Organisations & Operators,

Airbnb.org is working with non-profit organizations and government entities to offer free, temporary housing to survivors of the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, and to relief workers.Airbnb.org announced it will offer free temporary housing to people displaced by the recent earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, and first responders assisting with search and rescue, as well as ongoing relief and recovery efforts. These stays will be coordinated by Airbnb.org’s nonprofit partners and funded by Airbnb and generous donors to Airbnb.org.
In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, Airbnb.org reached out to organizations on the ground, including JDC, Catholic Relief Services, CARE International and Build Change, to assess how it can best support housing needs in impacted areas and safe zones. Based on the guidance received, and the breadth and scope of the devastation, Airbnb.org is offering housing vouchers to first responders leading life-saving search and rescue operations through its trusted network of nonprofit organizations and government entities. In the coming weeks and months, Airbnb.org will expand its work with nonprofit partners to offer free, temporary housing to survivors in areas where it is safe to do so.
Airbnb.org does not currently provide a direct intake process for individuals in need of temporary housing. Instead, housing is facilitated through Airbnb.org’s trusted network of nonprofit partners and government entities, and focused on vulnerable populations–including residents of Türkiye, as well as Syrian and other refugee populations residing or migrating to Türkiye.
This commitment is part of Airbnb.org’s ongoing work to support people impacted by natural disasters and conflict around the world.
People interested in supporting this critical work and other crises can visit airbnb.org/earthquakes to donate. Currently, all donations will be matched up to a total of $5 million USD. That means every gift will have twice the impact, and will help fund the cost of housing for people in times of crisis.ADVERTISEMENT

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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia agreed to deepen and formalize cooperation with the aim of strengthening the economic and social benefits of aviation in SomaliaUnder an agreement signed by Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President, Africa and the Middle East, and H.E. Fardowsa Osman Egal, the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Federal Republic of Somalia, a new framework was established that will also see an expansion of IATA’s activities in the country.
“Aviation is a significant contributor to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), so the potential for a strengthened air transport sector to contribute to Somalia’s development is enormous. This agreement aims to realize that potential for social and economic development by focusing on global standards and best practices. H.E. Minister Fardowsa Osman Egal has a strong vision for a successful aviation sector to contribute to a more prosperous Somalia. And we are determined to support that by turning the words of our agreement into real actions,” said Alawadhi.
The agreement provides the framework to support IATA’s mission for aviation in Africa: the creation of a safe, efficient, sustainable, and economical air transport sector that generates growth, creates jobs, and facilitates international trade and tourism as well as playing an essential role in supporting the UN SDGs through generating connectivity between nations.
“Aviation is essential to the success of Somalia’s development plans.  The Government of Somalia is committed to developing its air transport sector to help promote long-term social and economic growth in the country. And we will ensure that global best practices are at the core of development. This agreement will pave the way for closer cooperation on the priorities for aviation in the country,” said Egal.

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dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, announced the appointment of Lynn McClelland as Chief Executive Officer of the company’s Catering and Retail division in the United Kingdom.In her role, Lynn will head dnata’s catering and retail operations at 18 airports across the UK. Under Lynn’s leadership, dnata will continue to deliver world-class culinary services and innovative products that enhance passenger experience and contribute to customers’ business objectives. dnata currently provides quality catering and retail services to 38 airlines with a team of over 3,000 dedicated professionals in the UK.
With significant experience in previous executive roles, including Head of British Airways Global Catering and Director of Worldwide Operations for IAG Cargo, Lynn has delivered large scale change in a wide range of positions within both the transport and food industries. Lynn will begin her role with immediate effect.
Robin Padgett, Chief Executive Officer of dnata Catering and Retail, said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Lynn with dnata Catering UK. Lynn brings a wealth of international experience and has a demonstrable track record in building high performing businesses and teams, driving operational excellence, understanding our customer’s needs, as well as financial and change management.
“With her broad expertise and passion for culinary excellence,  Lynn is well-positioned to lead our dedicated team and help dnata’s customers deliver on changing traveller expectations and needs.”
dnata’s flight catering operation uplifted 50.5 million meals in the period April to September 2022, a sharp increase of 204% compared to 16.6 million meals in the equivalent period in 2021.As one of the world’s largest air and travel services providers dnata offers ground handling, cargo, travel and catering & retail services at over 130 airports in more than 30 countries across six continents.ADVERTISEMENT

