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African aviation industry leaders unite in Kenya at Routes Africa

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The African aviation market will grow to over 356 million passengers by 2038, according to International Air Transport Association latest forecast. Over 24 million jobs on the African continent are already supported by the travel and tourism industry. Routes Africa will play a pivotal role in supporting growth in air services and stimulating economic development across the region.

Leaders from African aviation industry unite in Kenya is the longest standing and most established aviation forum dedicated to enhancing intra-Africa air connectivity. Routes Africa 2019 is hosted by Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), a State Corporation that is charged with the responsibility of providing and managing a coordinated system of airports in Kenya.

African Tourism Board is represented at the forum by its President Alain St.Ange  – the former Seychelles Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine.

Speaking during a media briefing at the event, Alex Gitari, Ag. Managing Director & Chief Executive, KAA said: “Over the last two years, we have been implementing an ambitious strategy to deal with one of the key challenges also facing the aviation sector in the continent namely, expansion and improvement of capacity at our main airports. Routes Africa is of prime importance, not only to Kenya Airports Authority but to our nation and the region at large. The aviation industry plays a critical role in Kenya’s development agenda.”

Steven Small, brand director of Routes, said: “Over 5% of Kenya’s GDP is generated through tourism, which is both stimulated and supported by the aviation industry. Routes Africa 2019 comes at an exciting time for Kenya Airports Authority. I am delighted so many leading airlines are present to witness the considerable investment that has been undertaken, by the team, to facilitate this increasing market demand.”

Raphael Kuuchi, Vice President, Africa, IATA, added: “Routes Africa is critical to the development of air services on the continent and these forums have made a real impact on the region. Kenya is the top three aviation markets in Africa where growth is forecast to be the strongest over the next two decades but if the full potential of the industry in Africa is to be realised, airspace in the region needs to be liberalised.”

The remodelling and modernization of Kenyan airports is a key flagship project under Vision 2030, Kenya’s economic blueprint. By encouraging new route development, KAA hopes to grow both passenger and cargo traffic at the JKIA, Mombasa International Airport (MIA), Kisumu International Airport (KIA) and the Eldoret International Airport (EIA), all of which are currently undergoing upgrades and infrastructural works.

Routes Africa brings together 250 decision makers from airlines, airports, governments and tourism authorities to plan new flights and strengthen existing routes. The excitement in the African aviation market is reflected in the high level airline attendance at the event. Airline CEOs and senior network planners from the region’s leading airlines including Air Zimbabwe, Egyptair, Emirates and Uganda Airlines will look to hear new route opportunities.

The conference programme sees top-level speakers discussing the factors driving change, presenting challenges and offering opportunities for the African aviation market. Vuyani Jarana, Former CEO of South African Airways; Allan Kilavuka, Chief Executive & Managing Director of Jambojet; and Raphael Kuuchi, VP of Africa, IATA are amongst the industry influencers taking part in the conversations that will help set the commercial and political agenda for the aviation community for the coming year.

MEDIA CONTACT: TravelMarketingNetwork, 954 Lexington Ave. #1037, New York, NY 10021 USA, PH: (+1) 718-374-6816, [email protected]   

Antigua and Barbuda celebrate tourism heroes at Black Pineapple Awards

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Antigua and Barbuda celebrated the success of a record-breaking year in Tourism by hosting the inaugural annual Black Pineapple Awards Ceremony in New York on Wednesday, December 4th. The Black Pineapple Awards – eponymous to the Black Pineapple that is only found in Antigua – were created solely to honor the partners, tour operators, resorts, travel agents and media, who have diligently and tirelessly worked to promote Antigua and Barbuda. The Black Pineapple Awards, held at Sarabeth’s Park Avenue South, was hosted by the US Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) led by Director of Tourism, Dean Fenton and special guest, ABTA CEO, Colin C. James. The evening celebrated 40 partners who played a key role in helping the twin-island nation reach record-breaking numbers of visitors in 2019.

ABTA CEO, Colin C. James shared the importance of the awards, “I am incredibly proud of the record-breaking tourism arrivals Antigua and Barbuda have seen this past year – none of which would be possible without our incredible partners across the industry. We have been lucky enough to see consecutive years of tourism growth, and our vision is continue this growth and become the premiere destination not just in the Caribbean but in the world. We know we will only achieve this with the help of our partners and friends. The Black Pineapple Awards offer us a unique opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to everyone and celebrate our wins together.” 

