Organisations & Operators,

Airports Council International (ACI) released the annual airport climate action results for Airport Carbon Accreditation, the global carbon standard for airports founded and managed by ACI EUROPE on behalf of airports worldwideThe past reporting year, running from May 2021 to May 2022, ended with 395 airports spanning 79 countries engaging in carbon management and reduction at one of the six program levels. The 91 new accreditations reported this year represent the highest growth since Airport Carbon Accreditation’s inception in 2009. Airports have also made great strides in progressing to more stringent levels of accreditation – 86 airports upgraded to a higher level of carbon management during the year, with 89 having now achieved advanced levels of carbon management.
Highlighted amongst the program’s achievements is the sheer diversity of airports now certified. They include airports of all sizes: top global hubs such as London-Heathrow, Istanbul, Doha Hamad International, Singapore-Changi and Dallas Fort Worth are amongst the accredited rollcall, along with capital gateways in all continents such as Abidjan, Athens, Amman, Phnom Penh, Quito and San Jose. Equally, smaller airports serving remote areas, island nations and popular tourism destinations as diverse as Galapagos, Kelowna, Puerto Vallarta, Enfidha Hammamet, Trondheim and Sunshine Coast are proudly counted in their number.
The reporting period covers a timeframe when many airports were facing the profound impact of sluggish and fragile post-COVID-19 traffic recovery on airports’ financial and operational health. In this context, the results achieved serve to reconfirm airports’ unwavering determination to mitigate their impact on the climate.
Delivering tangible carbon savings
The latest carbon reduction and compensation results achieved by the airport industry are equally record-breaking. In the period covered, accredited airports succeeded in collectively reducing the CO2 emissions under their control by 549,643 tonnes, a reduction of -8.1%. This is the largest reduction ever achieved through the program. In addition, 898,821 tonnes of CO2e were compensated with high quality carbon credits, in line with ACI EUROPE’s Offsetting Guidance based on a qualitative assessment of the compensation mechanisms and offset types available on the market.ADVERTISEMENTNiclas Svenningsen, Manager for Programmes Coordination at the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC) said: “The results announced today speak volumes of the global airport industry’s commitment to fighting climate change. Against the backdrop of worsening climate impacts and the window of opportunity to keep the warming below 1.5°C rapidly closing, we need all parts of our global economy to act now. Airports have clearly understood this message and are on the front line of climate mitigation within their spheres of influence and lending their impetus to other industry actors. I commend each and every airport engaged in this collective effort to advance the decarbonisation of the airport industry globally.”
ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira said: “The record-breaking results of the ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation program are great achievements by the world’s airports. Founded by ACI EUROPE, this program has become a global success—as reflected in its year over year growth. Congratulations to all 395 airports, spanning 79 countries across all ACI Regions, that have engaged in carbon management and reduction. Despite the challenges brought on by the impact of the pandemic, the airport industry continues to demonstrate its commitment to net zero carbon emissions for international aviation by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement.”ACI EUROPE Director General Olivier Jankovec said: “The Airport Carbon Accreditation programme is at the heart of what decarbonising an industry like aviation must be about: aspirational yet deeply practical and actionable, charting not only achievements today but the way forwards for tomorrow. Airports know well the role they play in their communities and the expectations that air passengers have with regard to our shared responsibility for the climate and environment. The Airport Carbon Accreditation programme provides a framework for measurable progress and demonstrable results. We are intensely proud of the achievements to date, and the appetite for continued change.”
Alignment with the Paris Agreement
The latest addition to the program framework, Levels 4 (Transition) and 4+ (Transformation), require airports to align their carbon management and reduction trajectory with the objectives of the Paris Agreement, according to which global warming should be limited to below 2⁰C and ideally 1.5⁰C. Their creation back in July 2019 marked a step-change in the program’s ambition level, laying the ground to accompany airports of all sizes and locations to reach Net Zero CO2.
The number of airports accredited at these levels reached 321 in the reporting period, pointing to the airport community’s readiness to pursue full decarbonisation in line with, or in some cases even more rapidly than the timelines enshrined in the global climate goals.

