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Centara Hotels & Resorts enters 2020 on a high with impressive expansion plans, new openings and brand updates

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Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, has provided the travel industry with an update on its expansion and development plans ahead of this year’s World Travel Market (WTM) in London.

The last 12 months have been an exciting period for Centara, which is currently midway through a strategic five-year development plan that will see its global portfolio grow to over 130 hotels in more than 15 countries by the end of 2022.

The company is also implementing several important projects to improve all areas of its business, from technological upgrades to new brands.

EXTENDING A LEADING POSITION IN THAILAND

Centara is currently undertaking a significant expansion of its domestic portfolio. The group recently celebrated the opening of the 145-key Centara Sonrisa Residences & Suites Sriracha, on Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard. It has also added three hotels in the attractive Mai Khao Beach area of Phuket; the 22-pool villa Maikhao Dream Villa Resort & Spa has joined the Centara Boutique Collection, the 142-key Maikhao Hotel is now managed by Centara, and the brand new, 280-key Centra by Centara Maikhao Resort Phuket is scheduled to open in 2024. Most recently, Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa Krabi, which is the only branded resort on Ao Nang Beach, opened its doors in October. Following this, COSI Pattaya Naklua Beach will start welcoming guests this November. These new agreements extend the group’s Thai portfolio to 38 hotels and resorts in operation, with many more under development.

EXPANDING IN NEW GLOBAL MARKETS

Centara continues to grow its footprint in many of the world’s most attractive destinations. The group recently signed a joint venture agreement for its inaugural property in Japan: the 515-key Centara Grand Hotel Osaka, which is scheduled to open in mid-2023. At the start of the year, Centara made its debut in Qatar with the launch of the 292-key Centara West Bay Residences & Suites Doha. Following an agreement with the same owner, Centara will add two more properties in Doha: The B Premiere Hotel, an 85-room property under the Centara Boutique Collection which will open early next year, and the 167-key Centara Al Bustan Hotel Doha, which is under construction and due to open in 2021.

Southeast Asia is also a key area of expansion. Centara recently signed an MoU to manage six properties in Myanmar, including the 95-key Centara KMA Resort Inle Lake, which was the first to be signed and will start welcoming guests in early 2020. In Laos, the company has sealed management agreements for three new properties with a combined total of 216 keys, including Centara Grand and Centra by Centara hotels in Luang Prabang and COSI Vientiane Nam Phu. These are in addition to Centara Plumeria Resort Pakse, which is scheduled to open in 2020. Finally, Centara has revealed plans for a significant expansion of its portfolio in Vietnam, with the goal of opening at least 20 new hotels nationwide in the next five years.

Centara’s international portfolio and pipeline now extends to 13 countries: Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, the Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Japan, Turkey, the UAE and Vietnam.

REFRESHING AN ICON AND REVEALING NEW BRANDS

Centara is also focused on revitalising its brands and properties to create the finest experiences for all guests. Fresh brand identities have been revealed for the group’s upscale Centara and upper upscale Centara Grand brands. This serves to breathe new life and energy into their visual appeal and better distinguish the brand experiences, whilst ensuring a sense of warmth and progressive Thainess, which are the omnipresent hallmarks of the company. This will be complemented by a new luxury brand which will be officially launched following the complete upgrade and repositioning of the popular Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui, which closed temporarily earlier this year. Its reopening in late 2020 will coincide with the unveiling of the brand, whose name, together with exciting details of its inaugural hotel will be announced in January 2020. Centara has also signed an MOU with a leading medical company to create a new medical wellness brand.

In October, Centara began the rollout of its new global advertising campaign, titled “The Place to Be”, which is derived from the company’s unique and inimitable brand DNA of Thai Family Values and the associated values of Caring, Sharing and Belonging.

