Hotels will now automatically send a request for a TripAdvisor review to guests post stay

TripAdvisor  announced a new extension to Review Express, the travel site’s free review collection solution, enabling hotels to systematically collect TripAdvisor reviews following a guest’s stay. This automation is made possible through integration with the hotel’s existing technology provider. Over 100 technology providers,including property management systems and booking engines, are already on board allowing their hotel customers to benefit from the integration to drive more new reviews.


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Starwood Hotels Expands Presence in the Philippines with the Signing of the Westin Manila Sonata Place

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, today announced the signing of The Westin Manila Sonata Place and The Residences at The Westin Manila Sonata Place, a new build property owned by Robinsons Land Corporation that marks the Westin brand’s first mixed-use development in Southeast Asia.


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Starwood Hotels & Resorts Accelerates Growth in Mexico with the Signing of Sheraton Cozumel Resort

Gaining momentum in markets across Latin America , Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, today announced it has signed an agreement with Inmobiliaria Punta Tormentos S.A. de C.V. to introduce its world-renowned Sheraton ® brand to Cozumel, Mexico . Sheraton Cozumel Resort , slated to open in early 2018, will be located on an idyllic island in the Yucatan Peninsula , with sweeping views of the Caribbean . The new resort will increase the Sheraton brand’s portfolio to six hotels in Mexico and 37 in the region.


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Agoda.com offers SG $50 discount on some top hotels for the Great Singapore Sale

Agoda.com, one of Asia’s leading hotel booking sites and part of Nasdaq-listed Priceline Group, has collected a list of hotels in Singapore offering discounts of SG $50, just in time for the Great Singapore Sale, the island nation’s giant annual shopping festival. This year the event runs from 29 May – 26 July.


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Speed marketing sessions at INDABA 2015 gives local businesses access to quality hosted buyers Publishe

Two days of robust and engaging speed marketing sessions are on offer at this year’s INDABA trade show. The highly regarded INDABA speed marketing sessions connect local trade and international hosted buyers in a fast paced controlled, yet impactful environment. The Speed Marketing sessions give buyers easy access to South African SMME’s, who are already established in the South African Domestic market.

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New “Helsinki for Kids” illustrated map provides top tips for families

Visit Helsinki has teamed up with Bella-blogit to produce a pocket-sized illustrated map that includes the best ideas for spending a family holiday in Helsinki. The new “Helsinki for Kids” illustrated map has been designed to make it super easy for families with kids to enjoy their stay in Helsinki by providing local tips and info about the stuff that matters – from playgrounds and swimming locations to restaurants and skateparks.

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PrideFestival: two weeks packed with activities

The 20th anniversary of Pride.be is approaching. From 1 to 17 May, the colours of the rainbow will take over the centre of Brussels. In addition to the three days of public festivities and the annual parade, there is also a vast and varied programme to be discovered at the two-week PrideFestival. All over Belgium, festivities and initiatives by citizens, intellectuals and activists will take place in the name of conviviality and the fight for equality.

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Ctrip completes 2- way XML integration with eRevMax

Ctrip.com International Ltd., the largest online travel agency in China, has completed integration with eRevMax to offer XML connectivity to its growing base of hotel customers. Accommodation providers using RateTiger and Connect solutions as well as the recently announced LIVE platform will now be able to make real-time ARI (Availability, Rates & Inventory) updates and receive bookings generated on the channel through eRevMax solutions directly into their property management system. This will result in more efficient rate distribution, enhanced rate optimization and the streamlining of all connections.

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Jet2holidays Revamps City Breaks Offering

Jet2holidays has totally revamped its city break offering with the launch today of an exciting NEW brand, Jet2CityBreaks, complete with NEW brochure and NEW website.
The UK’s third largest tour operator has unveiled its biggest cities programme yet, combining return flights and a hotel in Europe’s finest cities. Customers can take their pick from 20 stunning spots, including NEW destination, Cologne, which is available for people flying to Dusseldorf from Leeds Bradford Airport.

