Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is delighted to announce the start of a new collaboration with Visa to extend the Tourism Destination Resilience (TDR) Programme and continue to help build a more resilient and sustainable tourism industry.The COVID-19 pandemic has painfully proven the importance for destinations to be prepared for challenges and potential crises, and to know how to adapt to changes.
The partnership with Visa focuses specifically on building the capacity of two crucial but often overlooked travel and tourism stakeholders, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and informal workers. For SMEs, PATA and Visa will produce two new online learning modules, focusing on improving financial literacy, and digital competency and cybersecurity. The new courses will be added to PATA’s existing TDR Course and, as with the other modules, will be available to the public in six languages: English, Vietnamese, Bahasa Indonesia, Khmer, Thai, and Mandarin Chinese.
Apart from the online modules, PATA and Visa will also conduct in-person training for SMEs, which will take place in the second half of the year in four destinations: Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
According to PATA Chair Peter Semone, “SMEs make up 80% of all tourism businesses. As we future-proof our destinations, SMEs also need to build resilience. In this sense, greater digital literacy and financial knowledge are imperative for learning how to adapt to the new era of tourism and prepare for future challenges that may arise.For informal workers working in the travel and tourism industry, the collaboration seeks to empower these professionals by helping build their capacity not only on digital and financial skills but also health and safety, marketing and communication, as well as other topics that may be identified during a needs analysis. For the latter part of the project, the implementation will take place in Indonesia.
Informal workers make up a majority of tourism employment and provide entrepreneurial opportunities for women, youth, and the elderly. However, lacking formal government registration, they often fall through the cracks of social protection and employment benefit schemes in times of crisis.ADVERTISEMENTAbout the partnership, Patsian Low, Vice President of Inclusive Impact & Sustainability for Asia Pacific at Visa, said, “Visa is proud to provide digital literacy and financial education to the thousands of small and micro businesses and informal workers, such as walking guides, transport drivers or translators, who are the backbone of the tourism industry in our region. As travel and tourism continues to accelerate post-COVID-19, our partnership with PATA will help enable individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive and deliver on our purpose to uplift everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.”
Pavnesh Kumar, PATA’s Sustainability and Social Responsibility Programme Head, adds that “This partnership will not only allow us to expand the impacts of Tourism Destination Resilience within destinations but also target the two groups who most often lack support in the industry. We are looking forward to working with Visa and our country partners to build the capacity of SMEs and informal workers.”More information on these new initiatives by PATA and Visa will be announced soon. For any queries, please contact [email protected]

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The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has today revealed positive signs of recovery for the Indian Travel & Tourism sector with travellers heading back to its major cities.The report, sponsored by Visa and researched in partnership with Oxford Economics, analysed key indicators such as Travel & Tourism’s contribution to GDP, employment and traveller spend.
The analysis of key indicators in Delhi and Mumbai shows that Travel & Tourism’s direct contribution to both cities’ GDP, jobs and visitor spending are all bouncing back to pre-pandemic levels.
The WTTC Cities Economic Impact Report shows that in 2019, the city’s Travel & Tourism sector contributed almost ₹36,200 crore to Delhi’s economy and more than ₹25,000 crore to Mumbai’s.
But the pandemic then had a damaging effect on India’s national economy as the border closed to overseas visitors.
In 2020, both cities Travel & Tourism’s GDP contribution dropped by almost half, falling to ₹19,000 crore in Delhi, and more than ₹13,500 crore in Mumbai.ADVERTISEMENTOver the last two years, since the border reopened, both cities have witnessed a significant recovery.
In 2022, Delhi’s sector is expected to have grown to ₹32,400 crore, while Mumbai Travel & Tourism’s sector is forecast to be worth just under ₹22,500 crore, just 10% below 2019 levels.
Jobs on the rise
In 2019 there were more than 10 lakh people employed by the Travel & Tourism sector in Delhi. In 2020 this figure dropped to just over 6.6 lakh (-35%). But in 2021, employment grew by more than 12% and is expected to have grown at a similar rate in 2022 to reach more than 8.4 lakh in 2022.
In Mumbai, it’s a similar picture.
Before the pandemic, there were almost 3.6 lakh Travel & Tourism jobs, but this number fell by over 1 lakh to just over 2.4 lakh 2020. An 11% rise in 2021 saw the number increase to almost 2.7 lakh.
WTTC is forecasting a similar growth in 2022 to reach more than 3 lakh jobs – just 15% below pre-pandemic levels.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “India is an increasingly popular global tourist destination and following more than two years of disruption, it’s great to see tourists are heading to the country once again.
“Our recent Economic Impact Research showed that we expect India to overtake Germany to become the world’s third most powerful Travel & Tourism market by 2032, and that its sector will outpace the overall economy every year for the next decade.
“But it’s crucial that the government and local decision makers in individual cities continue to recognise the economic importance of Travel & Tourism for the local and national economies, jobs and businesses.”
The report also shows that the sector’s contribution to both cities’ will more than double over the next decade. According to the WTTC forecast, Delhi’s Travel & Tourism sector is expected to contribute almost ₹80,000crore, while Mumbai’s will provide an annual boost of more than ₹54,000 crore by 2032.

