Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

Flight services at Frankfurt Airport are being stepped up significantly from the first week in June. They will focus on connections between cities in Europe, but flights to popular vacation destinations will also increase.For instance, various airlines plan to resume multiple weekly connections to Majorca (6). Further long-haul destinations are also being added to the timetables. The included table shows the flights currently scheduled at Frankfurt Airport.
Daily capacity is now up to around 26,000.This is around 10 percent of the previous year’s figure. The airport operator expects a gradual build-up of flight services in the weeks ahead. However, as overall volumes remain well below last year’s levels due to the coronavirus pandemic, Terminal 1 will remain the focal point of all passenger handling activities for the time being.
Airlines reserve the right to change flight services at short notice. Passengers should always check the latest information from their airline before traveling. They are also advised to look up the current travel advice of the German Federal Foreign Office.
In addition, the flight schedule at www.frankfurtairport.com contains details of the status of scheduled take-offs and landings. Frankfurt Airport has been ready to step up flight operations since mid-May. Airport operator Fraport has implemented extensive anti-infection measures in the areas currently in use in Terminal 1, in line with all health authority regulations.

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The latest forecasts from the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) predict strong annual increases in inbound visitor numbers for Asia Pacific under each of the mild, medium, and severe scenarios in 2023, with growth rates ranging from 71% under the latter scenario conditions to as much as 104% under the mild scenario.Following the earlier release of the Executive Summary, the Full Report released today gives a deeper quantitative overview of the international visitor landscape into and across the Asia Pacific region at the regional, sub-regional and destination levels out to 2025. This is done at both the annual and, where data permit, quarterly levels over the same period, and by scenario. In addition, the growth in key source markets between 2023 and 2025 is forecast for Asia Pacific as a whole, and for each of the regions/sub-regions as covered in the report.
The annual increase in the absolute number of international visitor arrivals (IVAs) in 2023 is predicted to range from 158.7 million to 437.5 million under the severe and mild scenarios respectively, lifting the total volume of visitor arrivals to between 382.9 million and 712.7 million, under those same scenarios.
Substantial annual increases in IVA numbers are also forecast for 2024 and 2025, under all three scenarios, although the volume of these gains will slowly reduce over the years as the absolute volume base of foreign arrivals increases.
The impact of these increases is such that under the mild scenario, a return to better than the benchmark number of IVAs in 2019 is predicted to occur in 2023, while under the medium scenario that position is projected for 2024. Under the severe scenario, however, even by 2025, the volume of international visitors into and across Asia Pacific is forecast to still fall short of the 2019 benchmark by around 12%.
The mix of source regions is forecast to remain dominated by flows from Asia Pacific markets into Asia Pacific destinations, with 2025 expected to return to roughly similar proportions as that of 2019, under all three scenarios.ADVERTISEMENTThese intra-regional proportionate flows differ for each Asia Pacific destination region, however, especially for the Americas and Asia, both of which rely heavily on intra-regional visitors. The Americas, as a source region for example, accounted for 55.4% of visitor numbers for the Americas in 2019, and this is predicted to gradually increase to between 56% and 57% in 2025, depending on the scenario that plays out at that time. The Asia-to-Asia flows accounted for 80.4% of total IVAs for that region in 2019, and this is forecast to reach between 80% and 82% by the end of 2025.
The Pacific as a destination region within Asia Pacific is somewhat different, however, since its source regions in 2019 were dominated by Asia which had a slim margin over the Americas. Those positions are forecast to change over the years to 2025, at which time both source regions under the mild scenario are predicted to generate roughly equal proportionate shares of IVAs into the Pacific. Under the medium and severe scenarios, however, the Americas is projected to have a slight relative share dominance in delivering IVAs into the Pacific by the end of 2025.
As IVA growth builds between 2023 and 2025, it is worth noting that the source markets of Asia collectively generate the bulk of the additional annual increases in absolute numbers of arrivals across Asia Pacific each year. Under the mild scenario, for example, the annual increase in IVAs from Asia in 2023 are forecast to number 330.7 million and account for three-quarters of the net increase in total IVAs between 2022 and 2023.
Across the years and under all scenarios, the visitor footprint of the Asian source markets, at the aggregate Asia Pacific level, is predicted to remain very strong, although with significant differences at the destination regions and sub-regions. The Americas, for example, already with a strong intra-regional visitor flow, is not surprisingly forecast to receive more than half of its annual increase in IVAs in both 2023 and 2025, under the mild scenario, from source markets within that same region. That proportion is predicted to reach as much as 68% under the medium scenario in 2024 and 78% under the severe scenario in that same year, and although the proportions may reduce a little by 2025, they are still predicted to favour the Americas very much as the main generator of annual IVA growth in absolute numbers into that same region.
As noted by PATA Chair Peter Semone, “these current forecasts are easily the most positive since 2019 and while inbound numbers are predicted to strongly increase each year to 2025, they will not do so evenly across the Asia Pacific destinations nor at the same rates. In addition, growth will not necessarily be by passive osmosis; work needs to be done for destinations to remain competitive and to deliver experiences to these visitors that consistently rate above and beyond their expectations. A blatant profit-grab at this time will resonate badly with visitors now and will work against destinations and operators in the future.”
“Now more than ever before, destinations need to work with host communities, operators, and visitors to deliver results and experiences that bring the best of the travel and tourism sector to the fore, across all involved parties and in a responsible, equitable, meaningful, and thereby sustainable manner. Such an approach will also create a certain resilience to future shocks as and when they appear, and rest assured that they will!,” added Mr. Semone.
What you will learn from this report:
Forecast international visitor numbers for Asia Pacific between 2023 and 2025 by destination region, sub-region, and destination, highlighting changing demand preferences in the post-COVID era; andForecasts and recovery patterns for 39 individual destinations facilitating the development of appropriate strategies over the next three years.The PATA Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts Full Report 2023-2025 is now available at www.PATA.org/research-q1v63g6n2dw/p/asia-pacific-visitor-forecasts-2023-2025-x8tpc.
PATA International members have exclusive access to the Forecast webinar recording, “How Would the Opening of China Impact on Demand for Tourism in the Asia Pacific Region” and related PowerPoint presentations, which was held on Thursday, January 26, 2023. The webinar included expert speakers from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Euromonitor International, and OAG. The speakers provided an overview of the forecasts for international arrivals to Asia Pacific between 2023 and 2025 from their unique positions of forecasting arrivals, monitoring changing consumer sentiment, and aviation capacity.

