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What Abu Dhabi Airports will show at Saudi International Airshow

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Abu Dhabi Airports is participating in the inaugural edition of the Saudi International Air Show, held between March 12 – 14 at Thumamah Airport, Riyadh, showcasing its role within the regional aviation sector. Abu Dhabi Airports’ participation in the airshow, as part of the UAE pavilion, is the result of the close ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, particularly within the fields of air transport and tourism.

The airshow falls ahead of the opening of the new Midfield Terminal Building at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), which aims to deliver a seamless passenger experience through the incorporation of cutting-edge technology, world-class leisure facilities and enhanced capacity and connectivity.


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Bryan Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “Our attendance comes as part of our commitment to maintaining the UAE’s aviation ties with its key regional partners. Through participating at this event, we look to celebrate the strong ties between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, particularly in the aviation sector, where trade and tourism between the two nations continues to play a key role in each of their national economies.”

“We are looking forward to exhibiting a model of the new Midfield Terminal Building, which will accommodate an additional 45 million passengers annually, at the Saudi International Airshow. The new facility will exhibit the latest technological developments for passengers arriving to, departing from and transiting through Abu Dhabi. The building will enhance Abu Dhabi Airports’ network, allowing regional passengers to experience our unique brand of Arabian hospitality on their way to a wide range of global destinations,” added Mr. Thompson.

“Our participation in leading aviation events such as the Saudi International Airshow is in line with our vision to become the world’s leading airports group, as we build greater strategic partnerships with key stakeholders from across the region and around the world,” concluded Mr. Thompson.

US Customs and Border Protection Pre-Clearance Facility

Of particular interest to regional travelers is the United States Customs and Border Protection Pre-Clearance Facility located at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Passengers travelling to the US through AUH continue to enjoy the award-winning facility. The service is the only one of its kind in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, allowing passengers connecting through Abu Dhabi to avoid lengthy queues upon arrival in the US and have their baggage checked through to their final destination.

Passengers traveling to New York, Washington, Dallas, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles on flights operated by the UAE’s national carrier, Etihad Airways, can take advantage of this unique service. Last year, over 500,000 passengers passed through the facility, demonstrating its continued appeal to regional and international travelers.

Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone

During the airshow, Abu Dhabi Airports will also be highlighting the recent reductions in business setup costs at the Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone (ADAFZ). Having reduced costs by more than 66%, ADAFZ enables new businesses to easily enter and establish themselves within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

In addition to the business setup cost reductions, ADAFZ has received a Tawtheeq registration exemption for itself and its customers from the Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities (DPM) in Abu Dhabi.

A wholly owned subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Airports, ADAFZ operates free zones at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Al Ain International Airport and Al Bateen Executive Airport. These zones provide 100% ownership, a tax-free environment, and other benefits including 0% import or re-export duties, no restrictions on capital repatriation, no currency restrictions and a full range of services including company registration, licensing, leasing and rapid visa processing for employees.

The Gulf Center for Aviation Studies (GCAS)

GCAS will also be present at Saudi Airshow promoting its aviation and airport training expertise and programs to the regional aviation community. GCAS is one of the few training centers within the region that offer internationally accredited aviation courses from entities such as IATA, ACI, and ICAO. Its location within an active Al Bateen Executive Airport provides delegates with hands-on experience of the airport environment and its requirements and challenges. With the anticipation of the continuous growth of the aviation industry, human capital development is key to sustaining this growth, and that is where GCAS plays a vital role in the region.

IMEX shines a light on diversity and inclusion

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IMEX shines a light on diversity and inclusion

“Organizations which embrace diversity will see positive repercussions throughout their business – from staff motivation and engagement, heightened innovation and a boosted bottom line. Diversity means diversity of people, minds, ideas, and approaches and it’s something we value at IMEX and recognize as crucial to the future success of the events industry – that’s why it forms a core part of our offering at IMEX in Frankfurt this year”, Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, explains the show’s spotlight on diversity ahead of International Women’s Day this Friday, 8 March.

IMEX in Frankfurt, taking place 21 – 23 May, offers a wide range of experiences, education and experts enabling planners to discover the latest best practice in business, as well as developments in diversity and inclusion.

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A session taking place on EduMonday, a dedicated afternoon of education taking place the day before the show on Monday 20 May, focuses on cultural diversity. Cultural differences and their impact on destination management explores how to prepare for a culturally different client as well as the principles that should guide planners globally, regardless of local customs.

She Means Business

Also taking place on EduMonday is She Means Business, created in partnership with tw tagungswirtschaft, a conference celebrating the role of women in the events industry. As one of the inspiring speakers debating the crucial issues facing women today, Gernot Sendowski, Director of HR Global Diversity & Inclusion at Deutsche Bank AG, delivers a male perspective on gender equality and female empowerment as well as exploring the German and European diversity charters. Angela Dern, Head of Diversity & Inclusion at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), talks about gender equality as an economic imperative and details the UN Women 10x10x10 Impact Commitment, an initiative engaging 10 governments, corporations and universities around the world.

