Travellanda Appoints Adela Bigeriego

Travellanda, the award-winning and fastest-growing wholesale travel company in the UK, has appointed Adela Bigeriego as Head of Product. In this new role, she will be responsible for the optimization of existing suppliers as well as addition of new hotel, activities and transfer suppliers.

Adela joins Travellanda from Metglobal – HotelsPro DMC London, where she was Head of Suppler Relations. There, she planned and led a supplier strategy which delivered millions of dollars in savings. This was achieved through a new, more effective mark-up model that directed business to the most profitable suppliers, integration of 25 new suppliers, exclusive promotions, a sharper focus on customer demand, an enhanced service level agreement (SLA) and multi-currency payment. Previously, she held two Sales Director roles, latterly on a European level for Metglobal/HotelsPro, where she opened a new London office, and previously for Tourico across the Middle East, where she increased sales in the region by 600%.

Prior to a 9-year spell at Tourico from 2007 to 2016, Adela worked at Gulliver's Travel Associates (GTA) in operations, JacTravel in business development, the Spanish Tourist Office in London and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Brussels in marketing, and the Universite Pierre Mendes in Grenoble as a language instructor. She has an MA in Economics of International Trade and European Integration from Staffordshire University, UK and an undergraduate degree in Economics and Management Administration from the Universidad de Cantabria, Spain.

Ahmad Alkatib, Director of Travellanda said: "I am delighted Adela has joined us. She has a very impressive track record of achievement in travel wholesaling that embraces all aspects of the business, including sales, procurement, technology, marketing and operations. I have every confidence that she will do great things to improve our product offering to the travel trade."

Adela added: "I am very excited to be joining Travellanda. I am really impressed with the way in which the company has grown and with the people I have met. There is an energy and an enthusiasm for technology that makes me feel I will be in my element and I will have the opportunity to make an extremely positive contribution."

Adela will be attending ITB Asia and World Travel Market, where she will be available to meet current and prospective suppliers.

LG SIGNATURE products launched

Joined by Premium Dryer and Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator in LG SIGNATURE's First Expansion Since 2016 Launch

LG Electronics (LG) will unveil an expanded LG SIGNATURE ultra-premium product lineup at IFA 2018 in Berlin, highlighted by a new wine cellar, dryer and bottom-freezer refrigerator.

The concept, The Art of Essence, was the inspiration behind the philosophy of the LG SIGNATURE brand, which launched in 2016. LG SIGNATURE products were stripped of all features that detracted from the brand's spirit, resulting in the streamlined look that exemplifies products of the finest quality that deliver a sense of exclusivity to its owners.

The exclusive LG SIGNATURE wine cellar is capable of storing 65 bottles within its sleek metal frame and features numerous innovative technologies such as Multi Temperature Control which creates the ideal storage conditions for different types of wine. The drawer refrigerator in the wine cellar with Automatic Lift allows for easy access to the wine inside with the press of a button. Use voice recognition to open the door or turn on the interior light to see what's inside through the darkened glass, saving energy and avoiding unnecessary exposure to sunlight.

A high-end clothes dryer will be joining LG SIGNATURE for the first time this year. The 10kg dryer can detect the amount of laundry inside the drum and adjust setting to match, with no input from the user. A rapid drying feature is complemented by the advanced Condenser Automatic Cleansing System which uses streaming water to clear away lint build up, allowing the dryer to operate consistently at peak efficiency.

The new LG SIGNATURE bottom-freezer refrigerator boasts an array of advanced features including Automatic Lift to raise the drawer to eye level for easier access to the contents. The improved Auto Door Open feature senses when a person approaches and automatically opens the door twice as wide as before, a real convenience when one's arms are full of groceries.

To highlight the wine cellar's aesthetics and advanced technology, LG SIGNATURE partnered with James Suckling, a prominent figure in the international wine community whose reviews are widely read and respected. Mr. Suckling will host several wine tasting sessions for VIP guests at the LG SIGNATURE booth in Messe Berlin on August 30 and 31, highlighting the wine cellar's ability to preserve or improve a wine's flavor. French winery Lou Dumont will also be on hand to serve visitors a sampling of its best vintage.