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Dubai provides a stage for some of the world’s most intense global sporting contests, raising its status as an international destination for the sector
Saeed Hareb: “Dubai’s status as a major sporting destination has been primarily driven by the vision of our leadership, which deeply understands the role sports plays in the growth of a global metropolis.”
“Over the next decade, sports will make important contributions to realising the goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to make Dubai one of the world’s top three cities.”
Dubai Sports Council’s 10-year strategy seeks to raise the sports sector’s contribution to Dubai’s GDP from 2% to 4% annually by 2033
International sports events, world-class hospitality and exceptional infrastructure place Dubai at the epicentre of global sports tourismADVERTISEMENTDubai Duty Free Tennis Championships running till 4 Mar features a stellar line-up that includes World No. 1 Novak Djokovic and World No. 2 Rafael Nadal
The nine-week Dubai World Cup Carnival sees spirited international contests at the Meydan RacecourseDubai is hosting the fourth edition of Gov Games from 2-5 March 2023; 27 major cities worldwide are competiting in a new category called ‘Battle of the Cities’
$8 million Dubai Desert Classic held from 26-29 January raises Dubai’s profile as world’s golfing capital
Dubai brings together global cricket stars for another month-long multi-stage tournament, the DP World International League T20, the world’s second-most lucrative T20 league
Global sporting A-listers visit Dubai to savour its unique luxury hospitality and lifestyle
The air is crisp, the fans are bubbling with excitement and the newly resurfaced acrylic courts at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium are glowing vibrantly in the gentle afternoon sun. The world’s biggest tennis stars have converged on Dubai to pit their skills against each other in one of the most popular tournaments of the ATP World Tour and the WTA Tour.

