Urban Air, the largest indoor adventure park operator globally, offering a wide range of thrilling activities such as intense ropes courses, Urban Air's Sky Rider, Battle Beams, laser tag, dodgeball courts, electric Go-Karting, obstacle courses, and more, has appointed Jeff Palla as its new Brand President. Palla, a franchise-industry leader with over 25 years of experience, most recently held the position of President at Mr. Handyman, a part of the Neighborly platform of home service brands. Prior to this role, he spent 18 years as the Senior Vice President of Operations at the hotel chain La Quinta, where he played a key role in launching and expanding the franchise program to over 600 units. Palla began his career at the Walt Disney Company, serving in various guest service roles. Additionally, he was a franchisee of Bloomin' Blinds in Texas, providing him with valuable insights into driving success in a small business.
Services between Almaty and Heraklion, situated on the island of Crete, are scheduled to run three times weekly on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, commencing on the 6th of June 2024. The flights will be conducted using Airbus A321LR aircraft. Citizens of Kazakhstan must possess a Schengen visa for entry into Greece. Travelers have the option to extend their Greek adventure from Heraklion to Athens by catching a one-hour flight with a local carrier or by taking a ferry to the popular island of Santorini. Flights between Almaty and Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, are set to recommence on 8th June 2024, with flights scheduled on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Similarly, flights from Astana to Podgorica will resume on 9th June 2024, operating on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays. From 1st May to 31st October 2024, citizens of Kazakhstan will be able to visit Montenegro visa-free for a period of up to 30 days. The flights will be conducted using Airbus A321LR aircraft, from Almaty, and Astana.
Eurowings announced a new route connecting Hannover and Milan Bergamo Airport on 6 May. This will improve the travel options between Italy and a major business and trade fair hub in Germany, serving both leisure and business passengers. Initially, flights will run twice a week on Mondays and Fridays, but this will increase to four times a week starting from 4 September, with extra flights on Wednesdays and Sundays. The airline will deploy its Airbus A320 aircraft for this route. The inclusion of Hannover enhances Eurowings’ current services connecting Dusseldorf and Milan Bergamo, thereby broadening the airport’s reach and providing passengers with increased travel choices. Hannover is well-known for its role in hosting significant global trade fairs, and this fresh connection will establish vital connections for professionals and exhibitors journeying to events from Northern Italy. Additionally, this new service will unlock additional prospects for tourism, cultural interchange, and economic cooperation between Italy and Germany.
Both, Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Infinite Credit Card and Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Signature Credit Card offer generous bonus and tier fast-track with Qatar Airways Privilege Club. With the Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Infinite Credit Card, cardholders can collect up to 50,000 Avios and 150 Qpoints as a sign-up bonus with minimum spend, and a fast-track to Gold tier with Privilege Club. With the Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Signature Credit Card, members can collect up to 40,000 bonus Avios with minimum spend, and a fast-track to Silver tier with Privilege Club. Cardholders will enjoy enhanced privileges including tier bonus, complimentary lounge access, extra baggage allowance, priority stand-by, priority check-in, priority boarding, complimentary 'meet and assist' service from Al Maha Services when travelling through Hamad International Airport in Doha.Cardholders of both credit cards will also enjoy a new way to collect Qpoints and upgrade or retain their tier with Privilege Club. Members will collect two Qpoints for every 1,500 Avios earned on spends with the Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Infinite Credit Card or for every 2,000 Avios earned on spends with the Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Signature Credit Card.
For over fifty years, Airbus has been closely linked with India in a mutually beneficial relationship, playing a key role in the expansion of the country's civil aviation industry. The Airbus A320 Family has been instrumental in making air travel more accessible in India, while the A350 has emerged as the preferred aircraft for Indian carriers looking to tap into the global market. IndiGo, one of the world's fastest-growing airlines, stands out as one of the biggest customers of the A320 Family. The A350 stands as the most contemporary and effective wide-body aircraft globally within the 300-410 seater range. Its design starts from scratch, incorporating cutting-edge technologies and aerodynamics that provide unparalleled levels of efficiency and comfort. With its next-generation engines and utilization of lightweight materials, it offers a remarkable 25 percent improvement in fuel consumption, operating expenses, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions compared to its predecessors and competing aircraft.
Today in Québec City, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Espace Riopelle pavilion was held. This visionary expansion of the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ) is a significant project valued at $84 million.
