THE LATEST IN TECH & TRANSPORT
SEPTEMBER 2019
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www.goolets.net
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CONTENTS Contents.................................................................................................................... 3 Editors note........................................................................................................... 4 Why Blockchain Marketing Plays by Its Own Rules..............................................6 Heathrow International Airport Asks: What would it mean getting through Security Faster?..................................8 How can airports help climate change?................................................. 11 Cape Town International Airport named Africa’s leading airport for the third year..............................................................14 How they travel. Is Paul Hutchinson actually batman?..............16 Assaia Apron AI..................................................................20 Good Traveler Program....................................................24 Paragon ID................................................................. 25 The Happy Pear opens doors in Terminal 1 in Dublin Airport.................................................. 26 Dublin airport and AVDGS................................ 28 Interview with Rupen Philloura founder of Airport Groupe..................................... 30 Pay attention to details: Why you should start getting your car detailed...32 The XERIC CCS.......................................34 Jadrolinija RoPax Trio makes use of ACO Marine’s Wastewater Treatment Systems...... 35 Goolets............................................................. 36 World’s First 3D-Printed Concrete Housing Project to be Built in the Netherlands........................ 41 Glo Domes. Suppliers of Geodestic Domes................... 42 The Landscape Studio......................................................46 Athina Luxury Suites............................................................49 The Palace Hotel......................................................................52 Lupita Island Resort............................................................. 54
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EDITORS NOTE
rather than harder. So, when targets are raised by bosses and expectations are high, instead of sweating it out they find a way to make their tech work for them. Not because they are particularly ambitious but because they believe they are entitled to choose their own lifestyles.
Innovation is the key to both business success and personal happiness. And, we are fortunate to find ourselves in a time where both of these can be aggressively developed. The mentality that defined the early 21st century was very much a case of directing technology to get more out of employees. Advancements were made that made individual parts of a job easier and so employers expected staff to produce twice as many results. They justified this by rationalising that if the job was easier then surely you should work twice as fast.
As broad-stroke generalisations go, this is pretty wide, but my point is that innovation has become more about making life easier and safer. There is a new business philosophy today which has less to do with the bottom line and more to do with making the future better. Businesses are dedicating themselves to going green, industries are actively looking at ways to reduce office and today “convenience” and “innovation” are the big business words.
Before businesses could realise the value of using technology to make our jobs easier so that we can spend more time on our own lives, it took the introduction of an entirely new generation into the workforce.
In this issue we’ve featured the greatest innovators in a range of industries. The businesses that are truly outstanding in their field. Those with the greatest vision for the future who are not only keeping their industries alive but helping them evolve with the times.
The Millennial Generation and then Generation Y entered the workforce with an entitled idea that they deserved what they wanted when they wanted it. Then, they quickly earned the reputation for being lazy and doing the least amount of work to finish a job. The leaders of this generation therefor use technology to do their jobs for them. The mentality is to work smarter
It’s a great time to be involved in business.
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TechDrive was set up as a dedicated news outlet to highlight these changes in industry and we are the leading global dedicated news source to document the various developments happening in this unprecedented time in history.
HI! We are the founders of TechDrive, a digital news site now in its 5th year of operation and entering into an exciting new opportunity with The Lost Executive as we launch our very first digital magazine. TechDrive has always been at the epicentre of innovation and was founded in Silicon Valley, where we worked in the technology industry. We loved racing our cars along the Golden Gate Bridge and savouring the incredible buzz that can be found when you’re surrounded by likeminded people who are on the same page.
Over the last five years we have built a dedicated readership and a reach of over 1million people and have covered some of the world biggest innovators. We are media partners of Formula E - The world’s first race to use electric powered cars. We’ve interviewed big names like entrepreneur Richard Branson and looked into how the incalculably valuable blockchain will be a part of how we travel in the future.
I (Hermione) was a journalist interviewing entrepreneurs like Mark Zuckerberg and Travis Kalanick (founder of Uber) and Serhan, the other founder, had just completed an MBA at Golden Gate University. With a passion for travel, we witnessed many industries going through a rapid period of change driven by the catalyst of technology companies such as Uber, Surf Air, Tesla and Google Self Driving Cars.
With TechDrive Magazine we will be able to offer an even stronger journalistic service to our readers, providing them with a greater insight into the businesses who are pioneering new methodologies. Encouraging appreciation for the smallest changes to the biggest and bringing attention to the companies to look out for.
Today, more than ever, innovation is the energy of business. Those companies that have the drive to innovate, outperform their competition. Higher sales, greater customer satisfaction, stronger employee relationships, these are all drawn from innovative thinking.
It’s going to be a great ride. Hold on.
Hermione & Serhan
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WHY BLOCKCHAIN MARKETING PLAYS BY ITS OWN RULES Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology occupy unique spaces in global business and culture. Here’s why blockchain marketing is unlike any other strategy.
MORE PRIVACY TO CONSUMERS
Money spent on blockchain solutions has reached nearly $3 billion in 2019. One of the emerging uses of this decentralized and verifiable system is blockchain marketing.
There are ways to turn off ads altogether, hide transaction histories, and safeguard your identity using blockchain-based crypto advertising software.
The reason for its popularity in digital advertising is its potential to make marketing more user-friendly, more efficient, and more reliable. You are surely familiar with how blockchain is used in the financial world of cryptocurrency, but there are many other innovative strategies to make the consumer world function optimally. Here are just a few ways that blockchain is changing the way we view and use advertising.
REMOVE THE MIDDLE MAN Just like in the world of cryptocurrency, blockchain in advertising removes the piece of the puzzle that separates the advertisers from the users. For example, platforms using blockchain would no longer need mediums like Google Ads to make the transfer of content and payment. Ad contracts would instead be safeguarded by the communal blockchain. This would ensure that ads reach the correct market and providers get paid accurately per views or clicks. By removing the middleman, more money is made and saved by eliminating large transaction fees.
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By using blockchain advertising, users get more power over the ads they see, and they can actually ask to be paid for their personal information.
This also helps advertisers get real data from willing consumers who can be paid in micro-cryptocurrency for their time and data.
TARGETED ADS THAT AREN’T WASTED The way advertisement is used today throws a huge net on a vast market hoping that someone will bite. Cryptocurrency marketing focuses on consumers with a particular interest for a certain product or service. This is done not through tracking internet history, rather through pinpoint marketing strategies. Consumers opt into such tactics such as receiving updates from an item they already bought in return for coupons or invites to events. These ads can use custom infographics that show real-time data revealing upcoming products and company news. Advertisers know who will see their ads and for good reason, making it an ad worth paying a little extra to promote and reward their customers. This brings more value both to the marketing company and the users.
AD AUTHENTICATION
They can also view who the company works with and what contracts have or are being made using such cryptocurrencies as bitcoin marketing.
As crypto advertising becomes more popular, consumers can begin to trust them more. Right now ads are cheap and vast. By narrowing them down, you get more quality and authenticity.
READY FOR THE FUTURE OF BLOCKCHAIN MARKETING?
Consumers will know that the product is real because it has been verified through the blockchain and has been hand-crafted just for their specific needs.
Blockchain marketing is still in its infancy. And as we have seen cryptocurrency use the decentralized system to revolutionize finances, we will also see how it can make advertising a consumer-controlled community of transparent companies.
TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY There are even ways to use crypto marketing to track the entire manufacturing process of a company to show how it is produced.
Learn more about Blockchain technology by visiting the Blockchain section of our blog.
Consumers belonging to the blockchain can verify the sustainability practices of a company before making a purchase. This makes business accountability much higher and forces them to abide by the consumers’ desires.
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HEATHROW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ASKS: WHAT WOULD IT MEAN GETTING THROUGH SECURITY FASTER? Airport security is one of the most astonishing fetes of engineering and training ever seen. Even when considering how long the lines can be to get to the security baskets, it is still incredible how through the simple application of technology people are streaming through faster than ever before. Ten years ago, it was advised that you arrive four hours ahead of your flight to make sure there are no delays and today that “safety-grace-period” has halved while the number of passengers have more than quadrupled. It is a game of big decisions and big movements that affect millions of people every year and it’s incredible to see how businesses like Heathrow International are investing to make the process of flying even more convenient.
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For businesses like airports, convenience is a powerful tool and something that can make all the difference. Convenience may only save minutes and seconds for passengers making their way through security to enter into the next chapter of their story but those minutes and seconds quickly add up and have a real determinable value. Taking this on board, Heathrow International Airport recently invested over £50 million in cutting edge CT security equipment in their UK airport. Integration and gradual replacement of the current technology will be rolled out over the next few years but once fully operational the enhanced technology is expected to significantly reduce the amount of single-use plastics at Heathrow, with passengers no longer required to put liquids in bags.
Heathrow Chief Operations Officer, Chris Garton, who has been heavily involved in this update explains that Heathrow has always had a proud history of making every journey better, “We are delighted to be rolling out this new Ct Equipment,” he says, “The investment into this cutting edge kit will not only keep the airport safe with the latest technology but will also mean that future passengers can keep their focus on getting on with their journeys and less time preparing for security screening.”
Once the rollout is complete, it will have the potential to transform the journey through the airport and is just one of the latest in a series of purchases by the airport to improve the passenger experience, culminating in the airport being ranked by passengers as one of the top 10 globally.
“Passenger safety remains our top priority and this programme clearly shows the huge importance we place on security,” Aviation Minister, Baroness Vere adds, “This innovative new equipment will ensure Heathrow continues to provide a safe and smooth travel experience for passengers, as we look to roll out this new screening technology at airports across the country.”
The value of time will be obvious to anyone who’s travelled with carry on luggage and pretty much any parent ever who’s travelled with children. This new tech will mean that passengers can keep their liquids and their laptops inside their cabin baggage when passing through security. So, instead of disembowling your hand luggage to find that tube of toothpaste or your laptop you can just put the baggage on the conveyer and let the system to the rest.
WORKING TO MAINTAIN SUSTAINABILITY
This rollout will also prepare the hub airport for the additional capacity that will be unlocked with Heathrow’s expansion. The plan is to upgrade its systems completely so that when it does increase its size the waiting times do not increase aswell.
Heathrow has been working with the Department for Transport to trial the technology since 2017 and is the first UK airport to do so. With the support of the Department for Transport, Heathrow is beginning a programme to install the new equipment across its terminals by 2022.
AFTERWORD Obviously, as the technology is being integrated gradually over the course of the next few years passengers will still be required to go through the customary security checks. This includes removing laptops and liquids from their bags for security screening. And, even once the technology is up, there will be occasions when security will have to do a more a thorough security check.
Beyond cutting the amount of time at security screening this is also going to have an affect on Heathrow’s endeavours to be increasingly sustainable. Currently, millions of single use plastic bags are filled every year at the airport destined to end up either in international dustbins or landfills, or as litter. By reducing this amount of waste Heathrow is not only lowering their own footprint but also helping their passengers do the same.
SAFETY The new CT technology (Computed Tomography) is the latest generation of 3D security equipment, providing even better images of cabin baggage more quickly. The move to install this equipment airport-wide will make the screening process and security even more robust, helping the airport’s teams to provide a more efficient and seamless search experience.