Running until 4 March, the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships 2023 features a stellar line-up that includes World No. 1 and 21-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic, World No. 2 Rafael Nadal, Dubai 2021 champion Aslan Karatsev, 2021 semifinalists Andrey Rublev and Denis Shapovalov, former champion Roberto Bautista Agut and Arab star Ons Jabeur. Last Saturday, the Czech Republic’s Barbora Krejcikova, won the women’s singles title with a stunning 6-4, 6-2 upset of World No.1 Iga Swiatek.
One of the most eagerly anticipated events on the UAE sporting calendar, the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships 2023 represents the best of the city’s offerings as a global sporting destination. With pleasant temperatures, world class infrastructure, thrilling settings for fans, and unmatched hospitality and tourism experiences, Dubai is one of the best places to enjoy global sporting action, especially in the cooler months of the year.
Few cities in the globe can rival Dubai in terms of the sheer number of world-class events in various disciplines. Dubai is a preferred venue among international sporting bodies for hosting global tournaments because of its exceptionally successful record of hosting multi-stage competitions. The city offers a smorgasbord of sporting action in diverse disciplines including golf, tennis, cricket, motorsports, basketball, horse racing, rugby, polo, distance racing and more.
His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council said: “Dubai’s status as a major sporting destination has been primarily driven by the vision of our leadership, which deeply understands the role sports plays in the growth of a global metropolis. Over the next decade, sports will make important contributions to realising the goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to make Dubai one of the world’s top three cities. Dubai’s diverse and packed line-up brings both global stars and fans from around the world to the city, not only enriching the emirate’s sporting landscape but also serving as springboards for boosting travel and tourism and providing spin-offs for various other sectors.”
In February, His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, launched a 10-year strategy to develop Dubai’s sports sector and raise its contribution to the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. The strategy seeks to double the contribution of the sports sector to Dubai’s GDP from 2% to 4% annually. Dubai also aims to organise 3,000 local, regional and international events and host 1,000 international training camps over the next 10 years. The number of sports events held annually in Dubai will be increased to 500 and progressively to 1,000. The Strategy also aims to increase the percentage of sporting events hosted in partnership with the private sector to 90%.
Sports tourism on the riseThe last few years have seen the sports sector emerging as a key growth driver for the city’s tourism industry and Dubai’s development as a multi-faceted global destination. The sports sector’s contribution to Dubai’s economy exceeded AED9 billion in 2021 alone. The sector also generated 105,000 job opportunities, accounting for 3.8% of the total employment in Dubai. In the year 2022, international sports events held in Dubai brought together more than 31,000 sportspersons and 713,000 fans from all over the world.
For the global sports fan, a visit to the emirate to attend international events is an opportunity to combine front-row experiences of world-class tournaments with the chance to enjoy Dubai’s luxury hospitality and tourism attractions, varied retail offerings and eclectic gastronomy and culture.
Leading golfing destinationLast month, Dubai was the cynosure of the global golfing fraternity, with some of the world’s biggest stars in the game contesting in the Dubai Desert Classic held from 26-29 January. Featuring a prizemoney of $8 million, the Dubai Desert Classic is regarded as a leading European Tour event. Around 65,000 spectators watched the prestigious tournament, 18,000 of whom were international golf fans.
UK’s golfing legend Rory McIlroy won his third Dubai Desert Classic title this year, cementing his status as a legend of the game. His nail-biting contest with Patrick Reed made the event one of the most followed marquee tournaments in the elite global golfing circuit. Other stars who took part in the competition included Shane Lowry, Tommy Fleetwood, Ryan Fox, Tyrrell Hatton and Patrick Reed.