Inspired by the renowned artist Jean-Paul Riopelle, who captivated the world with his fearless creativity and iconic artworks, the pavilion is dedicated to preserving his legacy. The MNBAQ announced this initiative last year during the celebration of Riopelle's 100th anniversary, making it one of Québec's largest cultural infrastructure projects since the inauguration of the Pierre Lassonde Pavilion in 2016.
The Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB) participated in Amour Global 2024, a trade event focused on luxury romance travel and destination weddings held in Sardinia, Italy from April 24 to 28, 2024. Represented by Mrs. Chantelle M. Richardson, Deputy Director of Tourism, and Mrs. Vivian Chambers, US Sales Representative, the Board showcased its offerings at the event.
Amour Global serves as a significant gathering for leading destination wedding planners and honeymoon specialists to connect with romantic properties and destinations annually. The participation of Anguilla in Amour Global 2024 provided a valuable platform to showcase its exceptional products to key players in the romance travel market, reinforcing its status as an ideal romantic destination.
The event consists of three days dedicated to networking sessions and another three days for pre-scheduled meetings. This year's edition attracted 110 exhibitors and 120 global buyers, including destination wedding planners, romance travel specialists, and private travel designers. The attendees were geographically diverse with 35% from The Americas, 55% from Europe, and 10% from the Middle East.
The educational event centered around a captivating speech by Dr. Tharaka Gunarathne, who shared innovative techniques rooted in brain science to boost efficiency and alleviate stress. The comprehensive agenda also encompassed sessions on the social and economic ramifications of the events, the harmonious relationship between technology and human creativity in event planning, and practical tips for effective public speaking. Noteworthy workshops encompassed 'Embracing the Future with Limited Resources', which introduced a novel tool for assessing conferences' contributions to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, as well as discussions on risk management and the future of event accessibility. These discussions further underscored ABPCO's unwavering dedication to sustainability and inclusivity. The festival's success was achieved thanks to the generous backing of the SEC, along with their partner Glasgow Convention Bureau. GES, Harrogate Convention Centre, Aberdeen Convention Bureau, Brightelm, and ACC Liverpool also offered additional support, enhancing the event's dynamic networking and educational atmosphere.
With a range of signature dishes including fish & chips accompanied by curry sauce, shepherd's pie prepared using braised shoulder of lamb, creamed potatoes, and lamb cutlets, as well as treacle sponge, patrons can indulge in an authentic British gastronomic adventure. Meticulously selected by Executive Chef Nigel Mendham and his skilled team, the fresh menu exclusively features premium seasonal ingredients procured solely from local British suppliers. This commitment by the hotel ensures an unparalleled English experience, encompassing both culinary delights and exceptional hospitality. The traditional British dish of fish and chips, known as fish 'n' chip supper by locals, has been a beloved part of UK cuisine for centuries. DUKES London offers a high-quality version of this classic meal, ensuring guests enjoy an authentic experience similar to dining at Brighton Pier. In addition, shepherd's pie, a historic British favorite originating in the 18th century, distinguishes itself from cottage pie by using lamb instead of beef. DUKES London takes pride in using locally-sourced ingredients to elevate this humble pie to new heights.
Caribbean Airlines will launch a new flight from Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados to San Juan, Puerto Rico, starting on July 14, 2024. Caribbean Airlines is based in Trinidad and offers regional flights via Barbados.
Garvin Medera, CEO of Caribbean Airlines, commented on the new route, stating, "We are excited to expand our passenger and cargo services to San Juan, Puerto Rico, as part of our ongoing effort to better connect the Caribbean. This move is crucial to our growth strategy and represents our commitment to offering our customers convenient and reliable travel and trade options. At Caribbean Airlines, we embrace the spirit of 'Welcome Home,' and we look forward to extending that warmth and hospitality to our passengers traveling to and from Puerto Rico."
Established on September 27, 2006, Caribbean Airlines Limited provides passenger and cargo services. As an authentic Caribbean airline, it has the most extensive network in the Caribbean, connecting numerous destinations across the Caribbean North and South America using a Boeing 737-8 and ATR72-600 aircraft.
OYO has recently revealed a new partnership with Stripe aimed at enhancing the payment process for both customers and hotel owners in the US. This collaboration will offer hotel owners a convenient and flexible solution for in-person payments through Stripe Terminal at their establishments. OYO has also introduced a virtual front desk solution for its partner hotels in the United States. This self-check-in technology is seamlessly integrated with smart lock systems, enabling guests to access their rooms without the need for physical key cards. The 24/7 virtual front desk, powered by ChatGPT, significantly reduces operational costs by approximately 60%, resulting in an annual saving of around $30,000 for an average OYO hotel. This virtual front desk is equipped to support more than 80 languages, providing prompt assistance to guests in their preferred language and addressing any concerns in real-time. Moreover, the system automates payment collection, simplifying the entire process for a hassle-free experience.