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HOW CAN AIRPORTS HELP CLIMATE CHANGE? By Staff Writer As climate change becomes the defining issue of a generation, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) recently hosted a Sustainability Symposium to provoke discussions about how to tackle this looming threat in part through sustainable aviation practices – including through development of a new LAWA Sustainability Action Plan. The event, held at Loyola Marymount University (LMU), brought together more than 80 experts and industry professionals from aviation, aerospace, concessions and academics for a half day to hear from sustainability thought leaders.
THE SYMPOSIUM The Sustainability Symposium included remarks from L.A. City Councilman Mike Bonin (CD11), Commissioner Gabriel Eshaghian of the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners (BOAC), LAWA CEO Deborah Flint and LMU Professor
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of Biology and Executive Director of the Centre for Urban Resilience, Eric Strauss. BOAC Vice President Valeria Velasco was also in attendance. “Caring for our environment relies on adopting and implementing smart solutions, big or small, that truly move the needle toward real sustainability,” said Gabriel Eshaghian, Commissioner, Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners. “LAWA is launching next-generation policies and approaches that will help us embrace sustainable principles to help us protect our environment and resources for years to come.” Los Angeles World Airports are taking bold action to do their part in the fight against climate change and according to Deborah Flint, Chief Executive Officer of LAWA they are adopting industry-leading policies to reduce their environmental impact and making significant investments in renewable energy and electric vehicles.
“At the symposium we reflected on the importance of collaboration among academia, citizens and industry to realize LAX’s fullest potential as an industry leading green airport,” she added.
OTHER SPEAKERS At the Sustainability Symposium, attendees also heard from a panel of industry leaders, including: Matt Petersen, President and CEO, LA Clean Tech Incubator; Maria Race, Director of Environmental Policy, Programs, and Sustainability, United Airlines; Kevin Noertker, CEO and co-founder, Ampaire; Terence Young, Principal, Airports Leaders and Design Director, Gensler; and Julie Villet, URW Lab and CSR Director, Westfield. Closing remarks were given by LAWA Deputy Executive Director for the Environmental Programs Group Samantha Bricker.
buildings to LEED Silver or higher, and designing non-building programs such as runways to be held to similar standards. Those polices apply to LAX’s multi-billion dollar modernization project, the largest public infrastructure investment in the history of Los Angeles.
SUSTAINABILITY LAWA’s sustainability plan also emphasizes economic outreach with programs like Edge4Vets, How to Work with LAWA, and the successful HireLAX Apprenticeship Readiness Program. To date, HireLAX has graduated 110 students – many from disadvantaged circumstances – and prepared them to excel in building the next generation of their community’s airport. The sentiment is felt globally. Similar commitments were undertaken as part of ACI
A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION The symposium is a key step on the journey toward creating LAWA’s final Sustainability Action Plan, which is being designed to further enhance LAWA’s industry-leading approach to aviation sustainability. The ambitious plan will outline how LAWA can build on its existing sustainability program by introducing new, forward-thinking initiatives while fortifying and expanding on proven steps.
POSITIVE RIPPLES LAWA’s airline and government agency partners are also exploring emissions reduction from aircraft operations through new technologies and best practices, including sustainable alternative jet fuel. And, while LAWA already has one of the largest and greenest fleets in the nation, with 57 percent of it powered by an alternative fuel or electricity, plans to replace old, diesel-powered airside buses with clean and quiet electric ones will reduce nearly 308 tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year to zero. LAWA is also in the early stages of developing a comprehensive utility monitoring and resource management plan that will help identify even more areas for conservation. Progressive policies put in place in 2018 by LAWA will shape the airport’s infrastructure in additional sustainable ways, including designing
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EUROPE, the trade association for the European airport industry, announcing a Resolution formally committing the industry to achieve net zero by 2050, at the latest. The collective pledge – further undersigned by 194 airports, operated by 40 airport operators across 24 countries - marks a significant step change in the climate action ambitions for the airport industry. Sani Sener, CEO and President TAV Airports said “Sustainability is at the core of our business model at TAV. We strive to create the highest value for our stakeholders while minimizing our impact on the environment. Ankara Esenboga and Izmir Adnan Menderes have achieved Level 3+ Neutrality status for the last three years at the Airport Carbon Accreditation Program. We believe that contributing to efforts to counter climate change is our responsibility to future generations. We aim to confirm with the highest standards and best practices in our industry.”
There are already 3 net zero airports in Europe, Luleå, Ronneby and Visby all operated by Swedavia. The deadline of 2050 is aligned with the latest IPCC evidence and the decarbonisation strategy set out by the European Commission and adopted by the Council of the European Union. Dr Michael Kerkloh, President of ACI EUROPE and CEO of Munich Airport commented “Europe’s airports have been leading climate action with annual reductions announced every year for the past decade². 43 of them have actually become carbon neutral, supported by the global industry standard Airport Carbon Accreditation. However, today’s commitment brings a new dimension to this – no offsets. Crucially, with its NetZero2050 commitment, the airport industry is aligning itself with the Paris Agreement and the new Climate goal adopted by the EU.”
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CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT NAMED AFRICA’S LEADING AIRPORT FOR THE THIRD YEAR In June this year, Cape Town International Airport was named Africa’s leading airport for the third time in a row at the 26th World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2019 held at the Sugar Beach Resort. The gala awards ceremony was attended by senior executives from major travel companies, operators and destinations and representatives of CTIA. Considered a testament to the ongoing hard work and commitment to excellence demonstrated by all staff at this airport Deon Cloete, the Airport Manager also said, “This award is also viewed as a challenge for us not to rest on our past achievements but to continue to work hard to remain an award-winning airport.”
KEEPING UP STANDARDS In the months since then there have been a great deal of activity to ensure that Cloete’s statement comes true for the third largest airport in Africa which is managed by the Airport Company South Africa. Over the past few years Cape Town International Airport has shown sustained growth in international passenger numbers with a 9.6% increase in 2018. For the first time in December 2016, the airport exceeded the 10 million passenger-per-year milestone. This was repeated again in December 2017 and 2018 when passenger numbers significantly exceeded the 10 million passenger mark. Through partnerships such as Cape Town Air Access, the airport has seen 15 new routes and
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19 route expansions since 2015, and a doubling of international seat capacity by 1,5 million seats. Deon explains that there are several key infrastructure projects planned over the next five years which comes in at an investment of R7 billion (£375,9 million). This includes the refurbishment of the domestic arrival’s terminal and the expansion of the international terminal. A new realigned runway worth R3,93 billion which will allow for the future expansion of the terminals, an increase in the airport’s per hour landing and departures from 30 to 45 aircraft movements and the handling of new generation large aircraft such as the Boeing 747-800 or the A380 aircrafts. “While there is going to be some disruption to the normal operations of the airport,” Cloete says, “We promise that it’s going to be worth it, improving on our infrastructure forms part of being a leading airport,”
PARKING NEWS AND KATANGA.
NEW TECHNOLOGY
Cape Town International Airport has recently upgraded all their parking equipment to offer visitors and passengers a better and more efficient end-to-end experience. Brightly illuminated parking equipment now guides you towards them to create a more aesthetically pleasing atmosphere.
Cape Town International Airport has modern technology that can accept all major credit cards and debit cards with pin requirement, not only at pay-stations, but also located at the exits from any of the parking facilities. This means that one doesn’t need to stand in a queue at the pay-stations. Next time when leaving the airport and planning to pay using a credit or debit card, proceed with your ticket directly to the exit, and make your payment there, a receipt will automatically print for your records.
The dedicated Pick-Up area has in excess of 700 bays and is located on the ground floor of Parkade 1. It has a separate entrance and boasts 30 minutes of FREE parking to drop-off or collect your guests, family or friends. This area is frequented by at least 100 000 users every month and offers superior convenience and allows you sufficient time to be able to drop someone off, and/or collect a guest or family member after they have arrived. To best use this area, remember that it is a preferred short stay area and ensure that the flight has arrived prior to entering to prevent additional charges. Should you wish to linger a little longer, pay-stations are conveniently located in the immediate lobby area.
RATES Shaded Parking P3 and P4 is located on the North & South side of the precinct respectively and are fully serviced areas with competitive parking rates and shaded bays to protect your investment, the area has approximately 750 bays in each and is patrolled around the clock by roving security personnel. Whilst this area is quite popular, one can always find a parking bay in this facility.
The new equipment at Cape Town International Airport has been installed to bring you superb convenience. Proceed to any of the pay-stations and connect with the Katanga Parking Services team through the use of the intercom, and they will request all the necessary information from you and generate a ticket for you whilst you are at the pay-station. No need to go looking for parking offices and delay you from getting to your destination, the Katanga team is at your service, 24 hours a day. Katanga Parking Services (Pty) Ltd has been tasked to manage the parking boasting a 99.99% uptime on all parking equipment, with a dedicated team of individuals; Katanga Parking Services will make the parking experience a special one.
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HOW THEY TRAVEL. IS PAUL HUTCHINSON ACTUALLY BATMAN? Paul Hutchinson is a machine. There is more than enough to back up such a statement, as a casual look at his LinkedIn profile will show that this man knows what he’s talking about and has the cred to back it up. Not satisfied with 15 successful businesses under his belt, Paul is almost as well known, if not more respected, for his philanthropic endeavours and his deep commitment to eradicating child poverty and trafficking. As a person who has individually flown more than anyone else, we could find (including some pilots), we could think of nobody better suited to give us some advice.
You’re reputed to have flown over 5 million miles, is that all for work? First and foremost, it’s business. I have offices in Hong Kong, San Francisco, New York and Orlando and there are people all over the world who want to invest in projects here in the US. These include things like $100 million from a government pension fund in Asia and $750 million from The Big Group in the Middle East, so lots of business deals need me to travel. Secondly, and more importantly, is charity. There is an entire world out there filled with people less fortunate than us here. How is it that there are still people today who don’t have running water? There are billions of people in need and I focus a lot of my time on children in need. I see it as a massive injustice that you have 9-year-old children with lives that they are powerless to change and who find themselves in horrible situations of hunger and trafficking. Eradicating this is something I can get behind in a big way. I travel the world to find people in need and to provide them with the assistance that they need. How do you like to fly? If you’re flying international, going private is awesome! On one trip that springs to mind, we flew to Thailand and took a Gulf Stream 650. It was for a child rescue project funded by a fantastic donor who sponsored us the jet. I paid for the fuel… which was $100,000 there and back… but we were able to sleep on queensized beds on the way over, there was a kitchen right there to make you whatever you wanted and a living room area where everyone could talk. It’s definitely the way to go.
