According to a report by the Belgian Ecofin News Agency on May 23, in cooperation with the African Development Bank, Egypt is preparing to issue the first batch of African Panda bonds (Panda bonds refer to RMB bonds issued by foreign institutions in China – note on this website). For the African Development Bank, this is the first step in its efforts to facilitate resource mobilization in African countries.
According to reports, with the support of the African Development Bank, Egypt is about to become the first country on the African continent to issue panda bonds in the Chinese market, which will be the first case in the African financial sector. Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank, announced at a press lunch held in Sharm El Sheikh on the sidelines of the African Development Bank’s annual meeting on the 22nd that the bank approved a large amount of financial support last week – 345 million U.S. dollars part of the guarantee to support this initiative.
The deployment is aimed at facilitating Egypt’s access to China’s bond market, allowing the Arab country to fund environmental and social projects, the report said. Through this initiative, Egypt plans to raise the equivalent of $500 million to support green transport, renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable water management, among others.
The bonds were initially scheduled to be issued in 2022, but had to be delayed due to uncertainties in the global financial environment. “We’re just waiting for the right moment,” said Deputy Finance Minister Ahmed Kushuk.
“The facilitation conditions should improve Egypt’s financial rating, allowing it to attract international investment on favorable terms,” said Mohamed Aziz, general manager of the African Development Bank’s North Africa region.
The success of the operation “will hopefully open the way for other African countries,” said Marie-Lohr Arkin-Olubad, vice president for regional development, business integration and execution at the African Development Bank.
According to reports, Egypt’s International Cooperation Minister Rania Mashat stressed that the agreement strengthens the strategic partnership with the African Development Bank and diversifies Egypt’s funding sources. “This agreement with the African Development Bank adds a new dimension to our strategic partnership focusing on the transition to renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure project financing,” she said.
Spent a surprise and wonderful holiday in Nan’ao Island, Chenghai City, Guangdong, China.
First of all, let me introduce the Nan’ao Sea-Crossing Bridge. This 11.08-kilometer-long bridge connects Chenghai and Nan’ao Island, and is one of the landmark buildings of Nan’ao Island. When I walked on the bridge, I felt the sea breeze blowing on my face, and the seascape and sky in front of me complemented each other. I couldn’t help but sigh what a wonderful moment it was.
After getting off the bridge, we came to Nan’ao Island. With clear sea water and fine sandy beaches, it is a good place for vacation. On the island, I lived in a homestay called “Nan’ao Island Holiday Villa”. The room here is clean and tidy, well-equipped, and there is a private pool, which made me feel unparalleled comfort and relaxation.
In addition to accommodation, Nan’ao Island has many attractions worth visiting. Among them, what impressed me the most was the “Gate of Nature” on the Tropic of Cancer. This arch built on the Tropic of Cancer gave me a wonderful experience of crossing the northern and southern hemispheres. In addition, Nan’ao Island National Forest Park and Ocean Park are also attractions not to be missed.
In Nan’ao Island, I also tasted local delicacies. Nan’ao seaweed is one of the specialties here. I tasted this delicious dish in a restaurant called “Nan’ao Island Seafood Food Stall”. In addition, the seafood here is also very fresh, which made me eat mouthful after mouthful.
Generally speaking, Nan’ao Island is a very suitable place for vacation and relaxation. Here, I feel the beauty of nature and the harmony between man and nature. If you also want a travel experience like this, you might as well come to Nan’ao Island to have a look!
People from all over Wales gathered in Cardiff today, St David’s Day, to march through the city centre to celebrate Wales’ National Day. Colourful flags, Welsh bunting, St David’s and Owen Gryndore flags decorated the sky, songs such as Yma O Hyd and the Welsh national anthem were sung, and people were dressed in historic Welsh dress. The marchers were in high spirits and mostly enjoyed the festivities. Others are busy campaigning for Welsh independence
A cruise ship docked at a Venezuelan port on the same day, which is the first European cruise ship to call in the country in 15 years, and Venezuelan tourism people welcomed the move.
