GEC PR

Client coverage! Great to see a full-page review of SWAROVSKI OPTIK Outdoor’s AX Visio Binoculars in Red Bulletin Magazine this week.

Showcasing the world’s first smart binoculars launched by Swarovski Optik this year, the AX Visio’s built-in AI allows more than simply magnifying wildlife. These smart binoculars can identify over 8,000 bird species to the Swarovski Optik Outdoor App on your phone within milliseconds of looking (with no internet needed too).

New Client! GEC PR’s excited to announce we’re now working with Expedition Micro Cruise pioneers Secret Atlas to drive awareness of its immersive travel experiences in the Polar regions.

Secret Atlas fills a gap in their industry by providing experiences for small groups, to remote and captivating destinations in the Polar regions. Offering expeditions to destinations including Svalbard, Greenland, Antarctica and South Georgia, Secret Atlas stands out thanks to its authentic wildlife experiences led by world-class expedition leaders.

GEC PR will handle all PR and marketing for Secret Atlas, working alongside the in-house team to raise awareness through press trips, media relations, integrated marketing campaigns and brand partnerships.

For more information, visit https://gecpr.co.uk/expedition-micro-cruise-specialists-secret-atlas-appoints-travel-and-lifestyle-agency-gec-pr/ or get in touch for editorial and press trip opportunities.

‘Truly Exciting And Pioneering’: West London Retail Skills Hub, a new resource developed by Westfield, the charity Spark! and West London College, launched at Westfield White City on Thursday 6 June.

As the first of its kind, the hub will be a truly pioneering way to address the retail skills shortage and grow the wider business talent pool in West London.

For more information, visit https://gecpr.co.uk/truly-exciting-and-pioneering-london-businesses-charities-and-educators-optimistic-about-the-launch-of-the-west-london-retail-skills-hub/

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Is Gatwick the UK’s most EV-friendly airport? As electric and hybrid car sales reach record highs in 2024, UK airports are stepping up to meet this demand with Gatwick Airport opening an impressive new Gridserve Electric Forecourt in January.

Airport parking specialist APH - Airport Parking & Hotels has released a handy guide comparing 20 EV charging stations around Gatwick Airport to help EV drivers plan ahead. Available at www.aph.com/evcharging, the guide features station facilities including distance from the airport, range of devices, charging power, valet availability, number of connectors, and costs.

For further information, visit https://gecpr.co.uk/going-the-extra-mile-is-gatwick-the-uks-most-electric-vehicle-friendly-airport-aph-com-compares-its-top-20-ev-charging-hubs/ .

GEC PR Company Director Sarah Salord was invited to take part in Women in Travel CIC's Employability Programme in May, leading a mentoring workshop tackling the hugely important topic of ‘Communicating with Confidence’.

Sharing practical tips and advice following nearly 20 years of working in the PR and Communication industry, Sarah took the group through a series of exercises, examples and round-table discussions on how to confidently communicate in situations such as networking, speaking and writing.

Congratulations to our client, SWAROVSKI OPTIK Outdoor, for winning the prestigious design award for their groundbreaking AX Visio Binoculars at last night’s T3 Media Awards in .

The AX Visio are the world’s first AI-supported and were commended for their “impeccable design outside and in” and “innovative logical touches”.

The awards were held at the iconic 100 Wardour Street venue and GEC PR Company Director, Sarah Salord, proudly accepted the award on behalf of Swarovski Optik.

For more information on the T3 Awards and Swarovski Optik’s win, visit https://www.t3.com/features/t3-awards-2024-design-award-winners-announced

Looking for wedding inspiration? Why not consider an Indian Ocean Wedding in ?

Celebrate your wedding at Heritance Negombo and exchange your vows on a sun-kissed beach. With the options of the lvo ballroom, banquet garden and beach lawn, the resort can cater to wedding parties of up to 450 guests. Foodies can look forward to sampling an exquisite wedding cake by six-time culinary Olympic Champion Chef Dimuthu Kumorosinghe.

Or for nature lovers, Heritance Kandalama, located in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, offers panoramic views of a lush conservation forest spanning 224 acres, perfect for those looking for a blend of opulence and tradition.

For those whole value simplicity and a hint of charm, Heritance Ahungalla, designed by legendary architect Geoffrey Bawa, offers elegantly decorated altars accompanied by a breathtaking sunset for a contemporary waterfront wedding.

