Author: Tuhin Sarkar

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Amsterdam bans cruise ships to curb over tourism

Amsterdam’s city council is taking a bold step to limit mass tourism and address pollution by closing a cruise ship terminal in the city center. The decision comes as part of the city’s sustainable ambitions and aligns with efforts to restore the tranquility of the historic center.

The closure is backed by the center-right party D66, which governs Amsterdam alongside the social democrats PvdA and the GroenLinks environmentalists. The authorities have cited concerns over the environmental impact of polluting cruise ships and their incompatibility with plans for a new bridge between the historic southern district and the Noord district, which is the focus of recent development projects.

The central cruise terminal, located on the River IJ near Amsterdam’s main train station, is set to be shut down. This measure follows other recent efforts to manage tourism and maintain the city’s cultural integrity, including a ban on smoking cannabis in the red-light district and a “Stay Away” campaign targeting tourists planning drug and alcohol-fueled parties.

The decision to ban cruise ships is also expected to contribute to lowering air pollution levels in the city. A study in 2021 revealed that one large cruise ship produces the same level of nitrogen oxide as 30,000 trucks per day, highlighting the significant environmental impact of these vessels.

With these measures, Amsterdam aims to strike a balance between welcoming visitors and preserving its unique cultural heritage and natural environment. By prioritising sustainable tourism and reducing pollution, the city is taking crucial steps towards ensuring a more responsible and enjoyable experience for both residents and visitors alike.

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Global News TRAVEL NEWS

Matterhorn Alpine Crossing officially opens connecting Switzerland and Italy

Matterhorn-Alpine-Crossing-Eroffnungszeremonie1

The Matterhorn Alpine Crossing has been officially opened, marking the completion of the new 3S cableway from the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise mountain station to the Testa Grigia Valley Station.

With the highest border crossing by cable car in the Alps at 3480 meters, this project provides a scenic trip around the iconic Matterhorn and a year-round connection between two neighboring tourist resorts in Switzerland and Italy.

At the opening ceremony, celebrity presenter Michelle Hunziker, along with political and business representatives from both countries, celebrated the culmination of this visionary project. The Matterhorn Alpine Crossing, a joint endeavour between Zermatt and Cervinia, has been a testament to pioneering spirit, innovation, and cooperation between the two nations.

With a total investment of CHF 140 million, this sustainable project showcases the commitment of Zermatt Bergbahnen to greater sustainability in the Alpine region. The new mountain station of the 3S cableway is equipped with a photovoltaic facility, further supplementing the resort’s renewable energy resources.

The Matterhorn Alpine Crossing expands the offerings of the Matterhorn Summer Paradise, inviting visitors to explore the picturesque Valle d’Aosta region with its charming Walliser-style houses. Activities like riding, biking, hiking, and golfing are available, and the Plateau Rosa SnowXperience world of adventure, opening in August 2023, will cater to winter sports beginners.

To assist travellers in planning their adventure, an online guide, matterhornalpinecrossing.com, provides useful information such as timetables, prices, and the complete route between Switzerland and Italy. Furthermore, starting in 2024, a convenient baggage transport service will be available for seamless travel between the destinations.

With this extraordinary project, Zermatt Bergbahnen continues to exhibit its commitment to enhancing the appeal of the Zermatt-Matterhorn resort, offering fresh experiences and cementing its position as a premium brand, symbolizing a unique high-level journey crossing two countries and cultures. Over the next decade, the company plans to invest approximately CHF 200 million in two cableways and staging crossing-focused events, anticipating an annual income stream of CHF 40 million.

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HOTEL NEWS New Appointment NEWS UPDATES TRAVEL TRENDS AND FOCUS

Nelly Robinson sets to join InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort this September

Renowned UK-born Chef Nelly Robinson is set to make a splash at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort this September, joining the culinary team at the luxury resort. With his well-accoladed restaurant ‘NEL’ in Sydney, Chef Nelly Robinson has earned praise from The Guide Michelin and Gault & Millau for his innovative and locally inspired dishes.

