Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

Home to epic landscapes, natural wonders, and Māori culture, New Zealand is a magnetic destination just begging for a solo adventure.
Departing on 14 April 2025, guests can now book Solos’ brand-new 20-night New Zealand Explorer that winds across the North and South Islands, meaning solo travellers can fully immerse themselves in the splendour of this fascinating country.Solos was founded in 1982 and now offers a wide range of holidays for globetrotters. From Costa Rica to Canada, Africa to America, India to Iceland, Croatia to the Caribbean, Uzbekistan to the UK, and Norway to the newly released New Zealand, Solos has divided its holidays into easy-to-select categories depending on interests. Whether it be Winter Sun, Discovery, Walks & Treks, Golf, or City Breaks, the only thing guests need in common is a zest for life and a desire to travel.
Solos is also keen to challenge the assumption that solo travel is purely for single people. Regardless of age, ability, circumstance, background, gender – there really is something for everyone – especially on this brand-new tour.
Beginning in Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’, the New Zealand Explorer begins in the Bay Of Islands, before heading down to Rotorua and Wellington. Here, guests will cruise from the North Island to the South Island, then board the TranzAlpine train that snakes into the Southern Alps towards Arthur’s Pass National Park. Continuing by coach – pausing at Milford Sound, Te Anau and Twizel, and Mount Cook National Park – to Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island, and – sadly – the end of the trip.
New Zealand is a country full of wonders; Solos has pulled out all the stops to include as many of these in the itinerary as possible, meaning guests can truly appreciate and understand this unique destination.ADVERTISEMENTHighlights, from beginning to end, include:
From Auckland, cross the Harbour Bridge and enter the Reed Memorial Park in Whangarei. Stroll on an elevated canopy walkway through a remnant kauri forest – many of the maturing trees are at least 500 years old.
After travelling north to Paihia (from Auckland), cruise to the Bay Of Islands – home to 144 secluded isles. Continue to Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’ where, conditions permitting, the boat will travel slowly through the gap before heading to the seaside settlement of Russell, full of quaint-colonial charm.
Returning to Auckland, join a sightseeing tour followed by a visit to the Auckland Museum, showcasing the rich tapestry of New Zealand and the many treasures of the Māori.
Departing Auckland, journey down through the southern suburbs, over the Bombay Hills, into the lush Waikato Valley and on to the Waitomo Cave region. Jump on a boat and navigate the famous limestone caves into the mesmerising Glow-worm Grotto – reminiscent of a magical starry-night sky.
Continue to Rotorua, where, on arrival, visit the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, showcasing the recovery plans to bring this treasured bird back from the brink of extinction. Afterwards, join a Redwood Treewalk in Redwood Grove: comprising 21 suspension bridges connecting 22 Californian Redwoods that are 115 years old, the walkway is the ideal way to appreciate the beauty of the forest. As evening falls, learn about the Māori culture complete with a waiata (song), mōteatea (traditional chant), poi and haka in Te Po.
Travel to Taupo and admire the humungous pine forests and thundering Huka Falls – Lake Taupo is a world-renowned trout fishery and the largest lake in New Zealand.
On arrival in Wellington, take a guided tour of the city and ride the cable car to Kelburn for panoramic views of the municipality and beyond.
After cruising to Picton and travelling to Christchurch, traverse the Southern Alps aboard the renowned TranzAlpine train to Arthur’s Pass National Park. Look out for plunging gorges, intersecting river valleys, and far reaching plains. From Arthur’s Pass, board a private coach and tour the Westland National Park, home to Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Here, an optional scenic helicopter ride offers the chance to see the gnarly, icy terrain up close. 
When arriving in Queenstown, sign up to extra excursions, including jet boating, guided walks, lake cruises on a vintage steamer TSS Earnslaw, a four-wheeled drive experience focusing on filming locations used in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, and even a bungee jump! Afterwards, visit Walter Peak High Country Farm and watch an entertaining sheep shearing demonstration.
Departing Queenstown early, travel around Lake Wakatipu and through Te Anau and the Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound. Fiordland National Park, part of the UNESCO Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area, is one of the great wilderness areas of the Southern Hemisphere. Think lofty mountains, rushing streams, and native rainforest. Embark on a scenic cruise down Milford Sound, past the towering Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea. Inquisitive seals and leaping dolphins can often be seen in the clear waters; keep an eye out for them during a delicious picnic lunch on board.
