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Launching a digital guide with n-gage.io is Knowsley Safari.

Launching a digital guide with n-gage.io is Knowsley Safari

Mobile app technology is being used by well-known, widely recognised tourist destinations like Knowsley Safari to improve the visitor experience. The Merseyside-based attraction wanted to improve visitor engagement while updating their digital Safari Drive experience. It is spread across 500 acres and receives more than 600,000 visitors annually. After a brief initial consultation, the North-East English company n-gage.io was hired to develop and implement a digital strategy that would improve the Knowsley Safari Drive experience while also assisting the safari park in gaining insightful information about visitor behaviour. To create and implement the attraction management software and visitor mobile app across the site, N-gage.io has been collaborating with Ian Duke, marketing manager at Knowsley Safari, and Rachel Scott, head of marketing at Knowsley Estate. Through its robust, data-driven SaaS platform and visitor app, n-gage.io, led by entrepreneur Bryan Hoare and incubated by GCV Labs, seeks to transform the visitor experience at attractions. To improve the safari park’s strategy for digital visitor engagement, n-gage.io helped launch the highly customizable visitor mobile app within a few months. The attraction is now taking advantage of new ways to engage its audience both on and off site as well as better understanding how people spend their time during a visit thanks to 1500 app downloads in the first week of launch. According to Ian Duke, “We had been looking for a solution to update our current Safari Drive mobile app technology for our visitors but found it increasingly challenging to identify industry software that gave us the customizability and control that we wanted. Like many other attractions, we had great success with our previous app, but we soon realised that it was quickly becoming obsolete due to recent technological advancements and changing visitor expectations.We chose the n-gage.io solution because of its highly customizable base app, which could reflect our website brand, and the operator platform’s feature-rich backend, which runs it and provides us with a tonne more information about audience activity on the website. Although the app itself has a tonne of interesting features, what really drew us to the software was what we could do with the platform to deliver a more interactive and educational experience. With the help of the new software, the attraction is now able to improve not only the previous safari drive experience but also develop other captivating trail experiences with triggered in-app content and park-wide notifications. “We’re able to be far more creative in our approach to on-site audience engagement because we can now manage our visitors’ interactive digital experiences on a daily basis,” Ian continued. Additionally, from an operational standpoint, we’re able to assist our visitors in better planning and managing their day, from integrating with digital ticketing to interactive mapping and wayfinding.When we update our visitor technology, it’s crucial for us to make sure that it doesn’t take away from the physical enjoyment of being with us and instead improves the overall safari experience. The park’s push for sustainability and our digital approach have made it less necessary to have as much signage and to rely as heavily on printed materials like paper maps and other printed information. “The app is our visitor’s personal safari guide and helps them learn about our animals and conservation work in more detail, bringing them closer to nature and also hopefully learning something new every time they visit.” “We’ve been delighted to work with the team at Knowsley Safari and see how our technology can make a difference, not just operationally, but the positive impact it can make across their entire safari experience,” said Bryan Hoare, founder and CEO of n-gage.io. Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park, Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park (AWCP), in Gibraltar, and Northumberland Zoo, in North East England, are already using software and mobile apps created by n-gage.io, with more zoos and wildlife parks launching soon. Source-Travel daily

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Launch of the Europe 2024 river cruising programme by APT and Travelmarvel