Over the last three decades, Dubai has grown in reputation as one of the world’s most sought-after golfing destinations. As the host of major global tournaments, the city offers one of the best venues for ardent fans of the game to enjoy world-class contests. Especially when the extreme winter weather makes golfing impossible in other parts of the world, Dubai’s immaculately designed greens and fairways set against the city’s stunning skyline give fans a picture-perfect ambience to enjoy the game. Challenging courses designed by golfing greats like Sir Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie and Ernie Els are among the many venues that give fans exceptional golfing experiences.
Equestrian extravaganzasDubai reminded the world why it is the globe’s biggest horse racing destination when the 2023 Dubai World Cup Carnival galloped to a spirited start at the Meydan Racecourse with an action-packed programme. The nine-week Carnival that began on 6 January features 21 group races for Thoroughbreds and Purebred Arabians, as well as 20 handicaps – 10 dirt and 10 turf – complementing the Pattern races. The Carnival reaches its crescendo with the Super Saturday on 4 March, the official dress rehearsal for the $30.5 million Dubai World Cup meeting, the world’s richest horse race, scheduled to be held on 25 March.

The highest-ranked racehorses and jockeys from around the world are participating in the 2023 Carnival. Passionate fans of the sport from all four corners of the globe are visiting Dubai during its 2022-23 horse racing season to get up close and personal with some of the equestrian world’s biggest stars, apart from enjoying fine dining, luxury hospitality and exciting tourism activities in the city. 
Multi-stage cricket league tournamentCashing in on the popularity of cricket in the UAE, Dubai played host to another multi-stage tournament this winter, the DP World International League T20 (ILT20). The six-team tournament held from 13 January to 12 February featured 34 matches, with each team playing the others twice before four playoff matches. Rated as the world’s second-most lucrative T20 league, ILT20 featured a strong roster of international cricketers including Sunil Narine, Joe Root, Andre Russell, Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, Trent Boult, Alex Hales, Sam Billings, Tom Curran and Moeen Ali. With tickets starting from as low as AED10, cricket fans from across all sections of society were able to enjoy the games of the tournament, whose final was held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. 

The presence of a vast expatriate population that is passionate about cricket makes any global cricket tournament a special experience in Dubai. With their enthusiasm for the game, fans in Dubai create a special atmosphere at cricket events. With the global stars in the tournament having a massive following, the DP World International League T20 attracted cricket lovers from across the GCC and the subcontinent. 
This year, Dubai also hosted the 22nd Dubai Marathon, the region’s oldest long-distance running race and one of the world’s fastest-distance races. Held on 12 February, the event brought together athletes from around the world to participate in the main marathon and associated races including the 10 km road race and 4 km Fun Run. Returning after a break of three years, the Dubai Marathon, organised by the Dubai Sports Council was held at a new venue, the Expo City Dubai, which provided a picturesque setting with its stunning architectural marvels and beautiful open areas. Ethiopian Abdisa Tola won the professional men’s race on his marathon debut while his compatriot Dera Dida Yami won the professional women’s race.
Motorsports eventsDubai also hosted the Hankook Dubai 24 Hours Fast Car Challenge this winter with the participation of more than 100 vehicles, top of which were Ferrari, Mercedes, Audi, Porsche, BMW, Ford and Renault. Held from 13 – 15 January, the 24-hour endurance race that has become a fixture of the Dubai Autodrome’s adrenaline-fuelled calendar featured over 80 entries in three categories including GT3, GTX and TCR. Valentino Rossi, a seven-time MotoGP winner, took part in the event in his debut for the BMW M Team WRT.

