Virgin Galactic has revealed the striking design of its new six-passenger Delta spaceship, slated for blast off in 2026. Olivia Palamountain reports

The first look of Virgin Galactic's new Delta Class spaceship design has landed. Showcased via a video on August 7, the fluid, refined design heralds a new dawn for space craft.

According to space flight company, the Delta ships are being built to operate with an average turnaround time of just three days, which would mark an enormous breakthrough and would structurally change the cost of human spaceflight.

Virgin Galactic Spaceline President Mike Moses says: "Virgin Galactic is moving from a prototype to a production model of developing spaceships – shaving years off the development timeline we saw with VSS Unity. The team has hit the ground running – with important testing already underway, supporting our ability to execute key Delta production milestones.”

"Progress on our Delta Class spaceship program was substantial in Q2, with the pace of design completion accelerating and tool fabrication underway," Michael Colglazier, CEO of Virgin Galactic, said in a statement.

"In the next month, our teams will pivot primary focus from design completion to the build and test phases of our production spaceships, which remain on track to enter commercial service in 2026."

 

Blue Origin has blasted America's first black astronaut into space 62 years after NASA passed him up – and breaks a record in the process. Olivia Palamountain reports

In May 2024, Jeff Bezos' space tourism company Blue Origin successfully completed its seventh human spaceflight and the 25th flight for the New Shepard programme.

The NS-25 mission departed from west Texas, marking Blue Origin’s first crewed spaceflight since 2022 when its New Shepard rocket was grounded due to a mid-flight failure. New Shepard has now flown 37 people into space.

Named after astronaut Alan Shepard, the first American in space, New Shepard is a fully autonomous (there are no pilots), reusable, suborbital rocket system innovated for human flight.

Over the course of the 11-minute journey, passengers soar past the Kármán line, the internationally recognised boundary of space, experiencing several minutes of weightlessness and witnessing life-changing views of Earth.

The crew on the NS-25 mission included Ed Dwight, a former Air Force captain who was selected by President John F Kennedy in 1961 as the nation’s first black astronaut candidate but never had the opportunity to fly. At 90 years old, Dwight is now the oldest person to reach the edge of space.

As reported by The Guardian, following touchdown, Dwight exited the capsule, pumped his fist in the air and said: “I thought I really didn’t need this in my life but now I need this in my life. I am ecstatic … It was a life-changing experience. Everybody needs to do this.”

Dwight’s seat was sponsored by Space for Humanity, a non-profit organisation dedicated to expanding space access.

Other crew members aboard the flight included the venture capitalist Mason Angel, craft brewery founder Sylvain Chiron, software engineer Kenneth Hess, retired CPA Carol Schaller and pilot Gopi Thotakura.

“A big thank you to our astronaut customers for the opportunity to provide this life-changing experience,” said Phil Joyce, senior vice-president of New Shepard. “Each of you are pioneers helping to advance our mission to build a road to space for the benefit of Earth.”

How much is a seat on New Shepard? Blue Origin is famously cagey about its pricing strategy and doesn’t advertise price information on its flight reservation page.

As reported by Observer, passengers say they have paid from zero to nearly US$30 million. Industry insiders say Blue Origin’s ticket price is tailored to individual passengers based on a variety of factors.

“It’s not about money; it’s about who you are, your social capital, whether you align with their launch purposes. It’s kind of a package deal,” says Roman Chiporukha, co-founder of SpaceVIP, a platform that helps the wealthy book space trips, including Blue Origin’s.

Find out how you can join a New Shepard flight as an astronaut or fly a payload on a future mission on the Blue Origin website.

Actor Idris Elba is spearheading an eco-friendly smart city on Sherbro Island in Sierra Leone, complete with the country's first wind and solar farm. Olivia Palamountain reports

British actor and DJ Idris Elba is now turning his hand to property development, embarking on an ambitious project to transform Sherbro, a remote island off the coast of Sierra Leone, into a futuristic eco-friendly city.

In collaboration with his childhood friend, Siaka Stevens, Elba established Sherbro Alliance Partners to develop the island, which is disconnected from the mainland and has been largely forgotten.

As reported by The Telegraph, artist impressions of the city depict a glittering array of glassy looking buildings surrounding lakes and well-tended lawns, with a futuristic bridge straddling the highway.

The project, partly funded by the private and public sectors, will be designated as a special economic zone with its own legal and economic system.

The development plan for Sherbro includes an eco-tourism belt, beach tourism, and cultural tourism areas. The island will also feature electric vehicles, including cars and motorcycles, which can be charged at on-site battery stations.

Inspired to uplift his father's native country, Elba also aims to bring wind-powered renewable electricity to Sierra Leone for the first time.

Octopus Energy Generation, one of Europe's largest investors in renewable energy, will build five wind turbines as part of a wind and solar farm, marking the entry of wind-powered renewable energy in Sierra Leone.

The project represents a significant step towards sustainable development and renewable energy in Sierra Leone, with the potential to serve as a model for other regions in Africa.

In an interview with the BBC, Elba emphasised the importance of self-reliance and creating an economy that feeds itself with growth potential. He expressed his desire to reframe the way Africa is viewed, moving away from an aid-based model.

The project aims to improve the lives of the island's 40,000 residents by providing infrastructure, schooling, medical care, and enterprise opportunities.

As the project progresses, Idris Elba and his team remain committed to their vision of creating a self-sufficient, eco-friendly city that showcases the potential for sustainable development in Africa while respecting the island's unique character and environment.

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Elba is not the first superstar with designs on creating a city for the future. Senegalese-American music artist Akon (aka Aliaune Thiam) unveiled plans for a city on the Senegal coast five years ago.

The entrepreneur and philanthropist laid the first stone for US$6 billion Akon City in Mbodiène, a coastal village 100km from the capital, Dakar in 2020.

As reported by The Guardian, Akon has said in the past that his eponymous city would not only provide employment, but would also be a sanctuary for African-Americans seeking to reconnect with their African roots.

The plan was for the government-backed smart city to be powered by a unique cryptocurrency known as Akoin and funded by unnamed investors.

However, the project has been beset by delays and controversy, with some critics likening it to a Ponzi scheme, which Akon denies.

Additionally, while Akon initially had backing from Senegal’s outgoing president, Macky Sall, and the Society for the Development and Promotion of Coasts and Tourist Zones (Sapco), which loaned the singer US$2 million for the project, according to local media, Sapco has sent Akon a formal notice that if the project has not advanced by next year, its contract with him will be terminated (The Guardian).

 

In a recent Walpole-hosted panel discussion on the "Art of British Hospitality", Globetrender founder Jenny Southan revealed what will drive luxurians of tomorrow.

Members of Walpole's community of British luxury lifestyle and travel brands, gathered earlier this week to discuss the findings of The Art of British Luxury Hospitality, a new report produced in collaboration with brand agency, Notable.

The panel also featured Charles Oak, hotel director for The Londoner; Julia Perowne, founder and CEO of Perowne International; Jules Maury, head of programme for Scott Dunn Private; and Gary Franklin, senior vice-president for trains and cruises at Belmond.

Southan said: "I feel like we're going to be entering the 'Age of Ego'. On the one hand, rightly so, we've been talking a lot about sustainability and responsible travel but at the same time you're going to see huge amount of wealth emerging, especially in Asia, and I think that this will create a kind of push back which will manifest as this Age of Ego, which will be the pursuit of self-gratification, hedonism, decadence, indulgence, pampering and status. It's going to be very selfish I suspect."

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Consider how Gen Z are gobbling up caviar even though they are broke – it makes Millennials' penchant for avocado on toast seem positively humble.

