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NCLH posts its latest Sail & Sustain report

SINGAPORE, 6 JUNE 2023: Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH) (the “Company”), a leading global cruise company which operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands, published its 2022 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) index as part of its global sustainability program, Sail & Sustain.

The report highlights the progress on NCLH’s ESG strategy and goals, including its efforts across the five pillars of Sail & Sustain: Reducing Environmental Impact, Sailing Safely, Strengthening our Communities, Empowering People and Operating with Integrity and Accountability.

Photo credit: NCLH Sustain & Sail report.

“We recognise the need for corporations to take action to help address global challenges, including climate change and sustainability, and at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, we are committed to doing our part by operating in a way that is socially responsible, respectful of the environment, and drives a positive impact on society,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer-elect of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “Our Sail & Sustain program is key to moving our business forward– it goes hand-in-hand with delivering long-term value for the company and its stakeholders.”

The 2022 ESG report and additional information on NCLH’s global sustainability program, Sail & Sustain, can be found at http://www.nclhltd.com/sustainability.

“Over the past year, we continued to make great progress with new goals and initiatives across our Sail & Sustain focus areas as we help chart a path to a more sustainable future,” said Jessica John, vice president of ESG, Investor Relations, and Corporate Communications of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “This year’s report highlights not only these advancements but also our commitment to increase and strengthen our disclosures each year to provide our stakeholders with critical transparency.”

John continued, “Whether through our plan to pursue net zero by 2050 or our efforts to support the communities we live in or visit worldwide, we’re set on finding innovative ways to Sail & Sustain.

Among the many ESG initiatives covered in the report, key highlights from the past year include:

Reducing Environmental Impact

• Ambitious climate action strategy and targets to reduce greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions: NCLH recently announced its revamped climate action strategy focused on efficiency, innovation and collaboration, along with ambitious short- and near-term emissions reduction targets that support the Company’s pursuit of net zero by 2050. The Company is now targeting a reduction in GHG intensity of 10% by 2026 and 25% by 2030, compared to a 2019 baseline with intensity measured per Capacity Day basis[1].

Methanol-Ready newbuilds on order: Modified the final two Prima Class ships, expected to be delivered in 2027 and 2028, to accommodate the use of green methanol as an alternative fuel source in the future. While additional modifications will be needed to fully enable the use of methanol in addition to traditional marine fuel on these ships, this reinforces the NCLH’s commitment to decarbonisation.

Focus on water stewardship: NCLH continues to improve water production rates while at the same time focusing on efforts to decrease consumption. Across its fleet, 90% of the freshwater used in 2022 was produced on board.

Testing biodiesel fuels: Successfully tested small quantities of biodiesel blend B30, 70% marine gas oil and 30% biodiesel in four of its ships to date. By the end of 2023, NCLH anticipates that more than 20% of its fleet will have tested and operated on biodiesel blends.

Investing in shore power: NCLH currently has 12 ships equipped with shore power capabilities. These ships connect to onshore electrical power grids to supply much of the power needed while docked when available. The Company continues to invest in expanding this technology and expects to have approximately 60% of its fleet shore-power enabled by year-end 2023 and approximately 70% by year-end 2025.

Sailing Safely

Robust public health program to protect guests, crew and communities we visit: NCLH operates a comprehensive 24/7/365 public health and safety program, working closely with health authorities worldwide to implement and continuously improve policies and procedures that meet and, in many cases, exceed regulations. Crew members are also highly trained in the Company’s Outbreak Prevention and Response Plan, designed to mitigate and help prevent the spread of communicable diseases.

Continuous public health training and education: With representatives from various government agencies and suppliers, NCLH hosts public health training through monthly online collaborations and annual in-person summits.

Prioritised safety and security efforts: Utmost importance placed on safety and security at sea, with third-party audits conducted regularly to verify compliance. Each ship also has a resident Safety Officer, with experience ranging between 10 and 15 years in various roles at sea, and ship crews participate in regular safety training, exercises and drills on board and shoreside.

Empowering People

Enhanced employee benefits demonstrate commitment to team members: NCLH expanded its suite of employee benefits by adding new Family Care Benefits, which provides fully paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave and family planning assistance for full-time U.S shoreside team members.