New Radisson Hotel Casablanca Gauthier La Citadelle is owned and operated by subsidiaries of Al Hoceinia Holding and is situated in the heart of Gauthier, in close proximity to Villa des Arts and the prominent cultural landmarks of the "White City," such as La Corniche, Parc de la Ligue Arabe, the vibrant Medina, and the magnificent Hassan II Mosque. Radisson Hotel Casablanca Gauthier La Citadelle features 133 expansive rooms, comprising of nine luxurious suites that have been meticulously crafted to provide Radisson Hotel Group's guests with ample living space and top-notch amenities. Every hotel room is furnished with a cozy relaxation area and a dedicated work desk for the convenience of business travelers. The interior design of each hotel room has been thoughtfully executed, incorporating premium materials and a contemporary white and beige color scheme that seamlessly blends functionality with comfort, ensuring an unparalleled and harmonious travel experience for all guests.
Emirates now operates daily flights to Cambodia's capital city, Phnom Penh.
A sweet taste was obvious from His Excellency Jamal Abdulla Mohammed Bin Abdulwahab AlSuwaidi, UAE Ambassador to Singapore, Vy. Samdy, First Secretary of the Cambodia Embassy in Singapore, and Steven Ler, President of the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS), attended a celebration in the Emirates Lounge with the cutting of a delicious cake.
The expanded flight frequency is operated by an Emirates Boeing 777-300ER
Emirates issued a statement saying: "Through the linked services between Singapore and Phnom Penh, we’re also able to support trade and business movements between the two regional hubs and facilitate the convenient shipment of imports and exports between Singapore, Cambodia, the UAE, and other markets in our global network.
Cyril Girot, Chief Executive Officer of Cambodia Airports, said: “Phnom Penh International Airport rebuilds its international route network as Emirates reconnects with the Kingdom’s capital city. This is great news for passengers who will have more access to inbound and outbound travel options, further improving their journey experience.”
Marozzi joined Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in January 2022 and previously held the position of director of memberships at Cabana Beach Club. Marozzi possesses a wealth of sales and marketing experience within the hospitality industry, making her an ideal candidate for the position. She has a strong background in working with private club organizations, including Invited (formerly ClubCorp) and Florida Yacht Club. Marozzi is a highly motivated sales professional with a proven track record in sales, networking, and a genuine enthusiasm for sports. In addition to her professional experience, Marozzi holds a bachelor's degree in communication and media studies, with a minor in Public Relations and Journalism, from Coastal Carolina University.
To incorporate both ancient and contemporary African customs, visitors will have the opportunity to acquire the skill of basket weaving, a practice still employed by local fishermen to ensnare their catch or strain sorghum using grass baskets. In an area devoid of game drives or hectic safari itineraries, Nxamaseri Island Lodge has curated personalized activity schedules and interactive experiences to showcase its unpretentious and hospitable allure. These include fly fishing, sport fishing, boating, and exceptional birdwatching. With the mokoro serving as the primary mode of transportation across the tranquil Delta waters, guests find themselves at eye level with dragonflies, reed frogs, and water lilies, while being within touching distance of the vibrant fish swimming just beneath the surface.
Emirates Skyward's frequent flyer system has renewed its long-standing partnership with Emirates NBD, the leading banking group in the MENAT (Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey) region at the Arabian Travel Market 2024. The award-winning loyalty program of Emirates and Flydubai has signed an agreement to enhance its strategic partnership with Emirates NBD - driving product innovation and offering co-brand cardholders even more personalized benefits and experiences.
Emirates NBD Skywards Credit Cards continue to offer cardholders exclusive travel benefits and privileges. The renewal of this partnership underscores Emirates NBD and Emirates Skywards' commitment to providing exceptional value and unparalleled benefits to customers.