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The first meeting of the G20 Tourism Working Group to be held under the Indian Presidency placed the focus on the sector’s role in in advancing the 2030 Agenda.
UNWTO is working as the knowledge partner to the Presidency to deliver the Goa Roadmap for Tourism as a Vehicle for Achieving the SDGs. This week’s meeting, held in the Rann of Kutch (7-9 February), featured as well a side event dedicated to rural tourism for community development and poverty alleviation. Here, UNWTO shared its recently launched Tourism for Rural Development Programme, including the Best Tourism Villages Initiative.
The side event was an opportunity to highlight opportunities for rural tourism, including new consumer behaviors and growing interest in new destinations. The meeting also explored the main challenges facing the sector, particularly with regards to digital and non-digital infrastructure, the empowerment of local communities and skills development. The findings presented were the result of an analysis of more than 200 candidacies by villages from around the world to the Best Tourism Villages Initiative as well as UNWTO Member States priorities and policies.
Representatives from Indonesia, Spain, Italy and Japan joined UNWTO, the UN Environmental Program, the International Labor Organization and the South Asia Women’s Network (SWAN) in discussing how can tourism policy can support tourism’s contribution to rural development. Participants stressed that the sustainability of tourism in rural areas is dependent on a comprehensive planning strategy is adopted and implemented based on a multi-action and multi-stakeholder participatory approach. Furthermore, it was noted that rural tourism requires the support of regional and local governments, the private sector, industry associations, civil society, communities and tourists.
In 2021, recognizing the immense potential of rural tourism in the country, the Ministry of Tourism of India formulated a National Strategy and Roadmap for Development of Rural Tourism. Reflecting this, the event included also rural tourism cases from India, including examples from Astro-tourism, homestays and women empowerment as well as the Indian village selected by UNWTO to join the Best Tourism Villages Upgrade Programme – the Khonoma Village in Nagaland.ADVERTISEMENT

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Fraport AG and TAV Airports Holding Donate €1 Million to Aid Earthquake Victims in Turkey

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Fraport AG has joined forces with TAV Airports Holding to donate €1 million to the victims of the earthquake in Turkey. The two companies work closely together in the Turkish market in the operating consortium of Antalya Airport.The joint venture partners are each donating €500,000. Talks with the Turkish authorities to determine where the money is needed most urgently are currently ongoing.
“Our thoughts are with the victims and their families,” said Dr. Stefan Schulte, Chairman of the Executive Board of Fraport AG. “Rapid assistance is required now, which we are arranging together with our partner TAV Airports Holding. Together, we are contributing to alleviating the suffering of the people in the affected regions.”
In addition, Fraport AG is encouraging its staff for donations to help the victims of the earthquake. Employees can donate money via the charitable aid organization “Luftfahrt ohne Grenzen / Wings of Help.” Fraport will then double this amount.
“Many of our employees have Turkish roots or family in the country. The fate of the people in the aftermath of this natural disaster is affecting us all deeply,” said chairman of the works council Hakan Bölükmese. “It is important to us to send a signal from the workforce to the affected regions. That is why the works council is also appealing to employees to donate.”Fraport AG has been active at Antalya for over two decades. Since it entered into this commitment in 1999, Fraport has succeeded in consolidating and increasing the enormous importance of the airport for international tourism in the Mediterranean region. In 2022, Fraport AG and its partner TAV Airports Holding were awarded a contract to extend their concession for a further 25 years.