The “Amadeya” cruise ship flying the flag of the Bahamas docked at Margarita Island in the Caribbean Sea (under the jurisdiction of Venezuela’s Nueva Esparta State) on the 3rd. It carried nearly 500 passengers, mainly from Spain and France. , Germany, Italy and Switzerland.
“Venezuela has been off the radar of cruise ships for many years,” Venezuelan Tourism Minister Ali Padron said in welcoming the historic stop.
According to Leudo Gonzalez, president of the Venezuelan Tourism Council (Conseturismo), the Amadeya’s visit opens up the possibility of Venezuela returning to the list of major cruise lines’ destinations.
Reinaldo Pulido, vice-president of the council, believes that any initiative “as long as it brings in new international tourists is a gain,” adding, “For us it’s wonderful. Yes, it’s a celebration.”
According to previous news from EFE, Venezuelan state-owned port operator Bolivar posted on its Twitter account at the end of last year: “With joy and commitment, the Bolivar team is overseeing the reception of nearly Operations and preparations for the 500 European tourists who will arrive on board the cruise ship ‘Amadeia’ to visit Margarita Island.”
At the time, the country’s Tourism Minister Padron said: “The window paper on years of unilateral coercive measures to prevent cruise ships from Europe from docking has been pierced.”
Venezuela’s battered economy and tourism have recently shown signs of recovery after years of inflation and a plunging currency. The loosening of currency and price controls has boosted imports, widening the choice of products and opening new stores.
On February 10th, Atlantis The Royal in Dubai ushered in the opening. The hotel was designed by the world-renowned architectural firm KPF as the chief architectural design company. With water waves as the element and concept, the shape of the hotel was built into a stacked The boxes, hollowed out in the middle, are only connected by a 95-meter-long bridge, which can be called a brand-new sky royal garden.
The interior design is in charge of GA Group, which is inspired by an ancient nation in the Arabian desert. In the center of the lobby stands an 11.5-meter-high sculpture named “Water Droplets”, which implies rain in the desert and echoes the raindrop lighting on the ceiling. There is also the largest jellyfish tank in the world in the lobby bar area, in which more than 2,000 jellyfish swim.
The hotel has 43 floors and 795 rooms, 102 of which are suites. The room is dominated by gold, and even the toiletries are gold-plated, which is very luxurious in Dubai. Each room is contemporary in style with lighting materials and hand-carved textures, bespoke amenities by Graff and Frette for the hotel, and hand-stitched mattresses by Hypnos. In addition, hotels can offer a variety of connectivity options, including private access to entire floors.
There are a total of 17 restaurants in the hotel, eight of which are headed by Michelin star chefs, including Nobu Matsuhisa, José Andrés, Costas Spiliadis, Ariana Bundy, Mich Turner and Gastón Acurio, etc. In terms of brunch, whether it is enjoying a sumptuous party brunch in Dubai, tasting Mediterranean or Japanese cuisine, or a leisurely family brunch, Royal Atlantis Dubai can combine many interesting experiences into one Brunch with a difference.
In addition, the hotel also provides many entertainment items. The Royal Atlantis, Dubai is home to Dubai’s top bars and beach clubs, bustling from morning to night, dancing on the beach, sipping exquisite drinks by the pool, or listening to top DJs and international artists Performance.
While staying at the hotel, people can explore the world’s largest water park, embarking on a journey of discovery at Atlantis Aquaventure, enjoying 105 record-breaking slides, attractions and more. You can also meet the warm and friendly Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins in Atlas Village, and play with playful and lovely South African seals.
In addition, the hotel also has exclusive treatment rooms, outdoor swimming pool, meditation pavilion, personal styling salon, beauty and wellness clinic and fitness center and other facilities, and provides a unique holistic spa and wellness experience.
On July 2, 2023, Etihad Airways will launch a direct passenger flight from Abu Dhabi to Lisbon, further expanding its European route network this summer.
Etihad Airways will operate three flights a week between Abu Dhabi and Lisbon, Portugal, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays during the summer holidays.
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “Etihad Airways is delighted to launch the first direct flight to Portugal, offering our guests easy access to one of the most popular summer travel destinations in 2023. travel options.