• Fostering an inclusive workforce where diverse backgrounds are represented and empowered: Across NCLH’s global shoreside workforce, 61% of team members are female, including 47% of managers and above. In addition, across the U.S. shoreside workforce, 67% of team members were under-represented minorities, including 54% of managers and above. In 2023, the Company also appointed three new Presidents to lead its brands, all three of whom were internal and ethnically or gender-diverse candidates, including the appointment of NCLH’s first female brand President, Andrea DeMarco, to lead Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Provided training and development opportunities across the workforce: NCLH team members logged over 800,000 hours of training and development across various roles and responsibilities, cementing the corporate philosophy to empower top talent and foster robust career development.

Strengthening Our Communities

Ongoing corporate efforts to philanthropic contributions: NCLH contributed over $2 million in monetary and in-kind donations to nonprofit organisations worldwide. This included over $300,000 donated to aid in disaster and crisis relief, including Hurricane Ian recovery efforts in Southwest Florida.

Honouring the connection between travel and education: Each year, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Giving Joy program recognises top educators for their unwavering commitment to inspiring students daily. In 2022, the Giving Joy program awarded 100 teachers across North America a free week-long cruise for two, valued at over $750,000 collectively, along with thousands of dollars in contributions from NCL and its partners to the schools of the top three grand prize winners.

• Offsetting Emissions and Supporting Communities through Carbon Offsets: NCLH has purchased 1.6 million carbon offsets, contributing to 14 projects globally, including in South Korea, Brazil and Turkey. The offsets purchased not only support the Company’s decarbonisation journey but also invested in cleaner energy sources and local job creation in these communities.

Operating with Integrity and Accountability

Tied ESG metric to compensation: The Board of Directors Compensation Committee approved the inclusion of an ESG metric for the first time as part of the 2022 short-term incentive (“STI”) and once again approved the inclusion of an ESG metric in 2023. This metric is tried to the progress made on NCLH’s GHG reduction goals and builds greater accountability across the Company to accelerate the progress on ESG goals.

Fostering a culture of ethical conduct: NCLH continuously emphasises the importance of ethical business practices and upholds all team members to a Code of Ethical Business Conduct, which team members must review and certify annually.

Committed to maintaining a strong board with diverse experiences and backgrounds: NCLH welcomed a new board member in 2022, Zillah Byng-Thorne. Zillah brings her extensive technology sector, digital media and e-commerce experience to the board. Currently, the board is approximately 50% diverse, including 37.5% female and 12.5% under-represented minorities, with an average tenure of 6.6 years.

The full 2022 ESG report and additional information on NCLH’s global sustainability programme, Sail & Sustain, can be found at http://www.nclhltd.com/sustainability.

Royal Cliff and AssetWise promote tennis events

PATTAYA, 7 June 2023: Royal Cliff Hotels Group and AssetWise have forged a partnership to enhance Thailand’s role as a leading sports destination, especially for tennis.

Their first joint project focused on the successful hosting of the ITF Masters Tennis Championship held last November, which attracted around 200 players from across the globe, with the oldest player over 80 years old.

Now the two companies are expanding their partnership to organise multiple sports activities, including two signature international tennis events. The first project, the Junior Tennis Tournament, got underway from 3 to 4 June, while the second will be the repeat edition of the ITF Masters (18 to 24 November 2023). Both events are hosted by the resort’s Fitz Club, a luxury fitness centre. The International Tennis Federation has granted Royal Cliff the highest grade in Asia.

The two-sport projects are supported by relevant government agencies that appreciate the goals and contribution tennis events make to the country.

During a recent press conference, Royal Cliff’s CEO Vitanart Vathanakul welcomed guests, including AssetWise PLC deputy CEO Paneeta Malaivongs and Tecnifibre marketing director Wee Lim – the two anchor sponsors for the two tennis events.

Other guests included Pattaya City Council member Damrongkiat Phinitkarn, Tourism Authority of Thailand Pattaya Office director Anoma Vongyai and Eastern Meetings Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) marketing representative Rattanachai Sutthidechanai.

The AssetWise Junior Thailand Championship featured singles and doubles for players of all levels. Players earned points toward a national ranking. Over 200 young athletes participated in the tournament. Besides the competitive matches, the event included a tennis clinic by the coaches of Fitz Club.

ITF MT-700 Masters Championship attracts over 200 players worldwide who compete in singles, doubles and mixed doubles. The event is open to players 35 to 75 years old. ITF MT-700 Masters Championship is considered a crucial tournament on the ITF World Tennis Masters Tour calendar and offers an opportunity to earn points toward a global ranking. Now that all travel restrictions have been lifted, over 250 players should join the tournament in November. 

