Underwater ‘forest’ off the coast of Ayia Napa

Written by Gill Dewar on August 30, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Amazing Facts.

Jason deCaires Taylor is the mastermind behind the Museum of Underwater Sculpture Ayia Napa (Musan)

Artist Jason deCaires Taylor has made a big splash in the art world once more – this time with an underwater forest off the coast of party hotspot Ayia Napa in Cyprus.

The Briton is known for creating underwater museums that feature striking sculpture collections. He’s created aquatic sculpture gardens everywhere from Cannes, Mexico, Grenada, the Bahamas, Lanzarote, Norway, Australia, and the Maldives – though this one was partially destroyed after it was deemed offensive.

Titled Museum of Underwater Sculpture Ayia Napa (Musan), his latest submerged endeavour is 200 metres (656ft) off the coast of Pernera Beach and features 93 sculptures on the seabed between eight and 10 metres (26 to 33ft) below the surface.

The exhibition, made with a budget of £846,685 (€1million), opened last month, with divers and snorkelers invited to explore what lies beneath.

The artworks, lowered into the sea using a crane, allude to the relationship between man and nature, with life-size sculptures of children pointing cameras and playing amid 13-tonne blue-tinged trees that catch the light as swimmers paddle overhead.

Made in conjunction with the government of Cyprus, the artworks are intended to resemble a path through the forest floor.

And it’s hoped that the materials will be a haven for sea life.

A launch statement said: ‘The sculptures have been designed and made with materials that attract marine life, and are placed at different depths, thus creating a suitable substrate for marine life at all levels.

‘The sculptures are made of inert materials, with neutral pH, so as not to affect the area adversely. It’s a sandy area and it is expected that over time the biodiversity of the area will be enriched, thanks to the museum.’

The artist describes the sculptures as ‘active catalysts’ in nurturing aquatic life and reefs, meaning Musan will become an evolving and growing underwater forest.

Ayia Napa’s Mayor, Christos Zannettou, said: ‘We believe that with this unique diving museum visitors will be able to enjoy an underwater oasis.’

The past 20 years have seen maritime ecosystems in the Mediterranean deplete radically, with eco-artists like deCaires Taylor determined to make a change.

The qualified diving instructor is preoccupied with man’s impact on the earth in his work, which has a focus on biodiversity.

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Egypt’s ancient King Khufu’s Boat moved from Giza pyramids to new home

Written by Gill Dewar on August 30, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Amazing Facts, MICE.

CAIRO – King Khufu’s Boat, an ancient vessel that is the oldest and largest wooden boat discovered in Egypt, has been painstakingly moved from its longstanding home next to the Giza pyramids to a nearby giant museum, officials said.

The 4 600-year-old vessel, also known as the Solar Boat, was moved to the nearby Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), due to be inaugurated later in 2021.

“The aim of the transportation project is to protect and preserve the biggest and oldest organic artefact made of wood in the history of humanity for the future generations,” the tourism and antiquities ministry said in a statement.

It took 48 hours to transport the cedarwood boat, which is 42 metres long and weighs 20 tons, to its new home. It arrived at the GEM in the early hours of Saturday, the ministry said.

The boat was transported as a single piece inside a metal cage carried on a remote-controlled vehicle imported especially for the operation, said Atef Moftah, supervisor general of the GEM project.

The vessel, discovered in 1954 at the southern corner of the Great Pyramid, has been exhibited for decades at a museum bearing its name at Giza Plateau.

Egypt says the Grand Egyptian Museum, which has been under construction intermittently for 17 years, will contain more than 100 000 artefacts when it opens.

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Africa’s second-tallest skyscraper

Written by Gill Dewar on August 30, 2021. Posted in Destination news, MICE.

Deal signed to construct Africa’s second-tallest skyscraper

Zanzibar is set to build Africa’s second-tallest skyscraper and what will be the continent’s largest hotel.

According to a number of news reports, Zanzibar has inked a deal for a major development that will see the construction of Africa’s second-tallest skyscraper and the largest hotel built at a cost of $1.3 billion.

The Zanzibar Domino Commercial Tower project will be home to a man-made island and come complete with a marina where cruise ships and yachts can dock.

In addition, the development will have several luxury hotels, resorts, apartments, a golf course and a wedding chapel.

The project is a joint venture between AICL Group in Tanzania and Crowland Management. A contract has been signed with architect xCassia, which has been tasked with the design of what will be the tallest building in East, Central and Southern Africa.

Zanzibar’s Minister of State in the President’s Office, Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga was quoted as saying that the project was a major step towards building the island nation’s blue economy.

“Its implementation supports the government’s efforts in inviting more local and foreign investors to the isles,” he said.

The estimated timeline for the project’s completion date is in four years. When complete, the tower will be 300m, surpassing the 228m Leonardo development in Sandton. South Africa. It will be rivalled by the Iconic Tower in Cairo, Egypt, which is expected to stretch into the sky at a height of 385m when complete in 2022.