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The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed Orlando is predicted to be the largest U.S. Travel and Tourism city destination in 2022 with an economic contribution of over $31 billion, representing 20% of the city’s total GDP and recovering above 2019 levels by $2.7 billion.The Cities Economic Impact Report, sponsored by Visa and researched in partnership with Oxford Economics, analyzed key Travel & Tourism metrics across 82 cities around the world, including contribution to GDP, employment and traveler spend.
The report studied the sector’s impact in Orlando, Las Vegas, Miami, Chicago, New York City, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and Honolulu.
Las Vegas followed Orlando as the second largest Travel & Tourism market in the U.S. with a direct GDP contribution of $23 billion last year, surpassing the 2019 baseline by 5.3%.
Miami made the top city destinations list with a heroic GDP comeback last year of $11.1 billion that exceeded pre-pandemic contributions by 5% despite a devastating 56% drop in economic contribution from the sector in 2020.
New York City and Los Angeles also landed in the top U.S. rankings for 2022 with Travel & Tourism GDPs valued at $21.1 billion and $11 billion respectively, showing strong signs of closing the gap to 2019 levels.ADVERTISEMENT“It was a fightback year for cities across the country in 2022. Destinations like Orlando, Miami, Chicago and Las Vegas are back stronger than ever before thanks to the relaxation of pandemic restrictions and a strong rebound of consumer confidence.” said Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO.
“Other popular holiday destinations like San Francisco, Honolulu and Washington D.C. are following suit with growing sector GDP contributions that are well on their way to recovering from peak pandemic lows as they build up their industry workforce and cultivate a flourishing base of international travelers.”
Domestic Travelers Dominate Visitor Spending in Major U.S. City Destinations
In 2019, domestic travelers made up an 84.6% share of Travel & Tourism spending in the U.S. – that number increased to more than 95% in 2021. Travel hubs like Orlando, Miami and Las Vegas continued to benefit from strong domestic spending last year to surpass 2019 marks by 19% on average.
In Washington D.C., domestic visitors provided $5.27 billion to the local economy in 2022, 85% of pre-pandemic revenue. Honolulu and San Francisco were not far behind with spending reaching $4.7 billion and $3.41 billion, respectively.
Despite a strong domestic traveler market, pressure created by the slower-than-expected international traveler spending return in the U.S. continued to drive a performance gap in the overall economic recovery of many city destinations last year. The combined international visitor spend across the nine US cities analyzed was 35% below 2019 levels.
Orlando was the only major city destination to maintain its industry edge with international visitors, surpassing 2019 spending by almost 20% in 2022.
Positive Trends for Travel & Tourism Employment in 2022
New York City’s direct contribution of Travel & Tourism to jobs grew by almost 32% between 2020 and 2022, representing an increase of more than 59,200 filled positions.
Las Vegas displayed equally impressive employment gains year-over-year, climbing out of a record low of 163,800 jobs in 2020 to round out 2022 with more than 206,000 industry positions.
While employment across Travel & Tourism in major city destinations continues to rise after the devastating loss of thousands of jobs in the industry throughout the country in 2020, many top markets are still struggling to meet or exceed 2019 job levels despite positive macro-GDP growth.
In 2022, Chicago was the only major city destination with direct contribution of Travel & Tourism jobs outstripping 2019 employment levels, reaching 178,200 jobs last year (a more than 20,000 increase from 2019).
The Travel & Tourism sector overcame significant long-haul hurdles and is poised to emerge even stronger going into 2023 as a critical driver for economic prosperity. By fostering private and public sector collaboration to reintegrate the workforce and attract new talent that meets consumer demand while encouraging open borders, the industry can continue to meet and exceed record economic development.