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"Travel is expected to be worth US$15.5 trillion dollars by 2030 – that's up from US$9.5 trillion today. There are about 2,700 billionaires right now on Earth – not many. There's 171 in the UK and 2.8 million millionaires in the UK. By 2030, experts believe there will be 50 million millionaires in China and six million millionaires in India. Look at where the wealth is going to be in about seven years' times. About 13% of the population of Singapore will be dollar millionaires. There is a lot of money coming out of this world and most of these people are going to want to spend it on travel.

"Space travel – it's amazing it's not in news more. Virgin Galactic has launched his first commercial flights this year with paying customers. By 2030 they could be flying 3,400 passengers per year up to the edge of space. You've got lots of innovation happening in this realm. You've got these amazing helium powered airships with rooms that you can sleep in and bars and restaurants. They can take off and land vertically almost anywhere and you can do these week-long air cruises. I know Pelorus and Cookson Adventures are partnering with the companies that are building these airships to provide extraordinary voyages around the world.

"People will also be able to go up with companies like Zephalto and have a Michelin-star meal in a stratospheric balloon capsule – you just float silently up and for six hours you drink champagne and look at the curvature of the Earth and the blackness of space. Extraordinary experiences are coming our way so there will be lots of wonderful things to spread money on."

Read more and see photos from the event on Walpole

Heralding the dawn of democratic space tourism, Virgin Galactic safely took two competition winners on a record-breaking trip to the cosmos, as well as the company's first paying ticketholder – and 80-year-old with Parkinson's. Jenny Southan reports

After securing a place aboard a Virgin Galactic spaceflight, competition winners Keisha Schahaff (a health coach) and her daughter Anastatia Mayers (a student) of Antigua and Barbuda, flew to the edge of space (55 miles up).

Their journey took place on August 10, 2023, as Virgin Galactic's Galactic 02 mission spacecraft lifted off from Spaceport America, in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.At 18 years of age, Mayers is the youngest person (by two weeks) ever to go to space. Schahaff and Mayers are also the first mother and daughter and the first people from the Caribbean to make the journey into the cosmos, and only the sixth and seventh black women to travel to space.

Before take-off, Schahaff said: “When I was two years old, just looking up to the skies, I thought, ‘How can I get there?’ But, being from the Caribbean, I didn’t see how something like this would be possible. The fact that I am here, the first to travel to space from Antigua, shows that space really is becoming more accessible.

"I know I will be changed by my experience, and I hope I will be able to share that energy and inspire the people around me – in my role as a life coach, a mother, and as an ambassador for our beautiful planet.” Upon her return, Schahaff said: "Antigua went to space! A childhood dream has come true. I've been to space and back with my daughter. We're making history, and this is just beautiful. The pilots, everyone, they delivered exactly what they said it would be. And if anyone was wondering, Earth is round!"Mayers said: "I have no words. The only thought I had the entire time was wow, that's how I can sum up the experience. Just wow."

In a subsequent interview with BBC Newsbeat, she added: "It's made me a lot more aware of the fact that we need to appreciate Earth and use this opportunity to really explore and find a connection with nature." Of the ascent itself, she said: "It feels like you're on like just a normal commercial flight, it was very peaceful."

Schahaff and Mayers made the ascent with fellow crewmate, Jon Goodwin – a former 1972 Olympian who is now aged 80 and has Parkinson's disease (neither of these factors counted against him). Goodwin was one the first people to buy a ticket when prices were US$200,000 (now they are US$450,000). Today, there are about 800 people on the waiting list.Goodwin said: "From becoming an Olympian to canoeing between the peaks of Annapurna, to winning a six day race in the Arctic Circle, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro (and cycling back down), I’ve always enjoyed rising to new challenges.

"When I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2014, I was determined not to let it stand in the way of living life to the fullest. And now for me to go to space with Parkinson’s is completely magical. I hope this inspires all others facing adversity and shows them that challenges don’t have to inhibit or stop them from pursuing their dreams.”

The launch not only marked several historic space tourism milestones but also "stood as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human race", and Virgin Galactic’s "mission of broadening access to space".

Upon his return, Goodwin said: "That was by far the most awesome thing I've ever done in my life." He is the third-oldest person to ever go into space.In a video for Virgin Galactic, astronaut Jamila Gilbert says: "The new space age means diversity, imagination and adventure all have a home in space. We have built a space line and now it's time to go. This is revolutionary."

Michael Colglazier, CEO of Virgin Galactic, says: "This flight highlights two of Virgin Galactic’s core aspirations – increasing access to space and inspiring people around the world. Each of these astronauts are role models and beacons of inspiration in their communities.

"Watching Keisha, Ana and Jon embark on this transformative experience helps demonstrate that space is now opening to a broader and more diverse population across the globe."

Rachel Lyons, executive director for Space for Humanity, says: "Beholding Earth from the vantage point of space bestows upon astronauts an awe-inspiring perspective, referred to as The Overview Effect, that transcends boundaries and unites humanity.

"It is this transformative perspective that holds one of the keys to tackling our world’s most pressing challenges. At Space For Humanity, our purpose is to grant as many individuals as possible access to this life-altering viewpoint, not only for the betterment of our civilization’s future, but also to confront the urgent needs of our world today.

"This profound awareness underscores our collective responsibility to treat one another with greater kindness, and to safeguard and cherish our home planet— the irreplaceable cradle of our existence."

Galactic 03, the company’s third commercial spaceflight is planned for September 2023.

 

In search of the perfect pitstop? AdventureGenie is the world's first RV and camping travel planning tool powered by artificial intelligence. Jenny Southan reports

Planning RV and camping trips can be complicated and frustrating. It often requires having an array of websites and apps open at once. Some apps have adequate route planners but list only a few of the many campgrounds near a stop.

Some roadtrippers like going off-route, while others like to get straight to a destination to explore. Some like “middle of nowhere” campsites, while others like places with plenty of amenities.

However, none of the existing websites or apps help travellers build trips in the way most RVers plan, and ratings for campgrounds are not always trustworthy.

AdventureGenie says it provides the solution. The platform claims to “think like actual travellers” and then “make it easy to turn a vision into a great trip, with all the planning tools in one place”.

Founded by former Microsoft senior technology executive, Scott Lengel, and veteran CEO/investor, David Greenberg, AdventureGenie is a one-stop travel planning website for RVers, campers and road trippers that uses AI to understand what travellers want when planning trips.

“We answer the three key questions on campers’ and RVers' minds: What to do? How to get there? Where to stay?,” says Scott Lengel, CEO of AdventureGenie.

In addition to creating itineraries, the technology behind AdventureGenie means it can intelligently generate custom journeys based on the most sought-after themed trips, with detailed trip guides and recommended campgrounds and activities.

AdventureGenie has an extensive database of over 25,000 public and private campgrounds and proprietary AI-based algorithms to customise itineraries for each user.

It also offers innovative features such as GenieSummaries (a unique way to summarise and describe each Campground), GenieScores (an innovative rating system) and GenieMatch (which shows how close AdventureGenie thinks each Campground is a good fit for each individual user). Travellers can find out what campgrounds best suit their personal preferences and then book them.

Integrated into AdventureGenie’s route planning and campground selection tool, GenieWishes asks users what they’d like to see and do on their trips – and in response, its AI engine builds an itinerary stop by stop that matches those preferences.

Lengel says: “Our GenieTrips provide detailed itineraries for dozens of popular destinations. Our 25,000+ database of campgrounds, with the built-in magic of GenieSummaries, GenieScores and GenieMatch, identifies the perfect campgrounds for each traveller.

“Our adaptable route planning tool creates customised routes, recommends AI-generated GenieStops along the way, and is fully integrated with our campground database and our GenieTrips.”

