6 UPDATES


NI Travel News’ Christine McCleery gets the All American Treatment


With the recent announcement from American Airlines extending their Dublin airport routes for the summer months, NI Travel News’ Christine McCleery took a trip to the Irish airport to tour the latest edition to the American Airlines fleet- The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft.


After meeting at the terminal 2 American Airlines check in area, Christine was taken through the speedy security check and past the US Pre-clearance Facility – One of the only facilities of its sort outside of North America. Beyond the pre-clearance, U.S departing passengers are welcome to experience the 51st & Green Lounge; This Lounge is the perfect retreat away from the bustling Terminal and somewhere to enjoy a few hours of rest and relaxation before your long-haul flight. The Lounge has an open, airy, and feel – with incredible runway views, perfect vibes to start off your trip. There is a vast selection of complimentary hot and cold foods, with fresh juices, breads, cheeses, crackers, and some sweet pastry options. There is also a complimentary bar service where you can avail of soft drinks, hot barista drinks and of course for those who like to a little tipple before their flight, there are many alcoholic options. American Airlines fly twice daily from Ireland to


U.S, connecting to over 240 destinations across North American and beyond.


Tomorrowland To Open Magical Desert Destination in Dubai


Tomorrowland, one of the most iconic music festivals


in the world, is set to open Terra Solis, a brand-new unique desert destination in Dubai.


Nestled between the Arabian dunes and inspired by


the most beautiful star constellations, Terra Solis will open in September in Dubailand, Al Yufra, welcoming people from around the globe to a magical oasis of relaxation in the Arabian desert.


Guests will be encouraged to celebrate life by the pool during the day and stargaze into their dreams at night. Bookings are now open on terrasolisdubai.com. Featuring a collection of three stunning accommodation options, all named after stars, meteor showers and constellations,


the stunning Polaris bell tents, the


marvelous Perseid lodges, and the spectacular Orion pool lodges will provide a unique stay in the Arabian dunes. Guests will also have access to a picturesque swimming pool at the heart of the destination, some of the most iconic Tomorrowland elements, a restaurant, a bar and a shisha lounge.


Nicolas Vandenabeele, Founder and CEO, Terra


Solis “Terra Solis is a one-of-a- kind desert destination away from all the noise. It is inspired by the magic of Tomorrowland


and the most beautiful star


constellations, where you can wake up from a night under the stars and live to the rhythm of the sun. Guests will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a memorable world of wonder with the finest music, a vibrant yet relaxing pool scene, incredible tastes and aromas and a unique glamping experience in the Arabian dunes while relaxing in style under the Dubai sun.”


The oriental-chic desert oasis is spread over 371,000


square meters. Terra Solis will combine outstanding music and entertainment, a fun party atmosphere, and an exceptional food and beverage offering in one refreshing and energising destination where guests are encouraged to explore the sweeping desert landscapes that make Terra Solis.


Wake up from a night under the stars Guests can start their day at Terra Solis in peace and enjoy an energising breakfast in a soothing atmosphere at their private patio or the poolside restaurant. Terra Solis is home to several impressive glamping options, including 48 spacious, luxurious and beautifully decorated Polaris bell tents and 20 Perseid lodges, combining the ultimate comfort and style. There are also six Orion pool lodges, each featuring a private pool and a large private outdoor cabana; terrace. The pool lodges are the real eye-catchers, centrally located near the pool with scenic views over the entire destination, offering guests a truly unique experience. Extraordinary lunch & dinner experiences Terra Solis will also feature exquisite dining, ready to amaze guests with great lunch and dinner experiences, either inside or poolside. MESA is inspired by the ‘Tastes of the World’ cuisine of Tomorrowland, serving typical and delicious flavours from all corners of the globe, designed to be shared. Guests will enjoy a wide selection of drinks and cocktails at the eye-catching bar, centrally located near the pool, and at the Sala Shisha lounge. They will also be able to experience the true Tomorrowland madness during a range of exclusive events which will be organised at Terra Solis. Terra Solis will open in September and is located in Dubai Heritage Vision – 30 minutes from Dubai Airport (DXB), 25 minutes from


the Burj Khalifa and 35 minutes from The Palm. They service Philadelphia all year round and


have added Dallas, Chicago and Charlotte for the May-October summer season. Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia are all served by the newest edition to the American Airline fleet, the 787-8 Dreamliner. The premium flying experience has never been better


with refreshed flagship business cabins, and premium economy services now available on all flights to and from Dublin with American Airlines.