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Tourists Travelling Back to North Africa’s Biggest Cities Says WTTC

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The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has today revealed positive signs of recovery for the Travel & Tourism sector in key North African city destinations, providing a massive boost to economies across the region.The report, researched in partnership with Oxford Economics, analysed key indicators such as Travel & Tourism’s contribution to GDP, employment and traveller spend.
The analysis of Cairo, Marrakech and Tunis shows that across all three cities, the direct GDP contribution from Travel & Tourism, sector jobs, and visitor spending are all bouncing back to pre-pandemic levels.
The WTTC Cities Economic Impact Report shows that in 2019, the Travel & Tourism sector contributed over $5.6BN to Cairo’s economy, more than $1BN to Marrakech’s and over $1.2BN to Tunis’s.
But the pandemic then had a damaging effect on economies across North Africa as borders closed to overseas visitors.
Prolonged border closures in source markets such as Germany, the UK and Italy, delayed the return of visitors from those countries and had a significant impact on the sector’s GDP across North Africa due to lower visitor numbers.ADVERTISEMENTIn 2020, across all three cities Travel & Tourism’s GDP contribution dropped by more than half, falling to $1.95BN in Cairo, $497MN in Marrakech, and $450MN in Tunis.
Over the last two years, since international travel restrictions have been lifted, all three cit-ies have witnessed recoveries.
In 2022, Cairo’s sector is expected to have grown to over $4BN, 28% below 2019 levels while in Marrakech, the sector is forecast to have reached nearly $870MN, 17% below 2019 levels.
In Tunis, the sector is predicted to have reached almost $880MN, 29% below 2019 levels.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Cities across North Africa have long been pop-ular tourist destinations. After more than two years of disruption, it’s great to see tourists are heading back to the region.
“These cities are resilient and are on the road to recovery, demonstrating the enduring ap-peal tourist destinations across North Africa hold for international travellers.
“It is crucial that the national and local governments continue to recognise the importance of Travel & Tourism for the local and national economies, jobs and businesses.”
Jobs on the rise
In 2019 there were more than 246,000 people employed by the Travel & Tourism sector in the Egyptian capital. In 2020 this figure dropped to just under 139,000 (-44%), but in 2021, employment grew by 25% to almost 174,000 jobs, and is expected to have grown a further 20% in 2022 to reach nearly 209,000 jobs.
In Marrakech and Tunis, it’s a similar picture.
Before the pandemic, there were over 102,000 Travel & Tourism jobs in Marrakech, but this number fell by nearly 18,000 to just under 85,000 in 2020. A small 3% rise in 2021 saw the number increase to more than 87,000.
WTTC is forecasting employment in the sector to grow five times as fast in 2022 to reach nearly 100,000 jobs – just 3% fewer jobs than before the pandemic.
In Tunis, there were over 43,000 jobs in 2019 falling to just under 30,000 the following year (-31%). In 2021 job numbers grew by 9% to slightly over 32,000 and WTTC predicts a further 8% rise in 2022 to reach 35,000 jobs.
The report also shows that the sector’s contribution to the three cities will increase by more than $7.4BN over the next decade to reach a combined $13.3BN.
According to the global tourism body’s forecast, Cairo’s Travel & Tourism sector is expected to increase by more than $5BN contribute over $9.1BN, while Marrakech’s will provide a boost of almost $1.4BN by 2032 to reach just over $2.25BN annually.
WTTC also predict that the Tunis Travel & Tourism sector will increase by almost $1BN over the next decade to reach $1.85BN.