Inspired design

The entire development has been planned over three sites that will be linked by both high and low bridge structures. The Arrivals Plaza, Zanzibar Domino and Island Resort will reportedly each have unique identities.

Guests will enter the property from the Arrivals Plaza. The Zanzibar Domino Bridge will form the backbone of all transport and services.

The Zanzibar Domino will be located 1.5km off the island’s main road, radiating out 250m to incorporate the marina.

The tower itself will comprise 560 apartments across two residences while five and six-star hotel apartments will add another 360 rooms. The resorts and wedding chapel will be accessible privately by helicopter, boat or bridge.

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SAA 2.0 to start flying in September 2021

Written by Gill Dewar on August 27, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Airline, MICE.

South African Airways will resume flights on 23 September, more than 15 months after it was grounded by Covid-19 and business rescue.

The national carrier said that voyager bookings and travel credit voucher redemption will be available from 6 September 2021. The airline will initially operate flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town, Accra, Kinshasa, Harare, Lusaka and Maputo.

More destinations will be added to the route network as it ramps up operations in response to market conditions.

“After months of diligent work, we are delighted that SAA is resuming service and we look forward to welcoming on board our loyal passengers and flying the South African flag. We continue to be a safe carrier and adhering to Covid-19 protocols,” said interim chief executive Thomas Kgokolo.

“There is a profound feeling of enthusiasm within Team SAA as we prepare for takeoff, with one common purpose – to rebuild and sustain a profitable airline that once again takes a leadership role among local, continental, and international airlines.”

Kgokolo said that aviation sector is going through a testing period, and SAA is aware of the tough challenges that lie ahead in the coming weeks.

“As we are now poised for takeoff, we see this as a major milestone for SAA and the country.”

SAA has failed to make a profit for almost a decade, surviving on state bailouts and government debt guarantees, while it was placed under administration a year ago.

The carrier has been lying dormant since March 2020, when the fleet was grounded due to travel bans to contain the Covid-19 coronavirus.

In June 2021, the government agreed to sell a majority stake in the carrier to a local jet-leasing company and private-equity firm.

A consortium comprised of Johannesburg-based Global Airways, which owns recently launched domestic airline Lift, and private-equity firm Harith General Partners will take a 51% shareholding in South African Airways.

The group, Takatso, will invest as much as R3.5 billion over the next three years, Lift co-founder Gidon Novick and Harith chief executive officer Tshepo Mahloele said.

“Government will have no further financial obligations to the company, outside of the existing liabilities that they will settle,” Novick said. “Route networks we are still working on, and it will be a phased rollout based on demand re-emerging post-Covid.”

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Thanda Island, Tanzania – new mermaid will help build up reefs

Written by Gill Dewar on August 27, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Amazing Facts, MICE.

Thanda Island, off the Indian Ocean coast of Tanzania, has introduced an underwater mermaid sculpture that doubles as a tool in the private island’s ongoing marine conservation work, which includes growing and preserving the vulnerable coral reef that surrounds the island.

Created by Antigone Meda, island manager and “Head of Magic” at Thanda Island, the bigger-than-life-size concrete sculpture contributes to an expanding artificial reef that is part of an coral nursery beneath the waves of the Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve about 5 minutes by boat from the resort.

The piece is also the first of many mermaid sculptures that Meda intends to create to symbolize “the wonderful women that work on the Thanda Island team.” Made from environment-friendly concrete and cast in fiberglass molds, the sculpture is named “Rianne” for resident marine biologist Rianne Laan, who created the coral nursery in 2018.

Meda, who joined Thanda Island in 2016 and became island manager two years later, drew inspiration for the sculpture from the underwater artwork of British artist Jason Taylor. She only works on mermaid sculptures at night after her work is over, she said, “so this one took about two years. It was worth it — this was a dream project.”

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10 inspiring travel destinations to visit in 2022

Written by Gill Dewar on August 26, 2021. Posted in Destination news, MICE.

Let’s stop dismissing dreams with “I will go there one day” and finally say ‘yes’ to our desires!

It’s time to explore the charming villages, stunning beaches, and vibrant cities around the world and open your heart to new challenges, experiences, and people. Here is a list of 10 inspiring travel destinations to visit in 2022.

1. New York, USA
There are many reasons to love the New York lifestyle. Think of incredible architectural treasures and attractions, such as Central Park and the Statue of Liberty. New York, the most populous city in the United States, speaks all languages and is suitable for everyone. The city boasts the best international art fairs, fine art exhibitions, numerous art museums, and world-known artists. The fascinating nightlife scene of the Big Apple is also something that you will love at first sight.

2. Scandinavia
You should visit Scandinavia at least because of a number of amazing phenomena created by Mother Nature. You may experience the Midnight Sun, the Polar nights, and the Northern Lights. If you are in the mood for Scandinavian city life, you may feel the metropolitan atmosphere combined with tradition in Scandinavia’s capitals: Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, and Reykjavik. In the warm summer months, check out annual holidays, festivals, and other countless outdoor events happening there quite often.

