Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

Today, Under Canvas , the leader in upscale, outdoor hospitality, announced its latest brand addition with the opening of its 11th camp, Under Canvas North Yellowstone – Paradise Valley, for its inaugural season on June 15, 2023.Located on 50 acres of spectacular Montana ranchland with expansive valley and mountain views, Under Canvas North Yellowstone – Paradise Valley is ideally located near the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Located 20 minutes from the charming town of Livingston and 45 minutes from Bozeman, the North Yellowstone – Paradise Valley camp offers unprecedented access to Greater Yellowstone and complements its sister camp on the West side of the famed national park. In addition to providing access to lesser known but equally spectacular features of Yellowstone National Park, the Paradise Valley region has drawn recent fame via the Yellowstone television series, set in its breathtaking high mountain plains and ranchland. A highlight of Under Canvas North Yellowstone – Paradise Valley is the Yellowstone River which flows right through the property providing more than a mile of pristine and exclusive riverfront access, allowing for world-class fly fishing on-site and river float experiences steps from the lobby tent. Additional area offerings include bucket-list horseback riding through Montana’s mountains and plains, world-class river rafting, hiking, and live music at nearby Pine Creek Lodge featuring top Bluegrass, Rock and Country artists from around the country.
“We are thrilled to be opening our third Montana camp, and second outside Yellowstone National Park. Montana is such a special place, with wild, natural beauty, and each of our properties has something unique to offer,” said Matt Gaghen, chief executive officer of Under Canvas. “Our Paradise Valley location provides the opportunity to explore the incredible north side of Yellowstone National Park while enjoying our amazing site right on the banks of the Yellowstone River with stunning views of Paradise Valley and its famous ranchland and mountains. It’s incredibly meaningful for us to announce this exceptional location where Under Canvas first started and welcome guests to this spectacular site that is so conveniently located near multiple bucket list Montana destinations.”
Paradise Valley is ideally positioned to provide unparalleled access to the north side of the country’s first national park including major attractions such as Lamar Valley and Mammoth Hot Springs. Yellowstone National Park encompasses more than two million acres and spans three states, featuring dramatic canyons, alpine rivers, lush forests, hot springs and gushing geysers, including its most famous, Old Faithful. It is also home to hundreds of animal species, including bears, wolves, bison, elk and antelope. Much like Under Canvas’s Grand Circle road-trip of camps, Under Canvas now offers a one-of-a-kind experience for travelers to stay and discover additional sections of Yellowstone National Park with a multi-camp itinerary.
Under Canvas North Yellowstone – Paradise Valley will offer upscale, safari-inspired canvas tents on elevated decks with private ensuite bathrooms, and views of the Yellowstone River and Absaroka Mountain Range. Complimentary programming will include acoustic live music, daily yoga and more. Off-site adventures including horseback riding, Yellowstone River luxury float trips, guided hiking tours, fly-fishing and white-water rafting are available to be booked in advance via an Under Canvas Adventure Concierge. An on-site Guest Experience Coordinator can also recommend favorite local hikes and must-see attractions both on and off property. In true Montana style, the main lobby tent will be adorned with mountain contemporary indoor and outdoor furnishings from West Elm, and design features with nods to the region’s storied ranch history. Embers will serve as a communal hub for cafe-style dining and lounging by the idyllic riverfront, featuring fresh and healthy dishes from the brand’s signature menu including salads, charcuterie, fresh trout, grains, vegan and vegetarian dishes, as well as Western-style, specialty barbecue, smoked meats and sides, and locally sourced cocktails and refreshments. Grab ‘n go options are also available for purchase for lunch items and snacks, ready for a day’s adventure. Premium brand partnerships will provide complimentary guest use of lululemon mats and yoga blocks, Black Diamond hiking poles, a Gibson guitar for an acoustic fireside strum and s’mores with new friends. Additional partnerships provide access to curated retail offerings for purchase, including activewear from lululemon, Hydro Flask drinkware, Sun Bum sun products, Pendleton® wool products to stay cozy and warm, and an exclusive Under Canvas line of apparel and dog-friendly items so all family members can explore Montana in comfort and style.