Launch of the Europe 2024 river cruising programme by APT and Travelmarvel

The 2024 European river cruising programme from APT & Travelmarvel has gone live online and in the form of a printed brochure. It features 17 genuine, expert-led itineraries that highlight the best of the continent. One of these is a brand-new, “limited edition,” Travelmarvel springtime cruise through the Netherlands and Belgium. When reservations are made before November 30, 2023, agents will be able to close sales on some cruises by offering savings of up to £1,500 per person*. Popular itineraries are included, such as the five-star Travelmarvel Contemporary Ship cruises on the Rhine, Main, and Danube and Croatian yachting. 2024 packages consist of : – Travelmarvel’s brand-new 15-day Springtime in Netherlands and Belgium cruise, a one-time departure on April 12, 2024, and a member of the tour operator’s “limited edition” series of deluxe departures. The comprehensive itinerary starts and ends in Amsterdam and includes stops at the Delta Works, one of the most intricate modern engineering feats ever completed, and the Keukenhof Gardens, where you can take in the breathtaking display of blooming bulb flowers. The cruise starts at £3,295 per person (was £4,095, saving £1,000*), and includes flights, 14 nights of lodging aboard a Travelmarvel Contemporary River Ship, sightseeing, 41 meals with drinks, transfers, and the services of a Cruise Director. – The popular 8-day Adriatic Coastal Cruise offered by Travelmarvel, which travels by the 19-cabin Princess Eleganza motor yacht from Split to Dubrovnik. The cost of the cruise, which starts at £2,795 per person (was £3,295; you save £500*), includes round-trip airfare, seven nights of lodging on board, 17 meals with drinks, sightseeing, the services of a cruise director, and transfers. The departure window is April through September 2024. A guided tour of Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic, will also be provided for guests. These highlights include anchoring for a swim off the idyllic island of Krk, taking in the natural beauty of Krka National Park, spending time exploring Rab, ibenik, Split, and Korula, and exploring the remote and largely uninhabited island of Vis. “Our 2024 portfolio of luxury APT and flexible four-star Travelmarvel cruises in Europe are now on sale, and early bookings from the trade have been strong,” said Brad Bennetts, Head of Sales & Business Development at APT & Travelmarvel. We have added a new, one-time Springtime sailing through the Netherlands and Belgium in addition to our perennially five-star Trustpilot-rated bestsellers, such as Delightful Danube, Reflections of the Rhine, and our ever-popular Croatia Yachting series. Source- Travel daily

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The best places in Nova Scotia to wake up next to the ocean

