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Radisson Blu Hotel Perth opens its doors with 75 rooms

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 21, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

Radisson Blu Hotel Perth

September 21, 2022 – Radisson Blu Hotel Perth opens its doors.

Radisson Hotel Group is delighted to announce the opening of Radisson Blu Hotel, Perth, the Scottish city on the River Tay known as the “Gateway to the Highlands” of Scotland. The hotel occupies a landmark property that first opened in 1890 as one of the original British railway hotels.

Settled since prehistoric times and formerly known as the “capital” of Scotland because of the frequent residence in the city by the Scottish court, Perth is now a popular destination for domestic and international travelers.

Radisson Blu Hotel Perth

Visitors can enjoy time in the city’s many attractions such as museums, theatres, churches, whisky distilleries, breweries or on one of the numerous golf courses located in and around the two main parks of the city, North Inch and South Inch. The surrounding Perthshire countryside boasts breathtaking parks that attract many visitors in pursuit of outdoor and adventure sports.

Sitting within landscaped gardens, Radisson Blu Hotel Perth was originally built as one of the British Transport Hotels due to its proximity to the train station, and is a Grade II listed building, featuring beautiful architecture and grand staircases. Shortly after its original opening, the then Prince of Wales and future King Edward VII inspected and approved the hotel for a visit by his mother, Queen Victoria, who became a frequent guest.

She would often split her journeys to Balmoral Castle by visiting the hotel for lunch in her private room, and a ‘royal passage’ was created, linking Perth train station with the property.

Radisson Blu Hotel Perth features 75 guest rooms and suites, a restaurant, lobby bar, garden bar, fitness gym, treatment rooms, as well as two ballrooms, including the largest outside Edinburgh, and five large meeting and conference rooms.

The hotel’s restaurant, Victoria, will be a vibrant, social meeting place offering a spin on classic British dishes served with organic wines. The modern grill menu celebrates the beauty of the land and sea through fire, foraging, and the cultivated fields brought to life by way of seasonally inspired classics that promote sustainable, fresh, organic, and local ingredients, from grass-fed beef to foraged herbs and great farm cheeses.

General Manager, Asen Panagonov, says: “We are delighted to be bringing this much needed upscale hotel quality to Perth under the Radisson Blu brand. We aim to restore the hotel to its rightful position as the jewel of the Fair City and welcome guests for a relaxing stay within a vibrant city, surrounded by stunning scenery.”

“The addition of such a historic landmark property to our Radisson Blu portfolio in the UK is a great achievement. Radisson Blu Hotel, Perth is the seventh property to join our Scottish portfolio, with other hotels located in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Inverness,” comments Tom Flanagan Karttunen, Area Senior Vice President, Northern & Western Europe at Radisson Hotel Group.

With the health and safety of guests and team members as its top priority, Radisson Blu Hotel, Perth is implementing the Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol program.

The in-depth cleanliness and disinfection protocols were developed in partnership with SGS, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing, and certification company, and are designed to ensure guest safety and peace of mind from check-in to check-out.

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South Africa FAM trips offered by SA tourism board

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 20, 2022. Posted in Destination news.

South Africa FAM trips

September 20, 2022- South Africa FAM trips on the agenda with the SA tourism board

Encouraged by the uptake in the travel, tourism and hospitality industries after the disruptions of the past two years, SA Tourism is scaling up the implementation of its sector growth plans. The country’s destination-marketing agency believes the moment is opportune to follow up and complement its ‘Live Again’ global campaign, with a familiariSation strategy on a grand and bold scale. This strategy is dubbed MegaFam, South Africa FAM trips – to emphasise its scale and ambition, which is bigger than a typical destination-marketing familiarisation (Fam) campaign.

South Africa FAM trips

By definition, familiarisation involves allowing tourism industry professionals, opinion-shapers and influencers to sample a destination’s offerings, allowing them to form informed opinions on whether or not to recommend it in their various spheres of influence.

SA Tourism has taken South Africa FAM trips, tweaked and turbo-charged it, to put it to good use in amplifying our country’s brand promise that we are the ultimate destination for those seeking to re-energise, refresh and rejuvenate mind, body and spirit in the post-pandemic world.