“As one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, the coastal city of Lisbon is an excellent starting point for travelers to explore Portugal, with its breathtaking beaches, historic castles, vibrant nightlife and welcoming locals.
“Our new direct flight will strengthen business and tourism links between the UAE and Portugal, and Etihad Airways would like to thank the Portuguese government for their support in launching this new route.”
Resumption of summer flights to Malaga and Mykonos
This summer, Etihad Airways will not only launch flights to Lisbon, but also resume flights to Malaga on Spain’s Costa del Sol and the popular Greek travel destination Mykonos.
Effective 18 June 2023, Etihad Airways will operate twice weekly flights to Malaga, on Wednesdays and Sundays. Nestled in a wide bay with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, Malaga is one of Spain’s most popular coastal cities for tourists, known for its miles of sandy beaches, unique exotic culture and local cuisine.
Not only that, but travelers can also look forward to Etihad Airways’ upcoming flights to the island of Mykonos, which lies in the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea. From 16 June 2023, Etihad Airways will operate twice weekly flights to Mykonos, on Mondays and Fridays. With its world-class beaches, restaurants and entertainment, Mykonos is one of Europe’s top summer tourist destinations, where visitors can indulge in ancient Greek history.
With the opening of new routes to Lisbon, Malaga and Mykonos, Etihad Airways will offer passengers nearly 160 weekly flights to 21 European destinations this summer, compared to 2022 An annual increase of 20%.
Travelers can book flights to the three new destinations immediately on Etihad.com.
Aqua-Aston Hospitality (AAH) has a variety of hotel properties and condominiums in warm vacation destinations: Oahu, Kauai, Maui, the Big Island, Orlando, and Costa Rica.
The company has also played an active role in supporting the LGBTQ community by including messaging of inclusiveness and acceptance of diversity into all of its marketing materials, brand messaging, special packages and exclusive deals.
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Additionally, AAH is approved by the Travel Advocacy Group (TAG), which recognizes hotels with LGBT-friendly policies and services and is a member of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA), supporting community events including Gay Pride Festival, the Rainbow Film Festival, Equality Hawaii, GLAAD and the Hawaii Conference on LGBT Tourism & Hospitality.
We recently spoke with Ed Skapinok, senior vice president of sales, marketing and revenue at Aqua-Aston Hospitality about the company’s inclusive culture and outlook. Skapinok has more than 30 years in hospitality with expertise spanning global operators and independent properties. Prior to joining AAH early last year, he spent six years as vice president of sales and marketing at Hostmark Hospitality Group in Schaumburg, Ill., overseeing a portfolio of 50 full- and select-service hotels, resorts, restaurants, and spas. He currently serves as chairman on the sales advisory board for prominent hotel industry organization, Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International.
TP: Your brand has some great messages of inclusivity on its website. How important is the LGBTQ traveler to Aqua-Aston Hospitality, and why?
ES: Our Corporate Social Responsibility promise upholds our commitment to doing good for the Hawaii community by advocating for our host culture and values of tolerance, equality, and diversity. Aqua-Aston Hospitality offers hotels for all types of travelers and preferences. As a long-time supporter of the LGBTQ community, we market to the community with the same drive and fervor as we would for any other community that our guests are a part of.
TP: Do you do any specific marketing to queer travelers? Where and how? Have you put together any special package deals aimed toward this market?
ES: The messaging of inclusiveness and acceptance of diversity is reiterated in all our marketing materials, brand messaging, special packages and exclusive discounts, branded content and call-to-action initiatives. To further promote our hotels as an LGBTQ-friendly brand, Aqua-Aston offers packages that specifically celebrate the community. Examples of current and past packages include “Out and Proud” and “Free to Be” in celebration of marriage equality, which was legalized in Hawaii in 2014.
We focus on pushing out messaging and ads that reflect overall inclusivity and avoid explicitly gay markers or signals. Our strategy remains consistent with promotional materials in both mainstream and gay media.
TP: How does Aqua-Aston train guest-facing employees to understand the needs of LGBTQ guests?