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If I’m not sleeping on a plane and if I’m not sat next to somebody interesting, I have internet connectivity and am focussed on getting stuff done. I’m as productive on an airplane as I am in an office, but I like making connections with people sitting next to me. You can’t have relationship arrogance because you learn something from everyone. I like audio books. I do read normal books at least one a month, but generally, I listen to audio books at double speed and glean all the information I need. This is how I listen to Atlas Shrugged, which teaches a lot about creating wealth and building relationships and is a mustread for anyone starting a business. I fly Delta a lot and I use their lounges a great deal but there are a number of major airports across the world that offer rooms that you can rent by the hour to sleep in. This is hugely important if you have a layover of a good couple of hours, as instead of trying to get comfortable on a couch, you can just crash in a bed. If you travel frequently and spend a lot of time waiting for flights, you’ll know the value of a quiet, dark room with a good mattress and the guarantee of being woken up in time for your connection. Do you have travel insurance? I don’t. I don’t get the chance to do that often and that is definitely not how we usually travel, but it’s worth mentioning because it was as impressive as hell. If you have to fly commercial, Virgin Airlines are second to none, especially if you can upgrade to their high-end business class it is above and beyond. Do you have any flying tricks? I have trained myself to sleep anywhere. When I was building my business, I didn’t have the money to fly business class and I especially didn’t have the money to fly private, so I was flying commercial a lot. What I would always do, and still do, is take a travel pillow and a hoody sweater, earplugs, face mask and take a Unisom and I’d be out. I’d fly to Asia in 16 hours and be asleep for eight of them. I’d wake up, eat some food, take another Unisom and sleep another 8 hours and arrive. Boom! I’d be ready to go.
What about packing? Are you a planner or a last minute packer? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to drop everything and rush out of the door for a meeting in another country and I’ve packed in about 10 minutes. I got a phone call once from Tim Ballard (CEO and founder of Operation Underground Railroad), to go to California to speak with Apple Executives that night. Luckily, I have a lot of stuff in my drawers and I just grabbed everything; an extra suit, extra shirt and boom, I’m gone. This is how I pack. I have my Tumi bag. I roll everything; my underwear, my workout clothes, I even use elastic bands, with my suits I have my suit bag in which I’ll have a change of suit, some shirts and I’ll wear a suit, so I have two. Tumi Alpha 2 Double Expansion Travel Satche, Black. I also don’t check in bags if I can afford not to. I’ve lost so much luggage over the years that
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I don’t do it. If I can’t fit everything, I need into carry-on luggage it doesn’t come with me. This also gets me out of the airport faster.
So, you’re a successful businessman with an intense sense of responsibility and you train in martial arts? Paul, are you Batman?
From your perspective, how important is appearance and physical health?
(Paul was unable to comment.)
Is it important? Vital. Your first impression happens in seconds and it lasts. So, I like to be slightly overdressed. If there is an option to go casual or wear a suit, I always suit up, as it gives me credibility. When I was in my early 20s, I was working with people older than me who were working for me, so I needed that extra credibility. I also always shave, as psychological studies have been completed that show when you’re closing billionaire dollar deals, if you’re clean cut you have an easier job of gaining trust and credibility.
No worries Paul, I think that answers that one for all of us. Tell us about your favourite destinations. My favourite place to travel is actually South East Asia. Thailand is amazing. Stay at the Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok Thailand for New Years, as they go all out, and it is an amazing experience. Fireworks, live music, five-star service all the way. But don’t just stay in Bangkok! Go to Phuket and Chiang Mai as well. The water there is so clear that the boats look like they’re floating on air.
And is staying in shape important to you?
Thailand.
Yes. When you first meet someone and they’re a sloppy dresser and overweight you can’t help but judge them. 80% of your weight is what you eat. When I’m flying, I order water with no ice and a lemonette with every meal. I work 16-hour days between work and charity, and I need to be in shape, that takes training and eating healthy. I like to complete two or three things simultaneously and I have someone train me in Krav Maga every morning for an hour.
Any bad experiences travelling? I was on a plane on the way to China and it was the middle of the night and I was out cold with earplugs in and a face mask on and there was a five-year-old next to me and his mother on my other side. It was dark and I felt this warm liquid running down my leg and wake up and this kid has his arm outstretched and is pouring his apple juice all the way down my leg!
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Now, I was in a suit because I had a meeting as soon as I got off the plane. His mother didn’t speak any English and didn’t care about what her son had done to my suit, so I had to get up and clean myself up and sit for the rest of the flight with an eye on everything this kid did, just in case he had it in for me. Honestly though, I have just as many bad experiences as anyone can have on a plane, but I travel so much so that they do wrack up. I tend to not dwell on them. I’ve been stuck on the tarmac for three hours before, but I had a good book and great people to talk to. You have to make the best of every situation, so I just roll with the punches. Everyone goes through crap; you have to go through it fast though and not dwell on it. Who would you love to sit next to? I’d like to sit next to Jeff Bezos. It’s the chance to sit next to someone who’s created something as important as what he has created. What an opportunity for a conversation! Elon Musk is definitely on my list too. He has such a great vision of the future and he’s such a visionary leader. His ideas of clean energy and how to get there, as a world nation, are just inspiring. Finally, what do you want to do next? I work with the Child Liberation Foundation and would love to work with Operation Underground Railroad. Tim Ballard is the founder of Operation Underground Railroad and he’s also the chairman of the Child Liberation Foundation. His purpose is to focus on the task of finding parents for children after they’ve been freed. Identifying good families for these children is critical. We help with rehabilitation, identifying good families and helping the adoption process to run as smoothly as possible. This is what I call the second rescue of the children.
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ASSAIA APRON AI AI. A Complete Overview MORE EFFICIENT AND SAFER AIR TRAVEL THROUGH USE OF COMPUTER VISION/ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE With demand for air travel expected to double before 2040, there has never been a greater need for Artificially Intelligent technology to support human teams in-charge of airport efficiency, safety and innovation. And, with so many areas in the industry that could benefit from this support, airports are now asking which innovative businesses are bringing the most inspiring and intelligent products to the table. One company that is creating waves in the air travel industry is Assaia, who’s product Apron AI has had notable success and rave reviews from some of the busiest airports. We spoke with Chief Customer Officer Christiaan Hen, who shared his perspective on how they are changing the future of air travel. “Innovation can hold a different meaning depending on what you are looking to improve,” Christiaan explains, “At Assaia, we ambitiously demonstrate innovation by using AI to deliver real-time situational awareness that eliminates ambiguity between airports, airlines and handlers.”
APRON AI As specialists in the aviation industry, Assaia provides reliable software solutions that create insight into ongoing turnarounds to help understand what is really happening within airports in real-time. Providing accurate and clear data that can speed up decision making processes and limit risk. The core product, The Apron AI, ingests video streams (preferably from existing cameras) and turns this video data
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into structured data. This is typically timestamped about turnaround events (e.g. bridge connected, catering on stand, pushback truck connected…). Furthermore, the AI can be trained to recognize any events of interest that are visible on the available video streams. It is a system that learns and offers a predictive analysis which assists airlines and airports with managing their operations. Currently there are a number of airports which are being prepared for a full roll out, while 20-30 pilot programmes are being trialled across the globe. The aim of these pilot programmes is to demonstrate to potential customers the capabilities and value that the product can provide.
THE TEAM The relatively young and rapidly expanding team started on their product roughly a year and a half ago after identifying the need in the industry for more insightful data. They introduced their AI computer vision technology and the company has been on a non-stop flight and soaring to new heights ever since. While they have been faced with many different opportunities to use their technology for various sectors, their focus is exclusively on being the full solution provider within the aviation industry. Geographically the team is sprawled out, but this doesn’t stop them from being close knit and staying in contact with each other multiple times a day. This has helped foster a real spirit of reliability, an essential skill required when working on such large-scale projects remotely as a team.
INNOVATIVE POWER There are many motivating factors when it comes to creating new technologies and solutions, but for Assaia’s Apron AI, innovation is the driving force behind their product. And it doesn’t end at the creation process; according to Christiaan, innovation is part of the Assaia culture and is an attitude that the company is built on. Being one of the first to offer a unique technology that is still new to airports is something to be excited about and it is this pioneering spirit that helps the team push the boundaries within the industry.
CHALLENGES Like every business there is a fair share of challenges to contend with and the air travel industry is constantly growing with no sign of slowing down. Being proactive and able to keep up with the demand and meeting the needs of airlines and airports is both a challenge and juggling act. Additionally, the challenge of ambiguity is the operational enemy for almost any industry, especially for air travel which relies on precision data to make minute-by-minute decisions. Assaia is one of the very few solutions that aims to break the cycle by positioning all three entities of wins, losses and improvement opportunities on equal ground and in real-time.
AI IN ACTION Rather than just selling a product, Christiaan and his team spend time working intimately with their clients to help fully understand their needs. Once they have identified the areas that require
support, technological solutions are presented to help them solve the issue at hand. Christiaan reveals that clients who are getting on board with the technology include the likes of British Airways, Swissport and Finavia just to name a few. This list is set to grow soon as more airports get a taste for how AI technologies can vastly improve their operational capacities.
“Recently,” Christiaan says, “Our collaboration with the Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport gave us the opportunity to demonstrate the value of our technologies in a bustling airport environment. The project involved a trial of the Apron AI software which spanned over three months, allowing adequate time for testing different innovations and tech.” The team worked closely with Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport’s Chief of Innovation Brian Cobb, to try and resolve some of the challenges the airport faced. This involved looking at how the technology could alleviate some of these pressures and one of the major challenges was a common theme experienced by many other airports. The limited insight into the real-time turnaround of an aircraft. Brian explains that as he is now responsible for CVG Airport’s brand commitments to efficiency and airline performance, he needs as much accurate data as possible.
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“Assaia gives me the immediate advantage of monitoring and reporting all phases of ground movement in and around each aircraft,” he says, “It is a complete overview.”
examples of how the AI technology is assisting the air travel industry, and to witness the benefits in action.”
Great innovations are found through creating advantages like this which allow for valuable data to be collected and analysed efficiently. This in turn assists the airport management and their airlines and handlers to improve their operational effectiveness and safety.
As proof of how the technology is solving some of the industry’s biggest challenges, there is also the aim to develop further use of machine learning based predictions for aircraft statuses instead of the current human generated estimates. This represents a progressive step for the air travel industry.
ADVANTAGES
WHAT LIES AHEAD?
“Assaia’s Artificial Intelligence capacity is intriguing,” Brian says, “Our industry must always close gaps in the map of the customer’s travel journey, so we must futureproof ourselves beyond merely trendy solutions. After working with Assaia through a short and straightforward pilot test of the product line we quickly envisioned a long-term strategy that provided advantages and clear returns on investment across their portfolio of services.”
As 2020 inches closer, Christiaan assures us that the only plan Assaia has, is to expand their technology and continue to be an influential innovator within their industry.