Dubai Autodrome also hosted two other automobile races this winter including Dubai Kartdrome Oblate on 21 and 22 January and the Ferrari Asian Car Challenge from 27 – 29 January. Other major tournaments hosted by Dubai this winter included the Polo Silver Cup from 21 January to 4 February, featuring the world’s strongest polo teams and the 32nd Dubai International Basketball Championship from 27 January to 5 February.
Community eventsIn addition to local and global sporting championships, Dubai organised a vast number of community running races this winter including the Ultimate Run on 20 January, Dubai Creek Half Marathon Championship and Palm West Run on 22 January, the Dubai Festival City Night Run on 23 January, the EXPO City Run on 24 January, the Business Bay Run on 25 January and the Dubai Harbor Run on 29 January. Hatta hosted the Wadi Bih Run on 29 January, a race that took participants on a route set against the backdrop of spectacular mountain scenery.
Dubai is currently hosting the 2023 edition of Gov Games, the high-energy team-building contest that is seeing major cities worldwide competing in physical and mental challenges designed to reinforce team spirit and collaboration. Featuring a total prizemoney of AED3.6 million, this year’s Gov Games has introduced a new category called ‘Battle of the Cities’ as part of a move to expand the event globally. The 2023 competition, which started today and runs till 5 March, features 82 all-male teams and 27 all- female teams in the ‘Government Entities’ category, 28 teams in the ‘Communities’ category and 27 international teams in the ‘Battle of the Cities’ category.
World-leading sports infrastructureDubai’s sports facilities represent a key factor driving Dubai’s profile on the global sporting calendar. The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium has been voted for three years as the world’s ‘Best Venue’ by players on the ATP World Tour.  One of global cricket’s iconic stadiums, the Dubai International Cricket Stadium has played host to many cricketing mega events including the T20 World Cup, the Asia Cup and the IPL. Further, Dubai’s comprehensive hospitality, logistics and health infrastructure and its ability to create the safe environment necessary for the organisation of large tournaments make it an ideal venue for international sporting events.
Dubai’s prime location and superior facilities have also made it a preferred training base for international athletes and sporting stars. Dubai is home to state-of-the-art coaching academies across disciplines, which are grooming the international stars of the future. The city is home to over 400 academies that offer expert coaching in all kinds of sports, and more than 100 public and private sports clubs.
Dubai’s pleasant climate and award-winning facilities saw the city hosting training camps and friendly matches in 2022 for more than 120 international teams in different sports across swimming, synchronized swimming, modern pentathlon, cycling, tennis, football, badminton, cricket, rugby and golf.
Magnet for sporting A-listersAs one of the world’s best places to live, visit and work, Dubai has become a magnet for international sports stars. Global sporting A-listers who visited Dubai this winter to savour its unique luxury hospitality and lifestyle attractions included Lionel Messi and the Argentina football squad, Brazilian football star Ronaldinho, England football players Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw, and Mason Mount, Egyptian football star Mo Salah, Liverpool football team members Darwin Ribeiro and Roberto Firmino, and Indian cricket star Virat Kohli.

Dubai’s popularity as a vacation spot for global sporting stars, underlines its emergence as one of the world’s biggest sports tourism hubs. A diverse calendar of international sports events, world-class luxury hospitality, hotels catering to diverse needs, global connectivity, and exceptional urban infrastructure and facilities, have placed Dubai at the epicentre of global sports tourism.
Driven by the leadership’s unrelenting commitment to excellence, the city’s strategic location, robust infrastructure, and exceptional services across all sectors, Dubai is set to grow in stature as one of the world’s most popular sporting destinations.