Under Canvas’ safari-inspired tents are furnished with plush king size beds, luxe linens, USB charging packs, bedside lanterns, a wood burning stove, private deck with views and ensuite bathroom (hot shower, sink and flushing toilet). Unique lodging tent accommodations feature the Stargazer Tent, complete with its own viewing window above the king bed to stargaze at night. Ideal for families or groups and exclusive to this new location, the Yellowstone River Suite Tent features two tents adjoined by a private deck, with its own private firepit and outdoor area for the ultimate getaway. Included in this ultimate set-up is a Suite Tent with a bedroom wing outfitted with a king bed, lounge area with a queen size sofa-bed, ensuite bathroom, wood stove and private deck, and additional deluxe tent with two twin beds and ensuite bathroom.ADVERTISEMENTA cornerstone of the Under Canvas experience and development ethos is the brand’s Mindful Approach. This includes pull chain showers, low-flow toilets and rechargeable battery pack charging in tents, that all work to minimize energy use and carbon footprint. Under Canvas camps are designed to minimize disturbance and maximize open space, each with dedicated, undisturbed green spaces. The camps are designed to flow with the natural topography of the land to eliminate unnecessary earthwork. Under Canvas and global environmental nonprofit The Nature Conservancy (TNC) have come together to fund conservation and raise awareness through education, volunteer efforts and donation programs. The brand’s commitment also includes efforts to minimize overall environmental footprint in the areas of waste management, water use, and special lighting to mitigate light pollution, maximizing the enjoyment of the night’s sky.
Since opening the first camp 10 years ago near West Yellowstone, Under Canvas has dedicated itself to inspiring connections with extraordinary places, people, and the planet by enhancing access to the outdoors. The inaugural season for North Yellowstone – Paradise Valley is June 15 – September 25, 2023. Under Canvas operating dates for the 2023 season: Moab from March 2-October 23, Zion from March 9-November 6, Lake Powell – Grand Staircase from March 9-October 30, Great Smoky Mountains from April 6-November 27, Grand Canyon from April 13-October 23, Mount Rushmore from May 4-September 25, Acadia from May 11-October 9, West Yellowstone from May 18-September 5 and Glacier from June 8-September 11. Reservations for the 2023 season are available now at www.undercanvas.com.

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On Jan. 2, 2023, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance—an international conservation organization with “two front doors”: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park—will participate in the 134th Rose Parade® presented by Honda, with a float celebrating the Safari Park’s 50th anniversary.The Safari Park opened in 1972 and since the beginning, saving species has been a key part of the Safari Park’s mission. The Safari Park has played a huge role in the conservation of species ranging from condors and hornbills to rhinos and elephants. With its theme “Celebrating 50 Years of Conservation,” the float depicts rhinos, giraffes and the Safari Park’s iconic Wildlife Safari experience, and brings to life the Safari Park’s ability to connect guests with wildlife and create life-changing moments.“Unlike any other place on Earth, the Safari Park transports guests into sprawling landscapes and dynamic ecosystems teeming with amazing wildlife, offering one-of-a-kind experiences where stories of nature and conservation come to life,” said Paul Baribault, president and chief executive officer, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “Conservation starts with people—and at the Safari Park, we are able to make a connection between our guests and wildlife every day. Our hope is connecting people to wildlife will inspire them to help support our mission and our global conservation programs to protect endangered wildlife.”
The “Celebrating 50 Years of Conservation” float features 4-month-old Neville, and his mother Livia, two southern white rhinos who bring enormous hope to the cutting-edge efforts to save the distantly related northern white rhino. With only two northern white rhinos left on Earth, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is combining groundbreaking conservation science with more than a century of world-class wildlife expertise to save the species. Neville is the third rhino born as part of this revolutionary program at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park—joining Edward and Future, who also made history as the first southern white rhinos born through artificial insemination in North America.
Secure on her 4-foot legs, is Msituni (pronounced see tune neee), an 11-month-old giraffe born at the Safari Park. Born unable to walk, a condition in which she would not have survived in her native habitat, she required months of critical around-the-clock care, along with several pairs of custom giraffe-sized orthotic leg braces, to support her while she gained the necessary strength to walk. Today, after making a full recovery, Msituni runs alongside dozens of giraffes, wildebeest, impalas, rhinos, and Cape buffalo in the Safari Park’s African savannas.
A pair of African crowned cranes meander through lush landscapes, as Msituni’s parents peek with curiosity into an open-air safari truck filled with guests. The riders are wildlife care specialists, veterinarians and conservation scientists from the Safari Park who have dedicated their lives to caring for Neville, Msituni and countless other species in San Diego and around the globe. They are joined by the Safari Park’s Executive Director, Lisa Peterson, and expert wildlife guides from the Safari Park. Representing how a moment at the Safari Park can change a lifetime, are four young children who may aspire to be the next generation of conservationists, surrounded by the wonders of wildlife and intricate beauty of nature.
