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In addition to six multi-currency ATMs, ChangeGroup will operate two branches in the international hub, one in the departures area and one in the arrivals area. Newcastle International Airport now has a variety of currency exchange options available thanks to a contract signed with ChangeGroup, a well-known international supplier of foreign currency and financial services. Following the addition of Gatwick Airport, London Stansted Airport, London Luton Airport, East Midlands Airport, and St. Pancras International Railway Station to its network during the previous year, the acquisition represents the next phase in the company’s ambitious development plans for its UK business. In addition to six multi-currency ATMs, ChangeGroup will operate two branches in the international hub, one in the departures area and one in the arrivals area. These offices will offer a variety of premium services to travellers, such as quick travel cash in all major currencies and cross-border bank transfers. As always, ChangeGroup’s renowned courteous, educated, and talented sales specialists will provide the best level of customer care and help travellers with any questions. ChangeGroup has made a sizable investment in the atmosphere of the branches while collaborating closely with Newcastle International Airport to achieve good harmony on the overall architecture of the terminal. The striking and captivating design has been created to improve tourists’ airport experiences and make sure they can quickly recognise the branches. High-end LED displays guarantee your messaging is concise, compelling, and current. In 2023, Newcastle International Airport anticipates receiving 4.7 million passengers, offering over 80 direct destinations as well as simple one-stop connections to locations throughout the world via key hubs including Amsterdam, London, and Dubai. Newcastle International Airport is a great addition to our network and a really exciting area for us to be operating in, according to Sacha Zackariya, CEO and Co-Founder of ChangeGroup International. We have furthered established ourselves as the operator of choice for big landlords all around the nation by winning another key UK airport. We have a great relationship with Newcastle International Airport, and we are very certain that the seamless integration of our services will improve the experience of visitors at the airport. Newcastle International Airport’s Dean Ward, Director of Commercial, stated: “We are happy to welcome ChangeGroup and to be a part of their ambitious UK expansion strategy. We have been working closely with the team over the past few months to develop two gorgeous-looking branches in prime locations, and we can’t wait to start greeting clients this summer. As we strive to enhance our commercial offering, the investment from ChangeGroup is just one of many exciting new improvements planned around the airport in the upcoming 12 months. Source: traveldailynews

The connection, made possible by Alipay+, takes place while Philippine tourism is on the upswing. SINGAPORE – Agoda, a worldwide digital travel platform, now accepts payments made through the Philippine consumer finance app BillEase. This gives Filipino travellers greater freedom to pay in installments even without a credit card. Alipay+, a global, cross-border digital payment and marketing system run by Ant Group, has made this connection possible. The collaboration occurs as domestic and international travel in the Philippines is recovering. When comparing the first quarters of 2023 and 2022, BillEase found that the number of buy now, pay later (BNPL) transactions in the travel category increased by more than 26 times. While domestic travel is anticipated to return to pre-pandemic levels in the second half of 20232, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) also recorded a 158 percent rise in the number of passengers in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same time in 20221. In addition to offering personal loans, e-wallet top-ups, prepaid loads, bill payment, gaming credits, and a customisable BNPL that enables clients to access cardless installment plans, BillEase, an on-demand consumer credit app, was introduced in 2017. Filipino travellers may use BillEase’s Pay Later or installment options to pay for their next lodging, airfare, or local activity on Agoda. Travellers may divide the total cost of their purchases into biweekly or monthly payments for as little as 0% interest or with the lowest interest rate on the market for up to 12 months of installments by choosing BillEase as a checkout option on both Agoda’s online and app platforms. In a post-pandemic world where travel has been greatly disrupted, Georg Steiger, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of BillEase, said: “Our cooperation with Agoda signals a big shift in how Filipinos throughout the world may manage their travel expenditures. By giving customers greater financial freedom and autonomy, it enables them to return to the world of travel on their own terms. They won’t have to worry about paying for their reservation all at once, which will free them up to start exploring, reconnecting, and making new memories. “We are proud to further our partnership with BillEase as our first BNPL partner in the Philippines, to offer Filipinos more payment flexibility at a global online travel site like Agoda,” said Peng