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Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons, together with Allure Bridals, have launched their 2023 collection of stunning bridal gowns and their first-ever collection of Disney Princess-inspired bridesmaid dresses. The 2023 collection includes gowns inspired by Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Rapunzel, Snow White and Tiana. Twenty-one gowns were unveiled during a fashion show in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Resort in California. They feature new and innovative fabrics, including a signature sparkle tulle on a Princess Jasmine-inspired Platinum gown and a laser-cut lace design on soft satin featured on a Rapunzel-inspired style. A Cinderella-inspired ballgown offers a unique platinum colorway option, while a dreamy vintage look for the Princess Tiana-inspired gown, shimmering with thousands of beads and sequins, captures the spirit of the Jazz Age.
Disney and Allure Bridals launched their first sophisticated bridal line in 2020, offering modern brides stunning, on-trend gowns that capture the style and spirit of beloved Disney Princess characters. Three years and four collections later, Allure Bridals provides various options that can truly transform a bride’s look, like the stunning, detachable overskirts available on a selection of gowns, including one Rapunzel-inspired dress and the Platinum Cinderella dress. Platinum Aurora and Tiana gowns feature detachable sleeves for a chic transitional option from aisle to reception. With exquisite details such as ethereal puff sleeves, and dreamy accessories like custom veil options and delicate tulle flowers, the Disney Fairy Tale Weddings 2023 Collection has a dress for every bride’s style. All bridal gowns are available in sizes 0 to 30 and start at $1,799.
In a highly anticipated expansion beyond bridalwear, the Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Collection will introduce nine princess-inspired bridesmaid gowns for the first time this Fall. The bridesmaid collection is inspired by the personalities and essence of Disney Princess characters and stories, incorporating subtle design cues meant to complement each Princess-inspired bridal gown. Available in a dazzling range of colors and romantic fabrics like stretch chiffon, stretch satin, and stretch satin jersey fabric in sizes XS to 4X, the bridesmaid collection is a welcome addition to the Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings 2023 Collection. More details will be revealed in the coming months.
A New Coach to Debut at Disneyland Resort
ADVERTISEMENTDisney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons has also unveiled the design of a new coach that will join the fleet of Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings carriages. The new coach features details inspired by the classic Disney love story, Cinderella, and will arrive at Disneyland Resort this fall. Handcrafted details include a pumpkin canopy and an interior shrouded in delicate vines. The new coach at Disneyland Resort will round out the trio of carriages that include the Cinderella Coach at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and the Disney Fairy Tale Carriage at Disneyland Paris.
Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings Celebrates 100+ Venues Around the Globe
Couples marrying with Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings can celebrate their wedding ceremonies and receptions in iconic Disney locations around the world. There’s the enchanting Disney’s Wedding Pavilion at Walt Disney World Resort, theme park lands and attractions, a stunning beachfront resort in Hawai’i, the ships of Disney Cruise Line and so much more.
“Our goal is to bring fairy tales to life. Immersive and one-of-a-kind venues allow us to tell each couple’s unique love story in an epic and magical way,” said Korri McFann, marketing director, Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons.
In honor of the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company, Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings is showcasing more than 100+ wedding venues at Disney destinations around the globe:
Walt Disney World Resort offers more than 50 unique and magical venues spanning international settings at EPCOT – from Italian courtyards to a replica of China’s Temple of Heaven, to a backdrop of the Eiffel Tower. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, couples are immersed in vibrant settings like Harambe Village in Africa, the Belvedere Palace Ruins hidden in the jungles of Asia and many more. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, couples can dance the night away on Sunset Boulevard, and at Magic Kingdom Park, they can live out their dreams with views of Cinderella Castle. In addition, numerous resort locations feature beach settings, intimate gazebos, lush lawns and so much more.Disney’s Wedding Pavilion is a purpose-built wedding venue at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in Walt Disney World. Situated on its own private island in Seven Seas Lagoon, the pavilion is accessed via a bridge and features stunning crystal chandeliers, intricate stained-glass windows and a 75-foot aisle with Cinderella Castle as its backdrop.Disneyland Resort offers magical in-park venues, from the Victorian splendor of Main Street, U.S.A. to the Fantasyland Courtyard. The resort’s themed hotels offer even more beautiful venues. There’s the rich Arts & Crafts setting of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and the whimsical fun of the Disneyland Hotel.Beach Resorts – Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort boast tropical and waterside settings for couples to celebrate their weddings with a touch of Disney magic.Disney Cruise Line provides couples the chance to sail the high seas with their families and friends. From Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, to beautiful ship atriums, and international itineraries, event possibilities can be magical.Disneyland Paris – from castle courtyards to romantic gazebos, Disneyland Paris offers immersive fairy tale settings for couples dreaming of marrying in the city of love.Asia Parks – Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings also take place at Shanghai Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Resort – each offering magical backdrops for wedding celebrations.To learn more about the new bridal and bridesmaid collections, visit www.allurebridals.com. For information on booking a wedding, honeymoon, anniversary or vowel renewal, visit DisneyWeddings.com.

