Technology

Intrepid Travel names Payton Iheme as Chief Impact Officer

Published

2 months ago

August 6, 2024

Former White House Senior Policy Advisor and Tech Leader takes on newly created role to accelerate company’s impact program globally

NEW YORK, Aug. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Intrepid Travel, a certified B Corp and leader in responsible travel, has announced the appointment of Payton Iheme to the newly created role of Chief Impact Officer. Based in Washington D.C, Payton will lead Intrepid Travel’s global sustainability and impact initiatives as well as its not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation. She will report to Intrepid Travel’s CEO, James Thornton.

“I’m delighted to welcome Payton to our team, after an extensive, global search process,” said Intrepid Travel CEO, James Thornton. “Payton is a dynamic, values-driven business leader who has a diverse background of experiences across the public and private sectors and will bring a new perspective at this crucial time in our history as we seek to double down on the U.S. market as part of our 2030 strategy. We believe the world needs more Intrepid people and Payton will drive forward issues and causes that we know matter to our global community of connected and conscious travellers,” Thornton added.

Iheme is passionate about advocating for a better, safer and fairer world and will be responsible for developing and delivering Intrepid’s global impact strategy. Her appointment strengthens Intrepid’s commitment to impact as part of its 2030 strategy.

Iheme previously held senior policy and advocacy roles at Facebook and, most recently Bumble, where she was Vice President and Head of Public Policy. She has also served in senior positions at the U.S Senate and within President Obama’s administration, working on technology, science and cyber policies, among other areas, following a successful career in Army civil affairs.

“Intrepid’s mission is to create positive change through the joy of travel, and I believe we can truly bring communities together and help build a stronger and more equitable world,” says Payton Iheme. “I’m honoured to join Intrepid at this crucial moment when we’re seeing too many companies divesting from ESG, DEI, and climate and conservation programming, as well as leaders shying away from advocating for the critical issues impacting so many communities around the world. As part of Intrepid Travel’s leadership team, I intend to bring my voice, my vision, and my energy to advocate on these issues and more,” Iheme adds.

Intrepid Travel’s history of responsible travel stretches back to its founding days in 1989, when co-founders Darrell Wade and Geoff Manchester set out to create a new style of travelling – in small groups, staying in local communities. Since then, the company has grown to annual revenues of more than $621m in 2023, underpinned by a commitment to balance purpose and profit. Intrepid Travel has been a participant in the UN Global Compact since 2008 and has adopted eight Sustainable Development Goals. It has led the way in environmental action in tourism by becoming carbon neutral in 2010 and going on to become the first global tour operator with verified science-based carbon reduction emission targets in 2020. It was among the first travel companies to appoint a dedicated responsible travel role in 1999 and removed elephant rides from its itineraries in 2014. Intrepid was named by TIME as one of the World’s Most Influential Companies in 2023.

Images can be downloaded here.

Contact:
Stacy Gruen
Intrepid Travel Head of PR & Communications, The Americas
T: +1 317 910 2574
Stacy.Gruen@intrepidtravel.com

ABOUT INTREPID TRAVEL
Intrepid Travel has been a world leader in responsible travel for 35 years. The company’s mission is to create positive change through the joy of travel, which comes to life on more than 900 trips all designed to truly experience local culture. Globally recognized for their commitment to transparency and ethical travel, they became a certified B-Corp in 2018. Intrepid Travel is also the first tour operator with near-term science-based climate targets through the Science Based Targets Initiative, and its not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, has raised more than $15.5 million for more than 160 partners. For more information download the company’s 2023 Integrated Annual Report and follow Intrepid on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok or LinkedIn.

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SOURCE Intrepid Travel

Technology

Compete for $150K Prizes: Join Spatial Joy 2024 The Global AR Application Development Championship

Published

30 mins ago

September 21, 2024

HANGZHOU, China, Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Spatial Joy 2024 The Global AR Application Development Championship is now open for registration! Organized by Rokid, a global leader in human-computer interaction through augmented reality, this championship invites AR developers globally to harness voice, gesture, and visual AI technologies to create groundbreaking AR experiences. Powered by the self-developed YodaOS-Master operating system, Rokid AR glasses deliver exceptional spatial computing performance.

What is Spatial Joy 2024 about？
In September 2022, Rokid kicked off its first AR Application Development Championship. The second championship, held last year in collaboration with Unity and Agora, quickly established itself as the largest AR application development event in China. As Rokid celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, we are excited to present “Spatial Joy,” our newly branded global championship, open to developers worldwide for the first time, and positioned as the flagship event in the AR industry.

Why join Spatial Joy 2024?

Compete for a $150,000 prize poolFree access to Rokid AR Lite or Rokid AR studioDiscounted rates on purchasing Rokid productsFree participationTechnical support from Unity and AgoraInternational exposure within the AR industryOpportunity to attend the award ceremony in China

Who can participant?
The championship is open to global AR developers of all levels, including students, independent developers, teams, and professionals across sectors such as healthcare, retail, education, gaming, entertainment, lifestyle, and more.

