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    Papua New Guinea: A New “Heaven on Earth” for Cultural Photography and Bird Lovers

    When Belgian photographer and photo tour leader David Van Driessche sought new locations for his photo trips, he decided to explore Papua New Guinea and its many cultures.Little did he know that his travel to this country would evolve into a truly memorable adventure as he developed close friendships with tribal members. He found new friends and colorful models for his photography tours, but more importantly, Van Driessche successfully encouraged the tribes to build living quarters in their remote villages where tourists and photographers could reside for a few days.
    Today, several tribes are building small cottages and rooms to accommodate tourists and photographers. Construction is primarily with wood collected from the surrounding forests. The units are artfully designed and include the amenities of home, such as a comfortable bed, shower, toilet, dresser, and clothing rack. Air conditioning is unnecessary because of the mild mountain climate.
    “Travel agencies currently book tourists in hotels located in faraway cities like Goroka or Mount Hagen, requiring long hours of travel to the tribal villages. This allows only a few hours with the tribes before returning the same day to the hotels in those cities,” says Van Driessche. “With these new cottages, I can take groups of tourists and photographers from one tribe to the next without having to leave the area and go back to the city. It means the clients get a ‘full immersion experience’ with the tribes and their way of life.”
    About two years ago Van Driessche had the good fortune of meeting Randy Hanna, also a professional photographer and photo tour leader who is based in the United States. Together they collaborated on ways to help generate income for ethnic groups in Papua New Guinea. With the cooperation and financial support from Hanna, Van Driessche started building eco-lodges with two of the most famous, colorful, and exciting cultural groups in Papua New Guinea – the Asaro Mudmen and the Mindima Skeleton tribes.
    According to Van Driessche, the best part of Papua New Guinea is the road between Goroka and Mount Hagen. Located here is The Asaro Mudmen Tribal Eco Lodge with ten rooms and more under construction. From this location, photographers can experience six different cultural events ranging from the Moko Moko Victory dance of the Asaro Warriors to the Burning Heads of Gimmesave.ADVERTISEMENTJust a two-hour drive from the Asaro Mudmen lodge is the Omo Bruglgamo Skeleton Tribe Eco Lodge. This lodge has five budget rooms and three deluxe rooms, with more under construction. Found next to the Skeleton tribe are the Insect Hunters and Dusk Shaker cultures, as well as the famous Chimbu Bila with their long-feathered headdresses.
    Who are the Mudmen and Skeleton Tribes?
    Van Driessche, who now lives in Thailand, spent months exploring the tribes of Papua New Guinea. He worked most closely with the Mudmen and Skeleton tribes and was thrilled when they agreed to build lodging for his photography tours. As they have worked together, Van Driessche has learned many of the legends and history that make each tribe distinctly different. Each tribe has unique ceremonies and festivals which require masks or body paint to create special, colorful appearances.
    The Mudmen from Asaro pay tribute to their ancestors by covering their bodies with mud and wearing heavy masks also made of mud. Centuries ago, the Asaro were known as shy jungle-dwellers. Legend has it that one day they were attacked by a powerful tribe and fled to the nearby Asaro River. When their assailants reached the river, they came upon figures coated in white and gray river mud. Believing they had met the ghost spirits of the Asaro they had just killed, the aggressors panicked and quickly fled from the ghosts. They never returned.
    Members of the Skeleton Tribe from Mindima use white paint on their bodies to appear as skeletons. As the story is told now, a few villagers went hunting in the mountains but never returned. A search party found a small cave containing numerous human bones. They believed a big monster (probably a bear or wolf) had killed the hunters. To get rid of the monster they painted themselves as skeletons and laid next to the bones. When the monster returned and had his back to the living skeletons, they killed it. To this day the Skeleton Tribe continues to paint their bodies like skeletons to ward off evil and honor their ancestors.
    Two More Projects in the Making
    Van Diessche has two more eco lodge projects underway, one in the Jiwaka Province with the Sekaka Tribe. Known for their elaborate headresses made of colorful bird feathers as well as the Forest Skull Kids of Koskala, this ethnic group is building the Koskala Gerupeng Lodge near the town of Banz. The village is only a one-hour drive from Mount Hagen Airport and an hour’s drive from The Skeleton Tribe Eco Lodge.
    The other project is in Enga Province with the Black Faced Tribe of Suli Muli. This small group of people, known for using distinctive black face paint, is one of the most isolated in Papua New Guinea.  They live in small, scattered communities throughout the mountains, and their way of life has remained largely unchanged for centuries.  The Suli Muli people have recently started building their first eco lodge units. “Because this area has had no tourism, the experience is truly amazing,” says Van Driessche. “To be with a tribe that has experienced very few visitors has always been my dream. It’s like going back in time and learning to appreciate how our ancestors lived – but it’s real life now.”
    Birds of Paradise
    Near Mount Hagen is another phenomenon that lures photographers to Papua New Guinea: the birds of paradise. Legend informs us that these birds were forever in flight, never touching the ground nor resting in trees. Whether true or not, the birds of paradise are among the most beautiful and colorful flying creatures on earth.
    Of the 42 species of paradise birds, all but two are found in Papua New Guinea. Although most male birds of paradise have spectacular plumage, there are a few species where the male and female have almost identical, generally modest-looking plumage. Coloring and type of plumage vary drastically among species.
    Finding these magnificent birds amidst dense foliage can be extremely challenging. However, with the help of local tribesmen, who know the habits of the birds and the environments in which they live, these gorgeous birds can be readily located.
    Come to Papua New Guinea
    Long ago, Papua New Guinea was known for cannibalism, but today it is a very safe country for travelers to experience colorful culture and unique tribal traditions. “The headhunters of the past have become tourist hunters of today. They are anxious to share their unique customs and cultures with others,” says Van Driessche.
    If you are a photographer, birder or simply an adventurer, join us in Papua New Guinea for the experience of a lifetime.
    For additional information:
    tribesofpapuanewguinea.com