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LAN Airlines and TAM Airlines inaugurate the largest VIP Lounge in South America at the Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport in Santiago, Chile

LAN Airlines and TAM Airlines, members of LATAM Airlines Group, inaugurated the largest VIP lounge in South America in Santiago, Chile. This is the fourth lounge to open its doors in the last two years for LATAM Airlines Group’s preferred passengers. The lounge is located on the 4th and 5th floors of the western sector of Santiago’s international airport, with direct access from the LAN and TAM preferential check-in area.

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SpringHill Suites Offers Travelers Suite Summer Savings

With summer right around the corner, it’s time to pack up the winter clothes and welcome the warm weather. SpringHill Suites invites travelers to kick off the season and treat themselves to “suite” summer savings at more than 300 locations across the country. According to a recent survey, 88 percent of Americans took trips last summer and that margin is expected to be high again this year with many travelers looking for a summer escape.

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Delta Vacations seeing double-digit growth in the Dominican Republic

While participating in the Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (DATE), Delta Vacations, the official vacation provider for Delta Air Lines, revealed that its business in the Dominican Republic is experiencing strong year-over-year growth.

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Ibtm america Announces Theme for Inaugural New Show Format: “Connections Mean Everything”

The newly designed ibtm america has sharpened its focus on face-to-face business connections with this year’s show theme “Connections Mean Everything” in Chicago from 9-11 June.
This year’s “Discovery Day”  will kick off the Knowledge Forum with a keynote session sponsored by PCMA around the show’s theme.

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TWIN Expands Into Dubai and Abu Dhabi with Kurban Travel Group

TRAVELSAVERS Worldwide Independent Network , a leading global travel management company, has expanded its presence into United Arab Emirates with the addition of Kurban Travel Group. Kurban’s presence in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, two important Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) and Destination Management Company (DMC) markets, ensures incoming business from our global network.

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TAT co-hosts Publish Asia 2015 in Bangkok from 28-30 April

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is co-sponsoring and supporting Publish Asia 2015, which will be held at Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld in Bangkok from 28-30 April, 2015. The event is estimated to attract more than 400 media executives from across the Asia-Pacific.

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Questex Announces Prestigious Speaker Lineup for ULTRA Summit

Luxury Travel Advisor’s ULTRA Summit, to be held May 17-19 at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, will celebrate its third year with a strong lineup of expert speakers and an enhanced program addressing a wide range of critical topics focused on the ultra-luxury travel market.
Presented by Questex’s Luxury Travel Advisor magazine, the event will bring the world’s most elite travel advisors and suppliers together for an exclusive discussion about the latest research and trends in ultra-luxury travel.

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Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa in Missouri Offering ‘Enjoy a Day on the Lake Package’

If you are seeking a fun family getaway this summer, you should consider the “Enjoy a Day on the Lake Package” that is being offered by Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa. Featuring a beautiful Ozark mountaintop setting overlooking Branson, Missouri’s scenic Table Rock Lake, the AAA Four-Diamond resort boasts the full-service Chateau Marina which offers water sports activities that rivals any other resort in Missouri.

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GBTA Foundation Announces Star Alliance as Gold Partner for “Gift of Knowledge” Initiative: Delivering Business Travel Education in China

The GBTA Foundation – the education and research arm of the Global Business Travel Association – announced today that Star Alliance has joined the “Gift of Knowledge” as a Gold Partner. Through the initiative, GBTA will be utilizing funds raised to create and deliver an innovative and comprehensive program to further develop the travel management profession in China.

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Jockeys and Juleps: It’s Kentucky Derby Time at Four seasons resort Orlamdo

It’s off to the races for the 141st running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 2, 2015 and Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort invites guests to break out their Derby hats and suit up in seersucker for a viewing party at PB&G from 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm.