The planned floral array on the float will illustrate that both the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and San Diego Zoo are accredited botanical gardens that feature over 2 million plants—and serve as a reminder of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s dedication to plant conservation through its many efforts, including the Wildlife Biodiversity Bank.ADVERTISEMENTThe Safari Park’s 1,800 acres are home to vital conservation efforts, with more than 3,600 individual animals from more than 300 species, and a botanical collection of more than 1.75 million plants. The Safari Park welcomes more than 1 million guests each year, providing an ideal setting for visitors to connect with nature and wildlife, while supporting San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s conservation efforts worldwide.

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Better Travel & Tourism, Better World’ a new report developed through a partnership between the Saudi-based Sustainable Tourism Global Centre (STGC) with Systemiq, the world’s leading independent system change advisory firm, finds that The Travel & Tourism industry could reduce its emissions by more than 40% by 2030 by taking radical action to contribute to the race to net-zero.The new report was launched at the 22nd Global Summit of the World Travel & Tourism Council being held in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia under the theme “Travel For A Better Future.” It is based on extensive consultation with leading stakeholders around the world representing hospitality, transport, OTAs, governments, investors, NGOs and academia.
The global Travel & Tourism industry creates opportunities for societies around the world, the economy and nature. However, the analysis of the report showed that the industry today is generating significant environmental and social costs and is responsible for 9-12% of total global greenhouse gas emissions.
The report found that without significant change these emissions will rise 20% by 2030, representing one-third of the total (net zero) global carbon budget of that year. This puts the viability of the industry itself at risk. The Travel & Tourism industry has a vital role to play in slowing down climate change, restoring nature and strengthening communities.
This landmark report is the first to estimate a fully costed strategy for shifting the Travel & Tourism industry to a net-positive model by 2050. It calls on industry leaders and policymakers to move urgently to implement a reform agenda centred around five priorities: reduce emissions, protect and restore nature, strengthen communities, shift traveller behaviours and increase resilience to climate change and other shocks.
The reform agenda requires increased investment in transport, facilities, nature and resilience of USD 220-310 billion a year to 2030, equating to 2-3% of the Travel & Tourism Industry’s US 10 trillion contribution to the world’s GDP. This vital investment will enable the industry to drive strong, sustainable growth, strengthen its resilience, maintain its licence to operate and remain competitive in the long run.  Travelers, even for long-haul vacations, would on average need to pay less than 5% extra to help finance the transition.ADVERTISEMENTHis Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Saudi Minister of Tourism said: “This is significant step along the road to a net zero future and as the home of STGC we are proud to have enabled the publication of this report.  Our rapidly growing tourism sector in the Kingdom is heavily focused on sustainable strategies with high profile projects including the Red Sea and NEOM based on fully renewable energy sources.”
Paul Polman – Business leader, campaigner and co-author of Net-Positive, said: “Imagine a thriving and productive Travel & Tourism industry, widely seen as a force for good around the world. A sector that has comeback from Covid-19 stronger and more resilient, boosting global growth and helping tackle climate change and restore nature. But time is not on our side and, without serious and concerted action to transform the industry, there is a risk it will head in the opposite direction. This ground-breaking report shows that a better future is possible, and offers a new and thrilling vision for travel and tourism that we can all unite behind, as well as a plan to achieve it.”
HE Gloria Guevara, Special Advisor to the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, said: “This is a significant step in the work being undertaken by the STGC and demonstrates the rapid progress the Center is making since HRH The Crown Prince announced it at the Saudi Green Initiative last year. It is a clear indicator of the important work being undertaken that will benefit tourism and the wider world.”
Jeremy Oppenheim – founder and senior partner at Systemiq, said: ”The agenda proposed in this report offers the Travel & Tourism industry a route to becoming the best that it can be by 2050: a thriving, strategically important industry across the world, recognised as a leading force in tackling climate change, regenerating nature, creating quality jobs and bringing people together. This is the industry’s chance to drive the solution rather than be seen as part of the problem. Delivering the agenda will secure a better future for Travel & Tourism and all its destinations, established, new or still undiscovered. The opportunity is huge. The time to seize it is now.”
Former Mexican President, Felipe Calderon, is an STGC advisor and added: “The travel and tourism sector employs 10 per cent of the world’s population and that figure is set to grow by over 120 million in the coming decade.  It is vital that it recognizes its responsibilities in working towards net zero and ensuring we preserve the planet for future generations of travelers.”
Over 3000 participants from over 140 countries have gathered in Riyadh for the WTTC Summit including Government Ministers and leaders of the world’s largest hotel chains and hospitality businesses.  The event is the most is the most influential travel and tourism event of the year.
