Embargoed 22 August 2024 00:01 TUI Group is being urged to end the sale and promotion of tours and activities where captive dolphins are used for entertainment in an open letter signed by celebrities including Alesha Dixon, Bella Ramsey, Deborah Meaden, Evanna Lynch, Gail Porter, Joanna Lumley, Jane Fallon, Mark Watson, Sarah Jane Morris, Richa Moorjani and Rou Reynolds, on behalf of World Animal Protection.

Dolphins are highly intelligent, powerful marine predators that, in their natural environment, swim and hunt across vast swathes of the oceans. Bottlenose dolphins can swim 100km in a day, and some species cover much more.  But confined to tiny, barren, concrete tanks thousands of times smaller than their natural space, exposed to infection and chemicals and often drugged to cope with captivity – they sadly can only swim a few metres at a time in any direction. The anxiety and stress can cause them to self-mutilate and become aggressive – all in the name of entertainment and profit. 

There are over 3000 dolphins held captive across the globe, TUI Group are profiting from the suffering of at least 400 of them at around 25 entertainment venues where they are deprived of almost all their natural behaviours.

Alesha Dixon, singer, author & TV personality, “TUI you are the last major tour operator in the UK selling tickets to dolphin entertainment. Dolphins are not entertainers they are sentient wild animals. Enough is enough. Join the other tour operators and stop profiting from this cruelty.”

Deborah Meaden, businessperson and TV personality, “I really can’t believe in this day and age we still have to point out the cruelty. Do the right thing TUI and do as your competitors have done and stop selling tickets to these cruel and exploitative attractions.”

Evanna Lynch, Actor and World Animal Protection Global Ambassador, “It is truly shameful that TUI is still choosing to take part in such an obviously cruel and outdated practice as captive dolphin ‘entertainment’. TUI it’s time to do the right thing and stop putting profit over animal welfare.”

Richa Moorjani, Actor and World Animal Protection Global Ambassador, “It’s deeply disappointing to see TUI still promoting dolphin performances. These intelligent creatures deserve to live in their natural habitats, not confined for human amusement. It’s time to end this cruelty and make compassionate choices.”

TUI Group are urged to join the ever-increasing movement of travel companies, governments and tourists who are saying no to cruel captive dolphin entertainment, but the travel giant continues to put profit over animal welfare.   

• In March 2024 easyJet holidays announced that they would not sell tickets to any captive wildlife attractions including captive cetacean venues 

• A few days later, Jet2holidays announced that they would stop selling captive dolphin venues 

• Virgin Holidays, Expedia Group, Booking.com and Airbnb have all long since committed to never selling tickets for these cruel and exploitative attractions 

• Canada and France, Brussels and New South Wales have all banned the keeping of whales and dolphins in captivity 

• Dutch travel association ANVR and South Africa’s SATSA state that captive cetacean entertainment is unacceptable in their guidelines for their member organisations  

• Strict regulations in the UK mean there have been no cetaceans in captivity for over 30 years 

Tricia Croasdell, World Animal Protection, CEO said, “The longer that influential companies like TUI Group continue promoting and selling tickets to captive dolphin entertainment, the worse the problem becomes. Selling tickets to such venues means more whales and dolphins are being bred into environments where they will never be able to thrive or carry out their natural behaviours. TUI has said that they know it is controversial and that more of their customers would rather see wild animals in the wild, so why are they stalling on this? The only reason can be profit and it is inexcusable for a multi-million-pound company to put profit before compassion.

“We need to make this the last generation of dolphins in captivity, and we need companies like TUI Group to stop propping up the industry before that can happen.”

Join the movement to call on TUI Group to end the sale and promotion of venues that use dolphins for entertainment, so that we can ensure this is the last generation of dolphins in captivity.   