Greenberg says: ”AdventureGenie is the answer to the most vexing question my wife and I encountered while planning RV vacations: Can't there be a one-stop-shop for RVers and campers to plan the trip of their dreams? The answer is an emphatic, yes.”

 

Virgin Voyages has turned its brand ambassador Jennifer Lopez into an AI deepfake that can be programmed to send bespoke video invitations to friends and family. Jenny Southan reports

Always ahead of the curve, Virgin Voyages has come up with a clever new marketing gimmick to motivate fun-loving travellers to book its cruises.

Jen AI, as it's called, has harnessed the likeness of the singer-dancer-actress to create a highly realistic version (aka a "deepfake) of J-Lo, who will personally read out customised invitations to set sail via a "highly-personalised video". Because who can say no to J-Lo?

The Drum writes: "The spot opens with a reclining J-Lo, who in a seductive voice introduces herself as Virgin Voyages’ chief celebration officer and invites people to board the ship. Suddenly, due to a glitch, her true identity is revealed: she‘s actually a man named Kyle.

"The viewer then learns that the real J-Lo is nowhere to be found and the woman in frame is indeed Jen AI, a play on words for ’generative AI’ – the burgeoning class of tools that produce content in response to user inputs. Another woman from the backend takes on Kyle’s duties, suggesting that Jen AI needs an upgrade or two before the technology is perfected."

A mixed-reality headset with Apple's first 3D camera, Apple Vision Pro blurs the boundaries between the digital and the real world. Rose Dykins reports

Apple has unveiled Apple Vision Pro, a spatial computer headset that seamlessly blends digital content with the physical world.

Available from early 2024 in the US, the mixed-reality (MR) device has huge potential for next-level immersive digital travel experiences that could rival the exploring new places in real life.

Worn as a headset, the Apple Vision Pro features visionOS, the world's first spatial operating system, which lets users interact with digital content in a way that feels like it is physically present in their space.

When wearing Apple Vision Pro, you can still see the real world around you. "Even though these experiences are happening inside Vision Pro, it looks, sounds and feels like they are physically there," says Apple. "Foundational to Apple Vision Pro is that you're not isolated from other people. When someone else is in the room, you can see them and they can see you.The device has a fully 3D interface that creates an "infinite canvas" for apps, freeing it from the boundaries of a traditional screen display. Meanwhile, its interface is controlled by the user's eyes, hands and voice, making it feel as intuitive to use as possible.

"Because you're not limited by a display, apps live in your space," says Apple. "Your photos can be life-size... so your living room becomes a gallery. Panoramas wrap around you, as if you're right where you took them."

Apple Vision Pro is Apple's first ever 3D camera, meaning users can capture photos and videos with remarkable depth. This presents amazing potential for next-level travel photography and videos, allowing travellers to "relive a memory as if you're right back in the exact moment".

Apple adds: "Experiences on Vision Pro can also expand in three dimensions, filling the entirety of your space... You can bring in a beautiful environment and make your screen feel 100 feet wide.

"Since your eyes see the world with incredible resolution, we built a micro-OLED display system that fits 64 pixels in the same amount of space as a single iPhone pixel, and packs 23 million into two panels the size of a postage stamp. That's more than a 4K TV for each eye, giving you jaw-dropping, life-life clarity."

In terms of sound, Apple Vision Pro features Apple's most advanced spatial audio system ever. Sound is delivered directionally to a user's ear, with audio raytracing using sophisticated sensors that understand the materials and objects surrounding them in their space. This makes it feels as if sound is genuinely coming from the space around you.The impressive processing speed of Apple Vision Pro also aims to virtually eliminate lag altogether to ensure experiences take place in real time, which again presents incredible potential for immersive virtual travel experiences that feel hyper-real.

Apple Vision Pro features a single piece of three-dimensionally formed laminated glass, which acts as a lens through which the cameras and sensors view the world.

This is held by an aluminium alloy frame that curves to wrap around the user's face, with a light seal to keep out stray light and a soft frame that flexes and conforms to a user's unique features, while a knitted headband increases comfort. Attached to the headset is a lightweight battery attached that can be slipped into the user's pocket.

 

From group 'gaycations' to 'Rainbow Rebellions', where queer people defiantly travel to countries with anti-LGBTQ+ laws, a diverse panel of experts share their views on the future of queer tourism. Jenny Southan reports

Globetrender's new Future of Queer Travel trend report was launched at a live event in June at the Mondrian Shoreditch, with contestants from UK’s first gay reality dating show I Kissed a Boy. (Pictured below is Globetrender founder Jenny Southan with contestants Vitor, Bobski and Kailum.)In a welcome speech from David Lockhart, general manager of the Mondrian hotel, he said: “I have been with my husband for 13 years, we have children and we travel a lot, but I have had more than one or two complicated eyebrow raises. So this is something I am very passionate about. It is something we should all be very passionate about.

“Service and hospitality are all about discretion and humility. And it should always be about inclusion. This event is something we thought we should definitely be a part of. You can programme for Pride but it’s some important that corporations do it with some style and some substance.”

The forecast, which is free to download from globetrender.com, identifies eight trends that will shape the future of travel for the LGBTQ+ market. These include: “Queer Family Travel”, “Limelight Gaycations”, “Rainbow Rebellions”, “Polydays” and “Pride Power”.

During the event there was also a panel discussion between five diverse queer commentators:

• Kailum Webster, travel consultant and contestant on BBC reality dating show I Kissed a Boy
• Sophie Griffiths, editor and chief purpose officer for TTG Media
• Stu Oakley, founder of Assemble Publicity, and co-author of The Queer Parent. He is also the co-host of podcast From Gay to Ze
• Aisha Shaibu-Lenoir, founder of Moonlight Experiences and LGBTQIA+ Ambassador for Contiki
• Chris King, CEO of Lightning Travel Recruitment

The conversation around the future of queer travel was wide-ranging. Griffiths discussed TTG’s editorial strategy when it comes to LGBT content and their commitment to "never promoting any destination where, based on recent evidence, members of your team would not feel comfortable to travel for fear of arrest due to their sexuality or profession".

Webster spoke about what it was like to spend two months living in a masseria in Italy with a group of gay guys for a reality TV show, while Oakley explained why shows like this so important when it comes to accepting and supporting the queer community, and what he has learnt about queer family holidays as a gay dad.

Alongside this, Shaibu-Lenoir spoke about the new queer group trips her company is launching, why she would travel to Saudi Arabia, and why is it so important for travel companies and tourist boards to invest in diverse and inclusive imagery.

Finally, King raised some important points about what people in the travel industry need to understand about being trans, what the experience of being a trans person and business leader is like, and the rise of gender neutral passports, which you can read more about in Globetrender's Future of Queer Travel trend report.

 

The Last Tourist is a film that reveals the negative impact that mass tourism has on the environment, wildlife and vulnerable communities around the globe. But it also sends a message of hope for the future. Jenny Southan reports

Travel is at a tipping point. Tourists are unintentionally destroying the very things they have come to see. Overtourism has magnified its impact on the environment, wildlife, and vulnerable communities around the globe.

Filmed in over 16 countries and guided by the world’s leading tourism and conservation visionaries, The Last Tourist reveals the real conditions and consequences of one of the largest industries worldwide through the forgotten voices of those working in its shadow. The role of the modern tourist is on trial…

This is the premise of G Adventures' feature-length documentary The Last Tourist, which first aired in 2021 but is not coming to streaming platforms in the UK and Ireland. Although it has been commissioned by a travel company, it is a travel company that wants to do better. Pulling back the curtain on the travel and tourism industry, The Last Tourist, addresses the impact of mass tourism on local communities, wildlife and the environment, and is now available to watch from on platforms including Amazon, Sky, Vubiquity and Rakuten. It is also currently playing on Delta Airlines and Emirates Airlines.