"Combining beautiful design with the latest technologies while staying true to a product's essence is what LG SIGNATURE is all about," said Song Dae-hyun, president of LG's Home Appliance & Air Solution Company. "Expanding our LG SIGNATURE collection to seven products allows even more consumers to experience the joy of owning a home appliance that resembles a work of art."

South Australian Government creates work experience opportunities for international students

The Marshall Government deploys experiential learning technology Practera, by Australian edtech startup Intersective, driving real-world learning

The South Australian Marshall Government has partnered with Australian education technology startup Intersective to launch and pilot a new program to give international students at SA universities work experience opportunities in local businesses, aimed at strengthening their cultural immersion and language skills.

143 international students from the University of Adelaide, Flinders University, UniSA and Torrens University undertook three-week projects for business, local government and not-for-profit organisations as part of the Adelaide Engage Work Experience Network (AEWEN).

Students, mentors and educators were supported through an Adelaide Engage app, which was built on Intersective's Practera, an experiential learning technology platform.

South Australian Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment David Ridgway said the opportunity to work on real-world business problems while studying would provide a unique hands-on experience in the South Australian business environment.

"Students will be guided throughout by a range of experienced mentors and supported by the Practera app to learn project management and team building skills. Participation in Adelaide Engage will enhance their job opportunities here and in their home country," he said.

"Businesses including SA Water, Bupa, Trajan Medical & Scientific, Chooks SA, Barossa Fine Foods, and Bank SA can tap into the wealth of bilingual, regional and cultural nous students have to help businesses grow."

Jinhong Park, a Korean student from Adelaide University, said the opportunity to get real-world experience was massive. "It was a great experience to engage in a real business project that cannot easily be done by online research. I enjoyed the opportunity to use the skills and knowledge that I am learning at Adelaide University."

Peiyan Li, from Flinders University, agreed. "I met people from different backgrounds and we all learned from each other. In the real world, it is essential to work as a team and be an active team player.

"AEWEN provides a really great opportunity for international students to engage with real work experience. During the three weeks, our members and I worked hard and contributed and facilitated discussions on a variety of ideas. I really enjoyed

this program and highly recommend to my peers."

Sebastian Pabon, a student from Torrens University, said the experience gave him confidence in his future.

"Being the team leader for this project has given me very first insight into how to be a project manager," he said.

"Dealing with life, university, project, stakeholders, team members, etc, is certainly stressful. However, learning about myself and my strengths, how I managed the team and the outcome we delivered, makes me believe that I have qualities and aptitudes as a project manager."

Minister Ridgway spoke further about the broader context for the initiative.

"To support the international education sector the State Government has increased funding to StudyAdelaide to $2.5 million each year so it can continue to promote our state and encourage more students like yourselves, to live and learn in our state," he said.

"We are also looking to double the international student ambassador campaign and strengthen interaction with overseas education agents to promote our interests overseas.

"We want to be able to further our educational ties, through partnerships with other international educational institutes."

Recent ABS data revealing international student spending in South Australia reached an all-time high of $1.54 billion in 2017, up 9.4 percent from the previous year.

Minister Ridgway said international education is South Australia's largest service export, and our second largest export overall after wine.

"We are committed to further growing this crucial economic sector," he said.

"It's estimated that each international student enrolment contributes an average of $29,600 to the local economy and every four enrolments support one full-time equivalent job in South Australia.

"International students also contribute to city vibrancy, and our government is increasing its work with South Australian companies to support individual business export growth to markets such as China."

Intersective co-founder and co-CEO Beau Leese said his company was delighted to supporting the next wave of real-world learning in South Australia.

"The Adelaide Engage Work Experience Network is a perfect example of the kind of program we built our Practera platform to support – universities, students, mentors and businesses collaborating systematically in experiential learning.

"These types of programs are key for people and organisations to build real-world skills for the jobs of the future – but delivering them sustainably at large scale is hard. Practera helps program managers deliver better outcomes by keeping learners, mentors and educators engaged and aligned, and providing rich data analytics for quality management.

"We're excited to work with forward-thinking partners like the South Australian Government to enable this amazing program."