DELIVERING CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY

Centara is fully committed to delivering the latest technology across all areas of its business. Guests will be able to benefit from a new best-in-class website, which will offer a more intuitive, user-friendly booking flow across all devices, including advanced mobile compatibility; and dynamic personalized content. The new digital experience will launch in April 2020  Enhanced and integrated Property Management Systems (PMS), Central Reservations Systems (CRS) and Revenue Management Systems (RMS) will enable hotels to perform to the best of their ability, driving maximum returns back to their owners and the company is midway through the rollout of this new technology architecture which comprises a combination of the optimal solutions  for Centara’s business model, including Opera, IDeaS and Vertical Booking by harnessing big data, Centara will also be able to personalise every stay.

REIMAGINING THE MICE SECTOR

At the start of 2019, Centara officially launched Meetings Redesigned, an innovative new MICE concept designed to provide a one-stop service for corporate events. This new programme is built around three main elements: a Meeting Guru will offer a single point of contact for end-to-end event management; a partnership with Asia Ability will help promote new team-building techniques, and creative catering will deliver memorable group dining occasions.

Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld continues to raise standards in in the MICE sector, after it was named “Best Meetings and Conventions Hotel in Asia” for the fifth consecutive year at the 2019 TTG Travel Awards. Centara now operates three world-class convention hotels in Bangkok, and the company is aiming to host at least 100,000 MICE delegates in the city this year, helping to position the Thai capital as a key gateway for international events. Centara is also investing THB 650 million in a full refurbishment programme of all 505 rooms at the flagship, Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld which will further consolidate its status among Bangkok’s leading business and leisure destinations.

REFRESHING GUEST EXPERIENCES

Finally, Centara has crafted its new Staying Well concept, which promotes a healthier way to travel. This programme has also been built around three core pillars, Live Well, Eat Well and Sleep Well, and comprises the provision of in-room fitness accessories, exercise routines and free group classes, healthy restaurant menus, pillow menus, soothing music, wellness kits and more.

For more news about Centara, please click here.

Centara Hotels & Resorts enters 2020 on a high with impressive expansion plans, new openings and brand updates
Cosi Pattaya
Centara Hotels & Resorts enters 2020 on a high with impressive expansion plans, new openings and brand updates

MEDIA CONTACT: Pornchanok Thongrungrot (Pao), Corporate Public Relations Manager – International, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Tel. +66 (0)2769 1234 Ext. 6733, Email: pr.centara@chr.co.th

Centara and KMA Group Sign HMA for a New Myanmar Resort

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Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, and KMA Group, a subsidiary of Kaung Myanmar Aung (KMA) Group of Companies, signed a Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) in Bangkok for the management of a new hotel in Myanmar owned by KMA. The property, located at one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, will be rebranded and managed under the Centara brand beginning this year.

The 95-key Centara KMA Resort Inle Lake, located on the shores of Inle Lake in central Myanmar, is scheduled to open during the fourth quarter of 2019.

We are very excited to move forward in partnership with KMA Hotels, one of the leading hospitality companies in Myanmar,” said Thirayuth Chirathivat, Chief Executive Officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts. “This agreement enables Centara to establish a significant foothold in a country with tremendous growth potential for tourism, and work with the highly experienced management team at KMA.”

KMA Group of Companies is a privately held company founded and led by Chairman                      U Khin Maung Aye, Chairman of CB Bank. The Group comprises 15 corporate entities operating across a diverse range of industries.

“We are delighted to have Centara’s strong brand and international management expertise coming on board at the new resort property,” said Khin Maung Aye, Chairman of KMA Group. “I am confident that Centara’s presence in Myanmar will contribute toward realising the country’s full potential for tourism growth while ensuring continued success for KMA’s hotel and tourism businesses.”

Centara signed a MOU with KMA earlier this year for the management of six hotels and resorts in Myanmar. This new management agreement represents the completion of the deal for the first of these properties with the others set to follow imminently.