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Surf’s up! Just in time for the Spring season, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park is set to reopen March 19 (Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park will be closed for refurbishment). Guests can look forward to swells of totally tropical fun, including the return of the vibrant, late-night party, H2O Glow After Hours, at the paradise-themed water park at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
H2O Glow After Hours lights up starting May 20 on select nights through September 2. The glowing guest-favorite party allows guests to enjoy their favorite attractions under the stars for three hours (8-11 p.m.) after the water park closes to daytime guests, giving everyone easier access to their favorite Typhoon Lagoon thrills. Tickets go on sale March 3 for the limited-capacity event on the Walt Disney World Resort website.
Other “glow”rious event details include: 
Glow lighting effects and décor High-energy DJ dance partiesSurprise character appearancesExclusive adult-only areaComplimentary ice cream treats, popcorn and selected beverages Exclusive glow-themed food and beverage Food and beverage items remain one of the main attractions at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and this year there will be several new items. A few gnarly new additions will be fruity new DOLE Whip flavors like watermelon, mango, pineapple, strawberry and raspberry available at Snack Shack; a Pineapple Upside Down Cone at Happy Landings; and a Barbeque Chicken and Grilled Pineapple Flatbread at Leaning Palms.
ADVERTISEMENTPlenty of traditional favorites will be available, too, such as the Moana and Hei Hei Ice Cream Cone and the iconic Sand Pail Sundae as well as savory snacks like Hand Battered Fish Tacos and Fish and Chips.
Adults can pair their delightful bites with tropical beverage items. Among the new drink offerings are the Kungaloosh Kooler, the Crush ‘N’ Gushed Red and White Sangrias and the Mayday Mojito Flight.
Guests can also look forward to the return of one of the water park’s signature attractions: The Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool. The largest outdoor wave pool in North America, the attraction uses state-of-the-art technology to create controlled waves up to six-feet high. Guests have two surfing options – “open surf’’ for small groups that involve 10 waves or “private surf’’ for groups of up to 25 people. 
Other popular attractions that offer everything from exhilarating slides to “water-ful’’ play spaces include:

Miss Adventure Falls, the fast-paced family raft attraction created, as the story goes, when Captain Mary Oceaneer, sea-faring treasure hunter, got her haul caught in a rogue typhoon, which scattered her treasure across this tropical paradise years ago.  Crush ‘N’ Gusher, a thrilling “water coaster” that features three 400-foot-long tube slides named for the various fruits they once transported. Castaway Creek, a scenic lazy river that encircles the entire water park, offering gentle passage past shady grottoes, gushing waterfalls, overhead rope bridges and lush rainforest landscapes. Humunga Kowabunga, offering a choice of three adrenaline-filled body slides set against the steep inclines of Mount Mayday. Known for its immersive storytelling, unique water attractions and a variety of family fun offerings, the water park was themed after the fabled tale of a rogue storm and its ensuing tidal wave that wreaked havoc on what once was a pristine waterside paradise. Full of topsy-turvy architecture, storm-strewn nautical gear and a stranded ship impaled upon the summit of Mount Mayday, each intentional detail brings the maritime legend to life. 

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The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) earlier this week announced the resignation of Liz Ortiguera as its Chief Executive Officer.Upon her notification, PATA Vice Chair Benjamin Liao said, “Liz served PATA with distinction as the first Asian female CEO in the organization’s 72-year history. On behalf of PATA, I would like to thank her for her leadership of the Association during a difficult period for the industry.”
“We recognize her many accomplishments as PATA CEO including new agreements with the Singapore Tourism Board, the Saudi Tourism Authority and Trip.com as well as the expanded partnerships with Visa, MasterCard, and Airbnb. New projects included PATA’s first Annual Summit in the Middle East, the PATA-Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) APAC Travel Summit, PATA-World Bank Government Recovery Insights Forum Series, the Tourism Destination Resilience Program launch and the ongoing Weekly Asia-Pacific Destination Recovery Dashboard.”
Commenting on her tenure at PATA, Ms. Ortiguera said, “It was a true honor to have served as PATA’s CEO. I am confident that PATA, with its diverse member base of industry leaders, can continue to support and lead our industry’s recovery and growth. PATA is even more critical as a business community today to support new partnerships, innovation, and the adoption of sustainable business practices.”
“I am handing back the reins with thanks to PATA Members for the opportunity to lead at this critical time of global industry recovery. I had the opportunity to work with some deeply committed, hard-working and talented individuals within the PATA team as well as our valued members and partners. They embody the heart and the spirit of what PATA could be in everything they do,” Ms. Ortiguera added.In response to Ms. Ortiguera’s departure, PATA Chair Peter Semone stated that, “the Executive Board has established five Expert Task Forces or ETFs to review critical elements of PATA’s development strategy, including Brand and Voice, Events, Membership Engagement, Organizational Design and Digital Readiness. The recommendations of these ETFs will help define PATA’s new direction strategically and operationally.”