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    City of Fort Lauderdale Welcomes Lionel Messi to his New Home

    The City of Fort Lauderdale is thrilled to welcome Major League Soccer’s Lionel Messi to his new home at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. The journey to attracting such a world-class athlete to our booming metropolis began with a public-private partnership between Fort Lauderdale and Inter Miami CF. The ongoing relationship continues to propel international interest in all we have to offer our residents, businesses and visitors.
    This is a shining example of what collaboration between government and private enterprise can accomplish. Here in Fort Lauderdale, we continue to build strong partnerships with outstanding organizations to strengthen our economy and create a world-class community. We are extremely excited to have Messi call Fort Lauderdale home and welcome him with open arms,” said Mayor Dean Trantalis.
    “We are excited to have another wonderful opportunity to share our City with the world. Fort Lauderdale is not just a tourist destination, but a leader among multiple industries from international business to real estate and beyond,” said City Manager Greg Chavarria.
    A recent report shows the strength of Fort Lauderdale’s economy as a world-class City offering an outstanding quality of life and successful business ecosystem.
    Our BusinessesADVERTISEMENTThe City has recently welcomed major companies including the Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts, West Marine, the Allied Marine/Ferretti Group and many others.We support our longtime employers including Citrix, Microsoft Latin America and Auto Nation.Fort Lauderdale was named 2nd best business climate in the country by Business Facilities Magazine in 2021, 2022, 2023.Beaches and Attractions
    Fort Lauderdale Beach was placed top 3 in the nation for bluest water in the country, only behind New Mexico and Alaska.Our waterfront Aquatic Center is home to the tallest dive tower in the Western Hemisphere and has attracted divers and swimmers from all over the world.Hotel Demand
    Downtown Fort Lauderdale hotel inventory has grown by 290% in the last 5 years.The Q1 occupancy rate for all Fort Lauderdale hotels was 86%. This outpaces the national average by 23 points.Sports Impact
    The Panthers will be investing $65M+ to bring their practice facility to Downtown Fort Lauderdale.Where Visitors Are Coming From
    The New York City metro area, with 19% of all trips to Downtown Fort Lauderdale, was the top point of origin for out-of-town visitors in 2022, followed by Chicago and Detroit.Tourists spend more time in Downtown Fort Lauderdale than ever, with 36% of all visits extending between 3 and 7 days, a 9-point increase from 2018.