Myanmar is Southeast Asia’s second-largest country and boasts one of the fastest-growing economies in the region. Myanmar’s projected tourism growth rate of 8.5% annually through 2025 puts the country at the top of the world’s fastest-growing tourism markets.

The addition of a new Myanmar property is further evidence of Centara’s continued expansion strategy, and the combination of Centara’s expertise and KMA Group’s mastery of development are sure to elevate Myanmar’s hospitality sector.

Centara and KMA Group Sign HMA for a New Myanmar Resort
Centara and KMA Group Sign HMA for a New Myanmar Resort

About KMA Hotels GROUP

KMA Hotels was formed in October of 2007 as a division of the KMA Group of Companies, with the aim of being a Myanmar national owned hotel chain providing international standard services and facilities. The Royal Kaytumadi Hotel, the first five-star hotel from KMA Hotels Management opened on 9th April, 2008 in Taungoo. KMA Hotels currently operates eight resorts, hotels and inns in Myanmar.

ABOUT CENTARA

Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 75 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, China, Oman, Qatar and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands -Centara Grand Hotels & Resorts, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centara Boutique Collection, Centra by Centara, Centara Residences & Suites and COSI Hotels – ranging from 5-star city hotels and luxurious island retreats to family resorts and affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology. It also operates state-of-the-art convention centres and has its own award-winning spa brand, Cenvaree. Throughout the collection, Centara delivers and celebrates the hospitality and values Thailand is famous for including gracious service, exceptional food, pampering spas and the importance of families. Centara’s distinctive culture and diversity of formats allow it to serve and satisfy travellers of nearly every age and lifestyle.

Centara is strategically expanding its portfolio with additional properties in Thailand and new international markets, while spreading its footprint into new continents and market niches. As Centara continues to expand, a growing base of loyal customers will find the company’s unique style of hospitality in more locations. Centara’s global loyalty programme, Centara The1, reinforces their loyalty with rewards, privileges and special member pricing.

Find out more about Centara at www.CentaraHotelsResorts.com  

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For more information and media enquiries, please contact:

Pornchanok Thongrungrot (Pao)

Corporate Public Relations Manager – International media, Centara Hotels & Resorts
Email:pornchanokth@chr.co.th  Tel. +66 (0) 2769 1234 Ext. 6733

Puntira Cherdboonmuang (Gam)

Corporate Public Relations Manager – Thai media, Centara Hotels & Resorts
Email:puntirach@chr.co.th Tel. +66 (0) 2769 1234 Ext. 6922        

Seychelles participated in 110th Session of UNWTO Executive Council

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The 110th Session of the UNWTO Executive Council met in Baku, Azerbaijan from June 16-18, 2019. More than 40 Member States joined by representatives from the public and private sectors attended the meeting. Seychelles was represented by Minister Didier Dogley, Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine and Mrs. Anne Lafortune, Principal Secretary for Tourism.

The objectives of the UNWTO Council meeting are to bring together Member States for high level discussions on the direction of the global tourism sector, provide overview of UNWTO’s activities and progress over the previous year, and make key recommendations on the way forward.

The key priorities of UNWTO were presented during the meeting by the Secretary-General, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili. This includes closer alignment with the wider United Nations system, financial sustainability and a focus on the role innovation, digital transformation and entrepreneurship can play in the global tourism sector. Another of UNWTO’s priorities is to make tourism a leading source of more and better jobs and a top provider of education and training.

In his intervention Minister Dogley welcomed the progress made in the newly launched ‘UNWTO Agenda for Africa’. “This four year plan will play a major role in realizing the potential of tourism for Africa if well implemented, focusing on tourism as a driver of poverty alleviation, job creation and professional development,” said Minister Dogley.

The Executive Council also endorsed the latest financial results and structural reforms implemented under the Secretary-General, which reflect the ongoing effort to guarantee the economic sustainability of the Organisation.