The best places in Nova Scotia to wake up next to the ocean

Nova Scotia is a true ocean playground with 13,300 km of breathtaking coastline. Spend your days engaging in ocean activities like hiking along the coast, surfing, kayaking, or simply lounging at the beach. However, don’t let the sun setting be the end of your ocean fun. To fall asleep to the sounds of the ocean and wake up to a new day of exploration, reserve a room, cottage, or the ideal campsite near the coast. Here are just a few, which range from luxurious resorts to basic yet breathtaking camping grounds with million-dollar views: Meat Cove Campground: The Meat Cove Campground on Cape Breton Island is a great place to camp if you want to experience the true freshness of the ocean air. Awaken in your sleeping bag and keep an eye out for whale pods, soaring eagles, and breathtaking sunsets. The rustic cabins can be reserved in advance, or camp sites are first come, first served. The stunning architecture and tasteful beach motif design of the Quarterdeck Beachside Villas and Grill, which is located on a lovely but quiet stretch of white sand beach, will immediately put you in the mood for relaxation at any time of year. One of the best places on the South Shore to find locally caught, fresh seafood is The Grill. White Point Beach Resort: This all-year-round resort was named by National Geographic Traveller as one of the top 10 coastal destinations in the world. You can stay in cosy oceanfront cottages and comfortable hotel rooms. Along the 1-kilometer stretch of white sand beach, beachcombing transforms into stargazing as the day gives way to night. Visit their distinctive Oceanfront Treehouses and Glomes, which are opulent camping domes! These will make for a truly unique getaway because they are private, opulent, and close to the Atlantic Ocean. Argyler Lodge, which has a view of Lobster Bay The authentic lobster boils at Argyler Lodge, a restaurant and country inn with a view of Lobster Bay, are legendary. Sip a refreshing beverage on their sizable deck as you watch the sun set over the ocean and the numerous islands that make up Lobster Bay. Allow the sea breeze to tousle your hair. When you stay at Driftwood by the Bay, you can take in breathtaking sunsets and incredible stargazing over St. Mary’s Bay. Gaze up at the stars from the hot tub on your private deck and from your bed as you stare up through the stargazer skylight as you fall asleep to the sound of gentle waves lapping the nearby shore. LaHave Islands Glamping Adventure: Foodies will love this guided glamping adventure with everything provided when they venture out with Cape Lahave Adventures! Island hop by kayak to colourful fishing communities and along pristine coastline. Indulge in fresh seafood and local flavours prepared for you on the beach by a wilderness chef, try yoga on stand-up paddleboards, and glamp under the stars. Keltic Lodge Resort and Spa: Situated on the rugged Cape Breton coast and within the borders of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, this grand resort offers two restaurants, a spa, and heated pool onsite and is conveniently located near many sought after Cape Breton activities like Highlands Links Golf Course, hiking trails, whale watching and Ingonish Beach and Freshwater Lake. The Marmalade Motel: Located on the Eastern Shore and offering up views of the 100 Wild Islands, guests of this colourful yet cozy seaside motel will enjoy watching the sunset from their private balcony overlooking the water. Grab a snack or picnic box to go before exploring nearby trails, beaches and villages. White Point Beach Resort Driftwood by the Bay: Enjoy magnificent sunsets and epic stargazing over St. Mary’s Bay when you stay at Driftwood by the Bay. Gaze up at the stars from the hot tub on your private deck and from your bed as you stare up through the stargazer skylight as you fall asleep to the sound of gentle waves lapping the nearby shore. LaHave Islands Glamping Adventure: Foodies will love this guided glamping adventure with everything provided when they venture out with Cape Lahave Adventures! Island hop by kayak to colourful fishing communities and along pristine coastline. Indulge in fresh seafood and local flavours prepared for you on the beach by a wilderness chef, try yoga on stand-up paddleboards, and glamp under the stars. Keltic Lodge Resort and Spa: Situated on the rugged Cape Breton coast and within the borders of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, this grand resort offers two restaurants, a spa, and heated pool onsite and is conveniently located near many sought after Cape Breton activities like Highlands Links Golf Course, hiking trails, whale watching and Ingonish Beach and Freshwater Lake. The Marmalade Motel: Located on the Eastern Shore and offering up views of the 100 Wild Islands, guests of this colourful yet cozy seaside motel will enjoy watching the sunset from their private balcony overlooking the water. Grab a snack or picnic box to go before exploring nearby trails, beaches and villages. Source- Travel daily

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Finnair promotes its new image at locations.

Finnair promotes its new image at locations.

In preparation for its centenary celebration later this year, Finnair is expanding the reach of its new enhanced long-haul experience to more places than ever. The €200 million investment is a part of a significant investment to improve the passenger experience and includes a brand-new Business Class, an exciting new Premium Economy cabin, and refreshed Economy Class. Customers flying from Helsinki to Tokyo-Narita will begin to enjoy the Nordic carrier’s award-winning cabin on August 1. Customers flying from Helsinki to Tokyo-Haneda will already enjoy the chic new interiors. Beginning on September 1, passengers on Finnair’s well-traveled route to Seoul will also benefit from the new service, and beginning on September 13, travellers who want to explore Osaka can unwind while en route in the airline’s new cabin. Beginning on August 1st, Finnair plans to begin offering its new cabins to passengers travelling on its well-liked red carpet route between Helsinki and Los Angeles. Customers flying to Chicago, Dallas, Miami, New York JFK, and Seattle have already experienced Finnair’s new elevated long-haul cabins, making Los Angeles the last American city on its network to do so. As Finnair approaches its centenary, Anssi Partanen, market director for the UK and Ireland, said: “It is wonderful to be able to bring our new cutting-edge long-haul cabin to more destinations, and customers, across the world. “This is a huge step towards our goal,” the company said. “We have been working nonstop on refitting our aircraft to ensure that even more customers can enjoy our renewed elevated experience.” Finnair plans to launch its new, roomy long-haul design this summer on 14 international routes to Asia, the US, and the Middle East. Finnair served as the first customer for the innovative Business Class seat design, which was created in close collaboration with Collins Aerospace to maximise customer space and mobility. Customers can create their own personal space in the distinctive fixed shell lounge during a comfortable long-haul flight thanks to the space’s numerous sitting and sleeping options. The warm, dark, and cosy colour scheme used in Finnair’s Business Class and Premium Economy closely resembles that of the airline’s newly renovated non-Schengen lounges, which were unveiled at Helsinki Airport just before the pandemic. The airline’s long-haul passengers now have a stylish and comfortable new cabin option thanks to the introduction of a brand-new Premium Economy cabin. The long-haul Economy Class on Finnair’s A330 and three A350 aircraft has also undergone an upgrade with new seats, larger Inflight Entertainment (IFE) screens, and a more user-friendly interface. The Nordic airline is currently reviewing its winter schedule and will soon reveal the locations where its enhanced long-haul service will be available. Source- Travel daily