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    Portuguese Travel & Tourism sector set to reach record-breaking high this year, says WTTC

    The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2023 Economic Impact Research (EIR) today reveals the Portuguese Travel & Tourism sector is projected to exceed the 2019 peak this year.According to the report, the sector is set to contribute €40.4 billion to the Portuguese economy by the end of 2023, surpassing the 2019 pre-pandemic high of €40.1 billion.
    WTTC is also forecasting that the sector will create around 30,000 jobs this year, only 68,000 jobs below the 2019 level of just over one million, to reach 950,000 employed by Travel & Tourism.
    A look back on last year
    Last year, the Travel & Tourism sector’s GDP contribution grew 61.6% to reach nearly €38 billion, representing 15.8% of the Portuguese economy.The sector also created 83,000 more jobs from the previous year to reach 921,000 jobs nationally.
    The latest report from the global tourism body shows that the sector has now recovered to more than 90% of the pre-pandemic level of jobs. ADVERTISEMENTLast year also saw the return of international travellers heading to Portugal, with Spain (16%), France (12%), UK (11%), and Germany and U.S. (both 8%) leading as source markets for international arrivals in Portugal.
    According to the data, in 2022, international visitor spend contributed €21.7 billion to the national economy, representing a striking year-on-year growth of 80.4%, and just 7.7% behind 2019 levels.
    Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “The Travel & Tourism sector in Portugal is recovering strongly with high visitor demand.
    “The future for the sector is very optimistic. By the end of this year, the sector’s contribution will surpass 2019 levels, and over the next decade, growth will outstrip the national GDP and create 248,000 new jobs over the decade, representing one in four jobs.”
    What does the next decade look like?
    The global tourism body is forecasting that the sector will grow its GDP contribution to €56.4 billion by 2033, representing more than one fifth (21.1%) of the Portuguese economy.
    Over the next decade, Travel & Tourism could employ more than 1.2 million people across the country, with one in four people working in the sector.
    Europe
    In 2022, the European Travel & Tourism sector contributed €1.9 trillion to the regional economy, just 7% below the 2019 peak. WTTC forecasts the regional sector’s GDP contribution will reach €2.04 trillion in 2023 and be within touching distance of the 2019 highpoint.
    The sector employed 34.7 million people across the region in 2022, an increase of 2.9 million from the previous year, but still 3.2 million behind the 2019 peak. WTTC forecasts the sector will fully recover the jobs lost during the pandemic by the end of 2024.

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    Czech Tourists Visited Poland in Record Numbers in 2023