Yang, Vice President and Head of Alipay+, Ant Group. Merchants must now cater to the varied payment habits of consumers. This is particularly true in the Philippines and the rest of Southeast Asia, where consumers have adapted considerably better to digital lives and are much more likely to prefer digital payments like e-wallets and BNPL. To reach these customers and better meet their requirements, we look forward to collaborating with new partners. BillEase and Alipay+ announced their collaboration earlier this year in order to allow local customers in the Philippines to make online purchases from foreign retailers and pay in small, card-free installments. In the Philippines, BNPL use is on the rise and is projected to increase at a CAGR of 36.9% between 2022 and 20283. Manila International Airport increased by 158%. McKinsey: What will the Philippines’ economy look like in 2023? The Philippines’ Buy Now Pay Later Gross Merchandise Value is Projected to Achieve $9.9 Billion by 2028, according to Research and Markets. Source: traveldailynews

At least 20 hospitality internships and scholarships will be funded with auction proceeds, all of which will help young people from Phuket who would otherwise be unable to afford their education. Bangkok, Thailand The public is invited to participate in the “Absolutely Fabulous Online Travel Sale” by the Phuket Hotels Association, a nonprofit organisation of hoteliers dedicated to promoting a positive image of Phuket. This online auction will raise money for scholarships for deserving young people in Phuket. The Phuket Hotels Association Benefit (PHAB) 2023 campaign, a significant fundraising effort that also includes “PHAB 5”, a charity gala dinner at Angsana Laguna Phuket on Saturday, May 20, 2023, incorporates this as a component. The online auction is currently accepting bids until noon (Thailand time, UTC+7 hours) on June 15, with prizes located all around the world. The top bidder will likely receive significant savings on stunning five-star accommodations and thrilling experiences in a variety of locations, including Dubai, Sydney, the Maldives, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Koh Samui. These prizes are graciously offered by sponsors. The auction offers a variety of thrilling experiences in addition to hotel stays, including boat charters, golf, tennis, surfing lessons, and gym memberships. At least 20 hospitality internships and scholarships will be funded with auction proceeds, all of which will help young people from Phuket who would otherwise be unable to afford their education. Over 30 students who are now enrolled in Phuket to study hospitality and tourism have been funded by the organisation with success. New items are constantly being added to the PHAB 5 online auction. Bidders may check in on their progress, submit new bids, and learn about upcoming big rewards. Please visit phab.phukethotelsassociation.com/silent-auction for more information on the PHAB 5 online auction and to put your bid in the “Absolutely Fabulous Online Travel Sale”. As the president of the Phuket Hotels Association, Bjorn Courage said, “By participating in our online auction, you will not only be able to bid on fantastic items and five-star hotel stays around the world, but you will also be helping young people find a new career that could improve their standard of living and even support an entire family.” “PHAB 5” is a positive fundraising event held at Angsana Convention & Exhibition facility (ACES), the world-class event facility at Angsana Laguna Phuket. The evening will start with welcome cocktails and live music and include a lavish international buffet meal with live cooking stations staffed by some of Phuket’s greatest hotels’ top chefs and beverages made by the island’s most inventive mixologists. The party will continue all night long thanks to an entertaining MC! Feelsion, a live band, in-demand Phuket DJ CAMMUK, and stunning dancers who will kick the party off with their performances are some of the musical highlights. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is sponsoring the event. Source: traveldailynews

Similar road shows were staged in Bangalore on May 12 and 13, 2023, and Delhi on May 10 and 11, 2023, before the recruiting drive in Mumbai. 300 pilots engaged actively in the selection procedure that was carried out at these sessions. INDIA – A roadshow to find pilots (commanders and first officers) in Mumbai was successfully completed by Air India Express Limited (AIXL), the low-cost carrier division of Air India. A sizable number of pilots attended the event yesterday (15.05.2023), supporting the airline’s efforts to fulfil the escalating demands of its operations. Similar road shows were staged in Bangalore on May 12 and 13, 2023, and Delhi on May 10 and 11, 2023, before the recruiting drive in Mumbai. 300 pilots engaged actively in the selection procedure that was carried out at these sessions. Since October of last year, AIXL has aggressively worked to enhance its staff, concentrating on filling openings for pilots and cabin crew. In a short period of time, the airline has hired nearly 280 pilots and 250 members of the cabin staff. In addition to the major metropolises of Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Chennai, AIXL has been holding walk-in hiring events for cabin crew candidates in additional cities and towns like Imphal, Guwahati, Surat, Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Kochi, Kozhikode, and Mangalore. An important turning point for the airline is the current integration and merging of Air India Express and AirAsia India, the second low-cost carrier affiliate. Following the privatisation of Air India and the Tata Group’s takeover of the company, a thorough growth and transformation strategy has been launched. In order to better service the fast growing internal Indian market as well as the regional short-haul international market to and from India, the newly formed company, Air India Express Limited, intends to make use of the combined resources of Air India and the Tata Group. Source: traveldailynews