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The promise of biometrics is that it will reduce airport wait times.

The promise of biometrics is that it will reduce airport wait times.

The urgent need to shorten wait times for services like security and immigration checks at airports or even when picking up rental cars comes into focus as summer travel picks up. Undoubtedly, one of the most annoying experiences for travellers is standing in long lines for any procedure. The adoption of contactless systems at airports, including biometric processing at crucial touchpoints like immigration, security screening, and check-in, has been accelerated in part by the COVID-19 pandemic. While ensuring a safer and more convenient travel experience, the switch to touchless technology aims to minimise queuing and reduce overall airport wait times. According to IATA’s 2022 Global Passenger Survey (GPS), biometrics has made a name for itself in the travel industry as a game-changing innovation that offers a promising solution to the enduring issue of lengthy lines at airports. This technology has the potential to completely change the way we travel, with an impressive 88% of passengers who have used the service expressing satisfaction with the overall biometric procedure. The survey also reveals that 75% of travellers are open to using biometrically-enabled technology in place of traditional passports or boarding passes. The desire to save time and avoid the inconvenience of lines is the primary driver of this growing preference for biometric identification. In fact, 44% of travellers want to speed up the check-in process, and 33% would prefer to finish immigration formalities before arriving at the airport. It is conceivable that when a straightforward ID is presented at a terminal, the system will instantly verify all the information. Security personnel are then given the necessary information, and travel can continue. This greatly expedites the procedure and can be used in other situations, like picking up a rental car or a key for a vacation home. The leading supplier of digital identity, Signicat, is at the forefront of this technological revolution. Due to their years of experience, procedures like identity verification and authentication can be optimised. This results in quicker, more efficient, and safer services for both travellers and airports. Video identification is an important biometric technology development. In the past, airport security personnel or immigration officers manually verified passports by inspecting the validity of the document. This procedure is enhanced by biometrics, making it safer and more effective. The technology precisely verifies the authenticity of a passport, detects manipulations or forgeries, and significantly reduces processing time without compromising security. Despite all the advantages, passengers have valid worries about the use of biometric information. According to the survey, the biggest concerns are data loss due to security breaches, who has access to the data, and general apprehensions regarding the handling and storage of personal information. Passengers’ demands for constant improvement in data security protocols are a direct response. Consumers generally worry about data and information security, which is not specific to the travel industry. Signicat’s annual “Battle to Onboard” report discovered that 92% of respondents are worried about the amount of data they share with their bank when completing an application. It is crucial to continue educating users about how these new technologies work and why they are important, both through local legislation in each country and at a global level. In Europe, for example, the protection of personal information and data privacy will always remain a high priority, regardless of the industry. Source- Travel daily

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As Khareef tourism booms, Oman Air operates up to 26 flights daily between Muscat and Salalah.

As Khareef tourism booms, Oman Air operates up to 26 flights daily between Muscat and Salalah.