WHITE STREET MARKET

WHITE MAN & WOMAN con WHITE STREET MARKET ha confermato l'efficacia del nuovo format streetwear e sportswear aperto a buyer e pubblico finale. Con un calendario di oltre 20 happening tra workshop, mostre, showcase ed eventi musicali WHITE STREET MARKET, già dalla prima edizione, è riuscito a coinvolgere la città di Milano e il Tortona Fashion District, portando un totale di oltre 8.800 visitatori nei tre giorni (16/18 giugno) tra buyer, giornalisti e consumatori finali. Anche i numeri dei social media lo dimostrano: l'Instagram neo nato di WHITE STREET MARKET (@white_streetmarket) è salito a 3.221 follower in pochi giorni con 200.000 impressions sul profilo, che è stato ricercato da 50.000 account in due giorni. Se da un lato l'innovazione con il lancio del nuovo festival streetwear si è rivelato particolarmente efficace, dall'altro resta l'impasse diffusa sulla fashion week uomo milanese.

Così commenta Massimiliano Bizzi, fondatore di WHITE: "WHITE STREET MARKET premia tutti noi per il coraggio e un grande lavoro nell'aver creato una formula che innova il nostro settore e lo rende più contemporaneo. Alla prima edizione ha già superato i 8.800 visitatori e farà parte certamente del nostro futuro solo per le edizioni dell'uomo. Le difficoltà sulla data dell'uomo, per quanto riguarda l'affluenza dei buyer a Milano durante la moda uomo, erano già state ampiamente evidenziate. Probabilmente è stato proprio questo a spronarci a metterci al lavoro su quello che di nuovo abbiamo inventato: una formula che coinvolge sia il B2B, sia il B2C".

Sulla stessa linea è Cristina Tajani, Assessore alla Moda, Design e Attività Produttive del Comune di Milano che ha dichiarato: "Con WHITE abbiamo subito condiviso un punto di vista: ripensare alla formula del menswear per valorizzare il legame stretto con la città e con chi la vive. La prontezza e la velocità di reazione di WHITE ci hanno permesso di avviare subito un cambiamento straordinario all'Ex Ansaldo che torna a vivere anche durante il mese di giugno".

Da un lato il salone ha scommesso sulla qualità della ricerca e internazionalità delle proposte al Tortona 27 Superstudio Più con brand internazionali come Matthew Miller (Special Guest), Abasi Rosborough (Special Designer), Sagittaire A (Special Project), AVAVAV, WRAD e IH NOM UH NIT, che con il suo show ha coinvolto stampa e buyer. Senza contare le presenze di importanti showroom come Vald Agency, Six London, Baltimora Studio e anche Tomorrow London Ltd per il progetto Athleisure: AHEAD - The Function Room.

Un edizione che ha puntato tutto sulla qualità grazie alla presenza di top retailer esteri come Barney's (Giappone), Beams, Bloomingdale's che ha apprezzato la parte sulla sostenibilità, Harvey Nichols, Isetan, Le Bon Marchè, LN-CC, United Arrows, Takashimaya, Printemps, tanto per citarne alcuni.

WHITE MAN & WOMAN, with WHITE STREET MARKET, has confirmed the efficacy of the new streetwear and sportswear format, open to both buyers and end-users. With a calendar of over 20 happenings, including workshops, shows, showcases and music events, WHITE STREET MARKET, at its first edition, has been able to involve Milan and the Tortona Fashion District, with over 8.800 visitors in just three days (from June 16th to June 18th), including buyers, journalists and end-users, as the social media numbers have also shown: the newly- born Instagram of WHITE STREET MARKET (@white_streetmarket) has reached 3.221 followers in few days, with 200.000 impressions on its profile, which has been searched by 50.000 accounts in two days. If, on the one hand, the innovation with the launch of the new streetwear festival has turned out to be very successful, on the other hand, the impasse on Milan’s men’s fashion week has not been overcome.

