Travel News

The hunt for the greatest indoor dining location to beat the heat continues as warmer weather arrive and the summer vacation is in full swing. Here is a list of the best restaurants to find at Umm Al Emarat Park where you can enjoy your meal while surrounded by lush vegetation, whether you’re looking to sip on a refreshing iced latte in a charming café or savour a big meal for lunch. SALT Prepare for the coolest summer in years by turning down the heat and travelling to SALT. The brand-new SALT Fridge concept is now available at all of the branches throughout the UAE and is quickly evolving into the ultimate hangout place. The Mango Lotus and Rutab parfait treats, as well as their distinctive grind frappes in five unique flavours, are included on the Thulooj’s summer menu specialities. Feeling hungry? If you order one of their delectable burgers and a side of cheese-topped fries, you can’t go wrong. Family bakery Nothing compares to the scent of a freshly made cake. Come on over to a wonderful haven where delicious desserts and seasonal savoury dishes combine the comfort of one’s kitchen with the magic of baking. This restaurant perfectly embodies the sense of homemade goodness artistically displayed on a plate, from freshly prepared milk cakes to iced coffees and soft melt cookies. Parker’s Parker’s serves street food from all over the world with a modern twist and is a pleasant meeting place with a hint of nostalgia. You can have their famous Mac & Cheetos, Matilda cake, or simply quench your thirst with a cool summer beverage while indulging in the tastiest cuisine. Agriculture Bistro Visit Farmers Bistro with your friends to savour a variety of delicious cuisine, from Asian-inspired masterpieces to Mediterranean delights. Whatever your taste preferences, you can find something to suit everyone’s palate. You need look no further than Umm Al Emarat Park, Abu Dhabi’s favourite green space, to have a memorable summer. Source- Travel daily

Airports Council International (ACI) World has happily awarded the Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation to Hamad International Airport (DOH). The accreditation programme, which went into effect in August 2022, is aimed at enhancing accessibility, guaranteeing fair customer experiences, and fostering a more inclusive environment in the airport sector. The accomplishment represents Hamad International Airport’s dedication to providing accessible services throughout its facility. The airport’s extensive array of passenger services and facilities—which include the Muzn Lounge, a special sensory room, dedicated restrooms, shuttle services within its roomy terminal, access to airport updates through information desks with trained Customer Service representatives, and a designated Animal Relief Area for passengers travelling with service animals—are a contributing factor in the accreditation. We are honoured to acquire the prestigious ACI Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation, said Ioannis Metsovitis, Senior Vice President of Operations at Hamad International Airport. At Hamad International Airport, we firmly believe that all travellers have the fundamental right to access air travel. This award is evidence of our dedication to delivering a seamless and welcoming travel experience to all of our international passengers. “This accreditation is a testament to Hamad International Airport’s commitment to providing safe and hassle-free accessibility for all types of air travellers,” stated Stefano Baronci, Director General, ACI Asia-Pacific. We anticipate that this accreditation will motivate our sector to pursue accessibility excellence. We at ACI Asia-Pacific are happy to be leading the change through this effort because we firmly think that every traveller deserves access to a seamless airport experience. Setting objectives, creating plans, and maintaining accountability are all part of the accreditation programme for accessibility enhancement. The Hamad International Airport will continue to improve its services, policies, and governance framework during the three-year validity of the ACI Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation. The airport wants to improve the passenger experience for people of all abilities and promote an inclusive culture by prioritising accessibility and using global best practises. This outstanding accomplishment establishes a new standard for airports in the Middle East, motivating the sector to pursue accessibility and diversity. A major global aviation hub since its opening in 2014, Qatar’s international travel hub is dedicated to its continued efforts to enhance the environmental, social, and governance wellness of the air transport system. Source- Travel daily