With over 150 attendees at the invite-only Awards, guests were treated to celebratory cocktails and dinner, with live music and dancing as entertainment. In addition, guests were provided hand massages and private consultations from Aveda Spa sponsored by Antigua’s Sugar Ridge Resort, which features the only Aveda Spa in the Caribbean. Guests left with gift bags carrying Aveda products, Antigua and Barbuda branded gifts, and the opportunity to be awarded a $1,000 social media campaign prize from ABTA’s business partner: Sugar Mill Estate. Every guest left talking about Antigua and Barbuda, armed with further information of why the twin islands are the hottest destination of the Caribbean.

Dean Fenton, ABTA US Director of Tourism, explained why the team launched the annual awards, saying “The tremendous achievements Antigua and Barbuda has seen would not be possible without the support of our partners who represent the highest standard of excellence in the travel industry. The bonds between our islands and travel partners empowers us to grow stronger – both in the US market and abroad. The Black Pineapple Awards allow us to express how grateful we are to awardees and guests for their tireless dedication and work in positively promoting our twin-island nation. We are excited about ending the year on a strong note and look forward to beginning the new decade on an even higher one.”

Awardees: Lynn Miller – AAA, Iris Citron – Alice Travel, Linda Clark – Alice Travel, Mary Delello – All About Travel, Amy Hiles – All Inclusive Outlet, Lynn Minard – Altour, Roberta Diaz – Apple Leisure Group, Tom Nero & Team – Avenue Travel, Dawn Anderson – Beaches And Beyond Travel, Anna Wells – Blue Waters, Gary Randall – Blue Waters, Robert Papkin – Bob’s Ultimate Travel, Mandy Cameron – Carlisle Bay, Carolyn Waffle – Carolyn Waffle Certified Travel, Feona Bailey – Catamaran Resort & Spa, Verna Hartlove – Charm City Travel, Kandi Edelstein – CI Travel American Express, Lilliana Musmanno – Classic Vacations, Andrew Michellin – Cocos Hotel, Patricia Cooney – Concierge Travel, Robert Sherman – Curtain Bluff, Wendy Eardley – Curtain Bluff, Brianna Kastukevich – Custom Travel, Michelle Thurston – Destinations Weddings Travel, Mark Hennigan – Dreamers Travel, Rod Hinds – Elite Island Resorts, Sherrie Ault – Elite Island Resorts, Susan Hammond – Endless Travel, Kerri Brewster – Escapes Unlimited, Ted Friedli & Team – Excel Travel, Susan Jeske – Finding Paradise With Sue & Travel Wize, Lindsey Taylor – Flight Centre Travel Group, Carol Rice – Frosch Mann Travels, Lian Alston – Generation Al Travel, Heather Travis – Globe Getaways, Natalie Faggianelli – Gramatan Travel, Donna Borrelli – Hamden Travel, Andy Thesen – Hermitage Bay, Karen Bull – Hermitage Bay, Andrea Wolter – Intoxicating Travel Group, Jodi Lubin – Island Destinations, Kim Sheer-Goldstein – Journey’s Inc., Beth Mollo – Largay Travel, Bill Lynch – Largay Travel, Molly Sumption – Molly’s Caribbean, Jill Smith – Moonlight Travel, Ian Fraser – Nonsuch Bay Resort & Spa, Jim Marino – Oyster Bay Travel, Annie Davis – Palm Beach Travel/Altour, Alison Turner – Powell Travel And Tours, Vivian Gringer – Power Travel, Katherine Schweiger – Prestige Travel Group, Kimberly Jacoby – Romantics Travel, Ruby Stanfield & Team – Rubys Travel, Elisabeth “Lili” Richter – Saddle River Travel Service, Alice Mccalla – Sandals, Gen Edwards – Sharp Travel Int’l, Janet Haber – Simplicity Travel, Debbie Ryan – Springhouse Travel, Roseann Freeman – Spring House Travel, Vernon Jeffers – Sugar Ridge Resort & Spa, Susan Peavey – Susan Peavey Travel, Rufus Gobat – Tamarind Hills Resort & Spa, Heather Coyle – The Journey Group, Sally Jane – Smith & Team- The Travel Smiths, Susan Coulton – Travel Dreams Unlimited, Cookie Carney – Travel Experts, Heather Howard DiPietro – Travel Sales Group, Paula McCarty- Travel Smart With Paula, Marianna Darie – Traveling With Marianna, Leslie Kepplinger – Trips Ahoy, Karen Cavadas – Twinsburg Travel & Cruise, Howard Kaplin – Tzell Travel, Marilyn Pires – Tzell Travel, Barry Posner – Ultimate Vacations & Honeymoons, Lila Nicholas – Uniglobe Travel, Jennifer Doncsecz & Team – Vacations By VIP, Jacqueline Cort-Thomas – Villas At Sunset Lane, Brenda Oneale – With This Ring Destination, Devin Joseph – Yacht Club.