Before returning to Christchurch, where the tour ends, there’s time to look around Mount Cook Village. Found in a National Park, Mount Cook reaches 3,754 metres and is the highest peak in Australasia.
In Christchurch, join a sightseeing tour of the city seeing Cathedral Square, River Avon and Hagley Park. Following this, make the most of the all-day pass on the restored heritage Christchurch Tram, hopping on and off whenever wanted. As the day draws to a close, dine on fresh, local cuisine at the Curator’s House Restaurant, found in a 1920s mansion in the colourful Botanic Gardens.
Janie Burt, Managing Director of Solos, says: “After expanding our worldwide portfolio to the Oceania region, we love that we can now offer our customers this once-in-a-lifetime trip to New Zealand. The detailed itinerary we’ve created means everyone can immerse themselves in this fantastic country and make the most of their time there. Exploring the world – or in this case, the other side of the world – with like-minded individuals is an incredible experience. It’s about connecting with fellow travellers who share a passion for adventure and discovery. Whether it’s tasting local cuisine, marvelling at breath-taking landscapes, or delving into the heart of a new culture, these shared moments are what make travel truly special. If ever there was a destination to experience new places with new people – it’s New Zealand!”. 
The 20-night New Zealand Explorer, departing on 14 April 2025, costs from £7,999 pp (no single supplement) and includes return flights from London Heathrow* (with a stopover in Singapore), room for sole use at a range of comfortable hotels, welcome drink, breakfast every day, one lunch and six dinners, sightseeing programme, cruises along Milford Sound, Queen Charlotte Sound, Bay of Islands, and Lake Wakatipu, journey on the TranzAlpine train, Māori experience in Rotorua, and an accompanying Solos Tour Leader.
*Regional flights available on request.
For more information on Solos, please visit https://www.solosholidays.co.uk/

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Inclusive Morocco, the first LGBTQ-founded and led luxury travel company in Morocco is proud to share its suggestions for celebrating International Women’s Day with substance this year, thanks to their support of female communities across Morocco. From artisanal collectives to female-led workshops and social enterprises, support for women threads through all of Inclusive Morocco’s trips and itineraries. Here, they have picked out their top choices for supporting and celebrating women across Morocco.
Artisanal creators and beauty workshops
Guests of Inclusive Morocco are always encouraged to immerse themselves fully into the traditions and heritage of the destination, and nothing reflects the history of Moroccan craft than the Anou Cooperative.
The Anou Cooperative is a collective of more than 600 Moroccan artisans, more than 90% of whom are women. Guests can participate in their workshops to understand and try their hand at some of Morocco’s best-known crafts, such as a weaving workshop in the medina of Fes. The artisans themselves earn 80% of the goods sold, and the remaining 20% is invested back into the community for training and employment to ensure a future for the craft and the women who specialise in it.
For guests more interested in the art of beauty, Inclusive Morocco also organise hands-on beauty secrets workshops in Fes. Given this is a traditionally female space, guests will naturally work with women in these workshops, gaining a deeper understanding of aromatherapy and other holistic beauty techniques, all while supporting these women and their trade.ADVERTISEMENTInspiring collectives and cooperatives
Guests of Inclusive Morocco will also get the opportunity to experience much larger projects during many of their itineraries. As part of the Echoes of the Atlas trip, guests stay overnight in Tizkmoudine village, the first regenerative hospitality project in Africa, created collaboratively by 700’000 Heures Impact and The Global Heritage Foundation. The site is fully run by women who also run a cooperative on-site using sustainable weaving techniques to create uniquely designed yet traditional items. Guests are encouraged to spend quality time with the women, meeting them over dinner to learn about their work and witness them performing their traditional heritage songs, before visiting the cooperative the next morning. This experience perfectly combines a celebration of Moroccan women’s heritage and tradition with an insight into women’s industry and craft in Morocco today.
In Marrakech, many guests cite a visit to the Amal Centre as one of the highlights of their trip. The Amal Centre is a non-profit organisation and social enterprise, founded by Nora Fitzgerald Belahcen and Oumaima Outghouli in 2012 with the goal of empowering disadvantaged women through training in culinary arts and hospitality skills. The centre offers cooking classes, catering services, and a restaurant for visitors to enjoy delicious Moroccan cuisine prepared by the women who have trained there. The Amal Centre also provides literacy and language classes and supports women in improving their lives and becoming financially independent. During and following the devastating earthquake in 2023, The Amal Centre was pivotal in providing warm meals to affected areas and communities in Marrakech and the High Atlas Mountains.