By 2024, 30 hotels in Japan will have access to the company’s EV charging network thanks to a new partnership. Marriott hotels in Japan will employ solar and wind power for its EV charging stations. NEW YORK, JAPAN – Marriott International and PLUGO, a provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging services that solely employs renewable energy sources including solar and wind power, have launched a new partnership in Japan. The partnership will install EV charging stations at 30 Marriott hotels in Japan by 2024 in support of the company’s goals to lessen its environmental impact by 2025 and achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by no later than 2050. Karl Hudson, Area Vice President Japan & Guam, Marriott International, stated, “We are incredibly excited to bring EV charging stations powered by renewable energy to our hotels, offering more sustainable solutions and enhanced convenience for our guests and travellers.” We are committed to incorporating sustainable practises into our business operations. This partnership with PLUGO marks a key accomplishment in our sustainability efforts, and we are hopeful that it will inspire other ideas that will benefit the environment, people, and local communities. According to Naoki Okawa, Representative Director & CEO of PLUGO, “We are committed to improving our EV charging infrastructure and services to accomplish our goal of “building a future that stimulates people to keep moving ahead.” “While providing our consumers with a seamless and easy EV experience, our objective is to reduce our environmental impact. We are thrilled to collaborate with Marriott International in pursuit of a more sustainable world as a result of our cooperation. The partnership will begin in 2023 with six properties: Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho, The Westin Tokyo, Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel, Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Utsunomiya, Fairfield by Marriott Gifu Gujo, and Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nikko. Over time, it will grow to include more properties. Through this partnership, all hotel visitors and members of the general public who use MY PLUGO, a smartphone app created by PLUGO to book EV charging stations, will have access to EV charging stations at Marriott hotels in Japan. This will support Japan’s move to a cleaner, greener future and boost its EV charging infrastructure. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations and Marriott International’s Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction platform serve as the foundation for this collaboration, which supports the company’s 2025 sustainability goals to reduce its environmental impact, construct and operate sustainable hotels, and source responsibly. Source: traveldailynews

The UAE travel and tourism industry is anticipated to reach the 2019 high this year, according to the 2023 Economic Impact Research (EIR) from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). By the end of 2023, the industry is anticipated to have contributed AED 180.6 billion to the UAE GDP, nearly matching the peak AED 183.4 billion reached in 2019 and just 1.5% below pre-pandemic levels. This accounts for around 10% of the whole GDP. Additionally, according to the WTTC, the industry will add close to 7,000 employment this year, exceeding the pre-pandemic record of 745,100, to reach more than 758,000 total positions. A review of the previous year The GDP contribution of the travel and tourism industry increased by more than 60% to approximately AED 167 billion last year, accounting for 9% of the national economy. To achieve more than 751,000 employment nationwide, the industry added more than 89,000 positions over the previous year, outpacing 2019 levels by an extra 6,000 jobs. In 2022, foreign visitors returned to the UAE, with India (13%), Oman (8%), Saudi Arabia (8%), and the UK (7%) leading the way as source markets for arrivals from outside. The results show that foreign tourists contributed AED 117.6 billion to the national economy in 2022, a year-over-year gain of 65.3%, although 19% less than in 2019. Domestic spending increased by 35.7% year over year in 2022 to AED 46.9 billion, 10.6% more than it was prior to the epidemic. WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson stated: “The national Travel & Tourism sector is rebounding at a quick rate, indicating the UAE continues to gain favour with foreign visitors. One of the busiest and most successful airports in the world, Dubai International, which serves as a gateway to the Middle East, is located in the United Arab Emirates. “The sector’s future is promising. The sector’s contribution will match that of 2019 by the end of this year, and