“We are thrilled to host the two tournaments and provide a competitive platform for young and adult tennis players to display their skills,” said Royal Cliff Hotels Group CEO Vitanart. “Our goal is to make Pattaya a leading family and sports destination and to welcome players worldwide while at the same time promoting physical and mental health, building new friendships and creating a positive difference in this world-famous resort city. I want to thank our two wonderful sponsors, AssetWise and Tecnifibre. Without their support, we would not have been able to organise this amazing event.”

“At Assetwise, we are thrilled to announce our renewed partnership with Royal Cliff to support projects that perfectly align with our brand values and promote the essence of an active lifestyle, passion, and happiness. Together, we aim to elevate Thailand’s reputation as a premier sports destination and create remarkable experiences for sports enthusiasts worldwide”, said AssetWise deputy CEO Paneeta Malaivongs.

ATP players, including Mikhail Youzhny, Denis Istomin and Nikolay Davydenko, have visited the Fitz Club – Racquets, Health & Fitness and used its facilities for tennis camps. Tennis courts are of the same standard as the Australian Open, so top players get used to the conditions and prepare for the upcoming grand slam tournament.

Renowned as the leading luxury sports centre in Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard region, Fitz Club is fully equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including excellent cardio machines, seven-floodlit tennis courts, two air-conditioned squash courts, table tennis, a swimming pool, and sauna & steam rooms.

For more information, contact the Fitz Club team at email: [email protected].

Centara Grand Hua Hin Centenary Flash Sale

BANGKOK, 5 June 2023: Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin offers travellers one free night for every night booked and an array of exclusive perks during its five-day “Centenary Flash Sale”.

From 6to 10 June 2023, guests who book selected luxury suites and private pool villas can take advantage of unbeatable Stay-2-Pay-1 or Stay-4-Pay-2 packages for bookings until 30 September 2023.

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin’s breathtaking heritage hotel, guests will be given a second consecutive night free with every one night booked in deluxe suites and Villa one bedroom with a private pool with a maximum four-night stay. Also included in the Centenary Flash Sale is daily breakfast for two, complimentary stays for up to two children under 12 years, and access to The Club, which includes meals, unlimited WiFi, two complimentary items of laundry per room per day, and more.

With a rich history dating back to the early 1920s, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin is a sought-after beachfront destination nestled around a wide expanse of topiary gardens just a short drive from Bangkok. During their stay, guests can discover the region’s recreational activities as well as lively local markets and shopping centres, savour freshly caught seafood prepared with Thai recipes or indulge in a classic concoction by the seashore, and enjoy an artful blend of tradition and modernity by the peaceful waters that make Centara Grand Hua Hin the perfect place to relax and unwind.

With the Centenary Flash Sale only available for five days (6 – 10 June 2023), guests looking to plan their next luxury seaside escape and take advantage of free nights and all the perks are encouraged to book as soon as possible. For more details on this limited-time offer,  visit https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/chbr/centenary-flash-sale

IATA AGM: Airline profitability outlook strengthens

SINGAPORE, 7 June 2023: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced an expected strengthening of airline industry profitability in an upgrade of its outlook for 2023 presented at the IATA AGM held in Istanbul earlier this week

Outlook Highlights

  • Airline industry net profits are expected to reach USD9.8 billion in 2023 (1.2% net profit margin), more than double the previous forecast of USD4.7 billion (December 2022).
  • Airline industry operating profits are expected to reach USD22.4 billion in 2023, much improved over the December forecast of a USD3.2 billion operating profit. It is also more than double the USD10.1 billion operating profit estimated for 2022.
  • Some 4.35 billion people are expected to travel in 2023, closing in on the 4.54 billion who flew in 2019.
  • Cargo volumes are expected to be 57.8 million tonnes, which has slipped below the 61.5 million tonnes carried in 2019 with a sharp slowing of international trade volumes.
  • Total revenues are expected to grow 9.7% yearly to USD803 billion. This is the first time industry revenues will top the USD800 billion mark since 2019 (USD838 billion). Expense growth is expected to be contained to an 8.1% annual increase.