ES: Internally, Aqua-Aston Hospitality ensures that a culture of inclusivity remains a staple of the company’s foundation and is upheld across the entire organization, including regular internal LGBTQ sensitivity trainings. Implementing these types of employee trainings, combined with a proactive presence within the LGBTQ community, has positioned Aqua-Aston as a best-in-class employer.
TP: With same-sex marriage being legal in all 50 states, there’s been an expectation of an uptick for weddings and honeymoons in Hawaii for this traveler segment. What have you seen at your properties there?
ES: After Hawaii legalized marriage equality in 2014, the state saw an incredible 408% rise in the number of same-sex marriages. Most recently in 2017, it was reported that approximately 7.8% of all marriages in Hawaii were same-sex. Aqua-Aston properties remain sought-after destinations for weddings, honeymoons and anniversary celebrations, offering unique packages including the “Rainbow Romance” honeymoon package, that cater to same-sex couples.
TP: What mistakes do you think other hotel chains or tourism companies make when marketing to LGBTQ travelers?
ES: The hotel brands and tourism companies that do not make a concerted, dedicated effort to cater to the LGBTQ community of travelers and promote acceptance of all to these destinations, are at a disadvantage. The Millennial generation of travelers — who continue to influence key travel trends — have grown up with LGBTQ equality, tolerance and acceptance of diversity, and expect these values to translate over into the travel and hospitality industries.
TP: Have any of your properties worked with any local LGBTQ organizations in any interesting ways?
ES: In addition to traditional marketing advertisements and unique hotel stay packages celebrating the LGBTQ community, new marriages, unions and honeymoons, Aqua-Aston Hospitality plays an active role in supporting local and international associations and events. We support community events including Gay Pride Festival, the Rainbow Film Festival, Equality Hawaii, GLAAD and the Hawaii Conference on LGBTQ Tourism & Hospitality, among others. We even hosted Hawaii’s first LGBTQ Tourism & Hospitality Symposium in 2015.
An avalanche injured several people when it crashed into a hotel in Switzerland on Thursday afternoon.
According to The Local, the snowslide hit the restaurant of the Hotel Säntis in Schwägalp in the Swiss Alps around 4:30 p.m. local time (10:30 a.m. ET).
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Authorities reported that multiple people required medical treatment as a result and that police and rescue services were turning their attention to searching for people who might be missing in the aftermath.
An unidentified eyewitness told the regional daily newspaper St. Galler Tagblatt that he and his wife were seated by a window in the hotel restaurant when snow began swirling.
“Then there was a huge noise and snow piled into the back of the restaurant,” he said, adding that there were only a few people inside when the avalanche struck.
The man said one person suffered an arm injury while another had to be dug out of the snow.
The Alps in eastern Switzerland where Hotel Säntis is located have experienced anywhere from 20 to 35 inches of snow over the past three days, The Local reported, citing the SRF Meteo.
Nach dem heftigen Schneefall ist am Donnerstag im Bereich der #Schwägalp eine #Lawine niedergegangen. -> https://t.co/7u7ZyjFdCE pic.twitter.com/L5AbR7YuMX
WHY IT RATES: Cao has more than 30 years of sales experience, 20 of which have been within the cruise industry. —Janeen Christoff, TravelPulse Senior Writer
Hurtigruten, the world’s largest expedition cruise operator, has appointed Robert Cao as their new global director of charter and incentive sales. He is based in Miami and a member of the Americas’ leadership team, reporting through Hurtigruten Americas president, William Harber.
For Hurtigruten, Cao will oversee the successful sales and delivery of full-ship charters, as well as incentive programs and on-site corporate experiences on the company’s state-of-the-art expedition ships.
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Cao has over 30 years of sales experience, including 20 in the cruise industry, most recently from a successful career with prestigious Landry & Kling Global Cruise Events, true trailblazers and one of the world’s leading companies focusing on cruise industry meetings and events. He served in prior roles as charter, groups and incentive sales director U.S.A. for Club Med; as Mexico Country sales director for Club Med; and as international sales manager for NCL and Orient Lines.
“Robert is a global sales resource and we’re pleased to welcome him on board as Hurtigruten’s new global director. He brings incredible experience, creativity, and drive, and I’m excited to see how we can expand our charter and incentive business in collaboration with shipboard and shoreside teams,” notes William Harber.