Guests booking with Inclusive Morocco can not only expect to be immersed in these experiences directly but can also rest assured that they are actively contributing to Inclusive Morocco’s support of every one of the women involved, championing them as leaders in industry and showcasing their inspiring work to the wider world.Visit www.inclusivemorocco.com for more information.

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Shannon Airport had a strong growth surge in 2023 with 1.958 million passengers welcomed to the airport, a 29 per cent increase on 2022 activity. This strong performance saw the airport achieve its highest passenger numbers since 2009, 14 years ago, with growth in air services across all markets.
Passenger numbers to and from Continental Europe rose by 41 per cent to over 748k; UK traffic increased by 31 per cent recording 838k, while transatlantic passenger numbers increased by 24 per cent to 296k. These results build on the recent publication of an independent report by Oxford Economics showing that The Shannon Airport Group delivers a major contribution of almost €4 billion (€3.96bn) to Ireland’s GDP, supports over 20,300 jobs across the Irish workforce, and contributes €643m in tax revenues.
Commenting on the Group’s positive performance in 2023, Mary Considine, CEO of The Shannon Airport Group said: “These results are a testament to the hard work of our team across The Shannon Airport Group, the loyalty of our customers and stakeholders, and support from Government.
“Shannon Airport’s temporary inclusion in the Regional Airports Programme helped us enormously to rebuild in the aftermath of COVID-19, and in 2023, much welcome Government funding supported our airport operation.
“We have achieved much, but know we can achieve even more for our region with continued Government support. Ultimately, Shannon Airport’s permanent inclusion in the Regional Airports Programme will deliver economic benefits for Ireland, aligning as it does with the Government’s own ambitions for ensuring balanced regional development. We have been lobbying hard for this for some time and continue to do so as we await the outcome of the Government’s Mid-Term Review of the Programme due shortly.”ADVERTISEMENTShannon Airport’s service offering was boosted considerably in 2023 with new Ryanair services to destinations including Naples, Porto, Béziers and Liverpool, as well as additional capacity on some popular destinations, particularly during peak holiday times and school holidays. Another highlight was the launch of the new Aer Lingus service to the hub airport of Paris Charles de Gaulle.
Transatlantic services at Shannon received a major boost in 2023 with the launch by United Airlines of a new daily Chicago service. Passengers can look forward to even more transatlantic services in 2024 with the return of the Delta Air Lines daily seasonal service from Shannon to New York JFK beginning in May this year. This will bring the total number of US services from Shannon to five.
In addition to its airport operation, The Shannon Airport Group also owns and manages a significant property portfolio, which it uses to attract FDI and indigenous investment to the region. In 2023, The Group invested over €17 million across the Shannon Campus to provide property solutions for business and enhance airport facilities. Key projects undertaken during the year included the completion of a new €7.6 million 60,000 sq. ft. multi-purpose industrial unit, and a €6.2 million 40,000 sq. ft. R&D technology unit. The Group also completed a number of infrastructural projects at the airport, among these, rehabilitation work on an airport taxiway.
In 2023, the Group continued to execute its Sustainability Strategy, successfully attaining Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 2 certification and is currently advancing towards Level 3.
Implementing its strategy to reduce its energy consumption, the Group partnered with the ESB to complete a major lighting project. This initiative, involving the replacement of over 4,000 indoor and outdoor lights with cutting-edge LED bulbs, resulted in a remarkable two-thirds reduction in the airport’s lighting energy consumption.
In addition, sixteen EV charging points were rolled out across the Campus, and eight electric vehicles were introduced at the airport as part of the Group’s commitment to transition its fleet to a low carbon alternative. The Group also unveiled a new five-year Biodiversity Action Plan. This comprehensive plan outlines a series of initiatives aimed at preserving and enhancing biodiversity across the Shannon Campus.
Looking ahead, Ms Considine expressed confidence in the upcoming year; “We believe the year ahead will be positive. Our airport and commercial property activities create an environment that boosts economic growth and helps the region develop. Shannon was voted the best Irish airport brand in 2023 by Red C, and our customer focused approach will continue to be at the core of everything we do at Shannon Airport in 2024, as will growing our commercial property portfolio.”
Ms Considine also highlighted the potential for the Shannon Estuary to become a major global hub for renewable energy, focusing on offshore wind energy. “The strategic location of Shannon Airport offers huge potential for the development of sustainable aviation technology and the production of green fuel for the aviation sector, as recommended by the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce Report. We will continue to work closely with the Taskforce and Government to seize this opportunity,” she said.