-Ends-

Notes to Editor

• To read the full letter please click here

• Earlier this month World Animal Protection were joined by 14 other animal welfare organisations in a protest outside TUI Group’s Berlin HQ presenting a combined petition of 350,000 signatures from the general public who see the huge role TUI Group plays in perpetuating this cruel and outdated form of entertainment – which means a lifetime of these intelligent wild animals confined to tiny barren tanks performing circus tricks for food.

A PICTURE-PERFECT place to indulge in proper forest bathing, says Lifestyle Editor Catherine Bennion-Pedley.

Soaking up the forest views from the Cotswolds will leave you refreshed.

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THE LOWDOWN

Sitting on 3m-high stilts among towering pine trees and above a floor of ferns are seven beautifully designed treehouses that would leave TV architect George Clarke dewy-eyed.

Floor-to-ceiling windows make the most of the setting – especially those at the foot of the stone freestanding baths and king-size beds – while Sonos speakers, smart TVs, Sage coffee machines and stylish brass lamps all add to the luxe vibe.

Woodburners and underfloor heating keep things cosy, as does the wine and coffee in the welcome hamper.

A communal feasting table and games of Cornhole are nearby if you come with friends or family (some treehouses sleep five).

Strolls through ancient woodland begin from the bottom step. . .

WHAT WE LOVED

The bath ritual, £25, includes a red clay face mask, dried petals and handmade aloe vera body butter and it left our skin feeling properly pampered.

Plus, soaking up the forest views at every turn left us more refreshed than a spa stay.

WHAT WE DIDN’T LOVE

Some of the treehouses have balconies and baths that overlook the main track, so you may not feel quite as lost in the woods if you are staying in those, despite the clever privacy blinds!

OUT AND ABOUT

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The Royal Oak Ramsden is within walking distance and the food is insanely good – think maple and wildflower gin-cured trout, £7, seaweed buttered monkfish with samphire, clams and garlic, £32, and local Barnsley lamb with Cornish potatoes, £26.

Pair with Malmesbury white, £9 a glass (Royaloakramsden.com).

Foodie gem The Charlbury Deli & Cafe serves up an array of treats, including excellent cappuccinos and freshly baked chocolate cruffins (Charlburydeli.cafe) – they’ll fuel you on the pretty four-mile Oxon Way walk, which handily starts from the town.

Find eclectic lifestyle gifts at No.5 (Cotswoldframes. co.uk) and celeb-spot the likes of Princess Eugenie over a whisky sour, £12, and brown crab toast, £8, at The Bull (Thebullcharlbury.com).

Independent, family-owned Hook Norton Brewery is a 25-minute drive away and brilliant for ale fans – two-hour tours with tastings cost £20 per person.

Then tuck into a delicious steak and Hooky Ale pie, £15, at its Malthouse Kitchen (Hooky.co.uk), before browsing for books at Jaffé & Neale (Jaffeandneale.co.uk) and antiques at Station Mill, both in Chipping Norton (Stationmill.com).

Spotting giraffes, rhinos and lemurs at Cotswold Wildlife Park won’t disappoint, either. Entry costs from £17.50 per adult (Cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk).

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THE DAMAGE

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Stays at TreeDwellers cost from £220 per night (Treedwellers.co.uk).

New Spa Set to Enhance Guest Experience and Boost Local Employment in Norfolk

[King’s Lynn, Norfolk, August 15, 2024]: Ffolkes, a unique hotel & dining destination in Hillington, is excited to announce a substantial £2.5 million investment in the development of a state-of-the-art spa facility, set to open in late summer 2025.

Ffolkes Spa will be a luxurious haven for relaxation and rejuvenation, featuring an extensive thermal experience; including five hot tubs, three saunas, three steam rooms, various relaxation spaces, treatment rooms, and a lounge and bar, making it the largest and best-equipped facility of its kind in Norfolk.

In 2023, the UK Spa Market was valued at £3.1 billion and is projected to reach £5.7 billion by 2032. Ffolkes’ new spa facility is perfectly positioned to meet this growing demand, providing a leading wellness destination for Norfolk and East Anglia.