In the margin of the council meeting, the Minister and Principal Secretary for Tourism also met with Spain’s Secretary of State, Mrs. Isabel Maria Oliver Sagregas to discuss the possibility of a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of tourism between the Seychelles Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism of the Kingdom of Spain. Spain has a well-developed tourism industry and signing an MOU with their Ministry responsible for Tourism can assist Seychelles to learn and benefit from Spain’s experience in the areas of training and exchange programs, sharing of best practices in fields such the Tourism Satellite Account, Management of tourism risks, Product Diversification and Cruise Tourism.

The meeting in Baku will be followed by the 23rd Session of UNWTO General Assembly, due to take place in Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, in September 2019. Held every two years, the General Assembly is the most important high-level meeting of global Tourism Ministers and the private sector in the world.

MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, stbnews@seychelles.travel  www.seychelles.travel

Centara Signs MOU with KMA Hotels for Six Myanmar Hotels

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Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, and KMA Hotels Group, a subsidiary of Kaung Myanmar Aung (KMA) Group of Companies, have announced the signing of a MOU to begin the development and renovation of 6 hotels located at some of Myanmar’s most popular tourist destinations, all to be managed under Centara brands. Work on the project will begin in 2019.

This project will see three of KMA Hotels’ existing properties located in Inle, Naypyitaw, and Taungoo undergo refurbishment prior to reopening, and the development of 3 new hotels in Bagan and Than Daung. The 3 new hotels are Centara Bagan River View Resort & Spa Kaytumadi Dynasty Bagan Resort, Centara Boutique Collection and Shwe Than Daung Resort, Centara Boutique Collection. All six hotels will operate under the upscale and upper upscale Centara and Centara Boutique Collection brands. The Centara Paradise Inle Lake Resort & Spa will open its doors in Q4 of this year.

The deal marks Centara’s entry into one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism markets and enables the company to secure a major Myanmar foothold.

“Our partnership with KMA Hotels represents a significant milestone for Centara,” said Thirayuth Chirathivat, Centara’s CEO. “It gives us the opportunity to establish a significant presence for Centara in a country with huge potential for tourism development, and we are looking forward to contributing to Myanmar’s development while providing travellers with more options to enjoy our Thai-inspired, international standard of hospitality across a variety of destinations.”

KMA Group of Companies is a privately held company founded and led by Chairman U Khin Maung Aye, Chairman of CB Bank. The Group comprises 15 corporate entities operating across a diverse range of industries.

“We are delighted that Centara will be bringing their management expertise and and strong brand to six of Myanmar’s most popular destinations,” said U Kaung Htet Tun, Managing Director of KMA Group. “Myanmar shows great potential for tourism growth, and Centara’s presence here represents a step forward for the Hotel and Tourism industries.”

Myanmar is the second largest country in Southeast Asia and boasts one of the region’s fastest-growing economies. The country’s tourism sector is well-placed for a sustained period of growth; the country’s anticipated tourism growth rate of 8.5% annually through 2025 puts Myanmar at the top of the world’s fastest-growing tourism markets.

The six Myanmar hotels are further proof of Centara’s expansion strategy, which calls for doubling the number of properties under its management by 2022, and the complementing expertise of Centara and master developers KMA Group are set to elevate the Myanmar hospitality scene.

MEDIA CONTACT: Pornchanok Thongrungrot (Pao), Corporate Public Relations Manager – International, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Tel. +66 (0)2769 1234 Ext. 6733, Email: pr.centara@chr.co.th

Emirates renews its commitment to Seychelles at the Arabian Trade Fair in Dubai

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The partnership between Emirates and destination Seychelles continues to grow, as both parties signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), outlining joint activities to promote the island destination.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai on Monday, April 29, 2019, by both Orhan Abbas, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations for Africa and Mrs. Sherin Francis, Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Chief Executive, in the presence of Didier Dogley, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine of the Seychelles.