ABOUT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

Antigua (pronounced An-tee’ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew’da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. Voted the World Travel Awards 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 Caribbean’s Most Romantic Destination, the twin-island paradise offers visitors two uniquely distinct experiences, ideal temperatures year-round, a rich history, vibrant culture, exhilarating excursions, award-winning resorts, mouth-watering cuisine and 365 stunning pink and white-sand beaches – one for every day of the year. The largest of the Leeward Islands, Antigua comprises 108-square miles with rich history and spectacular topography that provides a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson’s Dockyard, the only remaining example of a Georgian fort a listed UNESCO World Heritage site, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Antigua’s tourism events calendar includes the prestigious Antigua Sailing Week, Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, and the annual Antigua Carnival; known as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival. Barbuda, Antigua’s smaller sister island, is the ultimate celebrity hideaway. The island lies 27 miles north-east of Antigua and is just a 15-minute plane ride away. Barbuda is known for its untouched 17 mile stretch of pink sand beach and as the home of the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere.  Find information on Antigua & Barbuda at: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com or follow us on Twitter. http://twitter.com/antiguabarbuda  Facebook www.facebook.com/antiguabarbuda; Instagram: www.instagram.com/AntiguaandBarbuda

Antigua and Barbuda celebrate tourism heroes at Black Pineapple Awards
ABTA Director of Tourism, Dean Fenton, Anna Wells from Antigua’s Blue Waters Resort & Spa and ABTA CEO, Colin C. James
Antigua and Barbuda celebrate tourism heroes at Black Pineapple Awards
The Black Pineapple Awards
Antigua and Barbuda celebrate tourism heroes at Black Pineapple Awards
Guests at Antigua & Barbuda’s inaugural Black Pineapple Awards
Antigua and Barbuda celebrate tourism heroes at Black Pineapple Awards
Antigua & Barbuda branding at the Black Pineapple Awards

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Nassau Paradise Island encourages support of its neighbor to the north

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While spared the impact of Hurricane Dorian, Nassau Paradise Island’s resort and tourism partners are working together to support their island neighbors to the north.

“Our hearts go out to Abacos and Grand Bahama and our tourism community has rallied together to try to make a difference,” said Fred Lounsberry, chief executive officer of the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board. “While we’re so grateful the storm passed us without impact and we continue to welcome guests, we are equally grateful for the efforts of our partners to support our neighbors and for everyone who loves this wonderful nation.

“Some may not realize that The Bahamas, like the United States, is made up of many diverse and distinctive destinations spread over more than 5,000 square miles,” said Lounsberry. “However, we stand together as one to support each other.”

The Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board and its member resorts are encouraging donations to help with the relief and recovery in Abaco and Grand Bahama.  Those wishing to donate to Hurricane Dorian relief can visit NassauParadiseIsland.com and find information on charitable funds that include: Atlantis Paradise Island’s Relief Fund, The Bahamas Red Cross, The National Association of The Bahamas, The Caribbean Tourism Organization and Royal Caribbean International.

Additional charitable efforts include the Sandals Resorts Foundation’s pledge to match donations to its fund dollar-for-dollar and The Baha Mar Foundation’s donation of much-needed food, shelter and medicine. These, and other efforts amongst tourism partners will continue as Grand Bahama and Abacos rebuild.

“We want all those who continue to visit Nassau Paradise Island to know that their business and generosity means so much to the entire 700 islands, cays and islets that make up The Bahamas,” said Lounsberry.