3. Russia
Russia is undeniably one of the most fascinating destinations to explore on a tour. The country offers the vastness of the diverse landscape. You can discover the beautiful nature of Kamchatka, spot polar bears up in the Arctic Circle, and climb the Altai Mountains. One of the popular tourist routes in Russia is the Golden Ring that includes Rostov Veliky, Vladimir, Sergiev Posad, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Ivanovo, Suzdal, Pereslavl-Zalessky, and a few small towns. There are plenty of museums, including unusual thematic museums. Besides, it is worth visiting Russian Orthodox churches, as they are a big part of Russian traditions and history. Try your best to comprehend antique Orthodox icons that are a wonderful example of Russian culture.

4. Japan
If you want to feel an effortless blend of the past and present, head for Japan. You will find centuries-old Shinto shrines and calm rock gardens beyond the glassy hotels and modern shopping complexes. Visit some of the many impressive castles and temples around the country. There is a wide range of travel options including subway, train, and bus services to choose from. You will be impressed by the sparkling clean streets and absolutely spotless hotels and restaurants filled with pleasant smells.

5. Greece
Greece is famous for its pristine islands capped with whitewashed buildings. You should visit the Athens Acropolis and climb up to the towering monasteries of Meteora to soak up thousands of years of history. Land on one of Greece’s six thousand islands to unwind, relax, and enjoy yourself in crowd-free villages. Hike volcanoes, explore forests, and taste olives. Venture Greece’s perfect turquoise waters by sailboat. If you are not into extreme sports, you may admire the breath-taking views from the shores of one of the many Greek beaches.

6. Turkey
Turkey attracts people with tall mountains, small idyllic villages, crystal clear waters, and the ruins of ancient empires. Try famous Turkish cuisine that is much more than just baklava and kebab. It is a whole world of desserts, vegetable dishes, huge breakfast spreads, fresh seafood, meze, and more. Antalya, Fethiye, Izmir, and Bodrum boast the most beautiful beaches in Turkey. You may take a special cruise to experience the Mediterranean or Aegean Coast. Fans of being scrubbed, washed, and massaged should try the hamam that is a truly spectacular way to unwind.

7. Croatia
Croatia is a wonderful place with picturesque ports, hundreds of islands, beautiful cultural cities, stunning nature, and over 2,500 hours of sun per year. It is easy enough to reach Croatia comparing to traveling to the Canaries or the majority of the Greek Islands, which is especially important if you are traveling with tiny tots. To run away from the crowds of sunbathing tourists (those are more than enough, as Croatia is famed for its scenic pebbled beaches), rent a boat to enjoy Stiniva Bay. There are also many tours for fans of Game of Thrones. You can visit Trsteno Arboretum (the Garden of Red Keep), Dubrovnik City Walls (King’s Landing City Walls), the Fortress of Kliss (the City of Meereen), and other filming locations.

8. South Africa
Paragliding off of a mountain over a capital city, going Shark Cage Diving, and blokarting down by the beach are just some of South Africa experiences that will spice your life up a bit. You can also go on a safari to see some of the magnificent animals. If you are lucky enough, you can even see penguins right on the beach. The country is also known for its wineries and vineyards, so do not miss the opportunity to take a specialized tour to enjoy tasting menus and, of course, purchase a few bottles of fabulous wine.

9. Italy
From the Colosseum to St. Peter’s Square, ancient history and culture are everywhere in Italy. Visit famous museums to enjoy some of the world’s greatest works of art. For fans of pasta, there are fresh markets and local villas around every turn. Don’t forget about Italian wine that goes perfectly with the food! You should also take some time to explore Italian natural landscapes and the mountains.

10. France
Paris is the city of love, so if you are going to propose, a great idea is to do it in front of the Eiffel Tower. If you choose Chamonix, Val D’Isere, or Courchevel, try the French favorite activity après-ski. Head to the Cannes Film Festival for celebrities spotting or grab your bucket and spade and check out the French Riviera. There is a beach for everyone, from Hyères with the famous Plage de l’Almanarre to Nice.

Choose your next getaway to get yourself excited about traveling again! You deserve it!

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60th ICCA Congress – transformed business events industry – Colombia

Written by Gill Dewar on August 26, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Featured events, MICE.

Travel Event

The 60th Annual ICCA Congress will take the global association meetings industry to Cartagena, Colombia on 24-27 October 2021 with the theme Forward to our Future. The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Annual Congress is a must-attend event for all involved in international conventions and congresses and this year’s hybrid experience is no different. Delegates are invited to join the Congress in the host city of Cartagena de Indias, a Congress Hub, or on ICCA’s state-of-the-art virtual platform. Registration for the ICCA Congress 2021 is flexible, so delegates can change how they participate at any time.