“We have enjoyed a long and fruitful partnership with Seychelles and have taken an active role in boosting the tourism industry of the island nation. Our commitment to the destination and the partnership forged with the government authorities have seen great success”, said Orhan Abbas, Senior Vice President – Commercial Operations (Africa).

“The renewal of our agreement provides us with utmost confidence that the growth of tourism within Seychelles can be further developed, and we remain assured that we will continue to see these numbers grow,” he added.

Speaking of the continuous collaboration between Seychelles and its partner Emirates, Minister Didier Dogley mentioned the importance of this close relationship to the Seychelles. “The signing of this MOU with Emirates underpins the long-standing strong relationship, developed over a decade, between the Government of Seychelles and the leadership of this global airline. We value the services Emirates has provided and continues to provide to the Seychelles and its tourism industry. We look forward to further deepening this relationship to leverage mutual benefits,” said Didier Dogley, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine of the Seychelles.

On her part Mrs. Francis mentioned Emirates remains a prime partner for the Seychelles, and admires the company’s initiative of actively collaborating with the Island’s Tourism Board to increase the promotion of the destination through joint activities.

“The continuous support of all our partners, enables us to increase our reach to all our regular and potential clients. Our long-lasting collaboration with Emirates has made Seychelles accessible throughout the world via their extensive network, and its impact has been significant to us as a destination,” said Mrs. STB Chief Executive. 

In 2018, 361,844 tourists visited Seychelles; with the destination’s main markets being Germany, France, UK, UAE, Italy, India, Switzerland, South Africa, Russian Federation and Austria.

The Agreement will see marketing activities such as; the attendance of tourism trade shows and fairs, trade familiarisation trips, product presentations/workshops, alongside others, be undertaken jointly by Emirates and the STB.

Emirates has a fleet of 271 aircrafts and connects the Seychelles to 158 destinations, in 86 countries and territories across six continents.

In June 2015, Emirates increased its capacity for the Indian Ocean Island of Seychelles, as it switched from the Airbus 330-200 used on one of the two daily services, to a larger Boeing 777-300ER. The introduction of the Emirates Boeing 777-300ER, which operates as flight EK 705 from Dubai and as EK 706 on the return flight, has increased the overall capacity on the route by 1722 seats per week and made the route an all-Boeing 777 operation.

MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, stbnews@seychelles.travel  www.seychelles.travel

The Development and Promotion of MICE in Thailand

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The Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is leveraging the development of Thai MICE business in long haul markets in collaboration with foreign chambers of commerce representing Australia, UK, USA and Germany.
​Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB, disclosed, “The signing of this MOU – The Development and Promotion of MICE –  between TCEB and Foreign Chamber Alliance (FCA), comprising 4 chambers of commerce representing our main target countries, which are Australia, UK, USA and Germany.
It’s considered another remarkable step of TCEB in altering our role to leverage MICE by serving as a business partner who joins hands with foreign organisations to promote the development of Thai MICE in international markets, as well as to penetrate into long haul MICE markets in Oceania, Europe and the USA, side by side with our main short haul target markets in Asia.
“Indeed, the collaboration is a new dimension of promoting Thai MICE business in long haul markets with concentration on Oceania, Europe and the USA. This is the very first time that the Foreign Chamber Alliance – FCA, which represents Australia, UK, USA and Germany, signed an MOU with a Thai government agency. Interestingly, FCA has more than 20,000 members that include businessmen, investors, entrepreneurs from business, industrial and service sectors, such as Minor Hotels Group, AccorHotels Group, Marriott Hotels Group, convention centres business, as well as oil, mining, pharmaceutical, automobile and other industries,” he added.
“These are considered high potential business groups for propelling the national economy and are included among the targeted industries that the Thai government is keen to encourage in line with the 4.0 Policy. For this reason, this is a lucrative opportunity for us to collaborate to develop and raise the competitiveness of Thai MICE. The 4 chambers of commerce have recognised the importance of using MICE as the gateway to the development of commerce and investment in Thailand and ASEAN,” he said.
With this MOU, the framework for the development of MICE business will embrace 5 dimensions of operation:
• The sharing of MICE statistics and events
• MICE business development
• MICE market promotion
• MICE business research
• MICE personnel development.
Mr. Chiruit further said, “The initial collaboration to mutually promote MICE business will mainly focus on hospitality service, because members of the FCA have long records of investment in Thailand, which have been running alongside their nationwide service businesses. Hence, they have eyed to extend collaboration with Thai government agencies, as they believe the endeavour will open a new door to operate MICE business in Thailand and ASEAN.
“This, in turn, will allow them to study about the dynamics and direction of the Thai MICE market. By joining with TCEB in formulating a marketing development scheme, the synergy will open a new door to connecting with other alliances who relate with the promotion of Thai MICE business in targeted countries. Moreover, there will be co-operation in drawing international events into Thailand, marketing promotion and provision of support for events previously held in Thailand,” he said.
“Target groups and alliances will be invited to participate to strengthen the potential of MICE events held here in Thailand. The FCA will join with us in the exchange of marketing information related to targeted industries held by allied chambers of commerce and TCEB will exchange information on Thai MICE business, including statistics and events, to fully bolster mutual MICE business development,” said the TCEB President.