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This year, airport company Finavia will invest more than EUR 15 million in the renovation of runways at the Helsinki Airport, Kuopio Airport and Kuusamo Airport. Some of the money will be spent on water protection and energy efficiency. Sustainable development projects are also underway at several airports. In total, environmental investments will rise to nearly EUR 10 million.
“In the runway renovation projects, our goal is to improve the smoothness and safety of air traffic, and to improve water protection and save electricity. Water protection is important because, by improving the control of stormwater flowing from runways, it is possible to protect the microbiota in the ditches and streams in the vicinity of airports,” says Henri Hansson, an SVP of Finavia.
Finavia’s infrastructure investments in 2023 will total more than EUR 15 million, of which approximately EUR 4 million will be allocated to environmental work. Runways will be renovated at the airports of Helsinki, Kuopio and Kuusamo.
In addition to infrastructure investments, Finavia will also spend more than EUR 5 million on sustainable development projects at Helsinki Airport, Turku Airport and Pori Airport.
At Helsinki Airport, the northern end of runway 2 (15/33), the transverse runway, will be renovated. The work will start in May and be completed by the beginning of September.ADVERTISEMENTThe renovation will affect the landing directions at the airport, as it will not be possible to land on runway 2 during the renovation. In May–August, landings from the direction of Nurmijärvi will decrease and landings from the direction of Northeast Vantaa and Kerava will increase. Propeller aircraft will take off from runway 2 in the direction of Tikkurila as usual.The parallel runways 1 and 3 will be available as usual, which means that the renovation will not affect passenger or air traffic.
In addition to improving the stormwater sewer system, Finavia will also renovate the electrical systems under the runway and the runway surface. The total investment this year will be EUR 8 million.
The renovation will continue during the summer of 2024, when the southern end of the runway will be renovated and the navigation and air navigation equipment will be replaced.
No effect on flights from Kuopio Airport’s runway renovations
At Kuopio Airport, Finavia is renovating stormwater sewers and taxiways E and F, and continuing the renovation of the electricity network that began last year. Finavia will invest EUR 5 million in Kuopio Airport this year.
The work will start in May and be completed by the beginning of September. The airport will be open and operating flights will be possible the whole time. The renovation will not affect air traffic.
Kuopio Airport’s runway renovations will be completed in autumn 2024.
Air traffic at Kuusamo Airport to be paused between 17 July and 15 August
At Kuusamo Airport, Finavia will renovate the runway lighting system and apron surface. Existing light fittings will be replaced with LED light fittings, which will reduce electricity consumption. The investment is worth EUR 2.5 million.
Due to the renovation of the runway and apron, there will be a four-week break in flights to and from Kuusamo Airport, as the runway cannot be used during the work. The break will start on 17 July and last until 15 August.From 16 August 2023, Kuusamo Airport will be open as usual. The renovated infrastructure will serve the air traffic of the autumn and upcoming Christmas season even more smoothly.
EUR 5 million of sustainable development projects at Helsinki Airport, Turku Airport and Pori Airport
Finavia has several sustainability projects underway throughout Finland. These projects amount to about EUR 5 million. The main focus is promoting water protection at Helsinki Airport, Turku Airport and Pori Airport, in addition to which all airports are working to reduce carbon emissions.
“Our new sustainability programme guides our investment decisions and operations towards sustainable air travel. Reducing carbon emissions and preserving biodiversity are important to us, and we will also take this into account in this summer’s renovations,” Henri Hansson says.