over the following ten years, growth will exceed the country’s GDP and generate more than 114,000 new employment, or one in every nine positions. Our most recent Cities EIR Report demonstrated the attractiveness that popular tourist spots nationwide, like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, continue to have for visitors from outside. These cities have demonstrated extraordinary resiliency and capable leadership. What will the upcoming ten years look like? According to the international tourist organisation, the sector’s GDP contribution would increase to AED 235.5 billion by 2033, or 10.2% of the UAE economy. More than 872,000 people will be employed nationwide in the travel and tourism sector during the following ten years, accounting for close to 12% of all occupations. Arab World The Middle East’s travel and tourism industry made more over AED 1.2 trillion in economic contributions in 2022, a decrease of 25.3% from the peak of 2019. WTTC predicts that by the end of this year, the regional sector’s GDP contribution would exceed AED 1.5 trillion (U.S.$ 413.2 billion) and be close to the 2019 highpoint. The industry employed more than 6.8 million people in the area last year, up 865,000 from the year before but still 8.7% behind the 2019 record, according to WTTC’s most recent Economic Impact Report. By the end of this year, the industry will have recovered virtually all of the employment lost during the pandemic, falling only 2% short of pre-pandemic levels. The travel and tourism industry is anticipated to generate close to AED 2.5 trillion in revenue during the following ten years and employ more than 9.8 million people. Source: breakingtravelnews

The accreditation of SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, and Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue, Abu Dhabi was announced today in Washington, D.C. by Global Humane, the global arm of American Humane and the biggest certifier of animal welfare in the world. The marine life theme park and rescue centre that are located next to the park have received the first Global Humane accreditation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) area, demonstrating the high quality of animal care they provide. Speaking at the occasion, which was held at the National Press Club, were representatives from Global Humane, Yas SeaWorld Abu Dhabi Miral’s owner and operator, and SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, which also owned the park. On May 23, the Abu Dhabi park is scheduled to debut. American Humane has led the way in advancing the welfare and security of animals and enhancing the link between people and animals for more than a century. Numerous significant animal welfare programmes, such as Hollywood’s “No Animals Were Harmed®” programme, are supported by the organisation. Dr Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of Global Humane, said, “We are delighted that SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue have met the requirements to become Global Humane Certified.” “SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will provide United Arab Emirates citizens with an exceptional chance to see the marvels of the ocean up close, hopefully inspiring the subsequent generation of environmentalists. This is SeaWorld’s first international site, giving Global Humane the chance to acknowledge the movement’s vast impact in zoos, aquariums, and conservation parks throughout the globe. Strict certification requirements: Both SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue have received Global Humane Certification after passing a demanding third-party evaluation that, following months of planning, examined the welfare of animals in the park and center’s care. The unique method is informed by reputable veterinarians, specialists in animal welfare, animal science, zoology, and ethics, who have years of experience safeguarding animals, and is directed by the most recent scientific research. The independent validation procedure gives park visitors the assurance that the institution is upholding a high standard of care and goes above and above to help safeguard animals. An application period for the pre-audit is followed by an on-site inspection to evaluate animal welfare. Housing, food, water, lighting, shade, sound, activity levels, and the training of staff members who are dealing with the animals are some of the factors taken into account during the audit. The specific standards differ depending on the species. “American Humane is a well-respected independent animal welfare organisation whose rigorous standards ensure that animals live healthy and safe lives in human care,” stated Dr. Chris Dold, Chief Zoological Officer of SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment. Providing the highest levels of care is essential to our parks’ objective of inspiring and teaching the public about marine wildlife for close to 60 years. We adhere to and go above American Humane’s accreditation criteria in all of our U.S. parks, demonstrating that we share their passion and dedication for the welfare of animals. As we expand to the United Arab Emirates, where the Arabian Gulf is a significant marine environment and an essential part of the Abu Dhabi community, we are pleased to have received Global Humane accreditation for the first SeaWorld outside of the United States. “At Miral Experiences, we’re committed to providing top-notch