Lionel Messi officially names the first-of-its-kind vacation in Miami The world’s largest cruise ship — the size of almost four city blocks —began its maiden voyage on Saturday as it left from the Port of Miami. Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas runs nearly 1,200 feet (365 meters) from bow to stern. The ship, which is leaving South Florida for its first seven-day island-hopping voyage through the tropics, was officially christened Tuesday with help from soccer legend Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates. Less than a week shy of Royal Caribbean International's 55th anniversary, the world's largest cruise line and world-renowned sports icon Lionel Messi – The Icon of Icon – officially debuted the all-new Icon of the Seas at a standout naming celebration in Miami. The fir...
Read MoreMonth: January 2024
Crucial new data about the numbers of Critically Endangered Kordofan giraffe living within Cameroon’s Bénoué National Park has been released, supporting conservation efforts to save the subspecies from extinction. Researchers from the University of Bristol and Bristol Zoological Society have carried out a three-year study using imagery of giraffe from a variety of sources, including camera traps, to establish how many of the highly threatened mammals remain within the park. Their findings, which have been published in the African Journal of Ecology, present the first reliable estimate of giraffe population size for the region and will help conservationists monitor the threats they are facing. Camera trap image of Kordofan giraffe in Bénoué National Park, Cameroon. Photo credit: B...
Read MoreThe inaugural event featuring world-class lineup takes place at Expo City Dubai from January 26 to February 4 Sisters of the Desert projection show features works by Emirati Dhabia Jumaa Lamlah, Australian Rene Kulitja and South Africa’s Dr Esther Mahlangu Event partnered with Liter of Light to provide high-quality solar lighting to disadvantaged communities Close on the heels of Noor Riyadh light art festival in Saudi Arabia last month, another festival is going to light up the Middle East. Dhai Dubai, the first-ever Emirati-led light art festival, has launched its illuminating 10-day programme at Expo City Dubai. The event celebrates the rich artistic tapestry of Emirati talent through a series of awe-inspiring artistic projections, interactive installations, enlightening tal...
Read MorePreviously unknown colonies of emperor penguins have been spotted in new satellite imagery. Emperor penguins, considered “near threatened” with extinction, are the world’s largest penguins. They raise their chicks in Antarctic winter on patches of frozen sea ice. But if the ice breaks up before the chicks have fledged, most will die. At least some emperor penguins are moving their colonies as melting ice from climate change threatens breeding grounds, according to research released on Wednesday. One penguin colony near Halley Bay appears to have moved around 30 kilometers (19 miles) to the east, said Peter Fretwell, a researcher at the British Antarctic Survey. He said unstable conditions beginning in 2016 had made the old location perilous. “Emperor penguins have taken it...
Read MoreHotels are included in 50 Best Discovery, an in depth collection of city guides, for the first time since its inception, following the launch of The World's 50 Best Hotels in 2023 50 Best has announced the addition of more than 600 new venues to its 50 Best Discovery platform, showcasing an even greater range of venues globally than ever before. The new additions feature more than 260 restaurants, 120 bars and 240 hotels in 100+ new cities and towns. With this latest refresh, 50 Best Discovery now features 3, 2 00 hospitality establishments from across the world, each selected after receiving votes from the expert voting Academies that create 50 Best’s world leading global and regional lists. A highly curated guide, 50 Best Discovery is the ultimate reference tool for discerni...
Read MoreElevating the experience for customers of Cathay Pacific and fellow oneworld member airlines Breaking new ground in premium benefits and luxury air travel, the oneworld Alliance has unveiled its first-ever fully branded dedicated airport lounge in Seoul. The new oneworld lounge opens as the world’s leading airline alliance prepares to celebrate its landmark 25th anniversary later this year. For the launch of its first branded lounge, oneworld collaborated with global aviation ground services provider Swissport and the team behind its award-winning ASPIRE Airport Lounges. Situated in Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport, the spacious new oneworld lounge stretches across 555 square metres and features stylish seating in a contemporary new setting for up to 148 custom...
Read MoreLuxury ecotourism in Saudi Arabia takes a major step forward with Zardun
The latest announcement from the NEOM Board of Directors, Zardun has been designed as a restorative nature and wildlife retreat for discerning guests Luxury ecotourism in Saudi Arabia has taken a major step forward with the announcement of Zardun, an exclusive sanctuary resort developed by NEOM, the sustainable region taking shape in the northwest of the Kingdom. Announced by the NEOM Board of Directors, Zardun has been designed to seamlessly blend contemporary luxury with nature. The unique destination is the latest in a series of coastal assets that form part of the ongoing development taking place across the NEOM region. Overlooking the crystalline waters of the Gulf of Aqaba, Zardun is a nature-based resort that will host four ultra-luxury signature buildings, all of wh...
Read MoreMövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island has forged a strategic alliance with BRANDit, a trusted leader in destination and hospitality representation, as the Marketing & PR agency in India. This partnership aims to introduce luxury travellers, adventure seekers and honeymooners to unique experiences that the resort has to offer. Nestled in the heart of Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island boasts a diverse range of activities, world-class amenities and signature dining options. The resort also offers a perfect backdrop for lavish weddings, thanks to its beachfront location overlooking the Arabian Gulf and multiple venues. “Recognising India as a robust hub for outbound travel, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island is strategically positioned to meet the discerning preferen...
Read MoreThe World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has entered a new era with a new name and brand: UN Tourism. With this new brand, the Organization reaffirms its status as the United Nations specialized agency for tourism and the global leader of tourism for development, driving social and economic change to ensure that “people and planet” are always center stage. To achieve this goal, UN Tourism engaged the services of Interbrand, the leading global branding agency. Interbrand successfully translated the Organization’s renewed vision for tourism into a new visual identity and brand narrative. This involved renaming the Organization, transitioning from UNWTO to UN Tourism. At the same time, a new brand narrative was meticulously crafted, one that seamlessly aligns with UN Tourism’s centra...
Read MoreExclusive new collection of itineraries will feature an industry-first with overnight stays in every port of call Special evening shore excursions created for luxury travelers to explore destinations in a new way Regent Seven Seas Cruises, the world's leading luxury cruise line, has announced a collection of six unique Immersive Overnights voyages where each port of call features an overnight stay – allowing for deeper exploration and discovery in much-loved destinations. These voyages, currently on board four of the six ships in The World's Most Luxurious Fleet, will include special shoreside experiences exclusively crafted to make each overnight call a memorable part of the journey. Destinations featured in the Immersive Overnights collection are the Mediterranean, Northern E...
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