Having started his culinary journey at the age of 15 at the Michelin-starred Northcote Manor in the UK, working under esteemed chef Nigel Haworth, Robinson developed a deep appreciation for local and seasonal ingredients early on. At 22, he became the head chef at Stanley House before eventually moving to Sydney, where he opened ‘NEL’ at the age of 29.

Now, Chef Nelly Robinson is geared up to bring his boundary-pushing cuisine to The Lighthouse at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort. Guests can expect a culinary journey like no other, with creative and modern dishes set against the stunning backdrop of the Indian Ocean.

Robinson’s dishes showcase his passion for storytelling and imagination, with innocent names of dishes transforming into explosive culinary experiences for both the palate and the eyes. From Kingfish Firebark to Wildfire Spiced Barramundi and his unique take on Kedgeree, his creations perfectly blend with the ocean-inspired setting.

During his stay from September 1 to 4, 2023, Chef Nelly Robinson will tantalize taste buds with a diverse menu, including lamb, local lobster, and intriguing vegetarian options. Guests will have the opportunity to indulge in a well-curated tasting menu or choose island-inspired a la carte options.

As InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort continues to be a destination for international culinary talent, Chef Nelly Robinson’s visit promises to be an unforgettable culinary experience for all who have the pleasure of dining at The Lighthouse.

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Global News TRAVEL NEWS

Maldives welcomes 1 millionth tourist for 2023

Maldives
Maldives

The Maldives has achieved a significant milestone in its tourism sector by welcoming its 1 millionth tourist for the year 2023, a remarkable accomplishment considering it was achieved a full month ahead of last year. Mr. Anton Pavlov, a British national, arrived with his family on British Airways flight BA061 to mark the momentous occasion.

The success can be attributed to strategic marketing efforts by the Maldives Marketing & PR Corporation (MMPRC), which implemented a 360-degree marketing approach to maintain destination presence across key markets. The resumption of direct flights between the Maldives and China in January 2023 played a crucial role in driving arrival numbers, with the Chinese market experiencing an astounding 1,659.5% growth compared to the same period last year.

The Visit Maldives Storytellers’ Conference 2023 held from May 30th to June 2nd further contributed to increasing arrivals by generating widespread global coverage through various social media platforms, reaching over 89 million people. This event’s success is expected to lead to increased bookings dispersed throughout different regions of the Maldives.

MMPRC’s dedication to attracting more visitors and collaborating with global stakeholders such as airlines, tour operators, and travel agencies has been pivotal in surpassing pre-pandemic arrival figures in most top source markets. Russia, India, UK, China, and Germany have emerged as the top five markets for the Maldives, with India and Russia competing for the highest arrivals.

In 2022, MMPRC executed 178 marketing activities, and this year alone, they have undertaken 113 diverse marketing campaigns with a combined reach of 4.1 billion in the first half of 2023. With strategic efforts and collaborations in place, the Maldives is on track to meet President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s ambitious target of attracting 1.8 million tourists by the end of 2023.

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HOTEL NEWS TRAVEL TRENDS AND FOCUS

6 California eateries received one MICHELIN Star for the first time

Six California eateries received one MICHELIN Star for the first time at the MICHELIN Guide Revelation July 18 at the Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland.

MICHELIN’s release of the fifth edition of the MICHELIN Guide California included a total of 614 restaurants. That total includes 15 Green Stars awarded for leadership in sustainability practices. California is home to 15 of only 17 Green Stars in North America.

The California guide is a statewide edition of the acclaimed global restaurant guide, which includes the globally recognized star designations, as well as hundreds of Bib Gourmand and Plate recommendations.

Restaurants included in the new guide hail from dozens of cities across California, including Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, San Francisco, the San Francisco Peninsula, Oakland, Sacramento, Monterey, Santa Barbara, Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Palm Springs, Orange County and San Diego.

