Mecca, Saudi Arabia. May 28th 2025 – Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, the Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the Roads General Authority, launched the cooled pedestrian walkway project in Mecca to enhance accessibility services for individuals with disabilities.

According to the Roads General Authority, the cooled roads initiative has expanded by 82%, building on its initial success since its launch in 2023. More than 84,000 square metres of roads in Arafat have now been paved using locally sourced recycled materials designed to reduce heat absorption from sunlight. These materials lower surface temperatures by approximately 12°C and reflect 30–40% more sunlight during the morning hours, helping to mitigate urban heat islands and providing a more comfortable environment for pilgrims while reducing energy consumption and air pollution.

Furthermore, the growth of flexible rubber roads increased by 33%. These surfaces aim to soften asphalt in pedestrian areas, offering particular advantages to older adults. The newly laid section extends from Namira Mosque to Arafat Train Station, raising the overall flexible pavement area to 16,000 square meters. Research conducted by the Road Research Centre has validated the improved comfort and safety of this advanced rubberised asphalt.

The new initiatives feature a green corridor project along the adaptable route, featuring trees planted over 1,200 meters from Namira Mosque to the train station. To enhance air quality and comfort for pilgrims, air-cooling mist systems and water fountains have been installed in collaboration with the Abdulrahman Fakieh Charitable Foundation.

Furthermore, the Minister has introduced an accessibility initiative aimed at supporting individuals with disabilities. This initiative features a 4,000-metre pedestrian path that leads to Mount Arafat, built with cooled paving materials designed to minimise vibrations and enhance mobility for users and their companions.

The Roads General Authority, the national regulator of Saudi Arabia’s Road sector, aims to elevate the quality of roads to rank sixth globally by 2030 and reduce road fatalities to fewer than five per 100,000 people. 

Saudi Arabia currently boasts the world’s leading intercity road connectivity, with a total network exceeding 73,000 kilometers. For further inquiries, please contact: Media@rga.gov.sa

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Santa Clara, CA 21st May 2025 – Nomad, the global eSIM marketplace and business line of LotusFlare, today announced a refreshed suite of European eSIM data plans that deliver instant, contract-free connectivity in more than 40 countries across the continent. 

The launch widens Nomad’s portfolio of pay-as-you-go mobile data products and addresses the high roaming costs that still affect millions of international travellers.

Nomad’s new European line-up includes:

“Travelling should be about discovering new places, not hunting for Wi-Fi or worrying about bill shock,” said Sam Gadodia, Chief Executive Officer of Nomad. “Our updated European plans give travellers transparent pricing, 4G/5G speeds and the freedom to top up only when they need more data.”

Tackling roaming fees

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission notes that international roaming charges can reach US $20 per MB on some networks – equivalent to US $20,000 per gigabyte.

Nomad’s prepaid eSIMs eliminate these fees: travellers pay once in advance and monitor usage in real time inside the Nomad app or on getnomad.app.

Transparent pricing and simple activation

Plans start at US $0.96 per GB. After purchase, customers install the eSIM by scanning a QR code; the service activates automatically on arrival in Europe. No physical SIM swap or passport registration is required.

Limited-time launch incentive

Nomad offers a 30 per cent introductory discount on all European plans to mark the launch. The promotion is valid for one purchase per account until 23:59 PST on 31 August 2025 and can be redeemed with the code NOMADEUROPE30 at checkout.

Louis Sim, Marketing Manager at Nomad, added: “Whether you’re visiting Paris for a weekend or road-tripping across several countries, these plans were created to keep you online at affordable/competitively priced local rates while maintaining full control of your spending.”

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Changes to EB5 in 2025 come at a pivotal time, as the U.S. government considers significant alterations to its investment-based immigration pathways.​

WASHINGTON DC, DC, UNITED STATES. April 28th, 2025 – Global Immigration Partners, a leading international immigration law firm, has announced the latest updates to the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program for 2025. 

These changes come at a pivotal time, as the U.S. government considers significant alterations to its investment-based immigration pathways.​

Key EB-5 Program Requirements for 2025 include the minimum investment thresholds rising to $1,050,000 for standard investments. This falls to $800,000 for investments in Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs), including rural regions, high-unemployment zones, or government infrastructure projects.​

The Job Creation Mandate has also been introduced, meaning that investments must lead to the creation or preservation of at least 10 full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers.​

Funds must be directed into a new commercial enterprise established after November 29, 1990, or into a restructured or expanded existing business meeting specific criteria.​

The application process starts with the submission of Form I-526 or I-526E to initiate the petition.