AirAsia is planning to increase the number of flights between Malaysia and China following a notable uptick in demand for travel between the two nations. The airline anticipates that forward sales will continue to accelerate in the upcoming months. In July, the average load factor (number of passengers carried each aircraft) for flights operated by AirAsia Malaysia (AK) and AirAsia X Malaysia (D7) to/from China is roughly 80%. In the upcoming months, the load factors on a few of the busiest routes, including Kuala Lumpur-Shanghai, Kota Kinabalu-Guangzhou, Kuala Lumpur-Nanning, and Kota Kinabalu-Wuhan, reached up to 95%. Between March and early July of this year, both airlines sold more than 320,000 seats between China and Malaysia, a 30% increase over the same period pre-Covid in 2019. A clear indication that Malaysia is one of China’s top tourist destinations is the fact that over 75% of the seats sold are to Chinese nationals. AirAsia Malaysia (AK) will resume another service from Kota Kinabalu to Hangzhou beginning with three flights per week from September 2, 2023, based on the strong existing and anticipated demand. AirAsia X Malaysia (D7) will also increase service from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing (Daxing) from four to five flights per week starting on September 1 to seven flights per week starting on September 15 and from three to four flights per week beginning on September 30. “We are an airline that optimises our operations based on consumer demand,” stated Riad Asmat, CEO of AirAsia Malaysia. We are therefore happy to see this increase in demand for travel between China and Malaysia. Flights from Kota Kinabalu to Hangzhou have resumed, which is completely in line with our goal of linking underserved cities to the rest of the globe. Based on demand, we also intend to start operating seven flights per week on this route beginning in October. In addition to increasing the number of high-value visitors arriving in Malaysia, the improved connectivity will be a vital factor in meeting the country’s domestic travel demand. In the future, we intend to increase connectivity and frequency between Malaysia and China from other hubs. Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X Malaysia, stated: “As long as China travel demand is strong across our network for medium-haul travel, we will also add more frequencies to our schedule to meet the growing demand, especially for some of our most well-liked Chinese destinations like Beijing (Daxing), Shanghai, and Hangzhou. The increased frequencies of our flights on the busiest routes will not only strengthen existing ties between the two nations and advance trade, tourism, and investment, but they will also maximise our efficiencies and boost AAX’s fleet utilisation. This means that in addition to paying less and waiting less, our customers will also have more time to explore and get the most out of their visits. In addition to providing lower rates to all North Asian destinations, including Guilin, Guangzhou, Nanning, Shantou, Beijing, Shanghai, and more, AirAsia is also expanding its routes and the number of flights between Malaysia and China, with prices starting at RM319 all-in one-way. From RM339 all-in one-way, guests can also fly to other North Asian nations like Hong Kong, Macao, Taipei, Busan, Sapporo, and more. For travel between September 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, these tickets are currently available for purchase on the airasia Superapp and website starting now through August 6, 2023. Source- Travel daily

The Italian government and BLS International Services Ltd. have now collaborated on five consecutive contracts. The most recent contract will cover all legalisation and visa services for the Italian Embassy in Cameroon. Two Visa Application Centres (VACs) in the cities of Douala and Yaounde will be managed and run by BLS International as part of this five-year agreement. These facilities will act as convenient and effective hubs for anyone applying for Italian visas and legalisations. BLS International will use cutting-edge technology and a well-trained workforce to expedite the visa application process and the provision of document legalisation services with an anticipated annual application count of 16,000, ensuring an effective process for people and businesses seeking visas for Italy. BLS signed a contract earlier this year with the Italian missions in Senegal, Abu Dhabi, and Kazakhstan. Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint MD of BLS International, said on the collaboration: “Securing yet another major contract with the Government of Italy in Cameroon is a tribute to BLS International’s unyielding dedication to excellence and innovation. We are excited to start this new adventure, where our cutting-edge technology and committed personnel will revolutionise the visa application process and provide people and businesses with a smooth experience. I have no doubt that the applicants’ experience will be significantly improved and made simpler by our expertise in visa and consular services. We have invested a lot of money in creating innovative, top-notch solutions throughout the years in an effort to give our esteemed partners and clients the best possible service. Our continual pursuit of excellence is what keeps us moving forward. Source- Travel biz