Additionally, twelve of Ffolkes’ bedrooms will have direct access to the spa, enhancing the guest experience and complementing the recently-opened Spa Cabins with private hot tub and sauna facilities. The development is anticipated to create new jobs in the community, including positions for reception staff, spa attendants, cleaners, and therapists.

“We are thrilled to bring this exciting new offering to Ffolkes and the Norfolk community,” said Iain Wilson, Owner of Ffolkes. “Having run a successful spa offering at The Pigs, Edgefield, since 2017, this investment demonstrates our commitment to providing top-tier spa experiences for our guests, supporting local employment, and servicing a growing demand for wellness experiences, especially in the East Anglia region.”

The new spa will provide exclusive day guest access to holders of a Norfolk Passport, a free-to-join membership programme providing exclusive perks across leading Norfolk experiences, including: The Pigs at Edgefield, Byfords of Holt, The Assembly House in Norwich, Shirehall Apartments in Holt, and Beachside Apartments in Sheringham. Find out more at: https://www.norfolkpassport.com/

About Ffolkes

Ffolkes is a quirky and characterful hotel in Hillington, King’s Lynn, formerly an old coaching inn. With 23 funky bedrooms, three Spa Cabins, container golf, and street food vendors cooking up a storm in the kitchen, it’s the ultimate hub for FEAST, STAY, PLAY. With Sandringham Hall and Gardens just a short drive away and expansive sandy beaches as little as a 15-minute drive away, it’s the ideal base for a north Norfolk stay.

The hotel is also home to Stables, a self-contained wedding and events venue that caters for up to 200 people and hosts a variety of fun and funky events throughout the year. Learn more at https://www.ffolkes.org.uk/ or follow @theffolkes on Instagram.

FLOATING in my overwater villa’s private infinity pool, I watch a pair of stingrays glide serenely through the turquoise sea below.

So far, so idyllic.

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It’s just how you’d imagine a dream holiday to the Maldives to be.

But Siyam World island resort on the Noonu atoll is so much more.

Fancy jumping into a go-kart for a scream around their jungle racetrack?

Or how about challenging Rio Ferdinand to a kickabout on the full-size football pitch — he’s there this October half term.

Why not splash about on the largest floating water park in the Indian Ocean or saddle up one of the magnificent horses at the island’s ranch?

You can take to the calm, clear waters for a snorkelling safari or a sunset cruise to spot dolphins.

Jump into a canoe or laser boat to cut through the waves or catch the breeze windsurfing or paddleboarding.

And that’s before we’ve even talked about the entertainment, vast spa complex or the four swish pools.

It was my first time on a Maldivian island and the 5* Siyam World blew all my pre-conceptions out of the water.

I’d always been slightly worried by the thought of simply lounging about on white sand beaches and swimming in those stunning seas.

Would I get bored?

The answer is absolutely not.

Siyam World says it offers WOW-inclusive holidays and I can’t disagree.

The island — a thrilling 40-minute sea-plane ride from Male’s international airport — is one of the largest in the Maldives archipelago.

It’s even easier to reach now with Virgin Atlantic’s new daily direct flights from Heathrow.

And at Siyam World, so much is included in your stay you’d struggle to do it all in a month.

Of course, the island’s idyllic beaches — all 2.5 powder-soft miles of them — are the perfect place to top up the tan.

Its 6km house coral reef just off shore promises snorkellers and scuba divers astonishing marine life.

And while the Maldives has always appealed to couples and honeymooners, this resort is also very family-friendly.

Tucked away among the lush foliage, its kids’ club is built around the vast trunk of a banyan tree, its branches shading a splash pool with inflatables.

There’s kids’ yoga and zumbini fitness classes for kids and teens and a huge array of activities to keep them happy.

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That doesn’t distract from grown-up fun though.

The adults-only Mint infinity pool was perfect for those Instagram selfies and the sheer choice of bars and restaurants — all included in the price — was dizzying.