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Regent has more than doubled its collection of family adventures for 2023, expanding from an exploratory handful of itineraries into a fully-fledged family programme, opening up its pioneering spirit and in-depth destination knowledge to adventurers of all ages.
The 2023 family collection now includes holidays in the Azores, Borneo, Iceland, Finland, Jordan, the Norwegian Fjords, Slovenia and Sweden.
Andrea Godfrey, Regent head of product and marketing, said: “Regent has always been about taking travellers to some of Europe and Asia’s most fascinating and lesser-explored places.
“We have dipped our toe into the water of family holidays in recent years, and now – in response to customer demand – we have expanded our programme to include a family option in almost all of our most popular destinations, from the Nordic countries to Slovenia and the Azores.”
He added: “The collection has been carefully put together by our destination experts, each of whom has a deep knowledge and passion for their ‘patch’, so agents can be assured their clients will be experiencing the very best of what each place has to offer family adventurers. ADVERTISEMENT“Many of the trips can be tailored to feature upgraded or self-catering accommodation options, and when agents pick up the phone to us, they know they will be getting the best advice to meet their clients’ needs.”
Some of the new family trips for 2023 include:
The volcanic islands of the Azores have plenty of activities for even the most discerning of teens, from canyoning, coasteering and sailing to canoeing and whale watching, and budding geologists will love the belching steam vents and volcanic fumaroles.
Highlights of the new Family Adventures in the Azores itinerary include exploring the capital Ponta Delgada by bike; a whale watching excursion by catamaran; canoeing on the lakes at Furnas including seeing the fumaroles (and witnessing how the traditional Cozida das Furnas stew is cooked underground using volcanic heat); an off-road adventure to mountains, beaches, lakes and thermal water pools and a canyoning and coasteering experience, plus plenty of free time to hike, fish, snorkel and stand up paddle board.
Characterised by lake and forest adventures, this seven-night fly-drive family break is based in a cosy log cabin with private sauna and hot tub at the Lehmonkärki Resort on the shore of Päijänne, Finland’s second largest lake.
The Finnish Lakeland Family Summer Break includes a day trip to the city of Lahti for its Wooden Architecture Park and Ski Museum (with ski jump and biathlon shooting simulation); rowing to a ‘secret’ island to swim or fish in Lake Salajärvi; evening fishing along the Vääksy Canal and Lake Vesijärvi in search of perch and pike; donning a special suit to go lake floating; an adventure course in the trees at the Flowpark Adventure Park and a visit to a farm to meet the resident Siberian huskies.
More Information
Agents can access assets including Regent images and tour itineraries for marketing purposes by logging on to the free online toolkit here.
The full Regent 2023 brochure is available to view online here and features the details of the Regent team members and their specific areas of expertise.

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​Book Now, Ski Next Season: 50% Off Stays At Panorama Mountain Resort With Frontier Ski, a provider of bespoke, tailor made ski and snowboard holidays across North America for over 30 years.​It’s never too early to start thinking about next season’s ski holiday, as North American specialist operator Frontier Ski is offering a 50% discount on stays at British Columbia’s Panorama Mountain Resort. The offer, which covers the entire season, includes a further 40% off transfers (a total saving of £1,200pp), and applies to accommodation at Peaks Lodge, Taynton Lodge, Panorama Springs and Summit Lodge. Prices for 2023/24 lift passes are also being slashed by 50%, with a nine-day pass priced at only £386pp. Bookings should be made before 15 June.
​Ski Product Manager at Frontier Ski, Michael Williamson-Giles, comments, “With advanced bookings trending, planning your ski holiday at the earliest opportunity will give you access to the best deals and the widest range of accommodation. Booking well ahead of time is also a major advantage if you are looking to travel in peak season or wish to stay at one of North America’s smaller ski resorts.”