Setting the stage for future business events
Last year’s ICCA Congress established the Kaohsiung Protocol, a crowdsourced framework identifying major trends and key strategies to enable the international meetings industry to thrive despite the COVID-19 pandemic. The ICCA Congress 2021 will continue the industry’s collaborative approach to overcoming challenges and reinventing business operations. The innovative programme combines best practices for pandemic-safe meetings with the latest research into the future outlook of business events.

“ICCA research has consistently found that the general sentiment about the need for face-to-face events has not only remained, but intensified. Furthermore, while digital and hybrid events have expanded audiences for many organisations, these alternatives cannot supersede the serendipitous moments and truly meaningful connections that are the essence of face-to-face meetings,” said ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath.

“We’ve been listening closely to the motivations and desires of both our ICCA World and Association Community members. As a result, the ICCA Congress 2021 is an event that we are proud to say has been developed for our members, by our members. Delegates will get first-hand experience with the creative, future-forward strategies that will become standard operations for the successful business events of tomorrow.”

Global community connects in Cartagena
ICCA World is a strong advocate for returning to face-to-face meetings, with both safety and financial efficiency as top priorities. Before the pandemic, business events contributed USD 1.5 trillion to the global GDP and affected nearly 26 million jobs worldwide.

“The economic impact of international business events cannot be overstated,” said Gopinath. “In-person meetings are vital to economic development, local job creation, and knowledge exchange. We are very pleased to be able to bring the 60th ICCA Congress to Cartagena, Colombia as a live event.”

Diana M. Rodriguez, CMP, Cartagena de Indias Convention Center, said: “We are convinced that face-to-face meetings and events drive socio-economic development for destinations. They serve as platforms for knowledge sharing and generating valuable connections that positively impact businesses and professionals alike, well beyond the event itself. That’s why we are ready to welcome ICCA delegates in Cartagena de Indias; to rediscover the true power of meeting again under the magic spell of our legendary and ‘heroic’ city.”

ICCA Congress 2021 delegates who are unable to travel to Colombia will also have the opportunity to meet face-to-face at one of the worldwide Congress Hubs. Confirmed destinations as of the date of this announcement are: Paris, France; Johannesburg, South Africa; and Seoul, South Korea. Congress Hub programmes will livestream key plenary sessions that take place in Cartagena. Delegates will also hear from industry experts and government officials with strong ties to their region and participate in immersive workshops. Each Hub will be infused with the Cartagena experience through themed dinners and social events that deliver a Colombian flair.

Delegates who join the ICCA Congress 2021 digitally will have access to cutting-edge event tech. The virtual platform is as functional as it is impressive. The customised, visual wow-factor will keep delegates plugged-in and maximise their overall event participation. Meanwhile, powerful technology will ensure that the learning and networking components are smoothly executed and impactful.

“No matter where our delegates are, they can fully engage with the Congress programme. They’ll make valuable and profound connections and feel immersed in the event,” said Gopinath. “The future of the international meetings industry is here and we will bring it to the world stage during the ICCA Congress 2021.”

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What is Bleisure Travel?

Written by Gill Dewar on August 26, 2021. Posted in Destination news, MICE.

Travel advice

Bleisure Travel

Bleisure travel is one of the emerging concepts in the travel industry, and its growth has meant a greater focus is now being placed on the needs of the corporate traveller who wants to enjoy some leisure time during their trip.

Bleisure travel is a term used to describe travel which combines elements of both business and leisure. It typically takes the form of business travellers extending the duration of their trip, in order to enjoy leisure activities, which may range from sightseeing and relaxation, through to hiking, visiting entertainment venues, or attending events.

A trip comprised of both business and leisure components may also be known as a ‘bizcation’ and travel of this kind has possible advantages for business travellers, their employers, and those in the travel industry.

For the traveller, the primary advantages are likely to be a boost in morale and a reduction in stress. Allowing bleisure travel may help a business by increasing the number of employees who are actually willing to go away on business trips, while the subsequent morale boost can result in improvements to productivity. Finally, for the travel industry, the rise of the bleisure tourist means visitors who are willing to stay longer and spend more money in the process.

Bleisure Travel is a Growing Market

It is important to understand that spending on business travel is growing year-on-year. In fact, according to information published by Statista, since 2015, business travel spending has grown by between six and seven percent each year. Given the opportunities to attract repeat business, this has made business travellers a top focus for the travel industry.

Moreover, according to Expedia, 43 percent of business trips now include a leisure component. These figures highlight the growth of business travel as a whole and the fact that leisure is becoming a key part of modern business trips.

The Bleisure Traveller Explained

The rise of bleisure travel has understandably led to those in the travel industry placing a focus on who the average bleisure tourist actually is. By better understanding who participates in bleisure travel, hotels, travel agencies, restaurants and others in the industry can target them more effectively with their offerings and promotional content.

A joint Expedia Group and Luth Research study provides one of the most extensive insights into the modern bleisure traveller to date. It found that bleisure travellers tend to make frequent business trips, with the vast majority (70 percent) travelling on behalf of their business at least once every three months.

The same research found that bleisure travellers work in a wide range of different industries, but the most common were travellers working in areas like technology, healthcare, public administration and manufacturing.