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2023 European Destination of Excellence (EDEN) Kranj (Slovenia) is participating in ITB Berlin 2023. Representatives from the destination will be at the European Capital of Smart Tourism stand (Hall 20, stand 303).Kranj is setting the standard in a form of tourism that is good for the environment and benefits the local community. This means implementing tourism measures that are reducing carbon footprints, while at the same time, empowering communities to get the most out of their local tourism industry. Leading sustainable tourism practices in Kranj include:
The Green Team: a team dedicated to lowering the carbon footprint across Kranj. The team is made up of 21 members from different local authority institutions. It collects data, sets targets and organises workshops with local businesses and tourism industry representatives, to make sure those targets are met.The SOS Info Centre Proteus: the tunnels underneath Kranj old town are home to a rare species of olm. A local laboratory, in partnership with town authorities, have been researching and protecting these amphibious creatures for decades. The centre is taking this a step further, by informing visitors and locals about the endangered species, as well as the importance of the groundwater in which they live; a vital source of drinking water for the entire Slovenian population.To secure a one-on-one meeting a representative from Kranj, you can book an appointment here.
The European Destinations of Excellence is an EU initiative, implemented by the European Commission. Its aim is to recognise and reward smaller destinations that have put in place successful strategies to boost sustainable tourism through green transition practices. The competition is founded upon the principle of promoting the development of sustainable tourism in destinations which brings value to the economy, the planet and people.
For all the latest news visit the European Destinations of Excellence website. https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/sectors/tourism/eden_en

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Celebrating 20 years of marine animal conservation grants, the SeaWorld Conservation Fund announced 22 new grants made in 2022 to support third party research, rescue, and conservation programs to protect marine animals and their habitats.arious marine animal species directly benefiting from these 2022 grants include coral reefs, dolphins, manatees, penguins, seals, seabirds, sea turtles and whales. This year the Fund is celebrating its 20th anniversary, created as a nonprofit foundation in 2003. To date the SeaWorld Conservation Fund has provided more than $20 million in grants to 1,391 organizations across all seven continents.
Dr. Chris Dold, President of the SeaWorld Conservation Fund and Chief Zoological Officer of SeaWorld said, “We are committed to advancing animal conservation and preserving wildlife species and their natural habitats across the globe. Protecting wildlife is no small mission and requires the teamwork and support of countless organizations focused on animal rescue and rehabilitation, conservation education, habitat protection and species research. We are proud to be able to provide financial support that helps these organizations continue the work imperative to our common goal of wildlife conservation.”
Supporting Fellow Rescue and Rehabilitation Organizations
SeaWorld is one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world. It has come to the aid of more than 40,000 sick, injured, orphaned, and stranded marine animals, always with the goal of rehabilitating and returning healthy animals back to their native environment. The SeaWorld Conservation Fund honors this mission by supporting other organizations that share the same goal. 
In 2022, a grant was made to the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network (TMMSN) to create increased capacity for marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation in the state of Texas. Of their grant, Heidi Whitehead, Executive Director at Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network said, “Generous donations from organizations such as the SeaWorld Conservation Fund allow us to provide a coordinated response to marine mammal strandings along the Texas coastline and continue our important mission of marine mammal conservation. We are very grateful for their support and are honored to be their partner in the mission to protect marine animals.”ADVERTISEMENTOther 2022 grant recipient organizations with a focus in species rescue and rehabilitation include:
Coral Restoration Foundation for international coral reef restoration efforts which are carried out by a collaborative team of staff, interns and countless volunteers.Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) for the conservation of southern African seabirds and their marine environment.Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Association (ARCAS) for protecting the most important sea turtle nesting beaches and mangrove wetlands of the Pacific coast of Guatemala.Advancing Scientific Research that Leads to the Preservation of Species and their Habitats
The SeaWorld Conservation Fund supports organizations whose species research leads to healthier and more biodiverse populations in the future. One 2022 grant recipient was the Norwegian Orca Survey for the ‘Keeping up with Norwegian Orcas’ program which continues a long running photo identification and DNA study of killer whales throughout Norway.
“Killer Whales are a vital species to our environment and through the generous funds from SeaWorld, we have been able to improve the knowledge of Norwegian killer whales through researching, monitoring and observing the diversity of individuals’ dietary habits on a long-term basis,” said Dr. Eve Jourdain, Director at Norwegian Orca Survey. “Our research findings have led to the writing of multiple scientific publications which will help revise the protection status and identify human threats to this population. It is critical that we continue this long-term research project so we can achieve to better understand and protect this unique population of killer whales.”
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) received its third grant from the SeaWorld Conservation Fund in 2022. Their work focuses on ending lethal fishing gear entanglements by advancing buoyless fishing. Dr. Michael Moore, Senior Scientist at WHOI, said, “Rope entanglements are a serious threat to the survival of many endangered whales and sea turtles. With the help from the SeaWorld Conservation Fund, we have been able to test On Demand gear systems which significantly reduce entanglements and create a safter environment for marine animals.”
Additional 2022 grant recipient organizations advancing science to protect marine animals include:
Alaska Sealife Center for research on non–releasable Alaskan ice seals to better understand their behavior patterns.AMPA-Friends of Manatee Association for monitoring an Amazon River dolphin population to watch their behavioral and reproductive patterns.Rising Tide Conservation for advancing sustainability in the marine aquarium industry by funding and promoting marine fish research.The Society for Marine Mammalogy for fostering international partnerships and collaborations to improve the quality of research on marine mammals within the science community.Recipient organizations focused on marine habitat preservation include Restore America’s Estuaries for coastal restoration within the Great Marsh, the largest salt marsh in New England and Tampa Bay Watch for community action and partnership to reduce marine debris in Tampa Bay.
Emergency Grants to Help Wildlife Organizations Impacted by Hurricane Ian
In response to the damage caused by Hurricane Ian, the SeaWorld Conservation Fund made emergency grants to 10 Florida zoological and wildlife rescue organizations impacted by the storm. Most organizations that applied for a SeaWorld emergency grant suffered from damaged fences, major flooding, habitat destruction, wind damage and other storm-related issues. More information about the zoological and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation organizations that received emergency grant funding can be found here.https://seaworldentertainment.com/media/press-releases/seaworld-conservation-fund-makes-10-emergency-grants/