Located on the Kootenay Rockies Powder Highway and blessed with spectacular views of the Purcell and Rocky mountains, the Panorama Mountain Resort is home to almost 3,000 acres of terrain, 120 trails, eight lifts, two alpine bowls, a terrain park, Canada’s largest slopeside hot pools (all guests of Panorama have use of the amazing hot pools at The Panorama Springs), and one of the top 10 vertical drops on the continent. Its seamless ski in-ski out experience and intimate village setting appeals to families and couples in search of a more laidback après-ski scene. Also attracting the eco-crowd, Panorama has a firm stance on sustainability, with the resort on a mission to save the endangered Whitebark pine tree*.​A snowcat shuttle service allows skiers to enjoy some of the more extraordinary mountain terrain via Monster X, with alternatives to ski and snowboarding, including fat tire biking, ice skating, snowshoeing, tandem paragliding and snowmobiling direct from the village.
ADVERTISEMENT​Stay at Peaks Lodge, the most modern condo complex in the resort and one of Panorama’s most sought-after properties. Conveniently located, its luxury self-catering condos are only a short stroll from the main base area by the ice rink. 10-nights with Frontier Ski from £1,529pp (two sharing) including all accommodation (one bedroom suite featuring a Split King bed in the bedroom with a Queen sofa bed in the lounge and private balcony), return flights with Air Canada in economy class from London Heathrow to Calgary, checked baggage and ski carriage, and return scheduled transfers from Calgary to Panorama. Price based on mid-January 2024 departures. Offer valid on stays of two nights or more. Subject to availability.
​Frontier Ski (020 8776 8709; [email protected]; Frontier-ski.co.uk). ATOL PROTECTED No 5405 ABTA W3207. For press enquiries please contact [email protected]

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Matthew Heffernan, Chair of the Board of The Calgary Airport Authority, is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Dinsdale as the new President & CEO of The Calgary Airport Authority
After an extensive international search, Chris Dinsdale was identified as the best strategic leader to take YYC through its next phase of growth. Chris was chosen for his deep experience, passion and proven track record in airports, along with his emphasis on developing lean and efficient operations.  In addition, his focus on providing a unique and high-quality passenger experience and his experience developing strategic airline partnerships will allow YYC to continue its development into the future. The Board is confident Chris will amplify YYC’s success in providing our guests with the memorable and exceptional experiences they’ve come to expect from YYC and providing strong leadership for our Crew.
“Chris is a highly regarded leader in aviation, finance and business,” said Matthew Heffernan, Board Chair. “We are confident his leadership, operational knowledge and focus on positive customer experiences will ensure The Authority continues on its path of robust recovery and growth.”
Born and raised in Canada, Chris Dinsdale joins The Authority from the Budapest Airport where he has worked for almost eight years, most recently as CEO.
“Airports and aviation create jobs, drive innovation, and support economic diversification. I am delighted to join The Calgary Airport Authority, which plays a critical role in the Alberta and Canadian economies,” said Chris Dinsdale.  “I am honoured to have the opportunity to work with the excellent team at YYC and very excited for the opportunity to continue to build on YYC’s solid foundation of ensuring a world class travel experience for our guests.”ADVERTISEMENTUnder Chris’ strong leadership, the Budapest Airport has recently received one of the highest awards in the airport sector from the Airport International Council, being voted by passengers as the “2022 Best Airport in Europe (15m – 25m PAX).” Also, during Chris Dinsdale’s tenure as CEO of the Budapest Airport, the airport received the 2022 Skytrax World Airport Awards, “Best Airport in Eastern Europe” award and received the 2022 “Cargo Hub of the Year” award at the distinguished Air Cargo News Awards. In addition, Chris has pursued a strong focus on community engagement and sustainability, with the Budapest Airport setting an aggressive 2035 deadline for achieving net zero emissions.
Chris Dinsdale will replace Bob Sartor who announced his departure as President & CEO in March 2022 after six years in the role. Chris Dinsdale will start his tenure at The Calgary Airport Authority later this year.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank Bob for his dedication and exceptional leadership. We are grateful that he accomplished the goals he set out to achieve, including the strides he made in modernizing leadership, finances, and partnerships. We are pleased Bob has agreed to continue to lead the Authority until Chris joins us. We wish Bob the very best in his future endeavors,” said Mr. Heffernan.