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Mother’s Day Brunch Extravaganza at Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco

Take the entire family out this Mother’s Day to MKT Restaurant – Bar at Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco for an elegant and memorable family-style brunch prepared by Executive Chef Alexander La Motte.

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Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence Taking the Lead in Supporting the Vibrant Egyptian Art Scene

Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence is lending its support to Egyptian art scene. Over the past few years, the Hotel has taken a lead in supporting the burgeoning art scene in Cairo through the hosting of several successful rotating art exhibitions and receptions.

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Refreshed, Reinvigorated Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay Updates Branding Following $15M Renovation

It’s an all-new day at the Holiday Inn Resort® Montego Bay as the venerable Jamaican property updates its brand identity following a US$15 million renovation. Central to the resort’s refreshed image is the adoption of the latest Holiday Inn Resort logo.

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$1 Million in One Day: United Airlines Customers and Employees Support Nepal

United Airlines today announced that in just one day, customers and employees have generously donated more than $1 million to the airline’s disaster relief partners the American Red Cross, AmeriCares, Airlink and Operation USA to aid those affected by the earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25.

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International tour operators discover the Dark Hedges and more

Top international tour operators have been visiting some of the locations used in filming the hit TV series Game of Thrones, as part of a fact finding trip to Northern Ireland. Invited here by Tourism Ireland to participate in the annual Meet the Buyer workshop, which took place in the SLIEVE DONARD HOTEL in Newcastle, the tour operators enjoyed a post-workshop tour which was themed around Game of Thrones locations and the Causeway Coastal Route. The group began their trip in County Down, where they visited Castle Ward, Strangford Lough, Inch Abbey and Tollymore Forest Park.


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Ayrshire larder heads to 2015 Ayr Country Show

Organisers of the Ayr County Show are looking forward to a show packed with local food and drink this year as they host a brand new marquee dedicated to local producers and retailers, the Taste Ayrshire Marquee.

The 172nd Ayr County Show takes place at Ayr Racecourse this year on Saturday 9 May.

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A taste of things to come at The Glenlivet

A Moray distillery coffee shop has received a special award from VisitScotland in recognition of its locally-sourced food and drink.

The Old Maltings Coffee Shop at The Glenlivet Visitor Centre, Ballindalloch, recently attained the Taste Our Best award for the locally-sourced and fresh food and drink it includes on its menu. It is one of only seven distilleries in Scotland to have attained this recognition.

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Alter makes $10,000 contribution to ah&lef annual giving campaign

Bob Alter, president of Seaview Investors, contributed $10,000 on behalf of the Alter family to the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation’s2015 Annual Giving Campaign. Alter is a long-time donor to the Annual Giving Campaign. This marks Alter’s eighth consecutive personal gift at the six-diamond level or higher, and his second at the leadership level.

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Maravich Named to New Post at NTA

The National Tour Association today announced that Morgan Maravich has been named as the organization’s industry and member engagement manager. In her new role, Maravich will work to strengthen participation in leadership, education, events and international markets, and she will conduct industry outreach to bolster membership and event attendance.

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Maravich Named to New Post at NTA

The National Tour Association today announced that Morgan Maravich has been named as the organization’s industry and member engagement manager. In her new role, Maravich will work to strengthen participation in leadership, education, events and international markets, and she will conduct industry outreach to bolster membership and event attendance.

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2015 Collection of Gardens, History and Gastronomy Tours in Provence, France

French Incoming, using inside knowledge of France, and working with its team of garden and culinary experts, has developed new and very different tours, based on the theme of gardens and culture. It goes without saying that any tour of France should feature food and wine – but these tours go one step further, discovering the local markets, recipes and specialties, brought to life by its very own chef.

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Transport for London adopts Network Rail’s ‘passport’ to the railway infrastructure from 1 April 2015

In a significant step towards the vision of ‘One Industry One Card’, Network Rail and Transport for London (TfL) have signed an agreement to extend the use of Sentinel to London Underground and its supply chain. Sentinel cards began to replace the TfL LU LUCAS smartcard on 1 April 2015, although existing LU LUCAS cards will remain valid for access to TfL infrastructure until they expire.