There’s no doubt this is a luxury resort but for a special anniversary, birthday or blow the budget multi-generational trip the prices hands-down beat comparable high-end European resorts.

And what you can’t recreate elsewhere is the relaxed Maldivian welcome.

Every single member of staff greeted us with a warm smile and couldn’t do enough to make us feel instantly at home.

No more so than at the island’s nine restaurants and seven bars.

All included, you can take your pick from the bountiful buffet or dine around the world with Maldivian, Indian, Italian, Thai and Spanish options to name a few.

Highlight of my first night was not just the authentic flavours of the Takrai Thai restaurant on its own little pier — but the vast shoals of fish and baby reef sharks swimming in the waters.

‘CLASSY COCKTAILS’

Another favourite was the Kaag, the Maldivian restaurant with the freshest seafood and creamy, spicy curries.

There’s live music and dancing into the night with all the bars serving premium spirits and classy cocktails as well as an impressive range of wines.

Favourites for me included beachside Shipwrecked and Together for breathtaking sunset views.

And nothing can beat the experience of watching the sun rise from your very own patio or terrace.

There are 16 different types of villas on the island sleeping two to 12, ranging from those with direct beach access and private pools to overwater villas complete with helter-skelter slides.

We combined the thrills of Siyam World with a more relaxed, laidback luxury experience at the nearby sister resort of Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, just a short speedboat ride away.

Here we’re greeted yet again by smiling, dancing staff who whizz us to our overwater villas in colourful electric buggies.

But there’s barely time to take in the views from our spacious terraces and beamed bedrooms before we’re heading back out into the ocean.

Climbing aboard a traditional Maldivian fishing boat, we’re handed glasses of champagne and set off in search of dolphins.

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Within minutes we’re watching as hundreds leap from the water around us.

Sailing back to Iru Fushi as the sun sets we’re rewarded with a sky vividly streaked with reds and oranges on the endless horizon.

Like Siyam World, Iru Fushi features a host of included bars and restaurants, all serving up sophisticated grub in super-relaxed, rustic settings.

Siyam has transformed my view of the Maldives — and I can’t wait to get back and explore more.

‘GATE lice’ is a derogatory term used in the air travel community to describe a certain group of passengers.

Here’s everything you need to know about what a gate louse is and why they are seen as a nuisance.

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What are gate lice?

People who crowd around boarding gates well before their designated boarding time are referred to by airline workers as ‘gate lice’.

The phenomenon has become increasingly common and can significantly impact the airport experience for both travelers and airline staff alike.

Gate lice behavior is characterized by passengers gathering near the boarding gate, often blocking access and creating congestion.

These individuals typically aim to be among the first to board the plane, despite having assigned seats.

The term has gained recognition among frequent flyers and airline employees, who often express frustration with this practice.

Shira Gabriel, a psychology professor at the University of Buffalo, told told The Washington Post: “People will do any weird thing if they think that’s the way to behave.

“When you see people lining up, getting ready, it makes you feel there’s a benefit for that”.

Causes

Several factors contribute to the gate lice phenomenon.

Some attribute this behavior to inexperienced travelers who may not fully understand airline boarding procedures.

The desire to secure overhead bin space for carry-ons is also believed to be a significant motivator — especially given baggage fees and concerns about lost luggage.

Queueing early can provide a sense of control and reduce stress for anxious travelers.

When people see others lining up, they tend to follow suit, believing it’s the correct behavior.

The phenomenon has reportedly increased following the Covid-19 pandemic, possibly due to heightened travel anxiety.

Psychologist Dr Audrey Tang told Metro.co.uk: “Queueing for boarding as soon as we are able to can help us to feel in control, which in turn makes us feel less stressed.”

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She added: “Maybe some people just like to be first, but it’s largely to do with keeping ourselves calm.”