So Massimiliano Bizzi, founder of WHITE: “WHITE STREET MARKET has rewarded us all, our courage and our great job in developing a formula capable of innovating our sector and making it more contemporary. At its first edition, the new format has already reached over 8.800 visitors, and it will for sure be part of our future only for the men’s editions. The difficulties on the dates of the men’s section, as regards the buyers’ turnout in Milan during the men’s fashion week, had already been highlighted. Probably this is what prompted us to get to work and promptly design something utterly new, a new formula involving both the B2B and the B2C”.

On the same page is Cristina Tajani, Councillor for Fashion, Design and Productive Activities of the Municipality of Milan, who stated: “With WHITE we have immediately shared a viewpoint: the need to rethink the menswear formula, so as to make the most of the close connection with the city and those who inhabit it. The promptness and WHITE’s reaction time have allowed us to introduce an extraordinary change at Ex Ansaldo, which has been revitalized also during the month of June”.

On the one hand, the tradeshow has relied on the quality of the research and the internationality of the proposals at Tortona 27 Superstudio Più, with international brands like Matthew Miller (Special Guest), Abasi Rosborough (Special Designer), Sagittaire A (Special Project), AVAVAV, WRAD and IH NOM UH NIT, which with its show, has captivated press and buyers alike. Not to mention the presence of important showrooms like Vald Agency, Six London, Baltimora Studio and also Tomorrow London Ltd for the project Athleisure: AHEAD - The Function Room.

An edition that has fully relied on quality thanks to the presence of top international retailers like Barney’s (Japan), Beams, Bloomingdale’s, which has appreciated the take on sustainability, Harvey Nichols, Isetan, Le Bon Marchè, LN-CC, United Arrows, Takashimaya, Printemps, to mention just a few.

Western Digital’s new My Passport Wireless SSD now available in Australia

Designed for avid photographers and drone enthusiasts who require durable and high-performance media capture solutions, Western Digital is rolling out the all-new My Passport Wireless SSD in Australia.




The My Passport Wireless SSD features one-touch card copy to enable editing and sharing of content out in the field, as well as a new capability to directly access the device within third-party mobile creative apps, like FiLMiC Pro and LumaFusion.

Below are more features of the Western Digital My Passport Wireless SSD:

• Built-in SDTM card reader with up to 65MB/s* read speeds and one-touch copy button that makes it easy to quickly backup photos and videos from an SD card without a computer or additional software 
• Durable, shock-resistant SSD inside that helps keep content safe from shock, vibrations and drops up to one (1) meter, even when the drive is in operation 
• Fast SSD transfer speeds (up to 390 MB/s read) when using the USB 3.0 port to move files to and from PC or Mac computers 
• All-day battery life (up to 10 hours** of continuous use) 
• Wirelessly stream 4K videos*** and view photos with the My CloudTM mobile app 
• RAW image support. Visit support.wd.com for a full list of supported RAW images. 

"As a travel photographer I'm often on the road, sometimes spending up to three weeks of the month away from home. From some of the most remote parts of Australia to Zimbabwe my camera gear and I are never in one place for too long. Having the right tools to do my job is key for me and access to a fast SSD in the field is crucial to my workflow. With this simple and easy to use device I can backup my photos through the simple touch of a button, review my photos in real-time via the My Cloud App and even charge all of my devices so they can outlast a long shoot day," said, Lauren Bath, Australian travel photographer.

The My Passport Wireless SSD is now available at key IT retail outlets & online stores including JB Hi-FI, Ted's Cameras and Amazon.com.au.

Pricing (RRP) starts at $429.00 for 250GB, $529.00 for 500GB, $849.99 for 1TB and $1,399.99 for 2TB.

For more information, please visit our website.

Top 10 Travel Experiences

TOP 10 UNFORGETTABLE TRAVEL EXPERIENCES.

Luxury travel operator has established a well-deserved reputation for creating inspirational travel experiences in some of the most remote, exclusive and exotic destinations on Earth.

"Staying ahead of the game is something we really pride ourselves on", says Michael McCall. "Our local guides are constantly on the look-out for new activities and unique experiences for our guests."

Michael has selected ten of Sanctuary Retreats' favourites experiences (in no particular order). Read on for your next travel inspiration.