For more information on Indian Ocean Weddings, visit https://gecpr.co.uk/why-sri-lanka-is-the-perfect-choice-for-an-indian-ocean-wedding/

Calling all coffee lovers… this summer, check out the infamous coffee trails of Central America and the Dominican Republic.

Each coffee route offers a unique experience, from the rich history and vibrant coffee economy of Guatemala to the biodiversity of Belize.

While Honduras is the coffee powerhouse of Central America, Nicaragua is known for its exceptional organic coffees, and Panama for its unique Geisha variety.

In El Salvador, the coffee tradition dates to the 15th century and the Dominican Republic merges tradition with sustainable tourism on its coffee trails.

For more information on Central America, visit https://gecpr.co.uk/discover-culture-history-and-sustainable-travel-along-the-coffee-trails-of-central-america-and-the-dominican-republic/

Did you know the USA is home to almost 3000 native wildlife species and over 260 rare bird species?

Long-range optic specialist SWAROVSKI OPTIK Birding has teamed up with environmentalist and author Birdgirl to share some for spotting rare and elusive birds, such as the Gunnison Sage Grouse, Whooping Crane and Kirtland’s Warbler, in the region this year.

For more information, visit https://www.swarovskioptik.com/at/en/birding/stories?tags=gobirding&utm_source=instagram&utm_campaign=2021_linktree_gobirding_birding

Know someone looking to kick-start a career in retail?

West London retailers, the charity Spark! and West London College have teamed up to create the West London Retail Skills Hub – a new resource to get more young people into local jobs, launching in Westfield, White City on 6 June.

The hub will provide world-class retail training – including employment support and specialist retail programmes – to redefine retail as an exciting career path and drive economic growth in the region.

To find out more, visit https://gecpr.co.uk/great-news-for-job-seekers-the-west-london-retail-skills-hub-launches-on-thursday-6-june/

The latest edition of the Visit Centroamerica newsletter is out, sharing all the tourism updates and events from across Central America.

Highlights include record attendance at the hugely successful 2024 Central America Travel Market (CATM) in El Salvador, exciting tourism projects announced for the Cayo District in Belize, and improved connectivity across the region with the new Amador Cruise Terminal in Panama City.

To find out more about the latest tourism news from Central America, visit https://mailchi.mp/3569c36cc065/k025u4d5sx-11197568

With the half-term holidays approaching and summer just around the corner, why not plan a trip to and immerse yourself in the luxury of our client resorts Heritance Ayurveda, Heritance Kandalama and Heritance Ayurveda?

Indulge in relaxing spa treatments and embark on a journey of wellness through ancient ayurvedic traditions and rejuvenating massage rituals.

For those craving adventure and culture, explore the rich tourism offerings of Sri Lanka. Wander through Sigiriya, the Island’s ancient water gardens nestled in the Central Province, visit the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, or spot elephants and rare wildlife species at the Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks.

To discover more, visit https://www.aitkenspencehotels.com/destinations/sri-lanka.html

– El Salvador was in the tourism spotlight last month hosting the annual Central America Travel Market (CATM), the leading travel trade fair in Central America and the Dominican Republic.

The event was a huge success, with an impressive 400 international travel industry players attending and over 1600 business appointments taking place, showcasing the rich tourism offerings of Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, and the Dominican Republic.

To find out more, visit https://www.visitcentroamerica.com/sala-prensa/en/lastest-news/centroamerica-deslumbra-al-mundo-en-la-catm-2024-con-record-de-asistencia-internacional/

It’s World Cocktail Day today!

To celebrate the brilliant award-winning mixologists at our client resort Heritance Aarah, we’re sharing a few images of their tantalising tipples!

Whether you prefer your cocktails classic or experimental, the resort offers over 70 unique and classic options to tempt all tastebuds 🍸

To discover more, visit https://www.heritancehotels.com/aarah/

Showcasing our most recent for SWAROVSKI OPTIK Outdoor and the AX Visio binoculars in How To Spend It with the Financial Times.

As the world’s first pair of AI-supported , the AX Visio is the perfect companion for any safari and Adventure Ferg enjoyed trying a pair on his recent birdwatching trip to South Africa.

To read about Fergus’ birding adventure in South Africa visit https://on.ft.com/3JRTSWR and for more information on Swarovski Optik visit https://www.swarovskioptik.com/gb/en/birding.

