Travel News

Less than 70 days remain until the start of the winter season at Aspen Snowmass, with Opening Day set for Thursday, November 23, 2023. Aspen Snowmass is looking forward to the upcoming winter season with big things on the horizon thanks to the reveal of a significant new terrain expansion on Aspen Mountain and the return of World Cup ski racing to our slopes. What’s new and notable at Aspen Snowmass for the next winter season of 2023–2024 is described below. Expansion of the Aspen Mountain Terrain: Heroes This winter, Aspen Snowmass will introduce a brand-new high-speed quad chairlift and terrain expansion on Aspen Mountain, boosting the mountain’s skiable area by more than 20%. The Silver Queen Gondola opened in 1985, and this expansion will be Aspen Mountain’s first substantial addition since then, adding 1,220 vertical feet and more than 150 acres of new chutes, glades, and trails. The new terrain and lift will be known as Hero’s in recognition of all people who have influenced Aspen Mountain and contributed to the project’s success, most notably Jim Crown, whose foresight and leadership made this ambitious extension possible. With its north-facing, high elevation terrain (all above 10,000 ft.), the expansion not only diversifies Aspen Mountain’s terrain mix and expands the amount of skiing available on the mountain’s top slopes, but it also serves as a practical buffer against future ski seasons that may be adversely affected by the climate. When there is less natural snowfall, this location works well for storing snow. When the weather permits, the terrain and lift will open this winter. Stifel Aspen Winternational in 2024 Men’s technical events for the 2024 Stifel Aspen Winternational will be held in Aspen Snowmass from March 1–3, 2024, marking the conclusion of the Audi FIS Ski World Cup circuit in the United States. Slalom and giant slalom competitions between international racers will take place on Aspen Mountain, and Aspen Snowmass will serve as the venue for viewing, ceremonies, and festivities related to the competitions as part of the Winternational celebration. More than 100 World Cup competitions for both men and women have taken place at Aspen Snowmass over the years, including the World Cup Finals in 2017 and the Stifel America’s DownhillTM downhill and super-G competitions last year. Since 1981, the Winternational competition has served as a mainstay of the Aspen World Cup ski racing, and this season’s competition will see the return of the winter festival custom. Claudia Comte’s ArtUP Partnership Has Been Announced The iconic artwork of Claudia Comte will be shown on the winter lift tickets and passes for 2023–2024, Aspen Snowmass has announced.Aspen Snowmass’s Art in Unexpected Places (ArtUP) program, which invites renowned artists to Aspen to create a limited-edition lift ticket and an opportunity to engage with Aspen’s local and international populations, is now in its 19th season running. The lift tickets for this season will feature five of Comte’s most recent pieces. New Chef, Menu, and Ambience at Alpin Room Chef Emily Oyer, formerly Executive Sous Chef at Cloud Nine, is welcomed to assume the helm at Snowmass’ Alpin Room and rethink the restaurant’s cuisine and character. A featured chef on the Food Network, Chef Oyer won Chopped in 2021 and took part in Beat Bobby Flay in 2022. Chef Oyer wants to infuse the ski-in, ski-out fine dining establishment with new warmth, vitality, and community because he sees food as a vehicle for human connection. The Alpin Room, tucked away in the center of Snowmass, opened its doors in the winter of 2021 and offers a thoughtful, handcrafted interpretation of home cooking from Alsace at a high altitude. A focus on locally sourced ingredients and simple comfort food with an elevated touch will characterize Chef Emily Oyer’s innovative take on Alps-inspired cuisine. Source- Travel daily

The 2024 edition of the AVPN Global Conference with the subject “One Asia, One Future” will be held in host city Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from April 23 to 25. AVPN is the largest network of social investors operating in Asia. It will be run in collaboration with Abu Dhabi. The Conference, the AVPN’s annual signature event, brings together the top funders, investors, philanthropists, decision-makers, and limited partners from around the world to mobilize funds for regional impact. To ensure that AVPN remains inclusive of the rich and diverse social impact sector across all of Asia, a new conference venue is chosen every year. The gathering builds on the success of the 2023 edition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which attracted over 1,300 participants from more than 40 markets and witnessed the introduction of numerous frameworks, papers, and projects, including a USD 3 