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    DFDS Retains ‘World’s Leading Ferry Operator’ Title at World Travel Awards

    Global ferry operator DFDS has sailed to victory once again after being named the ‘World’s Leading Ferry Operator’ at the prestigious World Travel Awards.
    Voted for by passengers and travel industry peers, the award acknowledges, rewards, and celebrates excellence in the travel, tourism and hospitality industries and represents DFDS’s commitment to unrivalled service, unparalleled reliability, and an unwavering dedication to passenger satisfaction.
    The win wraps up a successful awards season for DFDS, having already secured the following accolades:
    Europe’s Leading Ferry Operator 2023Europe’s Best Ferry Operator Website 2023World’s Best Ferry Operator Website 2023The grand final took place in Dubai at the iconic Burj Al Arab with DFDS taking home the highest honour in ferry travel at the landmark celebrations.
    While reflecting on the record-breaking win, DFDS’s Vice-President and Head of Passenger, Kasper Moos, said: “The World Travel Awards represents the pinnacle of excellence in the travel industry, and to be named as the World’s Leading Ferry Operator for the 13th year running is an incredible honour.ADVERTISEMENT“Above all, it is testament to the passion and dedication demonstrated by each and every member of our team across the globe and the exceptional service they provide to our passengers.
    “I am proud that our passengers choose DFDS time and time again and want to express my gratitude to everyone who voted for us. Their belief in our service inspires us to continually strive for excellence.”
    DFDS operates a diverse network of ten passenger routes across Europe, carrying more than 4.7million passengers between:
    Amsterdam-NewcastleCopenhagen-Oslo and Frederikshavn-OsloDover-Calais, Dover-Dunkirk, Dieppe-Newhaven and Rosslare-Dunkirk on the ChannelPaldiski- Kapellskär, Klaipeda-Karlshamn and Klaipeda-Kiel in the BalticsFor more information about DFDS’s ferry services please visit www.dfds.com

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    UNIVERSAL DESTINATIONS & EXPERIENCES CREATES FIRST-EVER THEME PARK CONCEPT FOR FAMILIES

    Universal Destinations & Experiences, a division of Comcast NBCUniversal, officially introduces Universal Kids Resort – the company’s first-ever theme park designed specifically for families with young children. Located in Frisco, Texas and first announced earlier this year, this imaginative, original resort brings the company’s innovative style of storytelling to a new, younger audience.Universal Kids Resort will include a theme park featuring immersive themed lands that celebrate Universal’s iconic brand of entertainment, humor and fun – bringing to life its beloved characters and stories in ways that will wow the youngest theme park goers. It will feature family-friendly attractions, interactive and playful shows, unique merchandise, fun food and beverage venues and character meet and greets. The resort area will also include a 300-room themed hotel giving families a place to stay and to play following their day of adventure.
    “Universal Kids Resort will inspire the unbridled creativity of kids through imagination, discovery and most importantly – play,” said Molly Murphy, President, Universal Creative. “We’re designing the resort so kids and families can feel the thrill of being physically immersed in their most beloved stories and characters.”
    Set in lush green landscape with a distinctive look, feel and scale specifically for younger kids, the park will deliver the quality the Universal brand is known for worldwide.
    Progress on the new concept is well underway following a groundbreaking in November. Universal Kids Resort will drive immediate economic impact for the region, creating thousands of jobs including more than 2,500 new construction jobs. Throughout the project, the company will remain focused on ensuring the resort adds value and positively serves the community.
    Additional details about Universal Kids Resort will be revealed over time. To stay updated on all the company’s newest developments, visit corporate.universaldestinationsandexperiences.com.ADVERTISEMENTAbout Universal Destinations & Experiences (UDX)Universal Destinations & Experiences, a unit of Comcast NBCUniversal, offers guests around the world the most innovative, immersive and popular entertainment experiences. Our portfolio is comprised of world-class theme parks featuring the industry’s most thrilling and technologically advanced attractions, exceptional hotels and resorts, unique merchandise, games, virtual and live entertainment experiences. We use our rich collection of stories and franchises – from Universal Pictures, Illumination, DreamWorks Animation and more – to take people to places they couldn’t imagine while creating memorable and emotionally fulfilling moments for people of all ages.