Among California’s distinctions:

•             Six new one-star distinction restaurants, located in San Francisco, Calistoga, Carmel-by-the Sea, Long Beach and Oceanside

•             10 new Bib Gourmand recipients, which recognize eateries for great food at a great value

•             Four new Green Star recipients, located in San Francisco, Long Beach, Oakland and Los Angeles

•             Special awards presented to:

–              Michelin Sommelier Award: John Haffey, Aubergine in Carmel-by-the-Sea

–              Michelin Exceptional Cocktails Award: Austin Hennelly, Kato in Los Angeles

–              Michelin Young Chef Award: Harrison Cheney, Sons & Daughters in San Francisco

–              Michelin Outstanding Service Award: John Schafer, SingleThread in Healdsburg

All restaurants were reviewed and awarded according to Michelin’s proprietary and independent inspection and selection process.

Caroline Beteta, President & CEO of Visit California, issued a statement today praising the restaurants and chefs, expressing appreciation for California’s trendsetting dining scene. She mentioned that the state has always been known for its legendary chefs, cutting-edge restaurants, and an abundance of local, fresh ingredients, showcasing a global flair that reflects its diverse culture. According to her, the inclusion of the MICHELIN Guide California further highlights this unique culinary culture and grants global recognition to each chef and restaurant featured.

Caroline Beteta also highlighted the diversity of dining experiences in California, ranging from three-star restaurants to Bib Gourmands, and the commendable Green Star restaurants leading in sustainable gastronomy. She emphasized that visitors from around the world have so much to experience and savor in the Golden State.

Image Credit: Visit California/Ellen Baker

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New Appointment TRAVEL TRENDS AND FOCUS

MATTA appoints Nigel Wong as the new president for 2023-2025

The Malaysian Association of Tour and travel agents (MATTA) at its 48th Annual General Meeting has elected Nigel Wong as the new President for a two–year term (2023 – 2035).

He replaces Datuk Tan Kok Liang who served three full terms ( 2027 – 2023) as President.

Wong has served as a member of the MATTA Executive Council for over 10 years as the Vice President of Research and Technology (2023 – 2015), Honorary Secretary General (2015 – 2021), and most recently as Honorary Treasurer (2021 – 2023).

Speaking about his new role, Wong expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him and his commitment towards the members of MATTA.

He stated that he is honoured to be elected as the President and I am fully aware of the challenges faced by our industry.

The newly elected Executive Council for the term 2023–2025 will intensify engagement with various key stakeholders and the authorities at national and state levels to elevate the standard and delivery of tourism services in Malaysia.

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MICE News Travel Event News

Black Platinum Gold announces Viola Palescandolo as a speaker at the 2023 Women Future Conference

Black Platinum Gold is pleased to announce Viola Palescandolo as a speaker at the 2023 Women|Future Conference, held virtually from August 1-2.

Viola Palescandolo is a former naval engineer, equestrian show jumper, luxury superyacht expert, and passionate traveler, whose insatiable curiosity and drive led her to establish Black Platinum Gold, a groundbreaking company that revolutionized the world of luxury travel. As the visionary founder and CEO, Palescandolo introduced the first-of-its-kind luxury travel auction platform, creating an unparalleled connection between discerning travellers and exclusive hospitality experiences from around the globe.

The Stevie Awards, the world’s premier business awards, proudly present the 2023 (6th annual) Women|Future Conference held virtually from August 1-2.

The Women|Future Conference is a professional development, learning, and networking event that brings together a community of small business owners, executives, entrepreneurs, and women who are interested in starting a business. Attending the conference is free, but attendees must register in advance to access the virtual platform and sessions.

Viola Palescandolo will be speaking about Turning Passion into Profit as an Entrepreneur on Tuesday, August 1.