Entering the Flagship Business cabin, customers are met by a total wow factor; Equipped with fully lie flat seats, a wide range of entertainment, noise cancelling headphones, celebrity chef inspired dining, award-winning wine & champagne selection and even exclusive designer bedding, it is clear to see that this is the dream way to fly. Flagship Business passengers will also be gifted an exclusive amenity kit filled with all the necessary travel goodies.


Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Authority Enhances Sustainability Approach


Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) have announced its bold new approach to sustainability – Balanced Tourism, a key milestone in its strategy to drive overall sector growth and become the regional leader in sustainable tourism by 2025. Unveiled at the Arabian Travel Market 2022, the vision underscores the Emirate’s leadership


in


conscious tourism and aligns with its identity as a nature destination with a desire to progress, grow and evolve. Under the all-encompassing banner of Balanced Tourism, the Authority is shaping tourism in the UAE by placing all aspects of sustainability (environment, culture, conservation and livability) at the center of its investment and development strategy. By ensuring issues surrounding ‘over tourism’ – such as over development, crowding of heritage sites, and the spoiling of its unique natural environment – are avoided, it is creating a destination that will resonate with today’s responsible traveller.


Balanced Tourism follows the Authority’s announcement in September 2021 of its Sustainable Tourism Destination Strategy to secure the Emirate’s long-term sustainability and drive overall growth through four key pillars: Sustainable Development; Cultural Conservation; Attractions Built with Purpose; and Community and Liveability. Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said “The need for good stewardship of our cultural heritage, environment, people and infrastructure has never been stronger, especially in post pandemic times. Balanced Tourism does exactly that as we become ever mindful of the economic, social and environmental impacts on tourism. Simply put, it’s time to move beyond just using less plastic to adopting an all-inclusive approach – from ensuring new projects such as hotels are developed at an organic pace to building new attractions with sustainability at their core.” Sustainable Development


Known as the ‘nature Emirate’, Ras Al Khaimah boasts 64km of pristine beaches, mangroves abundant with wildlife, rolling terracotta deserts, impressive wadis and stunning mountains. These natural assets form the backbone of the destination’s key values, and their protection is a key focus. With this in mind, the tourism board has applied a mindful approach to new hotel developments, consulting with hospitality partners to ensure spacious venues, with thoughtful, sustainable landscaping, and maintaining a measured pipeline to avoid rapid, less well-planned expansion and overcrowding.


As the licensing authority for all new hotel developments, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority is able to set guidelines and protocols to regulate sustainability standards and work closely with hotels to ensure sustainable practices. This includes the recently announced integrated Wynn Resort, scheduled to open in 2026, that will be developed as per the Barjeel Green Building Regulations. There is also Earth Hotels Altitude, an eco-based pop-up hotel concept set to open on Jebel Jais in Q4 2022 featuring 15 fully fitted accommodation units, an activation center and swimming pool, and Saij Mountain Lodge, opening on


Jebel Jais in 2023, a protected and sustainably managed mountain resort featuring sustainable lodges made from natural and sustainable materials. Cultural Conservation


The integrated approach also includes cultural conservation. In addition to being the most fortified Emirate, with over 65 forts due to its importance as a trade route, Ras Al Khaimah is home to four archaeological sites which are tentatively on the UNESCO World Heritage site list, more than any other Emirate. The Authority has established a long- term investment plan to protect and enhance these and other key cultural projects. This includes Suwaidi Pearls Farm, the only site in the UAE which still cultivates local pearls, all done by hand to preserve the Emirate’s culture and traditions. It has also embarked on a three phased restoration program at Jazirah Al Hamra, one of the last surviving pearl diving and seafaring towns of the Arabian Gulf. Scheduled to complete in 2025, experts are working in line with UNESCO guidelines to restore the village, using traditional and sustainable materials, to potentially make it accessible to the public as an attractive tourist destination. Attractions with Purpose


Under the Balanced Tourism platform, all upcoming attractions will be purpose built with sustainability standards


and processes. Visitors can expect


environmentally conscious development around Jebel Jais as well as across the more than 20 new sustainable tourism initiatives being developed across the Emirate. One example is the planned Scallop Ranch at Al Hamra Marine, a first of its kind attraction in the UAE that will support and enhance understanding of the marine ecosystem, with seagrass and sea cucumber species within the farm.