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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s newest ride, Serengeti Flyer, is now open for all guests. The park’s latest attraction, which opened today, is the world’s tallest and fastest ride of its kind, providing riders with breathtaking views of the park’s expansive 65-acre Serengeti Plain
Serengeti Flyer features twin dueling arms that soar progressively higher, reaching speeds of 68 mph, a maximum height of 135 feet at the ride’s peak and the pulse-pounding thrill of multiple negative-G moments. The park’s new thrill features the capability to adjust the ride’s intensity level, giving guests the opportunity for a milder or wilder experience. Serengeti Flyer allows 40 guests to experience the ride at once, seated back-to-back in rows of 10 across two gondolas
“Thrills are in full swing at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with yet another exciting record-setting ride for our guests to enjoy,” said Neal Thurman, Park President of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. “As the world’s tallest and fastest ride of its kind, Serengeti Flyer joins a world-class portfolio of attractions, offering breathtaking views of the park and a one-of-a-kind experience for all our guests.”
Annual Passes and Fun Cards Offer the Best Way to PlayBusch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Annual Pass is the best way to enjoy an entire year of thrilling attractions and exciting seasonal events. Categorized in easy-to-use tiers, all options provide guests with unlimited year-round admission and unbeatable benefits like free parking, in-park discounts and monthly rewards starting as low as $15.
Additionally, those interested in paying for a day and playing all year can take advantage of the current buy-one-get-one Fun Card offer. For a limited time, guests purchasing a Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Fun Card will receive an Adventure Island Fun Card for FREE.ADVERTISEMENTGuests can visit BuschGardensTampa.com to purchase tickets and learn more about the Annual Pass program’s benefits and monthly rewards, the current special offer for the 2023 Fun Card and stay in the know about new events, special deals and future announcements by following Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube and Twitter.

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