Source: Zawya.com

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The newly admitted UNWTO members reflect the diversity of the broad tourism sector, with private companies, Destination Management Organizations, universities, professional associations, Intergovernmental Organization and NGOs, all represented. The new additions also reflect UNWTO’s global mission, six from Europe; four from the Americas; four from Asia and the Pacific; two from Africa and two from the Middle East.
We are proud to see the Affiliate Members network growing while adding value to the Organization, and wish a warm welcome to the 18 new entities joining our community
In accordance with the current legal process of admission, the 18 candidatures were submitted for consideration and approval of the 117th Executive Council after being previously reviewed and endorsed by the Committee on Matters related to Affiliate Membership, during the meeting of the Committee that took place on 17 November. With this official approval of the Executive Council, the new members can enjoy all the rights and benefits corresponding to this UNWTO membership, in accordance with the statutes and rules of the Organization.
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “We are proud to see the Affiliate Members network growing while adding value to the Organization, and wish a warm welcome to the 18 new entities joining our community.”
The 18 new Affiliate Members are:ADVERTISEMENTAsociación Española de Directores y Directivos de Hotel (Spain)Busan Tourism Organization (Republic of Korea)Cappadocia University / Kapadokya Üniversitesi (Türkiye)Comité International Des Festivals Du Film Touristique – CIFFT (Austria)Escuela Profesional De Turismo De La Universidad Nacional De San Antonio Abad Del Cusco (Peru)Eturia CLM (Spain)Hospitality & Tourism Association of Eswatini (Eswatini, the Kingdom of)Innovaris SL (Spain)Jeddah Central Development Company (Saudi Arabia)Johannesburg Tourism Company (South Africa)Manifest Destinations Group, INC. (United States of America)National Inbound and Domestic Tourism Association of Moldova (Moldova)ONWARD (United States of America)Osaka University of Tourism (Japan)Pacific Tourism Organization (Fiji)Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (Jordan)PT. Pintu Bali Digital (Indonesia)Smart Tourism & Hospitality Consulting SA – SMART THC (Panama)

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The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has today unveiled groundbreaking new data detailing the climate footprint of the global Travel & Tourism sector.
The findings were launched today at the global tourism body’s 22nd Global Summit in Riyadh by the World Travel & Tourism Council and the Saudi-based Sustainable Global Tourism Center.In a world-first, this comprehensive research covers 185 countries across all regions and will be updated each year with the latest figures.During her opening speech Julia Simpson, President & CEO of WTTC announced the findings of the Environmental & Social Research (ESR). In one of the largest research projects of its kind ever undertaken, WTTC can for the first time ever, accurately report and track the impact industries within the sector have on the environment.
Previous estimates have suggested that the global Travel & Tourism sector was responsible for up to 11% of all emissions. However, WTTC’s pioneering research shows that in 2019 the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions totalled just 8.1% globally.
The divergence of the sector’s economic growth from its climate footprint between 2010 and 2019 is evidence that Travel & Tourism’s economic growth is decoupling from its greenhouse gas emissions. 
These emissions have been falling consistently since 2010 as the result of technological developments, as well as the introduction of a number of energy efficiency measures across industries within the sector. ADVERTISEMENTBetween 2010 and 2019 our sector’s GDP has grown on average 4.3% annually whilst its environmental footprint has only increased by 2.4%.
The broader Environmental & Social Research (ESR) will include measures of the sector’s impact against a range of indicators, including pollutants, energy sources, water use, as well as social data, including age, wage and gender profiles of Travel & Tourism related employment.
WTTC will continue to announce new data on how the sector fares against these indicators throughout 2023.
Governments around the world now have a tool to inform their decision-making and accelerate environmental change more accurately.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Until now we did not have a sector-wide way to accurately measure our climate footprint. This data will give governments the detailed information they need to make progress against the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
“Travel & Tourism is making huge strides to decarbonise, but Governments must set the framework. We need a steely focus on increasing the production of Sustainable Aviation fuels with Government incentives. The technology exists. We also need greater use of renewable energy in our national grids – so when we turn on a light in a hotel room, it is using a sustainable energy source.
“8.1% is the stake in the ground. The key is to become more efficient and decoupling the rate at which we grow from the amount of energy we consume From today, every decision, every change, will lead to a better and brighter future for all.”
Saudi Arabia Minister of Tourism, HE Ahmed Al-Khateeb added: “We are proud to be a partner to the WTTC in this important research that will monitor impact for the future.
Saudi Arabia recognizes that travellers and investors want policies that promote sustainability in the industry and we have embarked on a journey that will make the Kingdom a pioneer in sustainable tourism.
“Under the Saudi Green Initiative, we launched more than 60 initiatives in the past year to do just that. The first wave of initiatives represent more than $186 billion of investment in the green economy.”

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