Community and Liveability


In addition, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Authority is also embracing the concept of liveability as part of its Balanced Tourism ethos. This includes several progressive policies in place to promote employee well- being, leading to the Authority to be named the sixth best workplace in the UAE by Great Place to Work for 2022 in the Small & Medium Organisations category, the highest placed government entity. It was also named one of the Best Workplaces for Women and a Great Place to Work in 2021, the first and only organization in Ras Al Khaimah to be awarded this certification. The Authority has also introduced RAKFAM, a series of initiatives aimed at enriching connectivity, community life and facilities for tourism sector employees in the Emirate.


Sustainability as a driver of growth Led by


the Authority in December last year,


government entities, hotels and private sector industries came together at the 2021 Global Citizen Forum in Ras Al Khaimah to pledge collectively to deliver the Emirate’s Sustainable Tourism Destination Strategy that will see it become the regional leader in environmentally conscious tourism by 2025. For more details on Ras Al Khaimah, its attractions, developments and Balanced Tourism initiatives, please visit www.visitrasalkhaimah.com or www.visitjebeljais. com.


June 2022 Travel News Premium economy is another standout option


on this aircraft; All seats boast impressive 38 inch legroom, accompanied by adjustable leather seats. Enhanced dining and entertainment options, complimentary pillows, blankets and amenity kits are also available in premium economy- The ultimate value option.


holiday makers travelling via the main cabin are not left behind onboard the Dreamliner- Avail of Wi-Fi, live TV and streaming sports & news channels, all whilst powering up your devices for the duration of the flight. Complimentary meals and drinks and signature ice cream also feature within the main cabin. For those searching for that


extra room to stretch those legs , Main Cabin Extra is an excellent alternative with an added 6 inches of legroom! Thank you to the American Airlines and Dublin


airport team for the wonderful hospitality – the NI Travel News team cannot wait to fly on the American Airlines ‘Dreamliner’


Etihad Airways Unveils New Sustainability-Driven Economy Experience


ETIHAD Airways has unveiled its new Economy class soft furnishings and tableware which will be launched on board in the fourth quarter of the year. The new products have been designed with sustainability and improved guest experience as primary objectives. The announcement was made on the opening day of the Arabian Travel Market, a trade event for the travel and tourism industry taking place this week in Dubai. The Economy class experience will be upgraded with new soft furnishings for all guests in Economy, including a 35% larger pillow with a 200 thread-count cotton cover made locally in the UAE. This is complemented by a soft blanket made from recycled plastic for additional comfort on all flights.


Etihad’s new dining experience features reusable tableware made from recycled high-quality plastic and eliminates the use of single-use plastic. The tray, serving plates and their lids are part of a closed loop recycling system. At the end of their lifecycle, they are collected, washed, ground and reused to make new replacement products. Etihad is also introducing quality


stainless-steel


cutlery into the Economy cabin which upgrades the experience and also reduces single-use plastic. In 2019, Etihad committed to remove 80% of single- use plastic from its operation by the end of 2022 and the introduction of this new inflight equipment ensures the airline meets this sustainability goal. Where possible, Etihad is also moving towards locally produced items which will further improve the overall environmental impact of the operation.


Terry Daly, Executive Director Guest Experience, Brand and Marketing, commented “Etihad is trailblazing when it comes to sustainability in aviation. Following extensive research and development through our eco-flights over the past few years, we’re proud to reveal the first in a series of enhancements to our inflight experience. Our commitment to sustainability doesn’t come at a compromise to the quality and thoughtfulness behind Etihad’s guest experience, and these innovative new products will further improve our offering. We look forward to rolling out this new experience across the fleet towards the latter part of the year.”


Etihad Economy is renowned for its spacious Economy seating featuring its signature fixed wing headrest which provides optimal support for a restful travel experience. The airline also offers Economy Space seating which


provides an additional 4” of legroom for every guest who chooses to upgrade to this option. In addition, Etihad’s passengers may choose neighbour-free seating in Economy for an additional fee, which offers extra privacy and comfort. This new launch follows a notable year for the airline which introduced its new Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi themed children’s packs across its fleet in February. This was followed by the unveiling of the new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft which entered into service in March and is the first of five A350-1000’s to join the Etihad fleet this year. The A350-1000 features Etihad’s new interior cabin design, including the state-of-the-art Economy and Business class seating.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40