The industry is fast-paced and competitive and constantly involves being a step ahead of the game. With that in mind, Brian admits he is enjoying the distinct and marketable advantage he currently has over competing airports. “Leveraging the Apron AI technology,” he says, “Has allowed us to demonstrate to airline partners that our service level commitments are among the best. This will be a pivotal milestone for the team as we will be able to share real-life
”Artificial Intelligent programmes may seem like tomorrow’s technology, but we are harnessing it today,” he says, “By working together with airports we will find new areas where our solutions can be used, and new ways to innovate Together, we are helping shape the future of air travel.” If you want to see for yourself how the Apron AI product works, check out the online demo at www.assaia.com/tmc WEBSITE: www.assaia.com
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REVIEW
GOOD TRAVELER PROGRAM Providing travellers and their partners with a straight forward method of purchasing carbon offsets to help make air traveller more sustainable, The Good Traveler Program also helps benefit and develop their local communities. With clients like Austin-Bergstrom International Airport coming aboard, who recently purchased almost a thousand metric tonnes of carbon offsets s part of their ongoing commitment to sustainable sustainability. The purchased offset equates to rouglhly a third of the airport’s annual carbon footprint which, according to the GT Program is equivalent to the same sort of CO2 emissions of over 6 million passenger miles. Or the annual electricity used in 150 homes. These particular credits will help fund the use of waste gas and the capturing of methane at the Rio Grande Valley Landfill Gas Project. This isn’t the only thing that AUS is doing to reduce its carbon footprint. As an example to other airports, all of the electrical power for the buildings is generated by wind turbines. The turbines in turn are supplied by Austin Energy’s GreenChoice programme. Use of this power source has been extended from the terminal to the airfield to power aircraft support vehicles.
Since 2012 the airport as prevented over 93,000 metric tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere by utilizing 100 percent renewable electricity.
THE GOOD TRAVELLER PROGRAMME Originally founded by San Diego International Airport and under the operation of the Rocky Mountain Institute, the Good Traveler Program is not just for businesses and their business partners but can be used by anyone interested in reducing their own carbon footprint. In today’s world where travellers and consumers have more choice than ever, the businesses we choose to work with and the systems we make use of really highlight our own commitment to the future. If interested visit: WEBSITE: www.thegoodtraveler.org EMAIL: info@thegoodtraveler.org TWITTER: https://twitter.com/GoodTravelerCO2
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REVIEW
PARAGON ID Paragon ID is a leading provider of identification solutions for Transport, e-ID, Traceability, Brand Protection and Payment and have recently signed a 3 year contract with Air France for the supply of the airline’s RFID luggage tags. The airline industry is preparing to carry more than 7.8 billion¹ passengers per year and In total, Paragon ID is expected to provide about 40 million RFID luggage tags per year to the airline. In addition, Paragon ID is studying the opportunity to supply RFID labels to Air France’s affiliated airlines within the Air-France KLM group or the Skyteam alliance.
The antenna, specifically designed by Paragon ID in close collaboration with NXP Semiconductors around their UCODE 8 chip, ensures optimal performance in the aviation sector. Special incisions also guarantee the label’s destruction after use or in case of attempted fraud.
THE DETAILS Over the next few years it is expected that, due to the estimated growth in air traffic, the amount of baggage transported annually – which currently stands at 4.6 billion¹ , will in all likelihood double. As part of its resolution 753, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has decided to support the global deployment of radio frequency identification (RFID) for baggage tracking. This resolution stipulates that passengers’ baggage must be tracked in real time across key points in the journey (at check-in, boarding, transfers and on arrival).
Following a tender process, Air France selected Paragon ID for the exclusive worldwide supply of its RFID luggage tags over an initial period of 3 years. Paragon ID’s expertise in RFID tags, combining the technological know-how in the design of inlays² with its expertise in the industrial processes for label manufacture at its site in Argent-sur-Sauldre, was key in meeting the quality and safety requirements set by Air France.
Clem Garvey, CEO at Paragon ID says, ““We are very proud to have been awarded this tender by Air France, one of the world’s leading airlines. Paragon ID has demonstrated its capacity to address the sector’s specific challenges and requirements. Thanks to our strong labelmanufacturing history and our ability to innovate in RFID technologies and solutions, significantly enhanced by our merger with ASK in 2017, Paragon ID’s strategy of fulfilling its clients’ needs for increased security and traceability has never been more pertinent.”
As a result, airlines have committed to replace, over the coming years, their current baggage tags with new ones integrating RFID technology. Air France is one of the first global airlines to expand and standardize the use of RFID technology across all of its baggage operations.
THE OBJECTIVES The French airline has two key objectives in this project: Firstly, to respond to the customers’ need for information about their luggage and offer them new services and secondly, to improve the identification rate and baggage tracking (punctuality, productivity), and thus reduce associated operating costs.
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REVIEW
THE HAPPY PEAR OPENS DOORS IN TERMINAL 1 IN DUBLIN AIRPORT Go on, get yourself a happy pear. Located after security screening in Terminal 1 of Dublin Airport, this will be The Happy Pear’s fourth café and will open next month. The company, founded by twins Stephen and David Flynn, was build upon the ideals of community, happiness and health. The Dublin Airport outlet, which is being opened in association with global food service group HMSHost International, will offer a wide range of healthy food on the go, with both hot and cold breakfast, lunch and dinner options available. A variety of things are on the menu so customers can treat themselves to a cup of Happy Pear hand-roasted coffee, delicious healthy cakes, a selection of vegan and vegetarian offerings, and signature Happy Pear sandwiches, salads, soups
and hot food bowls. The menu will also feature The Happy Pear’s award-winning pesto and hummus products.
“Dublin Airport is continually working to improve the passenger experience and the new Happy Pear outlet will be a great addition for our customers,” said Dublin Airport Managing Director Vincent Harrison recently, “We are particularly delighted to welcome a new Irish food brand to the airport,” he added.
Image above: Twins Stephen and David Flynn of The Happy Pear with Vincent Harrison, Managing Director Dublin Airport.
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THE BUSINESS According to Harrison, the Happy Pear brand is synonymous not just with healthy, freshly prepared food options, but also with sustainable business practices, something Dublin Airport strongly supports. The Happy Pear, was founded in Greystones, Co Wicklow in 2004 and currently employs 120 people, comprised over four cafes, a farm, a branded product range, a coffee roastery, and a range of online courses for happier, healthier living.
“We’d like to give a massive thanks to Dublin Airport and HMSHost International for the opportunity to partner on our fourth café which will be located in T1,” said The Happy Pear Co-founders, David and Stephen Flynn. “We’re
really looking forward to being front and centre amongst some amazing Irish brands that are already at the airport,” the
“Our new Dublin Airport café is an amazing opportunity to be able to encourage people to eat more fruit and veg and to make eating healthier, easier and more accessible while on the move. We’re proud that we can say that our entire product range will be made from natural ingredients with no artificial preservatives, colours or flavourings.” Walter Seib, Chief Executive of HMSHost International, said the company was delighted to be bringing The Happy Pear to Dublin Airport. “Alongside our global brands, we pride ourselves on successfully interpreting local high street brands into high traffic locations of airports. Extending a sense of place with an emphasis on sustainability is laying a framework for a positive experience for our guests, and we are confident that The Happy Pear will be a vibrant, and healthy addition to Dublin Airport.” The new Happy Pear outlet at Dublin Airport will use fully compostable take-away food containers, cups, cutlery and straws. Customers will also be rewarded through incentives such as a 20% discount on hot drinks if they use a reusable cup. Furthermore, The Happy Pear cafés donate any surplus food to local charities through the food redistribution charity, FoodCloud and coffee grinds are used by local gardeners. Happy Pear’s vans run on compressed natural gas, helping to reduce vehicle CO² emissions by more than 20% and it has also installed LED light fittings across its production facilities and at its head office. It isn’t enough for them to make sure the population is healthy on the inside, the outside counts as well. WEBSITE: www.thehappypear.ie EMAIL: ask@thehappypear.ie TELEPHONE: 00353 1 287 3655
brothers added.
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REVIEW
DUBLIN AIRPORT AND AVDGS An electronic display above aircraft parking stands, AVDGS provides real-time information to those controlling the plane as they park the aircraft upon arrival to an airport, or as they push back for departure. This immensely useful component for passenger safety is being installed by Dublin Airport on all aircraft contact parking stands.
HOW IT WORKS
Dublin Airport is already having its busiest ever summer and is currently welcoming an average 100,000 passengers and 750 arriving and departing aircraft per day during peak season. More than 15.5 million passengers travelled through Dublin Airport in the first six months of the year, representing a 6% increase on the same period last year and Dublin Airport has welcomed almost 875,000 additional passengers in the first six months of the year. The 11th busiest airport in the EU, Dublin Airport has flights to almost 200 destinations in 43 countries, operated by 53 airlines.
Then, the recorded times feed directly in to the Airport’s Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) system. A-CDM focuses on aircraft turnaround times and pre-departure sequencing processes to boost air traffic flow and operational efficiency of all airport operators by reducing delays and increasing the predictability of events.
THE NEW SYSTEM The new system is equipped with the added safety feature of an infrared high-definition camera that scans the aircraft parking area for any possible objects that could affect the safety of the arriving or departing aircraft. This camera detects large objects on the ground like equipment or baggage, which may block the stand and cause knock-on delays. This information, delivered immediately to the pilots, means that airline baggage and ground handlers can get to the aircraft quicker to ensure faster aircraft turn-around thereby helping to reduce potential delays for the airline and its passengers. It also ensures that the aircraft and its support vehicles are not running engines unnecessarily, in turn reducing carbon emissions from the airfield, something which many major airports are taking very seriously.
AVDGS also enhances the role of airline marshals who guide aircraft onto and off the parking stand. The marshal inputs key information such as the aircraft type and other flight data into the AVDGS, which automatically gauges aircraft clearances, stopping distances, and records the exact on and off stand times.
It is a Europewide initiative under the guidance of Eurocontrol, which is the European organisation for the safety of air navigation. “AVDGS is another example of technology enhancing airport processes that deliver huge benefits for the airport, its airline customers and passengers,” according to Dublin Airport
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Managing Director Vincent Harrison. “It is a tried and trusted system of improving airport safety and efficiencies and supports Dublin Airport’s continuing drive for sustainability,” he added.
The smart AVDGS system is also equipped with a low visibility function allowing aircraft to park in extremely poor visibility conditions, such as mist and dense fog, thereby reducing the risk of delays in inclement weather conditions.
Image fr o Client P m left to right: roject O Mark O with the w ’C new Au ner, Asset Care onnor, Projec t tomatic Docking Dublin Airport Manager, Asse t a Guidan ce Syste nd Dan Davis, Management a S n m at th e South enior Project M d Developmen tD Gates in an Dublin A ager IT, Dublin ublin Airport; Co irport. Airport pictured nor Carroll,
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INTERVIEW WITH RUPEN PHILLOURA FOUNDER OF AIRPORT GROUPE Business Clarity at 37,000 Feet Airport Groupe was founded in late 2017 by Rupen Philloura, who, after twenty years in the airport sector and with an already successful business set-up behind him, wanted to do his part to improve the industry he’d spent so many years working in. A man of many interests, Rupen’s first business, after leaving Tampa International Airport where he had been for 15 years, was MeSpoke; a powerful consumer software technology aimed at the fashion industry, which made him into a well-known and respected entrepreneurial name. I caught up with him to discuss his latest innovation and how it will change the way that airports operate.