million fund devoted to the mental health of young people. More than 1,500 social investors from around the world will gather at the three-and-a-half-day 2024 Conference in Abu Dhabi, which will also feature impact live demos, workshops, masterclasses, and other events. Plenaries and sessions during the conference will feature a diverse array of industry speakers. Experts from organizations including BlackRock, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, Khazanah Nasional Berhad, KKR, Temasek Foundation, and Piramal Foundation have previously been on the speaker lineups. According to the CEO of AVPN, Naina Subberwal Batra, “Asia as a region will need another 42 years to meet the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development based on current progress. The need for increased funding to handle Asia’s problems with food, energy, social issues, and the environment is becoming more urgent. The most urgent concerns in our region require immediate attention from the social investor ecosystem, and the AVPN Global Conference is the premier venue for fostering this through the “Continuum of Capital.” Source- Travel daily

Israel Tourism is happy to inform that Sussita has recently been added to the Holy Land Mass and Prayer booking system, joining the national parks of Caesarea Philippi, Kursi, Korazim, The Good Samaritan, and Avdat. According to information from the Christian Information Centre, which manages pilgrimage operations in the Holy Land, Israel used to host roughly 500,000 visitors annually, divided into 15,000 groups, before the pandemic. These groups, the vast majority of which are Catholic, attend daily Mass services while they are in the nation. In order to accomplish this, they reserve locations from among the several churches spread across the country utilizing an online reservation system that is open to all inbound tourism organizations. The Franciscan Custody, which manages the pilgrimage and is in charge of overseeing Christian activities in Israel and its neighbors on behalf of the Vatican, and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority have collaborated over the past few years as a result of the rise in pilgrims. Through this collaboration, a number of national park locations were recognized as Mass ceremony locations that pilgrimage groups could reserve in advance. These locations include the national parks of Caesarea Philippi, Kursi, Korazim, The, and Avdat. The sixth location on the list, Sussita, which opened to the public six months ago, joined this week. The town of Sussita has two locations set aside for prayers and Masses. One of them has a view of the Sea of Galilee and the “Evangelical Triangle,” which is made up of the Christian pilgrimage sites of Capernaum, the Mount of Beatitudes, and Tabgha. The second provides a bird’s-eye perspective of Mount Tabor, which is significant in Christian tradition as the site of the Transfiguration event, and the Jordan Valley. The Susita region, which includes the Sea of Galilee, has a close connection to Jesus’ life. It is essential to include the recently opened Sussita site on your schedule as you go around the Sea of Galilee. Sussita’s significance in Christian history is specifically mentioned in the following passages: “A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). The swine miracle (Matthew 8:28–34) The eight churches that were found during city excavations. “This addition is significant news for tourism agencies and groups looking to rejuvenate their pilgrimage experience by holding prayers and Masses at heritage and natural sites,” says Dr. Hagay Dvir, the INPA’s tourism product manager. These locations provide pilgrims with a powerful spiritual experience while telling the story of Christianity in the Holy Land. We cordially invite you to discover Sussita National Park’s captivating beauty, rich historical past, and spiritual resonance. Sussita provides a memorable experience for every visitor to Israel with its unmatched beauty, rich history, and proximity to the famous Sea of Galilee. To ensure the site’s preservation for future generations, there will be an entry fee starting on September 1st, 2023. “Israel is a country with a rich cultural, historical, and religious heritage, and is home to a variety of attractions that offer something for everyone,” said Sammy Yahia, Director of Tourism for India and the Philippines. Israel is a place that will not disappoint, no matter if you are interested in history, culture, nature, or just seeking a memorable experience. Source- Travel daily