Inspiring inclusivity

Developing leadership skills to manage and motivate a diverse team is covered in Industry best practices on how to be an inclusive leader, one of the many education sessions taking place on the show floor during the three days of the show. The session at the Inspiration Hub explores the best practices and communication models required to become an inclusive leader.

The design of an event can impact inclusivity and this is discussed in Redesigning inclusive events by overcoming unconscious bias. The session shows planners how to uncover their unconscious bias and discover practical ways of designing events to embrace diversity and inclusion.

Planners, buyers and other visitors can explore destinations, venues, tech providers and more at IMEX in Frankfurt from 21 – 23 May 2019. Among the many exhibitors already confirmed are New Zealand, Senses of Cuba, Barcelona Convention Bureau, Visit Brussels, Kempinski Hotels, Meliá Hotels and Latvia.

During the three days of the IMEX trade show, buyers can meet and making appointments with more than 3,500 suppliers from every sector of the global meetings and events industry.

She Means Business, part of EduMonday, takes place on Monday 20 May, the day before IMEX in Frankfurt, 21 -23 May 2019. It’s free to enter once you’ve registered for IMEX in Frankfurt.

Registration for the show is free of charge and open to all in the meetings, events and incentive travel industry.

International Women’s Day is on 8 March and celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

A Plan For Our Kids: Climate Friendly Travel

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Deep down, most people know, Travel & Tourism must respond to the eXistential challenge of Climate Change, must fully align with the Paris Agreement targets, and must play a leading role in the Green New Deal paradigm shift. Our sector is a central part of the human activity – social, economic and environmental: its influence and impact are growing: its role in development is fundamental. Mobility is a part of our DNA.

But we are in the middle of a massive “New Climate Economy” transformation. It will affect all consumption, all supply, and all investment on the planet, as well as a shift to the circular economy and nature-based solutions.  The scientists say we have about a decade to get our house in order and keep global temperatures at tolerable levels for humanity. If we don’t fix it, our grandkids will freeze or fry.

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Many will say that we are acting already – conferences, declarations: observatories: pledges: certification: awards: offsets: clean energy technology and so much more. We have WTTC linked to UNFCCC, IATA & ICAO taking care of aviation and CLIA, WOC & IMO looking after cruises. We’ll also get a huge boost from societal shifts to low carbon lifestyles, smart cities, electric transport: synthetic fuels: green buildings, satellite or big data monitoring, AI, IOT and the like.

At the same time countries, cities, businesses, and consumers will deliver an increasing number of national and local regulations as states take steps to ensure that the SDGs and Paris targets are achieved. All this change will intensify under the dictates of a progressively tightening Paris climate regime. Surely this will be enough?

I suggest it will not. Our world is just beginning to understand the impact of extreme weather, melting ice caps, warmer oceans, severer drought, fiercer forest fires, disrupted supply chains, and migration mayhem.  The harsh reality is we still need to move further, faster and more strategically on Climate Response in the coming decade.

Tomorrow’s leaders must have the right mindset to deal with the dynamic disrupted world of tomorrow. The ingenuity to conceive and build responsive Travel & Tourism systems for liveable, as well as enjoyable destinations. And that means starting now and accelerating to stay on the intensifying Paris curve.

SUNx – a legacy program for Maurice Strong, the father of sustainable development – has crafted the start of a response. “Plan For Our Kids” will create 100,000 STRONG Climate Champions in all UN States by 2030. Not to replicate or substitute work done by committed industry or government bodies dealing with Climate response – we will need all of these. There will be no magic bullet

Our contribution is to help prepare the next generation of decision makers, as well as help companies and communities connect with them.  It’s a low cost, CSR linked program, which will support nextgen leaders with lifetime learning, from school through graduation and it will teach Climate Friendly Travel ~ measured to manage: green to grow and 2050 proof to innovate. It will provide cloud-connected online education, analytics and a heavy emphasis on innovation, to spread best practice around the system.

“Plan For Our Kids” will help keep a central focus on climate resilience for destinations, companies, value chains and travelers themselves. It will focus on communities because that’s where lasting impacts are made and it’s where ultimate lifestyle decisions rest.  It will be expanded through SDG 17 Partnerships for change.

To take this plan to global scale in the 2030 timeframe requires us to find a pioneer group of like-minded industry and government partners, prepared to commit to a real strategy for a real existential climate emergency. Just 50 STRONG Climate Champions in each State, every year for the next decade will see a global movement of 100,000 by 2030. They will be from the Greta Thunberg generation. They will have the same vision, commitment and tenacity. They will help deliver Climate Friendly Travel.

If you share this view and want to be a part of the change, please contact Geoffrey Lipman at [email protected]  or visit our website www.thesunprogram.com

source: International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP)

Seychelles to host FINA World Junior Open Water Championship in 2020

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Seychelles will next year host the FINA World Junior Open Water Championship 2020, making it the first African country and small island nation to organize this event. Additionally, following the resounding triumph of the first-ever FINA/Hosa Marathon Swim World Series held on our beautiful shores in 2018, Seychelles will once again host the second leg of the prestigious swimming competition in May this year.