The first Impact Report 2022–2023 from Australia’s top expedition travel company, Aurora Expeditions, has been published. It is the expedition operator’s first report of its kind and is titled “Protecting the world’s wild places.” Aurora, a company founded 32 years ago on the tenets of discovery and exploration, takes visitors on expeditions to some of the world’s most vulnerable and unexplored wilderness locations. This first Impact Report offers a thorough examination of the company’s efforts to date to embed sustainable practises across all areas of the business, as well as its future objectives, in recognition of its responsibility to protect these significant ecosystems. “We are incredibly proud to release our first Impact Report, which outlines our commitment to sustainability and our vision to be the global leader in sustainable expedition travel,” said Michael Heath, CEO. “This is about acknowledging where we are in our sustainability journey and being transparent and accountable for us as a business. We are all acutely aware of the urgency with which we must cooperate to help safeguard and regenerate our common home due to the planet’s rapidly worsening climate crisis. We believe that educating and inspiring others through expedition travel is essential to preserving the wild and breathtaking places we visit. In its Impact Report, Aurora examines its programme of initiatives under the ‘Planet’ and ‘People’ focus areas. assisting with seven of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN 100% climate neutral status Projects to conserve biodiversity, renewable energy, and emissions reducing the use of plastic, conserving water, and using waste management techniques a commitment to passenger education through onboard expert teams and citizen science projects, honouring female conservationists onboard, and promoting access to global youth climate change education Collaboration on innovative projects like the Antarctic Climate Expedition with people and organisations who share the company’s vision, like Dr. Sylvia Earle and Ocean Geographic 2023 February B Corp The company is currently in the Evaluation stage of certification, which should be finished by 2024, and certification is a logical progression as part of Aurora’s overall plans. Th overall objective of Aurora’s portfolio of sustainability initiatives, programmes, and actions is to lessen adverse effects on the environment and communities while helping to create a more sustainable world for future generations. This first Impact Report acknowledges that the company’s efforts to reduce emissions are ongoing. It also makes a commitment to join the movement of forward-thinking thought leaders and promote the creation of new technology that will increase the sustainability of the expedition cruise market. Source- Travel daily

The capital of the country will play host to the fourth iteration of this unique international celebration of diversity, inclusivity, unity, peace, and entertainment from September 29 to October 1. The World Culture Festival, a grand event to celebrate a rich tapestry of cultures from every corner of the world, is being brought to the National Mall this autumn by the eminent humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living, and Mayor Muriel Bowser. The three-day extravaganza will emphasise DC’s status as a multicultural capital. For five compelling reasons why you must attend the once-in-a-lifetime event, read on and make your reservation soon. 1) Admission to the event on the National Mall is free The World Culture Festival has only ever been held three times (the most recent was in New Delhi in 2016), making its appearance in DC all the more impressive. Every event taking place during the World Culture Festival is free and accessible to everyone on the historic National Mall, which also offers a wide range of free monuments, museums, and memorials to explore. Culinary Extravaganza, No. 2 There will be more than 50 food trucks at this varied international food festival. A plethora of international cuisines created by chefs in the Capital region will be available at the World Culture Festival, which is expected to draw thousands of visitors from all over the world. 03) International Music and Dance The World Culture Festival’s core elements include music, dance, and artistic expression. Thousands of artists from 35 countries (and counting) are on the bill.A 1,000+ member gospel choir, over 1,000 Chinese cultural performers, 500 Indian classical dancers, 200 hip-hop dancers, 200 Ukrainian dancers, a 500+ member global dance mash-up, Latino and Native American artists, and a tonne more are among the performance groups expected at the event. 04) Pop-up events are available all over DC. The festival, which starts on September 29, will be preceded by free cultural events in each of DC’s eight wards. District residents will be able to get a sneak peek at what will be happening during the National Mall celebration. The first pop-up will take place at Meridian Hill Park on Saturday, May 20, and will include live music, dancing, yoga, and meditation. More events’ specifics will be revealed in the upcoming months. 5) World leaders and decision-makers attend the festival. Members of national parliaments, former and present heads of state, and representatives from international governmental organisations will attend. A global Faith Advisory Council will be present at the World Culture Festival to share messages about shared ideals of coexistence, harmony, and peace. Source- Travel daily