“Airline financial performance in 2023 is beating expectations. Stronger profitability is supported by several positive developments. China lifted COVID-19 restrictions earlier in the year than anticipated. Cargo revenues remain above pre-pandemic levels even though volumes have not. And, on the cost side, there is some relief. Jet fuel prices, although still high, have moderated over the year’s first half,” said IATA’s director general Willie Walsh.

Even with a 1.2% net profit margin, the return to net profitability is a major achievement. First, it was achieved at a time of significant economic uncertainties. And second, it follows the deepest losses in aviation’s history (USD183.3 billion of net losses for 2020-2022 (inclusive) for an average net profit margin of -11.3%). It should be noted that the airline industry entered the Covid-19 crisis at the end of a historic profit streak that saw an average net profit margin of 4.2% for the 2015-2019 period.

“Economic uncertainties have not dampened the desire to travel, even as ticket prices absorbed elevated fuel costs. After deep Covid-19 losses, even a net profit margin of 1.2% is something to celebrate! But with airlines making $2.25 per passenger on average, repairing damaged balance sheets and providing investors with sustainable returns on their capital will continue to be challenging for many airlines,” said Walsh. 

Outlook Drivers

Revenues are rising (9.7%) faster than expenses (8.1%), strengthening profitability.

Revenue: Industry revenues are expected to reach USD803 billion in 2023 (+9.7% on 2022 and -4.1% on 2019). An inventory of 34.4 million flights is expected to be available in 2023 (+24.4% on 2022, -11.5% on 2019).

Efficiency levels are high, with an expected average passenger load factor of 80.9% for 2023. That is very near the 2019 record performance of 82.6%.

IATA’s May 2023 passenger polling data supports the optimistic outlook, with 41% of travellers indicating they expect to travel more in the next 12 months than in the previous year, and 49% expect to undertake the same level of travel. Moreover, 77% of respondents indicated they were already travelling as much or more than they did pre-pandemic.

Risks

The economic and geopolitical environment presents several risks to the outlook. With just USD22.4 billion of operating profit (2.8%) standing between USD803 billion in revenues and USD781 billion in expenses, industry profitability is fragile. It could be affected (positively or negatively) by several factors. In particular, consideration should be given to:

  • Inflation-fighting measures are maturing at different rates in different markets. Central banks are calibrating the best levels for interest rates to have a maximum cooling effect on inflation while avoiding tipping economies into recession. An early or lower end-to-rate rise could stimulate markets for a stronger year-end outlook. Equally, the risk of recession remains. The industry’s outlook could shift negatively if a recession leads to job losses.
  • War in Ukraine is not having a major impact on profitability for most airlines. A currently unanticipated peace could carry the potential for cost improvements with lower oil prices and efficiencies from removing or easing airspace restrictions. An escalation, however, would likely have negative prospects for global aviation. Already broader geopolitical tensions are weighing upon international trade, and any escalation of such tensions represents a downside to the industry outlook.

Star Alliance hires new CEO

SINGAPORE, 7 June  2023: Star Alliance confirmed this week the appointment of Theo Panagiotoulias as the next CEO.

Panagiotoulias has over 25 years of experience in the airline and aviation industry. He joins Star Alliance from Hawaiian Airlines, where he has been Senior VP for Global Sales and Alliances since 2014. Previously, Panagiotoulias was VP and GM (Asia Pacific) at travel technology provider Sabre Corporation and a 15-year veteran of American Airlines.

Panagiotoulias will succeed Charlotta Wieland, who has been seconded from SAS – Scandinavian Airlines to serve as Star Alliance’s interim CEO since January 2023.

Wieland will return to SAS and rejoin Star Alliance’s Alliance Management Board as the representative for SAS. Panagiotoulias’ appointment is expected to take effect within the coming months upon completing specific administrative processes and clearances.

“On behalf of the board of Star Alliance, I would like to congratulate Theo for being named the next CEO of Star Alliance,” said United Airlines CEO and chairman of the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board. Scott Kirby.

“Star Alliance connects the world,” said Mr Panagiotoulias. “More than 200 million customers fly with its 26 member airlines yearly, on more than 16,000 daily flights. The Alliance has also led the revolution to promote a more seamless passenger experience. I am honoured that I’ve been chosen to lead the Star Alliance team and work directly with our 26 member carriers as we continue to innovate as the world’s leading airline alliance.”

BA is back flying to Beijing

SINGAPORE, 7 June 2023: British Airways’ first flight from London to Beijing in more than three years touched down at Beijing Daxing Airport on Tuesday, 5 June.