Hurtigruten has 125 years of know-how and provides immersive experiences to some of the world’s most pristine and remote destinations, including Antarctica, Alaska, Arctic Canada and the Northwest Passage, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Svalbard, and more. Among Hurtigruten’s many charter opportunities, three stand-out itineraries include the 10-day Svalbard Voyage–In the Realm of the Polar Bear, the nine-day West Coast Highlights–San Diego to Vancouver, and the eight-day Northeast U.S. and Atlantic Canada–Fall Foliage Discovery.
“Hurtigruten is the most innovative and experienced expedition cruise operator in the world. I’m thrilled to work with an organization that places such an emphasis on exploring new destinations aboard state-of-the-art vessels. This is the beginning of a great new adventure for me,” says Cao.
WHY IT RATES: CLIA’s certification courses provide a wealth of expert knowledge to deliver valuable education to the industry as a whole. —Janeen Christoff, TravelPulse Senior Writer
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has re-introduced a newly expanded opportunity for cruise line sales teams to leverage CLIA’s industry-leading North American certification programs, earning the equivalent of our existing Accredited Cruise Counsellor (ACC), Master Cruise Counsellor (MCC) or Elite Cruise Counsellor (ECC) certifications, minus the product knowledge component.
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This expanded, more comprehensive approach to CLIA certification for cruise line sales teams has been embraced by CLIA Cruise Lines, with initial participants, including Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, Avalon Waterways and Carnival Cruise Line committing to unprecedented adoption within their sales teams.
“CLIA’s dedication to fostering our members’ success is one of the many drivers behind the CLIA Certification for Cruise Lines,” said Stephani E. D. McDow, ECC-s, TAE, director of membership and professional development, CLIA.
“By empowering cruise line teams to undergo the same professional development and certification rigors that our Individual Agent Members experience, we’re providing an opportunity for a more thorough understanding of the investment these outstanding agents have made in themselves, while providing a shared experience that will continue to strengthen the bond between the cruise lines and travel agents.”
CLIA’s professional development and training programs, rated the best in the industry, leverage a wealth of expert knowledge and partnerships to deliver valuable education to travel agents and other industry professionals.
CLIA Cruise Lines that elect to participate in the program can leverage CLIA’s online training to complete certifications, or schedule in-person training featuring CLIA trainers and curriculum.
If you’re tired of the cold and snow and craving a change of scenery, a warm weather cruise to the Caribbean or Mexico may be exactly what you need. These 25 tips can help you score the tropical getaway you deserve without wrecking your travel budget.
We all know that vacations bring families together, but a recent survey shows that traveling may also help kids to be more successful in school.
The Student and Youth Travel Association (SYTA) conducted a survey of almost 1,500 U.S. based teachers and discovered that 74 percent of educators believe travel has “a very positive impact on students’ personal development.”
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Fifty-six percent of teachers also believe that traveling can have a positive impact on a student’s education and career.
Children who traveled with their families seemed to also have more tolerance and respectfulness in the classroom, as well as more willing to learn and try new things, according to the teachers surveyed.
Educators even witnessed how travel affects a student’s personality in the classroom and playground. Everything from higher independence and improved self-esteem, confidence, adaptability, sensitivity, and self-expression were noted by teachers.
It’s important to keep in mind that not all families have the financial means to travel, but even traveling within one’s city to explore museums or culturally-focused events can inspire children and improve their personality at school.
According to 76 percent of teachers, it just takes one trip to really make kids fall in love with travel and want to travel more.
So pack the bags and hop in the car or on a plane in 2019 and watch how your kids improve in school with a family vacation.
Low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines is asking passengers to tip their flight attendants following their refreshment service.
According to WTHR.com, Frontier offers passengers the opportunity to leave a tip for their individual server when paying with a card through the airline’s mobile tablet system.
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Previously, tips were split between all attendants working each flight.
As of January 1, the carrier’s 2,200 flight attendants are working to keep their own tips, which in theory should result in better service for passengers. The tablets prompt customers to tip 15 percent, 20 percent, 25 percent or a custom gratuity.