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Booking.com, the leading digital travel app with a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, is launching a new ad campaign to show that booking a trip is half the fun. Starring Emmy Award winning, Academy Award and Golden Globe nominated American actress and producer, Melissa McCarthy, this continuation of the beloved Booking.yeah campaign will debut live during the upcoming “big game” on February 12, during which Booking.com will once again be giving away half a million dollars in vacations. A sneak peak of the ad can be found on YouTube.com/Bookingcom.With 73%* of U.S. travelers saying they enjoyed the experience of booking their last trip, as well as 73%** of Americans reporting that travel will always be worth it and that they are overwhelmingly optimistic about traveling this year, Booking.com is here to help travelers find and book “Somewhere, Anywhere,” the mantra of the brand’s new ad campaign with Melissa McCarthy. The comedic spots, which include cameos by Melissa’s husband, American actor, comedian and filmmaker Ben Falcone, focus on how Booking.com makes booking a trip easy, reliable and fun, with the widest choice of places to stay. The brand aims for all travelers to truly have the “Booking.yeah” feeling – from the minute they start exploring the array of amazing hotels, homes and unique properties on the site, to hitting the “book” button and then excitedly anticipating their journey ahead, and of course, enjoying the trip itself.
“The joy and excitement we get from traveling and exploring the world, or even taking a short trip close to home, gives us such wonderful memories. Every time my family travels, we come back as a little bit better versions of ourselves and we’re immediately inspired to start daydreaming about our next trip. I’m tickled pink to be working with Booking.com as their #1 Travel Fan,” said Melissa McCarthy. “The fun of travel starts with a world of possibilities, so I hope the ad gives everybody the inspiration to book their next trip with Booking.com and bring their travel dreams to life. Of course, all of this is to be done while singing “Somewhere, Anywhere.”

To kick off the campaign, Booking.com will give away half a million dollars in vacation funds – 50 winners will receive $10,000 each in travel credits – to explore the amazing “Somewhere, Anywhere” destinations across the U.S. and the world. Just follow @bookingcom on Instagram or TikTok and leave a comment on any Booking.com giveaway post noting the “Somewhere, Anywhere” you want to go using #ShareYourAnywhere along with #Sweepstakes to be entered for a chance to win $10,000 in travel credits to use on Booking.com. The entry period for the giveaway begins on February 7, 2023 at 12:00pm EST, and ends February 19 at 11:59pm EST, with winners chosen at random. For more information on how to enter, visit Booking.com’s social channels (Instagram.com/bookingcom, Tiktok.com/bookingcom) and for the Official Rules, visit www.promoterms.com/shareyouranywhere.
With creative developed by Zulu Alpha Kilo and Mindshare managing the media strategy and planning, the integrated campaign will run across TV – including prime time – audio streaming, online and social channels, through the end of April with a second rollout in the summer. The campaign includes a mix of :30 and :15 second commercials, including the “big game” spot – “Melissa McCarthy in ‘Somewhere, Anywhere’” – as well as “Vacay in the USA,” “Perfect Vacation Rental,” “Room Service,” and “Double Booked.” All of the ads, including a teaser video released earlier this month, as well as a soon-to-be-released extended two minute version of “Melissa McCarthy in Somewhere, Anywhere” (Full Musical) can be viewed on YouTube.com/Bookingcom.ADVERTISEMENT

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Mayor Quinton Lucas, the Kansas City Aviation Department, and its development partners have announced the new terminal at Kansas City International Airport will open on February 28, 2023—delivering Kansas City’s largest ever infrastructure project on time and on budget.“For the last four years the project team has worked diligently to keep the New Terminal on schedule and on budget,” said Pat Klein, Director of Aviation. “As we approach the finish line, I thank the stakeholders who’ve contributed greatly and the residents of the entire region for their ongoing support.””From the outset, we committed to make this project transformational by building the capacity of small, minority- and women-owned businesses and training men and women to be part of the workforce of the future. We have exceeded all project goals and are extremely proud of what the team has accomplished,” said Geoffrey Stricker, Senior Managing Director with Edgemoor.All flight operations, arrivals, and departures, scheduled for February 27, and prior to 1 a.m. on February 28, will occur at the existing terminals. All flights operations, arrivals, and departures, scheduled for after 1 a.m. on Tuesday, February 28 will take place at the new terminal. Overnight, airlines will relocate 31 aircraft from their gates at Terminals B and C to the new terminal to prepare for their morning departures.First scheduled arrival to the new terminal:
Tuesday, February 28, 2023 – Southwest #1980 from Chicago (MDW) arrives at 7:40am
The project was a team effort led by the City of Kansas City, the Kansas City Aviation Department, Edgemoor Infrastructure and Real Estate and joint venture Clark | Weitz | Clarkson.
The Build KCI project generated up to 5,000 construction-related jobs with more than 240 Kansas City-area firms tapped to work on the project with more than 130 minority- and women-owned business partners.

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