Gatwick Set to Welcome the Emirates A380

Airline to expand its A380 services to second airport in London

Emirates, a global connector of people and places, will become the first airline to operate a regularly scheduled A380 service to London Gatwick airport.

From 30 March 2014, the airline's 489-seat A380 will replace the Boeing 777-300ER on EK flight 09/10, bringing a 36 percent increase in capacity on one of its three daily flights.
 
"London Gatwick was our first destination in the UK when we launched our services to the airport in 1987. It continues to be a strategic gateway not only into London but also into the regions of the Southeast and we are pleased to be the first airline to introduce a daily scheduled A380 service to the airport," said Thierry Antinori, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline.
 
"Our long term strategic partnership with London Gatwick enables us to bring our flagship A380 on a regularly scheduled basis and build on our robust presence at the airport. Our support for London Gatwick's long-term growth plans is aligned with our global strategy to optimise capacity on our major routes and to offer our passengers with ever more opportunities to fly on our A380s. The A380s are highly popular with our customers because of all travel comforts - thoughtful touches and luxury features - that we have packed into it," he continued.
 
"Scheduled A380 services further demonstrate Gatwick's emergence as a world-class airport, which now supports routes to established and emerging markets across the globe, and is rapidly becoming London's airport of choice for both business and leisure passengers. It also adds to Gatwick's already unique mix of aircraft models and carrier types," said Stewart Wingate, CEO of London Gatwick. 

 

"Emirates and Gatwick have worked successfully together for more than 25 years so we are delighted that we will welcome its iconic A380 next year. This news is testament to the strong partnership we have with Emirates and its confidence in Gatwick as a dynamic, ambitious airport which has vastly improved and enhanced facilities for its airlines and passengers in recent years," continued Wingate. 

 

The two decks of the Emirates A380 will offer 399 seats in Economy Class, 76 lie-flat seats in Business Class and 14 luxury First Class Private Suites. Passengers travelling in premium cabins can mingle in the Onboard Lounge, and First Class passengers can arrive at their destination refreshed in one of two onboard Shower Spas.
 
Passengers across all cabins can enjoy up to 1,600 channels of the latest movies, TV shows and music from around the world alongside a range of games on the award-winning ice inflight entertainment system. The latest technology allows passengers to stay connected throughout the flight with high-speed Wi-Fi access and mobile phone and data services.
 
Emirates is the largest operator of A380 aircraft in the world with 44 in its fleet and 96 on order, after its historic announcement to add 50 more at the Dubai Airshow in November.  So far this year, Emirates has received 13 A380 aircraft which have been deployed to its network of 24 A380 destinations.

Emirates' current A380 destinations are:  Amsterdam, Auckland, Bangkok, Beijing, Dubai, Hong Kong, Jeddah, Kuala Lumpur, London Heathrow, Los Angeles, Manchester, Mauritius, Melbourne, Moscow, Munich, New York JFK, Paris, Rome, Seoul, Singapore, Shanghai, Sydney, Toronto, and Brisbane. Emirates will start operating scheduled A380 services to Zurich and Barcelona from January and February 2014 respectively. 
 
From 30 March 2014, the new A380-supported EK 009 flight will depart Dubai at 1500hrs and arrive at London Gatwick Airport at 1930hrs. The return flight, EK 010, will leave London Gatwick at 2115hrs and arrive in Dubai at 0720hrs the next day. 

Photo Captions: 

LGW_1: The Emirates A380 using London Gatwick's A380 stand during a one-off service in November.  From 30 March 2014, the airline's 489-seat A380 will replace the Boeing 777-300ER on EK flight 09/10.  

LGW_2: The Emirates A380 landing at London Gatwick airport during a one-off service. Emirates will become the first airline to operate a regularly scheduled service to London Gatwick airport.

LGW_3: The Emirates A380 taxiing at London Gatwick airport during a one-off service in November. Emirates currently operates its A380 to 24 destinations across the globe. 

 

 

Devil’s Pool - Livingstone scoops top 10 award

The “Devil`s Pool” in Livingstone, Zambia, has been ranked as one of the top 10 best natural swimming pools in the world.

The top 10 award has been given by TripAdvisor, a highly-respected and widely-consulted travel search engine and directory.

The “Devil`s Pool” is at the top of the list ahead of nine other natural pools around the world including the Havasu Falls in the USA and the Blue Lagoon in Iceland.

Commenting on the news, Zambia Tourism Board Director of Marketing Mato Shimabale said the award was a big endorsement for Zambia`s tourism.

“Tripadvisor is one of the biggest authorities in the travel industry with over 60 million hits per month, offering a search engine and directory that matches hotels with flights, holiday destinations and packages, and provides more than 60 million consumer reviews to help travelers plan their trips. Therefore, to be ranked in the top 10 in the world by such an authority is to get the highest accolade that any country can wish for,” said Mr. Shimabale.

Mr. Shimabale has further urged both the local and international tourists visiting Livingstone to ensure that they add Livingstone Island on their itinerary as it is a unique experience that can only be found on the Zambian side.