Upon approval, applicants can proceed with Form I-485 for adjustment of status if residing in the U.S., or DS-260 for consular processing abroad.​

In a recent development, President Donald Trump also introduced the “Gold Card” initiative – a proposed alternative to the EB-5 program. This plan suggests offering U.S. residency and a pathway to citizenship for a $5 million investment, eliminating the traditional job creation requirement. While the proposal aims to attract high-net-worth individuals, it has sparked debates regarding its implications and legality .​

With offices in Washington, D.C., London, and Rome, Global Immigration Partners is well-positioned to assist clients navigating these evolving immigration landscapes. Its team of seasoned attorneys provides comprehensive services for EB-5 applicants, including detailed eligibility assessments, strategic investment planning in compliance with USCIS regulations, assistance with application preparation and submission and ongoing support throughout the adjudication process.​

For more information, visit globalimmigration.com.

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EDINBURGH, UK. 15th January, 2024 – The Hairy Coo has announced the launch of a new one-day tour from Edinburgh, combining two of Scotland’s most iconic attractions: whisky distilleries and Loch Ness. The 1-Day Whisky, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Loch Ness Tour offers visitors the chance to explore some of Scotland’s most celebrated landmarks and landscapes in a single day.

This new itinerary caters to two of the most popular reasons tourists visit Scotland: the search for the legendary Loch Ness Monster and the exploration of Scotland’s world-renowned whisky heritage. The Hairy Coo developed the tour to bring these highlights together in one immersive experience.

Scottish whisky, one of the nation’s most famous exports, plays a central role in the tour. Visitors will learn about whisky production, its history, and enjoy tastings of single malt whiskies at a working distillery.

Sarah Jamieson, The Hairy Coo’s Public Relations Manager, expressed confidence that the tour will be popular with anyone who wants to visit the Scottish Highlands in just 1 day while staying in Edinburgh: 

“This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to visit Loch Ness, the Scottish Highlands and Glencoe, see iconic sites such as the Forth Rail Bridge and Stirling Castle and learn about the history and making of whisky. It will be a busy day but if your time is limited, we believe we are offering our guests a unique opportunity to experience the best of Scotland’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. This is the first time since 2020 that we’ve been able to bring these 2 experiences together, making it a truly special return to one of our most sought-after itineraries”. 

The tour operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays and is priced at £54 for adults, £52 for students, and £51 for children aged 8–17. An introductory discount of 10% is available for a limited time using the code ‘HAMISH’.

LONDON, UK. 4th November, 2024 – With Locational Astrology heralded as the hottest trend in travel as featured in Forbes, Vogue and Cosmopolitan magazines, specialist astrolocality consultancy Destination by Design launches this week at the World Travel Market in London.

Destination by Design are the first specialist Locational Astrology consultancy offering business to business astrolocality services in addition to individual client consultations and training programmes.

Working within travel, real estate, retreat, events planning, and wedding industries, Destination by Design supports organizations across these sectors to leverage the power of Locational Astrology and AstroCartography, giving them the competitive advantage in offering this cutting edge science to their end-customers.

Founder of Destination by Design, VerDarLuz brings 17 years as a consulting astrologer specializing in Locational Astrology as well as his own lived experience of traveling to 47 countries using his expertise to choose both where and when to go to a location to achieve specific goals and outcomes.

VerDarLuz, Founder & Director of Destination by Design says: “Destination by Design brings the profound wisdom of locational astrology to wider audiences. Through my professional work with clients and my own travels, I know the power to strategically choose what experiences and opportunities you want to invite into your life through astrolocality. Partnering with providers across a range of industries that involve both short and long-term travel, we are very excited to scale the impact of Locational Astrology and help organizations leverage this incredible tool for their customers.”

VerDarLuz and co-founder Tara Land will be attending the World Travel Market in London from 5-7th November to speak to travel industry specialists about Locational Astrology as an essential technology in the future of travel.

