Starfish Travel Corporation Team

At the envisioned mixed-use Freedom Plaza being constructed by the Soloviev Group, internationally renowned artist Bruce Munro will unveil his immersive public art project Field of Light, spanning more than six acres from 38th to 41st Street on First Avenue, just south of the United Nations. Field of Light will turn this six-acre site into a warm art project for locals and all New Yorkers, as well as offer significant possibilities for interaction and educational programmes. It is expected to debut in the autumn of 2023 and last for a year. Field of Light, made possible by the Soloviev Foundation, will recognise New York City as a global symbol of liberty and optimism. A collection of 17,000 low-light, fiber-optic stemmed spheres will be used in the Freedom Plaza project, which is inspired by how closely humans are connected to the stars, the fundamental components of our universe. These spheres’ illumination will change colour slowly and subtly. It will have the appearance of a softly painted landscape. Field of Light, which exists at the intersection of art, technology, and nature, will inspire a moment of reflection in this utterly distinctive waterfront open area. Munro, a London native, is renowned across the world for his expansive light-based artworks that are influenced by his lifelong study of natural light and his interest in common human experiences. “Bruce and I both have a passion to using cutting-edge, environmentally friendly technology to inspire creativity and push the limits of what is possible. According to Stefan Soloviev, chairman of the Soloviev Group, “We are delighted to collaborate with him on this important endeavour. “Light has always been a significant aspect of my life and work, and it comes naturally to me as a medium to employ. A stunning immersive experience that makes use of every shade of light to create a visual Eden is how I hope to pique the mind and senses of any observer with the light installation at Freedom Plaza in Manhattan, said artist Bruce Munro. “New York City has always been and still is the centre of the free and artistic spirit in the world. According to Michael Hershman, CEO of Soloviev Group, “the distinctive six-acre location at Freedom Plaza affords a rare chance to display Bruce’s inspirational and audacious vision to New York City. We are pleased to introduce our community to the Field of Light display this autumn. Over the upcoming months, information regarding access and site logistics will be made available to the public. The Sharjah Museum of Art in the United Arab Emirates, Sotheby’s Beyond Limits at Chatworth, Victoria & Albert Museum in London, Uluru in Australia’s Northern Territory, which served as the inspiration for the Field of Light, Texas Arboretum at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Centre, and most recently Kings Canyon in Northern Territory, have all commissioned and displayed Munro’s work. Additionally, his work is included in the international permanent collections of museums and public art collections. The progress of human rights and the advancement of freedom of speech, opinion, and expression will be highlighted in a new museum at Freedom Plaza. The vast collection of the museum will include important historical artefacts, works by well-known international artists, and expansive immersive projects. Famous works of art will be on permanent exhibit alongside Berlin Wall slabs, which serve as a contemporary and thought-provoking symbol of hope, peace, and reunion. A world-class hotel, a wide variety of dining and shopping options, two residential towers with a significant number of permanently affordable apartments, strong waterfront access, and a proposed gaming facility for New York’s Downstate gaming licence bid in collaboration with Mohegan, the world’s leading entertainment district, are all included in the proposed Freedom Plaza. This ethically sound construction will connect to the East River Esplanade and be reachable through the 34th Street Ferry and Grand Central Station. In order to strengthen local communities, Soloviev Group and Mohegan have a shared vision that includes pursuing carbon-neutral development, building new public open space, increasing the supply of affordable housing, and creating thousands of new jobs and economic benefits for the neighbourhood and the city as a whole. Source: breakingtravelnews