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BER Airport is putting every effort into avoiding the chaotic airport scenes of 2022. At ITB Berlin 2023, BER managing director Thomas Hoff Andersson presented three services that travellers can use to make life easier.Firstly, there is BER Runway, a new service that lets passengers book a security check time slot. Secondly, people with hidden disabilities can use a free sunflower-badged lanyard to discreetly indicate they require a little more time or assistance. And thirdly, BER Airport is focusing increasingly on self-service points.
Using BER Runway, BER passengers can now book security check time slots. This can be done online for separate access to security in Terminal one in order to reduce possible waiting times. The service is free of charge. Thomas Hoff Andersson: “It lets passengers plan their airport stay more reliably and minimise stress on their trip.“ Kasper Hounsgaard, Co-CEO Copenhagen Optimization, added: “The future of aviation lies in putting passengers more in control of their trips. Passengers who select security checks outside peak times help make procedures smoother.“
The Sunflower programme offers assistance to people with hidden disabilities. BER is Germany’s first airport to introduce a sunflower-badged lanyard, an internationally recognised symbol used in many countries. With it, people can discreetly signal a hidden disability and the fact they require a little more time or patience. Sunflower director Ruth Rabét said: “Hidden disabilities cover a wide range including autism, cognitive disabilities, mental health problems, anxiety disorders, to name but a few.“ The lanyard is free and no proof must be supplied.
Thirdly, BER aims to expand its self-service points. Thomas Hoff Andersson: “Passengers can use these to check in on their own and drop off their baggage. Several airlines are already offering this service, either just for dropping baggage or additionally for printing boarding cards.” Services are scheduled to expand by 2023 and it is hoped that by the summer at the latest self-service points will be so numerous as to noticeably speed up passenger check-ins.

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USA Basketball has announced an agreement with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).
Under the terms of the deal, the United States will host three games in Abu Dhabi featuring the men’s national teams from the United States, Germany and Greece.
The USA Basketball Showcase Abu Dhabi represents USA Basketball’s first men’s national team activity in the United Arab Emirates.
In preparation for the 2023 FIBA Men’s World Cup, the United States men’s national team will host Greece and Germany on August 18th and 20th, respectively.
Germany and Greece are set to play on August 19th.
“USA Basketball is thrilled to work with DCT Abu Dhabi to bring the USA Basketball Showcase to Abu Dhabi.
“This is the first time our Men’s national team will play in the UAE and we’re excited to engage with fans from across the globe, while also offering our players and coaches memorable on- and off-court experiences,” said Jim Tooley, chief executive of USA Basketball. ADVERTISEMENT“We are grateful to the national federations of Greece and Germany for their participation as we prepare for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, arguably the toughest international tournament in basketball.”
Tickets will go on sale this spring, but fans can register for updates by clicking here. 
Saleh Al Geziry, director general of Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “It’s set to be an unforgettable summer in Abu Dhabi and it’s an honour to host the first USA Basketball Showcase in the UAE.
“We look forward to welcoming players and fans from the USA, Germany and Greece, to cheer on their national teams and to discover a wide range of experiences in Abu Dhabi that inspire, excite and restore.”
Additional USA Basketball Showcase details, including team rosters, broadcast information and training camp dates, will be announced later.
More Information
The United States officially qualified for the 2023 FIBA World Cup last month.
One of seven teams set to represent FIBA Americas in the 32-team field, the USA will play all its games in Manila as the tournament is set for August 25th to September 10th, in Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines.
The World Cup draw is set for April 29th, in Manila.
For more information, click here.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of the culture and tourism sectors, fuels economic progress and helps achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions.
Find out more on the official website.