Travellers are frequently mesmerised by waterfalls’ untamed power and unmatched beauty. Thankfully, some of the most beautiful falls on earth are reachable by car. International Drivers Association has produced the ideal guide that highlights some of these amazing waterfalls you can enjoy from behind the wheel around the world, from thunderous falls to gentle cascades. USA/Canada’s Niagara Falls Niagara Falls, one of the most well-known waterfalls in the world, is actually a grouping of three potent waterfalls that cross the border between the United States and Canada. The best way to see this natural wonder is on a road trip around the Great Lakes region. Iceland’s Gullfoss Gullfoss, which translates to “Golden Falls,” is one of Iceland’s most recognisable waterfalls and is situated along the well-known Golden Circle route. It is a must-stop on any road trip through Iceland because of its multi-tiered cascades that crash into a narrow canyon. Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina Iguazu Falls, one of the biggest and most beautiful waterfalls in the world, is located between Argentina and Brazil. This UNESCO World Heritage site should be visited while travelling through either nation. The rainforest where the falls are located is vibrant and full of wildlife, adding to the overall experience. Zambia/Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls Victoria Falls, also known as “The Smoke That Thunders,” is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The largest waterfall in Southern Africa in terms of its combined width and height, this breathtaking waterfall is a must-see on any road trip. land’s Seljalandsfoss Seljalandsfoss, a different Icelandic treasure, is conveniently located just off the Ring Road, making it a stop that is simple to make while travelling through Iceland. This waterfall stands out due to the path that runs behind the cascade and provides a distinctive viewpoint. USA’s Multnomah Falls Multnomah Falls is Oregon’s tallest waterfall and is easily reachable on a road trip in the Pacific Northwest. The Benson Bridge is a short detour off the Historic Columbia River Highway and provides a breathtaking view. Croatia’s Plitvice Waterfalls These waterfalls are a part of a stunning landscape of turquoise lakes connected by cascades and waterfalls that can be found in Plitvice Lakes National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site ought to unquestionably be included on any road trip through Croatia. USA’s Pictured Rocks Waterfalls Several stunning waterfalls can be found in Michigan’s Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and they are all reachable by car. Be sure to stop at Munising Falls and Sable Falls as you drive through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. India’s Athirappilly Falls Athirappilly Falls in Kerala, known as “The Niagara of India,” is the most well-known waterfall in the world. An Indian road trip should include this stunning site, best viewed during the monsoon season when the falls are at their fullest. Dettifoss, Iceland Considered Europe’s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss is another must-see on an Icelandic road trip. Located in the northeastern part of the island, it’s known for the colossal mist and roar created by its immense flow. Each of these waterfalls offers a unique, awe-inspiring experience. They remind us of the beauty and power of nature, and their accessibility makes them perfect destinations for unforgettable road trips. So why not pack your bags, load up your car, and set off on an adventure to one of these incredible waterfalls? You won’t regret it. Source- Travel daily

The three-year marketing plan, developed by the Japan National Tourism Organisation, covers the strategic years of FY2023 through FY2025. The goal of this plan is to increase inbound travel and achieve the government’s lofty goals, which include raising revenue by 5 trillion JPY, achieving a consumption unit price of 200,000 JPY per person, luring foreign tourists to rural areas, and hastening the recovery of foreign arrivals. As part of the comprehensive “Tourism Promotion Basic Plan,” these goals have been set. With travellers eager to discover new places to visit, the tourism industry is experiencing a resurgence as the world slowly recovers from the global pandemic. Japan, known for its mesmerising culture and stunning landscapes, is now open to tourists once more. The Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) recently unveiled a three-year marketing plan based on the three pillars of “Strategy by Market,” “Cross-Market Strategy on high-value-added travel, adventure travel (AT), and Osaka Kansai EXPO,” and “MICE Strategy” with the goal of reviving inbound tourism and showcasing the nation’s distinctive allure. The goal of the market-specific strategy is to identify consumers from each market who have a high per-unit cost of travel and a high intention to travel locally, and to organise promotional passions (themes) and tourism content to appeal to each target’s interests. Additionally, effective promotion strategies based on each target’s preferred contact media and methods for making travel reservations are prioritised in a list. In order to draw in high-value travel, this cross-market strategy will encourage the networking of domestic stakeholders, the gathering of service information, and the bolstering of sales. Additionally, AT collaborates with AT’s global organisation, Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), with the goal of assisting initiatives in various regions of Japan and enhancing the draw of tourists. JNTO will promote the promotion of luring tourists to local areas while promoting the momentum of holding the Expo in the run-up to the Osaka-Kansai Expo. In the MICE strategy, JNTO will work to draw foreign conferences and incentive trips in addition to the “Tourism Nation Promotion Basic Plan,” based on the “New Era Inbound Expansion Action Plan” created in May of this year. In order to guarantee the long-term viability and preservation of Japan’s natural and cultural resources, a new strategy that places a strong emphasis on sustainable tourism has been carefully developed. The government will carefully promote itself to the world using this strategy. Source-Travel biz