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Time-lapse film shows the rebuilding of Wapley footbridge

Wapley footbridge in South Gloucestershire reopened to the public today, Tuesday 28 April, after work to prepare it for the electrification of the railway was completed. This stunning time-lapse photography shows the scale of the project and level of work involved.

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New Hampton Inn by Hilton Opens Near Ottawa Airport

Hilton Worldwide announced the opening of Hampton Inn by Hilton Ottawa Airport, its newest property to join Hampton Hotels, the global brand of more than 2,000 mid-priced Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites and Hampton by Hilton hotels. The 95-room hotel, located at 2869 Gibford Drive, is managed by the Sohal Group.

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Interactive Discussion on Technology and Social Media at PATA Youth Symposium

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Youth Symposium commenced on the morning of April 23, 2015 at Sichuan Tourism School, Huanglongxi campus in Chengdu, China. Under the theme “Technology and Social Media for Tourism”, the Symposium commenced prior to the PATA Annual Summit 2015. Over 200 students, lecturers and industry professionals from China and overseas including delegations from PATA China Zhejiang Gongshang Student Chapter, China; Institute For Tourism Studies, (IFT) Macau SAR; and PATA Bangladesh Dhaka University Student Chapter, Bangladesh participated in the dynamic Symposium.

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Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc. Signs Agreement To Sell The Hyatt Regency La Jolla

Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc. , along with its joint-venture partner, today announced it has signed an agreement with affiliates of Walton Street Capital, L.L.C. and JMA Ventures LLC to sell a 100 percent interest in the 417-room Hyatt Regency La Jolla for $118.0 million. The Company currently owns a 53.5 percent interest in the asset.

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Mothers Day event at Australia’s oldest farm – Macarthur region – only open to public twice a year – Mothers Day and Fathers Day

Families can treat their mums to a day of entertainment and enjoyment at a special Mother’s Day event at Belgenny Farm in Macarthur on Sunday, May 10, 2015.

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Seattle Waterways and Boats Play Inspiration to New Ethan Stowell Restaurant at four seasons hotel seattle

Four Seasons Hotel Seattle and EDG Interior Architecture + Design share the latest in the inspiration and creativity behind the new Ethan Stowell restaurant.

The design of the new space takes cues from the Seattle waterfront, the foundation of the city’s maritime history.

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Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg to Offer Dr Burgener switzerland luxury skincare treatments at luceo spa starting may 1

Starting May 2015, Luceo Spa in Four Seasons Hotel Lion Lion Palace St. Petersburg will be offering new luxury treatments by premium brand Dr Burgener Switzerland. New treatments will complement the existing range of signature treatments by Santa Maria Novella, Omorovicza and Ila.

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Sip and Savour, See and Be Seen This Summer at THE dec at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, A Four Seasons Hotel

From Ice Cream Social Sundays and Oysters Shucking Thursdays to a charitable tasting event with leading local chefs, there are countless ways to celebrate the sunny season at deca RESTAURANT and THE dec ROOFTOP LOUNGE + BAR at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, A Four Seasons Hotel. Don’t let summer pass by without indulging in the following highlights in the heart of the city’s Gold Coast.

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Protests shut down Baltimore Aquarium

A huge tourism attraction in Baltimore, Maryland, USA will be shut Tuesday due to Monday’s riots in the city. Due to a request from city officials, the Baltimore Aquarium will remain closed Tuesday. All events have been cancelled or rescheduled.

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South African Airways continues to lead global aviation’s environmental pursuit; airline accepted as member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials

South African Airways (SAA) was this week accepted as a member of the Swiss based Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB). The RSB is an international multi-stakeholder initiative that brings together farmers, companies, non-governmental organisations, experts, governments, and inter-governmental agencies concerned with ensuring the sustainability of biomass and biomaterial production and processing. Earlier this year SAA also became one of only two global carriers (Finair Oyj) to achieve Stage 2 status of the IATA Environmental Assessment Programme (IEnvA).


