Already serving Billund Airport from eight destinations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lithuania, Poland and Romania, and soon Austria, Wizz Air, Central and Eastern Europe’s second largest airline, has confirmed that from 2 March 2019 it will add Ukraine to its list of country markets from Denmark’s second busiest airport. The Ultra Low-Cost Carrier (ULCC) will begin a twice-weekly (Tuesdays and Saturdays) service from Kiev Zhulyany, with the airline operating the 1,540-kilometre city pair using its fleet of 180-seat A320s.

“Wizz Air is one of the most-recognised airline brands in Europe, and we are excited about the prospect of the carrier continuing its expansion in the West Denmark market,” says Jan Hessellund, the new CEO of Billund Airport. “With Vienna being added by Wizz Air later this year, I am delighted to add another capital city to our ever-growing destination map. It’s also fantastic news to provide our loyal customers with a new country market next spring, with access on direct services from their home airport.”

The ULCC is already Billund’s sixth largest carrier (in terms of weekly one-way seats) of the 24 airlines currently flying to the airport this summer. In S18, Billund offers direct flights to 29 different country markets. For S19, Wizz Air will offer 19 weekly frequencies from Denmark’s fastest growing major airport, providing in excess of 3,500 one-way weekly seats to destinations including Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Gdansk, Iasi, Tuzla, Vienna, Vilnius, Warsaw Chopin and the confirmed route to Kiev Zhulyany.

Lundi 5 novembre 2018 — Quoi de plus féérique que de découvrir Paris, Amsterdam ou encore Rotterdam sous leur manteau d’hiver ?

Dès à présent et jusqu’au 25 novembre, Thalys met en vente 41 000 billets à 25€ pour des voyages du 17 décembre 2018 au 24 février 2019 vers Paris et les Pays-Bas.

Toulouse, October, 2018 – Manta Air, the new domestic airline in the Republic of Maldives, has secured its first two ATR 72-600’s through Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC). The first will be introduced in November 2018, with the second planned to join Manta Air’s fleet before the end of the year. The aircraft will ensure improved connectivity between the beautiful Maldivian atolls. They will be initially operating from the main Velana International Airport, to three airports: Kudahuvadhoo in Dhaalu atoll, Dharavandhoo in Baa atoll and Thimarafushi in Thaa atoll.

Edward Alsford, Chief Operation Officer of Manta Air, declared, “Manta Air is an exciting new domestic airline based in the Republic of Maldives. Our mission is to make flying an enjoyable and effortless experience by ensuring the highest safety standards are established and maintained. We are introducing two brand new ATR72-600’s aircraft into the Maldives. This demonstrates Manta Air’s dedication to high standards, and our commitment offers the best levels of service for our passengers. These aircraft benefit from having the most modern and comfortable turboprop cabin. Manta Air has taken the unusual step of removing a row of seats to provide our passengers with additional legroom in both economy and business class.”

Martin Møller, Chairman of NAC, declared: “We are pleased to see our first ATR 72-600 aircraft being introduced in the Maldives and contributing to the further development of the air connectivity in this region. The ATR 72-600s perfectly match the requirements for short-haul travel in terms of low operating costs, comfort and ability to take-off and land at small airfields.”

Stefano Bortoli, CEO of ATR, added, “It is a special occasion to be part of the launch of a new airline such as Manta Air. Their choice highlights their confidence in the ATR 72-600 as the best aircraft for their successful daily operations in the Maldives. It demonstrates once again the value of ATR for connecting island communities whilst allowing airlines to take advantages of its unbeatable economics and comfort.”

The eco-efficient ATR 72-600s will operate on domestic routes from runways as short as 1200 meters, thanks to their unmatched take-off and landing performance. The aircraft will feature a very comfortable and spacious cabin, with an increased legroom seat, offering a new travel experience across the Maldives.

About the ATR 72-600:

Passenger capacity: 68-78 seats

Engines: Pratt & Whitney 127M

Maximum power at take-off: 2,750 horse power per engine

Maximum weight at take-off: 23,000 Kg

Maximum load: 7,500 Kg

Maximum range with full passenger load: 900 nautical miles (1,665 Km)

About Nordic Aviation Capital:
NAC is the industry’s leading regional aircraft lessor serving over 70 airline customers in 49 countries. The company provides aircraft to well-established carriers such as British Airways, Air Canada, LOT, Azul, Lufthansa, Alitalia, Garuda, Flybe, Aeroméxico and airBaltic as well as major regional carriers including Air Nostrum and Widerøe. NAC’s current fleet of almost 500 aircraft includes E170, E175, E190, E195, ATR 42, ATR 72, Bombardier Dash 8, CRJ900, CRJ1000 and A220. NAC is the largest owner and lessor of both ATR aircraft in the world.