A listing of all member hotels for the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board and Paradise Island Tourism Development Association can be found at NassauParadiseIsland.com.

About Nassau Paradise Island:

Nassau Paradise Island, Bahamas is known for having some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the world, turquoise blue water, the Caribbean’s best entertainment and a spectrum of resorts from ultra-exclusive to family-friendly. This convenient destination is serviced by several non-stop flights from most major U.S. cities. Less than an hour from South Florida and less than three hours from New York City, Nassau Paradise Island is so close, yet feels like it’s a world away.  Additional information about where to stay and incredible value-added packages may be found at NassauParadiseIsland.com.

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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, [email protected]  www.seychelles.travel

African Tourism Board Safety and Travel Security Expert Statement on TOPP

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African Tourism Board Safety and Security expert Dr. Peter Tarlow reminded all ATB members, security incidents around the world once again underline the need for African nations to promote and provide the best tourism security possible.

African Tourism Board President Alain St. Ange mentioned that after recent security challenges in Kenya, it remains the duty of Africa to stand with Kenya’s Minister Najib Balala, the CS for Tourism and with the Government of Kenya after the recent kidnapping of Doctors and Bomb Threats.

“Tourism is a success story in Kenya and they need, more than ever, their fellow friends and neighbors to spread this successes story,” the ATB president added.

Dr. Tarlow explained: “The best way for the African tourism industry to aid countries not only Sudan and Kenya as they face new tourism security challenge is by helping each nation in Africa to create a well funded and organized tourism security unit.

Each tourism security unit of TOPPs (tourism-oriented policing and protection services) will be experts not only in security but also safety and seek to protect a nation’s visitors along with its reputation and economies.

These units, be they composed of public or private security agents or private-private partnership, will help to assure tourists from around the world that travel to Africa is safe and secure.

They will be major players in promoting African tourism and when security mishaps occur they will aid their local tourism industry in a demonstration to the world that these are the exceptions and not the norm.

It is important to remember where that security is an essential element in tourism.  It is our moral duty and good business to work with both local governments and international organizations to assure travelers that Africa will receive them with open arms and a loving heart.

“Today, the African Tourism Board confirms that they stand with Africa ans specially now with Minister Balala the Kenyan Government and People of Kenya and will work with them as and when called upon”, concluded St.Ange.

Reference:
www.africantourismboard.com

www.safertourism.com 

Travel News | eTurboNews

State of the Air: Hawaii boasts some of the best air quality in the nation

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The American Lung Association’s 2019 “State of the Air” report found that Hawaii has some of the cleanest air in the U.S. and Honolulu and Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina are two of the cleanest areas in the country. Honolulu County had a new record low for an annual average of particle pollution, and less than half the highest ever level recorded in 2009-2011.

Each year the “State of the Air” provides a report card on the two most widespread outdoor air pollutants, ozone pollution, also known as smog, and particle pollution, also called soot. The report analyzes particle pollution in two ways: through average annual particle pollution levels and short-term spikes in particle pollution. Both ozone and particle pollution are dangerous to public health and can increase the risk of premature death and other serious health effects such as lung cancer, asthma attacks, cardiovascular damage, and developmental and reproductive harm.

“People in Hawaii are breathing some of the cleanest air in the nation, but increasing climate change is threatening our air quality,” said Kahala Howser, Executive Director for the American Lung Association in Hawaii. “While we are very happy with this report, Hawaiians must remain vigilant when we have vog episodes. Additionally, more than four in 10 Americans are living with unhealthy air, and we’re heading in the wrong direction when it comes to protecting public health and people’s lives.”

Honolulu had no unhealthy air days for ozone pollution. Nationally, this year’s report showed that ozone levels increased in most cities nationwide, in large part due to the record-breaking global heat experienced in the three years tracked in the report.

While the report examined data from 2015-2017, this 20th annual report online provides information on air pollution trends back to the first report. Learn more about Hawaii’s rankings, as well as air quality across and the nation, in the 2019 “State of the Air” report at Lung.org/sota. For media interested in speaking with an expert about lung health, healthy air, and threats to air quality, contact Holly Harvey at [email protected] or 206-512-3292.

