 FROM THE UK’S no. 1 CRUISE AGENT
Iglu Cruise add £100 John Lewis voucher to selected bookings
Receive a £100 gift voucher to spend in John Lewis with selected luxury cruise bookings made in January. ADVERTISEMENTIglu Cruise offers ‘Canary Islands & Cape Verde with Las Palmas Stay’ for 12 nights from £3,499 per person based on two sharing a Veranda Suite on an all-inclusive basis with Wi-Fi and tips included on board Seabourn’s Quest, departing London Gatwick on April 2, 2024. This price includes a 15% discount for bookings made by February 29th. Free voucher
Wellbeing & Lifestyle Cruise from £767
Maintain new year’s resolutions for wellness into March, with this great value getaway to Spain, Portugal and the Canaries. TV presenter Cherry Healey and stylist Kat Farmer will be sharing tips in helpful workshops on how to best support mental and physical health. Iglu Cruise offers ‘Spain, Portugal & Canaries from Southampton, Wellbeing and Lifestyle Cruise’ for 14 nights from only £767 per person (was £799) based on two sharing an inside cabin on full board, on P&O Cruises’ Iona, departing Southampton on March 2, 2024. No tipping is required. Additional charges for wellbeing masterclasses. Wellness with Cherry Healey
An All-Inclusive Iglu-Exclusive – Barbados to Majorca
This offer is exclusive to Iglu Cruise, and invites guests to spend more than a fortnight in the Spring cruising from top sights in the Caribbean back to Europe. This all-inclusive means there’s nothing to pay for flights, luggage allowance, overseas transfers, tips, food, drinks and entertainment. Iglu Cruise offers ‘Atlantic Voyage from Barbados to Majorca’ for 17 nights from £1,639 per person (was £1,824) based on two sharing an inside cabin, all inclusive, on Marella Cruises’ Marella Voyager, departing London Gatwick (Manchester and Glasgow +£300) on April 14, 2024. Exclusive All-Inclusive
A free $200 bar tab per Sea Terrace (Balcony) Cabin
Go wild on board a Virgin Voyages Cruise in September. Iglu Cruise offers ‘Bruges and Amsterdam from Portsmouth’ for 5 nights from £959 per person based on two sharing a Sea Terrace Cabin including full board, drinks, speciality dining, Wi-Fi and tips on board Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady, departing Portsmouth on September 3, 2024. Guests can enjoy a $200 drinks bar tab for the journey!  Free drinks tab
Intensely Greece – Save 20% + £50 discount
Enjoy 20% off this cruise, an in-depth tour of Greece’s top sights together with stays in Istanbul and Athens. Iglu Cruise offers ‘Greece Intensive with Istanbul & Athens Stays’ for 14 nights from £1,999 per person based on two sharing a Club Interior cabin, full board, ‘More Inclusive’ drinks and gratuities included on Azamara Cruises’ Azamara Journey, departing Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Newcastle, Edinburgh or Glasgow (London Airports +£80) on August 8, 2024. Includes £50 discount if booked by January 31st. Grecian Delight
About Iglu.com
Iglu.com is Europe’s largest online travel agent of cruise holidays, trading as Iglu Cruise in the UK, and Planet Cruise across the UK and Europe.
Independent since its launch 25 years ago, pioneering, multi-award-winning Iglu Cruise offers millions of holidays from 3,000 ports to 30 incredible destinations worldwide, and is the primary partner for all major cruise lines. Crowned Online Agency of the Year 2023, Iglu offers unique, fast and easy online search and booking, and personal, unbiased advice from the 100-strong expert team.
Iglu Cruise is an ABTA-bonded travel agent selling cruises and ATOL-bonded fly-cruise packages, and works with the industry to support sustainable travel. Awarded a customer satisfaction score 97% or higher by Feefo.

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New details about the pioneering Riyadh School of Tourism and Hospitality were unveiled at the World Tourism Day (WTD) event, hosted in RiyadhFirst announced in 2021, the school is co-founded by the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia and Qiddiya in collaboration with UNWTO.
The Riyadh School of Tourism and Hospitality is envisioned to become the world’s first student-centric academy to unite all facets of tourism training required to empower the next generation of tourism and hospitality leaders from around the world and bridge the global tourism skills gap.
The new developments were announced during a press conference hosted by the Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, and the UNWTO Secretary General, Zurab Pololikashvil on the sidelines of the World Tourism Day event.
To be located at the Kingdom’s entertainment megaproject headquarters, Qiddiya, with an interim facility at Princess Nourah University, the Riyadh School of Tourism and Hospitality reaffirms Saudi Arabia’s position as a leader in advancing the global tourism sector and underscores its commitment to bridging the global skills shortage to accelerate the industry’s future growth. The school will be accepting students from Q4 2024 and by 2030 will have a student intake of more than 25,000 per year.
Currently, the majority of international tourism institutes do not offer both academic and vocational education across the breadth and depth of the ecosystem within one institution. Through a pioneering hybrid curriculum, the student-centric institution will capitalise on this opportunity by bringing together the brightest minds, cutting-edge technologies and state-of-the-art facilities and top faculty to create a holistic, career-focused program.ADVERTISEMENTThe board of trustees for the school will include multi-disciplined leaders from diverse backgrounds from tourism and hospitality to investment and Ed-Tech. In addition to His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, are Qiddiya’s Managing Director Abdullah AlDawood, Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the UNWTO, CEO of Accor Hotels Sebastian Bazin, Group Chief Executive Officer, Ad Diriyah Gate Development Authority Jerry Inzerillo, Morgan Parker, and CEO of Udacity Kai Roemmelt amongst others that will be announced in due course.
His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, said: “Success of the tourism sector extends far beyond economic growth, but hinges on the commitment of governments worldwide to equip future tourism leaders with the skills required to thrive in this fast-evolving industry.
“The Riyadh School of Tourism and Hospitality is Saudi’s gift to the world. Through its pioneering curriculum, that will offer comprehensive higher education courses covering all aspects of the tourism and hospitality industry, the school represents Saudi’s commitment to providing comprehensive, progressive education that empowers individuals, both domestically and internationally. As we invest in the next generation of tourism professionals, we are not only securing the industry’s future but also fostering a legacy of excellence that will drive prosperity, stimulate individual growth of citizens and foster cultural exchange for years to come.”
Additionally, Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the UNWTO, added: “The latest developments of the Riyadh School of Tourism and Hospitality mark an important milestone in our pursuit of a more sustainable and resilient tourism sector. Education is the bedrock of progress, and by investing in the skills and knowledge of future tourism leaders, we are strengthening the foundations upon which the industry’s growth and development depend.”
As the tourism sector continues its economic growth trajectory – poised to reach $9.5 trillion in GDP contribution in 2023 – the sector is predicted to employ 430 million people globally by 2033, with almost 12% of the working population employed in the sector. With the fastest growing travel and tourism sector in the Middle East according to the WTTC, Saudi Arabia had trained 80,000 citizens by 2022, and committed to investing over $100 million in education and training.
The Riyadh School of Tourism and Hospitality is part of the Kingdom’s broader commitment to the development of the global tourism sector, demonstrated by their hosting of WTD 2023. Under the theme “Tourism and Green Investments”, attendees are exploring the essential role of tourism and global collaboration in driving prosperity, bridging cultures and preserving the environment through a variety of activities.

