Pululahua, a name that means ‘Cloud of water or fog’ in Quechua, is a volcano located just 30 minutes outside Quito. One of the best spots for mountain biking in the area, this volcano is the only one in the country designated as a ‘Geobotanical Reserve’ for its geological and biological diversity. It remains a potentially active volcano, and its crater is one of the few inhabited ones worldwide. The climate is temperate, with temperatures ranging from 0 to 27 °C (32 to 80 °F). During the dry season (June to September), high temperatures are common, although rain is always a possibility. Bringing enough water, food, sunscreen and insect repellent is essential.

As the world’s largest international airline serving 140 destinations globally, Emirates welcomes the unique opportunity to present the Arabic language to more than 52 million diverse customers. Ahead of UNESCO’s World Arabic Language Day on 18 December, Emirates highlights the array of Arabic language services available to customers, thousands of Arabic speaking cabin crew, and the wealth and breadth of rich Arabic language content available on its inflight entertainment system – ice.

SWISS is to receive five further new Airbus A350-900 aircraft from 2027 onwards, in addition to the five which it already has on order. The new SWISS Airbus A350 fleet will be gradually delivered – complete with the new ‘SWISS Senses’ cabin interior – between summer 2025 and the end of 2031. Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is to take delivery of more new long-haul aircraft. In addition to the five Airbus A350-900s which are already on order, the airline is to receive five more of the advanced long-haul twinjet, as part of an overall investment by the Lufthansa Group.

Qatar Airways is set to re-launch daily flights to Canberra, the capital city of Australia, driving connectivity and increased competition for the benefit of Canberrans and Australian customers. The daily flights to Canberra will operate via Melbourne to the airline’s hub, Hamad International Airport, in Doha, which has consistently been voted the World’s Best Airport, as well as offering travellers a world-class stopover experience with seamless connections to more than 170 destinations across the Qatar Airways global network.

Minor Hotels, one of the world’s fastest-growing global hospitality groups, has further expanded its Australasian portfolio, announcing the signing of the management letting rights for the landmark Queens Wharf Residences development from early 2025, setting a new benchmark for urban tourism in Brisbane. Queens Wharf Residences, the tallest tower within the iconic new world-class precinct Queen’s Wharf Brisbane, is a 64-storey development that redefines the skyline of Queenland’s capital and heralds a new era for Brisbane as a major tourism, leisure and entertainment destination.

Radisson RED Galway has opened its doors, making it the first property of the bold, upscale brand in Ireland. Located in Galway’s newest neighborhood, Crown Square, an impressive development between Moniva Road and Joyce’s Road and close to Galway’s city center, Radisson RED incorporates art, music and fashion to create an unforgettable stay for guests, and is an excellent fit for this famously cultural city.