A SIGN FROM ABOVE Donnie Rust: After 20 years of experience in the aviation industry, it’s worth asking if it was always your plan to be a part of it? “No, actually I was destined to become a doctor, but when I was 16 something special happened. I had just finished 10th grade in India and my father gave me the option of going to US to seek my future. Needless to say, I grabbed the opportunity and moved. “I have spent my whole life travelling and have always been fascinated with airports, but it was actually while I was finishing high school in New York that I was approached by a soccer scout who advised me of three colleges in Florida where I could potentially go and play. All I remember is reading about Embry Riddle Aeronautical University aka The Harvard of the Skies. It was right off the golden
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beaches of Florida and it couldn’t have been a more profound sign from above. I immediately signed-up to begin my profession in Aviation.”
INDUSTRY CHANGE Donnie Rust: What have been the biggest changes you’ve seen over the last two decades? “The biggest change I saw was in Aviation Security, post 9/11. Almost immediately, things became intensely security orientated; 100% bag screening, only ticketed passengers beyond screening checkpoints and various no-fly lists to sift through before any passenger could be cleared to board. The Aviation industry really stepped up its game for the protection of all passengers.” “Secondly, every aspect of the industry has been adapting to the digital age. Some of us grew up doing all the paperwork manually and now we let computers do all the work, so it’s been a transition. Thirdly; airports have realised that they need to develop their spaces into high-end shopping centres. The airports are providing a plethora of amenities, great shopping and eating experiences and an enhanced physical space with digital touch-points throughout the journey.” Rupen adds that Airports have become driving forces of economies and now the industry is beginning to see “Aerotropolis’” being developed. “These are basically huge airports at the centre and cities built all around them, sustaining the economic boom. This is definitely the way forward for travel, transportation and trade.”
AIRPORT GROUPE Formed in November 2017, Airport Groupe (www. airportgroupe.com) employs an active executive team of eight advisors, all of whom are experts in specific subject matters. Rupen explains that the team is spread over North America, the Middle East and Asia and that they will soon be bringing on an advisor from South Africa. Donnie Rust: What is your vision behind Airport Groupe and how it will benefit your customers? “After spending 20 years working in various leadership roles in Airport Operations from many airports, I decided to translate my skills to help other airports by developing a business with the primary objective of optimising airport operations.”
countries in the Middle East, North Africa and remote Asia. Presently we are in negotiations with some airports, which due to clauses, I am unable to divulge currently.”
Donnie Rust: What is the current state of airport operations and how will Airport Groupe improve them?
“Long-term, I see ourselves as the voice of airport operations and helping to pave a universal way forward in terms of operating and conducting airport operation business.”
“The airport operations department comprises of a group of very dynamic individuals who are extremely knowledgeable about running the dayto-day operation of an airport. They represent the Executive Committee at all times, hence wearing many hats throughout the day while they mitigate numerous challenges. My goal is to bring all my experience and help other airports across the globe develop their teams with the best tools, technologies, practices and processes. Because aviation is a global phenomenon and we are all affected by its ups and downs, I advocate that the airport operations department should have uniform skillsets which are on par with any airport whether in a developed or developing nation. Not only do staff of airport operations benefit but this also translates into a safer and more efficient airport for customers.”
2018 Donnie Rust: How has 2018 been so far for the business? “It’s been good. We’ve been able to attract a strong team of advisors who are accomplished professionals from various large corporations and we will be making an announcement within the next month or two as to very big industry players who will be coming in as partners.” Donnie Rust: You do a lot of travelling and often combine work and pleasure together with seamless ease.
VISION
“My mantra: business and pleasure go hand n hand. I always make time for pleasure during business and like to find potential business even when I am on vacation. You just never know. It’s a balancing act. I would never visit a place for business and not explore what it has to offer. It would be a grave injustice.”
Donnie Rust: And what are the first steps to achieving this?
Donnie Rust: And finally, what are the five musthave items to travel with?
“My short term vision is to partner-up with various airport IT solution providers and bundle them with my services. Then I’ll pitch my services to some airports in developing
“One. Bose noise cancelling wireless headphones. Two. Raybans. Three. Jo Malone cologne. Four. Universal plug adaptor. Five. A dapper sports coat. Six. A good flask.” WEBSITE: www.airportgroupe.com
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PAY ATTENTION TO DETAILS: WHY YOU SHOULD START GETTING YOUR CAR DETAILED Did you know that almost 65% of Americans agree that the appearance of a vehicle is extremely important for business? A clean and beautiful car can always make a great first impression on customers.
bad impression on others. You could be a subject of ridicule and criticism and for good reasons. On the other hand, a clean car is a sign that you care about your image. If you’re traveling around with business purposes, your clients will see you in a better light. A beautiful, shiny vehicle gives the impression of a person who cares about details and this can help you get more clients and make more profits.
However, many car owners rarely take good care of their vehicles. They probably wash it at home using a standard water hose or take it to a car washing shop. These are good approaches, but they never match the level of cleanliness offered by a car detailer.
2. PROTECT YOUR HEALTH AND WELLBEING
But what is car detailing? And why should you have your car detailed? These are good questions and you’re about to find out in this article. Keep reading and learn how you can make your vehicle looking like brand new today!
WHAT IS CAR DETAILING? Car detailing is a relatively new process of improving the appearance of your vehicle. Instead of just taking your vehicle to a car wash shop, car detailing services involve a deeper level of care and attention to details. For example, this service includes cleaning the outside of the car and applying sealant or wax. At the same time, it also involves vacuuming and dusting the interior of the vehicle as well as deodorizing it.
WHY SHOULD I GET MY CAR DETAILED? There are numerous reasons why you should get your car detailed. Nothing beats an attractive and sparkling vehicle traveling around town, whether you’re going to work or drive around for your own pleasure.
1. IMPROVE YOUR PERSONAL AND/OR BUSINESS IMAGE Think about your vehicle as your personal outfit. If you walk around in dirty clothes, people are going to notice this and think bad of you. Similarly, if you visit your friends or family members and have a dirty car which also smells bad, this will leave a
Especially if you drive around on a daily basis, the interior of a car can get pretty dirty quickly. It’s not only about packages of products or empty cans of soda, but it’s also about germs and allergens which can gradually build up in your car. These impurities can cause allergies and make your vehicle an unhealthy place to be in. Car detailing services take care of this problem for you. The professionals will make the inside of your vehicle spotless, even if this means using tiny brushes to remove dust particles stuck between buttons and switches. These services also involve vacuuming your vehicle, using special cleaning products to remove stains, germs, and bacteria as well as deodorize it. At the end of the day, your car will not only become more hygienic, but it will also smell and “feel” better. A car detailing service is highly recommended after you just bought a second-hand vehicle. You never know who sat in your newly acquired car and what they did there. You might not know if the previous owner traveled around with dogs in the car and if the pets spread dirt, saliva or microbes all around the place. Cleaning the interior and the exterior of the vehicle is the best thing to do to protect your health and make your driving more comfortable.
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3. INCREASE THE RESALE VALUE OF YOUR VEHICLE Many car owners decide to sell their vehicles after a while. This is a normal process and it can be a profitable transaction. Best of all, you can actually ask for more money for your vehicle if you decide to take advantage of car detailing services beforehand. For example, if you want to sell the vehicle, you probably decide to change the oil, replace brake pads, realign the tires, etc. These maintenance tasks will attract more customers and help you get more money for your vehicle. At the same time, car detailing services will also increase the resale value. People who are interested in buying your car will eventually want to sit in it and take it for a spin. If the interior is spotless, this automatically earns you great points in the “first impression” department, so why not taking advantage of this opportunity? You can check out this car detailer for a quick understanding of what these services involve.
4. PROTECT THE PAINT OF YOUR CAR Although cars have a thin layer of paint applied to them for aesthetic purposes, this element is
very important. A simple scratch can ruin the image of your vehicle, so every car owner should be interested in protecting the paint against scratches and the elements of nature. A good way to do that is by using car detailing services. How does it work? It’s simple. Regular car wash shops can leave soap residues and water streaks across the paint of your car. These can get mixed up with dust and other impurities which will eventually deteriorate the quality of the paint. A new paint job can be expensive, especially if you have a modern car. On the other hand, car detailing services involve removing soap remains and other impurities as well as applying a protective sealant. In some cases, the guys will also wax your car. These maintenance tasks prolong the lifespan of the paint, not to mention that they will make your vehicle look absolutely superb!
READY TO MAKE YOUR CAR LOOK AS BRAND NEW AGAIN? Getting your car detailed is the newest trend nowadays and this type of service is highly affordable. It will restore the factory look of your vehicle and even bring back that “new car smell” as well.
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THE XERIC CCS Improving Electric Vehicle Range and Passenger Comfort with Energy Efficient Climate Control Administration. When you combine that with the the over $800 spent on car insurance on average every year, it becomes a significant amount.
Generally 18% to 14% of the battery’s energy capacity is used to heat or cool an Electric Vehicle according to a paper published on Energy Exploration and Exploitation Journal. This means a substantial amount of energy is needed to run the climate control system (CCS), draining the battery and limiting the range of your vehicle. Fortunately, EU researchers have developed an energy efficient climate control system for EVs.
OTHER RANGE INCREASING INNOVATIONS
HUMIDITY AND TEMPERATURE REGULATING HYBRID SYSTEM The XERIC CCS system is a hybrid system that uses a liquid desiccant cycle to combat humidity, and combines it with a traditional vapor compression cycle that combats temperature. The new system consists of a highly-compact three-fluid –combined membrane contactor (3F-CMC), desiccant solution and a refrigerant. Humidity is captured by the membrane interface, increasing dry air content in the vehicle, which reduces the amount of energy required by the battery to dehumidify the air according to project coordinator, Gaeta Soccorso. A traditional climate control system works by condensing water.
SIGNIFICANT ENERGY USE REDUCTION
While XERIC system is enhancing battery energy efficiency for EVs, other researchers are working on batteries that give EVs greater range. For instance, researchers from the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology have used a silver manganate nanoplate to create a safer and energy efficient battery. It is an aluminum-based air flow battery that could allow for battery packs that will give EVs a longer range. The battery has a higher energy density and a longer cycle life compared to existing EV battery technology, and is cheaper compared to existing batteries. The battery has a higher energy density than gasoline meaning that an electric car with an aluminum-based air flow battery can run up to 700 km. If this technology is combined with the XERIC system, it could make EVs more attractive to drivers now and in the future. They are another sign that gasoline powered vehicles may be on their way out.