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    Abu Dhabi International Airport Transitions All Airlines to State-of-the-Art Terminal A

    A total of 28 international airlines are now fully operational from the state-of-the-art Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH). All airlines operating from Abu Dhabi international Airport have now fully transitioned to Terminal A, marking a significant ramp up in capacity from the new terminal.
    Terminal A is now the primary terminal serving Abu Dhabi International Airport, with flights arriving to and departing from the emirate, set to use the cutting-edge facilities available. The successful transition to Terminal A will facilitate a major increase in aviation capacity in Abu Dhabi, with the terminal able to process up to 45 million travellers annually and handle 79 planes at once.
    Terminal A will enhance the passenger experience, providing seamless connectivity. The leading facilities available at Terminal A include biometric technology to streamline the screening and boarding process, and 35,000 square metres of retail and F&B space.
    In November as a whole, it is forecast 7,669 flights will operate from Terminal A with already 1,557 flights operating in the first two weeks of operations. The number of flights operating from Terminal A is set to further increase in December to 12,220, as will the number of passengers using the new terminal projected to be 2.29 million.
    Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Interim Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports said: “With all airlines now operating from Terminal A, I’m pleased to announce a new era for operations at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Bringing new state-of-the-art facilities and a major increase in aviation capacity , Terminal A will greatly enhance the passenger experience, whilst enabling international airlines to further increase their presence in Abu Dhabi.”ADVERTISEMENT

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    loveholidays Launches Biggest Black Friday Promotion Yet Offering Up to 30% Off Selected Hotels

    The UK’s largest online travel agent, loveholidays, has launched its biggest ever Black Friday promotion with discounts on hundreds of hotels.
    From today through to midnight on 30th November, savvy shoppers can secure up to 30% off selected hotels* through the online travel agent.
    Including everything from short haul beach holidays, city breaks and long haul escapes, loveholidays has a record number of Black Friday deals up for grabs – making it easier than ever for Brits to bag a bargain.
    Some of the best deals on offer include a winter sun break to Tunisia, with a seven night package holiday at the five-star Iberostar Selection Kantaoui Bay starting from as little as £33 per person per night.
    There are savings on 2024 summer holidays too, with getaways to Canary Island hotspots Lanzarote and Tenerife starting from £401 per person during July and £473 per person during August respectively.ADVERTISEMENTFor those looking to stretch their money further, there are some great discounts on hotels in long haul destinations including New York, Florida and Dubai.
    Customers have the flexibility to secure their dream holiday with deposits starting from just £25 per person and convenient pay-monthly plans, ensuring a stress-free booking process.
    Holidaymakers can also travel with confidence knowing that all loveholidays bookings are ATOL protected.
    To browse all of loveholidays’ unmissable Black Friday deals, visit https://www.loveholidays.com/holidays/black-friday-holidays.html
    Our top picks of loveholidays’ Black Friday deals:
    5* Iberostar Selection Kantaoui Bay, Port el Kantaoui, Tunisia
    Travel dates: Seven nights from 26th January 2024
    Price: £227pp (£32pp/pn)
    Board Basis: Breakfast and dinner
    Flights: Departing from Bristol with easyJet
    URL: https://www.loveholidays.com/holidays/l/?masterId=2133920&nights=7&rooms=2&date=2024-01-26
    5* Be Live Collection Marrakech (Adults Only), Morocco
    Travel dates: Seven nights from 16th June 2024
    Price: £450pp (£64pp/pn)
    Board Basis: All inclusive
    Flights: Departing from London Gatwick with easyJet
    URL: https://www.loveholidays.com/holidays/l/?date=2024-06-16&boardBasis=&masterId=2103855&departureAirports=LON%2CDSA-LBA-NCL-HUY-MME%2CABZ-EDI-GLA-PIK-INV%2CBOH-BRS-CWL-EXT-SOU-NQY%2CBHX-EMA-MAN&rooms=2&nights=4&source=srp
    Malibu Park, Costa Adeje, Tenerife, Canary Islands
    Travel dates: Seven nights from 23rd August 2023
    Price: £473pp (£67pp/pn)
    Board Basis: Self catering
    Flights: Departing from Glasgow Prestwick with Ryanair
    URL: https://www.loveholidays.com/holidays/l/?masterId=2730&departureAirports=LON%2CDSA-LBA-NCL-HUY-MME%2CBOH-BRS-CWL-EXT-SOU-NQY%2CBHX-EMA-MAN&nights=7&rooms=2&date=2024-08-23
    4* Sands Beach Resort, Costa Teguise, Lanzarote, Canary Islands
    Travel dates: Seven nights from 1st July 2024
    Price: £401pp (£57pp/pn)
    Board Basis: Self catering
    Flights: Departing London Gatwick with easyJet
    URL: https://www.loveholidays.com/holidays/l/?masterId=2451&departureAirports=LON%2CDSA-LBA-NCL-HUY-MME%2CABZ-EDI-GLA-PIK-INV%2CBOH-BRS-CWL-EXT-SOU-NQY%2CBHX-EMA-MAN&nights=7&rooms=2&date=2024-07-01
    Coco Key Hotel and Water Park Resort, Florida, USA
    Travel dates: Eight nights from 11th July 2024
    Price: £681pp (£85pp/pn)
    Board Basis: Room only
    Flights: Departing from London Heathrow with British Airways
    URL: https://www.loveholidays.com/holidays/l/?masterId=8296&departureAirports=LON%2CDSA-LBA-NCL-HUY-MME%2CBOH-BRS-CWL-EXT-SOU-NQY%2CLPL-MAN&nights=8&rooms=2&date=2024-07-11
    4* Hyatt Place Dubai Jumeirah, Dubai
    Travel dates: Seven nights from 21st April 2024
    Price: £684pp (£97pp/pn)
    Board Basis: Breakfast included
    Flights: Departing from Edinburgh with Qatar Airways
    URL: https://www.loveholidays.com/holidays/l/?masterId=7355900&departureAirports=ABZ-EDI-GLA-PIK-INV&nights=7&rooms=2&date=2024-04-21
    4* Arlo SoHo, New York, USA
    Travel dates: Five nights from 7th February 2024
    Price: £588pp (£117pp/pn)
    Board Basis: Room only
    Flights: Departing from Southampton with KLM
    URL: https://www.loveholidays.com/holidays/l/?date=2024-02-07&boardBasis=&masterId=894176&departureAirports=ABZ-EDI-GLA-PIK-INV%2CDSA-LBA-NCL-HUY-MME%2CLON%2CBHX-EMA-MAN%2CBOH-BRS-CWL-EXT-SOU-NQY&rooms=2&nights=5&source=srp
    4* Nautico Ebeso, Figueretas, Ibiza, Balearic Islands
    Travel dates: Seven nights from 14th May 2024
    Price: £478pp (£68pp/pn)
    Board Basis: Breakfast included
    Flights: Departing from Liverpool with Ryanair
    URL: https://www.loveholidays.com/holidays/l/?masterId=285051&departureAirports=ABZ-EDI-GLA-PIK-INV%2CDSA-LBA-NCL-HUY-MME%2CLON%2CBHX-EMA-MAN%2CBOH-BRS-CWL-EXT-SOU-NQY&nights=7&rooms=2&date=2024-05-14
    4* Leonardo Hotel Vinkeveen Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Holland
    Travel dates: Four nights from 4th March 2024
    Price: £273pp (£68pp/pn)
    Board Basis: Room only
    Flights: Departing from London Southend with easyJet
    URL: https://www.loveholidays.com/holidays/l/?masterId=3131368&departureAirports=ABZ-EDI-GLA-PIK-INV%2CDSA-LBA-NCL-HUY-MME%2CLON%2CBHX-EMA-MAN%2CBOH-BRS-CWL-EXT-SOU-NQY&nights=4&rooms=2&date=2024-03-04