About ATR:

ATR is a European manufacturer of turboprops and the world leader on the regional aviation market. ATR designs, builds and delivers modern regional aircraft to a customer base of more than 200 airlines in nearly 100 countries. The ATR 42 and 72 are the world’s best sellers in the aircraft segment of less than 90 seats. Driven by the desire for continuous improvement, ATR builds technologically cutting-edge turboprops that are both comfortable and versatile, used by air carriers to broaden their horizons and create more than 100 new routes every year. By comparison with other turboprops, ATRs offer advantages of 40% in terms of fuel consumption, 20% in terms of cost per journey and 10% in terms of seat costs, while offering the lowest levels of noise emissions. ATR is a joint venture equally owned by Airbus and Leonardo, two major players in the aerospace industry. Backed by a vast international customer support network, ATR offers innovative solutions and services for its customers and operators around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.atr-aircraft.com.

Future Travel Experience (FTE) Asia EXPO will return to the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore on 13-14 November 2018and will bring together more than 1,750 air transport industry executives representing airlines, airports, vendors, startups, government agencies and a variety of other influential industry players.

Delivered with the official support of Changi Airport Group (CAG) and the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), the show will be the biggest FREE to attend passenger experience and business performance expo in Asia.

Attendees will have access to a raft of complimentary features, including a huge exhibition of the latest products designed to help airlines and airports improve passenger experiences, reduce costs, increase revenues and optimise efficiency both at the airport and in-flight. The exhibitor list includes the likes of Panasonic Avionics, Cisco, digEcor, Rockwell Collins, AirFi, Embross, Idemia, ICM, NEC and Haneda Robotics Lab, to name just a few. A selection of pioneering startups will also be presenting their latest solutions in the JetBlue Technology Ventures Startup Showcase.

The event will also host the inaugural Onboard Hospitality Forum Asia, a unique showcase of the very latest hospitality and catering-related products and services. SATS, Formia, Bayart Innovations, Linstol and SkyLights are among the confirmed exhibitors in this exciting NEW zone.

In addition, all visitors will have FREE access to the EXPO Stage, which will host education sessions led by the International Airport Transport Association (IATA), the International Flight Services Association (IFSA) and Onboard Hospitality. The latter has also teamed up with Asia-Pacific On-board Travel (APOT) to host a one-of-a-kind Street Food Festival within the show.

As well as the above features, the event will play host to the FTE Asia Awards presentation ceremony and include a high-level Premium Conference, both of which are FREE to attend for airline and airport representatives. There are many organisations already confirmed to speak, including the likes of: Changi Airport Group, Jetstar Asia, McLaren Applied Technologies, Google, Singapore Airlines, Peach, Cathay Pacific, Philippine Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Malaysia Airports, Bengaluru International Airport, Auckland Airport, KLM, Yotel, Vistara, Cebu Pacific, plus many more.

Make sure you don’t miss out on FTE Asia EXPO 2018, Asia’s biggest FREE to attend passenger and business performance expo – 13-14 November, Singapore.

Visit the event website:

www.futuretravelexperience.com/fteasia/

Starting in July it will raise its capacity on routes to Montevideo, Quito, and Rio de Janeiro¹, offering daily flights to all three cities, while the airline will fly 10 times a week to Lima in July and August next year.

• On April 12, it will resume the direct Madrid-San Francisco flights it launched last summer.
• The Spanish airline has also announced plans to fly its new Airbus A350s to Buenos Aires and to Chicago.
• On board of Iberia flights to Johannesburg and Havana, customers will be able to enjoy the airline’s Premium Economy class

Madrid, 25 October 2018

Iberia continues to bet strongly on Latin America and plans to raise capacity on several routes there in the 2019 summer season. The airline will boost the numbers of flights and seats offered on routes to Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Santiago de Chile, Guatemala City, and El Salvador this winter, and next summer it will expand its services to four other important markets as part of its Latin American strategy:

• Brazil: last June, Iberia raised the number of Madrid-Rio de Janeiro flights from four to five weekly, and next July flights will be daily, representing more than 180,000 seats per year, a 32% increase.

*New frequencies starting July, 2019

¹ Subject to government authorization

• Uruguay: Iberia will operate return Madrid-Montevideo flights starting in July, and will move from five to seven flights per week, a 20% increase in annual seat supply to more than 180,000.