Having already earned a number of awards globally, the film brings together a number of first-hand stories to highlight the often well-intentioned, but harmful, practices many tourism experiences support.

“The Last Tourist demonstrates what a dire state the industry was in pre-pandemic and as travellers book their summer holidays it offers tangible ways they can have a positive impact while they are away,” says Bruce Poon Tip, executive producer and founder of community tourism pioneer and adventure operator, G Adventures.“Ultimately, The Last Tourist documentary is a message of hope. The travel industry has the power to be truly transformational and the main takeaway is the realisation that travel is a privilege, not a right. Only a tiny percentage of the world’s population have the privilege to travel and with that privilege comes responsibility.

“We all have the power to drive change through the choices we make and where we choose to spend our money. The travel industry caters to demand and if the demand from travellers shifts towards more conscious and responsible experiences then the industry will respond.

“We don’t bring anything to viewers that they didn’t already know - we all know elephants shouldn’t kick balls and monkeys aren’t meant to ride bikes. When we are confronted with the images of these practices, it forces people to stop and to really think about what happens behind the scenes to make these scenes possible,” says Poon Tip.

Directed and written by Tyson Sadler, the documentary includes expert insights from leading travel and tourism visionaries including Dr Jane Goodall (Jane Goodall Institute, United Nations Messenger of Peace), Lek Chailert (Save Elephant Foundation), Gary Knell (National Geographic), Meenu Vadera (Sakha Cabs For Women) and Melissa Matlow (World Animal Protection).

Amassing more than 400 hours of footage during filming across 16 countries, The Last Tourist empowers audiences with the knowledge and inspiration to make a positive impact - and to fundamentally change the way they travel - by examining the history of modern tourism and revealing its consequences.

The documentary explores alarming issues such as animals suffering for entertainment, orphaned children exploited for profit, and developing economies strained under the weight of foreign-owned hotel chains.

 

Husband and wife adventurers, Chris and Julie Ramsey, are set to become the first people to drive from the North Pole to the South Pole in an all-electric Nissan. Olivia Palamountain reports

Nissan has teamed up with a British couple on a mission to prove that all-electric journeys are possible via an extreme challenge dubbed the "Pole to Pole expedition".

Chris and Julie Ramseys will travel more than 17,000 miles in the new Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE (Nissan is the official vehicle partner for the adventure), raising awareness of the climate crisis and the critical role electric vehicles can play in reducing our carbon footprint.

The trip will cover 14 countries, exploring some of the world’s most extreme and beautiful terrains, from the Arctic through to North, Central and South America, before finally crossing to Antarctica.

The duo and their expedition crew will travel as sustainably as possible throughout, encountering diverse cultures and communities along the way while investigating solutions for sustainability issues, from polar melting to habitat loss and the environmental threats posed by the climate crisis.

The expedition is also working with industry leaders to adapt existing cutting edge wind and solar technology to charge their all-electric Ariya in the polar regions and turning their campsite into a portable micro-grid.

While the expedition is themed around the polar regions, further challenges are to be found crossing Arctic sea ice and traversing the Americas – think harsh environments comprising torrential rain and mud, soaring temperatures at the equator and the windswept altitude of the Andes.

With predicted temperatures ranging from -30⁰C to 30⁰C, the daring venture promises to demonstrate "just how powerful, fun and thrilling electric vehicles can be".

Chris Ramsey, founder of Pole to Pole Expedition, says: “Our mission is to show that electric vehicles can tackle the harshest of environments – from the bitter cold of the poles to the hot and humid jungles of South America, and illustrate that they can meet the demands of drivers around the world, and encourage the switch to zero-emissions transport.

"To that end, we are thrilled that Nissan has joined the expedition. As a long-term Nissan LEAF owner and driver, I’m eager to get behind the wheel of my Ariya and put it to the ultimate test on this incredible 17,000-mile journey."

In preparation for the brutal Arctic and Antarctic conditions, the Ramseys' expedition Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE will be modified and equipped by Arctic Trucks, a renowned specialist in polar vehicles.

They will also provide logistical support and expertise to help plan a safe and accessible route through the most remote and hostile environments on Earth.

Emil Grimsson, chairman of Arctic Trucks, says: “For over 20 years we have specialised in providing logistical support, engineering expertise and expedition planning for projects in both Polar Regions. This will be one of the most ambitious missions that we’ve worked on, but demonstrating the success of electric vehicles in these extreme climates will be crucial to replacing the fleet of combustion engine vehicles that work in these regions with clean alternatives.”

Pole to Pole will also see the implementation of multiple legacy projects from the electrification of Polar exploration vehicles through to the expansion of the existing electric charging infrastructure in the Americas and an education partnership with international kids news platform, News-o-Matic.

Qantas has unveiled new wellness-inspired business and first class cabins that will feature on aircraft flying nonstop from Australia to New York and London from late 2025. Jenny Southan reports

A virtual reality "fly-through" the new A350 aircraft cabins reveals the wellness-inspired "Project Sunrise" in-flight experience from Qantas on its forthcoming ultra-long-haul flights.

The innovative cabins from the Australian flag carrier are the first to be developed from the ground up by a mix of aviation specialists, as well as Australian industrial design studio Caon Design, and a multidisciplinary team of scientists from the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre including sleep scientists.

Key to the cabin design has been giving passengers more space, made possible by Qantas’s decision to configure its 12 A350s to seat just 238 passengers rather than cramming in more than 300 passengers as other airlines do.

The Qantas A350 will have six First suites in a 1-1-1 configuration and 52 Business suites in a 1-2-1 configuration.

The First suite has a range of features to make customers feel like they are in a mini boutique hotel room complete with an extra-wide fixed bed, separate recliner chair, personal wardrobe, dining table for two and a 32-inch ultra-high definition TV. Meanwhile, every Business suite will have direct aisle access for ease of moving around the cabin, and Qantas is incorporating sliding doors into the suite for privacy, if desired.

Other Business features include a two metre flat bed, generous storage (including a large mirror), cushioned leather ottoman, 18-inch ultra-high definition touch screen TV, large dining table and feature lighting. Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce says the investment in new A350 aircraft and approach to cabin design continues Qantas’ 100-year history of aviation "firsts".

“Qantas has been the leader in opening up new long-haul flights for most of our history, and we’re bringing everything we’ve learned, both technically and in terms of passenger comfort, to Project Sunrise flying,” says Joyce.

“We think our A350 cabins have the most sophisticated and thoughtful design of any airline, combining cutting edge technology with sleep research to shape the look and feel for what is effectively a new era of travel.

“We’re building on the customer experience of our extremely popular non-stop flights from Perth to London as we keep working to make it easier to connect Australia with the rest of the world.”

First and Business will also offer multiple personal device charging options including wireless induction charging.

The Qantas A350 will offer fast and free high-speed wifi with partner Viasat following completion of key satellite launches covering the Qantas international network.

The aircraft will also feature Bluetooth connectivity allowing all customers to connect their own Bluetooth-enabled headset to the in-flight entertainment system.

Australian designer David Caon said every possible opportunity has been seized upon to promote wellbeing and comfort in the First and Business suites.

“We began designing this aircraft cabin five years ago, working with Airbus and Qantas to maximise space, as well as creating a tailored lighting program that will influence mood and sleep patterns,” says Caon.

“All the design and service elements will work together to significantly improve inflight comfort, convenience and health and wellbeing and help minimise the old nemesis of jetlag.

“Every element has been created for Qantas, from the reading light right down to the fabrics, to ensure that passengers spend their journey in refined comfort.

“There are also a number of storage design elements to keep personal items within arm’s reach so the space can be personalised by each individual passenger to feel just like they are in their own bed at home.”