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    Ambitions Travel Recruitment & Training grows presence in UK travel sector

    Ambitions Travel Recruitment & Training, a go-getting new travel industry recruitment and training agency, has bolstered its position within the UK travel sector, tapping into an expansive network to deliver quality candidates to businesses across the industry.
    A series of award wins, new hires, free eLearning courses and industry partnerships have accelerated growth at a time when many travel businesses struggle to recruit in the face of continued talent shortages. 
    Founded by specialist Fi Morrison-Arnthal, Ambitions Travel Recruitment & Training (ATR) works to swiftly connect businesses with top-tier candidates, leveraging industry knowledge, contacts and a proven track record for efficient, successful hires.
    Morrison-Arnthal has more than three decades of experience in the industry, including as a director at Progressive Travel Recruitment, a leading global recruiter. 
    The launch and swift expansion of ATR comes at a time of ongoing candidate shortages within the industry.
    Morrison-Arnthal, managing director of ATR, said: “Against an improving economic backdrop, the travel industry’s recovery continues to accelerate.
    “However, candidate shortages mean that many businesses find their progress throttled by the inability to source hard to find talent. This has resulted in a strong demand for our services since launching. 
    “The old ways of doing business are no longer working – today employees are seeking attractive salaries that are in line with inflation and flexibility in their roles, while ongoing training and career development opportunities and a sense of mission are more important than ever before.
    “At Ambitions Travel Recruitment we work tirelessly to connect employers from across the industry to the people they need to make their businesses thrive in this new world of work, and to match candidates with roles that will give them long-term fulfilment.”