This was British Airways’ first passenger flight between the two cities since January 2020, when the route was suspended due to the pandemic. The resumption reclaims the airline’s exclusivity as the only British carrier operating a direct service between Beijing and the UK. 

British Airways’ first flight to Beijing in 3 years touches down at Daxing

The airline will offer four weekly flights between Beijing and London, departing Daxing Airport on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

British Airways and joint business partner China Southern operate from Daxing, giving customers greater booking connectivity to cities in the UK and China. Frequent flyer benefits through the joint business include greater opportunities to collect points and lounge access.

To celebrate the long-awaited moment, British Airways director of worldwide airports Louise Street welcomed the inaugural flight, greeting customers and crew as they disembarked.

She commented: “The restart of one of our most important routes after more than three years is a long-awaited moment for all of us at British Airways. Following the successful resumption of flights between Shanghai and London in April, we’re excited to be back in Beijing.”

In October 2019, British Airways was the first international flag carrier to move operations across to the newly opened Daxing Airport. Customers flying into Daxing can benefit from a high-speed rail link into the city and enjoy state-of-the-art facilities, including a newly re-designed lounge for those eligible.

Tourism Malaysia on a mission in Taiwan

KUALA LUMPUR, 7 June 2023: Tourism Malaysia is consolidating its marketing efforts in Taiwan to welcome more Taiwanese travellers back to its shores and reignite their passion for exploring Malaysia’s hidden gems.

Team Tourism Malaysia led the promotion at Taiwan’s largest tourism event, Taipei Tourism Expo (TTE) 2023, last week and followed through with a sales mission to the Kaohsiung International Travel Fair and a series of destination seminar presentations focusing on Taiwanese travel trade partners in Tainan and Taipei 6 to 8 June.

Tourism Malaysia presented travel options to travel consumers at the Taipei Tourism Expo. It strengthened partnerships with major tour operator associations in Taipei, Tainan and Kaohsiung, providing them with the latest holiday ideas and package options.

Tourism Malaysia, Director-General Dato Dr Ammar Abd. Ghapar said: “We look forward to welcoming more than 100,000 Taiwanese travellers to Malaysia this year. In 2022, Malaysia recorded 48,132 Taiwanese arrivals, thus reflecting strong pent-up demand in the post-pandemic, as Taiwan is one of the important markets for Malaysia’s tourism industry.

“Our presence in Taiwan manifests our commitment to forging closer collaborations with our counterparts to ensure Malaysia remains a preferred and top-of-mind destination in this market.”

Malaysia is targeting 16.1 million international tourist arrivals with a contribution of MYR49.2 billion (USD11.1 billion) in tourism receipts in 2023.

Currently, there are 64 direct flights from Taiwan to Malaysia, and Tourism Malaysia is expecting exponential growth from the Taiwan market, including the North Asian region.

All-new Pikachu Jet is flying to Bangkok

BANGKOK, 7 June 2023: The ANA Group joins the “Pokémon Air Adventure” programme in collaboration with The Pokémon Company to celebrate the inaugural flight (4 June) of the new “Pikachu Jet NH” direct from Tokyo to Bangkok.

An ANA aircraft has been specially transformed into the all-new Pikachu Jet, complete with a spectacular Pokémon livery on the exterior and Pikachu-themed designs through the interior, including themed cabin crew aprons and other in-flight amenities.

‘Pikachu Jet NH’ arrives at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport from Tokyo (Haneda).

All Nippon Airways Thailand general manager Seido Terasawa said in a press statement on the partnership between ANA and The Pokémon Company: “We are both proud and honoured to announce the debut flight of the ‘Pikachu Jet NH’, from Tokyo (Haneda) to Bangkok 4 June. This partnership underscores ANA’s continued commitment to the Thai market as we seek to offer Thai passengers a unique experience of the highest quality.”

(Far right) All Nippon Airways Thailand general manager Seido Terasawa.

The Pikachu Jet NH aircraft features an exclusive livery specially designed for ANA, in which the Legendary Sky High Pokémon Rayquaza appears on the entire fuselage to create an impressively striking visual.

Passengers flying on the Pikachu Jet NH will receive commemorative gifts such as Pikachu-adorned Kifuda (Japanese wooden tags), Pokémon stickers, and special Pokémon-themed boarding certificates. To tie the entire journey together, ANA will welcome passengers aboard with special boarding music that will bring the world of Pokémon to life.