Meanwhile, SAP Concur research found that Millennials were the generation most likely to engage in bleisure travel, accounting for 38 percent of all such travellers. Nevertheless, Generation Xers and Baby Boomers also accounted for 31 percent of bizcations each, indicating a need for travel companies to appeal to all of these age groups.

According to a CWT Solutions Group survey, women take fewer business trips than men in total. Yet, despite this, in both gender groups, 20 percent of business travellers asked said they take one or more bleisure trips per year. As a result of this, the study found that women have a slightly higher overall bleisure rate than men.

It is also interesting to note that many bleisure travellers feel reluctant to share the leisure experiences they enjoy during business trips. The National Car Rental State of Business Travel Survey found that 45 percent of Millennials, 40 percent of Gen Xers and 30 percent of Baby Boomers felt a need to downplay personal activities.

Why is Bleisure Travel Popular Among Business Travellers?

For business travellers, the idea of bleisure trips hold strong appeal for a number of key reasons. On a basic level, the combination of work and fun or personal activities helps to create a far better work/life balance. This tends to result in greater happiness, lower levels of stress and more of a sense that business trips are worthwhile.

In many cases, bleisure travel represents an ideal opportunity to save on the travel costs associated with a trip abroad. Crucially, this allows people who may otherwise be unable to enjoy a personal holiday to do so. They will also have more money to spend on leisure, because travel and accommodation costs are at least partially covered by their employer.

Many business travellers return to the same location repeatedly, or at least more than once. With this in mind, bleisure trips offer an opportunity for travellers to get to know the location and its culture better. This, in turn, can help to improve the quality of work done, while allowing more meaningful business relationships to be formed.

Finally, bleisure offers the possibility of business travel with a companion, such as a friend, partner or colleague. This can help to alleviate boredom, prevent feelings of isolation and assist with overall enjoyment of the trip.

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Mandarin Oriental opens its second property in Turkey

Written by Gill Dewar on August 26, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

Travel news from around the world

The Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul opened Aug. 22, 2021 marking the hospitality company’s second property in Turkey.

The hotel is a roughly 30-minute drive from Istanbul’s central business district and Taksim Square and adjacent to Kurucesme and Bebek parks on the Bosporus between the Sea of Marmara and Black Sea.

The property offers 100 guestrooms and suites, the largest of which is the 5091-square-foot Royal Bosphorus Suite with views of the strait, a private gym and garden area, full kitchen, and separate living and dining rooms.

The food and beverage options include the shoreside Novikov Istanbul restaurant, where the menu blends Asian and Italian influences; the Novikov Lounge Bar with a waterfront terrace; and the Novikov Pool Bar.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul features an array of treatments and therapies and includes luxury treatment rooms, hammams, private relaxation areas, exercise and fitness facilities and an indoor swimming pool.

For events and meetings, the hotel features three ballrooms, a garden terrace and pool area and six meetings rooms, in addition to two other spaces that can be customized and equipped for private events.

“We are delighted to be opening this stunning urban resort in one of the world’s most exciting destinations and look forward to bringing Mandarin Oriental’s renowned quality of service to Istanbul,” Christoph Mares, chief operating officer for Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, said in a statement.

The property is Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s second hotel in Turkey, following the Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum which opened in 2017.

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Italia Trasporto Aereo, Alitalia Replacement, Announces Launch Plans

Written by Gill Dewar on August 26, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Airline.

Travel news from around the world

Following Alitalia’s cease of operations on October 15, Italia Trasporto Aereo (ITA) will replace the state-owned airline and will start flying from that date. As reported by Reuters, Italy reached a deal with the European Commission after months of haggling over the fate of the failing airline. ITA was originally intended to begin operations as soon as April 2021.

A key portion of the negotiation was focused on ensuring ITA was independent of Alitalia, so that it was not liable for paying back billions of euros the old carrier had received in state aid. The new airline said in a statement it will aim to raise initial capital of roughly $826 million in order to buy assets from the old company and begin operating.

Another result of the negotiations is that ITA will inherit only part of Alitalia’s flight slots, which are a major asset and proved a major sticking point in the talks. Specifically, the airline will receive 85 percent of the Alitalia slots at Milan Linate Airport and 43 percent at Rome–Fiumicino International Airport.

At the start of operations, the airline will serve 45 destinations with 61 routes, which will rise to 74 destinations and 89 routes in 2025. In the winter 2021 season, ITA will operate routes to New York (from Rome and Milan), Tokyo, Boston and Miami (all three from Rome). In summer 2022, the company plans to launch new flights to Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, São Paulo and Buenos Aires. Short and medium-haul flights will include those to Paris, London, Athens, Madrid, Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt and Geneva, along with Tel Aviv, Cairo, Tunis and Algiers.

Of the 11,000 Alitalia staff, between 2,750 and 2,950 will be employed in the ITA’s aviation unit this year, rising to 5,550-5,700 by 2025.