These official announcements were made during a press conference held on January 17, 2019, at the Savoy Resort and Spa in the presence of Mr. Maurice Loustau-Lalanne, the Minister for Finance, Trade, Investment, and Economic Planning, Principal Secretary for Youth and Sports Mr. Fabian Palmyre.

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The press conference hosted by the chairperson of the Seychelles Swimming Association (SSA), Mr. David Vidot, also saw the participation of the two core governmental partners in the presence of Mrs. Sherin Francis the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Chief Executive and Mr. Jean Larue, Chief Executive of the National Sports Council (NSC).

The FINA World Junior Open Water Championship is an international swimming competition that brings together boys and girls between the age of 14 and 19, to race at the highest level.

“This is another historical moment for Seychelles as we are pioneering open water not only in Seychelles but also in the African continent,” said Mr. Vidot.

During her intervention STB Chief Executive Mrs. Francis commented that as a faithful partner of the open water competitions, STB will give its support to the event, adding that such sports competitions provide a great boost to the tourism industry.

“Such big events are broadcasted by major television channels and this is a way for people to indirectly discover the destination for the first time. We have noticed in the past that having international press cover such events has allowed us to receive more leverage and visibility as a small country with little resources,” said Mrs. Francis.
She added that all stakeholders in the tourism industry stand to benefit from such an event.

Commenting on the financial commitment of the event, the Minister for Finance, Trade, Investment, and Economic Planning stated that the government of Seychelles is giving its full support for the hosting of the event. He also took the opportunity to invite local businesses to join the initiative as sponsors and partners.

“It is important that Seychelles hosts such events to make sure that it remains relevant on the international scene as a country that is serious and engaged in sport. Sport brings about peace and most of all it develops the youth and places them on the right track in life,” said Mr. Loustau-Lalanne.

Mr. Loustau-Lalanne also added that the exact costing for the event has not been established yet, but that for the moment an estimation of about five to six million Seychelles rupees has been made for the event.

Mr. Vidot mentioned that ongoing discussions are still being held with FINA to establish the exact date that the junior championship will take place. He explained that the junior championship might be hosted during the week that follows the final race of the FINA/Hosa Marathon Swim World Series’ second leg. There will be three age groups and three distances – 3km, 5km, and 7.5km – under which participants will be able to compete.

The FINA/Hosa Marathon Swim World Series, which is anticipated for May 11 and May 12 this year, will be the second event of a four-year agreement with FINA for the international swimming event.

“At the moment, we are hoping to host it back to back with the world cup series as both events will be hosted at Beau Vallon. This will allow us to make the most out of our resources,” said Mr. Vidot.

In 2018, the first Seychelles edition of the FINA/Hosa Marathon Swim World Series was won by an Italians duo Arianna Bridi and Simone Ruffini who came out as the winners of the women’s and men’s race, respectively; leaving around 50 other world class swimmers from around the world envious of winning in the pristine waters.

Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Label renewed for two Hilton properties

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The Seychelles Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Mr Didier Dogley handed over SSTL certificates to representatives of two Hilton hotels in a short ceremony held at the ministry’s headquarters, at Botanical House, Mont Fleuri on Wednesday 16th January 2019.

Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort and Spa and Double Tree by Hilton Allamanda Resort were first certified in 2016.  On the expiry of their certification which was valid for 2 years these two hotels have gone through a re assessment where they have both scored over 10% more points than they scored 2 years ago.

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During the two years, both hotels have intensified their efforts to reduce their carbon footprints. This includes installing solar lights across the whole property, motion sensor lighting, reconditioning of the Sewage Treatment Plant for more efficiency among others.  Both properties have also contributed to environment conservation through the establishment of coral nurseries in partnership with the Marine Conservation Society of Seychelles to help in coral reef restoration.

Minister Dogley congratulated the participants for their achievements and expressed his satisfaction at the increasing interest from various hotels towards this sustainable tourism initiative and reiterated that sustainability is the way forward for our tourism industry.

The Hilton representatives expressed their satisfaction at having maintained their commitment to sustainability and said ‘We naturally chose to form part of this label as it perfectly aligns with our vision and mission to integrate sustainability as part of our daily operations. We are also honouring the Hilton Corporate Social Responsibility campaign: Travel with Purpose, by committing to making our community a better place.  We are the pioneers of conscious travelling, and through our numerous initiatives such as the Coral Reef Restoration Program and the newly appointed Sustainability and Guest Experience coordinator position, we will also be the future of hospitality sustainability in Seychelles’

The Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Label (SSTL) is awarded to hotels that are found to be integrating sustainability practices in their business operations. Presently applicable to tourism accommodations only, the mission of the SSTL is to encourage tourism accommodations of all sizes in Seychelles to mainstream sustainability practices into their business operations to safeguard the biodiversity and culture of Seychelles which is the core of our tourism product.

The label is presently being amended and expanded to make it applicable to other tourism businesses such as restaurants, the boating sector and tour operators.