    Travel agencies and local governments have collected data showing that Czech tourists are particularly flocking to Poland’s Baltic Sea beaches.SchengenVisaInfo.com reported that the Czech portal for appointments Slevomat has seen a 50% increase in sales in Poland compared with 2022.
    Other travel agencies have also shown a high level of interest in booking holidays in Poland. Dovolena.cz, one of the travel agencies, has seen a 158% increase in bookings for holidays to Poland since January 2023.
    Invia, a travel agency that represents more than 150 Czech as well as foreign travel agencies, has also noticed a doubled attention of Czech Republic tourists regarding their holidays on Polish soil.
    Jirina Jiruskova from Invia told Forbes that Poland attracts many visitors due to its historical monuments, beautiful cities, and natural beauty, including the sea, mountains, and lakes.
    She says that Poland is popular not only because of its attractiveness, but also due to the affordability. In 2023, one week in Poland in nomad style will cost EUR191,24. Budget travel is EUR224,25. Mid-range travel is EUR341,28. Luxury travel costs EUR736,24. Accommodation, whether it is in a hotel or an apartment, costs between EUR35 and EUR40 per night.ADVERTISEMENT“Most services, whether it is accommodation, restaurants or entertainment attractions, are cheaper in Poland than [in Czechia],” Jiruskova said.
    Due to price increases and inflation, many Czech tourists are now choosing to travel to Poland rather than Croatia.
    Sopot, a Polish seaside resort town, has become a favorite among Czechs.
    “Already last year, Czechs were among the top three nationalities of tourists visiting tourist information points in Sopot during the holidays,” Bartlomiej Barski, stated.
    Barski says that the increase in the number of Czech tourists can be attributed to improved transportation, such as the motorway connecting the two countries. Through this, Czech citizens are able to reach the Polish coastline within a couple hours.
    Ryanair also operates flights from Prague, near Sopot, to Gdansk.
    Barski, and other members of the Polish tourism industry, are pleased with the increase in travellers from the Czech Republic. They call it an important market for the Polish sector.
    “We cannot just limit ourselves to the Germans or Scandinavians. Any new market that is interested in our region is welcome,” Barski said.
    Statista is a German platform that collects data. According to Statista’s findings, in 2022, the largest number of visitors to Poland will be from Germany (5 219 400), followed by Ukraine (3 462,000) and Belarus (73 4900). The United States was the country with the most visitors outside of Europe (452,800).
    The data from the arrivals at the airport confirms the increased interest of travellers in Poland. It was reported that over 6.5. millions passengers have been recorded since January 2023. Chopin Airport is the busiest airport in Warsaw. This year, 63 percent of passengers traveled within the Schengen Zone, and 37 percent chose non-EU destinations within the Schengen Area.

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    The death of the bargain holiday?

    New research by The PC Agency reveals that only a quarter of Brits planning to take a summer holiday this year have actually booked a trip abroad, as inflation and economic uncertainty confront the UK.
    While the majority of Brits are keen to travel at home or abroad this summer (76%), only 25% have committed to an overseas trip, with 19% delaying and still considering their options for a summer escape.
    Nearly 24% are not intending to go anywhere this summer. Among those not intending to have a holiday this year, two-thirds (65%) cited the cost of living crisis and lack of affordability as the key reasons to put their suitcase away.
    The research was carried out for The PC Agency by market intelligence firms AudienceNet and Thrive, and was conducted among 1,017 UK adults between 3rd and 5th July 2023.
    The survey revealed that whilst confidence in travel has resumed to pre-pandemic levels, the cost of living crisis has led to more hesitation than expected in bookings, as consumers are faced with significantly higher costs for holidays across all the popular holiday hotspots including Spain, Greece, France, Italy, and Türkiye.ADVERTISEMENTOf consumers who are intending to travel this summer, more than half (52%) expect to pay more or the same as they did in 2019, with only 29% expecting to pay less than their equivalent pre-pandemic trips, deliberately holding back their spend.
    Paul Charles, consumer travel expert and CEO of travel consultancy The PC Agency said: “It’s clear that consumers are seeing the demise of the bargain holiday this summer, as prices have risen sharply in every part of the travel sector.
    “The escalating costs for holidays at all price levels are the real sticking point for those yet to book, with many people hedging their bets hoping that prices fall just before their ideal departure date. It’s no longer just a case of increased demand driving price hikes but the harsh reality of the cost of living crisis which has really started to bite. Fuel prices that have a big impact on airlines have reduced somewhat but persistently high inflation has sent operational costs across the travel supply chain skyrocketing.
    “Every part of the hospitality industry is affected from hotels to villas and apartments, with all other providers including car hire, spas and tourist attractions also passing on their increased costs to consumers.”
    Against the backdrop of substantially increased demand for summer holidays which is on a par with 2019, it is now cost rather than concerns over Covid-19 that is the new barrier to bookings.
    Fears around Covid-19 have significantly dissipated, with just 7% of respondents saying they would not take a holiday because of concerns over hygiene, and only 2% expressed concerns over airport and airline safety and security.