It will also feature a Wellbeing Zone for all passengers, which will be unveiled alongside the premium economy and economy cabins in the coming months.

Designed to encompass pit stops at Four Seasons hotels, the hospitality company is debuting two new self-drive trips in Europe and the US. Rose Dykins reports

Luxury hotel brand Four Seasons has announced two new self-drive itineraries for 2023, that showcase the highlights of the Alps and Napa Valley, California.

Following the success of the Four Seasons Drive Experience in Tuscany, the luxury hotel group has curated another two customised road trips that incorporate stays at its five-star properties. Itineraries involve guests driving a luxury car and following bespoke routes offering breathtaking views, stopping off for fine-dining experiences and cultural activities informed by local insider access.

Both itineraries are designed to celebrate the romance of road travel and savour the journey as well as the destination. Guests have the option of driving either their own luxury car or one arranged by the guest services team.

“Four Seasons Drive Experience is a natural extension of who we are and what we deliver – creating curated experiences that allow guests to discover the character of a locale in new and unexpected ways,” says Alejandro Reynal, president and CEO of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “From behind the wheel of a luxury vehicle, guests will enjoy an exceptional drive experience, always with Four Seasons service and genuine heart as their guide.”

Marc Speichert, executive vice president and chief commercial officer for the hotel group, adds: “Four Seasons Drive Experience has redefined the world of luxury driving tours, crafting exceptional experiences by bringing together the expertise of Four Seasons and our partners at Canossa Events. In 2023, we are bringing Four Seasons Drive Experience to new, highly sought-after destinations based on a deep understanding of our guests."

Bookable for June 12-18, 2023, The Four Seasons Drive Experience in the Heart of the Alps incorporates overnight stays at Four Seasons Hotel Des Bergues Geneva and Four Seasons Hotel Megève. Meanwhile, Four Seasons Drive Experience Through Napa Valley will take place from October 29 – November 4, 2023, and includes as stay at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley.

The week-long Four Seasons Drive Experience in the Heart of the Alps will begin at Four Seasons Hotel Des Bergues Geneva, which will serve as home base for the first few days of the trip. Guests will enjoy a welcome dinner where they can get acquainted with fellow travellers.

During their time in Geneva, guests visit the beautiful Gruyère Village, home to the well-known Swiss cheese. Afterwards, they will embark on a panoramic tour across UNESCO World Heritage Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces.

The 30km stretch of land has striking hillside terraces and historical wine estates dating back to the Middle Ages and guests will enjoy a Swiss wine and cheese pairing while they're here.

During the second half of the itinerary, travellers journey to the final destination of Megève, stopping along the way to learn about the art of watchmaking. The afternoon will include an adrenaline-fuelled drive passing through Chateau d’Avully, known for soaring towers and architecture, before arriving at Four Seasons Hotel Megève to rest and recharge.

Once in Megève, the agenda includes a trip to the Alpine town of Annecy winding through the  Aravis roads and crossing sky-piercing mountains; a visit to Mont Blanc Massif – a mountain range featuring 360-degree views of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps; and taking on the remote Grand Saint Bernard Mountain pass that connects Italy and Switzerland.

The Four Seasons Drive Experience through Napa Valley is geared towards food and wine enthusiasts. Centred around the best wineries and culinary experiences In one of the food and wine capitals of North America, guests will arrive at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley, which will be their home for the next seven days.The journey will begin with a welcome dinner at the property’s Vineyard Barn, surrounded by picturesque forests and unobstructed mountain views. The next day will start with a scenic drive to Tomales Bay for an oyster farming experience followed by a gourmet lunch overlooking the bay. In the evening, guests will enjoy a  dinner for the five senses, complemented by specialty wines from the region.

The following days will be dedicated to discovering unique flavours and being immersed in fragrant wine notes touring Napa’s most talked about wineries, only accessible to Four Seasons Drive Experience guests, including Opus One Winery, born from the collaboration between two of the most esteemed winemaking figures: Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild and Robert Mondavi.

For the final days of the itinerary, guests will take a private ferry tour around San Francisco Bay and end the seven-day experience with hot-air balloon ride over the vineyards.

Spearheading the "Anti-Plastic Hospitality" trend, Corona has teamed up with nonprofit Oceanic Global to create a sustainable paradise off the coast of Colombia. Rose Dykins reports

This year, beer brand Corona will launch its own sustainable tourism destination – Corona Island. Situated off the coast of Colombia, Corona Island will be free from single-use plastic and will offer various ways for guests to reconnect with the natural world such as beach yoga, snorkelling and kayaking.

For the launch of Corona Island, the beer brand has partnered with Oceanic Global, a nonprofit that highlights humanity's essential relationship with the ocean and facilitates positive change.

The design and vision for Corona Island was led by international firm James and Mau in partnership with Colombian architect Jairo Marquez.

Visitors will enjoy food created by Chilean chef Christopher Carpentier, who has featured as a judge on MasterChef Colombia.

They will also experience the island's leisure programmes, which have been curated by former Miss Universe winner, Paulina Vega, who was born off the Colombian coast. Oceanic Global will also host its Blue School educational workshop and excursions on the island.

Corona Island is part of Corona's on-going efforts to reduce plastic pollution. The beer brand became the first global beverage brand with a net-zero plastic footprint, and in 2017, it began a partnership with Parley for the Oceans on a mission to protect 100 islands before 2020.

This mission has been successful, and the brand is now running a campaign to clean up more than 100 beaches and remove a million pounds of plastic from its business and beaches by 2025.

Corona Island has achieved Oceanic Global's three-star plastic-free Blue Standard seal through eliminating single-use plastics, and for implementing sustainable best practices at scale in its operations. This involves placing sustainable planning at the heart of construction methods, energy production, food sourcing, and guest experiences.

“On Corona Island, we are celebrating the majesty and beauty of the outdoors by getting guests engaged in protecting paradise,” says Felipe Ambra, global vice president for Corona.

“Everyone on the team, from our chefs to our architects contributed to creating a truly single-use plastic-free paradise. We look forward to welcoming visitors, rekindling their relationship with nature and hopefully creating more advocates to protect our natural world.”

Lea d’Auriol, founder and executive director at Oceanic Global, says: “Oceanic Global is honoured to help develop the Corona Island experience and applauds Corona’s sector-leading sustainability efforts. We’re proud to have worked with Corona from the beginning of the project to ensure that this sustainable destination demonstrates how travellers can experience paradise for both leisure and educational purposes, while leaving a minimal trace behind.”

Snow mobility pioneer, Moonbikes, is set to launch an app to connect its user community of electric snowbikers.

The only mobility vehicle of its kind on the market, Moonbikes is practically silent, emission-free, and leaves virtually no trace in the snow. The snow bike is one-third of the size of the average snowmobile and gives its users the freedom of an e-bike, with the power of a motorcycle.

Launched in 2021, Moonbikes' mission is to democratise snow mobility. Its snow bikes can be purchased in more than 20 countries, including the US and Canada.

Moonbikes was developed in response to the challenges of winter transportation. The zero-emission snow bike is almost silent to create transport more conducive to immersing onself in nature. The model is also easy to charge, transport and store – with evolving features that make it enjoyable to ride.Coming in winter 2023, the Connected Moonbike app lets users track aspects of their journeys including trail maps, altitude, distance, speed, duration, battery level and more. It will also make it possible to connect with other adventurers in their area, following them to see their personal best rides and join them on trails.

Moonbikes founder Nicolas Muron intends for Connected Moonbike to help create a social club for Moonbikers. “MoonBike is super focused on creating outdoor products that immerse people into their surroundings,” he says.