“My vision is to inspire individuals to envision beyond profits and embrace the transformative power of purpose. By dedicating ourselves fully to our purpose, we unlock boundless potential, create lasting impact, and in turn, witness the rewards that extend far beyond monetary gains.” ― Viola Palescandolo, Founder & CEO of Black Platinum Gold

Women from cities across the United States, Canada, Australia, Asia, and Europe attend the conference year after year to be inspired, build resilience, and share insights into changes that impact their industries, their careers, and their lives.

The 2023 conference agenda features two days of panels, workshops, and breakout sessions hosted by over 30 world-class speakers including CEOs, founders, entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and small business consultants from The Audacious Agency, MENTOR New York, Jennings Social Media & MarTech, and others. The agenda also boasts a handful of speakers from global organizations; Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President – Global Industry Marketing; SAP’s Chief Marketing & Solutions Officer; and the Founder and CEO of Fempire, the #1 global coaching brand for women business owners.

The Women|Future Conference sessions will be interactive, designed for attendees and speakers to share what’s working in their organizations, troubleshoot the challenges they collectively face, and make meaningful connections. Session topics include:

Entrepreneurship: Tips for new business owners to transition smoothly from employee to entrepreneur

Lessons in Branding: Marketing tools and techniques to create a strong brand, and how to remain consistent as the brand grows and trends change

Business Awards: How to write winning business award nominations and leverage those wins to build credibility and boost business reputation

Storytelling: Mastering the art of authentic business storytelling to create brand awareness and connect with a target audience

Small Business Funding: Insights on how to navigate the investment landscape for women and identify the right investors and business opportunities

Networking: Insights on how to build social capital and find a trustworthy network of mentors that lead to career success

Workplace Inclusivity: Candid conversations about the real challenges and strategies used by women to foster more inclusive work cultures, and issues affecting women’s inclusivity in the workplace.

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AIRLINE NEWS AIRLINE NEWS HOME TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY NEWS

British Airways trials new digital wayfinding tool through London Heathrow

British Airways is trialling a new digital wayfinding tool to help customers navigate through London Heathrow. The new technology offers maps of both London Heathrow Terminal 5 and Terminal 3, helping customers who are travelling through the airline’s London hub to locate their departure gate and points of interest including shops, lounges and restaurants. The new wayfinding tool allows customers to navigate the airport more confidently, saving time and reducing the chance of missing their flight.

The tool provides clear directions and information on the airport layout, allowing customers to have a more seamless experience through London Heathrow. Through an interactive map, customers can click on areas of interest including shops and gain information about the location, opening times, and a description on items that can be purchased. The tool also allows bathrooms, seating areas and information points to be easily located.

Customers who are connecting between flights, can also input the details of their inbound and connecting flights and are then given step by step instructions along with an animated map on how to get from the arrival gate through flight connections to their connecting flight departure gate.

The trial which began in June is available to all customers who are travelling through London Heathrow, and can access the tool through QR codes on digital screens in London Heathrow or by visiting website. As part of the trial, links to wayfinding have also been sent to all customers travelling into London Heathrow and connecting from destinations including New York JFK, Dubai, Mexico City, Atlanta, Dallas Fort Worth and Houston.

Calum Laming, Chief Customer Officer of British Airways, expressed the airline’s commitment to making airport travel easier for customers through the introduction of a new wayfinding tool. The interactive map, being trialed during the summer, allows passengers to effortlessly locate departure gates, discover nearby restaurants and shops for last-minute duty-free shopping, and access eligible lounges. Laming assured that the airline’s helpful staff would still be available to assist customers.

Additionally, British Airways offers travel advice for the summer period. Customers are encouraged to download the British Airways App, providing easy access to seat selection, ordering special meals, checking flight status, online check-in, and downloading boarding passes when applicable. Essential items should be kept in hand baggage, including medication, travel documents, electronic devices, and valuables. For airports with a 100ml liquid restriction, such as London Heathrow and London Gatwick, passengers are advised to separate liquids beforehand and place them in a clear bag at the airport’s security checkpoint.