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Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett (2nd left) is flanked by UN Tourism Secretary-General H.E. Zurab Pololikashvili (left); Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Tourism in charge of International Affairs, Sultan Mohammed Al Musallam (2nd right) and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson-Smith during a special ceremony commemorating the second annual Global Tourism Resilience Day (February 17). The event was hosted on day two of the 2nd Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre from February 16-17, 2024 under the theme, “Navigating the Future of Tourism Resilience.”
Jamaica’s position as a leader in tourism resilience building has been further bolstered following the announcement that UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO) has forged a major partnership with the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC), which is being rebranded as the Global Tourism Resilience Centre (GTRC). It was also outlined that UN Tourism will continue to partner with Destination Jamaica in hosting the Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference moving forward.The announcements were made jointly by Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett and UN Tourism Secretary-General H.E. Zurab Pololikashvili as they marked the second annual observance of Global Tourism Resilience Day (February 17) at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.
Minister Bartlett said while Jamaica has played a pivotal role in getting February 17 designated Global Tourism Resilience Day, other countries had been an important part of the initiative. Announcing the next step, Minister Bartlett said: “Now we will be establishing the Centre as a global entity in partnership with UN Tourism. We are also announcing the establishment of a Caribbean Tourism Academy, which the UN is going to work with us on as part of their global network.”
He noted that this will pattern academies located in Saudi Arabia, Spain, Switzerland and Uzbekistan with another to be established in Brazil. The Jamaican academy will serve the Caribbean region.
Mr. Pololikashvili said the next move would be “to create a Tourism Resilient Fund to continue the legacy of the GTRC,” which will continue to have its headquarters in Kingston. The establishment of the fund was proposed by Minister Bartlett at last year’s staging of the event.
Meanwhile, Minister Bartlett also disclosed that he would be having bilateral talks with Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Tourism in charge of International Affairs, Sultan Mohammed Al Musallam “to discuss other areas of collaboration between Jamaica, the Caribbean and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”ADVERTISEMENTAs part of the Global Tourism Resilience Day celebration, participants also heard from Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson-Smith and Sultan Al Musallam.
There was also an in-depth presentation by Mr. Mitsuyoshi Kawasaki, Resident Representative, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on the topic: “Towards a Framework Document for the Future of Tourism Resilience: Findings from the JICA/GTRCMC Tourism and Resilience Futures Workshop.”
The day’s activities were held on day two of the 2nd Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference, which explored various facets of the industry worldwide through the minds of numerous experts and ran from February 16-17, 2024 under the theme, “Navigating the Future of Tourism Resilience.” The conference is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Tourism, UN Tourism and the GTRC.

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The Secretary-General of UN Tourism has concluded an official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Zurab Pololikashvili led a high-level delegation to the country to join the official inauguration of the Tehran International Tourism Exhibition and for a series of bilateral meetings to advance common goals around tourism resilience, diversity and rural development.
Secretary-General Pololikashvili joined Iran’s President, His Excellency Ebrahim Raisi, in opening the 17th edition of the Exhibition. At the leading event, UN Tourism reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Iran grow its tourism sector through promotion and investments, while also supporting the country in educating a new generation of tourism workers. Mr Pololikashvili also met with the Mayor of Tehran, Ali Reza Zakani, with bilateral talks focusing on working together to make the city a more attractive destination both for tourists and for investors.
The Secretary-General explored the Tehran International Tourism Exhibition alongside Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, Ezzatollah Zarghami and Deputy Minister Dr. Ali Asghar Mounesan. The UN Tourism leadership commended their hard work building the sector, with particular recognition of how tourism is celebrating Iran’s diverse ethnic groups and traditions while also providing a common vision for the future of the country. Representing UN Tourism’s growing Affiliate Members network, the CEO of Abbas Abad Cultural and Tourism Area, Seyed Hossein Hejazi, also met with Secretary-General Pololikashvili to make clear the role the private sector is playing in advancing shared goals.