"Thanks to its innovative features, our Connected App brings MoonBikers together to build a community with others who are passionate about the outdoors. The app also provides riders with even greater control of their MoonBikes, thanks to the detailed dashboard which gives real-time data on the MoonBikes' performance."

Users will also be able to use the Connected Moonbike app to gain more insight into level of difficulty of their rides and new milestones achieved. The app will award top riders with bronze, silver and gold medals for performance that will be displayed on their profile page. They will be able to unlock different badges, and re-do tracks to aim for faster times, to reach higher speeds speed, and achieve greater heights.

It will also be possible to share rides with the rest of the Connected Moonbike community and leave comments and compliments on one another’s pages. Users can challenge each other to virtual races and organise events to meet other like-minded MoonBikers both virtually and in-person.

British Airways Holidays has found that 50 per cent of Brits don't take all the vacation days they are entitled to. In response, it has launched a campaign urging people to "take holidays seriously". Rose Dykins reports

A survey commissioned by British Airways Holidays with YouGov Plc reveals 50 per cent of UK working adults do not take their full annual leave allocation.

More than 4,200 adults aged 18 and over (2,410 of whom are UK working adults) were surveyed in October 2022. The findings reveal that more than a third of working Brits (36 per cent) who did not take their full annual leave said it was because they "just didn't get around to it".

Switching off from work while on holiday was also highlighted as a problem for many respondents, with 42 per cent saying they have felt stressed about work while on holiday.

Furthermore, 46 per cent said they have had to work during their annual leave, and 48 per cent have checked work emails whilst away. More than a third (39 per cent) said they have responded to work email whilst on annual leave.

This winter, the strain of the cost-of-living crisis and looming recession is likely to be impacting some people's plans for their annual leave 2023. Those facing financial insecurity may be finding it hard to justify taking time off for a holiday.

However, British Airways Holidays has referred to a 40-year study from the European Society of Cardiology, which reveals that taking a holiday could help people live longer.

The study suggests men who took more than three weeks of leave per year were 63 per cent more likely to live longer than those who took three weeks or less.

Meanwhile, the British Airways Holidays survey with YouGov also highlighted that almost 79 per cent of those surveyed agreed taking a break is good for their mental health.

In line with the survey results, British Airways Holidays has launched a multimedia campaign centred around the message that holidays should be taken seriously.

The campaign urges people to prioritise time away for their own wellbeing and draws attention to the advantages of using up their annual leave by booking a trip with British Airways Holidays. These include the company's competitive pricing, its 24-hour helpline, its selected hotels, and its 23kg of baggage allowance per person.

“I am astounded by the results of our survey,” commented Claire Bentley, managing director of British Airways Holidays. “It’s clear that taking a break is vital for our mental and physical wellbeing, and it’s worrying that too many people feel unable to do so.

"While our new brand campaign conveys this in a comical fashion, the message behind it is a serious one. Here at British Airways Holidays we take holidays as seriously as our customers do, and offer a number of benefits to take the stress out of travel, so they can maximise their switch off time.”

British Airways has unveiled a new uniform for the first time in nearly 20 years, with female crew given the option of wearing jumpsuits and hijabs. Jenny Southan reports

British Airways has unveiled new uniforms that have been designed by British-Ghanaian Savile Row fashion designer and tailor Ozwald Boateng, and will be worn by more than 30,000 of the airline’s staff from spring 2023.

The collection features a tailored three-piece suit for men with regular and slim-fit style trousers, and dress, skirt and trouser options for women. Women will also be able to opt for a modern jumpsuit – which is an airline first. A tunic and hijab has also been created.As part of his research process, which began in 2018, Boateng spent time shadowing BA staff to observe how they worked. More than 1,500 British Airways staff and cabin crew provided their input and helped test the clothing, with "secret trials" held in the air and on the ground.

Cabin and flight crew uniforms have been put through their paces on cargo flights across Europe while engineers have been secretly wearing the new uniforms while maintaining aircraft out of sight in Manchester and Cotswold Airports.

Many of the outdoor garments have also been tested in deluge showers and freezers at -18 degrees Celsius to ensure they’re water resistant, durable and fit for extreme weather conditions, like some of those seen recently.

During the trials colleagues gave feedback on the practicability of the garments, resulting in amendments ahead of the rollout. For example, engineers requested easy access tool pockets for when they’re working on aircraft, while ground handlers asked for touch-screen technology fabric in their gloves so they can use their devices in cold climates without having to take them off.

Emma Carey, British Airways’ cabin crew, who was one of the colleagues who carried out secret trials of the uniform, notes: "The pockets on the apron, for example, were widened after the trial so we had more room for everything we need during meal services on board."Last year, Virgin Atlantic updated its gender identity policy to allow male cabin crew and pilots to wear skirts and heels, and females to wear suits – if they so choose. BA won't allow men and women to mix and match their uniforms but male cabin crew can “wear a touch of mascara,” false eyelashes and nail varnish. Trans staff can choose a uniform that most suits their gender identity.

Apparently, Boateng has developed bespoke fabrics and designs for the collection, taking inspiration from the airline’s people and the experience of flight.

An "airwave" pattern that features across the entire uniform collection including jackets, T-shirts, buttons and ties was inspired by the movement of air over an aircraft wing. The jacquard fabric across all of the tailored garments features a variation of the airline’s iconic "speedmarque".Boateng says: “Designing this uniform was a vast and painstaking undertaking and it went far beyond clothes. It was about creating an energetic shift internally. One of my main objectives was to create something that spoke to, and for, the airline’s colleagues.

"Something that inspired and empowered them, encouraged them to conduct their roles with pride and most importantly to ensure that they felt seen and heard. Although the airline has a strong heritage, it was imperative to support in creating a fresh narrative of change and transcendence, while remaining timeliness.”Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, says: “Our uniform is an iconic representation of our brand, something that will carry us into our future, representing the very best of modern Britain and helping us deliver a great British original service for our customers. From the very start this has been about our people. We wanted to create a uniform collection that our people are proud to wear.”

Sustainability and quality have been front and centre throughout the uniform design process. More than 90 per cent of the garments have been produced using sustainable fabric from blends of recycled polyester.

As part of British Airways’ BA Better World commitment to work with sustainable suppliers, the airline is only working with manufacturers that are members of the ‘Better Cotton’ initiative, the world’s leading sustainability initiative for cotton, whose mission is to help cotton communities survive and thrive, while protecting and restoring the environment.

The airline’s engineers and ground operations agents will be first to wear the new uniform from spring 2023. All British Airways’ cabin crew, pilots and check-in agents will have a switch over date from their current uniform to the new one in summer 2023.

As they pick up their new items of uniform, they’ll hand in their Julien MacDonald garments, which will be donated to charity or recycled to create toys, tablet holders and more, with a number of items gifted to the airline’s museum.

Japanese fashion tycoon Yusaku Maezawa has revealed that he will be taking a K-pop star and famous DJ on a SpaceX Starship flight around the moon. Jenny Southan reports

After Yusaku Maezawa bought every seat on the maiden lunar voyage with Elon Musk's SpaceX back in 2018 for an undisclosed sum, he has now selected his eight co-passengers from a long list of more than one million applicants from around the world.

There were two main criteria for the mission: applicants should be seeking to “push the envelope” in their field of work by going to space “to help other people and greater society in some way"; and they should be willing to support their fellow crew members during the journey.

Among those chosen are TOP, the stage name of Choi Seung Hyun who broke out with the K-pop group Big Bang, and Steve Aoki, a Japanese-American musician and DJ whose father founded the Benihana restaurant chain.

"I feel great pride and responsibility in becoming the first Korean civilian going to the moon," TOP said in a video posted after the announcement.