​He went on to say, “Nevertheless, the FCA expects the Thai government to leverage the competitiveness of Thai MICE business in order to serve global competition. For example, facilitation of customs and immigration procedures; development of infrastructure and transportation; construction of convention centres; development of MICE personnel that meets international standards, and establishment of One-Stop-Service MICE centres. All of which will open a new door to the holding of MICE events in Thailand by efficiently offering enhanced convenience for MICE entrepreneurs and organisers,“ he declared.

Proposals to establish MICE service centres has been included in TCEB’s earlier strategic plan, and the Ease of Doing Business project as well  as the draft of a national strategy of NESDB (National Economic and Social Development Council).
​Mr. Chiruit went on to explain, “After the completion of MOU signing, TCEB is set to discuss with the FCA on the preparation of Phase I work plan, which lasts two years. Both parties will encourage practical co-operation in a rapid and consistent manner. Initially, we have planned to attract events and provide support to the holding of events that relate to targeted industries according to the government’s 4.0 Policy, particularly in the provinces governed by the administration of EEC (Eastern Economic Corridor),” he said.

​“TCEB expects that the collaboration will not only leverage the competitiveness of Thai MICE in long haul markets in Oceania, Europe and the USA, but will also help to attract international events into several regions in Thailand, especially those considered main markets in MICE City project, which are Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen. Definitely, we believe the rapport will encourage transfers of technology and knowledge of each industry among one another, and thus will promote advancement in all regions and stimulate income distribution to communities nationwide,” concluded Mr. Chiruit.

Mr. Benjamin Krieg, Vice President, Austcham, explained, “The role of the Foreign Chamber Alliance (FCA) in Thailand and the purpose of signing the MOU combines key Foreign Chambers and their members through this important collaboration, we provide a common voice on advocacy to develop and grow opportunities that can benefit our members and the country of Thailand,” he said.

“The MICE industry is growing, and will also continue to grow in importance and contribution to the overall tourism sector within Thailand, and of course the greater Thai economy. Our primary aim is to continue to increase and grow the competitiveness of Thailand as a leading destination for MICE not only within Asia, but the world, further complimenting the amazing tourism industry that we already are so fortunate to be a part of,” concluded Mr. Krieg.

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How Emirates is supporting and preserving biodiversity

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Taking its environmental responsibilities seriously and championing wildlife conservation across different corners of the planet, the Emirates Group is playing its part to support and preserve biodiversity.

The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley in Australia both illustrate the Group’s long-standing focus on protecting fragile ecosystems and support for sustainable tourism in very different parts of the world.  Both conservation reserves protect valuable ecosystems and at the same time provide unique and sustainable experiences for visitors from around the world.