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Liam Findlay, CEO of Miral Destinations
Overlooking the glittering turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf and a short drive from Abu Dhabi’s downtown, guests can expect to be mesmerized by the tranquil and idyllic beaches nestled on Saadiyat Island. For the 11th consecutive year, Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi has been crowned as the “Middle East’s Leading Beach Destination” by the World Travel Awards, reaffirming its spot as the Middle East’s #BestBeach destination.The Middle East’s leading and award-winning beach destination, Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi offers guests unique and inspiring experiences, guaranteed to take them on a transformative journey. Guests can expect captivating natural surroundings, pristine white sandy beaches, thriving wildlife and marine life, luxurious resorts, and a vibrant culture and entertainment scene.
Liam Findlay, CEO of Miral Destinations said, “It is no secret that Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi has a well-deserved reputation for having one of the best beaches in the Middle East, further cemented by the World Travel Award for “Middle East’s Leading Beach Destination” for 11 years in a row. With expansive white sandy beaches, we welcome guests and their families to relax, unwind and experience all that Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi has to offer. This truly is a place to revitalise your senses and nourish your soul.”

Choose from the many beaches and begin your journey by accessing Saadiyat Beach Club which is located along the serene shores of the Arabian Gulf. This lifestyle spot offers guests the ultimate luxury experience with tranquil settings, fine dining restaurants, and an outdoor swimming pool. As the sun sets, unwind in a private cabana or lounge on the beach where playful bottlenose dolphins make frequent appearances.
Nestled in the heart of Saadiyat Island, Kai Beach will transport guests to a dreamlike setting to rest, reconnect, and rejuvenate where guests can escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Guests are also invited to visit Soul Beach, located in the heart of Mamsha Al Saadiyat, and marvel at this picturesque beach features parasol-flanked sunbeds offering guests front-row views of the glittering waters of the Arabian Gulf.ADVERTISEMENT
Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi offers a plethora of five-star resorts on the island to complement the ultimate beach experience with lush greens, and tranquil turquoise beaches. Choose from Jumeriah at Saadiyat Island Resort, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort and Nurai Island.

Furthermore, Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi is a protected haven for wildlife and marine life where guests can witness these animals in their natural habitats. Arabian gazelles are often spotted roaming around Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and by the coast, visitors can see the endangered hawksbill turtle that seasonally nest on Saadiyat Island’s pristine beach.

At the Culture District, guests can immerse themselves at Manarat Al Saadiyat, a space designed for creative artistic expression and offers a range of cultural activities interactive exhibitions art classes and community events and performances all year around. The iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi features magnificent architecture, and an expansive collection of artworks open to the public.

Additionally, the award-winning Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi is a rejuvenating wellness destination, with premium yoga and wellness offerings. The spas across Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi are an innovative, all-encompassing collective of health, fitness, and beauty. Guests are invited to witness a unique blend of sophistication and quality services with authentic, honest and genuine care.