Impact

Gate lice can negatively affect various aspects of the airport experience:

• Congestion: Crowding at gates can lead to confusion and difficulty moving through the boarding area
• Delayed boarding: The need to clear non-priority passengers from the boarding area can slow down the process for those with priority boarding
• Accessibility: Large crowds can make it challenging for passengers with mobility issues or those in wheelchairs to access the boarding area
• Stress: The competitive atmosphere created by gate lice can heighten anxiety for all travelers
• Inefficiency: The disorganized nature of early queuing can make the entire boarding process less efficient

Response

Airlines have implemented various strategies to address the gate lice problem.

Secret cabin crew phrases

Flight attendants have a special language they use to talk about passengers.

Here are some of the secret phrases used by pilots and cabin crew:

• Cropdusting: If a passenger is being very rude and difficult, then it’s not unheard of for a flight attendant to break wind and ‘cropdust’ past the offender.
• Code Adam: This is used by airport staff to alert other staff of a missing child, in honour of Adam Walsh, a child who was abducted in a department store in 1981.
• 7500: If a pilot squawks “7500” it means the plane has been hijacked, or a hijacking is a threat.
• Crosscheck: If you hear this phrase, usually made by senior cabin crew, it means that the emergency slides attached to each door have been deactivated.
• ABP: translates to ‘able bodied passengers’ — individuals that the crew seek out just in case of an emergency.
• Runners: Those who sprint from one connecting flight to another because their first flight was late.
• Spinner: Somebody who turns up late without an assigned seat, with crew dubbing them ‘spinners’ as they usually look flustered as they search for a seat and space in the overhead lockers.
• Blue juice: Refers to the liquid used to flush the contents of the plane loo.
• Crotch watch: What crew do to check you have got your seat belt fastened before takeoff and landing.

They have created dedicated lanes for elite fliers and introduced priority boarding programs for specific customer groups.

Some have even been testing new technologies to deal with the issue, such as American Airlines’ system that alerts gate agents when passengers attempt to board too early.

Recommendations

To avoid being labeled as a gate louse and contribute to a smoother airport experience, travelers should:

• Remain seated until their boarding group is called
• Stand away from the immediate gate area to avoid congestion
• Be aware of surroundings and respectful of other passengers’ space and boarding priorities
• Trust the assigned seating system and understand that boarding earlier doesn’t necessarily mean a faster departure

By being mindful of this type of behavior and its impact can contribute to a more pleasant and efficient airport experience for everyone.

As the air travel industry continues to evolve, finding solutions to this counterproductive conduct remains an ongoing challenge for airlines and passengers alike.

Leading male sexual abuse and rape charity, We Are Survivors, has today published it’s latest edition of it’s new quarterly magazine Beyond the Silence featuring cover star Barney Walsh.

In this latest edition, the charity formally launches it’s new support provision for the wives and husbands, girlfriends and boyfriends, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, and all the loved ones of male victims/survivors with the ‘Supporter Safe Room’. The founder and Chief Executive Officer, Duncan Craig OBE, said:

“We’ve always provided 1:1 therapy support for those amazing and often unsung heroes – those that support male survivors; but after many conversations and much discussion with those loved ones, we’re now providing a safe space for them to meet together and hopefully find some strength in the same thing that survivors find it in… togetherness”.

The magazine also includes a feature on the ISVA team talking about the difference having an ISVA can make to a victims journey; highlights a new project the charity is leading on across Greater Manchester in build six new ABE interview suites in voluntary sector organisations which will give victim the opportunity to undertake their Police interview in a space they feel comfortable in and not necessarily have to go to a Police Station; and celebrates the work of the charity’s support of apprenticeships, including talking to one who picked up a number of awards along the way!

The cover star, Barney Walsh, talks about his preparation as an actor taking on a male survivor storyline that We Are Survivors has been supporting the BBC Casualty team on, and also includes work the organisation has done with Hollyoaks, Coronation Street and Eastenders.

As the organisation magazine ‘hits the shelves’, it also publicly notes 50% more active clients than previously, something the team welcomes and puts down to its work on TV in telling male survivor stores and showing silent survivors they exist.