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Where in the World France

Written by Gill Dewar on August 26, 2021. Posted in Where in the world.

On which countries coastline would you see these cliffs?

Etratat, France

The cliffs and rock formations steal the show in Etretat, thanks to their exceptional natural beauty and the fact that famous Impressionists painted them so memorably.

Erosion has created extraordinary arches in the chalk either side of the town. There’s also an amazing needle-like structure, known in French as the Aiguille.

A walk up the cliffs to the west of Etretat leads you to an 18-hole golf course with breath-taking views over the Aiguille, while a walk to the east will bring you to the Jardins d’Etretat, a beautiful Asian-inspired garden affording stunning views over Etretat and its bay across to the Aval arch famously immortalised by Claude Monet and Eugène Boudin. Head back down to the seafront as the sun goes down and you can also see Etretat’s cliffs magically light up.

However, there is more to Etretat than the cliff formations and pebble beach. The small town beyond is picturesque and full of pretty restaurants and shops, while the remarkable wooden covered market and 19th-century villa Le Clos Lupin are both worth a visit.

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Spotlight on Kenya

Written by Gill Dewar on August 26, 2021. Posted in Spotlight on.

Spotlight on…

Daily travel news

Kenya

Why Kenya is such an amazing destination

Kenya – An Unrivalled Land Of Contrast And Diversity
High Density & Assorted Wildlife Experiences In National Parks & Reserves
The Mecca of the Great Wildebeest Migration in Africa
World-Class Birding At Kenya’s Great Rift Valley Lakes
Immerse Yourself in Kenya’s Underwater World
Discover Ancient Artefacts From The Oldest Humans On The Planet
Experience Kenya’s Pioneer Private Conservancies
Enlightening & Experiential Experiences with Kenya’s Fascinating Cultures
Barefoot Escape to Kenya’s Turquoise Waters, White Sand Beaches and Isolated Islands
Kenya is perfect in so many way

Why Kenya?

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Amazing travel facts Dubai

Written by Gill Dewar on August 25, 2021. Posted in Amazing Facts.

AMAZING TRAVEL FACTS

The first ever Ferris Wheel opened in the 19th century and many followed since. But a new Ferris wheel is in the making that will be the tallest in the world. It will be 250 meters high and is set to open later this year.

Amazing, right?

Do you know where we need to travel to admire the wheel?

It is indeed Dubai! A bit more about it:

Ain Dubai, the world’s tallest and largest observation wheel, is set to open in the fourth quarter of 2021. the wheel – which is 250 metres high – would open later this year.

Located on Bluewaters Island, the Ferris wheel is set to be the world’s largest with each glass-enclosed capsule rising up to 820 feet in the air and offering 360-degree panoramas of the Dubai skyline.

The structure is over 200 per cent taller than the first ever Ferris wheel. It will eclipse the 167-metre High Roller in Las Vegas and the 190-metre New York Wheel planned for Staten Island, New York City.

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Where in the World Spain

Written by Gill Dewar on August 25, 2021. Posted in Where in the world.

Where is this amazing city?

Barcelona, Spain – Barcelona is widely recognised as one of the most successful cities in the world, internationally acclaimed for its innovative urban planning.

It has survived the economic, environmental, and social changes of the last decades through focusing upon the provision of knowledge-based and information services to place itself in the forefront of a new urban wave, in which city planning provides high-quality opportunities for people to live and work.

In short, Barcelona has been transformed into a city that provides a highly impressive urban environment to all who visit it.

The foundation for Barcelona’s transformation has been the city’s Example district, a garden city expansion of 520 street blocks planned as long ago as 1859. Its high-quality architecture, egalitarian design and ease of access have stood the test of time and it provides the model for modern city developments today.

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Six Senses opens new luxury resort in Israel

Written by Gill Dewar on August 25, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

Travel news from around the world

The luxury hotel brand has opened its latest property, located in Israel’s lunar-like Arava Valley in the south of the Negev Desert.

With its secluded setting, Six Senses Shaharut has the advantages of complete privacy and abundant space. The hotel features 60 suites and villas spread across the expansive desert landscape along with a signature spa and Alchemy Bar.

On site, the Earth Lab showcases the resort’s approach to sustainability and the circular economy, camel stables, surprisingly lush gardens, and open-air amphitheatre.

There are also two pools including a freshwater infinity pool with desert views, with dining options including the main Midian restaurant, the Edom View mezze and tapas venue, Jamillah lounge, or poolside grill.

Guests can also venture out to enjoy a Bedouin style desert picnic by Chef Amir Kalfon, paired with the region’s best wines and maybe catch a glimpse of a Nubian ibex.

From immersive Kibbutz experiences to stargazing sessions, camel treks through the luminous Negev desert or floating in the Dead Sea, the property is ideal for memorable luxury incentives.

The desert also setting presents a host of unique activities from overnight camping to extreme sports, e-mountain bike tours, hiking, jeep excursions, and Shabbat dinner in a nearby community. There are also opportunities to explore further afield, to the Dead Sea and Masada and to Petra.