The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

The Emirates Group funds the operations of the 225 square kilometre Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR), an inland desert habitat that has been protected by government mandate since 2003. This is the largest piece of land that Dubai has dedicated to a single project and aims to preserve Dubai’s unique desert environment for future generations. The DDCR plays an important role in ecological research, actively collaborating with both local and international universities. The findings and results of the research studies help to enhance knowledge of the desert ecosystem, gather scientific data around rare and endangered desert species, monitor its balance and preserve its natural environment.

The reserve is also a focal point for conservation programmes aimed at restoring populations of some of the UAE’s wildlife, such as the Arabian gazelle, sand gazelle and Arabian oryx. Since their reintroduction into the DDCR, the antelope species have thrived, and their populations have significantly increased, triggering the process of looking into relocating some oryx and gazelle species to other protected areas within the region. Over 250 endangered Macqueen’s bustard (houbara) were also released this year with 25 of them fitted with tracking devices to monitor their movement and breeding progress.

In 2018, the DDCR was visited by more than 285,000 tourists, through Arabian Adventures, various Emirates partner tour operators, and the Al Maha Desert Resort. The DDCR offers low-impact desert experiences in addition to desert clean-up activities in coordination with Arabian Adventures. During 2018 the DDCR was accepted as a candidate for the IUCN Green List for Protected and Conserved Areas, a global standard for the world’s most effectively managed Protected Areas.

Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley

Emirates has been supporting the protection of Australia’s extraordinary wildlife and plant life for over 10 years, through the conservation-based Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley in New South Wales. The property was the first luxury resort in the world to receive an internationally-recognised carbon neutral certification from New Zealand based CarboNZero, undergoing a comprehensive greenhouse gas emissions assessment. Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley also conducts regular research to identify opportunities and challenges for endangered species conservation. Efforts have also been underway to help restore vital vegetation and tree planting activities, which have helped to re-establish habitats for vital bird populations, essential for their long term survival.

Emirates and Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley jointly funded the development of the WomSAT app and website in collaboration the University of Western Sydney to help researchers identify opportunities for wombat conservation. Wombats are threatened by sarcoptic mange, an unpleasant and often fatal skin disease that afflicts Australia’s largest burrow builder. The tool is used to record wombat sightings and track population health to help treat wombats afflicted by sarcoptic mange. Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is also spearheading a number of other conservation projects, such as the Wolgan River Restoration Project, an ongoing weed management programme, and supporting research projects with Western Sydney University.

United for Wildlife and The Buenos Aires Declaration

Since 2015, Emirates has continued its strong support for actions to stem the illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife products, which is having devastating consequences for endangered animals and the environment in many parts of the world. In 2018, the Emirates Group also signed the Buenos Aires Declaration on Travel and Tourism and Illegal Wildlife Trade, an effort led by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) to reach a billion travellers with messages to fight the illegal wildlife trade and work with communities to develop sustainable tourism that provides livelihoods and protects wildlife. The WTTC and World Wildlife Fund are developing guidelines to eliminate illegal wildlife trafficking from the travel and tourism supply chains.

The Emirates Group has also adopted a zero-tolerance policy to wildlife trafficking and has set up training for its employees to identify and look out for warning signs of smuggled wildlife products during cargo transportation and screening. Emirates will not carry banned species, hunting trophies or any products associated with illegal wildlife activities.

Using its brand power to raise awareness around the illegal trafficking of endangered wildlife, Emirates emblazoned four of its A380s with special wildlife decals. Since then the aircraft have flown millions of kilometres across 48 cities in 29 countries on close to 6,000 flights taking this important message around the world and spurring conversation around wildlife preservation.

dnata Wildlife Conservation and Nature

dnata recently signed an MOU with the University of Pretoria in South Africa to support their research and rehabilitation projects. Under dnata4good, the partnership aims to safeguard wildlife and the environment by strengthening and enhancing research, veterinary training and awareness, increasing involvement through volunteer opportunities and ensuring needed measures are taken to care for injured animals and rehabilitate them to go back into the wild. The initiative will be partially driven by employee participation to protect fragile biodiversity in South Africa and to maintain balanced ecosystems.