How to spot it – on safari with the world’s first smart binoculars A birdwatching trip to South Africa takes AI to the skies

Are you a frequent business class traveller?

As reports find business travel returning to pre-pandemic levels this year, more airlines are now offering scaled down ‘Business Light’ tickets allowing flyers to enjoy a Business Class seat with fewer comforts and at a reduced cost.

To help savvy business travellers book the most suitable ticket for their needs, airport parking specialist APH - Airport Parking & Hotels has released a handy guide comparing the different options available with 7 airlines.

To find out more and read the APH guide, visit https://gecpr.co.uk/corporate-travel-back-in-business-for-2024-aph-com-reveals-airlines-offering-business-light-tickets/ -4755

What is best for West London?

With the London Mayoral Election in a few days, West London Business has just launched a manifesto setting out the priorities for London’s new Mayor that will benefit businesses and residents within the vicinity. From employment and education to energy supply issues, the report offers unique insights into the key issues facing West London.

To find out more, or to read the manifesto, visit https://gecpr.co.uk/whats-best-for-west-london-ahead-of-londons-mayoral-election-west-london-business-outlines-key-priorities-in-2024-manifesto/

Get ready to celebrate a unique and vibrant holiday this weekend with the Festival of Flowers and Palms in Panchimalco, !

Celebrations range from decorative flowers made from palm leaves to street processions filled with live performances inspired by the Spanish Reconquista and folk dancing. Food is an important aspect of any celebration, so why not sample some traditional Salvadoran dishes such as Pupusas, El Salvador’s national dish, and tamales and yuca con chicharrón - just a few of the delicious options visitors can choose from.

To find out more about upcoming festivals in El Salvador and Central America, visit https://www.visitcentroamerica.com/en/visitar/?_sft_country_visitar=el-salvador-en

Breaking News…

Kim Challis, Regional Managing Director of APCOA UK & Ireland, has been named as the incoming Chair of West London Corporate Leaders' Action Group (CLAG), a business action group set up to bolster business growth in West London post pandemic. Kim will take over from ex-Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye on 1 June.

Congratulations Kim!

For more information about Kim and the West London Corporate Leaders’ Action Group, visit https://gecpr.co.uk/kim-challis-named-as-incoming-chair-of-west-london-corporate-leaders-action-group/

What a fun start to the week celebrating with our travel media friends and colleagues at the last night in .

A wonderful evening at The Londoner Hotel showcasing the very best of the travel media industry and enjoying the evening’s celebrity host Rylan.

Congratulations to all the incredibly talented winners and finalists.

Dreaming of an all-inclusive escape to the but don’t know where to start?

A handy insider’s guide for travellers looking to choose the perfect resort for their Maldivian getaway has just been compiled by our client Aitken Spence Hotels. From family-friendly havens to adults-only retreats and culinary paradises, top picks include Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, and Heritance Aarah.

To find out more about all-inclusive getaways in the Maldives, visit https://gecpr.co.uk/an-insiders-guide-to-choosing-maldives-all-inclusive-getaways/

The Aitken Spence Hotels April newsletter has arrived, including all the latest news and upcoming events taking place at their resorts in the and this summer.

With summer just around the corner, the focuses on the endless options available to families, couples and culture seekers looking for the perfect luxury sunny escape. Highlights include child-friendly snorkelling excursions at Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, island hopping adventures and romantic sunset photo cruises at Adaaran Club Rannalhi, the Trails of Bawa architectural tour through some of Sri Lanka’s most iconic spaces and personalised ayurvedic spa treatments at Heritance Ayurveda. From adventurists to relaxation enthusiasts, there are infinite opportunities to create unforgettable summer memories for everyone.

To find out more, visit https://mailchi.mp/07d78b635c08/aitken-spence-winter-2020-newsletter-16939023

For foodie, wine and travel lovers – did you know its cashew harvest season in next month?

Each May, thousands of visitors flock to the Belizean village of Crooked Tree to attend the annual Cashew Festival and Agricultural Show featuring a spectacular display of the region’s superfood by local artisans and farmers. Enjoy the aromas of cashews roasting from cooking demonstrations, local chefs serving up cashew cakes, jams and jellies and don’t forget to sample Belize’s most popular traditional drink Cashew Wine.