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Saga Holidays last week launched its biggest integrated brand campaign for 2023 to support the launch of its new ‘Tailor-Made Travel by Saga’ holidays product.Stuart Beamish, Group Chief Customer Officer said: “As Saga continues to operate as a champion for people over 50, we are taking this opportunity to bust open the myths associated with our audience. Our aim as a brand and through this advert is to challenge perceptions and to reflect our customers as the experienced individuals they are.”
The ad, called ‘You’re not wrong’, launches with a hero 60-second version featuring actor Nicholas Farrell, who appeared in the brand’s ‘Experience is Everything’ campaign.
View and download the new Saga you’re not wrong advert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kTP10EVyUQ&feature=youtu.be
While assumptions may suggest that older people like sedate trips, the advert follows Farrell through a range of adventurous experiences, and, adopting Saga’s witty, British tone, gently pokes fun at and challenges the perceptions of how those over 50 like to travel.
Farrell begins, knelt respectfully in a Japanese tea ceremony: “Saga Holidays. What springs to mind? Experience tells me you probably think we’re constantly stopping for tea.” As he is handed a tea bowl, which he carefully cups, he says: “It’s not entirely unfair”.ADVERTISEMENTp >It goes on: “You think we like just pootling along” as the camera follows him in a fast-moving dune buggy over the sands of Dubai before cutting to Nicholas enjoying a massage in Bali: “You probably think we love regular afternoon lie downs”.
Next the camera is close-up to Farrell as he says: “We’re often found in slow moving groups” and as the shot pans out to show he’s sat in a jeep watching a herd of giraffe in Africa: “Well, you’re not wrong”.
Then the viewer joins a South American festival full of music and dancing and a local man holding a large flag. Nicholas follows him, saying: “And more than anything, we love to follow someone holding a flag”.
Finally, as he enjoys a glass of wine in a South African vineyard Farrell, with a lifted eyebrow, comments: “Yes, a holiday with Saga is everything you probably thought it was. And a little bit more.”
John Constable, CEO of Saga Travel Group, said: “We know there are many incorrect preconceptions about what a Saga holiday is and the people who take them, so we’re setting the record straight.”
“Our customers tell us they want exciting experiences in fascinating destinations. They love adventure, culture, wildlife and beauty, which our new ‘Tailor-Made Travel by Saga’ holidays deliver in spades. We wanted to create a witty juxtaposition between assumption and reality to make that point and we think this new advert with the superb Nicholas Farrell does that brilliantly.”

The integrated campaign was devised by agency of record, VCCP alongside VCCP Media who planned and executed the media buying.
Jim Thornton, Executive Creative Director at VCCP, said: “The gap between the perception of a Saga holiday and the reality is as wide as the Grand Canyon – which, of course, you can visit as part of a Saga Tailor Made Holiday. It has been nothing short of a joy for me and the VCCP team to firmly bury those preconceptions, thanks to the boundless talent and wit of Nicholas Farrell in front of the camera, and Tony Barry behind it.”