How to register?
Detailed registration guidelines and requirements are available online at [https://t.rokid.com/iwvwcxkn]. Developers can register and submit their projects through Rokid official website at [www.global.rokid.com].

Spatial Joy 2024 Timeline:

Registration Deadline: October 16, 2024Final Project Submission Deadline: November 15, 2024Finalists Announcement: December 27, 2024Award Ceremony: January 11, 2025

About Organizer
Rokid has expanded its global presence, making notable progress in key markets across North America, Europe, and Asia, including a successful campaign on Kickstarter. With a decade of expertise, Rokid has revolutionized AR technology, transforming how users interact with both digital and physical environments.

Join us in shaping the future of AR with Rokid – enter Spatial Joy 2024 The Global AR Application Development Championship Now!

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/compete-for-150k-prizes-join-spatial-joy-2024-the-global-ar-application-development-championship-302254807.html

SOURCE Rokid

Technology

Summit of Whose Future? Girls Have the Answers: Leaders Must Listen

Published

3 hours ago

September 21, 2024

Young Women Activists Launch “What Girls Want,” Demand World Leaders Put Girls at the Center of Summit of the Future

NEW YORK, Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today in New York, more than 50 young women from around the world – including Nobel Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai – gathered to take government to task for failing to prioritize girls and young women in the upcoming Summit of the Future. The group is backed by acoalition of girl-centered non-profit organizations, institutions, and funds who synthesized the demands of girls at www.whatgirlswant.com.

At a demonstration near the UN, alongside life-size cutouts of world leaders dressed ironically as “girl experts”, the activists delivered a strong message: world leaders aren’t the experts on what girls want for their futures – girls are.

Eylül Erçin, 19, from Türkiye, shared: “The time has passed for girls and young women to be treated as mere afterthoughts. Leaders must include us in the foundational design of these processes, ensuring that our priorities are integrated into shaping the future we will inherit. Anything less is unacceptable.”

Today’s event is about more than calling out a process failure. Girls i from around the world delivered a forward-looking call to action this week. They expect governments, institutions, and community leaders to step up and help shape a more equitable future.

Alongside fellow activists, Malala said: “Even at 27, I know better than to assume I understand best what girls want. Everywhere I go, girls are eager to share their vision for their futures. As adults, it is our job to listen, fund their work and follow their lead. It is not too late for world leaders to do right by girls. They can start by prioritizing their demands in tomorrow’s final Summit deliberations and by investing resources to match their words.”

The evidence is clear: investing in girls and delivering on their rights transforms economies, societies, and the environment, advancing the SDGs and building a future that girls deserve.

About What Girls Want

This effort was produced by a collaboration of girl-centered organizations, institutions, funders, and allies. The campaign is anchored around work to collate insights, data, and stories from 20+ public consultations with girls and young women over the past decade, driven by a shared desire to center girls’ demands in spaces where they are being ignored.

Contact:

whatgirlswantpress@gmail.com

nate.powers@edelman.com

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2384993/Women_Deliver_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/summit-of-whose-future-girls-have-the-answers-leaders-must-listen-302254570.html

Technology

48-Hour Saudi Visa Processing, Major Discounts and Unmissable Giveaways – Only at ‘Spectacular Saudi’ in Mumbai

Published

5 hours ago

September 21, 2024

NEW DELHI, Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Saudi’s national tourism brand, ‘Saudi Welcome to Arabia’ is hosting its first-ever immersive consumer event ‘Spectacular Saudi’, from September 25 to October 2, from 2:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. at R2 Ground in BKC, Mumbai.

Slated to transport visitors straight to the Heart of Arabia; the 8-day immersive experience will give visitors a glimpse into Saudi’s many wonders and iconic experiences – all while extending the warm Saudi welcome. To give consumers a truly memorable experience Saudi is offering exclusive giveaways and discounts specially curated for Indian travellers.

What’s more, Indian travellers can fast-track their Saudi visas exclusively at the event. All you need is a valid Visa or Mastercard credit card! Head on over to one of eight dedicated Tasheer kiosks, ensure the name on the credit card matches the passport, and have sufficient funds available on the card. After that, sit back and relax as your visa will be in hand within 48 hours!

It has never been easier to visit Saudi. With the most seamless visa process offered to date, the excitement doesn’t end there. On the travel front, SAUDIA Airlines is offering special deals, including a buy one get 50% off on the second ticket if travelling business class. Additionally, all economy class tickets will be 15% off. Attendees will also have the chance to participate in daily giveaways for free flight tickets for two to Saudi. With over 50+ travel trade offers, visitors can access incredible cashback and discounts on Saudi travel packages. Additionally, those booking Saudi packages will enjoy complimentary cultural city tours. Group tour packages to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam will be available exclusively at the event, starting at INR 99,999 for 5 nights.

Visitors can expect unique immersive experiences–including exhibits, culinary delights, Ardah dancers, Saudi coffee, traditional scents, and fashion–all under one roof. So don’t miss out and register here to experience a piece of Saudi, right in the heart of Mumbai.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2511104/Spectacular_Saudi.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/48-hour-saudi-visa-processing-major-discounts-and-unmissable-giveaways–only-at-spectacular-saudi-in-mumbai-302254776.html