The prototype has already been tested and the researchers have demonstrated that it can reduce energy used by the CCS yearly by more than 50%. This included energy used for air heating, dehumidifying, and cooling. Traditional vehicles with internal combustion engines and other transport means such as boats, buses, and trains can also use this system to reduce fuel consumption and air pollution. For people putting a lot of miles on their fuel efficient car, the new CCS may help save them a lot of money, and make maintaining their vehicles cheaper than before. The average American spent roughly $1,977 in 2017 on gasoline for their vehicles according to the U.S. Energy Information
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JADROLINIJA ROPAX TRIO MAKES USE OF ACO MARINE’S WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS As the new wastewater requirements come into action, Croatian ferry operator Jadrolinija has retrofitted three of its roll-on/ roll-off passenger, otherwise known as RoPax vessels, with ACO Marine’s wastewater treatment units. Three vessels, Sveti Krševan, Supetar and Cres each at 87.6m, were each equipped with a Clarimar MF-2 biological-type sewage treatment plant at the Dalmont shipyard in Kraljevica, Croatia. Italy’s La Fornitrice, ACO Marine’s engineering partner in the region, completed the commissioning of the system aboard Cres, the final ship in the series, in May. Equipment for all three retrofits was delivered to the yard between December 2018 and January 2019. The contract also included the supply of detailed installation drawings to the shipyard and the issuance of the requisite approval certificates from the Croatian Ship Register (HRB). Prior to the installation and commissioning of the Clarimar units, the 600-passenger capacity ferries did not treat wastewater streams but instead collected the effluent in holding tanks. “The storage of a vessel’s wastewater streams in onboard holding tanks is not the most operationally-efficient solution. The use of port reception facilities can be costly and also delay ship turn-around-times,” Mark Beavis, Managing Director, ACO Marine, said. As explained, Jadrolinija’s decision to retrofit its ship trio with a wastewater treatment unit was led by regulatory necessity. ACO technology was selected through a public tender. Until recently, Croatia did not have strict or detailed regulations governing the discharge of
wastewater into its coastal waters. However, in 2015 Croatian authorities completed the Coastal City Pollution Control Project, putting an end to indiscriminate discharging practices, and mandating solutions for treating and monitoring wastewater discharges. “We anticipate a run of orders from Croatiabased ship operators as they look to retrofit wastewater treatment systems to meet the new requirements,” Beavis added. According to ACO Marine, the successful installation of the technology resulted in La Fornitrice winning another national tender for the retrofitting of the Clarimar system to an additional five Jadrolinija’s ferries. These additional five vessels of the same class – Hrvat, Juraj Dalmatinac, Marjan, Jadran, and Biokovo – will each be fitted out with larger Clarimar MF-3 units, which La Fornitrice will supply from mid-October 2019. Jadrolinija manages a fleet of more than 50 passenger ferries operating between the mainland and the Croatian islands in the Adriatic Sea.
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GOOLETS Take the time to enjoy the journey wood gives it style and each vessel is unique and not part of some serial manufacturing. Gulets and yachts differ in one main area, yachts all look alike and are for show offs, gulets are for people who appreciate class. Gulets are preferred by those who like to be pampered, that like great food, to explore places away from crowds and most importantly take their time.
It only took one gulet cruise for business owners Mitja and Alenka to totally fall in love with the concept. In fact, it made such an impression on the pair that it wasn’t long before they were putting plans together to share the experience with others. With a shared background in tourism, Goolets was soon born.
JOURNEYING WITH STYLE
TAILORED MADE CRUISES
Discerning travellers will know that “how” you reach your destination is as important as getting there. Taking this to heart, Goolets is a company that has perfected the art of “journeying” in style. As CEO Mitja Mirtič explains, Goolets combines the luxury of a hotel, the adventure of a cruise and the boutique style of a top-line glamping resort with glamorous destinations. These include Turkey, Croatia and Greece with additional destination options such as Montenegro and Italy. But it is the time spent upon the yachts, which are called gulets, that make the holiday. “A gulet is a mostly wooden vessel that comes with a full crew including an experienced captain, chef, sailor and hostess,” Mitja says, “The gulets range in size from twenty up to fifty meters in length and have anywhere from four to eight cabins. Some of our larger fleet come with ten and up to sixteen cabins as well.” According to Mitja, gulet cruises are similar to yachting holidays, if more affordable and somewhat slower. He says, “In the yacht business travel is faster as it is more focussed on getting you to your destination as soon as possible, but a gulet is slower and allows you the chance to properly appreciate the experience of the journey. With food services that are nothing short of amazing, luxurious accommodation and of course wonderful sea views.” He describes a gulet as a floating hotel. The finest food is served, the cabins are cleaned, the beach is always right there for you to enjoy and the hotel moves from location to location to ensure the view is always fresh and new. The
Mitja says that most cruises are based on seven nights and eight days from Saturday to Saturday. This being said a ten day or fortnight cruise would also make perfect sense and clients can expect a completely tailored cruise to suit their wishes and tastes. As an example, a seven-day cruise from Split to Dubrovnik can be experienced very differently if you are a family with small kids or if you are a group of young couples. Families like safe beaches and family orientated water activities, couples may wish to swim and relax, eat superb meals and drink the best wines. Or if you are a group of seniors, you may wish to explore different towns, visit museums, experience local culture or just drink at a different taverna every day. “Beachballs and sand, candles and romance or jet skis and parachuting. Each group has its own cup of tea,” Mitja explains, “All you need to do is tell us what yours is.”
THE GORGEOUS DESTINATIONS For Goolets, Croatia is the hottest destination at the moment, with Dubrovnik and Hvar being very popular for the jet setters. Greece is always very popular for its food and culture while Turkey, which offers the widest range of gulets (more than 1000 to choose from) is a great choice for variety. Mitja suggests that a combination of Turkey and Greece at this time of year is probably one of the best ways to experience the cruise. “I have several favourite routes and it would take too long to list them all,” he says, “One of the best of them is a one-way cruise from Split to
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Dubrovnik where you can experience all the best islands that Dalmatia can offer. This route takes you from Split to Hvar, then to Brač island with its Golden Cape, to Korčula island then to Mljet or the Lastovo Nature Park with Dubrovnik in the end.”
hundred phone calls or is organised over a tenminute chat, every detail is covered. “Whatever the size of the group, we accommodate for it,” Mitja says, “This is the highest challenge and most important to us, that each and every one of our guests knows without a doubt that they are our most important one.”
THE BUSINESS KEEPING GOOLETS AFLOAT
THE TYPICAL GUEST
Goolets was founded by Alenka and Mitja Mirtič in 2004. It is a family business and they are both still very involved and personally believe gulet cruise holidays are the best type of holidays in the world. The company mantra is “Life is good” and their main mission is to put this mentality to everyone working in the company. “It took around ten years for the company to really find its feet,” Mitja explains, “And with growth, a lot of challenges presented themselves. The main one was how to keep the services boutique and tailored to each group while we and the sizes of the groups we worked with expanded. There is a big difference between organising a trip for a group of ten people and a group of three hundred.”
Goolets mostly work with English speaking groups from all over the world. The most clients come from USA, Europe, South Africa, South America, Australia and New Zealand. One of the things that all of these groups share is that they are in search of something special. The classic hotel and villa holidays can get stale after a while, but not everyone has the money to spend 150,000€ on a luxury yacht holiday. However, all of the groups that Goolets work with are looking for something similar to it.
Out of everything they do, to Mitja the “Human to Human Approach” is the most important and is, in his opinion, the company’s primary goal. Each client works personally with a member of staff to organise their holiday down to the finest detail. Irrespective if this takes 200 emails and a
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This has shaped the business today as everyone involved in Goolets has a real passion for what they are doing. Their devoted marketing team keep up to date with the latest industry news and have a genuine interest in the sector. The commercial department maintain amazing relationships with the gulet owners from all over the world because they have a common passion that they can connect on. The sales team are one of the best in the industry, but not because they’re only good at sales but because they are a team of gulet experts who provide good advice and support to people that are interested. “We have a team of amazing people, working on hard projects and trying to have as much fun as possible while doing it,” Mitja says, “If anything, success is an ongoing by product of this.”
TRUST AND RELATIONSHIPS CHALLENGES At the start, Goolets faced-off with the same challenges of many businesses. Quandaries like how to market and get clients without any budget, resources or experience in marketing while also running the business and the cruises. “Saying that it was hard would be an understatement,” Mitja says, “We had to find our ways of promoting a product that nobody knew about to groups of people all over the world. It was cheaper than luxury yachts but wasn’t a ‘cheap holiday’ and nobody knew what a gulet was!” But with a lot of hard work and being ultrastubborn and not giving up when it seemed impossible. Relying on mutual support and some good old-fashioned luck. Then combining these things with endless studying and learning and educating. Then taking all of this and adding discipline and near super human levels of optimism it all worked out.
Networking and building relationships are a crucial part of Alenka and Mitja’s business. There are a limited number of gulets in the world, so having a good relationship based on trust with owners of these vessels and the qualified professionals that make up the crew is fundamental. But relationship building goes further than this and stitches the entire business together. “An example of this is for a client from the USA, to book a cruise in Turkey, through a company based in Slovenia needs a lot of trust and relationship building,” Mitja says, “We also have a wide range of other travel agency partners that use our agency as their main go-to partner for gulet cruises. We need to have and keep their trust too.” Goolets tackle this head on. They make a point of networking with people who have
“I would say there is really no big secret to success,” Mitja says, “All you need to do is go all in and commit fully, with your full heart, body, soul and all of your brains. Learn. Study. Never give up. And be willing to go in with the realistic idea that for the first 5 years you will not make any money while working 80 hours a week. If you can do that, you know it’s worth it and you will be fine.”
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“We are up to date with the latest marketing trends and we do try to implement what makes sense to our company,” he says, “We do try to promote gulet cruises to people that never heard of us before, which is hard, takes a lot of time and is very expensive, but on the long-term basis, we believe it is the way to go.”
more experience than they do, this is why their marketing, sales and customer support are of such a high calibre. The more experienced, trained and supported a staff member is, the better they can look after a customer. There is another useful reason.
“We are always trying to learn and study and develop,” Mitja says, “And employing people better than ourselves always gives us the opportunity to do so. You have to connect yourself with the best of everything and implement it into your business.”
Luxury travel, to Mitja, is all about combining “one on one support” which is being able to link clients with attentive personnel, while also implementing the latest technologies to keep things efficient, smooth-flowing and secure. “The more technology that is implemented to allow more of the human element the better,” he says, “As long as everything we do helps people have the best holidays of their life, we should be fine. “
FUTUREPROOFING Keeping the business ready for the future is a daily endeavour, Mitja reveals. One that involves reading the latest blog articles and industry news. Reading books. Attending industry conferences. Talking to other people in the gulet segment and with people from segments that are not as niche to gather ideas and considerations. It’s time consuming but necessary.
ADDRESS: Taborska Cesta 1, 1290 Grosuplje, Slovenia EU TELEPHONE: +386 40 233 240 EMAIL: mitja.mirtic@goolets.net PRICES: while the range of luxury goes anywhere from 10.000 €/week and up to 100.000 €/week for groups of 4 and up to 35 people.
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go.glodomes.com
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WORLD’S FIRST 3D-PRINTED CONCRETE HOUSING PROJECT TO BE BUILT IN THE NETHERLANDS MARLA FONG
These houses look like big stones. 3D-printed concrete houses are coming to the city of Eindhoven in the Netherlands. Dubbed Project Milestone, the construction project will include five homes built sustainably and energyefficiently using some of the latest techniques in 3D-printing. The first house will feature floor space of just over 1,000 square feet and walls just under two-inches thick. It will be printed offsite and assembled on location, serving as a sort of default example from which the other structures will take inspiration. The construction teams behind the project hope that by the fifth house, they’ll be able to print the structures entirely onsite.