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Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, and SeaWorld® Parks & Entertainment, announce the opening of Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the first dedicated marine research, rescue, rehabilitation and return center in the region.The 8,602 m2 center, is located on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island and will be a key contributor to marine-life conservation in both the UAE and the wider region by conducting integrated research, rescue, rehabilitation, return and education programs.
Attended by UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, HE Mariam Al Mheiri, Chairman of Miral, HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, and a number of UAE officials and senior representatives from SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, the center’s opening is a commitment to the UAE’s declaration of 2023 as the Year of Sustainability.  The center’s efforts will aim to improve the public’s knowledge and commitment to the conservation of the region’s marine wildlife, habitats, and ecosystems, leveraging the experience and knowledge gained from SeaWorld’s nearly 60 years of marine animal care, rescue, rehabilitation and conservation to the region.
Chairman of Miral, His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, commented on this milestone, saying, “We are very proud to begin 2023, the UAE’s Year of Sustainability, with opening the first dedicated marine research and rescue center in the region, Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue. This is a cornerstone in the emirate’s journey of education and conservation, inspiring the next generation of marine scientists to learn more about Abu Dhabi’s impactful long-term vision of protecting our marine wildlife and their habitats. Together with SeaWorld, we will be pushing the limits of science and conservation to become the foremost knowledge hub for marine scientists, not only in the UAE, but also in the wider region.”
He continued, “With this country’s deep ties to the sea, today’s inauguration is the perfect embodiment of the Year of Sustainability’s theme ‘Today for Tomorrow,’ and is our commitment to forging a sustainable future for our future generations.”
Led by a team of dedicated marine scientists, zoologists and subject matter experts in research, rescue and animal care, the center will play an important role in research and conservation efforts in the region. The center’s Research team will conduct fundamental and applied studies focusing on the marine ecology of the Arabian Gulf covering topics such as marine biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, sensitive wildlife conservation, critical habitats restoration, fisheries, pollution and wildlife health. ADVERTISEMENTChairman of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Scott Ross, said “We are very proud of our partnership with Miral in bringing this first-of-its-kind center to the UAE. Today’s inauguration is many years in the making and we cannot be more excited to make this official announcement and continue our work together to advance the conservation of the region’s amazing and extraordinarily diverse marine life. For nearly 60 years, SeaWorld has maintained its unwavering mission and steadfast commitment to protecting marine animals and their ecosystems and inspiring others to act and care for marine life. Extending this legacy here in the UAE is important for global conservation and is consistent with the UAE and wider region’s tradition of honoring the importance of the sea.”
Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue is the newest SeaWorld Research and Rescue center, and the first outside of the U.S. The center’s inauguration makes it part of a global network and leverages the experience and knowledge gained from SeaWorld’s nearly 60 years of marine animal care, rescue, rehabilitation and conservation to the region. SeaWorld is one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world and its Rescue teams are on-call 365 days a year to respond to animals in need. Since 1965, SeaWorld has rescued more than 40,000 animals, and Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue aims to pioneer a marine animal rescue network supporting animals in need in the UAE as well as the wider region.
Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue aims to rescue sick, injured and orphaned marine animals in the Arabian Gulf and to provide life-saving rehabilitation with the goal of returning healthy animals back to their natural habitats. To facilitate this goal, the center will have a fleet of rescue vehicles that includes two custom-made rescue boats and a state-of-the art veterinary hospital for triage of animals in critical condition. The center will also have over 25 rescue pools, from large pools for marine mammals to smaller pools for fish, invertebrates and marine reptiles. Two of the larger pools are equipped with lifting floors, which will make access for treatment easier and less disruptive for the animals. An onsite lab at the center is also equipped with advanced rescue and rehabilitation capabilities including the ability to conduct in-house pathology analysis for wildlife.

The center will also focus on applied research studies for marine ecosystem restoration with aquaculture-based projects including fish propagation, seagrass cultivation, coral reproduction as well as field projects focusing on critical habitats of Arabian Gulf waters such as seagrass, mangroves, oyster beds and coral reefs. This research will only be made possible through some of the best subject matter researchers and scientists and by utilizing the state-of-the-art laboratories and infrastructure of the center, including three dry laboratories, a wet laboratory, and a 345 m3 aquaculture facility which includes live feed culture rooms, brood stock pools and larvae culture pools. The center’s research team will conduct most of these studies by use of its 12.5 m research vessel decked with the latest field equipment.
As part of its commitment to enhancing public knowledge and inspiring the next generation of marine biologists, the center’s Education department will bring together a skilled team of marine scientists and a dedicated team of marine animal rescue experts. Along with a joint SeaWorld Abu Dhabi team of expert educators, the center has a dry classroom and a wet classroom fully equipped for scientific experimental activities in addition to a high-tech auditorium which can seat 160 people. The center will conduct workshops and lectures, both on its premises and in schools, offering learning and training opportunities for students as well as educators in the areas of marine life science and conservation.
Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue is here to help any marine animal in need or at risk. If you spot an animal in danger, please call the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) on 800 555.
For more information, please visit:  www.seaworldabudhabi.com/en/research-and-rescue

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