For more information visit http://destinationbydesignconsultancy.com or contact hello@destinationbydesignconsultancy.com

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LONDON, UK. October 30th, 2024 – SCARED SO WHAT Ltd. today announced Shannon McKee, Founder and President of Access Cruise, Inc. along with Eric Benedict, her Chief Administration Officer, have added the award-winning SSW Certified PCM Instructor program to their credentials. Access Cruise, Inc is a catalyst for transformative partnerships in the travel industry, harnessing the power of connection, leadership and trust to drive innovation and growth. 

Dr. Grant Van Ulbrich, founder of SCARED SO WHAT Ltd, shared “I could not be more honoured to announce the certification of both Shannon and Eric. I’ve known both personally and worked with them over my entire professional career in the cruise industry.  They are exceptional leaders who work tirelessly to connect companies and destinations globally to the cruise industry. The team at Access Cruise champions change daily and becoming SSW Certified PCM Instructors further ensures the change they lead is inclusive of all involved and has the best chance for success.”

SCARED SO WHAT Ltd is a London based global technology company and consultancy pioneering the way for Personal Change Management (PCM) to enhance Organisational Change Management (OCM) through executive & leadership coaching in supporting individuals, and organizations to foster inclusive change and transformation success. Dr. Van Ulbrich is also a keynote and TEDx Speaker whose TEDx talk has surpassed 1.5 million views and is also a certified transformation coach. 

 

The business model is the first that focuses directly on the individual’s ability to accept and or reject change. It is fluid and not linear nor prescriptive as in (traditional) organisational change models. It has the power to support not only individuals and organizations in making overall change successful; but also, has been proven to support a greater buyer experience and buyer satisfaction aligning sales motion with the customer experience effectively.

Access Cruise, Inc, a Miami-based consulting collective, is the leading force of innovation and influence through unstoppable partnerships and bold strategies. They ignite powerful collaborations that push boundaries, drive growth and redefine success in the travel industry.  

Shannon McKee is recognized throughout the travel industry as a woman of influence who creates powerful partnerships and leverages her strong network to ensure their success. Her reputation creates high profile opportunities for new business development while she mentors aspiring entrepreneurs. 

 

“Innovation is the standard in the cruise industry; collectively we are in a perpetual state of transformation. This employee focused change management program puts employees at the center of the transformative process and equips them with skills to use in all areas of their lives,” said Shannon McKee, Founder and President of Access Cruise, Inc.  “We look forward to sharing this program with my colleagues in the travel industry.”

For more information about how Access Cruise, Inc can create bold collaborations for your company, please visit www.accesscruiseinc.com.

For more information on the model, the program and offering as well as the certified PCM instructors, please visit www.scaredsowhat.com.   

EDINBURGH, UK. September 20th, 2024 – The Hairy Coo, a renowned Edinburgh-based tour company, is thrilled to announce the launch of its new 1-Day Glenfinnan, Glencoe & Scottish Highlands Tour on 16 September 2024. This exciting new day trip has been meticulously crafted based on extensive feedback from our multi-day tour guests, highlighting the most beloved and frequently photographed locations.

The tour promises an unforgettable experience for tourists visiting Scotland. Departing from central Edinburgh, the journey heads northwest to the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, then travels east to the stunning Cairngorms National Park, before returning to Edinburgh via the charming village of Pitlochry.

This magical tour includes stops at famous film locations from the Harry Potter and James Bond franchises. There will be many stops during the day including stops in Glencoe, Fort William, Glenfinnan, and the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge. The final stop is in the picturesque village of Pitlochry.

Sarah Jamieson, Public Relations Manager for The Hairy Coo said: “We are confident that this tour will delight both film enthusiasts and those looking to immerse themselves in Scotland’s breathtaking scenery.

“Whether you want to see iconic film locations or simply relax and enjoy the stunning landscapes, this tour has something for everyone.”

To celebrate the launch, The Hairy Coo is offering the tour at a special introductory price of £55.50 for a limited time. The tour is suitable for children aged 7 and up, making it an ideal family outing.

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LONDON, UK. 13th September 2024 – Hostelworld, the global leader in youth accommodation and social travel, today released its groundbreaking 2024 Solo Travel Report, offering a comprehensive look into the motivations, destinations, and experiences of solo travellers worldwide.