When asked whether the tips were extra money for attendants or considered a significant part of their earnings, a Frontier spokesperson told JT Genter of ThePointsGuys.com, “Both. Many flight attendants see the in-flight tip program as a way to supplement their income.”
“I’ve flown more than 350 flights on 51 different airlines in the past three years, but I’d never experienced an airline ask for a tip,” Genter said.
Albuquerque is a fascinating and dynamic city, sometimes overlooked by travelers. Similarly, the city is under the radar as a queer destination. But the city and region are very queer-friendly, and there are many reasons why LGBTQ travelers should consider New Mexico’s largest city for their next trip.
According to Mauro Walden-Montoya, President of the Albuquerque LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, the city has been used to diversity since its founding, way back in 1706.
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“With the Native, Spanish and other cultures mixing for so many years, LGBTQ folks have been naturally accepted. It is easy to be LGBTQ in Albuquerque and we are very welcoming to residents and visitors alike,” he said. “New Mexico was the 17th state to legalize same-sex marriage, and Albuquerque welcomed thousands of LGBTQ couples from other states like Texas, Arizona, Colorado and as far away as Virginia who came to get married here.”
Walden-Montoya noted that one hotel welcomed a same-sex male couple from Dallas, who flew in on a Sunday evening to get married. They planned to have the ceremony on Monday and then leave that evening.
“The hotel manager sent them out sightseeing before the minister arrived. When they came back for their wedding, she had gotten them a cake (from an LGBTQ-friendly bakery) and decorated the lobby for their wedding. She and a staff member were their witnesses,” he said.
“They were overwhelmed by the friendliness shown towards them as a gay couple everywhere they went. Albuquerque is a very comfortable place for LGBTQ people—we can walk around holding hands, when we introduce our partners or say we just got married, the reaction is ‘Congratulations!'”
Additionally, Walden-Montoya said that there is so much to do for couples in the city: take a couple’s balloon ride, watch the sunset while riding the Sandia Peak Tramway, eat at a romantic, intimate restaurant, hike to a hot spring, explore ancient Native American pueblos, or visit the ABQ BioPark.
“We have had sexual orientation and transgender protections since 1993 in the city and since 2003 for the state. Albuquerque is an amazing destination for LGBTQ folks with cuisine, outdoor adventures, nightlife, a great community and one of the longest-running Prides in the country (since 1976),” he said.
What’s more, the city supports diverse organizations such as the LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, the Rainbow Roadrunners Car Club, the Transgender Resource Center, ABQ Pride and gay sporting event associations. The city’s LGBTQ film festival, Way Out West, is in its 17th year.
Albuquerque has hosted the Lambda Car Club Grand Invitational, the Gay Pilots Association annual meeting and in 2020 is hosting the yearly conference of the Western Business Alliance (the association of western U.S. LGBTQ chambers of commerce).
“Albuquerque is romantic, affordable, fun, welcoming, and comfortable for LGBTQ folks—and the whole city will say “Bien venidos” to our LGBTQ visitors,” said Walden-Montoya.
Visit Albuquerque has a whole “LGBT friendly” section on its website. According to Brenna Moore, PR & Communications Manager, Visit Albuquerque, that section has been in existence since before any of the current members of the marketing team started working at the bureau.
“We envision that it was a natural outgrowth of the diverse Albuquerque community and the welcoming nature of our culture,” she said. “It became even more important when same-sex marriage was legalized in New Mexico in 2013—ahead of the Supreme Court ruling in 2015. We wanted to have a resource that specifically spoke to LGBTQ travelers about the experiences that awaited them in our destination.”
Moore said that the city does collaborate with the Albuquerque LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce on the LGBTQ section of the visitors’ guide. Additionally, there is a print version offered—and Visit Albuquerque prints 300,000 copies of the guide each year. While the organization doesn’t specifically target its print advertising to the LGBTQ traveler, Moore’s team has advertised to queer audiences via Facebook.
“Albuquerque is a city that continues to celebrate and embrace diversity and works to be an inclusive place to visit and to live,” she said. “LGBTQ travelers will be welcomed to ABQ with open arms!”