2019 Cleanest Cities

Cleanest cities in the U.S (on all three categories of cleanest cities described below)

• Bangor, ME
• Burlington-South Burlington, VT
• Honolulu, HI
• Lincoln-Beatrice, NE
• Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL
• Wilmington, NC

Cleanest for Ozone Pollution (zero unhealthy air days – all counties)

• Anchorage, AK
• Bellingham, WA
• Casper, WY
• Fairbanks, AK
• Idaho Falls-Rexburg-Blackfoot, ID
• Honolulu, HI

Cleanest for Short-term Particle Pollution (zero unhealthy air days – all counties)

• Honolulu, HI

Cleanest Cities for Year-Round Particle Pollution (twenty-five cities with the lowest annual levels)

1. Cheyenne, WY (tie)
1. Honolulu, HI (tie)
1. Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI (tie)
4. Casper, WY (tie)
4. St. George, UT (tie)
6. Elmira-Corning, NY
7. Duluth, MN-WI (tie)
7. Pueblo-Canon City, CO (tie)
9. Bismarck, ND (tie)
10. Bellingham, WA (tie)
10. Syracuse-Auburn, NY (tie)

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Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, U.S. and British Authorities warn in response to terror attacks

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The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority in a statement released urges hotels in Sri Lanka to take maximum measures to strengthen security as Hotels have been one of the main targets. Please assist us in spreading the word and let us not forget to help tourists who are currently in Sri Lanka.”

The Sri Lanka travel industry is bracing for the impact of the horrific attack Easter Sunday in the nation’s capital Colombo and in Negombo, where the airport is located.

Sri Lanka received 2.1 million tourists in 2017 and had set a target to double that number this year. Free visas to visitors from 30 countries including the U.S.,UK, EU and Thailand are part of this strategy.

Currently, Sri Lanka is quiet. It’s a curfew and all roads are closed.

The U.S. embassy raised the level of travel advisory for Sri Lanka to level 2: The embassy warned terrorist groups to continue plotting possible attacks in Sri Lanka. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

The White House issued a statement, that the United States condemns in the strongest terms the outrageous terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka that have claimed so many precious lives on this Easter Sunday. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the more than 200 killed and hundreds of others wounded. We stand with the Sri Lankan government and people as they bring to justice the perpetrators of these despicable and senseless acts.

In the meantime, Sri Lanka arrested 13 alleged suspects. Another attack on the airport was prevented. 215 people including foreign tourists were killed, more than 500 injured in a series of planned and coordinated attacks on Easter Sunday.

The UK Foreign Department is telling British Citizens:

On 21 April 2019 bombs were used to attack three churches and three hotels in Sri Lanka, in central Colombo; in the northern suburb of Colombo Kochchikade, and in Negombo roughly twenty miles north of Colombo; and in the east of the country in Batticaloa. There have been significant casualties. If you are in Sri Lanka and you are safe, we advise that you contact family and friends to let them know that you are safe.

If you are in Sri Lanka and have been directly affected by the attacks, please call the British High Commission in Colombo: +94 11 5390639, and select the emergency option from where you will be connected to one of our consular staff. If you’re in the UK and worried about British friends or family in Sri Lanka caught up in the incidents, please call the FCO switchboard number: 020 7008 1500 and follow the same steps.

Security has been stepped up across the island and there are reports of ongoing security operations. if you are in Sri Lanka, please follow the advice of local security authorities, hotel security staff or your tour company. The airport is operating, but with increased security checks. Some airlines are advising their passengers to arrive early for check-in, in light of increased security screening.

The Sri Lankan authorities have declared a nationwide curfew. You should limit movements until this has been lifted, following the instructions of the local authorities and your hotel/tour operator.

The Sri Lankan authorities have confirmed that, if you need to catch a flight from Colombo airport, you are able to travel to the airport provided you have both passport and ticket valid for travel that day. They have also confirmed that arrangements have been put in place for arriving passengers.

Travel News | eTurboNews

Tallest modular hotel in the world will be built in New York City

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The world’s tallest modular hotel – which will carry a brand of Marriott International – is on track to be stacked in late fall in New York City with prefabricated and pre-furnished guestrooms. Once erected over a 90-day period, the 360-foot-tall tower will represent a milestone for Marriott’s ongoing initiative to encourage hotel developers in North America to embrace modular for new construction projects. To be topped with a modular roof and modular rooftop bar, the world’s tallest modular hotel is expected to open in late 2020 as the AC Hotel New York NoMad.