The drive from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem takes around three-and-a-half hours through stunning landscapes, or three hours from Petra in neighbouring Jordan. Alternatively, guests can opt for a private helicopter transfer from Tel Aviv, or a 45-minute car transfer via the new Ramon International Airport (ETM) near Eilat, which also directly serves key European markets.

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Cameron Highlands to open new outdoor theme park with ski slopes in 2023

Written by Gill Dewar on August 25, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

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Cameron Highlands, Malaysia is known for its teas, chilly weather and unfortunately, landslides.

Recently it was announced that a new tourist destination worth more than RM100 million would be built on top of Cameron Highlands in Pahang.

The newly launched ‘ESCAPE Cameron Highlands’ theme park is set to become the region’s first outdoor ski attraction in the middle of the tropics and is scheduled to be completed in 2023.

The theme park is said to take on a European theme, with a set of five aesthetically different villages made to attract local tourists and people from Southeast Asian who are looking to escape the ASEAN heat.

The park would feature a ski lift that would take visitors up the top of a 1.2km dry ski track (basically means an artificial track with no snow) and guide them through scenic routes down the hill.

Fun Eco-getaway

Speaking at the launch of the project, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the theme park would breathe a breath of fresh air into the nation’s tourism industry by offering something truly unique and help people reconnect with nature.

ESCAPE Cameron Highlands will do so much more than revitalize Cameron Highlands as a major tourism hub. This timely development will kickstart the revival of Malaysia’s domestic tourism industry, as a whole, which has been greatly hit by the Covid-19 pandemic since last year.

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.

The theme park’s developers, Sim Leisure Group, explained that the project would adopt low impact development approaches in its design and construction while proliferating Cameron Highlands’ natural beauty and provide a fun get-away for everyone.

The ESCAPE concept in a nutshell advocates the re-discovery of childhood and re-connection with nature. It reintroduces the benefits of play and enhancement of motor skills by introducing. the nostalgic activities of yesteryear in a contemporary but natural environment. We have been doing this with ESCAPE Penang and ESCAPE Petaling Jaya, but I can guarantee, it will be quite unlike anything in ESCAPE Cameron Highlands.

Sim Leisure Group Executive and ESCAPE Founder Sim Choo Kheng.

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The Standard Singapore hotel firms up 2023 opening

Written by Gill Dewar on August 25, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

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Singapore has no shortage of high-end hotels, but that isn’t stopping The Standard from adding The Red Dot to its growing network.

Executive Traveller readers may already be familiar with The Standard New York, Los Angeles and London – each of which showcases the boutique brand’s focus on a design-savvy lifestyle audience – or, in its own words, a “taste-making clientele.”

With 143 rooms, the hotel will be crowned by the now-mandatory rooftop infinity pool and pool bar, albeit one set within a lush botanical courtyard; also set to feature are The Standard’s “signature restaurant and nightlife vibrancy, and arts and cultural programming.”

“Singapore has emerged into an incredibly important and innovative hub in Asia and we couldn’t be more excited about this development,” said Standard International Chief Executive Officer, Amar Lalvani, adding praise for the “culturally rich and dynamic city.”

2023 will also see the opening of The Standard Melbourne, with the inner-city suburb of Fitzroy marking the brand’s Australian debut.

The Woods Bagot-designed site on Rose Street Fitzroy will offer 127 rooms over seven levels, and take its design cues from the local area and its long-standing industrial heritage.

“Fitzroy’s history of corner pubs, workers cottages, grand housing and industry inspired our approach to the building’s façades,” offers Peter Miglis, Regional Design Leader for Woods Bagot.

“Weathered steel and concrete are robust, timeless materials that sit comfortably straight away and, over time, will add charm as they patina.”

Thailand is also on The Standard’s coming-soon list, with The Standard Hua Hin set to open in November 2021, followed by The Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon in 2022.

Slated to open in 2023, The Standard Singapore will see a new building arise on Orange Grove Road, across from the Shangri-La Singapore and at the heart of a triangle formed by the Botanic Gardens, Newton Circus hawker centre and the start of the Orchard Road shopping strip – each of which represents a core part of the Singapore experience.

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Qantas to launch ‘vaccination passport’ for international flights

Written by Gill Dewar on August 25, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Airline.

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Qantas will introduce a ‘digital health’ smartphone app for international flights, with the ability to securely store and present proof of Covid vaccination as well as the results of pre-departure Covid tests.

The airline has settled on the Travel Pass platform developed by the International Air Transport Association to spearhead an industry-wide push to streamline a return to the skies for business and leisure travellers – especially as countries begin to insist on vaccination or negative test results for inbound passengers.

The airline says that final development work is now underway to ensure the Travel Pass app is ready for use on Qantas and Jetstar international flights when they resume, which is expected to span from later this year for New Zealand and other potential travel bubble countries such as Singapore, to early-mid 2022 for the bulk of routes to Asia, the USA and the UK.