Vietjet Aviation Academy has been named the newest Regional Training Partner (RTP) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in Vietnam after the two parties inked a training agreement. Vietjet Aviation Academy will provide IATA Training programs created by industry professionals as an IATA RTP. These programs, which are internationally recognized, are regularly updated to keep up with new standards, regulations, and the rapidly shifting needs of the aviation sector. “We are thrilled to partner with Vietjet Aviation Academy to provide training in Vietnam,” said Philip Goh, regional vice president of IATA for Asia-Pacific. As the aviation sector recovers from COVID-19, having an adequate number of skilled staff is crucial. The growth of aviation talent in Vietnam and the area will be further supported by our partnership with Vietjet Aviation Academy. “Human Resources are always the focus of Vietjet’s all development plans, as well as the aviation industry in general,” said Vietjet Vice President and Chairman of Vietjet Aviation Academy Luong The Phuc at the ceremony. At Vietjet Aviation Academy, we strive to give our students the greatest learning environment possible. Here, anyone may take IATA courses, acquire IATA international certificates, and utilize the most cutting-edge training resources available in the aviation sector. With three cockpit simulators (SIM) for pilot training, mockups of aircraft and passenger cabins, engines, technical parts, functional training rooms, an olympic standard wave pool, a stadium, and an engineer training center, among other facilities, Vietjet Aviation Academy is the leading contemporary training and research institute in the area and around the world. These facilities meet international standards for training programs for pilots, cabin crews, rosters, engineers, and aviation staffs. The Vietjet Aviation Academy serves the demands of the regional and global aviation industries in addition to those of Vietjet Air in terms of training and human resource development. Nearly 395,000 aspiring pilots, flight attendants, engineers, and personnel have received training at Vietjet Aviation Academy to date. Vietjet Aviation Academy will be a gathering place for international students to practice, study, create, and fulfill their dreams of flying and conquering the sky thanks to its vision of being a pioneering academy in the aviation training, a strategic location in the region and the world, and alignment with IATA Training internationally recognized programs. The collaboration event between Vietjet Aviation Academy and IATA is a step in the direction of sustainable development, as is the study and use of aviation science and technology, as well as the creation of skilled and innovative human resources for the industry. Source- Travel daily

The CEO Lifetime Achievement Award, given by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) to industry leaders for their commitment to improve the passenger experience, was presented to Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways Group. On September 20, Akbar Al Baker attended the APEX/IFSA Awards Ceremony at the APEX/IFSA Global EXPO in Long Beach, California, where the airline also picked up three honors. One of the biggest international airline associations in the world is APEX. With the help of major airlines, the International Flight Services Association, and Future Travel Experience, this international non-profit improves the customer experience. In the organization’s five-decade history, the APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award has only been given six times, including the most recent award given to H.E. Mr. Al Baker. This esteemed honor is given only to visionaries and leaders in the industry who drive advancement in the aviation business while also elevating their brands. Three further APEX Awards were given to Qatar Airways, ensuring its place among the top airlines in the world. The 2024 APEX World Class Award, the APEX Award for Best Entertainment in the Middle East, and the APEX Award for Global Best Food & Beverage were given to Qatar Airways based solely on verified passenger votes. “I am honored to accept the CEO Lifetime Achievement Award from the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX),” stated Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways Group. Qatar Airways has developed over the years into one of the most recognizable and dependable names in the business, representing luxury and high-caliber customer care. Our award-winning airline continues to perform at the very top of our business thanks to the devotion of our employees around the world. I’m also pleased to note that Qatar Airways won three accolades from our customers: Best World Class Airline, Best Entertainment in the Middle East, and Best Food & Beverage Worldwide. We strive to continue to exceed all expectations for Qatar Airways in the years to come. I would like to thank our passengers as well as the APEX team for their acknowledgment. “By presenting His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker with the CEO Lifetime Achievement Award, APEX celebrates a true pioneer in aviation,” stated Dr. Joe Leader, the chief executive officer of APEX. The visionary leadership of H.E. Mr. Al Baker at Qatar Airways symbolizes innovation by fusing the splendor of Qatari history with an unwavering dedication to superior customer service. His legacy is a mosaic of passion, insight, and a never-ending pursuit of perfection, whether it be the ground-breaking Qsuite experience, an outstanding in-flight entertainment library, or the airline’s persistent focus on health through unheard-of times. “Under his expert management, Qatar Airways has not only flown, but also soared, setting standards that motivate our entire industry,” he concluded. We at APEX offer our sincere respect for a leader who has truly revolutionized the skies as he accepts this well-deserved honor. The Qatar Airways Group is a distinctive company that unites its several companies to provide the smoothest possible travel experiences, including airport ground services, onboard catering, private jet travel, and more. With the addition of four more important medals to its accreditation, Qatar Airways has maintained its commitment to offering all travelers the most smooth and opulent travel experience possible. Source- Travel daily

On the 670-guest boutique hotel-style Regatta, Oceania Cruises has announced seven additional exotic summer sailings to French Polynesia and Hawaii in 2025. Reservations will go on sale on 4 October 2023. The best way to travel to these breathtaking locations, which provide a nirvana of cultural exchanges, unforgettable adventures, and unspoiled natural surroundings, is on an Oceania Cruise. During the optimum months of August, September, and October, when the regions boast an abundance of sunshine, comfortable, mild temperatures, and lesser humidity, the new cruises will travel to French Polynesia and Hawaii. The stunning blue lagoon of Bora Bora, the black sand beaches of Tahiti, the vibrant coral reefs of Raiatea, the towering mountains in the lush jungles of Nuku Hiva, and more are all included in the itineraries. Four of the seven brand-new sailings connect French Polynesia with the Hawaiian archipelago’s intriguing craters, harrowing gorges, and beautiful waterfalls. With Oceania Cruises, you may go on immersive itineraries to truly experience the splendor of these islands, learning about the customs of the local Polynesian culture, savoring the local cuisine’s vibrant flavors, and seeing the towns’ natural treasures. Frank A. Del Rio, president of Oceania Cruises, said, “At Oceania Cruises, we offer a stunning selection of sailings in French Polynesia and Hawaii, mapping lesser-known coastlines and transporting tourists to boutique ports and off-the-beaten-path islands owing to our small, elegant ships. “Food is without a doubt one of these regions of the world’s attractions. The flavors of these islands are designed to be relished and enjoyed just as much as the breathtaking scenery, whether you’re visiting Bora Bora and Nuku Hiva or Nawiliwili and Hilo. The seven new excursions, which depart from Tahiti or Honolulu and last 10 to 18 days, provide travelers plenty of opportunity to explore, go on adventures, and unwind in these breathtaking locales. Although Tahiti may seem far away, there are direct flights to Papeete from New York, Los Angeles, Paris, London, and Sydney that take just 8 hours each way from Los Angeles and 5 hours each way from Auckland. Similar to Los Angeles, Honolulu is merely a 6-hour direct flight away and 8 12 hours from Auckland. Oceania Cruises will offer dozens more destination-rich itineraries throughout the South Pacific, as well as Australia and New Zealand, in 2024 and 2025, in addition to the seven new sailings on Regatta. 2025 WILL SEE NEW SUMMER SAILINGS The Polynesian Dreams itinerary includes stops in Honolulu, Nawiliwili, Lahaina, Kailua-Kona, Hilo, Nuku Hiva, Rangiroa, Raiatea, Bora Bora, and Papeete on its 15-day voyage on the Regatta. departs on August 1 and September 15, 2025, and provides the route backward. Tahitian Legends: A 10-day voyage on the Regatta between Papeete and Papeete, which included stops in Papeete, Moorea, Fakarava, Nuku Hiva, Rangiroa, Bora Bora, and Raiatea. leaves on August 16, August 26, and September 5 of 2025. The Divine Pacific Oases itinerary includes stops at Honolulu, Nawiliwili, Kahului, Kailua-Kona, Hilo, Nuku Hiva, Rangiroa, Raiatea, Bora Bora, and Papeete during its 15-day voyage on board Regatta. flies out on September 30, 2025. With stops in Papeete, Moorea, Rangiroa, Nuku Hiva, Hilo, Lahaina, Honolulu, Nawiliwili, and Los Angeles, Song of Polynesia takes 18 days to complete. leaves on October 15, 2025. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REGATTA SHIPBOARD Regatta offers travelers a boutique travel experience to explore the area, with itineraries created to give a particular flavor of the South Pacific. Regatta can accommodate just 670 persons. With only 340 opulent suites and cabins, over 70% of which have private verandas, guests will enjoy the pinnacle of small ship luxury. Discover one of the many books in the library at the top of the ship, unwind and revitalize in the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center, or meet up with old and new acquaintances in one of the eight lounges and bars on board. After dining in one of the four upscale, open-seating establishments, spend the evening at the casino or see a performance. EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH HAWAII & FRENCH POLYNESIA Food is one of the best ways to learn about an island’s culture, and both French Polynesia and Hawaii offer a variety of tantalizing specialties, exotic meals, and mouthwatering treats. Try poisson cru, the native raw fish dish from French Polynesia that is marinated in coconut milk and lime juice. This dish is frequently served with vegetables. On a variety of excursions, you’ll have lots of opportunities to try it, and you’ll frequently find it on regional menus. You must try the mahi mahi burger and a mai tai at Bloody Mary’s in Bora Bora. Jimmy Buffet, Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones, and movie star pair Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell have all dined at the thatched-roof establishment with sand flooring; it is a memorable experience. Don’t pass up the breadfruit, also known as uru in Tahitian, which is a peculiarly adaptable starch that will be served prepared in more ways than you can count and is distinctively French Polynesian. Roasting it over hot coals and then mashing it with coconut milk to make kaka is a traditional Nuku Hiva preparation. Traditional poke, a raw fish bowl beloved for its simplicity and freshness, must be tried while visiting Hawaii. Try ahi poke or tako poke (octopus) in its home country for an authentic taste of the traditional meal, despite the fact that numerous versions have gained popularity around the globe. Kalua pork is another popular Hawaiian dish that can be found all across the islands and is a must-have at luaus. A luscious, smokey meat is produced using the traditional technique of slow roasting the pork in an imu, or subterranean pit, and seasoning it with local sea salt. This dish is often served with rice and fried cabbage or coleslaw. DETAILS OF THE PLACE French Polynesia’s Bora Bora, one of the most picturesque islands, is dominated by two peaks, Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia, both of which rise to a height of more than 2,000 feet. They provide a striking backdrop for

The Travel Sector supports the Australian Human Rights Commission in its recommendations for an extension of the inquiry’s scope to include lockdowns and border closures because it has been the most severely impacted sector of Australia’s economy as a result of COVID lockdowns and the foreign travel restriction. In addition, ATIA will request in its submission that the assessment take into account the serious problems with Austrade’s administration of the $270 million in Consumer Travel Support Grant monies. After Australia’s international border was closed on March 20, 2020, travel agencies and enterprises there saw drastic income drops of at least 95%. Due to the foreign travel shutdown, travel companies spent COVID dollars without any revenue pursuing $10 billion in credits and refunds on behalf of their clients. 15,000 jobs, or one-third of our employees, were destroyed while the difficulty of pursuing reimbursements was greatly increased. The ongoing opening and closing of state borders increased the load even more. Travel is still becoming better. International airfares continue to be much higher, according to the ATIA’s statement to the Senate Committee Inquiry into Bilateral Air Service Agreements. Due to a lack of capacity and competition, flights from Sydney, for instance, are still up to 99% more expensive than they were before COVID. Dean Long, CEO of the ATIA, stated: “The terms of the inquiry are a good starting point, but we ask that the Government expand the terms of reference to consider the biggest source of impact on our sector – border closures and lockdowns.” “Australia deserves a unified national approach, and the study needs to examine the policies that had the biggest influence on people’s lives—the restriction on movement—in order to determine what worked and what didn’t. Any evaluation needs to put that at the forefront. “Ask any travel agent or company that is still in business today, and they will tell you about the numerous, intricate issues that Austrade had in managing the Consumer Travel Support Grant monies from conception to implementation. For a large number of our members, the procedure was frustrating and the strategy was inappropriate. Austrade conducted a review but hasn’t yet made it public. There is no question that there are lessons to be learned from the procedures and strategy used by the department and the government at the time, and that needs to be taken into account by this study. Source- Travel daily