The main thrust of the #MegaFam phase of our ‘Live Again’ growth campaign will see us invite to our shores over the coming months, some 840 carefully-selected people from varied backgrounds across all continents, time-zones, linguistic and cultural regions, professions, and social standing.

What the invitees have in common is their status as opinion-makers, thought-leaders, and agenda-setters in niche tourism markets.

They include influential travel bloggers, writers and journalists for established media, international tour operators from various regions of the world, and conversation-framers who focus on the travel needs of specific tourism niche markets such as the LGBTQIA+ community, women, and romantic-travel seekers.

Bronwen Auret, Chief Quality Assurance of South Africa of SA Tourism said about the South Africa FAM trips

“The idea is for them to come and be immersed in, to touch, feel and experience South Africa for themselves. They in turn, will be touched by our Ubuntu-centric spirit of hospitality, such that when they go back to their home countries, they won’t be able to keep quiet about their experiences here, and will want to Tweet it out loud, Instagram it boldly, blog it boisterously and of course for those in the tourism booking business; ‘sell it’ (as that old TV advert used to say)”

Examples of the invitees include a London-based French and Greek couple Stefan and Sebastien who have dedicated the past 10 years to traveling to more than 80 countries around the world, and reviewing them for the global LGBTQIA+ community on their blog ‘Nomadic Boys’. They include US-based Danny Rivers Mitchell whose ‘Black Girls Travel Too’ agency and blog curates for black women, travel experiences around the world, typically lasting a week on average.

And they include the Rwandan travel photographer Winnie Rioba, who lets her lens tell the story of the incredible destinations she has visited on the African continent.

The launch of MegaFam comes against the backdrop of recent developments that vindicate the correctness of the bold moves we have made to stimulate the tourism sector over the past year, such as the launch of the ‘Live Again’ global campaign.

Stats SA’s numbers reveal that by June this year, South Africa had received about 2.28 million international visitors, well on track towards surpassing 2021’s full-year total of just over 2.3 million.

This phase of the campaign also tallies up with growing confidence being shown in South Africa as a destination, through such moves as Air Belgium launching direct flights twice a week between Brussels, Johannesburg and Cape Town.

The significance of this move, along with Qatar Airways’ cooperation agreement with Airlink, signed a few months ago cannot be overstated. They underscore the importance of airlift in the recovery of our tourism sector.

They also bode well for SA Tourism’s ambitious target of raising international tourist arrivals beyond the 10 million per annum averaged in the three years immediately prior to the pandemic, which Auret has likened our nation’s founding president Nelson Mandela’s long walk;

“Our long walk is not ended until we match and pole-vault over this sector’s benchmark contribution to our economy’s GDP, which was 3.9 percent in 2019, yielding at least 774 000 jobs and some R 122 billion in foreign currency earnings that year.

Our walk is not ended until we vindicate the World Travel and Tourism Council in its prediction that our country’s tourism sector will grow at an average of 7.6 percent per annum, over the next decade.”

See’s again implored South Africans to put shoulder to the wheel in achieving MegaFam’s objectives by welcoming and treating the invited and other visitors to our country with our signature Ubuntu, warmth and generosity of spirit.

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BA Gatwick to Las Vegas resumes in 2023

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 19, 2022. Posted in Airline, Destination news.

BA Gatwick to Las Vegas

September 19, 2022 – BA Gatwick to Las Vegas set to resume in 2023

British Airways is set to resume a direct service 3 times a week between London Gatwick and Las Vegas for the 2023 summer season. This will be in addition to the daily service BA currently offers to London Heathrow.

BA Gatwick to Las Vegas

The Boeing 777-200 service will operate on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays from March 26th 2023 to October 28th 2023. Tickets are already on sale on the BA website.

From 26 March until 28 October, a Boeing 777-200 service will operate three times a week (Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays).

Las Vegas saw almost 3.5 million visitors in July, the highest since the start of the pandemic. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) said that overall hotel occupancy topped 83%.

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Scandic hotel in Ski will open in 2026 – centrally located

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 19, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

Scandic hotel in Ski will open in 2026 – centrally located

September 19, 2022 – Scandic hotel in Ski – Scandic Hotels has signed an agreement for a new hotel in Ski outside of Oslo, Norway. The hotel will be centrally located beside the train station and with 15 floors, it will be a new landmark in the city. In addition to 220 rooms, the hotel, which is expected to open in 2026, will also offer meeting facilities and a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city.