Customers requiring assistance should contact the British Airways accessibility team before traveling. To ensure a smooth journey, passengers are recommended to arrive at the airport three hours before long-haul flights and two hours before short-haul flights.

British Airways has also introduced digital baggage receipts in the ba.com app, enabling customers to generate easily accessible digital bag receipts alongside physical copies printed at the airport. Furthermore, customers at London Heathrow receive notifications through the app when their bags have reached the arrivals hall, including the baggage carousel information, enhancing the seamless experience from landing in London to onward travel.

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New Appointment NEWS UPDATES TRAVEL TRENDS AND FOCUS

Visit Salt Lake names Krista Parry as Chief Development Officer

Visit Salt Lake (VSL) recently named Krista Parry as Chief Development Officer. In this newly established role, Krista assumes the responsibility of pioneering new models for growth to support a more robust visitor economy in Salt Lake.

This encompasses innovating and diversifying VSL’s memberships and partnerships and fostering strategic alliances and authentic relationships to deepen and expand VSL’s impact within the community. 

“We’re lucky to have Krista on board as we pursue some moonshot goals for Visit Salt Lake’s development,” said Kaitlin Eskelson, president & CEO of Visit Salt Lake. “Her extensive experience curating hyper-specific sponsorship and strategic alliance opportunities for major companies will help us lead our entire industry with cutting-edge innovation. Plus, she’s a fun-loving, always smiling ball of energy and an amazing colleague.”

With over 20 years of experience in the tourism industry, Krista brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for connection and integrity to her new position. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to transforming brands transactional connections with their customers to transformational experiences. As one the few female senior executives in the ski resort industry, Krista made significant contributions by pioneering social campaigns and digital media platforms that reshaped Park City Resort’s brand into an active lifestyle community, setting new online norms for the industry with the launch of Snowmamas. 

As Senior Vice President of Partnerships and Media at Powdr – one of the largest ski resort and active entertainment operators in North America – Krista launched and ran a new division securing and overseeing partnerships with globally recognized brands including Subaru, Coca-Cola, Under Armour, GoPro, Red Bull and more.  

“I started my career with the 2002 Winter Games, so I was able to see firsthand the impact the visitor economy has on the community, which ignited my passion for the industry,” said Krista. “I am incredibly excited to collaborate with the talented and passionate VSL team to build authentic partnerships within the community and industry. Together, we will spearhead the responsible development of one of the fastest-growing destinations in the nation and deepen the impact of the visitor economy in the community.” 

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AIRLINE NEWS European Travel News TRAVEL NEWS

World’s first 100% SAF transatlantic flight taxis closer to takeoff

Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic and Rolls-Royce confirm the successful Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blend ground test on the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine. The test marks a key milestone in the project which will see the world’s first 100% SAF flight travel across the Atlantic from London Heathrow to New York JFK on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, set to take off on 28 November 2023.

In addition to the test, fuel suppliers Air bp and Virent have been announced to supply the 60 tonnes of SAF to be used in the world first, supporting consortium research, testing and the flight itself. The SAF will be produced through the Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) pathway as well as synthetic aromatic kerosene (SAK) SAF at an 88% and 12% blend ratio.

Virgin Atlantic is committed to finding more sustainable ways to fly on our mission to Net Zero 2050. Already operating one of the most fuel and carbon efficient fleets across the Atlantic, this flight builds on the airline’s 15-year track record for leading on SAF.  

Demonstrating that through radical collaboration, industry can deliver 100% SAF in today’s engine, airframes and fuel infrastructure for long haul flight. But collectively the industry must go further, to develop a UK SAF industry and meet aviation’s 10% SAF by 2030.