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TUI River Cruises has announced a brand-new River Nile cruise set to commence in Winter 2024 with exclusive TUI charter flights to Luxor from London Gatwick and Manchester Airports.The exciting expansion means that the river cruise line will add a fully refurbished five-star ship, to be named TUI Al Horeya, which means ‘freedom’, to operate seven-night, all-inclusive round-trip sailings from Luxor. TUI Al Horeya can accommodate 145 passengers and offers 74 cabins including singles, standard cabins and suites.
Two flights per week will operate from London Gatwick and Manchester to Luxor; a city which encompasses a mesmerizing blend of history, architecture, and culture. The new routes is exclusive to TUI, which will be the only tour operator to offer direct, non-stop flights from the UK to Luxor which will operate weekly on a Thursday from 7th November 2024 until 24th April 2025.

Chris Hackney, managing director of TUI River Cruises said: “TUI River Cruises is going from strength to strength, and we are so excited to introduce this latest offering on the Nile which we are confident our customers will love.
ADVERTISEMENT“A cruise along the Nile offers a serene and unforgettable experience with lush landscapes, traditional villages, and other iconic landmarks such as the Luxor and Edfu Temples. With year-round sunshine, Egypt is the perfect destination for exploring ancient history and allowing guests to immerse themselves in a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

He continued, “The name TUI Al Horeya was chosen to ensure we kept local connection to Egypt, as it is our only TUI River Cruise ship which will stay in the one country. TUI Al Horeya in Arabic means ‘freedom’, signifying the freedom the water brings to explore which is a great representation of what river cruising is all about.”

Dedicated licenced Egyptologists will be on hand throughout the trip to enhance the customer experience to be on hand to answer any questions. The modern and contemporary ship will boasts a top deck swimming pool, two whirlpools, an entertainment area, restaurant, Al Fresco dining, lounge bar, wellness studio and a boutique shop.

Like the rest of the fleet, TUI Al Horeya will include a day and night entertainment programme, as well as offering customers a wide range of excursions which have been curated by industry experts, guaranteed to transport visitors back in time to the era of pharaohs and dynasties.

There will be two set excursions included within the sailing package price, this includes the Temple of Horus in Edfu and the temple of Kom Ombo. To ensure that customers have as much flexibility within their cruise, a range of excursions will be on offer in Luxor and Awan for them to choose from. Options include:

Discovering the Temples of Karnak and Luxor with the Sphinx Avenue, a strikingly graceful piece or architecture on the banks of the Nile;Experiencing a sound and light show at Karnak Temple, which recounts the history of Thebes and the lives of pharaohs;Visiting the Nubian Village, located on an Island, and sail on a traditional felucca, a canvas-sailed boat;Touring the High Dam, Obellsk and Phllae Temple, which was built in 1960
TUI Al Horeya is the latest addition to the TUI River Cruise fleet, which currently has three adult only ships. The announcement of this new destination comes on the back of strong demand from customers, with bookings increasing by 40 per cent compared to last year. To meet demand for Winter 2024, all three European ships will be going on sale for festive sailings and will include two new seven-night itineraries over New Year’s Eve; the ‘New Year Sail Away’ itinerary on-board TUI Isla, with New Year’s Eve spent in Cologne and ‘Sail into the New Year’ itinerary on TUI Maya, with new year’s celebrations in Frankfurt. This is in addition to the existing ‘New Year on The Rhine’ itinerary on Skyla.

The first Legends of the Nile itinerary will set sail on the 7th November 2024:
Day 1: Luxor
Day 2: Luxor
Day 3: Edfu
Day 4: Kom Ombo
Day 5: Aswan
Day 6: Aswan
Day 7: Luxor
Day 8: Luxor

Available from £1399 based on two adults sharing a Deck 2 Superior French Balcony cabin on an All-Inclusive basis. Price includes flights from London Gatwick airport on the 5th December 2024, and transfers. To find out more about this holiday or to book go to tui.co.uk/river-cruises, visit your local TUI holiday store or download our app.

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