Based on anonymised data collected from millions of trips worldwide, Hostelworld’s Solo Travel Report 2024 offers valuable insights into the demographics, preferences, and emerging behaviours of solo travellers. 

The report also looked at economic status, motivations for travel and destination choice, app usage, budgeting strategies, travel essentials and concerns.

Gary Morrison, Chief Executive Officer, Hostelworld, commented: 

“Solo travel is no longer a trend; it’s a lifestyle choice that reflects a growing desire for personal exploration and connection. The rise of flexible working continues to fuel this shift, allowing travellers to combine work with adventure.

Despite the prevalence of digital connections, our data indicates that solo travellers are increasingly choosing travel as a means to meet like-minded individuals to share diverse experiences in real life, both in well-known destinations and emerging hotspots.

Our report provides valuable insights into the motivations of solo travellers, and we’re pleased to present this latest information which not only underscores the importance of Hostelworld’s mission – to help travellers find people to hang out with – but also highlights the evolving needs of the solo travel community.

By continuing to lead in delivering innovative solutions in the solo travel space, Hostelworld aims to stay ahead of this exciting movement.”

Hostelworld is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive community for solo travellers. By offering a wide range of accommodation options and resources in 180 countries, Hostelworld empowers individuals to embark on unforgettable solo journeys, creating new connections and lasting memories.

For detailed information, with country-by-country breakdowns, and motivational insights from more than 3,000 solo travellers please view the full report: https://www.hostelworld.com/state-of-solo-travel 

SAN MATEO, US. September 4th, 2024 – Onriva, a leading business travel marketplace, and Internova Travel Group, a global powerhouse in travel services, are thrilled to announce a strategic partnership that promises to reshape the landscape of the travel industry. This collaboration represents a major milestone, granting Onriva access to Internova’s extensive product portfolio, which includes air, car and hotel programs, while enabling Internova to harness Onriva’s rapidly growing technology.

As one of the world’s leading travel services companies, Internova provides partner program content to all the travel agency brands in its portfolio, managing relationships with airlines, hotels and car rental companies to maximize the marketing and sales of these products to more than 100,000 travel advisors across the organization.

“We are excited to embark on this joint venture with Internova,” said Michael Kubasik, President at Onriva. “This partnership allows us to bring industry-leading content to our platform, offering our users an even richer, more comprehensive travel experience. By working with Internova, we are poised to set a new standard in the travel industry.”

Internova sees this partnership as a pivotal opportunity to expand its digital footprint.

“This partnership is expected to drive significant growth and innovation for both of our companies,” said Peter Vlitas, Executive Vice President, Partner Relations for Internova Travel Group. “Our relationship with Onriva will not only benefit customers by providing access to Internova’s premium content that is unmatched in the industry, it will also offer a seamless travel booking experience.”

To learn more about the Onriva travel platform and marketplace visit Onriva.com.

HAWAII, USA. 27th August, 2024 – On the morning of October 2, 2024, Hawaii will be treated to a spectacular celestial event—a rare annular solar eclipse. Eclipse Optics, a leading retailer of ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses, is excited to help skywatchers safely enjoy this breathtaking occurrence.

An annular solar eclipse takes place when the Moon is slightly farther from Earth in its elliptical orbit, causing it to appear smaller than the sun. This alignment results in the moon covering the central portion of the sun, but leaving a brilliant ring of sunlight visible around the edges—a phenomenon commonly referred to as a “ring of fire.” During the October 2 event from Hawaii, almost 55% of the Sun’s surface will be obscured by the Moon, offering a dramatic and unforgettable sunrise eclipse.

While the visual spectacle of an annular eclipse is captivating, it is essential to emphasize the importance of eye safety. Viewing an eclipse without proper eye protection can cause severe and permanent eye damage, including solar retinopathy or blindness. Eclipse Optics strongly advises using only ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses to safely view the event. These glasses are specifically designed to block harmful ultraviolet, visible, and infrared radiation, allowing observers to gaze at the eclipse without risk.

As was the case with the April total solar eclipse that impacted the mainland, these glasses can be hard to come by if consumers wait until the last minute to purchase them. Eclipse Optics strongly advises consumers to purchase the glasses while supplies last. This is especially true if items are being shipped from the mainland to Hawaii.

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