attractions that go above and beyond entertainment to provide really outstanding visitor experiences. According to Julien Kauffman, CEO of Miral Experiences, “this extends to us innovatively teaching our guests and showcasing our dedication to sustainability and animal welfare with SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. “The Global Humane certification for SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is a celebration of our group’s milestones and accomplishments and a testimonial to our dedication to these ideals. We think that by providing an engaging and instructive experience, we may motivate our visitors to take a lifetime interest in protecting the environment and marine life. Our commitment to improving animal welfare and sustainability in the area and globally is strengthened by our cooperation with SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and our accreditation by Global Humane. Yas Island was honoured with seven honours at the prestigious World Travel honours in 2022 for its top-notch theme parks, activities, and attractions. Yas Island won the Middle East’s Leading Tourism Development title for the fourth year in a row in addition to being named the World’s Leading Theme Park Destination 2022, demonstrating the island’s growing international recognition as a centre of leisure and entertainment. The Emirati-themed waterpark Yas Waterworld was recognised as the Middle East’s Leading Water Park in 2022, and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi was named the Middle East’s Leading Tourist Attraction in 2022. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi was once again named the World’s Leading Theme Park and Middle East’s Leading Theme Park in 2022. The world’s largest indoor flying chamber and the highest indoor climbing wall in the Middle East are both found within the record-breaking adventure centre CLYMB Abu Dhabi, which won the title for Middle East’s Leading Adventure Tourist Attraction 2022. Source: breakingtravelnews

LOTTE HOTELS & RESORTS, LOTTE DUTY FREE, and LOTTE WORLD are the three commercial divisions of HOTEL LOTTE, a firm that produces worldwide cultural and tourist content. SIGNIEL SEOUL and LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE are two of the 33 properties that LOTTE HOTELS & RESORTS now owns across the world. The five companies owned by LOTTE WORLD are LOTTE WORLD ADVENTURE, Aquarium, and SEOUL SKY. There are 21 locations operated by LOTTE DUTY FREE, including airports in Brisbane and Guam. Announcing the beginning of HOTEL LOTTE’s fifty-year existence (1970s) Former Korean President Chung-Hee Park entrusted Kyuk-Ho Shin, the company’s founder and former chairman, with the hotel sector in 1970. Chairman Shin opened Hotel LOTTE on May 5th, 1973, despite the venture required significant funding. He launched LOTTE HOTEL SEOUL, the largest luxury hotel in Asia at the time, after spending $150 million over the course of six years, launching Korea’s tourist sector. Creating a tourist attraction out of the suburban Jamsil in the 1980s In the 1980s, HOTEL LOTTE focused on Jamsil, a Seoul suburb at the time, and started making plans for the nation’s first indoor theme park. The LOTTE WORLD Adventure opened its doors in July 1989 after a total of 454 million dollars had been invested over five years. The Guinness Book of World Records listed it as the world’s largest indoor theme park at the time, and more than 210 million people have visited it since it first opened, making it one of Korea’s premier tourist destinations. 1988 saw the opening of LOTTE HOTEL WORLD in Jamsil during the Seoul Olympics. The district became a popular tourist attraction once HOTEL LOTTE opened in January 1989, followed by the establishment of LOTTE DUTY FREE. Laying the groundwork for a revival in the economy (1990s–2000s) LOTTE DUTY FREE continues to expand its infrastructure by establishing its flagship stores around the nation even during the IMF financial crisis of the 1990s, aiding in the country’s economic recovery through tourism. The first duty-free establishment in the sector to emphasise brand identification through red uniforms and signs, strengthening the perception of the nation, was the duty-free launch at Gimpo Airport Terminals 1 and 2 in 1999. K-brand promotion during the Korean wave (2010s) Early in the new millennium, LOTTE DUTY FREE started a programme to encourage Korean travel by fusing Korean Wave with shopping, travel, and culture. The organisation has been actively promoting entertainment tourism by conducting customer-invited “Family Concerts” with popular Korean musicians like Super Junior and BTS, as well as by establishing the “Star Avenue,” a place covered with the handprints, images, and videos of famous people. Since 2006, The Family Concert has brought in a total of one million spectators, attracting tourists from all over the world to K-Brands. In 2017, LOTTE globe unveiled the observatory “SEOUL SKY” in the LOTTE WORLD TOWER, which at the time stood at 555 metres and was the third-tallest structure in the whole globe. Developing a worldwide growth plan to establish your company as a global leader Based on the history of HOTEL LOTTE in Korea, the largest hotel chain in that country, LOTTE HOTELS & RESORTS, has expanded its operations internationally with the establishment of LOTTE HOTEL MOSCOW in 2010. The five-star ranking in the 2023 Forbes Travel Guide was given