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    St. Lucian Dona Regis-Prosper Named First Female Secretary-General and CEO of the CTO

    The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the premier tourism development agency for 25 Caribbean countries and territories, has appointed Dona Regis-Prosper the new Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer.
    Beginning her assignment on September 1, 2023, Regis-Prosper, who hails from St. Lucia, is set to make history as the first woman to assume leadership of the intergovernmental body.
    With an impressive career that spans more than 22 years, Regis-Prosper brings an unparalleled depth and breadth of knowledge and experience in the tourism industry to the CTO. She has lived and worked in multiple Caribbean destinations, and served as Director of Marketing and Product Development of the St. Lucia Air and Seaports Authority; Director of Business Development for Margaritaville Caribbean Group in Jamaica; CEO of the Tortola Pier Park in the British Virgin Islands; and General Manager of the Antigua Cruise Port where she is currently employed.
    Chairman of the CTO, Kenneth Bryan, who is the Minister of Tourism and Ports of the Cayman Islands, welcomed Regis-Prosper to the regional body. “We are extremely pleased to have Dona Regis-Prosper come on board to lead the CTO. Her vast experience, strategic insight, and impressive track record in the tourism sector make her an exceptional choice to propel our organization into a new era,” he stated, adding that having more women in positions of influence enhances the efficiency of the region’s major economic earner and sends positive messages of encouragement and inspiration for women and girls across the Caribbean.
    A dynamic and transformative leader who has built and sustained a strong network of professionals in both the public and private sector (working closely with regional government officials, tourism stakeholders, and industry professionals), Regis-Prosper emerged as the top choice from a pool of more than 60 highly qualified applicants. The rigorous selection process included multiple rounds of interviews and a comprehensive assessment related to addressing some of the most pressing issues faced by the regional tourism industry.ADVERTISEMENTChairman Bryan disclosed that throughout the selection process, ministers, commissioners and directors lauded Regis-Prosper’s transformational leadership style. “They found her to be innovative, forward-thinking, results-driven, and solution-oriented,” he said, noting that her perspective on managing the climate crisis was particularly well-received, illustrating her deep-seated passion for sustainability and her ability to develop practical solutions to critical industry issues.
    Regis-Prosper takes over the organization’s leadership reins from Acting Secretary General and CEO Neil Walters, CTO’s Director of Finance and Resource Management, who has been filling the position following the retirement of Barbadian Hugh Riley in 2019. The other two Caribbean tourism professionals to serve in the region’s top tourism post include the late tourism stalwart Jean Holder and Vincent Vanderpool Wallace, former Bahamas Director General and Bahamas Minister of Tourism.
    Of her new role, Regis-Prosper stated, “I am deeply honored to have been selected to serve as Secretary General of the CTO and am grateful for the trust and confidence the CTO Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism and the Board of Directors have placed in me. I eagerly look forward to working with our dedicated team and diverse stakeholders to promote the Caribbean tourism sector, champion sustainability, and continue to foster impactful relationships and deliver ROI for our members.”
    With a Master of Business Administration degree, Certified Professional Marketer qualification, and significant experience in business development, strategy, marketing and sustainability, Regis-Prosper is well able to lead the Caribbean tourism sector into a bright and prosperous future, Chairman Bryan asserted.

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    Italian National Tourist Board Latest News for Summer 2023

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    Italian National Tourist Board Latest News for Summer 2023

