Emirates launches Flight Time Stories as more kids travel the world
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More families are travelling long-haul, with more than of children doing so before they’re four – and one in 10 children before their first birthday, according to Emirates.
Families with young children are travelling to long-haul destinations including Sri Lanka, Thailand and Australia, says the airline, which is launching a new Flight Time Stories programme that encourages families to get creative and take inspiration from their travels.
Flight Time Stories sees Emirates work with award-winning British author and illustrator duo, Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre, who have previously collaborated on children’s books including Pugs of the Frozen North, Oliver and the Seawigs and Jinks & O’Hare Funfair Repair.
Nine out of ten (88%) parents believe that holidays encourage their children to think more creatively; Emirates wants to help families continue this, long after their journey home.
Parents are invited to visit the Flight Time Stories website with their children and together submit their own holiday-inspired story, along with a colourful front cover design. Philip and Sarah will be taking inspiration from the stories for their next children’s book, which will be available in early 2017.
Kids entering the Flight Time Stories competition could see elements of their own stories appear in the book, and one family will win a once-in-a-lifetime holiday for four to Dubai to provide them with inspiration for future stories.
‘Travelling is a great way for families to spend time together, exploring the world and creating new memories. Reading can also inspire families to discover new places and let their imagination grow. Our research shows that families get excited before their holidays by reading books (23%), looking at photos (72%) and drawing pictures (23%) about the destination – and once they’re back home, write their own stories about their favourite holiday memories (13%),” said Laurie Berryman, Emirates’ Vice President for the UK.
“It’s encouraging to see more families travelling abroad with young children and creating incredible memories to inspire their own stories. We look forward to reading the nation’s Flight Time Stories in the weeks to come,’
Children’s author and illustrator, Sarah McIntyre, said: “Travel is a rich source of inspiration for children and an opportunity for them to have new and exciting experiences in a completely new setting. Helping your child create stories and pictures inspired by your travels together will enhance their overall holiday experience and will encourage them to be more creative in their day to day lives. There is a budding artist or author in every child, so this is a fantastic opportunity for them to tell their own holiday stories.”
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