*New frequencies starting July, 2019

• Ecuador, Iberia is boosting its service to Quito, and starting next July will it rise from six flights a week to a daily flight, using its biggest aircraft, the Airbus A340/600, equipped with the new Premium Economy seating section. The additional flight represents an increase in seat supply by 9.4% to nearly 245,000 per year.

*New frequencies starting July, 2019

• Peru: Iberia will offer 100 flights to Lima in July and August, with 2,154 additional seats on that route

*New frequencies in July and August 2019

Back to San Francisco

 In the 2019 Summer season, Iberia will resume the non-stop flights from Madrid to San Francisco it launched last summer from April 12 to September 27, with flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Iberia will use 289-seat A330/200s on this route, for a total annual supply of some 40,000 seats.

These flights will be available for bookings today on iberia.com and other sales channels

More Routes for the Airbus A350

 In 2019, Iberia is to take delivery on another three Airbus A350s, the most advanced aircraft on the market.

This will enable the airline to use the Airbus A350 on other routes, starting with Buenos Aires and Chicago. These new aircraft are currently flying on Iberia’s Madrid-New York flights.

As of next February, the A350 will gradually be incorporated into Madrid-Buenos Aires service, and in the course of the year an Airbus A350 will be used for one of Iberia’s daily flights between Spain and Argentina. The airline in concentrating its efforts on this key market, and will offer a total of 17 flights per week and 600,000 seats, an increase of 19% in 2019.

Chicago will become Iberia’s second US destination after New York to welcome the A350 gradually from May.

Premium Economy reaches Havana and Johannesburg

 At the start of the 2019 summer season, Iberia passengers flying to Havana and toJohannesburg may opt for the new Premium Economy class available on the Airbus A330-300s the airline will operate on these routes.

Iberia’s A330-300s have 29 Business class seats, 21 seats in Premium Economy, and 242 in Economy. The Premium Economy is designed for Economy class passengers who are willing to pay a little more for a lot more comfort, plus extra services in the air and on the ground.

About Iberia: Iberia is the leading carrier on routes between Europe and Latin  America and it flies to 130 destinations in 47 countries in Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Together with its subsidiary Iberia Express and its franchise partner Iberia Regional/Air Nostrum, it operates about 600 flights each day with a fleet of some 135 aircraft. It offers easy and convenient connections at its hub in T4 in Madrid-Barajas airport. In 2016 and 2017, Iberia was the world’s most punctual airline according to FlightGlobal Incorporating FlightStats, while it was awarded its 4^th Skytrax star in 2017. The airline is a member of the oneworld alliance that operates more than 14,000 daily flights to some 1,000 destinations in more than 150 countries. For more information, please visit http://grupo.iberia.es

Het evenement werd bijgewoond door de CEO’s van RIU Hotels, Carmen en Luis Riu, en door vertegenwoordigers van plaatselijke en overkoepelende autoriteiten

•Het sluitstuk was het optreden van de ster Ara Malikian, waarmee RIU het hoogtepunt van dit emblematische Project vierde RIU Hotels vierde 23 oktober een elegant feest om het nieuwe Riu Palace Oasis op Gran Canaria te presenteren. Het evenement, bijgewoond door meer dan 100 genodigden, werd voorgezeten door de CEO’s van de Mallorcaanse keten, Carmen en Luis Riu. Ook waren vertegenwoordigers van plaatselijke en Grancanariaanse autoriteiten en van het bestuur van de Canarische Eilanden aanwezig. Na het door RIU aangeboden diner gaf de Spaanse violist van Libanese afkomst, Ara Malikian, samen met zijn musici een prachtig concert, waarmee hij alle gasten verrukte.

Het evenement begon met de komst van meer dan honderd gasten, die vanaf 20:00 uur naar de faciliteiten van het gerenoveerde Riu Palace Oasis gingen en uit de eerste hand alle verbeteringen en veranderingen konden zien die het resultaat zijn van bijna vijf maanden werk. Iedereen heeft genoten van de welkomstcocktail die aangeboden werd in het Spaanse restaurant Botánico, een unieke ruimte in het hotel, omdat het respect voor elke palmboom in de tuin heeft geresulteerd in het opgaan van verschillende palmbomen in het interieur samen met de tafels en de verfijnde decoratie van de ruimte.