The “Devil`s Pool" is a naturally-formed pool of water on the edge of the mighty Victoria Falls accessed through Livingstone Island on the Zambian side. The island also marks the site where Scottish explorer and missionary Dr. David Livingstone first sighted the Victoria Falls and verbalized the now famous line, “Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.”

Livingstone Island (and the “Devil`s Pool” in particular) has lately become a global attraction with 30 million hits on You Tube and other international social media outlets.

At the recently-held UNWTO General Assembly in Livingstone, First Lady Christine Kaseba and Tourism and Arts Minister Hon. Sylvia Masebo were among Zambia`s prominent personalities who took several guests to Livingstone Island as part of the country`s strategy to market this special tourism product to an international audience.

Raising Awareness about the Importance of Elephants

The number of elephants is on the decline. There is a strong need to protect them from extinction. The Forest Industry Organization will organize an event to raise and sustain public awareness of the importance of elephants.

The event “The Great Legend of Thai Elephant” is scheduled for 9-13 January 2014 at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center in Hang Chat district, Lampang province.

Deputy Permanent Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Mingquan Wichayarangsaridh said that the annual event in 2014 would be the third of its kind. It also aims to celebrate His Majesty the King’s 86th birthday anniversary, 5 December 2013 and to promote tourist sites supervised by the Forest Industry Organization.

More importantly, the five-day event will provide the public with proper knowledge and understanding about environmental management and eco-tourism. Among various activities are elephant parades in the Lanna style, exhibitions, a drawing contest on elephants, a bazaar of local products, and cultural performances.

There will be a contest of souvenirs made from ceramics, as well. Lampang has become the largest ceramics-producing area for Thailand’s ceramics industry. A plan is under way to develop this northern province as a ceramics center in the ASEAN region.

Lampang province is a major place for elephant conservation in Thailand. Visitors to the Great Legend of Thai Elephant event will also be provided with an opportunity to watch elephant shows and a light and sound presentation on the history of Thai elephants.

The province is the location of the Thai Elephant Conservation Center, which was set up in 1993 and is equipped with veterinarians, manhouts, and trainers. The Forest Industry Organization in 2004 established the National Elephant Institute in the compound of the Thai Elephant Conservation Center in order to extend the center’s vast expertise and experience to support other government agencies and private organizations working to help Thai elephants.

An elephant hospital has been set up at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center to provide medical care for elephants and serve as a training center for veterinarians. The center has also launched a mobile veterinarian project, under which veterinarians have been sent to provide treatment for sick elephants and offer medical check-ups for elephants in various places free of charge.

The Thai Elephant Conservation Center has become a major tourist attraction in the North, and has helped promote Thailand’s eco-tourism.

In Thailand, the elephant is recognized as the national animal. Thai people have lived in harmony with elephants as both working partners and friends for a long period of time.

Sail Port Stephens double bunger

Sail Port Stephens is one of the fastest growing sailing regattas on the Australia eastern seaboard and for the 2014 edition, April 11 – 16, there is weighty pot of IRC gold waiting at the finish.

Skippers can choose the more relaxed option by entering Sail Port Stephens in cruising mode, or limber up at the NSW IRC Championship at Port Stephens then go for the double bunger and enter the prestigious 2014 Audi IRC Australian Championship immediately following.

Commodore of the Sail Port Stephens organising club, Corlette Point Sailing Association, Dom Grundy said “We have rejigged our format and will run the IRC racing from Friday to Sunday to fit in with the Easter break and the Audi IRC nationals at Newcastle. 

Details are at www.sailporstephens.com.au and entries are now open.

Given the limited berthing across three local marinas, Grundy encourages skippers to secure their entry and marina space early, in view of the expected influx of IRC contenders. “Sail Port Stephens has grown every year since its inception in 2008 and next April we expect the biggest IRC fleet yet, given we’ll be hosting the perfect lead-in event.

“Unlike past years the series will commence with the more serious IRC and Performance Racing component vying for the Port Stephens Trophy, and wind up with the more relaxed Commodore’s Cup for the cruising contingent.”

Corlette Point Sailing Association and the Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club have cooperated to deliver two high profile events within close proximity to each other and Sydney, and both family friendly given they comfortably fall within the NSW school term break.

The three-day NSW IRC Championship, starting Friday 11^th April and the Sail Port Stephens icebreaker, is the best opportunity for the grand prix crews to find their groove prior to the national title over the Easter long weekend, April 17 - 20.

Next on the six-day schedule is the Commodore’s Cup for the cruising divisions, three days of less hectic inshore and offshore racing mostly in the expansive bay, which is two-times the size of Sydney Harbour, and using the Port Stephen’s Marine Park’s magnificent offshore islands as turning marks.

Feeder races will go ahead with Sydney to Newcastle on April 4 and Newcastle to Port Stephens on April 5.

Principal Race Officer Denis Thompson will return to oversee another well-run regatta with hopefully smoother conditions after this year’s fleet encountered an East Coast Low that dampened proceedings but not spirits. The vast expanse of sheltered water offered protection from the worst of the weather and allowed the hardy crews to keep racing inshore.