The new resort, scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2024, is currently undergoing construction. It will operate under Dusit's upscale dusitD2 brand and will be the company's first 'all-inclusive' property. Along with spacious overwater villas and family suites, the resort will offer a variety of amenities. Guests will have access to three main private beaches for relaxation, as well as a smaller 'picnic beach' for memorable meals on the sandy shores. Taking advantage of its proximity to Malé International Airport, which is only a five-minute speedboat ride away, the resort's developers also have plans to establish a resort-based entertainment hub and a small convention center to cater to guests seeking experiences beyond the core resort offerings. Details regarding these additions will be announced at a later date and will also be managed by Dusit. Great care will be taken to ensure that all aspects of the resort seamlessly blend with the surrounding environment. Dusit's group-wide sustainability program, Tree of Life, will further reinforce this commitment by implementing processes and systems that minimize the resort's environmental impact.
Jurgen Moors, hailing from the southern region of the Netherlands, has been chosen as a new Board Member during the General Assembly. His term will last for a duration of 3 years. For almost a decade, Moors has held the position of CEO at the Maastricht Convention Bureau. In addition to this role, he has also held various positions in the national Chamber of Commerce. With an extensive career in international affairs and cross-border business, Moors has gained experience working in Japan and Belgium, as well as for multinational companies in Maastricht and Brussels. As a member of the Board of CityDNA, Moors will continue to actively contribute towards advancing the interests of city destinations across Europe. He will also introduce innovative approaches to further enhance the meetings industry agenda. Prior to his election as a Board Member, Moors had the privilege of serving as the Chairman of the CityDNA Meeting Industry Steering Group.
Sabre Corporation and the Kilroy Group, a prominent European hybrid multibrand Travel Agency, have recently announced the extension of their multi-year agreement. The renewal of their business partnership emphasizes the long-standing and robust partnership between the two companies, which has lasted for more than twenty years. The Kilroy Group will utilize Sabre's advanced technology solutions such as Sabre Bargain Finder Max, Sabre Automation Hub, and Sabre Direct Pay to propel its business growth. Through the implementation of various Sabre solutions, the Kilroy Group aims to improve the overall travel experience for its customers, covering aspects such as shopping, automated processes after booking, and secure payment methods. Kilroy anticipates utilizing Sabre's knowledge, dedication to providing innovative solutions, and state-of-the-art technology, allowing it to concentrate on their primary goal: offering unmatched, transformative travel experiences for its clients. With its technology, Sabre assists its partners like Kilroy in enhancing their operational efficiencies and payment methods, essential for meeting the constantly evolving demands of the travel sector.
Choice Hotels is recognized as one of the largest lodging franchisors, currently franchises over 7,500 hotels, included in Hotelbeds' hotel portfolio, with a total of nearly 630,000 rooms available in 46 countries and territories worldwide. The strategic agreement with Hotelbeds is a significant step in expanding their longstanding partnership. This agreement not only opens up new avenues for revenue generation and international exposure for their U.S. franchisees but also reinforces their trust in Hotelbeds' valuable wholesale distribution model. Choice Hotels remains dedicated to maintaining rate integrity across all channels and aims to reduce distribution costs for their franchisees. This agreement holds great potential in enhancing their ability to achieve these goals in the long run, particularly in key international source markets. This extension not only strengthens the already strong relationship between the two companies but also demonstrates Choice Hotels' trust in Hotelbeds as a key driver of their B2B growth.
The highly anticipated Grand Opening event for Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto occurred over the weekend. The festivities commenced with a magnificent ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Ontario Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy, Duncan Hannay (CEO of Ontario Lottery and Gaming), and Matthew Anfinson (CEO of Great Canadian Entertainment).
The opening of Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto represents a significant achievement in Toronto's entertainment and hospitality industry. It assures visitors of unparalleled experiences while prioritizing community enrichment and economic growth.
Holland America Line has initiated a long-term biofuel trial on its flagship, Rotterdam, utilizing 100% low carbon intensity biofuel during its voyage through the Norwegian World Heritage Fjords. The vessel was fueled with biofuel prior to departing from the Port of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, on April 27, 2024, and will run one of its four engines on low carbon intensity oil sourced from organic waste or residues that are certified in accordance with the EU Renewable Energy Directive while navigating through the Fjords. The sustainable biofuel, GoodFuels MR1-100, provided by FincoEnergies, is expected to result in an 86% reduction in life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions. The ship's first tests will take place on one of its four engines throughout the cruises scheduled for this month. There is a possibility of extending these tests to multiple engines during the summer, while the ship operates in the Norwegian World Heritage Fjords, namely Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord.