In line with the Organization’s emphasis on rural development, Governor Malek Rahmati was presented with a plaque to commemorate Kandovan being included in the list of Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism. The significant potential for growing tourism as a pillar of rural development, benefitting communities across Iran, was also noted, with UN Tourism ready to work with destinations to help them join the Best Tourism Villages network.ADVERTISEMENT

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The gateway to Atlantic Canada and only a 6-hour flight from the UK, Nova Scotia is filled to the brim with stunning natural beauty and diverse cultures. The province is home to a myriad of small, independent accommodations from cozy, off-grid cabins and luxurious waterfront glomes to an exclusive vineyard farmhouse and wilderness yurts. Check out our top picks to experience Nova Scotia’s nature and local flavours this year:Nalu Retreat: Perched on a granite cliff, overlooking Porter’s Lake only 30 minutes from the capital, Halifax this retreat offers solitude with all the conveniences of the city. Soak in the views from your private outdoor hot tub, immerse yourself in nature on the nearby trails at Crowbar Lake Wilderness Area, relax by the fireplace or in the stargazing Zen loft, and indulge in delicious local farm-to-table meals. Relax and rejuvenate, surrounded by nature with all the luxuries of a boutique hotel!  Click here for more information.
Planters Ridge Winery: Located next to the artisanal winery, this recently renovated farmhouse, which was built in 1864, features 3 luxurious bedrooms, each with their own spa like bathroom. An ideal place to have an authentic vineyard experience and take a break from the hustle and bustles of city life. Click here for more information.
White Point Beach Resort: Stay your way, at the edge of the sea choosing from a collection of experiences: guest rooms that bring the beautiful surroundings to your doorstep, oceanfront cottages where you can fall asleep to the sounds of the crashing waves, holiday homes featuring additional space and amenities for bringing everyone together and secluded luxury getaways in one-of-a-kind oceanfront treehouses, or lakeside glomes with private hot tubs for an intimate retreat. Click here for more information.
Sally’s Brook Wilderness: Overlooking the beautiful St. Ann’s Bay, in the heart of Cape Breton Island, alongside the world-renowned Cabot Trail, Sally’s Brook Wilderness features four off-grid cabins and two Starview tents offering cozy comfort and convenient access to a sparkling clean shared wash house with large shower rooms and a fully equipped cook house.  Explore walking trails, relax in the wood-fired barrel sauna, star gaze beside crackling bonfires or choose unique day trip adventures to Destination Cape Smokey, North River Kayak Tours, Cabot Cape Breton, Cape Breton Highlands National Park, and the village of Baddeck – just to name a few! For more information click here.
As the River Bends: An eco-conscious retreat nestled along the tranquil Halfway River in the Annapolis Valley – Nova Scotia’s wine country. Guest can enjoy nature inspired experiences whilst staying at one of two luxury designed geodesic domes or at the solar powered treehouse. The domes feature a spacious bathroom with rainfall shower, well equipped kitchen space, queen beds, full-size bbq and hot tub. The Pine treehouse is ideal for those who love camping – hassle free! The treehouse features a private outdoor shower, toilet, queen bed, covered & screened in kitchen & living spaces, propane firepit and BBQ. For more information click here. https://www.novascotia.com/places-to-stay/accommodations/as-the-river-bends-retreat/8271ADVERTISEMENT

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It is the second consecutive record-breaking month for the airport, which also had its busiest December yet.
Dubai was the most popular destination for travellers in January, with winter sun seekers heading there either to enjoy its attractions or to connect to other far-flung destinations.
February is set to be a busier month at the airport with half term for many schools starting this week. Almost 700,000 passengers are expected between Friday, February 9 and Sunday, February 18, with the most popular destinations set to include Tenerife and Alicante.
Those passengers can feel confident of a good experience in the airport with data showing that during January 99.9% of passengers queued for less than 15 minutes to get to security – and nine out of 10 passengers waited for less than five minutes.
Manchester Airport Managing Director Chris Woodroofe said: ADVERTISEMENT“January can be a great time to travel – whether you’re looking to get a bit of sun or heading for the slopes for some winter sports, you can take advantage of things being a bit quieter and get some good offers – and we’ve certainly seen that here at Manchester Airport.
“Our network of around 200 routes means we connect the people of the North to more destinations than any airport outside London and in practice that means that people here have real choice when it comes to their trips. So whether you’re travelling from Bolton to Bodrum or Bradford to Beijing, we have you covered all year round.
“It’s half term for lots of families this week so we’re seeing one of our first really busy weeks of the year – but with 99.9% of our January passengers queuing for less than 15 minutes to get to security, we’re confident that all those jetting off this week will be able to start their holidays here at the airport.
“We’re preparing for a really exciting year at Manchester Airport – we have a range of new routes launching – including Las Vegas from June and others still to be announced. We’re also continuing work on our award winning Terminal 2 as we reach the final stages of our £1.3bn transformation programme.”