Premier Pool Access offers with the option of a king or twin bed, offering an exceptional experience as in a tranquil tropical oasis. It is designed with open space, a balcony flooded with sunshine, a tropical garden, and vibrant bougainvillaea – the particular attractions of Mui Ne land. Visitors will have the chance to experience a unique room class only at Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne – Premier Pool Access, which is formally inaugurated at the end of April 2023 in a roomy bedroom up to 40m2. This remarkable design connects directly to the jewel-blue lazy river. Premier Pool Access provides a quiet and pleasant living environment that is inspired by the picturesque Mediterranean coast, a harmonic blend of blue from the sea, rich earthy terracotta of tile roofs, and warm yellow of sunshine. Premier Pool Access offers with the option of a king or twin bed, offering an exceptional experience as in a tranquil tropical oasis. It is designed with open space, a balcony flooded with sunshine, a tropical garden, and vibrant bougainvillaea – the particular attractions of Mui Ne land. The serene lazy river that runs beside 144 villas will be the perfect location to relax in the cold water and connect with the surrounding natural beauty in order to refuel for the endlessly enjoyable ride that lies ahead. “Premier Pool Access with special lazy river design is a unique highlight of the resort, bringing an exceptional experience for our guests,” said Mr. Tom Van Tuijl, general manager of Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne. We are pleased with our efforts to meet Mui Ne’s rising demand for lodging by introducing a new room type right before the long holidays. Additionally, we provide a variety of eating alternatives for visitors of all ages, ranging from the typical regional flavours of the fishing hamlet of Mui Ne to cosmopolitan tastes, a spa, and other leisure pursuits, to complete their experience as a destination of fun, entertainment, and joy. The Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne, with its “Explorer’s Playground” concept, offers a variety of endlessly enjoyable activities and first-rate amenities, fostering a genuine sense of belonging for each generation of families as well as the group of friends. Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne is the ideal location for kids to enjoy their own voyages of discovery and excitement at E-Zone, indoor & outdoor playgrounds, bowling, karaoke room, and entertainment activities designed for all ages. The resort’s goal is to create beautiful memories for little explorers. Source: traveldailynews

To build the framework for future Wisk Air operations in Japan, a new cooperation has been formed. TOKYO and MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA – To introduce Wisk’s self-flying, all-electric air taxi services to Japan, Japan Airlines (JAL), a top international airline with headquarters in Japan, and Wisk Aero, a leading Advanced Air Mobility firm, have partnered. Additionally, plans for the upkeep and operation of Wisk’s autonomous air taxis will be developed in close cooperation between Wisk and JAL Engineering (JALEC). According to Brian Yutko, CEO of Wisk, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Japan Airlines, a highly regarded leader in aviation both in Japan and internationally.” “Wisk and Japan Airlines share a commitment to providing safe, accessible travel as well as making sure that our services benefit the communities we serve in the long run. We are eager to cooperate in bringing autonomous regular flying to Japan and expanding advanced air mobility throughout the greater APAC area. “We consider it a great honour to work with Wisk, a leader in the development of autonomous eVTOL aircraft. According to Ryo Tamura, CEO of JALEC, “In Japan, the introduction of autonomous air travel is developing, and we strongly believe that this partnership with Wisk is the first step towards the development of the country’s next generation of safe air mobility.” The Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), as well as other pertinent Japanese Government entities, have all signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that sets a framework for cooperation between the two businesses. This will involve giving careful thought to legal requirements, security precautions, and how the community may profit from using Wisk’s 6th Generation self-flying, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to provide advanced air transportation. The MOU specifically creates a framework for Studying the criteria for maintenance, repair, and overhaul as well as type certification clearance in Japan would help Wisk’s 6th Generation taxi commence its fleet operations. Supporting dialogue on the development of a Wisk operation under an Air. Operators Certificate in Japan in the future with the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) and pertinent Japanese Government authorities, if appropriate. Construction of a route leading to a demonstration flight in Japan. Autonomous aircraft integration into the national airspace of Japan. “We are thrilled to be announcing this new partnership with Japan Airlines, a partner that so closely shares our values,” declares Catherine MacGowan, regional director for Wisk in APAC. “Japan is a sizable, highly populated market where air taxi services might have a significant, beneficial effect on local communities. We’re excited to continue exploring the possibility of introducing our autonomous, all-electric air taxis in Japan and are heartened by the rising demand for similar services across the larger APAC area. Wisk and Japan Airlines both value responsibility, sustainability, and safety. As part of the development of a long-lasting strategy for the introduction of future autonomous air taxi operations that are a component of the future integrated transportation layer in Japan, this cooperation signifies the uniting of these shared ideals. Source: traveldailynews