The Advantage Travel Partnership and AITO, The Specialist Travel Association, last week unveiled their joint MP Engagement Programme as part of their UK Outbound Travel Think Tank collaboration and as a response to National Travel Agents’ Day. All UK lawmakers received an invitation to stop by the travel companies’ stores and offices in the districts where their constituents are located. The UK Outbound Travel Think Tank initiative, which was started in October of last year and is supporting a wide range of political and policy engagement work, places a strong emphasis on this activity. The Rt Hon Dame Rosie Winterton, DBE, MP for Doncaster Central, visited Dawson & Sanderson after accepting one of the more than 330 invitations that were sent to MPs all over the UK. Given the significant assistance that member companies of Advantage and AITO have given to travellers impacted by the fires in Rhodes and Corfu, her visit and others are especially timely. “I know that many of my constituents really value being able to go to a high street travel agent to talk about their holiday options and get good advice on what to book,” Dame Rosie said in reference to her visit. The importance of travel agencies in drawing visitors to the city centre and the ripple effect that has on surrounding businesses can’t be overstated. Other visits made as a result of the joint invitation from The Advantage Travel Partnership and AITO have included those of Chi Onwurah, MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central and the Shadow Minister for Science, Research & Innovation, who visited Dawson & Sanderson in Newcastle, and Andrew Stevenson, MP for Pendle, who visited Althams Travel in Clitheroe. Thirty more MPs have requested additional visits, which will be granted in August and September. The Advantage Travel Partnership’s CEO, Julia Lo Bue-Said, stated: “We are thrilled with the response from MPs who want to visit our member businesses, and those members who have already had visits have expressed how helpful they found them. “We have noticed a noticeable increase in engagement with the Government and other important policymakers since launching our joint MP Engagement Programme initiative. These visits by the members’ local MPs are an essential component of our efforts to raise the overall visibility and awareness of the UK outbound travel sector throughout Westminster. “Many of the MPs we spoke to were unaware of their neighbourhood travel agencies and had never had the chance to meet them before. We will make sure to maximise the number of MP visits to our travel agencies over the upcoming months because we are extremely happy with the level of engagement we have so far achieved through the launch of this programme. “We are creating a strong caucus of supporters in Parliament by showing MPs how outbound travel companies are essential pillars of their local business communities. This should significantly bolster our argument for better ministerial representation for the industry while also serving as a reminder to those in positions of authority of the significant economic impact the travel industry has on UK PLC and the wider economy. Source- Travel daily

A partnership between the Italian Ministry of Culture and the Italian State Railways, Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane, has made it possible for tourists and visitors to reach Pompeii on Sundays in less than two hours by direct train from Rome. The new service was formally launched on Sunday, 16 July when dignitaries such as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, CEO of the FS Italiane Group Luigi Ferraris, and Minister of Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano boarded the train for its inaugural trip from Rome’s Termini Station. The project, which boosts the appeal of one of the most well-known archaeological sites in the world and promotes tourism, a significant industry in Italy, was praised by the premier. A Frecciarossa 1000 train, the flagship of the Trenitalia fleet, provides the no-change service between Rome and Pompeii, serving as a tool to promote tourism and culture while enhancing access to the nation’s historical resources. Every Sunday at 8:53, the train will depart from Roma Termini and arrive in Pompeii at 10:40. A video clip will be streamed on the in-flight monitors during the trip to provide passengers with an overview of the history of the ancient city of Pompeii. A Pompeii Link shuttle bus will be waiting to transport passengers to the archaeological site when the Frecciarossa arrives at its destination. Return passengers arrive at Roma Termini at 20:55 after leaving at 18:40. With the new service, there will be 50 Frecciarossa daily return trips between Rome and Pompeii. Passengers will board the high-speed train at the Napoli Centrale station and transfer to a Trenitalia regional train at the Piazza Garibaldi station. A fresh opportunity to learn more about a spot where time stopped in 79 CE. A priceless archaeological heritage site that annually attracts millions of tourists and fascinates them. Source- Travel daily