The Pikachu Jet NH (Boeing 787-9) is now in service, designated ANA Flight 847 (Haneda to Bangkok) and ANA Flight 850 (Bangkok to Haneda). It will continue to operate services until 28 October 2023.

The routes will cover various destinations worldwide as follows (*subject to change due to changes in operations):

● Haneda – Bangkok (NH847/NH850/NH849/NH848)

● Haneda – Singapore (NH841/NH844/NH843/NH842)

● Haneda – Jakarta (NH855/NH856)

● Haneda – Manila (NH869/NH870)

● Haneda – Ho Chi Minh City (NH891/NH892)

● Haneda – Delhi (NH837/NH838)

● Haneda – Sydney (NH879/NH880/NH889/NH890)

● Haneda – Vancouver (NH116/NH115)

● Haneda – Honolulu (NH186/NH185)

“With triple-daily flights from Bangkok to Tokyo, ANA aims to expand its network to meet the demand for travel to and from Japan,” ANA’s Thailand GM concluded.

IATA convenes AGM in Istanbul

ISTANBUL, 2 June 2023: Leaders of the global aviation industry met in Istanbul, Türkiye, for the International Air Transport Association’s 79th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit that concludes today, 6 June,

Hosted by Pegasus Airlines, the event (4-6 June) attracted the industry’s most senior leaders from among IATA’s more than 300 member airlines and senior government officials, strategic partners, equipment suppliers, and media.

“Airlines meet to review the industry’s recovery from Covid-19, plan the way forward to a more sustainable future, discuss the opportunities for technology to drive efficiencies from modern retailing to improved facilitation, and understand the common regulatory challenges they face.

“Aviation is important. Even as geopolitical divides deepen, connecting the world is a vital mission that requires profitable, safe, efficient and sustainable airlines. The outcomes of this AGM must set the direction for even more effective global connectivity,” said IATA’s director general Willie Walsh during the opening sessions of the AGM.

World Air Transport Summit

The World Air Transport Summit immediately followed the AGM with a panel moderated by CNN’s Richard Quest featuring Greg Foran (CEO, Air New Zealand), Yvonne Manzi Makolo (CEO, Rwandair), John Dietrich (president and CEO, Atlas Air Worldwide) and Campbell Wilson (CEO and MD, Air India).

In addition to the updated industry economic outlook, key topics to be addressed included:

  • A Big Picture view of challenges facing the industry with changing energy markets and shifting supply chains;
  • Aviation’s Contribution to Türkiye’s earthquake recovery;
  • Advances in Sustainability;
  • Learnings from the 2022 operational challenges;
  • The fourth edition of the Diversity and Inclusion Awards, sponsored by Qatar Airways.

“Since we were last in Istanbul, Türkiye has become an incredible global aviation powerhouse. Its carriers are leading the way in regional and international connectivity, and the magnificent new airport puts some other nations’ lack of airport investment to shame. There’s no doubt that Türkiye’s importance to global aviation will continue to grow significantly,” Walsh concluded.

UNESCO status for Sabah park

KOTA KINABALU, 6 June 2023: Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor announced to the Sabah State Assembly that the Aspiring Kinabalu Geopark is now officially designated ‘Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark’ by UNESCO’s executive board, together with 18 sites worldwide raising the Geopark total to 195 parks in 48 countries.

Left to Right: Datuk Sr Hj Mohd Yusrie Abdullah (Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji bin Noor (Chief Minister of Sabah), Datuk Christina Liew (Minister of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah).

The UNESCO Global Geopark label recognises the geological heritage of international significance. Geoparks serve local communities by combining the conservation of their significant geological heritage with public outreach and a sustainable approach to development.

This is an outstanding achievement of the Government of Sabah under the “Sabah Maju Jaya” roadmap through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment and Sabah Parks.

Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark covers an area of 4,750 km2 and adds significant value to the existing eco-tourism experiences promoted by travel content suppliers in Sabah. It is home to many endemic plants and animals, including 90 orchid species that exist only on Mount Kinabalu, and the crimson-headed partridge bird not found anywhere will bring direct and indirect benefits to the socio-economic of Sabah, particularly to more than 290,000 local communities within the district of Kota Belud, Kota Marudu and Ranau.

For more information, visit www.sabahtourism.com

(Source: Sabah Tourism Board)