The ability to lie flat on an aircraft is now only available to first- or business-class travellers, but that is about to change. In a first for the globe, Air New Zealand will provide bunk beds for economy travellers where they may reserve a session to catch some sleep starting in September 2024. The airline first introduced the Skynest sleeping pods in June of last year; today, they have provided a few other important information, including pricing. Between the economy and premium economy cabins, there will be six sleeping pods with bunk beds. They will be broadcast on extremely long-haul flights, including as the 17-hour direct journey between New York City and Auckland, which is one of the world’s longest flights. Leanne Geraghty, the chief customer and sales officer, previously told news.com.au that it was a result of client input from the preceding five years that emphasised the value of more comfort, privacy, and a good night’s sleep. “Skynest was an idea born out of looking at how we could offer a lie-flat option for Economy and Premium Economy travellers, and it’s going to be a real game-changer, adding more flexibility to the economy travel experience,” added the spokesperson. What is the price? Pre-booking a session in blocks of four hours will be available to passengers for an additional $NZ400 to $NZ600, or around $375 to $565 in Australian dollars. It will cost between $400 and $600 NZD for a four-hour session, according to Ms. Geraghty, who spoke to news.com.au. “We’re still in the process of firming up all things pricing as there are a number of factors involved,” she said. “Customers will be able to book it as an add-on to their ticket when they originally purchase it.We are also figuring out how to allow them to add it to their tickets at a later time and to book it aboard if a session opens up. These specifics are still being worked out, but we want to provide them as soon as everything is certain. Each session will be separated by 30 minutes so that the cabin staff may replace the bedding. Just before your session ends, the lights will be gradually turned on, and any passengers who are still asleep will be “politely awakened” by the crew. To guarantee that passengers can secure them and remain in the pod should the seat belt light come on during turbulence, each pod will have its own seatbelt. A full-size pillow, sheets, and blankets, earplugs, a separate reading light, a USB port for a personal device, a ventilation outlet, and illumination intended for sleeping will all be provided in each pod. SkyNest has already won several accolades; the most recent is being named a finalist for the Crystal Cabin Awards. “We’re thrilled that customers share our enthusiasm for this innovative invention. We are convinced that the product we created as a consequence of our comprehensive research and design process, which lasted five years and 170,000 hours, will improve the in-flight experience for Economy customers. Source: news.com.au

Expands the 77 flights per week network to 8 locations in continental Europe. NEW DELHI The most prominent airline in India and a Star Alliance member, Air India, will begin non-stop flights from Amsterdam to Delhi as part of its ongoing efforts to improve connectivity and support global expansion. Beginning on June 11th, 2023, the route will operate with a two-class Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner four times each week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday). Amsterdam will be the eighth location in continental Europe that Air India serves and the fourth that the airline has connected from Delhi in the previous four months. It increases the number of nonstop flights operated by Air India between India and Europe to 77 per week, giving customers more convenience and flexibility. Mr Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD of Air India, commented on the opening of the new route, saying, “With the opening of this new non-stop service to Amsterdam, Air India significantly broadens our long-haul network and expands our customer options. This route helps us achieve our goal of making Delhi an important international centre, together with the three other European lines that have just begun service and those that will follow. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner has 256 seats in total, 256 in Business Class (18 totally flat beds) and 238 in Economy. Flight AI155 will leave Delhi at 1310 and land in Amsterdam at 1835 (local time). The AI 156 return flight from Amsterdam will depart at 20:45 and land in Delhi at 08:10 (local time). The Air India website, mobile applications, travel agencies, and other outlets are currently accepting reservations for the Delhi-Amsterdam trip. Timetable for flights from Delhi (DEL) to Amsterdam (AMS) Flight No. Eff Date Frequency Dept. Airport Dept. Time Arrvl. Airport Arrvl. Time Aircraft AI 155 11-Jun-23 Mon / Wed / Fri / Sun DEL 13:10 AMS 18:35 B787-8 AI 156 11-Jun-23 Mon / Wed / Fri / Sun AMS 20:45 DEL 07:55(+1) B787-8 Source: traveldailynews