Oman Air increased the number of flights between Muscat and Salalah during the most recent long weekend, reaching as many as 26 per day with the khareef season in full swing. In June, the airline made an announcement about the additions to its schedule, anticipating a spike in demand for travel during the three-month season. Dhofar maintains its position as a top travel destination for domestic and international travellers thanks to its abundance of natural and cultural attractions and steadily increasing visitor numbers. In addition to the Boeing 737, Oman Air is currently the only airline operating wide-body aircraft between Muscat and Salalah. These aircraft include the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A330. On some flights, customers can also choose to book First Class, where they will receive individualised service and Dine on Demand meals. The airline’s international offices have been busy promoting the highlights of the Khareef with a variety of awareness campaigns and exclusive fare deals as part of its commitment to growing Oman’s tourism industry. Oman Air offers convenient and seamless connections from a variety of international destinations with flight schedules that range from early in the morning to late at night. Operations in Khareef will continue until 15 September 2023. Source- Travel daily

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Emirates welcomes Air Canada to Dubai International Terminal 3

Emirates welcomes Air Canada to Dubai International Terminal 3

The move of Air Canada’s operations to Dubai International’s (DXB) flagship Terminal 3 as of July 26th marked a customer service milestone in the two airlines’ strategic partnership, according to a joint statement from Air Canada and Emirates. The co-location of operations in one of the best terminals in the world will greatly enhance the connecting experience for passengers and highlights the advantages of the alliance between the two airlines, which was established in November 2022. With the convenience of staying in the same terminal, passengers travelling in transit between the Americas on Air Canada and the Middle East, Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Africa on Emirates will experience a seamless and accelerated journey. “We are delighted to welcome Air Canada to Emirates Terminal 3 in Dubai, marking another step forward in our strategic partnership to deliver even more value to travellers,” said Adnan Kazim, chief commercial officer of Emirates. Because Air Canada and Emirates are co-located at T3, customers of both airlines can transit through Dubai on Emirates’ international network without experiencing any delays, and those who qualify can access Emirates’ renowned Business Class Lounges and other hub facilities in Dubai before their flight. We hope to further improve traveller experiences by collaborating with Air Canada and providing even more convenient connectivity for travellers. “Air Canada’s new residence at Dubai International Terminal 3 is a significant development that emphasises the significance of our strategic alliance with Emirates and the significance of our flights between the UAE and Canada. According to Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President Network & Revenue Planning at Air Canada, “We extend our sincere gratitude to both Emirates and Dubai Airports for their partnership in facilitating this move, which will greatly benefit our mutual customers.”Air Canada customers will not only profit from seamless onward connections with our codeshare and frequent flyer partner Emirates to destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Indian subcontinent, but they will also enjoy an elevated experience throughout their airport journey.” Welcome to Terminal 3 for Air Canada. Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports, stated: “Dubai Airports and Air Canada share a common goal of consistently providing exceptional service and exceeding guest satisfaction. This partnership spans many years. This move will enable us to optimise our airport’s efficiency and enhance the overall travel experience while streamlining Air Canada operations. With biometric touchpoints, roomy and comfortable waiting areas, and a variety of dining and retail options, Terminal 3 is a top-notch facility created to meet the changing needs of modern travellers. On July 26, the first Air Canada flight is expected to land at Terminal 3, and on July 27, the first flight out of Toronto is expected to leave Dubai. The First & Business Class Dropoff will have dedicated Air Canada check-in and bag drop counters, while Premium Economy and Economy will be in the main entrance. The Emirates Business Class lounge in Terminal 3 is also open to customers of Air Canada Signature Class and eligible Aeroplan Elite members (Aeroplan 50K and above). Since November 2022, the carriers have improved their underlying interline agreement, increased capacity into their respective hubs, increased cooperation between their cargo businesses, expanded their codeshare relationship to 42 routes, and developed a reciprocal loyalty partnership for customers to earn and redeem points. Additionally, Air Canada and flydubai, Emirates’ sister airline, have formed a partnership. In addition to its expanded daily Airbus A380 schedule between Toronto and Dubai, Emirates started its daily Boeing 777 service between Montreal and Dubai in July. As an addition to its daily service between Toronto and Dubai, Air Canada will launch its new nonstop four times weekly flights between Dubai and Vancouver on October 30, 2023, using its premier Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. When flying with Air Canada or Emirates, Aeroplan and Skywards members can accrue and use points, and qualified passengers have access to airport lounges and priority check-in and boarding. Source- Travel daily