For further information about festivals taking place in Belize, visit https://www.visitcentroamerica.com/en/visitar/?_sft_country_visitar=belize

Are you thinking of booking a May Bank Holiday weekend away? If so, now’s a good time to start thinking about pre-booking airport parking with our client Airport Parking & Hotels for an easy and stress-free airport arrival.

Award-winning airport parking specialist Airport Parking and Hotels (APH.com) offers a variety of safe and secure options at all major UK airports including Gatwick Airport and Manchester Airport. Choose from Park and Ride and Self-Park both with free regular airport transfers or Meet and Greet with a convenient terminal drop-off and pick-up.

For more information, visit https://www.aph.com/ or to discuss a media review contact the GEC PR team.

Tomorrow, celebrates the vibrant annual Garifuna Festival in Punta Gorda, Roatan marking the arrival of the first Garifuna group from Yurime.

The local festivities showcase the very best of the Garifuna culture. Watch colourful theatrical performances, traditional songs, drumming and dances, as well as local dishes and drinks such as the Gifty – a local favourite of rum, mixed herbs and roots. Roatan is also well known for its beaches, world-class coral reef snorkelling and adventure activities such as ziplining, horseback riding and ATV island tours so lots of reasons to add Honduras to your holiday list.

To discover more about Honduras, visit https://www.visitcentroamerica.com/en/visitar/?_sft_country_visitar=honduras-en

Our client Heritance Ayurveda has been recognised as the ‘Best Ayurveda Resort Sri Lanka’ at this year’s FIT Health and Wellness Awards held at ITB Berlin, the world’s largest tourism trade fair.

Ayurveda is Sri Lanka’s ancient healing system, which aims to promote holistic well-being through herbal medicines, massages, and revitalisation techniques such as yoga and meditation.

Offering experiences such as the Ayubowan Rejuvenation Programme and the Ayubowan Stress Relief Programme, Heritance Ayurveda prides itself on providing authentic ayurvedic spa treatments designed to leave guests feeling balanced and revived.

To find out more about Heritance Ayurveda, visit https://www.heritancehotels.com/ayurveda/

The latest edition of the CATA Centroamerica newsletter is out, sharing all the tourism news and events from across the region.

Highlights include tourism growth for Nicaragua and El Salvador, airport updates such as Roatan Airport’s expansion in Honduras and travel news including Copa Airlines plans to increase regional connectivity from Panama to Belize. Plus, more on Central America Travel Market (CATM) taking place in El Salvador this April and how UK trade partners can sign up.

To find out more about the latest tourism news from Central America, visit https://mailchi.mp/d5d91f4d1266/k025u4d5sx

With Spring's arrival, SWAROVSKI OPTIK Outdoor has launched it's first children's binoculars - MY Junior!

From spotting birds and squirrels to examining tiny treasures, the Swarovski Optik MY Junior 7x28 binoculars are the perfect companion on any outdoor adventure. Plus, they're designed to accommodate glasses and can even be flipped around to be used as a magnifying glass - so versatile and easy to use.

For more information, visit https://www.swarovskioptik.com/at/en/outdoor/products/binoculars/my-junior

Feliz Semana Santa! This weekend, Central America and the Dominican Republic will come alive with street art, music, food, and colourful events in celebration of one of the highlights of the year - Holy Week.

Festivities include popular customs and traditions such as streets decorated with motifs made from fresh flower petals, sawdust, and coloured powder. Or the famous torrejas dessert, a local Easter dish, and elaborate street processions such as the Santo Entierro in .

To find out more about how Holy Week is celebrated across Central America and the Dominican Republic, visit https://www.visitcentroamerica.com/en/

Those fortunate enough to heading to the Maldives this Easter at our client resort Heritance Aarah are in for treat – they’re planning a child’s Easter of dreams!

On Easter Sunday, the Koka Kids Club will be hosting an array of activities, such as an enchanting Wish Tree ceremony and clay dough Easter ornament crafting. Later on that day there’ll be a bunny approved Pool Party at the resort’s Bandhi Pool Bar. The day winds down with a Kids Movie Night, where little ones can cozy up as they enjoy a screening of a movie under the starlit sky… And The fun continues with Doolin Jessica’s breathtaking Multi Hoop Performance on April 1st.

To find out more about what’s on at Heritance Aarah this Easter, visit https://www.heritancehotels.com/aarah/