Carmen Riu, CEO van het bedrijf, benadrukte samen met Luis Riu, de voldoening waarmee zij het nieuwe Riu Palace Oasis hotel presenteren, waarin zij voor de modernisering meer dan 40 miljoen euro hebben geïnvesteerd. In een emotionele speech werd dankbaarheid uitgesproken voor het vele werk dat in deze jaren werd gedaan door de hotelmedewerkers, het juridische team, door architecten en ontwerpers die alle verwachtingen hebben weten te overtreffen door nieuwe ruimtes te creëren en daarbij alle uitdagingen overwonnen die de renovatie biedt van een gebouw dat dit jaar 50 jaar bestaat. Voor RIU is dit hotel een embleem voor het bedrijf en nu is de uitdaging voor het hele team van de keten om het opnieuw te positioneren als een van de beste vijf-sterrenhotels in het gebied.

Na de speech van RIU was het de burgemeester van San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Marco Aurelio Pérez, die de belangrijke investering van RIU benadrukte die zeer positief zal zijn voor het toerisme in het gebied. Pablo Rodríguez, vice-president van de regering van de Canarische Eilanden sloot het officiële deel af met dank aan RIU voor de sterke inzet voor kwaliteit en voor de Canarische Eilanden.

Het diner werd geserveerd in de tuin in een unieke setting onder de palmbomen. De opzet en de uitvoering en de zorgvuldige selectie van wijnen en cava was in handen van het Food and Beverage-team van het hotel, bijgestaan door collega’s van de RIU-hotels in de omgeving.

Na het banket verhuisde iedereen naar het theater om te genieten van het geweldige optreden van deze avond: de violist Ara Malikian. Internationaal erkend voor zijn virtuoze beheersing van het instrument en zijn unieke stijl, waarin hij de klassiekers combineert met invloeden uit de beste popmuziek, van de Arabische wereld tot aan de flamenco. Ara Malikian en zijn band gevormd door zeven uitstekende muzikanten ontroerden het publiek met hun show en boden de perfecte finishing touch aan deze feestavond.

Over RIU:

De internationale keten RIU heeft haar oorsprong in 1953 op Mallorca, Spanje, met de opening van een klein vakantiehotel van de familie Riu, oprichter en huidig eigenaar in de derde generatie. Het bedrijf concentreert zich op toeristische hotels. Meer dan 70% van de hotels biedt de gerenommeerde All inclusive by RIU service. Met de opening van het eerste stadshotel in 2010 heeft RIU zijn aanbod van producten uitgebreid met een lijn van stadshotels genaamd Riu Plaza. RIU Hotels & Resorts heeft op dit moment 92 hotels in 19 landen en 28 894 werknemers die elk jaar meer dan 4 miljoen gasten ontvangen.Tegenwoordig neemt RIU de 34ste plaats in tussen de grootste ketens ter wereld, de derde plaats in Spanje op basis van inkomsten en de vierde plaats op basis van het aantal kamers.

Modelling inclusive tourism destinations on the capacity of tourism to integrate disadvantaged groups and benefit from its activity, is at the centre of this report. Showcasing how tourism can function as a vehicle for sustainable development, and the reduction of poverty and inequality, in the context of the 2030 Agenda and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Model for inclusive tourism destinations presented in this Global Report contributes directly to SDG 8 – Decent work and economic growth and SDG 10 – Reduction of inequalities; but also SDG 5 – Gender equality and SDG 17 – Global partnership for sustainable development.

“As globalization, interconnectivity and a growing middle class leads to ever more people travelling, the world will continue seeming to get smaller and inclusion will become even more of a priority,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. He added that this publication “will serve as an important tool for the tourism community to create and promote inclusion in destinations, and a valuable reference for all tourism stakeholders in developing best practices for a more inclusive sector”.

In addition, this report highlights the need to foster discussion on and examine new approaches to inclusive tourism in order to drive tourism’s long-term sustainability.

Various experts from organizations in the field of tourism and the SDGs contributed to this report: the Ashoka Foundation, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, Google, IE University, PREDIF, the SDG Fund, Airbnb, Vinces, Walhalla DCS and Ekin Consulting. It also features success stories from a variety of stakeholders, such as the Gauteng Tourism Authority, Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office, CENFOTUR, Korea Tourism Organization, VisitScotland, Chemonics and the State of Michoacán, Mexico.

Useful links:

Global Report on Inclusive Tourism Destinations

SeaLink Travel Group today announced the purchase of the luxurious super yacht, “AUSPRO”. She will join the Captain Cook Cruises fleet on Sydney Harbour in mid-November as a deluxe ‘premium-end’ charter and private cruising vessel.

Building upon Captain Cook Cruises’ legendary focus on service, “AUSPRO” will deliver an extraordinary new level of luxury and sophistication. With her own full time Captain and beautiful classic interior, “AUSPRO” is ideal for high end corporate entertaining, five-star private functions, intimate weddings or celebrations and extravagant overnight getaways.