1. Exploring the Zambezi by canoe at Sussi & Chuma, Zambia

Take a walk on the wild side and track wildlife on foot. According to Michael, this is an experience of a lifetime. Guests can explore channels and rapids on the mighty Zambezi River on inflatable canoes accompanied by professional guides, along with close encounters with some of Africa's 'big five' game to boot.

http://www.sanctuaryretreats.com/zambia-lodges-sussi-chuma-activities

2. Mokoro Excursion at Sanctuary Baines' Camp, Botswana

In Botswana's Okavango Delta, one of the best ways to see the wildlife is from one of the locally made dugout canoes, known as mokoros. At Sanctuary Baines Camp, guests can take a leisurely ride in one of these traditional vessels around the waterways and lagoons that make up the Delta, looking for crocodiles and hippo, while enjoying a remarkable view of the plains game from a very different perspective. This gentle and informative mode of safari is unique to the river Bushmen, comprising three different tribes who made the Delta their home. For the less intrepid, the camp also has motorised speedboats that can be used when the rivers are in flood.

http://www.sanctuaryretreats.com/botswana-camps-baines-activities

3. Cooking at Sanctuary Swala, Tanzania

According to Michael one of the most popular activities at Sanctuary Swala Camp is its Chef Experience. "We find that our guests have never done anything quite like this before and really enjoy themselves trying out local delicacies. Our chef shows them how to make dishes from local ingredients like maize, beans and spinach, using a traditional Jika senefu stove. And once the meal is ready, one of our staff will also instructs them how to eat dishes – local style".

http://www.sanctuaryretreats.com/tanzania-camps-swala-activities

4. Visit Tujia boatmen in China on The Yangzi Explorer

On China's mighty Yangtze River guests aboard the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer can visit the Shennong Stream on one of the many shore excursions on offer. Crystalline waters, verdant forests and stunning riverine gorges provide an incredible backdrop for an experience aboard local sampans (wooden long-boats) rowed by expert Tujia boatmen. According to Michael guests are also fascinated to see the Tujia boatmen still wearing traditional handmade sandals to work on the boats.

http://www.sanctuaryretreats.com/china-cruises-yangzi-explorer

5. Sin Kyun village visit in Myanmar

Several years ago, Sanctuary Retreats began sponsoring Sin Kyun, a small remote village just north of Mandalay. With a population of just under 1,000 inhabitants, it specialises in farming and hat making. Guests aboard the Sanctuary Ananda can visit the village and witness first-hand a traditional way of life, little altered for centuries, in an unspoilt location seldom viewed by outsiders. Following the Village Chief's request, Sanctuary Retreats has donated the much-needed funds for a library and a house for an English teacher.

http://www.sanctuaryretreats.com/4-night-myanmar-ayeyarwady-river-cruise-mandalay-bagan

6. Batwa tribe experience at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge, Uganda

In the Bwindi Impenetrable Forrest, guests have a unique opportunity to meet the local Batwa tribe and learn about their way of life, including a traditional hunting and gathering demonstration, a musical performance and a visit by the local 'goddess'. Says Michael, "The Batwa tribe are the oldest inhabitants of the Great Lakes region of Central Africa and speak largely the same language as the Hutu and Tutsi groups of Rwanda. Like most of the tribes in Africa, they have moved from place to place and are now found mainly in Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and eastern portions of the DRC."

http://www.sanctuaryretreats.com/uganda-camps-gorilla-forest-activities

7. Sail the Nile on a traditional Felucca, Egypt

Egypt's rich history has created a tapestry of cultural and archaeological treasures unmatched anywhere – so much so that the country is home to an estimated one third of the world's antiquities. According to Michael, a cruise down the mighty Nile offers up one of the best ways to explore these, with Sanctuary Retreats offering up four luxurious ships to choose from – Sanctuary Sun Boat III, Sanctuary Sun Boat IV, Sanctuary Nile Adventurer or Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau. But for truly authentic experience, he recommends taking a ride on a felucca, a typical Egyptian sail boat, around Elephantine Island, Lord Kitchener's Botanical Gardens, and the Agha Khan Mausoleum for a very different perspective of one of the world's great waterways.