“In North America, the construction process hasn’t changed significantly in 150 years and it’s ripe for innovation,” said Eric Jacobs, Marriott International, Chief Development Officer, North America, Select and Extended Stay Brands. “The world’s tallest modular hotel in one of the world’s greatest destinations will act as a game-changing symbol to ignite even greater interest in modular among the real estate and lending industries.”

Fully finished guest rooms

The 168-room, 26-story AC Hotel New York NoMad is scheduled to rise at 842 Sixth Avenue with prefabricated guestrooms arriving at the hotel site fully constructed, inside and out. Besides finished, painted walls, each “module” will contain a fully outfitted guest room – with beds, sheets, pillows, flooring and even toiletries. The hotel’s roof and rooftop bar are expected to be produced using modular construction, and its more customized public areas such as the restaurant and lobby are expected to be constructed using traditional methods.

Prefabrication is a process that Marriott has found typically reduces the construction timeline, curbs site waste and noise, and results in a higher-quality product produced with factory level precision. The time savings comes from the ability to perform two crucial functions simultaneously – building the public spaces on site while manufacturing the guest rooms offsite.

“This is the moment where modular construction takes center stage,” says Danny Forster, a leading modular building advocate whose firm, Danny Forster & Architecture, designed the project. As he explains it, “This hotel takes every advantage of off-site manufacturing, as you might expect. But it does so in a way that defies expectation. We wanted to demonstrate that modular building can do more than just harness the efficiencies of the factory. It can produce a graceful and iconic tower. And yes, it can do so at the rate of an entire floor a day.”

Marriott sees a modular future

Marriott, which has the largest pipeline of hotels in North America, began researching modular construction in 2014 to offset lengthening hotel construction times – a trend attributed to the nation’s building boom and resulting labor shortages. Since 2011, Marriott has seen the average time to build and open a hotel in North America increase by as much 50 percent, depending on factors such as location and size of property.

Since 2015, Marriott has been educating owners, franchisees, architects, lenders, consultants, general contractors and other stakeholders across the industry about the benefits of modular by hosting town halls, factory tours and stacking events. The company also worked with leading modular manufacturers to help them better understand the untapped demand that hotel development companies represent.

Since the launch of Marriott’s initiative, the company’s development partners in North America have opened 31 Marriott-brand hotels – all low-rise structures – that incorporate prefabricated guestrooms and/or bathrooms, including a Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites in Folsom, Calif.; a Courtyard by Marriott in Pullman, Wash., and three AC Hotels in Oklahoma City, Louisville, Ky., and Chapel Hill, N.C. To date, the largest Marriott-branded modular-built to open is the 354-room, dual-brand Courtyard and TownePlace Suites by Marriott property in Hawthorne, Calif., while the first to also incorporate a prefabricated elevator bank was the Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites in Prairie, Wisc. Later this year, a developer will start stacking the first modular-built Moxy hotel in the United States in downtown Oakland, Calif.

The company continues efforts to support developers interested in leveraging prefabrication, most recently launching modular versions of its prototypes for four of its higher-volume brands: Courtyard by Marriott, Fairfield by Marriott, SpringHill Suites by Marriott and TownePlace Suites by Marriott. Underscoring its commitment to igniting demand for modular construction, Marriott this year is offering an incentive to development companies that leverage prefabrication for guestroom construction.

Travel News | eTurboNews

New US Cuban sanctions target tourism, remittances and banking

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The US is targeting Cuba with additional sanctions, including restricting travel to the island nation, limiting remittances, and sanctioning additional entities, White House national security adviser John Bolton said.

US citizens sending remittances to Cuba will be limited t $1,000 per person per quarter, Bolton said on Wednesday. Non-family travel will be restricted to reduce “veiled tourism” that benefits the Cuban government and military, he added.

“Through the Treasury Department, we will also implement changes to end the use of ‘U-turn transactions,’ which allow the regime to circumvent sanctions and obtain access to hard currency and the US banking system,” Bolton said in a speech to veterans of the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion, when Cuban exiles tried to overthrow Fidel Castro’s regime.

