TravelWise with Phil Blizzard

Phil Blizzard hosts this 'Land of Smiles' special by joining Surf Fm broadcaster Richard Jackson, in Hua Hin, to talk about the post COVID  'bounce back' of tourism to Thailand. Richard  also offers his 'local' knowledge of flydubai's new destinations - Krabi, on the Andaman Sea and Pattaya at the top of the Gulf of Siam.

Aviation News starts off this podcast with an overview of the new routes being launched by flydubai in 2023

The new autumn series of PodTalks gets underway with Phil Blizzard talking to  two  of Eygpt's most accomplished  extreme sports athletes and adventure travellers. They recall their adventures and the challenges faced  as well as those faced on the journey to become successful serial entrepreneurs

Omar Samra is the first Egyptian and one of less than 40 people in history to complete the Explorer’s Grand Slam which involves skiing to both the north and south poles, climbing Everest, along with the  7 highest mountain summits.

Omar Nour is a former professional triathlete and together with Omar Samra they rowed across the Atlantic ocean and in doing so became the first Arabs to accomplish the 1000km plus crossing.

Look out for the movie -  "Beyond the Raging Sea" a documentary which they have produced about their epic row across the Atlantic Ocean

The podcast was recorded at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival, Sharjah 2021

Phil  Blizzard talks to His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Emirates at the Arabian Travel Market and sits comfortably in the new Premium Economy seat whilst talking to Adnan Kazim, COO, Emirates. In this podcast, the first for the summer season,  Aviation News features flydubai and their seasonal destinations, plus their special flights to Doha for the FIFA World Cup 

A fascinating chat with Steve Wozniak as he reveals his philosophy for Apple, how a floppy disc took him out of California and onto to Las Vegas. Plus much more  - like the name he use to avoid recognition at university and why he did not adopt the American Dream! 

The interview was recorded in Qatar at the the ‘Partnership Strategies for Corporate R&D’ conference, hosted by Qatar Science & Technology Park and first broadcast on AME Info Radio, Dubai.

A fascinating conversation between Phil Blizzard and  two  of Eygpt's most accomplished  extreme sports athletes and adventure travellers. They talk about their adventures and the challenges faced on  their travels, as well as those faced on the journey to become successful serial entrepreneurs

Omar Samra is the first Egyptian and one of less than 40 people in history to complete the Explorer’s Grand Slam which involves skiing to both the north and south poles, climbing Everest, along with the  7 highest mountain summits. 

Omar Nour is a former professional triathlete and together with Omar Samra they rowed across the Atlantic ocean and in doing so became the first Arabs to accomplish the 1000km plus crossing. 

Look out for the movie -  "Beyond the Raging Sea" a documentary which they have produced about their epic row across the Atlantic Ocean

The podcast was recorded at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival, Sharjah 2021

A conversation with Martin Barth,  President & CEO, World Tourism Forum Lucerne, at the recently held  'START - UP INNOVATION SUMMIT 2002' which took place at the Hilton DoubleTree, on Marjan Island.  Listen to to discover the aims of the World Tourism Forum Lucerne, what they do, why they are in Ras al Khaimah and on a lighter note  my favourite restaurant in this emirate!!! 

Raki Philips, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development talks to Phil Blizzard about the exciting events taking place in the emirates during the first quarter of 2022, along with the  record breaking start to the year.  Events include - the World Travel Forum - Lucerne Innovation Summit, where this podcast is being recorded, the PGA European Tour Golf Tournament, Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, plus the Arab Aviation Summit and PATA Annual Summit.  PATA, the Pan Asia Tourism Association has moved this event to the MIddle East for the first time.

MICE -  Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (Events) is a key revenue driver for the tourism industry and Raki explains the importance of this sector to Ras al Khaimah

TravelWise with Phil Blizzard and the first episode of 2022 looks back at some of the 'travel firsts' from 2021.

These first 'In-Person' events and activities for podcast host Phil Blizzard include an aviation panel discussion, filming interviews at a travel exhibition, a delightful  staycation alongside the Dubai Creek. Plus the high spot  - my first flight in over 18 months. So fasten your seat belt, get comfortable and enjoy the flight.  

TravelWise with Phil Blizzard and the opening of the eagerly awaited Anantara Dubai World Islands. In part 2 of this interview with Michael Marshall, Chief Operating Office for Minor Hotels the focus is on the GCC region. In the pipeline are several new hotels - such as The Anantara Ras Al Khaimah and Anantara - The Plaza in Qatar. To conclude Michael talks about the prospects for 'end of year 'travellers to Thailand, home to the HQ of Minor Hotels.

TravelWise with Phil Blizzard and as more countries open up to international travellers the focus this time is Thailand.  We catch up with Michael Marshall, Chief Operating Office for Minor Hotels - with their well know brands such as Anantara Hotels - Resorts - Spas and the  Avani Hotels & Resorts. In this the first of two podcasts Michael talks about the current regulations for visiting the 'Land of Smiles', how they had to restructure their operations to serve the domestic market and how the festive season is looking for international travellers.