For More Information:

www.sailportstephens.com.au

www.facebook.com/sailportstephens

Luxury Resort One Eleven in Bali Joins Welcome Beyond

Welcome Beyond is proud to announce that Bali’s most exclusive resort One Eleven has joined its website showcasing the most memorable vacation homes and small boutique hotels worldwide.

At One Eleven, there are 9 comfortable villas with more than enough space to ensure absolute privacy: Each villa is 350 square meters and comes with its own 14 meter swimming pool and spacious Spa Gazebo. 

Natural wood and stone define the puristic style of the interiors: “From the moment you drive up to the front door, it’s very understated and simple. In today’s world, most people are living a very busy, active life. The One Eleven experience gives you everything you need without the clutter,” General manager David states.

Staff pampers guests with culinary highlights that are available around the clock. Guests can either chose to dine in the traditional Japanese sushi bar or enjoy a freshly prepared barbecue in their villas along with a cool cocktail. Other in-house services include a variety of traditional Javanese and Balinese treatments and aromatherapies available in the privacy of each villa’s own Spa Gazebo.

One Eleven is located near Bali’s west coast beaches and the city of Seminyak which is known for its fine restaurants, nightlife and shopping. David recommends the galleries in the city of Ubud for art-lovers, and surfing and diving for adrenaline-junkies. Bali is a year-round paradise yet January and February might be a little rainy. David recommends June to October to come for a visit.

Backyard Travel Release New Tour: A Taste of Cambodia

Backyard Travel, Asia’s most innovative tour company, have today revealed details of a new tour allowing travelers to understand the tasty side of Cambodia’s thriving culinary scene.

The new tailored tour provides the perfect chance to investigate the nation’s most beloved sites (such as Angkor Wat) while discovering a feast of tasty treats.

The delightful culinary tour begins in Siem Reap, famous home to some of the world’s most spectacular temples. Travelers will work up an appetite with investigations of the historic sites led by an expert local Backyard Travel guide.

As well as Angkor Wat, while in Siem Reap, travelers can explore Ta Prohm temple and Angkor Thom as well as pay visit to some of the exotic local markets that sell a range of deep-fried insects amongst other unusual delights. There’s also the chance for travelers to enjoy the unique ‘Cooks in Tuk Tuks’ class to discover the secrets of how to make some of the local delicacies.

From Siem Reap the customizable nine-day, eight-night tour moves to Phnom Penhwhere travelers can discover the local must-see attractions while taking guided walks through colorful local markets to sample exotic fruits and other unusual foods.

Travelers will dine in restaurants that pride themselves on resurrecting authentic Khmer cuisine as well as modern-style eateries and hard-to-find restaurants off the regular trails.

The gastronomic adventures continue with one night in Kampot, the next stop on the culture and cuisine tour of Cambodia. While in the charming riverside town, travelers can take a 90-minute sunset cruise past fishing villages and a walking tour to absorb the aura of the laid-back town.

The Cambodia tour climaxes in Kep, a resort town on the coastline which offers picturesque beaches and divine fresh seafood. Travelers will spend the last two nights of their tour soaking up the peaceful ambience, spending their days doing as little or much as they please while they enjoy beachfront paradise.

“We’re excited to add a new ‘Taste of’ tour to our culinary trip series, and especially happy to feature Cambodia,” said Backyard Travel’s General Manager Maeve Nolan. “We hope this new tour will open traveler’s eyes to the Cambodia’s exciting emerging culinary scene while also allowing them the opportunity to see the country’s most iconic sites and attractions.”

Atlantis, The Palm Hosts Front Row Seats to the Largest Fireworks Display Ever, Breaking the World Record!

Dubai has broken the world record for the biggest fireworks display ever with Atlantis, The Palm hosting front row seats to the greatest celebration on earth!

Bigger and brighter than the previous world record held by Kuwait for the 50thanniversary of it’s constitution, thousands of guests at Atlantis, experienced a part of history last night, watching the spectacular fireworks extravaganza from Dubai’s leading entertainment resort.

An unprecedented light show mesmerised guests from across the globe, as Dubai secured the UAE’s 132nd World Record, with 1200 shells exploding into the midnight sky, per second, over a course of 6 minutes. Well over 400,000 shells were released to beautifully orchestrated music, beating the previous world record of 77,000 fireworks.

An incredible line up of stars entertained thousands of revellers at the popular Sandance music festival, including Swedish House Mafia’s DJ Axwell, Emeli Sande and Paul Oakenfold.

Glamorous diners at the Gala Dinner enjoyed an elegant outdoor dining experience and live entertainment on a 1.4 kilometre beach setting with The Palm as a back drop.

Atlantis’ reputation for hosting some of the world’s most memorable celebrations is an attraction for international visitors. “Staying at Atlantis is an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience during New Year. This year Atlantis, The Palm was part of the biggest fireworks show in the world, twice as big as the grand opening! Along with front row seats to this magnificent event, guests were blown away by our experiences, securing Atlantis’ position as the leading entertainment resort in Dubai,” commented Serge Zaalof, President and Managing Director of Atlantis, The Palm.

For further information visit atlantisthepalm.com.