IHG Hotels & Resorts Partners with Mastercard’s Priceless Planet Coalition in October to Turn Spending into Seedlings

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) announced a partnership with Mastercard’s Priceless Planet Coalition to turn guest spending into support of reforestation projects around the world. During the month of October, IHG will donate $2, the approximate cost of growing one tree, to Conservation International for their tree restoration work, for any transaction of $50 or more on a Mastercard card at select IHG-branded properties in the US*. Guided by Conservation International and World Resources Institute, the Priceless Planet Coalition is a program that unites corporate sustainability efforts and engages businesses and consumers to take collective actions to fight climate change. This partnership is estimated to help restore 1.5 million trees globally in places such as Brazil, Madagascar, and the US. (Appalachia).

According to the World Resources Institute, just last year, the world lost more than 10 million acres of tropical primary rainforests which are areas of critical importance for livelihoods, carbon storage and biodiversity. In response to this growing global issue, Mastercard’s Priceless Planet Coalition has committed to restoring 100 million trees across 18 reforestation projects spanning six continents. Their forest restoration efforts are focused in areas that represent the greatest global need, with the most potential for positive impacts on climate, community and biodiversity.

Catherine Dolton, Chief Sustainability Officer, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “IHG’s participation in this initiative aligns to our 10-year responsible business plan, Journey to Tomorrow, which includes a set of ambitious sustainability commitments to drive change for people, communities, and the planet. We are proud to partner with the Priceless Planet Coalition on these reforestation efforts and we’re looking forward to seeing the impact we collectively make around the world.”

Ellen Jackowski, Chief Sustainability Officer, Mastercard, said: “Mastercard created the Priceless Planet Coalition to galvanize collective action for climate, biodiversity, and communities by connecting companies and their consumers with high-quality forest restoration projects across the globe. We’re excited about IHG Hotels & Resorts’ partnership with the Coalition to support projects that help people and the planet thrive.”

The announcement is a welcome continuation of the ongoing partnership between Mastercard and IHG. Last year, Chase, the largest co-brand card issuer in the U.S., and IHG announced the launch of the IHG® Rewards Premier Business Mastercard®, with Mastercard as the exclusive payments network.

*This campaign is valid for corporate or personal Mastercard spending at IHG properties – excluding IHG Army hotels and Iberostar Hotels & Resorts – in the U.S. in October.

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Israeli Communication Minister visits Saudi Arabia

Israeli Communication Minister Shlomo Karhi is scheduled to become the second minister to openly
visit Saudi Arabia leading an Israeli delegation to the Universal Postal Union’s 2023 Extraordinary Congress with Jerusalem and Saudi Arabia appearing to edging nearer to a stabilization contract.

Karhi would speak during the occasion running till Thursday, less than a week after Tourism Minister Haim
Katz came to Saudi Arabia for a United Nations meeting.

These tours come with US President Joe Biden’s management actively engaging Riyadh and Jerusalem for a stabilization agreement concerning the two nations. Inclusive of the outline, Saudi Arabia is also requesting the US for a key joint security agreement and noteworthy armaments agreements, along with
Israeli allowances to the Palestinians.

John Kirby, the White House National Security Council spokesman said that a simple structure on an
agreement has been reached, but emphasized the ‘complex’ procedure would need ‘compromise’ from all
angles.

Last month at the UN General Assembly, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the country is on the point of an important agreement with Saudi Arabia.

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Next-level Travel in Oman: Bahwan Travel Agencies LLC and Amadeus Collaboration

Bahwan Travel Agencies LLC, a significant participant in the travel sector in Oman, has signed a strategic relationship with Amadeus. Amadeus, a pioneer in travel technology committed to improving the travel experience for all. It improves travel for all people, everywhere, by encouraging collaboration, innovation, and responsibility for people, places, and the environment. This partnership intends to improve customer service in the Oman market and broaden Bahwan Travel Agencies’ product offering. Through the cooperation, Amadeus’ cutting-edge products, such as the Selling Platform, Productivity Suite, and Web
Services, will be integrated by Bahwan Travel Agencies LLC.