    Originally launching in 2022, ATR has welcomed two new additional industry experts in recent months, to support the agency’s rapid expansion.
    The business welcomes talent acquisition operations specialist, Genna Davis.
    Her diverse career spans travel consulting, national travel account management, travel recruitment, and training in the hospitality industry.
    Brand operations manager Claire Castro brings years of experience leading international, remote travel recruitment operations support teams.
    Joining ATR, she provides online advice and value to their global audience, candidates and customers.
    ATR Industry Support
    As part of a wider ambition to develop new industry talent and support growth in the travel industry, ATR has launched a series of 12 free essential soft skills courses via their sister website.
    While product and destination knowledge are undeniably crucial, it’s incomplete without the essential soft skills needed to have a career within the travel industry.
    Their free courses are created by industry experts, featuring interactive modules, flexible learning options, engaging content, and worldwide accessibility.
    The free courses are designed to enhance expertise, boost customer satisfaction, and open doors to new career opportunities within the industry. 
    In addition, ATR offers a wide range of free guides for their candidates and clients, downloadable from the website.
    Covering topics such as creating a personal brand, interview preparation, new hire on-boarding, and developing a stand-out CV, the informative guides are available to everyone that might want guidance or support job hunting or talent acquisition a success. 
    ATR is also proud to be a partner of Back in time for Bed (BITFB), the flexible working movement for parents, created by Vicky Billing, head of partnerships at Riviera Travel, and head of supplier relations at Panache Cruises, Anna Perrott.
    A co-branded guide is already available via their ATR website, offering valuable insights to make parental leave a success, and support for businesses and candidates as they navigate the parameters of flexible working.
    With a positive impact on the long-term career satisfaction, loyalty and wellbeing of staff, businesses can gain competitive advantages.
    This guide will help all parties to achieve a more flexible approach and demonstrates why a more human touch to resourcing is so important in attracting the best talent, reducing turnover, to increase productivity and profitability. 
    Morrison-Arnthal added: “It is an honour to work with our partners at BITFB.
    “This inspirational organisation is doing important work to promote better working practices, and we are delighted to offer our support and expertise to help parents everywhere, as well as the businesses that recruit and employ them.
    “The travel sector is a career, not just a job, and we aim to create conditions where our candidates can thrive for the long term.”
    More Information
    Ambitions Travel Recruitment was recently awarded ‘Lone Wolf Business of the Year’ at the Small Business Awards 2023, celebrating the independent strength and prowess of the newly launched agency.
    The consultancy was nominated for ‘Best Start Up Agency’ at Global Recruiter Awards 2023, recognising the hard work, determination and inspiration required to create a thriving new business in a highly competitive industry. 
    Take a look at the Breaking Travel News interview with Ambitions founder, Fi Morrison-Arnthal, here.
    For more information, please visit the official website.

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    Gloria Fluxà Appointed Vice-Chair of WTTC and Chair of Sustainability Committee

    The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is pleased to announce Gloria Fluxà, Vice-Chairman and Chief Sustainability Officer of Iberostar Group, as its new Vice-Chair, and Chair of its Sustainability Committee.
    Fluxà takes over the role from Intrepid Group Co-founder and Chairman, Darrell Wade, who took the reins in 2020.
    Since 2018, she has held the position of Vice-Chairman and Chief Sustainability Officer at Iberostar Group, passionately championing sustainability initiatives and driving the company’s commitment to responsible tourism. As a trustee and the Chairman of the Iberostar Foundation, Gloria has shown unwavering dedication to environmental and social causes.
    In May 2018, Gloria Fluxà was named a “Young Global Leader” by the World Economic Forum for her tireless efforts to advance sustainable tourism, particularly in the area of marine and oceans preservation through the “Wave of Change” movement. This initiative focuses on reducing plastic consumption, promoting sustainable fishing practices, and enhancing coastal health.
    Gloria Fluxà said: “I am honoured to take on this role supporting our industry’s commitment to drive meaningful change. Responsible tourism isn’t just a vision; it’s a necessity for our planet and the well-being of our communities.”ADVERTISEMENTJulia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said: “Firstly, I would like to thank Darrell for his hard work and dedication to the role over the last few years. His contribution has been invaluable.
    “Gloria’s impressive track record, her dedication to sustainability, and her vision for harmonising economic growth with environmental preservation and social impact, make her the perfect fit for her new role as Vice-Chair at WTTC and Chair of the Sustainability Committee.
    During its Global Summit, WTTC also announced Greg O’Hara, Founder and Senior Managing Director of Certares Management LLC, as its new Chair, bringing his extensive experience and leadership to the global tourism body. Under this new leadership, WTTC and its Members look forward to advancing the global Travel & Tourism sector toward a brighter and more sustainable future.