The move comes a day after the White House announced it would stop issuing waivers on implementing the Helms-Burton law, which would penalize anyone in the world who did business with Cuban entities using property seized from US owners following the 1959 Cuban revolution.

Treasury has not officially announced the new sanctions, but Bolton said five entities will be added to the Cuban blacklist, including the military-owned airline Aerogaviota.

The US cut diplomatic ties with Cuba in 1961, and over the following decades imposed a wide range of sanctions on the island nation, just 90 miles south of Florida. Former president Barack Obama sought to soften the US policy in 2015, leading to the reopening of the US and Cuban embassies and loosening of travel restrictions.

In June 2017, however, Trump rolled back all of Obama’s changes, returning to a hardline policy on Cuba. Additional sanctions were introduced this year, as Trump administration has accused Cuba of and its military of occupying Venezuela and helping Nicolas Maduro’s regime to stay in power.

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Seychelles receives honor of hosting FINA CNSG Open Water World Series 2019

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The excitement was palpable at Beau Vallon Beach on Saturday, April 13, 2019, almost a month before the Seychelles hosts for the second consecutive year the FINA CNSG Open Water World Series 2019.

This year’s event is being held in collaboration with Chinese based company CNSG and Seychelles is once again the second leg in the series of eight.

The organizing committee’s partners including the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB), officials and local swimmers gathered at Beau Vallon Beach where a trial run was organized to test out the facilities, the technical requirements and of course, the local swimming talents.

Principal Secretary for Sports, Fabien Palmyre present at the trial run mentioned his satisfaction to see that the FINA CNSG Open Water World Series 2019 is materializing with the support of all local partners.

“I am excited to again, be part of such an event. I am proud of all our young swimmers who have made an effort to be present today. I am grateful to all the partners and volunteers and I am definitely looking forward to this year’s event,” said PS Palmyre.

15 swimmers competed in the Beau Vallon waters in three main races, 2.5 km, 5 km and 7.5 km. According to the Seychelles Swimming Association (SSA) officials, the reasoning behind the distances selected is to enable the swimmers to test out their abilities to see which category would suit them best for the May 11, 2019 event, which will be opened for the public and other swimming enthusiasts.

The 2019 Mass Open Water event will take place on Saturday May 11, one day prior to the Elite event.

The May 11 Mass event will comprise of four distances, Group A (500 m), Group B (1 km), Group C (3 km) and Group D (5 km). The only age restriction will be for Group A where students aged 13 years and under can participate. The others will be open to all ages and there will be two races, a male and a female race for each distance.

“Mass participation is crucial in making the Mass event a success and the Seychelles Swimming Association is calling on all swimmers to register for the event,” said David Vidot, SSA Chairperson.

Mr. Vidot indicated that the forms for registration are available on the SSA Facebook page and website. The deadline to return the registration form to the Swimming Association is May 1, 2019.

The Seychelles is honored this year to have four Seychellois swimmers qualified to take part in the Elite 10 km race, which will take place on Sunday May 12, 2019.

Joining the 2018 swimmers, brothers Bertrand and Damien Payet, will be Matthew Bachmann and Alain Vidot, both of whom completed the 7.5 km race finishing second and third consecutively behind Damien who crossed the finishing line on Saturday first.

The Elite event which is broadcast to a global audience via the FINA network, exposes Seychelles in another light, similar to that of the annual Eco-Marathon event, which strengthens Seychelles’ potential as a Sports Tourism destination.

“It is such a privilege to be hosting the event again on our shores; as announced earlier this year, STB is committed to promote Seychelles as an ideal sports destination. Our collaboration with Seychelles Swimming Association and other partners for FINA CNSG Open Water World Series 2019 is an ideal platform for us to showcase our beautiful destination and its pristine waters,” said Mrs. Sherin Francis, Seychelles Tourism Board Chief Executive.

In May 2018, open water swimming made its debut in Seychelles, as the small island nation became the second host in the FINA World Cup Series 2018. The iconic Beau Vallon beach was the chosen venue to launch Seychelles in the open water swimming world, making it the first country in Africa to host an event of this caliber.

As part of the FINA mandate, the host country is required to host a mass event alongside the elite 10k m event, in order to encourage and mobilize the local community to appreciate and take part in the sport.

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