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Experience Abu Dhabi will be revealing its new summer offer at ITB Berlin this week, showcasing to the world that one summer is not enough to visit the destination and its abundance of activities that can be enjoyed.
A summer in Abu Dhabi is like no other.
Whether looking for experiences that inspire, excite or restore, there is something for everyone to enjoy, at their own pace.
Travellers can get inspired by the rich culture and heritage scene across 23 locations including the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Hosn and the presidential palace of Qasr Al Watan.
Alternatively, those looking for adventure, can reach new heights at one of 14 theme parks including Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. ADVERTISEMENTCouples can also escape to a private and secluded desert island retreat of Nurai Island, just 15 minutes away by boat, or enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime meal at one of the recently awarded Michelin star restaurants.
An exciting calendar of events will make this an unforgettable summer, including the return of Monster Jam – offering motorsport fans an adrenaline-charged weekend in May, unrivalled family fun at Paw Patrol Live, as well as an exhilarating concert by rock legends, Guns N’ Roses in June, and Yas Gaming Festival in July.
A variety of promotions and offers will also be available across the city so travellers can make new memories and enjoy endless summer fun.
The unveiling of the summer offer marks the first step to launch the best of summer in Abu Dhabi this year.
New offers will be rolled out this month, with unbeatable promotions to offer amazing value when booking stays to Abu Dhabi this summer.
Travellers will be able to make the most of their summer holiday to Abu Dhabi with an exclusive, limited time deal of ‘stay more, pay less’ for trips booked between four to seven nights. Valid from May 1st to September 30th, and available to book from tomorrow, travellers can opt for a getaway that’s nestled in the city, select a gorgeous resort surrounded by turquoise waters, or book a family escape for the kids to enjoy at amazing value.
At the stand, attendees will be able to immerse themselves in Abu Dhabi’s intangible heritage and culture.
Here guests can learn about Emirati craftsmanship and the art of henna in the cultural zone or have their favourite art piece from Louvre Abu Dhabi printed in the Saadiyat Island zone.
“One summer isn’t enough to discover the countless memorable and enriching experiences that can be enjoyed in Abu Dhabi.
“Whether you’re looking for a thrilling summer adventure, to be moved by culture or for some family fun, Abu Dhabi has it all,” said Abdulla Yousuf, director of international operations, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.
“We look forward to meeting with esteemed industry professionals at ITB to share the variety of activities that are on offer in Abu Dhabi this summer and beyond.” 
There will be a daily competition held at the stand where special prizes can be won. Head to stand 200 during the show to find out more.
More Information
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of the culture and tourism sectors, fuels economic progress and helps achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions.
Find out more on the official website or head over to Hall 2.2/200 at ITB Berlin 2023.

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Encounters with pandas, family reunions and magic dolls all feature in Manchester Airport’s new ’Little Book of Travel Tales’.Including stories written by children who have flown through the airport in recent times, the free book has been launched to celebrate World Book Day, and the airport has printed 5,000 copies which will be handed out to children travelling through over Easter, as well as to pupils visiting the AeroZone education centre.
MAG – which owns and operates Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands airports – put out a call for submissions last year and received hundreds of entries, which were whittled down to winners from nine schools;
• Didsbury C of E Primary School, Stockport
• New Moston Primary School, Manchester
• Queensgate Primary School, StockportADVERTISEMENT• Ringway Primary School, Wythenshawe
• Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Wythenshawe
• Stockport Home Education Community, Stockport
• St Paul’s C of E Primary School. Manchester
• Grewelthorpe C of E Primary School, Ripon, North Yorkshire
• Westoe Crown Primary School, South Shields
One of the selected stories tells the tale of a panda-obsessed girl called Emily, who wins a competition to travel to China and see her favourite animal in the wild.
Another recounts the adventures of a mischievous toy doll called Dolly, who escapes the suitcase she has been packed into whilst in the hold of a plane and befriends a teddy, before finding – and eating – a whole box full of crisps.
Poems submitted include an entry from nine-year-old Noah about the various jobs at the airport, and another by 7-year-old Milose about seeing a plane in the night sky and wondering about where it might be travelling to.
The book also contains puzzles, wordsearches and a range of other fun activities to keep youngsters occupied whilst they wait for their flights.
Manchester Airport’s Head of Education, Skills and Employment, Marcella M’Rabety, said: “We were blown away by the quality and variety of entries we received for the ‘Little Book of Travel Tales’ and are very grateful to participating schools and their pupils.
“Literacy is a vital skill and World Book Day plays an important part in encouraging children to discover the joy of reading and writing. We were keen to support World Book Day through our education programme and tapping into youngsters’ enthusiasm for travel and adventure felt like a natural fit.
“I know the pupils involved all had a great deal of fun writing the stories and poems, and I hope our passengers get just as much enjoyment from reading them.”
The ‘Little Book of Travel Tales’ is part of a wider programme of education and school outreach work that Manchester Airport is engaged in. AeroZone, an on-site educational centre, was opened last year by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. It provides a mix of teaching space and interactive zones, including a mocked-up plane cabin with real seats and a cockpit, complete with flight simulator. It is available for school trip bookings for primary school pupils across the North.
Meanwhile, the MAG Connect Airport Academy provides dedicated support to the long-term unemployed and other disadvantaged groups, offering free training courses and skills workshops in partnership with Trafford College, making over 4,000 job referrals last year.
To find out more visit www.manchesterairport.co.uk/education.

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