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Iberia joins British Airways and Qatar Airways to grow the joint airline industry's largest company

Iberia joins British Airways and Qatar Airways to grow the joint airline industry’s largest company

The national airlines of Spain, the UK, and Qatar, respectively, are joining forces to form Qatar Airways. Together, Qatar Airways and British Airways already run the largest airline joint venture in the world, with service to more than 60 nations. Iberia will join the partnership in July, revolutionising connectivity for travellers around the world.  As a result of the joint venture, Iberia will begin operating new daily flights from its hub, Madrid Barajas International Airport, to Hamad International Airport, which Skytrax named the Best Airport in the Middle East for the 9th consecutive year. Through the three international airlines, passengers will be able to connect to more than 200 destinations. The combined expanded service of Iberia and Qatar Airways will fly the route three times per day, offering unmatched connectivity between the Iberian Peninsula and important markets in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Australia. The Airbus A330-200, with 288 seats in each of the Business and Economy cabins, will be operated by Iberia. The expansion of the partnership offers customers more options than ever before, including a wider range of award-winning products like Qatar Airways’ Qsuite, Iberia’s Business Class, and British Airways’ Club Suite, as well as a wider range of geographic destinations, flight schedules, prices, and seamless connectivity via Doha, London, and Madrid. Travellers from Spain and Portugalwill be able to connect to a wide variety of new places, whether for pleasure or business. With more options than ever, travelling to the Maldives and Seychelles for relaxation, Tanzania and Nepal for adventure, India and Oman for cultural holidays, Singapore and Thailand for shopping, Australia and Hong Kong for family visits, and other destinations become more accessible. Additionally, clients from the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Australia can travel without incident to Madrid, Lisbon, Ibiza, Malaga, Gran Canaria, and dozens of other locations throughout Spain and Portugal. Members of the British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus, and Qatar Airways Privilege Club can now accrue and use their shared currency, Avios, in a first for the world. Loyalty members can combine their balances to redeem rewards offered by each programme and transfer Avios between accounts. His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, the chief executive of Qatar Airways Group, stated: “At Qatar Airways, we believe in connecting travellers to their preferred destinations, and our recent enhancement to the highly successful joint business with British Airways includes the addition of another oneworld member, Iberia. Now more than ever, our customers will have access to connections to numerous locations on the networks of British Airways, Iberia, and Qatar Airways. This coordinated effort is a result of our dedication to continuously enhancing the services we offer to our passengers and giving them the best in the business. Sean Doyle, chairman and CEO of British Airways, stated: “Last year, we added 42 new countries to our joint business partnership with Qatar Airways, and I’m thrilled to see it continue to expand as we welcome Iberia. As part of our commitment to giving customers as many options as possible, British Airways is connected to more than 200 locations worldwide thanks to our close collaboration with partners in Madrid and Doha. “Joining the QJB with Qatar Airways and British Airways is excellent news for our customers,” said Fernando Candela, CEO of Iberia. The opening of our route between Madrid and Doha has us incredibly excited. We are creating the long-needed link between Spain and more than 200 locations in Asia, Australasia, the Middle East, and Africa through QJB hubs in London and Doha, and we are providing new opportunities for travellers going both ways. Our country is moving towards a new model of higher-quality tourism and, with the Madrid-Doha launching, we are making a breakthrough.” Source- Travel daily

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With all proceeds going to Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance, a Perthshire hotel will host a charity open day.

With all proceeds going to Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance, a Perthshire hotel will host a charity open day.