Luxury British cruise line's newest ship embarked on a seven-night journey to Lisbon via La Coruna on May 3, followed by a visit to the captivating Portuguese city on May 7. Subsequently, it will commence a 14-night expedition to the enchanting Canary Islands. Katie McAlister, the President of Cunard, expressed that the inaugural journey of Queen Anne represents the beginning of a fresh chapter in opulent ocean voyages. The departure of Queen Anne from Southampton was a momentous occasion for all those affiliated with Cunard. Cunard is renowned in the UK and worldwide for our magnificent iconic Queens. The addition of Queen Anne to our collection signifies not only a new symbol but also the final piece of a flawless quartet alongside Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria.
Delta operates year-round flights to the Dutch city from Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Detroit (DTW), Minneapolis/St Paul (MSP), New York (JFK), Portland (PDX), Salt Lake City (SLC), and Seattle (SEA). The Airbus A330-300 aircraft will be utilized by Delta Air Lines for the new service, offering four distinct product experiences: Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+, and Main Cabin. Passengers traveling with Delta Air Lines from Tampa to Amsterdam can take advantage of convenient connections to more than 100 destinations throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and India through KLM's well-connected hub at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Delta Air Lines' partners in joint ventures provide additional connectivity choices for travelers flying to and from Florida, USA. KLM and Air France operate flights connecting Miami, Florida and Paris, France, while Virgin Atlantic offers flights from both Miami, Florida and Tampa, Florida to London Heathrow (LHR), United Kingdom. Additionally, Virgin Atlantic operates flights from Orlando, Florida to both Manchester and London Heathrow (LHR), United Kingdom.
Those with a wanderlust who yearn to work and live in a different country may now add Turkiye to the list of countries where one may live out that dream.
Today, Turkiye launched its Digital Nomad GoTurkiye visa for anyone between the ages of 21-55 from one of the following countries:
Austria
Belarus
Belgium
Bulgaria
Canada
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russian Federation
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
UK
Ukraine
USA
Those who get approved may live and work in Turkiye for up to a year, and if they fall in love with the nation and want to extend, have the option to renew their Digital Nomad visa.
How to get started
The first step is to apply, and this can be done online. The applicant will then receive a Digital Nomad Identification Certificate that s/he will take to the local Turkiye consultant or visa processing center in their own country. Find out more at the online platform.
By launching new key routes linking Milan Bergamo with major cities in western Asia and the Gulf region, international airlines are set to expand their services in northern Italy and improve access to distant markets. For this upcoming summer, Milan Bergamo Airport announced the commencement of flights to five destinations in the region, such as Istanbul, Dubai, Sharjah, Amman, and Tel Aviv. This will provide travelers with the chance to discover these dynamic cities, conduct business, or smoothly connect to various other destinations worldwide. A total of over 470,000 seats will be available between Milan Bergamo Airport and Asia as well as the Middle East will be available for the summer season of 2024. Milan Bergamo Airport views Asia and the Middle East as not just a profitable market, but also as a doorway to future growth. With its strategic location, the airport is poised to entice additional airlines and establish new routes that connect to various destinations in Asia. This will create fresh prospects for both travelers and businesses.
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The World Tunnel Congress 2027, also known as WTC 2027, will be a gathering of over 2,700 esteemed professionals, researchers, policymakers, and companies from various sectors such as civil engineering, construction, transportation, and infrastructure. This event aims to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, showcase innovative ideas, and engage in discussions about the future of tunnelling and underground technology. Antwerp's choice emphasizes Belgium's significant contribution to the tunnel sector, supported by its remarkable infrastructure initiatives and proficiency in tunnel building. The conference will specifically showcase Belgian subterranean ventures like the ongoing Oosterweel project, showcasing the nation's dedication to advancement and growth in this domain.
The company is actively making strategic investments to secure its future and boost revenue for hotel owners and operators. With its exceptional Global Group Sales team, the company successfully generated nearly $100 million in additional Gross Room Revenue for hotels within the Choice system within a year of integrating the Radisson Americas global sales team in October 2022. Furthermore, Choice is revamping its Choice Privileges rewards program to create a more experiential and emotional connection between guests and its brands. As part of this transformation, Choice has entered into a new sponsorship agreement with Trackhouse Racing for the 2024 NASCAR Cup season, providing exclusive access to members. Additionally, the company is investing in enhancing its digital platforms, with plans to unveil a refreshed and brand-specific website that will showcase each brand more effectively, featuring enhanced visuals and content, later this year.






