SAF typically delivers CO2 lifecycle emissions savings of more than 70% whilst performing like the traditional jet fuel it replaces. SAF has a fundamental role to play in aviation’s decarbonisation and pathway to Net Zero 2050. Today, SAF represents less than 0.1% of jet fuel volumes and fuel standards allow for just a 50% SAF blend in commercial jet engines. The one-off Virgin Atlantic flight in November will demonstrate the potential of SAF as a 100% drop-in replacement for fossil fuel today.

The realisation of the 100% SAF transatlantic flight taking to the skies is a challenging task requiring cross industry collaboration and dedicated project teams working on the research, testing and operations to make it happen. The Virgin Atlantic led consortium, joint funded by the Department for Transport, includes Rolls Royce, Boeing, University of Sheffield, Imperial College London and Rocky Mountain Institute. The successful bench engine test is a key milestone, however further permissions and safety approvals are required for the flight to take off in November.

Virgin Atlantic and the consortium will leverage the 100% SAF transatlantic flight to further SAF use, as well as addressing other environmental impacts of the sector. The project will demonstrate further reductions in CO2 from operational efficiencies, contribute to research and development into the non-CO2 effects of flying, and provide an end-to-end life cycle analysis of the flight. Any residual CO2 emissions from the flight will be mitigated using innovative carbon removals from biochar projects.

Shai Weiss, the CEO of Virgin Atlantic, remarked that the 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel transatlantic flight would be a significant milestone in aviation’s roadmap to decarbonization. He pointed out that alongside fleet transformation, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is the most readily available method for the industry to decarbonize. However, he mentioned that there’s currently an insufficient supply of SAF, and without it and the necessary radical collaboration for production, they cannot meet their 2030 targets. He emphasized the need for UK government support to establish a UK SAF industry, enabling every flight out of the UK to operate with 100% SAF, and he added that if they manage to create it, they can fly it.

Rob Watson, the President – Civil Aerospace at Rolls-Royce, expressed immense pride in their Trent 1000 engines being chosen to power the first-ever flight using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel across the Atlantic. He confirmed the successful completion of the ground test of the Trent 1000 engine using the selected 100% SAF blend, which increased their confidence in the engine’s performance and operation ahead of the flight scheduled for November. Watson described the flight as an incredible milestone for the entire aviation industry on its journey towards achieving net zero carbon emissions.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton, the Aviation Minister, shared her delight that Virgin Atlantic confirmed the first-ever transatlantic flight powered solely by Sustainable Aviation Fuel would take place during the winter. She acknowledged the significance of government funding in making this flight a substantial step towards achieving net zero and showcasing the potential of SAF in creating jobs and contributing to economic growth.

Andreea Moyes, the Global Aviation Sustainability Director at Air bp, expressed excitement at the prospect of supplying Sustainable Aviation Fuel for the world’s first 100% SAF transatlantic flight. She highlighted SAF as the most viable option to help the industry achieve its net zero ambition in the short and medium term, particularly for long-haul flights. Moyes emphasized the importance of transitioning the industry and policy towards the use of 100% SAF through collaboration with key stakeholders to support the decarbonization of aviation.

Dave Kettner, the President & General Counsel at Virent, stated that the test demonstrated the effectiveness of Virent’s plant-based Synthesized Aromatic Kerosene (SAK) as essential fuel components in achieving 100% drop-in renewable fuel, which burns cleaner and functions seamlessly in current commercial airline engines. He expressed honor in collaborating with Virgin Atlantic, Rolls-Royce, and Air bp, recognizing them as forward-looking companies leading the way in sustainable aviation. Kettner emphasized Virent’s commitment to finding sustainable ways to fly and expressed enthusiasm for the pivotal role their BioForm® SAK plays in realizing this goal.

Sheila Remes, the Vice President of Environmental Sustainability at Boeing, expressed pride in providing technical expertise and support for the testing, as they prepare for Virgin Atlantic’s flagship Boeing 787 Dreamliner to conduct the first 100% SAF transatlantic flight. She conveyed their anticipation in continuing to work with project partners on this journey, taking another step towards a sustainable future of flight.