On Wednesday, August 2, 2023, the Crieff Hydro Hotel in Perthshire will host Action Glen. The Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels has promised to donate the money collected from attendees, and an additional 5% of all proceeds from the event will support SCAA’s life-saving work. Crieff Hydro’s Action Glen has become a firm favourite with both residents and visitors, and those looking for an action-packed day of adventure will be able to partake in a variety of activities while supporting the deserving cause. Adventurers of all ages can enjoy a variety of activities at the attraction, which offers a variety of thrilling experiences amid the picturesque surroundings of the hotel’s grounds, including a tree top adventure, zip lines, segways, quad bikes, alpaca trekking, and much more. “We are proud to support Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance by donating every penny from ticket sales and refreshments from Action Glen to our fantastic charity partner,” said Stephen Leckie, chairman and CEO of the Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels.We encourage visitors, the local community, and people from other areas to come to Action Glen on August 2 for what promises to be an unforgettable day of fun and adventure, all in the name of a good cause, as their dedication to saving lives throughout Scotland is remarkable. “The day at Action Glen looks set to be a success, with lots of exhilarating fun for those attending as well as some welcome support for the charity,” said David Craig, CEO of SCAA. We are grateful for the ongoing support that the Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels has shown us because SCAA is entirely dependent on donations from businesses and individuals to maintain what has evolved into a crucial life-saving service for everyone in Scotland. Every year, the hotel group hosts thousands of tourists in Scotland, and SCAA is ready to respond to any emergency when guests or locals, both on the mainland and Scotland’s numerous islands, need our assistance. Source- Travel daily

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Launch of National Geographic Family Journeys in Tanzania and Italy.

Launch of National Geographic Family Journeys in Tanzania and Italy.

Two new National Geographic Family Journeys itineraries in Italy and Tanzania are now open for reservations, according to G Adventures. The trips are being introduced as family travel demand exceeds 2022, making this type of travel even more in demand to book than it was prior to the pandemic. Families will travel to Tanzania to experience the wonders of a safari as well as the vibrant village of Mto wa Mbu, where they will visit a community tourism project, see how banana leaf art is made, and have the opportunity to make some of their own. A gladiator “training session” will be held in Rome, and they will learn how to make their own Venetian masks and prepare pasta while in Florence. When compared to the same booking period in 2022 (January 1–June 30), bookings for the National Geographic Family Journeys travel style have more than doubled in 2023, according to the small group operator and community tourism pioneer. The fact that bookings are up 106% year over year is compelling evidence that family travel is on the rise once more, according to Brian Young, managing director for EMEA. Families are looking to travel further afield and cross off some of those long-awaited bucket list trips because we’re seeing strong interest in Asia, Central America, and South America in particular. People are eager to share experiences as families, as evidenced by the large number of multi-generational bookings, which include grandparents travelling with parents and kids, says Young. Families looking for a meaningful way to travel the world together are the target audience for the National Geographic Family Journeys collection. The itineraries were developed for visitors seven years of age and older to explore a location’s rich and varied characteristics. The 10 existing National Geographic Family Journeys journeys are joined by the two brand-new journeys to Italy and Tanzania, making a total of 12 journeys. Other places to go are France, Japan, Iceland, Morocco, and Peru. Italy Family Vacation: From Venice to Rome Italy is a captivating location for travellers of all ages because it is home to historic ruins, works of art, gelato, and pizza. On a journey from Venice through the heart of Tuscany to Rome, where families attend gladiator “training school,” discover the top attractions of the nation. Visit Renaissance palaces and churches with frescoes, scale mediaeval towers, and take art and cooking classes to fully experience Italian culture. starting at £2,699* for adults and £2,529 for kids.Safari in Tanzania’s renowned national parks and wildlife refuges will allow you to see vast herds of zebras and wildebeests, playful elephants, and cunning predators like lions, cheetahs, and Nile crocodiles. From Arusha to Mto wa Mbu, sample bananas straight from the farm, discover local crafts, and learn how the people there are fighting to preserve the native wildlife and cultures. starting at £3,899 for adults and £3,729 for kids.Each itinerary includes special interactive activities designed to help kids and adults alike connect with their surroundings. These activities are inspired by National Geographic’s expertise in photography, storytelling, wildlife, culture, history, and geography.Source– Travel daily

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