Prior to ramping up capacity for the June school holiday season, the park is now running at 75 percent capacity to allow the new avian inhabitants time to settle in and make any necessary operational modifications. SG – Singapore On the first day of its soft opening, over 3,000 members of the public gathered to Bird Paradise in the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. The first week of Bird Paradise’s soft launch phase, which runs until May 26, 2023, is anticipated to draw roughly 20,000 visitors. The first eight visitors to enter Bird Paradise today received a one-year Friends of Wildlife membership as a special welcome gift. This membership enables them to unlimited visits to any of the four wildlife parks of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Existing members are entitled to a free Bird Discovery Tour. Mike Barclay, group CEO of Mandai Wildlife Group, handed out the tokens of gratitude alongside management and employees who had earlier welcomed the park’s first visitors. The first flight of bird presentations, as well as the up-close encounters with several feathered companions during feeding sessions and keeper talks in the eight big walk-through aviaries and the Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove, captivated the crowds as they poured in. The penguins, who were among the final group of animals to relocate into Bird Paradise, are still learning about their brand-new cutting-edge, multi-level indoor environment while visitors marvel at the fascinating life of penguins in the ocean, both above and below the surface. Prior to ramping up capacity for the June school holiday season, the park is now running at 75 percent capacity to allow the new avian inhabitants time to settle in and make any necessary operational modifications. All in-park eating options at Bird Paradise, with the exception of Penguin Cove Restaurant and Bird Bakery, are now available for guests to enjoy, from dining with penguins at Penguin Cove Café to feasting on the views of waterfalls at Crimson Restaurant. A&W Restaurants and a few other tenants at Mandai Wildlife West are launching opening specials for a brief period to commemorate the opening of Bird Paradise and Mandai Wildlife West, the ungated public node that serves as the gateway to the new bird park. Source: traveldailynews

Hong Kong makes a comeback as a popular travel destination in Southeast Asia with the successful launch of “Hello Hong Kong” and the free ticket giveaway campaign. HONG KONG Perceptions, Inc. and Ogilvy have been reappointed by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) Southeast Asia Office as its PR agencies in the Philippines and Malaysia, respectively, for the ensuing two years. Since the two agencies have been working with HKTB, the city has remained one of its target market’s favourite travel destinations. Raymond Chan, Regional Director of Southeast Asia at HKTB, stated that “at the height of the pandemic, their PR expertise shone all the more brightly, helping us cut through the clutter and maintain global visibility.” In addition, he listed the agencies’ “strong strategic thinking, proven history of positive media relations, and agility in executing plans” as justifications for the renewed collaboration. Hong Kong has had a flurry of recent tourism-related initiatives in the past three years, including the creation of the West Kowloon Cultural District, which includes M+ and the Hong Kong Palace Museum, among others. “We are happy to see a return of tourists from Malaysia and the Philippines to Hong Kong. I am convinced that they will enjoy a one-of-a-kind vacation experience to Asia’s World City with the help of our PR partners, Chan continued. With the successful introduction of “Hello Hong Kong” and the free ticket giveaway campaign, HK makes a comeback as a key travel destination in Southeast Asia. With the help of Perceptions and Ogilvy, HK even won the Gold award for Best Regional PR in SEA and Bronze awards for Best PR-led Integrated Communications and Best Use of Social Media at the recently held PR Asia 2023 Awards. Let’s just say that Hong Kong’s tourist industry has been expanding steadily and