Leaders in the airline and hospitality industries use digital and technological solutions to improve the traveler experience despite persisting labor challenges. The tourism sector continues to struggle with a scarcity of frontline employees even if air travel passenger volumes and hotel occupancy rates are recovering from pandemic lows. At the same time, the travel and working environments are expected to undergo a fundamental change due to a shift toward increasing automation and technology integration. “Toward Travel’s Frictionless Frontline: Integrating Technology and Workforce,” a new research from Deloitte, looks at how leaders in the airline and hotel industries are assessing investments in both technology and people to help have both an immediate and long-term impact. To address labor issues, airline and hospitality businesses turn to technology. Nearly two-thirds (62%) of aircraft respondents say their workforce is half or less of its pre-pandemic size, while more than half (53%) of hotel respondents say they are at or below 25-74% of their pre-pandemic employment. To overcome the issues of labor, leaders are turning to technology. Many anticipate that continuous developments in next-generation technologies, such as cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI), will not only help address current labor difficulties but also boost performance within the next five years and foster competitive difference. Although many do not anticipate a return to pre-pandemic levels any time soon, hotels and airports are confident that personnel numbers will continue to rise. Less than one in ten predict staffing levels to match those of 2019 by the end of 2023, and just 38% of hotel managers and 3% of airport executives anticipate reaching such levels at any point in 2024. Many people believe that technology will make work challenges easier. To close the labor gap, almost all airports (99%) are implementing new technology, improving their current technology (96%) or automating routine jobs (93%). The adoption of new technology (50%) and the automation of routine processes (43%) as well as the upgrading of current technology (39%) are techniques that hotels are also using, albeit at a lower rate. Compared to 57% of hotels, seven out of ten surveyed airports invested in at least three new technology kinds, which is a difference that is probably caused by the way the two industries are organized. Some business executives believe that the solutions available now are inadequate to meet pressing needs: Leading tech adopters in particular for the hotel sector were almost twice as likely (54%) than others (29%) to feel that current “technology is not advanced enough.” The window of opportunity for frontline employees is still open. As technology develops, it is crucial—and difficult—to guarantee that personnel have the abilities to function efficiently. While 51% of hotel executives report having trouble matching job requirements with worker skills, 71% of aviation executives report having trouble revamping their jobs to take use of new technology. Executives in the travel sector observe that these issues do, however, improve with time and the application of technology, along with other advantages like cost savings. Leaders in the airport industry (57%) and the hotel industry (43%) expect automation to lower labor expenses. Four in ten hotel general managers (GMs) and over half of airport managers (48%) list reskilling to handle the impact of technology as one of their top three workforce challenges, respectively. Technology is enhancing hiring and training procedures, according to leaders. Almost two-thirds (62%) of hotels and nearly all airports (94%) claim to be expanding their usage of virtual reality for training. Overall, the majority of poll participants expect automation will positively impact employment possibilities for workers (95% of airports and 64% of hotels) and workplace conditions (88% of airports and 58% of hotels). The promise of automation for the visitor experience Staffing issues had an impact on both the passenger experience and the experience of those working in the travel business. Leaders expect that closing the labor gap will also improve client experiences by giving gate agents and hotel restaurant managers the chance to adjust their workdays. Travelers’ experiences were impacted by labor issues: in reaction to staffing shortages, 84% of airport respondents and 70% of hotel respondents cut or removed facilities and services. The majority of airports (90%) offer self-service options to visitors, whereas only 36% of hotels do the same. The predicted impact of automation on visitors and passengers inspires leaders. 