Give a Ghaf

Emirates Group employees living in Meydan Heights (UAE) will be taking part in a Ghaf Tree planting event on 27 April in partnership with Goumbook. The event aims to raise awareness about the importance of conserving the living desert, with a specific focus on the Ghaf tree. The Ghaf is a drought tolerant, evergreen tree which can withstand harsh desert environments, and can be used for greening purposes whilst saving water.

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Etihad Airways signs codeshare with Gulf Air

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Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understangin (MOU), Etihad Airways and Gulf Air have announced the signing of a codeshare partnership for travel commencing with the summer schedule.

The announcement was made at a signing ceremony held at Etihad Airways Headquarters in Abu Dhabi, attended by Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Aviation Group, and Krešimir Kučko, Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Air.

The agreement will see Etihad place its EY code on Gulf Air flights from Bahrain to and from Abu Dhabi, Baghdad, Casablanca, Dhaka, Faisalabad, Larnaca, Malaga, Multan, Najaf, Peshawar, Sailkot and Tbilisi. Gulf Air will place its GF code on Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi to and from Bahrain, Brisbane, Chicago O’Hare, Jakarta, Lagos, Los Angeles, Melbourne, New York JFK, Sydney and Washington.

Douglas said, “We are thrilled to be signing this codeshare agreement today with our long-time partner, Gulf Air. The signing today is a great example of how two flag carriers can enhance the experience of our guests by providing a greater choice of destinations and world-leading inflight service and Arabian hospitality.”

Kučko added, “This is a remarkable event for both Gulf Air and Etihad Airways and we take pride in elevating this relationship further with the signing of this codeshare agreement.”

Travel News | eTurboNews

Centara set to open three more hotels in Laos in 2020

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Bangkok, Thailand – 20th September 2018  –  Centara, Thailand’s leading hospitality group led by Suthikiati Chirathivat, Chairman of the Board (4th from right), has inked a management MOU with Asia Investment, Development & Construction Sole Co., Ltd (AIDC), a well-established investment and construction company in Laos. The agreement paves the way for Centara to enter into management agreements for three hotels in Laos with a combined total of 214 keys in capital city Vientiane and historic destination Luang Prabang.

Suthikiati Chirathivat, Centara’s Chairman of the Board said: “This signing ceremony demonstrates our commitment to expansion in Asia as we continue to develop our portfolio internationally. With the expertise from a country leader in development like AIDC and Centara’s record of delivering and inspiring extraordinary guest experiences, we are very excited to be partnering for success on these three exciting projects in Laos”

The three hotels will be operated under three distinct brands in the Centara Hotels & Resorts portfolio: in close proximity to Luang Prabang airport and major tourist attractions will be Centara Grand, the upper upscale hotel comprising premium rooms, leisure and meeting facilities. Targeting the more cost-conscious traveller in Luang Prabang will be a Centra by Centara hotel, a quality value offering in a convenient city location whilst the latest COSI branded hotel will be arriving in Vientiane. COSI is the affordable lifestyle brand for the modern tech-savvy and connected traveller and it will offer a distinctive and localised experience in Vientiane.

Pheutsapha Phoummasak, President of AIDC Laos stated: “Luang Prabang and Vientiane are very popular destinations for both Thai and international travellers thanks to their perfect blend of historic legacy, wonderful sceneries and modern infrastructure. We are excited to partner with a Centara to bring their trusted brands to these cities and further promote the tourism potential of Laos.”

This latest development is in line with Centara’s impressive expansion strategy and will see Centara’s hotel count in Laos reach four with Centara Plumeria Resort Pakse already well under development and scheduled to open in 2020.