The university says 3D printing of concrete is a potential “game changer” in the building industry. “Besides the ability to construct almost any shape, it also enables architects to design very fine concrete structures. Another new possibility is to print all kinds, qualities and colours of concrete, all in a single product. This enables integration of all sorts of functions in one and the same building element.” The first stage is scheduled to be completed in 2019, at which point the first residents of the 3D-printed concrete tiny home community will move in.
After the first home is constructed, the others will be relatively elaborate, with multiple stories, patios, and balconies. Project Milestone is a collaboration between the engineers at the Technical University of Eindhoven, Van Wijnen, real estate manager Vesteda, materials firm Saint Gobain-Weber Beamix, and engineers Witteveen and Bos. Why 3D Concrete printing? The scheme represents the potential impact of 3D-printed concrete on the construction industry, with the ability to construct almost any shape, with a variety of qualities and colors in the same building element. The process also addresses the environmental impact of construction, with the reduction in cement resulting in a decrease in CO2 emissions.
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GLO DOMES. SUPPLIERS OF GEODESTIC DOMES. ALWAYS TRUST AN INNOVATIVE IDEA Ryan Duarte, co-founder of Glo Domes is on a mission to help people like you and me get themselves out of the rat-race and develop reliable streams of passive income. While unique accommodations on Airbnb and glamping sites are increasingly popular, to offer something different that can still produce a healthy revenue stream is a challenge for those developers who are just starting out. For them, Glo Domes will be a breath of fresh air.
GLO DOME The Glo Dome is a geodesic dome that is easy to assemble, sturdy and secure and magnificently versatile. Including air conditioning and heating each Glo Dome provides maximum comfort within the spacious interior. And, thanks to its organic yet futuristic aesthetic it can be decorated and styled however a site owner chooses. This allows a site owner to determine their unique appeal without relying solely on their choice of accommodation. Glamping site owners have to be selective with what tents or units they are going to be using. Yurts, lodges, igloos and wigwams are popular but quite permanent and once they are erected it can be expensive to move them. Glo Domes however, have been designed to offer mobilepermanence. A team of four could assemble one in eight hours and take it down just as fast. The entire structure can be moved in the back of a pick-truck and each one comes with a five-year full replacement guarantee.
THE VALUE OF WORKING IN THE SHADOW Founders Ryan Duarte and Chirag Patel were very specific with what they wanted to offer when they launched Glo Domes. They were also very much aware of what the competition was doing and what they were up against. In America
there are already a handful of very established businesses producing domes for the glamping industry who believe that they have the market monopolised. Whereas, many people would have looked at the shadow cast by these companies and felt intimidated by it, Ryan and Chirag made full use of this shade to see what gaps in the market were shining through. “No business begins as the biggest in the industry,” Ryan points out, “We were able to assess what these companies were doing right for their customers and where they were letting their customers down. Then we designed our business around a foundation of offering a top service and filling those gaps. At this point we don’t need to be the biggest, we want the happiest customers and to grow on that.”
HOW IT BEGAN Ryan Duarte is a serial entrepreneur who spent the first half of his professional life striving to create enough passive income to support himself and his family. He owns a software company that has patented a number of protocols, a laundromat, organic agricultural farms in norther California and a hay brokering company that he runs through his horse farm called Bitteroot Valley Paso Fino Horse Farm. He is a man always open to new ideas and drawn to creative opportunities, relishing the chance to work with like-minded people. “I attend mastermind sessions,” he explains, “It’s a great place to openly discuss ideas with other business people, there we can have a proper look at these ideas and reveal the good ones that can be used, the bad ones that need to be developed and the potential failures we need to dodge.” It was actually at one of these sessions that he met his business partner Chirag Patel who works
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in the finance industry and owns a hedge fund. Ryan describes him as a straight talking, downthe-line business man who’s not afraid to speak his mind and call a spade a spade. “It’s thanks to him that we’re not selling Glo Domes at some expensive time-share-esque luncheons seminars for business people and retirees on a beach.” Ryan says. He goes on to say that he believes it is important to have a business partner who doesn’t care about your feelings or how precious you might be about a certain idea. At the same time, not being automatically dismissive is just as important, being willing to hear every idea fully to see if there is any value there. These sorts of business people are rare to come by and should be treasured. The pair of them met in August 2017 and Glo Domes has been going since January 2018. They have geared up the production side and sold a handful of units with an average sale of $26,000. So far, these sales have been to American business people who initially bought their Glo Domes with the intention of using them professionally.
“However,” Ryan says, “We later discovered that they liked their Glo Domes so much that they’re now using them at their homes instead. Some of these have been for hunting or fishing cabins and others have been for home extensions for their leisure activities. One customer ended up using it so that his son, who hadn’t moved out of the house yet, could at least move out into the garden and have a place of his own.”
EARLY DAYS It is early days for Glo Domes but the impression they’ve made is quite tangible and the future is going to be very exciting and busy. Right now, the business partners are totally focused on development and sales. “We were very careful to align ourselves and partner with the best suppliers who could manufacture the different components for the Glo Domes. This meant we could speed up the process of each order to a matter of days and not weeks,” Ryan says, “Customers receive their Glo Domes as a package that can be delivered on a half tonne truck and can be assembled in a matter of hours. We also have a team who can help set up the domes for the site owner if necessary.”
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OUT OF THE DOME THINKING While it is sell, sell, sell at the moment, Ryan is exploring all of the possible uses for the Glo Domes. So far, they know that glamping and boutique stays both locally and internationally are an obvious fit but there are some other areas that he is exploring that have shown great potential.
“The Glo Domes are weather proof and solar powered with heating or cooling apparatus and offer brilliant viewing opportunities,” Ryan says,
“Festivals for music, art and travel are an exciting opportunity. It’s easy to picture a Glo Dome at a music festival offering something special for VIP guests and onsite campers. Then there are places like truck stop motels.” Truck stop motels, servicing the travelling professional as well as the long distance holiday seekers are an important service for anyone travelling long distance by road. Motels and hotels along the way need to find new ways to make themselves attractive and different. People have become far more expectant and discerning when it comes to where they lay their heads. The Glo Domes will offer something unique and special to these motels and truck stops making full use of what open land they may have. “You can imagine a building such as a motel may have a garden area that is pretty much unused, or a rooftop that has never been visited. With a small investment they could turn these places into profit making areas offering something truly wonderful,” Ryan says.
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and innovations.” Their next market innovation, Ryan reveals, is to add full immersion, VR augmented domes to their brand. Here a game or a VR location can be projected onto the inside of the dome effectively creating an entirely different use for them. He says, “There are many immediate uses for this particular innovation and it’s just an example of how far we are pushing the boundaries of what we can use the Glo Domes for.”
HOME IN THE DOME Even if a location is in the middle of a cold snap climate the Glo Domes have been designed for all weather. Each can be fitted with an airlocked aluminum and glass front door to create a location for putting on your winter shoes or taking them off before coming into your cozy Glo Dome. This last idea could possibly have come from the Glo Dome at Ryan’s home in Montana which the family uses during the all important “Family Time”. This is a designated device-free area where he and his family can spend some quality time together. “I am a workaholic,” Ryan admits, “If I don’t have a reason to stop, I’ll just keep working. So, I make full use of my Glo Dome because firstly, it gives me time to spend with my kids and my wife. I have two children of 5 and 7, and my wife of 14 years is due to add a third to our family. Secondly, it is a magical place for my children to make memories with their parents.” His Glo Dome is suitably kitted out as well, with a loft design and a built-in sauna that is as warm as his house, irrespective of the weather outside. And, this gives Ryan the opportunity to stress test the Glo Dome against children, a pregnant wife and the blustery Montana winter.
2019 DEVELOPMENTS By November 2019 Ryan aims to have 3040 affiliate sales people, including the likes of realtors, glamping agencies and independent affiliates and he wants to have sold 365 domes. So, on average, one a day. He laughs, “Some of our competitors may sell ten times as many as we do,” he says, “But that doesn’t matter, a business runs on happy clients
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THE LANDSCAPE STUDIO The way we see the world is determined by the quality of the space we live in. This is what The Landscape Studio believes. They see a world where landscape design is mutually beneficial for the ecosystem and the people inhabiting it and, in East Africa, they are the ones responsible for creating it.
USE IN PROJECTS
THE BUSINESS
An aesthetic landscape that compliments the natural beauty of a place can be immortal but requires an understanding and appreciation for what works in a location. In this regard, The Landscape Studio’s portfolio is a glimpse not into what Kenya looks like today, but what it will look like tomorrow.
Investors looking to change the landscape and develop it, need to know that their project is in good hands. Not only in terms of what it will immediately look like once completed but also how it will age and be appreciated by future generations.
Registered in Kenya as Chincol Company Limited, The Landscape Studio have since 2013 developed an impressive catalogue of projects around East Africa. Including the planning and design of academic, residential, corporate buildings, parks, streetscape and urban improvement as well as agricultural schemes. In 2018 they registered as members of the Landscape Architecture Chapter of the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK.).
THE IMPORTANCE OF STYLE For modern day developers, be it for hotels, residences or glamping sites, there is an everincreasing need to complement the natural heritage, culture and “style” of a place. Being able to observe the existing conditions, understand the full direction and intention of any project and know how to enhance it, is a defining element of The Landscape Studio. To create the perfectly balanced outdoor area, they take into consideration the all-important sense of identity that is central to their work. For them, it is critical to be sensitive and work together with the particularities of each project and site. This includes cultural and historical references and other essential elements. By promoting environmental education and community participation their open and methodical approach allows for responsible designs that suit both the people using these areas and the broader landscape. They strongly believe that there is beauty in simplicity and that lucid, soft gestures can provide elegant and timeless spaces. This is truly an artform that has been greatly appreciated by a long list of clients.
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ADDRESS: Box 2012, Nairobi, Kenya / Le Cabane, Bordezac, 30160, France EMAIL: studio@thelandscapestudio.com WEBSITE: http://thelandscapestudio.com
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The resort offers luxurious, comfortable, mostly private accommodation that allows guests to relax and enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and mountains. The resort offers top notch facilities like ďŹ ne dining options, gymnasium, spa, swimming pool, games room, bar & lounge, boma and a beach shack. There are many activities that cater to all interests and age groups including hiking, kayaking, swimming & snorkelling, watersports and ďŹ shing.
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ATHINA LUXURY SUITES heated plunge pools and balcony hottubs. So, guests can enjoy a wonderful soak while soaking in the scenery. Discerning guests will no doubt notice the high quality amenities that have been sourced, such as the Guy Laroche linens, towels and bathrobes and the Hermes and Guerlain products that turn every suite into a private spa.