Indian actor Dev Joshi will also be aboard, along with Czech multi-disciplinary creative Yemi AD, Irish photographer Rhiannon Adam, American YouTuber Tim Dodd (aka Everyday Astronaut), British photographer Karim Iliya and American filmmaker Brendan Hall.

US Olympic snowboarder Kaitlyn Farrington and Japanese dancer Miyu will be back-up passengers if anyone drops out.

"It will be fun for everyone to come together and see what everyone creates from this," said Farrington.

"I can't miss this opportunity - my soul is begging for this, it needs this," said Aoki.

"I don't know what is going to do to me emotionally and I guess that is part of the adventure," said Dodd.

Maezawa, who is founder of Japan's largest online fashion store, Zozotown, considers the unprecendented space tourism flight to be a kind of art project dubbed DearMoon, and consequently decided to give away eight free tickets to global culture-makers.

Last year, Maezawa paid to fly aboard the Soyuz spacecraft to the International Space Station for a 12-day stint with US company Space Adventures.

Maezawa his companions will become the first commecial passengers to fly with SpaceX around the moon. The mission is scheduled to take eight days including three days circling the moon, getting as close as 200km to the lunar surface.

Although the flight was scheduled for 2023, it is facing delays due to ongoing tests of the spacecraft and its rockets so it could be 2024 that it finally takes off.

From the world's biggest waterpark on water to an infinity pool suspended over the ocean, Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas will take cruising to a whole new level. Rose Dykins reports

The next-generation Icon of the Seas cruise ship from Royal Caribbean International will be a hedonistic behemoth, accommodating 7,600 passengers and featuring six giant waterslides, seven swimming pools and 20 decks, which have earned it the unfortunate nickname of "the Human Lasagne".

When it takes to the water in 2024, cruisers will be able to choose from a wide variety of cabins and explore innovative "neighbourhoods" including a beach retreat, a sprawling resort area, and the first suspended infinity pool at sea at the Hideaway.Pitted as the "ultimate family vacation", there will also be the Thrill Island adventure park – home to rides like the Frightening Bolt, the tallest waterslide at sea and the Pressure Drop, the first open freefall waterslide on a cruise ship; and the Chill Island neighbourhood with seven pools – including Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea.Other highlights include a sunken pirate ship on the top deck; Royal Caribbean's largest ice rink in the bowels of the ship; 40 restaurants, bars and clubs; and the four-level Suite neighbourhood where the VIP cabins are located.

At the front of the ship will be the AquaDome, which will transform from a tranquil oasis in the daytime to a vibrant theatre at night. Underneath will be a 155ft waterfall and four robot arms for aerial highwire shows. All this means the cruise ship is said to have cost US$2 billion but when bookings for its first voyage opened a month or so ago, it rapidly sold out.

Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group, says: “With each new ship, we raise the bar in the travel industry while enhancing what our guests know and love. From the moment they step on board, every experience is specifically designed to give them the best vacation anywhere on land and at sea."Icon of the Seas has 28 room categories ranging from standard rooms to suites, with new layouts designed for families of three, four, five and six and more, and Royal Caribbean says the ship's onboard accommodation offers more space and more ocean views than previous ships.

Categories include the Ultimate Family Townhouse, which spans three decks and has its own slide, white picket fence and mailbox; Infinite Balcony rooms with a retractable window that turns floor-to-ceiling glass into a balcony; and Sunset Corner suites with vast terraces overlooking the rear of the ship. Icon of the Seas will sail year-round from 2024, with its seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries departing from Miami, priced from US$963 per person.

Stopping at ports including Cozumel (Mexico), Philipsburg (St Maarten) and Basseterre (St Kitts), each cruise will pay a visit to Royal Caribbean's private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, says: “Icon of the Seas is the culmination of more than 50 years of delivering memorable experiences and our next bold commitment to those who love to vacation.

"Now more than ever, families and friends are prioritising experiences where they can bond and enjoy their own adventures. We set out to create a vacation that makes all that possible in one place for the thrill-seekers, the chill enthusiasts and everyone in between, without compromise. It’s this first-of-its-kind combination that makes Icon the future of family vacations, and that future is here.”

Visit Iceland's billboard campaign is pitching the destination as a viable alternative to space travel – with arguably better scenery. Rose Dykins reports

Visit Iceland has launched a tourism campaign that encourages budding space tourists to consider Iceland as a viable alternative, filled with earthbound wonders that negate the need to leave the planet.

As part of the campaign, the tourist board launched a space billboard into the stratosphere (an electronic tablet showing the "Iceland, Better Than Space" advert, propelled by a weather balloon) along with a camera to capture the advert against the backdrop of earth as seen from outer space.A survey from Visit Iceland found that over a third of the nation (36 per cent) believes Iceland has scenery better than they ever imagine experiencing in space.

Inspired by this, Iceland is inviting aspiring space tourists to visit the country instead – pitching it as an alternative with unlimited oxygen, fresh food, geothermal spas, and all for a fraction of the cost and carbon footprint of space travel.

Visit Iceland's survey reveals almost half of British people believe the landscape of Mars will have red rocks (49 per cent), volcanoes (19 per cent) and black sand (12 per cent) – all of which can be found in Iceland, which would save travel travellers the 638,000,000km journey to the plant.

When asked about their opinions on space travel, more than half of Brits (66 per cent) believe space tourism is not as important as investing in our own planet, while almost one fifth say space travel is a waste of natural resourves (18 per cent) and money (19 per cent).

A core message of Visit Iceland's campaign is to encourage people to explore the breathtaking landscapes that are "out of this world", but that are available to them on their home planet.Sigriour Dogg Guomundsdottir, head of Visit Iceland, says: "Our message is simple: you don't ned to leave earth to have an experience that is out of this world. There are otherworldly adventures to be found right here in Iceland, where you can enjoy the same lunar landscapes that NASA astronauts used as a training ground before the inaugural space walk.

"We know there is a likely frustration amongst aspiring space travellers who have had their trips delayed and don't yet know when they will make it to outer space. That is why we are encouraging them to take a trip much closer to home instead and for a fraction of the price, and the carbon footprint.

"By targeting this specific audience and launching a billboard into space, we hope to encourage people to consider the big picture and see that the real value in travel is in the interactions you create with other people, and that, you know, unlimited oxygen suppliers should really factor into your decision."

Showing passengers' personalised flight information on a single screen, Delta's innovative new 'parallel reality' departure boards have launched in Detroit. Rose Dykins reports

Delta has debuted the world's first ever 'parallel reality' experience for its passengers at Detroit Metropolitan Airport - where up to 100 different customers can look at a single departure board and see their own personal flight information – and no one else's.

The experience eliminates the need to spend time searching through numerous rows of text on a departure board.

Developed by Misapplied Sciences, the parallel reality tech uses non-biometric object detection and multi-view pixels to create a highly personalised experience. Unlike regular pixels, which emit one colour of light in all directions, these pixels can send different colours of light in tens of thousands – or even millions – of directions.Travellers can opt in for the parallel reality experience by checking in at Delta's voluntary parallel reality experience near the Delta Sky Club at Concourse A in Delta Metropolitan airport's McNamara Terminal.

They scan their digital or boarding pass, which creates a bespoke private viewing zone. The display then sends relevant flight information to that specific zone.

Customers then enter the viewing area to receive a personalised greeting and wayfinding instructions that are visible only to them.

An overhead sensor detects their presence and location using anonymous, non-biometric detection (ie, the sensor treats each passengers as an object without recognisable features, rather than a human with specific facial features).

As passengers move around the viewing area, the sensor continually shifts their private zone to their new location. It means they'll see their personal flight information on the big screen wherever they are in the viewing area, for as long as they remain in there.

Detroit Metropolitan airport was chosen for the Parallel Reality technology due to its distinctive layout, which includes a centralised hallway ideal for hosting a large display that many Delta customers can view simultaneously.