    As we approach the second half of the summer season of 2023, The Italian National Tourist Board is delighted to share a plethora of exciting news stories and events as well as new hotel and flight routes openings that promise to enhance the experience of all travellers.
    UPDATES FROM THE REGIONS
    PESARO IN THE MARCHE REGION NOMINATED AS THE ITALIAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE FOR 2024
    Overlooking the sea and crossed by the River Foglia, Pesaro is a seaside resort located between two coastal hills: Monte Ardizio to the east-southeast and Monte San Bartolo to the west-northwest, which gives its name to the Monte San Bartolo Natural Park. In 2017, it was recognised by UNESCO as a Creative City for Music and is also the birthplace of the famous Opera composer Gioacchino Rossini. There are also seven kilometres of sandy beaches between the wide-open coastlines.
    NEW EXHIBITIONSADVERTISEMENTVITA DULCIS. FEAR AND DESIRE IN THE ROMAN EMPIRE
    Rome, from now – 27th August 2023
    Fear and Desire in the Roman Empire, curated by Francesco Vezzoli and Stéphane Verger, scheduled at Palazzo delle Esposizioni, offers an unprecedented journey that combines contemporary art and Roman history showcased through works from the National Roman Museum. This extraordinary exhibition unveils six prominent artworks from the renowned 24Hours Museum, presenting Vezzoli’s reinterpretation of well-known Roman sculptures. In his artistic transformation, these sculptures are elevated into enigmatic deities, alluding to the essence of contemporary divas. This will be the first time these remarkable works are being showcased to the public, further enriching the exhibition’s captivating experience.
    GINA LOLLOBRIGIA WORLDS
    Rome, 9th June – 8th October 2023
    The prestigious Central Institute for Graphics, located in the magnificent Palazzo Poli, is currently hosting an evocative exhibition that pays tribute to the extraordinary life and immense talent of the renowned “eternal diva.” The exhibition’s carefully curated path guides visitors through a captivating display of over 120 photographs sourced from esteemed archives such as the Luce Cinecittà Archive, the Experimental Centre of Cinematography, the MuFoCo (Museum of Contemporary Photography), and various other private and public collections. Additionally, the exhibition features two exquisite original evening dresses created by Gattinoni, as well as two iconic stage costumes from the unforgettable films “Imperial Venus” and “Beautiful but Dangerous.”
    MUSEUM AND HISTORICAL SITE DEBUTS AND REOPENINGS
    NEW RILKE TRAIL IN THE DUINO RESERVE
    The new Rilke trail offers a complete view of the whole Trieste Gulf, with pure white rocks precipitously facing the sea and the embracing aroma of maquis shrubland. The trail, named after the Bohemian poet Rainer Maria Rilke and inaugurated in 1987, is 1700 metres long and gives access to the Natural Reserve at Sistiana or Duino; the trail is almost flat, which means it can be done easily.
    NEW BULGARI MUSEUM OF JEWELLERY IN ROME
    There is a new museum space in the store at Via Condotti 10 that houses the Bvlgari Heritage Collection. The first room on the left immediately upon entry into the boutique has been transformed into the Domus Aurea. Open every day, it is free of charge to anyone wishing to discover the history of Bvlgari jewellery, the evolution of the brand’s design, and the icons that have led to its international success. This shall all be presented in exhibitions of varying themes that will alternate over the coming months.
    SACRED AREA REOPENING – LARGO ARGENTINA FORUM
    Rome, 19th June – 31st December 2023
    Made possible by an act of patronage by the Maison Bvlgari, the full usability of the Sacred Area of ​​Largo Argentina has been granted, with a new visit itinerary that, for the first time, allows visitors to access the site and visit it systematically, reading the stages of life from the Republican age through the imperial and medieval era, up to the rediscovery that took place in the last century with the demolitions of the 1920s. Experience walking on the same level as the structures that, for decades, citizens and tourists have observed from the street level.
    NEW HOTEL OPENINGS
    NH COLLECTION FIRENZE PALAZZO GADDI
    Florence
    The 5* NH Collection Firenze Palazzo Gaddi is in an historical Renaissance palace, just minutes away from Santa Maria Novella railway station in the Renaissance city of Florence. Built in 1596 by the Gaddi Family, then later enlarged and embellished to reflect their social status, this location has fascinated visitors throughout the centuries. This is the address where renowned English author John Milton resided and where wonderful frescoes and decorations are visible throughout the hotel. All the city’s key landmarks can be reached easily on foot, making this hotel a perfect base for both leisure and business travellers.
    ROSE GARDEN PALACE
    Rome