Responding to the recent growth of the super yacht charter industry on Sydney Harbour, Jeff Ellison, CEO and Managing Director of SeaLink Travel Group, said this is a direction SeaLink is excited to take as it increases focus on attracting elite clientele locally and internationally.

“This is part of our three-year growth strategy for Sydney Harbour.  We have listened to our key trade partners, and they have asked us to deliver a boutique, intimate experience for their five-star guests.”

Ellison continued: “Our goal is to strive for consistent improvement. This is the first of many new initiatives planned for SeaLink/Captain Cook Cruises in the coming months.”

Built by leading Italian super yacht manufacturing company Azimut, “AUSPRO” is a 30m motor yacht fitted with a Gyro Stabiliser for super smooth harbour sailing and has a range capable of offering extended overnight trips. The lavish super yacht can accommodate 45 guests for a VIP function or eight overnight guests and features two staterooms and two cabins.

The master stateroom has a queen size bed, private lounge and two ensuites, one with a spa bath. The other guest rooms accommodate a further six people, with a large queen size stateroom and two additional twin cabins, all with ensuites.

The stylish saloon is finished in gloss mahogany and teak curved timbers, Italian cream leather upholstery and a padded ceiling with plush carpets. Extra detail in lighting and audio visual enhances the luxurious ambiance. The galley is modern and stylish with European appliances and the flybridge has a fully equipped wet bar, glass fridges, BBQ and LCD TV.

Crew accommodation is for four crew plus a captain’s cabin with a ship’s office that allows for a liveaboard captain.

Captain Cook Cruises is currently upgrading AUSPRO with galley enhancements and a new exterior paint finish.

For further information and bookings visit: www.superyacht.captaincook.com.au

© Blankenberge

Bezoekers tweede grootste kuststad komen ook na de zomer aan hun trekken

Oktober 2018 — De zomer is voorbij, leve het najaar! Met die gedachte schuift Blankenberge ook de komende maanden een hele reeks events en belevenissen voor jong en oud naar voren. Naast de topevents Halloween en Bel’Lumière zorgen de vele indooractiviteiten ervoor dat een bezoek aan Blankenberge het hele jaar door garant staat voor een onvergetelijk verblijf. Ook de vernieuwde jachthaven, het nieuwe station en de vernieuwingen in de centrumstraten zijn absoluut een bezoekje waard!

 

Le séminaire part du constat que l’innovation est importante pour gérer et promouvoir le tourisme culturel, l’un des plus grands marchés touristiques mondiaux, et qu’elle ouvre des perspectives en vue de l’adoption de modalités novatrices de gouvernance aux fins de la gestion des destinations de tourisme culturel. En révolutionnant le secteur et en offrant des possibilités d’améliorer la gouvernance, la compétitivité et la préservation des ressources culturelles, l’innovation et la technologie sont déterminantes pour développer plus avant le tourisme culturel.

Il y aura trois tables rondes au programme du séminaire, pour explorer la façon dont les mégadonnées (big data), les modèles novateurs d’activité économique, les services et le marketing numériques et d’autres nouvelles technologies peuvent assurer la durabilité à long terme, la rentabilité et la compétitivité des produits de tourisme culturel tout en préservant leur authenticité. La table ronde principale étudiera les effets de l’innovation et de la technologie, qui ouvrent de nouveaux débouchés et incitent de nouveaux acteurs à faire leur entrée dans le secteur du tourisme culturel.

On estime que 4 touristes sur 10 choisissent leur destination en fonction de son offre culturelle. La conférence examinera la façon dont ce choix est de plus en plus motivé par des facteurs immatériels comme la culture d’un lieu, son histoire, ses traditions et son atmosphère, ou son association avec des personnages célèbres, des idées ou des événements connus.

La ville hôte, Hamadan, a été historiquement la ville des grands scientifiques et poètes iraniens ; aujourd’hui, elle est connue pour la richesse de son artisanat, et plus spécialement sa poterie. La petite ville de Lalejin, dans la province de Hamadan, a été désignée capitale mondiale de la poterie par le Conseil mondial des métiers d’art en juillet 2016. On trouve à proximité un autre haut lieu touristique : Ali Sadr, la plus grande grotte aquatique au monde.

Le séminaire, en marge de la quarantième Assemblée plénière des Membres affiliés de l’OMT, est coorganisé par l’Organisation mondiale du tourisme (OMT), l’Organisation iranienne du patrimoine culturel, de l’artisanat et du tourisme et Alisadr Tourism Company.

Liens utiles :

Site internet de la conférence