This week’s newsletter is coming to you from the serenity of the Austrian Alps, where I’m attending AdventureElevate Europe, the first of such summits from the Adventure Travel Trade Association. The world’s largest adventure travel association is gathered in the mountain town of Kitzbuhel – a favourite winter resort with celebrities and royals – to discuss all things adventure.
From sessions on responsible tourism to panels on implementing outdoor and adventure travel education in school curriculums, it’s been a fascinating few days. I was lucky enough to join a pre-summit experience in the nearby city of Innsbruck that saw me scaling a 400-metre vertical rock, biking through the Alps and exploring history in one of Europe's most delightful historic old town centres.
Sustainability has been a big topic on the agenda here for representatives from Kitzbuhel and Austria's tourism boards.
An emphasis on the importance of authenticity and storytelling in promoting sustainable tourism, with stories focusing on what locals are already doing, is one key takeaway. Another is that no matter who you are, or what your role is in tourism – travel agent, supplier or tourist – we can and should all simply start somewhere.
In a presentation from Greenland, a destination that is rapidly evolving as a tourism destination, a video highlighted the region’s AI or “authentic intelligence” gleaned from years of experience – as the best way to explore the world's biggest island.
From mask dancers to sheep farmers and glaciers to seals, the place is fascinating and with the opening of the new Nuuk International Airport in November this year, it’s set to become much more accessible and is a destination I’m adding to my must-visit list.
And it’s not the only northern destination that’s becoming better connected. British Airways is launching flights from London Heathrow to Norway’s Tromso, just in time for Christmas. From December 1, the UK’s national airline will fly direct to the Arctic Circle city that’s famed as for its northern lights, Christmas markets, mountaineering and whale watching.
And Norwegian Airlines is also expanding its network, with the addition of flights to Dubai. The airline will begin a twice-weekly service from Stockholm to Al Maktoum International Airport starting December 13. From the UAE, Emirates is adding a second daily flight connecting its home hub of Dubai with Ho Chi Minh City starting in January.
Elsewhere in the world of aviation, a Singapore Airlines flight made headlines this week after experiencing extreme turbulence en route from London to Singapore. One passenger died and several crew and passengers were seriously injured after the jet fell into an air pocket. As climate change increases, turbulence is on the up with warming temperatures leading to bumpier flights, a good reminder to always have your seat belt fastened when flying.
Until next time, stay safe, travel well and keep up to date with all the latest travel news and stories online.
DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT: The Maldives
Three decades after introducing the concept of barefoot luxury in the Maldives, Soneva, a resort chain founded in the Indian Ocean hotspot, retains its distinctive aura of effortless cool. Launched in 1995, Soneva Fushi is the original property in the company’s portfolio that sits on the island of Kunfunadhoo in the Baa Atoll. Sarah Maisey visits the luxurious hideaway to explore its expansive array of wellness offerings.
TRAVEL NEWS THIS WEEK
TOP TIPS
Three Eid escapes
- If island vibes are what you seek, head to Six Senses Ibiza, which has recently reopened for the season. Located on the northern coast of the Balearic isle, the resort offers unobstructed sunset views, beautifully decorated rooms, suites and beach caves, plus Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine. Put the focus on wellness at the resort’s spa with treatments inspired by ancient healing traditions, and enjoy daily yoga and meditation sessions overlooking the Mediterranean ocean. Stays over Eid start from €1,150 ($1,247) per night.
- Only four hours from the UAE, the Maldives is always a good choice for a short break and there’s no shortage of luxury resorts to choose from. Book a stay at Kandima Maldives over the coming Eid holidays to enjoy ocean views, lush tropical gardens and Indian Ocean sunsets. With 10 restaurants and bars to choose from, there’s something to suit everyone, plus plenty of activities, including sunset cruises, water activities, painting classes and the esKape Spa. Rates start from Dh5,099 over Eid, and travellers can get 50 per cent off on domestic transfers.
- Africa is calling with a stay at the newly opened Kwetu Nairobi, Curio Collection by Hilton. Set on the edge of the Karura Forest near the Kenyan capital’s Central Business District, the hotel is a good stopover point for those venturing off on a safari in the Masai Mara, and offers a tranquil spot that despite its proximity feels far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. Rates over Eid start from $282 per night.
THE LAST WORD
“We now have strong evidence that turbulence is increasing because of climate change. We recently discovered that severe clear-air turbulence in the North Atlantic has increased by 55 per cent since 1979. Our latest future projections indicate a doubling or trebling of severe turbulence in the jet streams in the coming decades, if the climate continues to change as we expect.”
Professor Paul Williams, atmospheric scientist, University of Reading
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