expects to reach a record number of visitors later this year. Perceptions, whose contract with HKTB is being renewed for a third time, will continue to support efforts to effectively raise awareness of Hong Kong among Filipinos while also fostering positive relationships with media outlets that will eventually result in a wider audience for the tales Hong Kong has to tell. Noel Rene Nieva, president and chief executive officer of Perceptions, stated, “It is a great honour to be navigating HK’s recovery plans and forming the next chapter for HKTB’s successful Hello Hong Kong campaign. Perceptions is as committed as HKTB to make every trip in Hong Kong unique, valuable, and superior to any other travel experience Filipinos have had or will have, he continued, noting that “revenge travel” is a trend that is now popular. Ogilvy, on the other hand, will concentrate immediately on helping HKTB by displaying the city’s preparedness and eagerness to welcome Malaysians back to one of their favourite neighbouring places. Riding the wave of the success of “Hello Hong Kong”‘s debut, Ogilvy will do so. The HKTB has once again trusted Ogilvy to continue making Malaysians care about Hong Kong, especially during this pivotal time in the city’s rebirth. When we began working with HKTB at the beginning of the pandemic, we had our job cut out for us. We are overjoyed to have the next two years to completely implement the several initiatives that were delayed. We are driven by a single goal: to support Hong Kong’s recovery as a top travel destination for all Malaysians. Part of this effort includes raising Muslim-friendliness awareness, a crucial growth driver for the city’s tourism industry, according to Sunita Kanapathy, Head of Public Relations at Ogilvy Malaysia. Source: traveldailynews

Every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 10:30 p.m., the new flight UA878 will depart from HKG and land in SFO at 8:25 p.m. that same day. HONG KONG On August 3, 2023, United Airlines (UAL) will boost the frequency of the present daily Hong Kong (HKG) – San Francisco (SFO) service to 12 flights per week. In late October 2023, the frequency will be increased to 14 flights per week as a twice-daily service. The recently expanded service will offer more flight schedules to San Francisco as well as more connecting options via its hub in San Francisco to more destinations in the mainland United States, Canada, and Latin America for travellers in Hong Kong, the southern part of mainland China, and some Southeast Asian nations. Walter Dias, regional director of Greater China, Korea, and Southeast Asia Sales, stated, “We are excited to announce that we will be adding more flights between Hong Kong and San Francisco this August. United returned to the Hong Kong market just two months ago after a pause of nearly three years. Our new 12 times weekly HKG-SFO service will give our customers in Hong Kong, the southern part of mainland China, and some Southeast Asian nations like Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam more flight options to San Francisco and one-stop connections to more than 70 destinations in the mainland U.S., Canada, and Latin America via our hub in San Francisco. New Hong Kong (HKG)-San Francisco (SFO) Service from United Every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 10:30 p.m., the new flight UA878 will depart from HKG and land in SFO at 8:25 p.m. that same day. Every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 1:30 p.m., the return flight, UA869, will leave from SFO and land in HKG at 6:45 p.m. the following day. The B777-300ER widebody aircraft, which has 266 seats in United Economy, 24 seats in United Premium Plus, and 60 seats in the United Polaris business cabin, will be used for all trips. San Francisco Hub for United San Francisco serves as both a gateway to Asia-Pacific and United’s main hub on the American West Coast. From San Francisco International Airport, United has more than 200 daily departures, transporting passengers to more than 100 locations around the world, including the largest international service with flights to 26 different overseas cities. Incheon/Seoul, Melbourne, Narita/Tokyo, Papeete/Tahiti, Singapore, Shanghai, Sydney, and Taipei are just a few of the more than 10 Asia-Pacific locations that may now be reached directly from the hub. Other destinations include Brisbane, Auckland (New Zealand), Haneda/Tokyo, Melbourne, Narita/Tokyo, and Sydney. The following is the flight schedule between HKG and SFO: Flight No. Depart Time Arrive Time Day of the Week UA862 HKG 11:15 A.M. SFO 9:10 A.M. Daily UA878 (new) HKG 10:30 P.M. SFO 8:25 P.M. Tue/Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun UA869 (new) SFO 1:30 P.M. HKG 6:45 P.M. (+1)* Mon/Wed/Thu/Fri/Sat UA877 SFO 11:45 P.M. HKG 5:00 A.M. (+2)* Daily +1 flight arrives the following day / +2 flight arrives two days later. Source: traveldailynews