http://www.sanctuaryretreats.com/egypt-holidays

8. Bathe under the stars at Sanctuary Baines' Camp, Botswana

For one of the most romantic experiences, Michael reckons it's hard to go past a star-lit bath at Sanctuary Baines' Camp in Botswana. "This is the ultimate in safari chic. The camp is built on raised platforms high above the Boro River in amidst a grove of trees bordering the Moremi Game Reserve. The private star bath allows you to enjoy an open-air bubble bath under the stars, as you soak in style. Truly unforgettable."

http://www.sanctuaryretreats.com/botswana-camps-baines-accommodation

9. Star gazing in Serengeti at Sanctuary Kusini, Tanzania

Most visitors come to Africa looking for the wildlife and the beauty, yet one of the most spectacular sights of all is hardly ever mentioned – the African night sky, offering some of the best star gazing in the world. One of Michael's favourite past times? Settling into luxurious blankets and cushions around the campfire at Sanctuary Kusini exploring the beauty of an African night sky.

http://www.sanctuaryretreats.com/tanzania-camps-kusini-activities

10. Nature walk at Sanctuary Olonana, Kenya

Last on Michael's list is a walk with the camp naturalist at Sanctuary Olonana and a chance to learn about plants, trees and insects and their use in the daily lives of the Maasai tribe. He'll also share his intimate knowledge about the surrounding environment and how many of the trees and plants can be used for medicinal purposes. Guests are also encouraged to plant a tree, leaving a positive mark in Africa.

http://www.sanctuaryretreats.com/kenya-camps-olonana-activities

Western Digital helps shape the future of large-scale Cloud infrastructure

#cloud #HelioSeal
 
Company's Ultrastar® Hs14 SMR HDDs Help Deliver Increased Power Efficiency, Storage Density and Long-Term Advantages Within Custom-Built Dropbox Infrastructure

Creating environments for data to thrive, Western Digital Corporation (NASDAQ: WDC) today disclosed that Dropbox Inc. (NASDAQ: DBX), a leading global collaboration platform, has qualified and is the first to deploy the Ultrastar® Hs14 host-managed shingled magnetic recording (SMR) hard disk drive (HDD) at exabyte scale in its custom-built storage infrastructure, Magic Pocket. Staying on the leading-edge of data technology advancements, Dropbox completed qualification and is deploying SMR for its cloud storage environment. Leveraging the 14TB Ultrastar Hs14 HDDs and the company's custom-built storage architecture, Dropbox is taking advantage of greater storage density and increased power efficiency, at the same level of reliability for primary storage in its cloud data centers.

"The launch of Magic Pocket was an industry-defining milestone for cloud infrastructure that provided Dropbox the foundation for delivering value to our customers and business through ongoing innovation and cost savings," said Akhil Gupta, vice president of Cloud Engineering, Dropbox. "As we enter the next phase of Magic Pocket's evolution, our strategic partnership with Western Digital is enabling us to scale effectively as more and more customers adopt our collaboration platform. Our deployment of SMR technology was supported by Western Digital's service, collaboration and drive capabilities—and we're excited to continue redefining what's possible for cloud infrastructure together."

"Dropbox's Magic Pocket is an innovative deployment, and this is another proof point that our host-managed SMR HDDs deliver value in scale-out cloud environments," said Mark Grace, senior vice president of Devices, Western Digital. "Our customers recognise the benefits of SMR HDDs and are adopting the technology to contend with the massive growth in data. When considering exabyte-scale needs, and associated capital and operating cost of the data center, the long-term value they receive in terms of lower cost-per-TB, higher density, low power and high reliability can help benefit the bottom line."

As the industry's first 14TB HDD, the Ultrastar Hs14 delivers among the lowest TCO for scale-out enterprise and cloud data centers. The drives are built on the proven and mature Western Digital HelioSeal® platform to deliver one of the lowest watt/TB power footprint for online storage. Built for enterprise workloads, the Ultrastar Hs14 host-managed SMR HDD is ideal for ultra-dense scale-out storage systems, with uncompromising product reliability, necessary for private and public cloud enterprise applications.