    Rose Garden Palace is a 4* superior boutique hotel located in the heart of Rome, a few steps from Via Veneto, Villa Borghese and Trevi Fountain. The elegant structure with refined design is ideal for those looking for a luxury stay a few steps from the most famous monuments of the eternal city.
    TIVOLI PORTOPICCOLO SISTANI RESORT
    Portopiccolo, Trieste
    5* Tivoli Portopiccolo Sistiana Resort is in the heart of the Portopiccolo complex, a luxury marina that was built by transforming an old stone quarry into an exclusive location on the Adriatic coast. Located within a private bay on the eastern coast of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Portopiccolo occupies a very strategic position: the city of Trieste is just 18km away. Plus, the complex is located along the A4 highway, which connects the north of Italy to Slovenia and Croatia. In addition, the marina provides direct access by sea to the rest of the Adriatic coast, including the city of Venice.
    ANTARA PALAZZO NAIADI
    Rome
    5* Antara Palazzo allows guests to immerse themselves in the splendour of ancient Rome in a crescent shaped palazzo fronting the Piazza della Repubbllica. The palatial hotel showcases uniquely storied history, with 19th century marble architecture and meeting rooms suspended over the ruins of the Baths of Diocletian. Antara Palazzo Naiadi boasts one of the most enviable sites in the city centre, with iconic sites such as the Fori Imperali, Via Veneto, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps all within walking distance.
    CAPE OF SENSES
    Lake Garda
    A true resort on the natural hillside terrace above the walls of Torri del Benaco at Lake Garda. 5* Cape of Senses is a spa and wellness hotel, both the mind and body are pampered, leaving travellers feeling deeply mindful. The best hotel at Lake Garda for guests looking to unwind.
    TH LA THUILE
    Valle d’Aosta
    La Thuile is the westernmost municipality in Valle d’Aosta and is in a village 1441 metres above sea level. The village, with its stone and wooden houses and characteristic ‘losa’ roofs, retains the flavour of an authentic mountain village. The residences and hotel are linked by a small square overlooked by shops and boutiques, a place for meetings, events, shopping, and entertainment, where children can play in safety and serenity. A few steps away from the complex there are tennis courts and five-a-side football pitches, a riding centre, a playground, a picturesque pine forest in which to stroll while listening to the roar of nearby streams and, finally, the cable car that takes travellers to Les Suches amidst meadows and snow-capped peaks, on the border with France.
    NEW FLIGHTS
    BELFAST TO TURIN WITH RYANAIR
    Ryanair will now fly to one of Italy’s most underrated cities, Turin, in just two hours and 30 minutes. This city, known as The Paris of Italy, provides a unique Italian experience with its grand boulevards, old-school tramways, and intricately designed churches.

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    Ferrari World Abu Dhabi welcomes three new characters

    Ferrari World Abu Dhabi has just introduced three new characters; Bella, Jack and GIO who are welcoming guests at Abu Dhabi’s leading theme park this summer.Bella and Jack are two enthusiastic 10-year-old Ferrari fans who are entertaining park-goers along with GIO, an aspirational super-hero in form of a genie engine-robot. As the Park’s new characters, the trio has joined Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s extended family during summer festivities, which will be running until September 3.
    The Park’s all-new characters are welcoming guests and families with all cheer and fun, promising to share their love for the legendary marquee where unforgettable Ferrari-inspired experiences await at every corner of the world’s leading theme park.
    Guests will get the chance to meet and greet with the Park’s new characters and make the most out of their visit during the eventful Race into Summer in addition to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s record-breaking rides and attractions.
    Ferrari World is an award winning entertainment hub, winning the World Travel Award in 2022 for World’s Leading Theme Park based on Yas Island
    Yas Island and its world-class theme parks, experiences and attractions were recognised with seven awards in the globally renowned World Travel Awards in 2022. In addition to scooping the accolade of World’s Leading Theme Park Destination 2022, Yas Island received the flagship Middle East’s Leading Tourism Development award for the fourth consecutive year, testament to the global reputation Yas Island has as a leisure and entertainment hub.ADVERTISEMENTFor more information, please visit: www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com

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