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Aerolíneas Ejecutivas Adds Six New Learjet 75 Aircraft to its Fleet for Operation in Mexico

Aerolíneas Ejecutivas (ALE) introduced its new fleet of 6 Learjet 75 business aircraft with Canadian aircraft manufacturer, Bombardier. The event took place at ALE’s hangar and facilities at the Toluca International Airport. The aircraft are currently available for charter and will be operated through ALE’s MexJet fleet.


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Four Seasons Hotel Baku Presents Teddy Bear Breakfast in Zafferano Restaurant

Zafferano Restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel Baku presents Teddy Bear Breakfast every Saturday from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm. Guests will be able to select from a wide variety of specialties including made-to-order waffles, carved meats from the rotisserie, omelet station, housemade pastries and much more.


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Upgrade to Insider Status with Exclusive Golf Tournament Experience Package at 2015 AT&T Byron Nelson At Four Seasons Resort And Club Dallas At Las Colinas

One of the most eagerly anticipated events on the PGA TOUR, the AT&T Byron Nelson brings together a formidable field of golf’s elite to Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas, including recent Masters Tournament champion and Dallas native Jordan Spieth. Stroll the fairways and marvel at the pros’ incredible abilities up close by booking the Tournament Experience Package.


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ibtm china set to deliver two days of meaningful business connections

ibtm china, part of ibtm events and China’s leading meetings, incentive and business travel event taking place in China National Convention Centre, is once again, set to deliver two days of meaningful business connections (5-6 August).
Last year ibtm china delivered over 450 exhibitors, representing 35 countries, all of whom were provide with a diary of 1:1 quality prescheduled appointments with Hosted Buyers.


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Another award for Venetian Macao as the Best Luxury Resort

The Venetian Macao was named Best Luxury Resort in the international category of the fourth edition of India’s Best Awards organized by “Travel + Leisure India & South Asia” magazine. The annual awards recognize top hotels, airlines, cruises and destinations in India and across the world. The award is further testimony to unrivalled services and facilities that are on offer, which also serves to highlight the well-established reputation of the multi-award-winning integrated resort in South Asia.


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Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts presents ‘Summer Breeze’ offers

Summer is the quintessential holiday season and as the northern hemisphere prepares to welcome sunny days and balmy nights, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has announced its ‘Summer Breeze’ offer. Valid at several properties in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East, the promotion offers up to 30% off for stays from 1 June to 15 September 2015, if booked between 30 April and 15 August.


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Dusseldorf Carnival and Notting Hill Carnivals are now also in Seychelles for the 2015 carnival

The two last delegations to arrive in Seychelles for the 2015 carnival are Notting Hill Carnival from the UK and the Dusseldorf Carnival from Germany.

These two carnival delegations are faithful participants in the Seychelles Carnival and their presence alongside the Carnival Delegations from Brazil, Italy and Indonesia promises to again create the needed buzz for this 2015 edition of the carnival of carnivals in Seychelles.


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Seychelles and Zambia sign cultural agreement and two memorandums of understanding in arts and culture

Seychelles and Zambia have signed a cultural agreement and two Memorandums of Understanding.


The cultural agreement was signed between Esther Banda, the Zambian Deputy Minister for Tourism and Arts and Alain.St Ange the Minister for Tourism and Culture.  Minister Banda said the Zambian government values the existing cordial relationship between the two sister republic.


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Air Seychelles promotes Twin Otter pilot to Captain

Air Seychelles, the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles, today promoted a pilot on its domestic operations to the rank of Captain.

Captain Aubrey Quatre, who has been flying with Air Seychelles for three years, was presented with his commander’s bars in a ceremony at the airline’s headquarters in Anse des Genêts.


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