60% of hotel leaders and 72% of airport leaders expect automation to enhance the guest experience. In particular, the ability of AI to enhance traveler experiences at airports makes it stand out. They anticipate that it will increase customer experience (98%), strengthen tailored suggestions and services (100%), and enhance visitor processing during the next five years. In contrast, hotels believe that over the next five years, cloud computing will be most valuable for processing guests (29%), handling reservations (26%), and providing personalized recommendations and services (23%). “For the past few years, travel leaders have struggled with workforce shortages and other pressing issues. Automation’s and other emerging technologies’ quick rise offers a chance to address this disruption while preserving the importance of the travel experience. Companies that make investments in both the technology and the people who use it, ensuring that staff members have the necessary tools and training, should be in a good position to manage the changing industry dynamics and to take advantage of unheard-of growth opportunities. said Danielle Hawkins, principal of Deloitte Consulting LLP and head of human resources for the travel, hotel, and services industries. Based on a poll of 240 travel executives in the United States (120 airport managers and 120 hotel general managers), “Toward A Frictionless Frontline” was conducted from July 12 to August 7, 2023. Executive interviews with top hotel chains and airlines provided additional direction for the study. Source- Travel daily

At the next Society for Ecological Restoration’s 10th World Conference (SER2023) in Darwin, Australia, the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) will present a selection of its broad environmental regeneration initiatives. RCU’s involvement in the event as a Premium Sponsor will emphasize its growing leadership position in the sustainable protection of natural and cultural landscapes and the restoration of dry, degraded ecosystems, amplifying its transformative initiatives in AlUla. The significance of this year’s event highlights the legacy of SER’s World Conferences; acting as a hub for professionals and academics, SER events offer crucial channels for information sharing on the most recent developments in restoration science, practice, and policy. RCU’s commitment to AlUla’s total regeneration will be a main highlight of the event, held from September 26 to September 30 in 2023 and marking its first in-person meeting since 2019. At a critical juncture for biodiversity around the world, RCU is leading responsible and sustainable development as the guardian of AlUla, a territory with a distinctive ecological footprint. It has created spectacular nursery operations that prioritize native flora, such as peregrina and acacia, and more than 11,000 sq. km. of protected areas, covering more than 50% of the territory in AlUla County. RCU hopes to complete at least 65,000 hectares of ecological restoration by 2035. RCU’s ecological restoration plan has made use of a 100-hectare restoration pilot site within the 1,200 sq km Sharaan Nature Reserve in AlUla. In spite of the hard conditions, RCU has introduced more than 100,000 native seedlings into the wild with an amazing 90% survival rate by using a strategy that leverages natural regeneration. RCU is continuing its effort to increase the amount of green space on campus and is a thought leader in the discussion of eco-restoration best practices. By 2024, it expects to plant 400,000 more seedlings. “Restoration efforts in the desert landscapes of AlUla are shining examples of how determined action can yield concrete change,” stated Dr. Stephen Browne, Vice President of Wildlife and Natural Heritage at RCU. The world is given a message of hope, resiliency, and cooperation by RCU’s accomplishments, such as the restoration of native flora and the reintroduction of native animal species to their natural habitat. Our sponsorship of and participation in SER2023 is not just about celebrating our accomplishments; it is also about creating global standards that other countries can imitate. RCU’s work emphasizes a larger narrative that ties nature and culture beyond its obvious ecological impact. In ‘conservation islands’ in the Hegra UNESCO World Heritage Site, native plant species are thriving, according to a recent RCU study, painting a striking picture of nature’s resiliency. RCU sees AlUla as a model for preserving and regenerating desert environments. A key component of RCU’s ecological