However, a Qantas spokesperson told Executive Traveller that the airline is also looking to integrate Travel Pass functionality into the airline’s own smartphone app so that passengers would eventually need just the one app.

“We want to get our international flights back in the air and our people back to work and a digital health pass will be a key part of that,” said Qantas Group Chief Customer Officer Stephanie Tully.

“The IATA Travel Pass will allow travellers to have their Covid test results and vaccine information verified securely, which will be their green light to fly internationally with us.”

Many countries already require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test result for international travel.

“A digital health pass will connect customers with Covid testing facilities, health authorities and airlines, and ultimately enable the opening of more travel bubbles and borders,” Tully elaborated.

By using the Travel Pass app, passengers will be able to confirm specific ‘health requirements’ for their flight, including the entry conditions of the country they’re travelling to.

Qantas passengers without smartphones or who choose not to use the Travel Pass app will be able to present their vaccination certificate or proof of a negative test at the airport.

The Australian government is also developing a ‘vaccination passport’ and has been in discussion with IATA on possibly adopting the Travel Pass as a national standard.

This would enable vaccinated flyers more freedom of movement and in the short term, potentially return from some countries into seven days of home isolation rather than 14 days of hotel quarantine.

No jab, no fly…

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce has previously said that vaccination would be mandatory for passengers on all international Qantas and Jetstar flights.

Exceptions would be made for passengers who qualify for a medical exemption, along with some ‘travel bubble’ countries such as New Zealand, unless those destinations made vaccination a condition of entry.

“Once a safe and effective vaccine becomes readily available, it will be a requirement for travel on our international services,” Joyce declared in December 2020.

He also cited widespread support for mandatory international vaccination among the airline’s passengers, saying that a recent poll indicated 87% were willing to take the vaccine if it was required to travel internationally, while “85% thought it should be required for travel to at least some countries.”

How the Travel Pass works

The Travel Pass allows passengers to create a digital health wallet linked to their passport. Once they have been tested and/or vaccinated, labs will securely send that data straight to the app, without being stored on a central database.

IATA maintains its app “has been developed with the highest levels of data privacy and security, so passengers always remain in control of their COVID-19 health information.”

The app then checks the destination’s requirements for travel against the data, and passengers who meet those travel requirements will be given the green tick to travel.

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Oberammergau Passion Play 14th May – 02nd October 2022

Written by Gill Dewar on August 24, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Featured events.

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Oberammergau Passion Play 2022

The world-famous Oberammergau Passion Play will take place in 2022. Spaces very limited for this powerful spectacle that only takes place every 10 years.

2022 marks the 42nd edition of this spectacular event, which dates back to 1634. This open-air stage performance takes place every 10 years in the Bavarian village of Oberammergau and honours the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The cast is made up entirely of Oberammergau residents with over 2,000 actors taking part, including around 500 children.

Be awestruck by the grandeur of the cast and crew of 2000, featuring actors, singers, musicians, and technicians – all of whom are residents of the town of Oberammergau. Discover a local tradition that spans centuries and secure your seat in the heart of it all, in Oberammergau.

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Brisbane selected to host 2032 Olympic Games

Written by Gill Dewar on August 24, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Featured events, MICE, Sports.

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Brisbane selected to host 2032 Olympic Games

Brisbane has been formally awarded hosting rights for the 2032 Olympic Games following a vote of International Olympic Committee (IOC) member nations in Tokyo.

The decision means the event will return to Australia for a third time.

With the Australian city the only bid city still in the running, the decision was a foregone conclusion.

The 2032 Olympic Games will follow Melbourne in 1956 and Sydney in 2000.

The estimated to cost sits at around US$5 billion.

The majority of this is expected to be recouped through ticket revenue, domestic sponsorship and broadcast rights.

The bid has predicted the games will bring US$17 billion in economic benefit to the city.

“My government is proud to be supporting this opportunity for Brisbane and southeast Queensland,” prime minister Scott Morrison said.

“The Australian and Queensland governments are fully funding the infrastructure projects to be delivered in preparation for the games, ensuring that they deliver for Brisbane 2032, but also leave a lasting legacy.”

Brisbane will also host the Paralympics; the second time Australia has done so – the first Paralympic Games were held in Rome in 1960.

The 2024 Olympics are set for Paris, while the 2028 event will take place in Los Angeles.

IOC president, Thomas Bach, said: “We encourage Olympic Games projects which are sustainable and economically responsible, which deliver the best possible games experience for athletes and fans, and which leave solid legacies for local communities.

“The Brisbane 2032 vision and games plan fit into long-term regional and national strategies for social and economic development in Queensland and Australia.

“Today’s vote is a vote of trust that Brisbane and Queensland will stage magnificent Olympic and Paralympic Games 2032. We have heard a lot of positive feedback from IOC members.”

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Deal signed to construct Africa’s second-tallest skyscraper

Zanzibar is set to build Africa’s second-tallest skyscraper and what will be the continent’s largest hotel.

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