January’s most popular destinations were:
1.    Dubai – 89,783 passengers
2.    Dublin – 82,188
3.    Amsterdam – 79,841
4.    Tenerife – 76,960
5.    Qatar – 60,948
Manchester Airport is preparing for the launch of a number of new routes in the coming months including Virgin Atlantic flying to Las Vegas, making Manchester the only English airport outside London to fly direct to America’s West Coast, Royal Jordanian’s new service to Jordan’s capital Amman and Luxair’s flights to Luxembourg. This year will also see an increase in the service to Beijing with Hainan Airlines to make it daily.
In January the airport also marked a year since work started on the final phase of its £1.3bn transformation programme. The airport’s brand-new Terminal 2 is already open but work continues and will see it double in size, meaning the modern facility will serve over 70% of the airport’s passengers when it is fully open in 2025.
The first phase of the project was awarded the prestigious Prix Versailles in November, which recognises it as one of the most beautiful airport buildings in the world.
Over the coming months the programme will reach a number of key milestones, including the announcement of new retailers, bars and restaurants to go in the new section of Terminal 2 and the activation of a new, state-of-the-art baggage system.

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Following the United Nations declaration of the first International Day of the Arabian Leopard, on 10 February the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) continues to expand its long-term mission to safeguard the ‘Critically Endangered’ Big Cat species from the physical world into the virtual.
As part of RCU’s new ‘Leap of Hope’ campaign, this year’s international edition of the annual call-to-action to conserve Arabian Leopards includes the launch of the ‘Quest for Hope’ gaming experience on the Roblox and Decentraland online platforms.Named ‘Leap of Hope’ after the Arabian Leopard’s athletic prowess and ability to capture its prey in the wild, this year’s campaign also emphasises the pressing need to increase wild population numbers – a ‘leap’ being the collective noun for a group of leopards.
Starting today, the ‘Leap of Hope’ campaign will install eye-catching billboards in cities including Beijing, London, New York, and Paris to showcase its bold ambition as well as to highlight RCU’s goal to comprehensively regenerate AlUla, a vast swathe of northwest Saudi Arabia, as a leading global destination for cultural and natural heritage.
In AlUla itself, a Community Catwalk event on International Day of the Arabian Leopard, organised by RCU and Catmosphere, will encourage members of the public to connect with nature as they follow a route of up to 7km on Sharaan’s Catwalk Trail, drawing local attention to the campaign and its long-term goals in northwest Arabia and beyond.
In the digital space, an immersive adventure, ‘Quest for Hope’ engages global gamers to discover the real-world impact of the Arabian Leopard’s ‘Critically Endangered’ status in the wild by joining a virtual conservation mission to search expertly recreated digital landscapes that mirror the Big Cats’ native habitat, including the mountains of AlUla in northwest Arabia.ADVERTISEMENTThe new state-of-the-art and engaging game complements the release of a campaign film that takes the viewer on a deep dive into the plight of the Arabian Leopard, explaining the essential role leopards play in restoring balance to the natural environment and allowing vital eco-systems to flourish.
Arabian Leopard Day was first launched by RCU in 2022. In June 2023, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously passed a resolution designating 10 February as the International Day of the Arabian Leopard, in support of RCU and its conservation partners.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ranks the Arabian Leopard as ‘Critically Endangered’, representing a level of risk more severe than Vulnerable or Endangered. If the population continues to decline, the next stages on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species are Extinct in the Wild and, lastly, Extinct.
RCU’s Arabian Leopard Conservation Breeding Programme has achieved recent successes in ensuring a healthy population of leopards in captivity, welcoming the birth of seven healthy cubs in 2023 and introducing new Arabian Leopard ‘founders’ to increase the genetic diversity of its breeding animals and contribute to the advancement of long-term conservation goals.
Dr Stephen Browne, Wildlife & Natural Heritage Vice President at RCU, said: “International Day of the Arabian Leopard Day is an important opportunity to draw the world’s attention to the plight of the Arabian Leopard and RCU’s mission to conserve and safeguard AlUla’s natural environment.
“While recent successes give us hope, we recognise that the work of conservation must continue to ensure that this species can one day thrive in the wild. We encourage the international community to join us on Arabian Leopard Day by engaging with activities that strengthen our understanding and love for these magnificent Big Cats.”
For more information on the day, visit https://www.rcu.gov.sa/en/ArabianLeopard

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