Delta's aim is to create a more streamlined and personalised airport experience for customers, allowing them to navigate the airport with ease.

The airline's website reads: "We’re thrilled to bring the first public installation of Parallel technology in the world to DTW. The Parallel Reality experience can be applied in any public setting where individuals would benefit from seeing unique, personalised content tailored to their needs and preferences. Future applications of the technology could include stadiums, shopping centres, entertainment venues and more."

Meta has unveiled the Meta Quest Pro, a headset that opens up new possibilities for remote collaboration through mixed reality. Rose Dykins reports

Meta (formerly Facebook) has shared details of its latest VR headset, Meta Quest Pro. Unlike other headsets geared towards the mass market, the model aims to push the technical boundaries of mixed reality tech, and retails at £1,500.

Positioned as a device for maximising both productivity and social connection, Meta Quest Pro lets users combine their physical environment with virtual elements in a realistic way, creating a mixed reality experience that enhances social presence, productivity and collaboration.

Meta says: "Meta Quest Pro is a multifunctional VR and MR device designed to help you do your best work and make meaningful connections with the people you care about the most – all while providing a glimpse of what future AR devices might be capable of.

"Instead of being confined to your desk, you can set up a big virtual workspace with multiple screens spread all around you while still using your physical keyboard and mouse in productivity apps like Immersed."If you’re a furniture designer, you can create detailed 3D models with other people in real time using Arkio and Gravity Sketch, and then see how they look in your actual living room...

"Developers can build virtual objects that interact with your physical space — even in co-located experiences where two or more people can play or work together in VR while in the same physical space."

Meta Quest Pro is designed with an open periphery, which allows users to make use of their peripheral vision to stay present in their environment while multitasking between the real and virtual worlds.

"It's possible to snap on magnetic partial light blockers to stay more immersed in the virtual realm. For a more traditional VR experience, users will be able to purchase full light blocker attachments later this year when they are released.

With its "pancake lenses" and curved-cell battery situated at the back of the headset, Meta Quest Pro is Meta's slimmest and most balanced VR device to date. It lets users adjust the lens distance from their eyes with a new eye relief dial to optimise fit, face tracking, and viewing experience.

Meta has also launched Quest Touch Pro controllers – available for pre-order at £299 – that come with three built-in sensors. The sensors track their position in 3D space independently from the headset, allowing for a full 360-degree range of motion.

Meta says: "The controllers have been re-engineered to be more ergonomic and balanced, making them feel like natural extensions of your hands. They also come with upgraded haptics using our new TruTouch Haptics system to provide a wider and more precise range of feedback, as well as rechargeable batteries.

"With the charging dock and 45W USB-C power adapter that are included when you buy Meta Quest Pro, you can keep both your headset and controllers charged and ready to go."

Meta Quest Pro also allows for more realistic Metaverse avatars than before. Its Natural Facial Expressions and eye tracking features allow users to appear more like their authentic selves in the metaverse.

"Whether you're working in a virtual office in Meta Horizon Workrooms or hanging out with friends and family you can’t otherwise see in person, it’s important to have avatars that not only look like you, but can move and express themselves like you would in real life," says Meta.

"You’ll be able to make lasting memories in multiplayer apps like Wooorld, which makes it possible to take virtual trips across the globe, exploring 3D maps and 360° images with friends and family.

Black Tomato has forged a pioneering partnership with the James Bond movie franchise to create trips inspired by the escapades of 007. (Bond girls not included.) Jenny Southan reports

To mark 60 years of James Bond bond movies in cinemas (Sean Connery’s Dr No was the first to hit screens in 1962), Black Tomato has become the exclusive and first-ever official 007 travel partner, thanks do a deal with EON Productions – makers of the James Bond film empire.

Following the success of Black Tomato concepts such as "Take Me on a Story" (launched in 2021) and a January 2022 tie-up with Agatha Christie Limited to create Grand Tours inspired by her detective novels, the luxury adventure travel company has now been granted the right to develop private James Bond-inspired travel itineraries, beginning with a multi-country, high-octane rampage across Europe.Starting in London (the home of Bond), Black Tomato says participants will take part in “artfully curated experiences spanning arts and culture, action and adventure, with uncompromising luxury throughout”. Globetrender wouldn’t be surprised if there were martinis (“shaken not stirred”) served at London’s Duke’s hotel added to the mix. (A favourite haunt of James Bond author Ian Fleming.)After, travellers will continue to Paris, Lake Como, Venice and Monaco. Black Tomato says: “Expect cars, yachts, helicopters and iconic train journeys to feature throughout, together with high-octane, enthralling adventures and experiences.”

Full details of the assignment - an immersive adventure lasting about 12 days, with just 60 limited edition bookable private trips available for purchase - will be announced in March 2023. They will be available to both individuals and groups.Until the full reveal next year, Black Tomato says it is “tailoring this epic itinerary to precise specifications”, and will be working in close collaboration with the James Bond team, including some of their most longstanding location scouts.

Although Black Tomato calls the trend “Storification”, Globetrender has already identified and coined the trends “Dramatised Adventures”, “Limelight Locations”, “Pay for Peril”, “Constructed Realities” and “Story Ventures” to describe the emergence of high-budget fantasies-made-real, inspired by movies and literature. (Subscribers to Globetrender’s VOLT newsletter can access these editions in our trend library.)Other examples include Pelorus’s recent collaboration with Luxury Treasure Hunts to deliver a series of treasure-hunting yacht adventures that take charter groups around the coasts of Sardinia, Antigua, Barbuda and Indonesia in search of buried gold.

Supported by a team of actors, screenwriters, prop makers and location managers – some of whom have worked at Disney, Marvel and National Geographic – participants are given clues and riddles to solve, while a “games guide” helps guests locate pirate treasure and solve the mystery.

Black Tomato says that “Storification” is about “capturing cinematic and literary magic in an authentic, meaningful way”.

Tom Marchant, co-founder of Black Tomato, says: “We’re incredibly honoured to be working with the James Bond team in this first of its kind travel partnership for the 007 brand.

"It’s part of Black Tomato’s DNA to take inspiration from other cultural phenomenon outside of the traditional travel space and to have the opportunity to work with arguably the biggest film franchise of all time is a huge privilege and special milestone for the company.

“Curious by nature, it was important for us to take an inquisitive approach to this collaboration and in bringing to life the James Bond world, and we can’t wait to introduce this initial bold and breath-taking new itinerary to clients and discerning fans.”Ali James, location manager for 2015 James Bond movie Spectre, says: “I am thrilled to partner with the creative travel minds at Black Tomato, who have storytelling at the heart of their brand and have proven expertise in bringing iconic stories and literary adventures to life.

"Having had the privilege of scouting international locations on Spectre I know first-hand how destinations play a pivotal role in the production process of the James Bond films. It’s been a pleasure to see Black Tomato’s vision for transporting travellers into the world of 007 so that people can experience Bond’s rich travel history for themselves.”

Here is a taste of the Lake Como element of the adventure:

Lake Como will be the setting for this daring adventure. From the private jetty of your hotel, take inspiration from James Bond in Licence To Kill (1989) and water ski along the Moltrasio shoreline, before jumping aboard a private seaplane to continue your expedition.

Take to the skies above the picturesque towns of Bellagio and Varenna, and Spectre agent Mr White’s infamous lakeside home, Villa La Gaeta. This thrilling journey continues as you touch down, met by an iconic Bond wooden Riva boat and bottle of 007’s favourite, Champagne Bollinger.

Speed off in style to the iconic Villa del Balbianello from Casino Royale (2006) to stroll the terraced gardens before enjoying a private villa tour with exclusive insights into how they transformed the location for the film.