restoration initiatives is strong community support, and 154 Rangers from the AlUla community have been trained and sent out to work throughout the network of AlUla nature reserves. RCU is contributing to the development of international best practices for protected area management by delegating the care of the land to individuals who value it and by fusing traditional knowledge with contemporary methods. Strategic alliances have helped RCU to better integrate its local activities with its larger goals. Its affiliation with organizations like the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) highlights its dedication to working together. This highlights RCU’s increasing influence in the eco-restoration sector and sends a strong statement to the rest of the world that environmental preservation is a shared responsibility. RCU will be able to articulate its overarching aim through SER2023, which is to promote AlUla as a leading example of eco-restoration. With accomplishments ranging from establishing sizable protected areas to meticulously conserving desert ecosystems, RCU stands out as a pioneer who is setting the bar for sustainable environmental management globally, not simply as a participant. Source- Travel daily

The 2023/24 Autumn Winter Travel Forecast from HomeToGo, the website with the greatest selection of vacation rentals worldwide, reveals the trends influencing travel preferences in North America and Europe. A considerable increase from 55% in 2022/2023 to nearly 72% of tourists questioned are planning travels for this fall and winter. Another boost is also expected for international travel: HomeToGo also reports a +10pp YoY* growth in the share of searches for international destinations. Nearly half (49%) of surveyed travelers planning getaways for this fall and winter are seeking for international accommodations. HomeToGo reports that the average number of visitors looking for vacations in the fall and winter has increased by 20% YoY (3 guests on average), indicating that travelers are not alone in their quest for the sun and wintertime pleasure. Additionally, almost a quarter (23%) of those asked stated they would be traveling with a group or their families. HomeToGo co-founder and CEO Dr. Patrick Andrae said, “We are very excited to release our latest travel forecast, which shows that the upcoming autumn – typically the off-season – has increasingly turned into a busy shoulder season, as travelers take advantage of fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and more affordable prices. Compared to previous year, there has been a huge increase in search interest for international travel, especially around seasonal must-attend events like our personal favorite, Oktoberfest, and the upcoming winter holiday markets in Europe. The way that passengers continue to use AI to organize their travels is what makes the upcoming season particularly exciting. With our newest addition to our App, AI Mode, we are uniquely positioned as an AI-powered marketplace to assist guests in intuitively discovering their ideal rental for the upcoming season. We look forward to continue to be at the forefront of this fascinating trend in travel!” These additional major trends and developments are based on data received from vacationers using HomeToGo to plan autumn-winter getaways as well as an outside study of Americans and visitors from other countries. In an effort to cut costs for their fall and winter getaways, Compared to past years, 70% of tourists stated they are more eager to cut costs. Travelers trying to cut costs are making more advanced reservations, leaving town outside of the busiest months, and preparing meals in their vacation homes. More passengers are using AI to aid with their vacation planning, according to Autumn Intelligence – According to a survey of visitors from the United States and Europe, 63% are thinking about adopting AI tools, like HomeToGo’s AI Mode, to help them plan their fall and winter holidays. Summer 2024 is in the eyes of vacationers 40% of passengers have already begun making travel arrangements for the summer of 2024. specific fall and winter travel trends for Americans  Americans are extremely eager to visit abroad: Travelers intend to go on at least one overnight vacation this fall and winter, according to 88% of respondents. Holidays in the hills: This autumn and winter, Americans are more eager to travel to mountainous regions (48%) than to picturesque small towns (38%), lively metropolis (33%), or both for weekend vacations. American travelers stated they would most like to attend seasonal markets (51%), enjoy Oktoberfest (32%), and view the northern lights (31%), followed by spending their holidays on a beach (25%), when questioned about their ideal travel experiences this fall and winter. Source- Travel daily