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    PATA and ICCA Forge Partnership to Boost Business Travel and Sustainability in Asia Pacific

    The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), becoming dedicated partners in establishing meaningful connections between the two organisations.
    The MOU was signed in conjunction with the 62nd ICCA Congress in Bangkok hosted by Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). This is the second time Thailand played host to the ICCA Congress, with the first time in 2007 in Pattaya. The agreement was signed on Sunday, November 12 by PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid and ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath in the presence of the President of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, PATA Chair Peter Semone and ICCA President Marta Gomes, on the first day of the ICCA Congress 2023 taking place at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand.
    “Our collaboration with ICCA underscores the unwavering commitment of both organizations to foster responsible and sustainable growth within the travel and tourism industry, not only in the Asia Pacific region but also on a global scale. This partnership holds great promise for the expansion of business opportunities in the region as there is important synergy between the travel and tourism industry and business events, as both relate to travel and economic impact for destination and industry players. We eagerly look forward to sharing valuable insights and best practices with them,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid.
    Under the MOU, both parties plan to create joint programme content designed to nurture the ‘Business Travel’ sector in the Asia Pacific region, emphasise sustainability in future activities and events, and begin cross-participation in flagship events between the Associations, among other priorities.
    “ICCA is proud to sign this important MoU agreement with PATA which reinforces how closely linked our organisations are. We both share values around sustainability, education, legacy, and advocating for the global significance of international collaboration and partnership. Asia Pacific is an amazing place, culturally diverse and endlessly fascinating. It offers so much to the world in terms of travel and business. Yet it is the people here that are key to developing new opportunities, and ICCA salutes the collective energy, efficiency, and boundless desire to create unique event experiences for all,” said ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath.ADVERTISEMENTICCA is a global community and knowledge hub for the international association – and governmental – meetings industry. Founded in 1963, ICCA specialises in the international association meetings sector, offering data, education, communication channels, as well as business development and networking opportunities. Today, ICCA continues to advocate for the world of international meetings. The ICCA Association Community offers associations across the world education, connections, tools and resources to help them organise more effective and successful meetings.

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    Disney Theme Parks Escaping Economic Aftermath

    Disney executives express confidence in their theme parks segment and refute concerns about an economic deceleration.Amid ongoing discussions about economic challenges, bookings at Disney’s theme parks remain robust, as highlighted during a Wednesday earnings call.
    Walt Disney’s interim Chief Financial Officer, Kevin Lansberry, stated:
    “We’re not seeing anything in terms of an economic hangover. Domestically we feel good. Internationally we feel good.”
    Moreover, he added that the bookings at both Disneyland and Disney Cruise Line are still “very, very strong.”
    The financial performance of Disney Theme Parks and Experiences in the fourth quarter underscores this resilience, with revenue reaching $8.2 billion, marking a 13% increase from the previous year. Operating income surged to $1.8 billion, reflecting a substantial 31% rise.ADVERTISEMENTWithin the domestic division, operating income witnessed a 9% increase to $808 million in the quarter. This growth was attributed to positive developments at Disney Cruise Line and Disney Vacation Club. However, domestic parks and resorts faced challenges, grappling with elevated costs linked to the closure of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser and inflationary pressures.
    On the international front, operating income experienced an impressive surge, exceeding 100% to reach $441 million. This substantial increase was driven by the success of Shanghai Disney Resort and Hong Kong Disneyland. Both parks witnessed heightened guest spending, attributed to increased ticket prices and a rise in attendance.
    CEO Bob Iger emphasized the pivotal role of Disney Parks and Experience as one of the four key building opportunities essential to Walt Disney Corporation’s success. He underscored the company’s dedicated focus on “turbocharging growth in our parks and experiences business.”
    Throughout the fiscal year, Disney demonstrated its commitment to this growth by investing $5 billion in parks, resorts, and property developments. The strategic investments align with Disney’s proactive approach to enhancing and expanding its offerings within the thriving theme parks and experiences sector.

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