The agency will provide travellers with thorough and optimized pricing according to their needs with the help of Amadeus Robotics for fare optimization and Amadeus All Fares for shopping. Amadeus Ticket Changer, Quality Control Smart Scripts, and other tools are also provided by the alliance to facilitate quicker, automated ticket re-issue and refund capabilities. This collaboration will ultimately improve their overall experience and take customer service to new heights and deliver seamless and personalized travel experiences

 “At Bahwan Travel Agencies LLC, our commitment is to provide exceptional travel experiences for customers.” says Biju Antony, General Manager of Bahwan Travel Agencies LLC. He further affirms that partnering with Amadeus aligns perfectly with their vision, as their solutions are renowned for innovation and reliability.

The partnership between the market knowledge of Bahwan Travel Agencies and the tried-and-true technology of Amadeus is a significant development for Oman’s travel industry. It will put the client first and offer better services.

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Israel VWP Admission to Add $1.8 Billion to U.S. Economy

U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman issued the following statement on Israel’s admission to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP):

“The highly successful Visa Waiver Program has a proven record of boosting travel exports and U.S. global competitiveness, benefiting U.S. destinations, businesses and the broader American economy. Following Israel’s admission to the Visa Waiver Program, the U.S. can expect to welcome 200,000 additional Israeli visitors per year, generating an additional $800 million in direct travel spending and producing an economic impact of roughly $1.8 billion.

“U.S. Travel has long called for an expansion of the Visa Waiver Program for its numerous security and economic benefits. The U.K., one of the biggest competitors for global travelers, permits visa-free travel for more than 100 countries while the U.S. allows only 41 countries the same access. It is critical that the Biden administration continues to work alongside our key inbound markets to grow this vital program and increase U.S. global competitiveness.”

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Qatar Airways Expo 2023 Doha Livery Revealed in Style

Qatar Airways is proud to welcome the new Expo 2023 Doha livery to its fleet and commemorate its role as the Official Strategic Partner for the landmark event. The unveiling represents a celebration of Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport’s (HIA) readiness to host a global gathering focused on environmental awareness, strengthening their positions as strategic partners in the journey towards a sustainable future.

The aircraft, an A330-300 adorned with the Expo 2023 Doha livery, was unveiled by Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, at Hamad International Airport.

The event was attended by high-profile dignitaries, including President of Ashghal, H.E. Dr. Engr. Saad Ahmed Al Mohannadi; Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer; Secretary-General of Horticultural Expo 2023 Doha, Engr. Mohamed Ali al-Khouri; in addition to the senior management of Qatar Airways and the Expo team.

Minister of Municipality, His Excellency Mr. Abdulla bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, added: “Expo 2023 Doha is a beacon of Qatar’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental progress. With esteemed partners like Qatar Airways, we are poised to deliver an Expo experience that resonates globally and inspires positive change.”

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We welcome all countries to Expo 2023 Doha, which represents a continuation of our inspiring journey filled with innovation, collaboration, and pioneering solutions. The arrival of the Expo 2023 Doha aircraft at Hamad International Airport symbolises our commitment to fostering a sustainable and innovative future as enshrined in Qatar’s national vision.”

Secretary-General of Expo 2023 Doha, Engr. Mohammed Ali Al Khouri, stated: “Qatar Airways has consistently demonstrated its commitment to sustainability through its various global initiatives. As a testament to this commitment, we are honoured to take part of the unveiling of our Expo 2023 Doha livery. This milestone not only represents a celebration of our joint efforts but also serves as a powerful symbol of our ongoing environmental stewardship in the region.”

As part of its substantial contribution to Expo 2023, Qatar Airways will feature the “Qatar Airways Garden,” an impressive pavilion highlighting engaging activations designed to illustrate the Expo’s theme of “Green Desert, Better Environment”.

Qatar Airways will also offer an enriched in-flight experience from 11 October 2023, featuring curated beverages and an exclusive à la carte menu spotlighting Qatari farm-sourced ingredients, along with Expo-themed in-flight entertainment. This includes a dedicated Expo channel offering over 30 gardening-related shows, ensuring a memorable horticultural experience in-flight.

Expo 2023 Doha, will run from October 2023 to March 2024 at the scenic Al Bidda Park, and is anticipated to draw around three million international visitors. Overlooking the Arabian Gulf, the six-month event will feature a diverse array of experiences including beautiful gardens, enlightening talks, art, cuisine, and a special emphasis on innovative approaches to combat desertification.

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