Perched on the cliffs of a caldera in Santorini is the most sought-after location in Fira. Immersed in tranquility, surrounded by breathtaking views, supplying world-class service and exquisite accommodation, Athina Luxury Suites have been defining relaxation and luxury since 2014 when the new owners Artemis Argyrou and Panagiotis Iglesis took over the hotel.
WHAT GUESTS CAN EXPECT Feedback from guests is very important to Panagiotis as he aims to provide a personalized boutique level of service. It also helps to further inspire and guide the twenty-eight members of staff to always do better. Already considered by many guests to be the best hotel on the island of Santorini, the aim is always to further impress and inspire.
THE SUITES With nineteen suites all blessed with the most stunning views of the ocean, the volcano and the magnificent sunset Athina creates a modern and comfortable setting for guests, like their luxury home away from home.
In early 2019 the hotel was fully renovated. This saw the addition of five totally new rooms, a brand-new restaurant (Esperisma Bar/ Restaurant), a new upper bar and a private candlelight dinner area, a totally new heated infinity pool with a pool-bar and a brand new Aphrodite Spa.
The styling and the decoration of the suites is a unique combination of minimalism and modernized traditionalism. The buildings themselves are constructed using local volcanic rocks and ecological materials from the very island. All of the rooms come equipped with showers and bathtubs and many of the suites also offer
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A PHILOSOPHY OF HOSPITALITY The ancient Greek idea of philoxenia inspires hospitality, generosity of spirit and warm welcomes. This is considered sacred at the hotel and the philosophy can be seen in everything that they do as they carry on the spirit of sophisticated hospitality that Greece is so famous for. Indeed, to ensure that nothing important or desired is missed, guests are encouraged to complete a questionnaire before they even depart so that preparations can be made.
FOOD Culinary pampering is something of a pleasure here. At the new Esperisma the bar is designed by the famous mixologist Mr.Papavramopoulos and the restaurant’s menu by the Executive Chef Mr.Vasilis Zacharakis makes use of only the freshest ingredients to create local dishes of the region and unique signature cocktails. The inspired wine list and the flawless service complete the excellence of the place.
A GREEN PHILOSOPHY Endeavouring to maintain the prestine conditions of Santorini, which is undeniably one of the more exquisite landscapes of the world, including multi-coloured cliffs and sparkling seas, the staff at Santorini have accepted it as their duty and privilege to ensure the longevity of this hallowed place. Without sacrificing any element of luxury or guest experience, Athina Luxury Suites have made several essential energy-saving and eco-friendly developments. These range from dual-flush toilets, LED bulbs and recycling to the creation of their own luxury, eco-friendly mattresses in all the rooms.
Proving that eco-conscious working and highend luxury can co-exist, Athina Luxury Suites has demonstrated why Greece was considered the seat of enlightenment for so many thousands of years. PRICE: The average price for the high season is around 800 euro per night including breakfast. ADDRESS: FIRA – SANTORINI - GREECE TELEPHONE: +30 228 602 4910 EMAIL: info@athinasuites.com WEBSITE: www.athinasuites.com
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THE PALACE HOTEL SLIEMA FIVE STAR LUXURY Situated in the heart of Sliema, The Palace Hotel is a 5 star city centre luxury hotel owned and operated by AX Hotels. The hotel comes highly rated for its high level of service, gastronomy and city centre location. Also, it caters for the professional traveller.
ROOMS All of the rooms overlook the city’s skyline comprised of the traditional limestone flat roofs that Sliema is so famous for as well as Valletta’s harbour in the distance. The Palace offers luxury hotel rooms with
17 comfort rooms overlooking the internal courtyard. 76 deluxe rooms, 40 superior rooms, 12 executive rooms, 6 Designer suites and 9 junior suites.
THE DESIGNER SUITE COLLECTION A massive USP of The Palace is it’s “Designer Suite Collection”. These elegantly furnished suites are inspired by beauty of the senses and offer different designs of view, texture, music, light
flavours and fragrance based on classical and contemporary lines. All aimed at providing the guest with an ultimate experience in hospitality which is exclusive to The Palace.
FACILITIES A wide selection of facilities are offered ranging from spa and health centres to advanced fitness equipment. There are also two swimming pools, one inside and one outside and a popular rooftop terrace where guests can experience the scenic views of the Mediterannean Harbour.
FOOD AND DRINK TemptAsian, which is listed as one of Malta’s leading 35 restaurants for high-standard fine cuisine and service has been followed by the Palace’s “The Tabloid Restaurant” which was awarded being one of the top 5 restaurants on the island for Sunday Buffet Lunches.
Talk of Town Café, at the Palace is an “All day bar, diner and café, serving breakfast items, afternoon tea, lunch time sandwiches and meals during the day. In the evening it transforms into a chic bar serving a vast range of fine wines, spirits, aperitifs, cocktails and food platters.
BUSINESS EVENTS, CONFERENCES AND WEDDINGS The Palace offers a variety of exclusive wedding and event venues designed from concept to décor stage in order to ensure the perfect setting.
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The hotel is one of the only hotels in Sliema that can offer the perfect setting for groups and conferences as well as weddings and events. The exclusive venues namely the Royal Hall, the State Hall and the Alexandra Gardens and the Tabloid. All venues can offer customised settings as well as pre-themed coffee breaks in prefunction areas or the Alexandra gardens. WIFI - super fast Languages - English and Maltese Check In time - 12pm TELEPHONE: 356 2133 3444 WEBSITE: www.thepalacemalta.com ADDRESS: High Street, Sliema SLM 1542, Malta
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LUPITA ISLAND RESORT Lake Tanganyika’s remote island paradise lengths to retain the natural beauty that attracted us to the island in the first place.”
THE DETAILS
LUPITA ISLAND Remote and amazingly beautiful, Lupita Island Resort is a luxurious, mostly private accommodation offering guests the opportunity to relax and enjoy the sublime views of one of the world’s oldest lakes and the Tanzanian mountains. While it offers the kind of activities that one would expect at a five-star luxury resort such as spa treatments, day activities and fine dining; it is the location and the wonderful ambiance of Lupita Island that makes this a truly unique and special destination.
Lupita Island is 110 acres in size and is located on Lake Tanganyika in Western Tanzania which is the longest lake in the world, the second oldest and the second deepest. It is a stopping point for many migratory birds and this is where its name Lupita comes from, which means “a place to rest on the way to somewhere else.” Ten lavishly decorated thatched-roof living spaces and two family cottages are now the main buildings on the island and blend in wonderfully with the natural vegetation. All of the villas have been carefully arranged to offer uninterrupted views of the lake and the mountains of which Tanzania is famous for, while providing privacy for the occupants.
We spoke with Belinda Lithgow, one of the directors who saw the creation of the Lupita Island Resort. She relates how prior to the resort Lupita Island was remote, deserted and unused. One of a cluster of islands in Lake Tanganyika and one of the only ones that had not been settled upon or used for fishing. “We approached the local government regarding building our resort here,” she explains, “And they were excited about the prospect. It took four years to construct and we have gone to great
WHAT TO EXPECT Belinda explains that luckily, Tanzania doesn’t really have a winter period, instead it has dry and wet seasons. So, the weather is warm all year round, “Our busiest times are June, July, August and December into January and February,” she says, “As those do coincide with many holiday times.” Getting to the island is as enjoyable an experience as staying there. The journey is really an extension of the sort of luxury that is making
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Lupita Island one of the top destinations for executives. Guests normally fly in from Arusha/ Serengeti and land at their private airstrip in Kipili where they are met by Lupita Island Staff. Then it’s a 10-minute drive to their mainland jetty and then only 10 minutes by speedboat to get to the island. Belinda reveals that they have managed to designate the bay between Lupita and its nearest neighbor as protected. She hopes this will encourage fish populations to grow. Already, snorkeling is a very popular activity where you get the chance to explore the rocks around the island and view the cichlids in the water. There is also kayaking, opportunities to handline fish with the locals from their wooden boat and a chance to explore the surrounding area. There is a lot of historic value in the location, such as the abandoned monastery about 10 minutes from the jetty on the mainland. Swimming is naturally very popular as are the sundowner cruises with cocktails and canapes to end off a busy day. Or maybe you would prefer a fully catered buffet on a deserted beach on one of the other islands? Belinda says that they have a lot of families and groups of friends who come to the island, but they don’t encourage children of seven or under, unless circumstances are discussed beforehand.
“Many of the activities are for older groups and may not be suitable for very small children,” she explains, “Lupita Island is a great place to come and recharge, reconnect and enjoy your time. It has been designed for people wanting to escape the cities and the offices to have some real downtime.”
CHALLENGES The remoteness and the difficulty in transportation of materials and supplies were a challenge when they first began construction for Lupita Island Resort. While construction teams were dealing with that, Belinda was dealing with another challenge. A more community focused one. “It was important to educate the villages and fishermen as to what tourism is all about. How we can work together and learning how to conserve the area while still keeping a good relationship,” she says. “I personally spoke to the villagers and fishermen and the local government officials,” she says, “We have a positive relationship and in time I think it will go a long way in understanding each other’s needs. This is their home and as such they need to feel respected and heard.”
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THE BUSINESS DRIVING BUSINESS TO LUPITA ISLAND Firelight safaris is a tour operation that books safari itineraries for the discerning traveler. And is the business running Lupita Island Resort’s booking and activities. They specialize in finding “out of the way” places, in areas that are not overrun by tourists. The sort of properties that do not pop up first on a Google search.
“Hidden and amazing destinations,” Belinda says, “We customize each itinerary working closely with our clients to put together a unique package suited to all their needs. We make sure everything is covered and no request is left unanswered.”
“Over the years we set up a semi-permanent camp in Serengeti and in Katavi National Park,” Belinda says, “But as the Serengeti and the North became more popular and “safari trips” became more commercialized we decided to close our Serengeti camp as we were not able to sell that unique destination we were promising. This gave us the chance to look for other destinations to sell to our clients.”
The business has been in operation since 1989. Originally starting with a mobile camp exploring the Northern circuit including Serengeti, where they camped in the Ngorongoro crater and other amazing parks. At that time there were very few tourists and seeing a lion kill was a very private affair. These were the days when the north of Tanzania was a wild, beautiful destination that was tourist free.
TRAINING AND RELATIONSHIPS All the staff at Lupita Island Lodge are trained locally onsite. Covering all aspects of the hospitality industry this education gives many opportunities to the locals. Especially the young people from surrounding fishing villages who have never worked before or done any type of life skills training except at school. Belinda explains that their commitment to this sort of endeavor helps them build up lasting relationships not only with their staff but with the community. It’s these sorts of relationships that generate the real value that Belinda treasures. “Officials who have come to visit us over the years have become friends,” she says, “Guides who trained with us are now people who I am in contact with in their every day lives. Staff
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who we trained many years ago and worked for us have gone on to open their own successful businesses. I can go to most places in Tanzania and I will meet people who know me or who have had some good impact on their lives through Firelight Safaris. It is a very good feeling.�
ADDRESS: Lupita Island, Kipili, Lake Tanganyika TELEPHONE: +255784278639 EMAIL: info@lupitaisland.com WEBSITE: www.lupitaisland.com
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