to LOTTE HOTELS & RESORTS for its several properties, including the 1882-built LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE, LOTTE HOTEL SEATTLE, LOTTE HOTEL ST. PETERSBURG, and others. It is a testament to LOTTE HOTELS & RESORTS’ strong brand that it has hosted major international gatherings including the UN General Assembly and the US-Korea Summit. Former US presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump have both picked it for their stays at the LOTTE New York Palace, while Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has chosen the LOTTE HOTEL SEOUL. Additionally, LOTTE DUTY FREE has launched five outlets in Oceania and the first facility for the Korean duty-free market at Indonesia’s Jakarta Airport. The opening of LOTTE DUTY FREE Melbourne Airport is planned for June, while the openings of L7 WESTLAKE HANOI and LOTTE WORLD AQUARIUM HANOI by LOTTE HOTELS & RESORTS are planned for August. CEO of LOTTE Group Hotel HQ Wan-Shin Lee stated, “HOTEL LOTTE has evolved into a global company operating hotels, duty-free shops and theme parks over the past 50 years,” adding, “Based on the heritage built up to now, we will keep offering contents to enhance customer experience in order to continue to grow as a 100-year company.” Source: breakingtravelnews

Members of Congress joined Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) and Warrior Expeditions in the U.S. Capitol to commemorate the departure of six military veterans who will be cycling across the country to process and recover from the psychological effects of their deployments.The riders will cover 3,700 miles before arriving at their destination in La Push, Washington, later this summer. The riders started their journey at the eastern end of the Great American Rail-route, RTC’s flagship project to link a cross-country, multiuse route. When the Great American Rail-route was first unveiled four years ago, Ryan Chao, president of RTC, remarked, “We knew that this grand vision to connect a trail across the country would capture the imagination of the nation.” In addition to optimism that comes from connecting with the people, places, and rich legacy that make up the American landscape, the veterans who have previously taken part in this ride have noted that the trek has offered peace and healing. We find inspiration in their journey, and we’re pleased that the infrastructure we’re developing can accommodate their adventure. A charitable organisation called Warrior journeys places an emphasis on the therapeutic benefits of lengthy outdoor journeys to aid veterans in making the transition from their experiences in combat. Veterans can apply to join one of the expedition teams for a variety of activities, such as long-distance walks, canoe trips, and the Warrior Bike, which is only conducted on the Great American Rail-Trail. Psychologists and Warrior Expeditions collaborate as part of the programme to study and document how long-term outdoor and wilderness experiences, such as the Warrior Bike Expedition, affect war veterans. Sean Gobin, the organization’s founder and executive director, said, “Warrior Expeditions is thrilled to support another group of veterans along the Great American Rail Trail for the third year in a row.” “These rides provide our veterans the chance to see a variety of America while also finding calm and healing in nature. We also like the efforts made by RTC to improve the route year after year. Among the veterans taking part in the 2023 Warrior Bike are Stephanie Buffett of Riner, Virginia (U.S. Air Force, Afghanistan deployment); Timothy Davis of Lake Zurich, Illinois (U.S. Air Force, Afghanistan deployment); Brittany Greene of Tacoma, Washington (U.S. Army, Afghanistan deployment); Aaron Ledbetter of Cottage Grove, Oregon (U.S. Army, Afghanistan deployment); and Charles Sonnenberg of New Braunfels, Texas (U.S. Air Force “I’m hoping that by going on this adventure, I’ll be able to learn more about who I am and how I fit into the world. Brittany Greene, a former U.S. Army CBRN Officer from Tacoma, Washington, stated, “I anticipate working through a continuous series of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual challenges that have the potential to become important personal growth opportunities.” Source: breakingtravelnews

With flights to Salta and Iguaz (both in Brazil) from the hub in Peru, the company will improve connectivity. LATAM Group provided updates on its operations for the upcoming weeks, noting the 143 destinations that will be served in May, representing an increase of 7% over May 2022. The following route announcements are other pertinent news from this month: LATAM Airlines Peru will begin offering three weekly flights between Lima and Iguaz on November 1. LATAM Airlines Peru will begin offering three weekly flights between Lima and Salta on December 2. Beginning on July 28, LATAM Airlines Brazil will operate two weekly flights between Fortaleza and Miami. LATAM Airlines Group will begin offering five weekly flights between Santiago (Chile) and Los Angeles on October 2. Operational data for the month of April 2023 When comparing April 2023 to the same month in 2022, passenger traffic (as measured in revenue passenger-kilometers, or RPK), climbed by 26.2%, while operations, as measured in ASK (available seat-kilometers), increased by 29.6%. Inferentially, the load factor dropped 2.1 percentage points to 79.1%. Source: traveldailynews