Just a short train ride from Oslo lies the town of Ski in the municipality of Follo. In the coming years, Ski is expected to see strong growth through renovations of the central station and downtown area as well as the new residential areas that are emerging. With the new Follobanen railway that is expected to be completed during 2022, travel time to Oslo is also expected to be significantly shortened, making the area even more attractive to commuters.

– We are very happy to have had this opportunity to open a new Scandic hotel in Ski. This agreement will strengthen our position in the region surrounding Oslo, which is undergoing rapid development, and at the same time create an exciting new meeting place for people who live and work in the city, says Asle Prestegard, Head of Scandic Hotels Norway.

Scandic hotel in Ski

Scandic’s new hotel will be a landmark that with its central location and proximity to Oslo will attract business and leisure travelers alike. The 15-story building will house both the hotel and offices, and it will be a new meeting hub in the city.

– We see great potential for hotels at public transport hubs. Together with Scandic, we are developing a hotel property that will have a high environmental performance and we’re extremely happy that Ski is being added to the list of cities where we’re establishing hotels, says Morten Austestad, Development Director at Bane NOR Eiendom.

Scandic hotel in Ski: When the hotel opens, like the majority of Scandic’s hotels, it will be ecolabeled according to the Nordic Ecolabel’s new, tougher environmental requirements. The hotel’s use of ecolabeled products and chemicals and 100 percent renewable electricity, the absence of single-use disposables, reduced water consumption, a climate-friendly menu and reduced food waste formed the basis for certification.

The rooms at the new hotel will be designed with circularity in mind and parts of the room interiors will be environmentally certified or made from recycled materials, most of which can be reused or recycled during renovations. The property will also be constructed according to a high environmental and technical standard with the goal to be certified according to BREEM Excellent, one of the highest levels in environmental certification for buildings.

The new hotel will further strengthen Scandic’s presence in the hotel market in the growing region around Oslo. Scandic already operates 19 hotels with a total of 4,211 rooms in and around the capital.

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Book your groups and incentives to Uzbekistan

Flydubai to Uzbekistan – adds to its growing network in Central Asia 2 times per week

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 16, 2022. Posted in Airline, Destination news.

Flydubai to Uzbekistan

September 16, 2022 –

Flydubai to Uzbekistan: flydubai adds Namangan in Uzbekistan to its growing network in Central Asia The airline becomes the first national carrier to operate direct flights to Namangan from the UAE with a twice-weekly service from 24 September 2022

• Namangan becomes the carrier’s third point in Uzbekistan in addition to Samarkand and Tashkent as well as its seventh point in Central Asia flydubai, the Dubai-based airline, announced today the launch of flights to Namangan from 24 September with a twice-weekly service, becoming the first UAE carrier to offer direct flights from Dubai.

Flydubai to Uzbekistan: The addition of flights to Namangan makes it the third point in Uzbekistan including Samarkand which launches on 20 September, and the capital, Tashkent.Flights to Namangan International Airport (NMA) will operate from Terminal 2 at Dubai International (DXB) on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Flydubai to Uzbekistan

With the launch of operations to Namangan, flydubai grows its network in Central Asia to seven points, enabling passengers from the UAE and the GCC to explore more of the region.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “Uzbekistan has become an emerging market for flydubai and we are delighted to see our network expand there with the start of flights to Namangan and, launching next week, Samarkand. The commencement of our 10 weekly flights to the market will strengthen trade and cultural links between the UAE and Uzbekistan.”

After Samarkand and Tashkent, Namangan is the third largest city in Uzbekistan and has established its importance as a trade and craft centre. Situated in the Fergana Valley, it is well-known for its ancient sites, traditional craftsmanship and magnificent architecture.

Commenting on the launch of flights, Jeyhun Efendi, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations and E-commerce at flydubai, said: “Central Asia has become a fast-growing market for flydubai where we have seen sustainable demand for travel since starting operations.

We look forward to welcoming more travellers from Namangan as they connect to other points in the flydubai network including Jeddah, Madinah and Male.”
The airline operates flights to seven destinations in Central Asia including Almaty and Nur-Sultan in Kazakhstan, Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan, Dushanbe in Tajikistan as well as Namangan, Samarkand and Tashkent in Uzbekistan.

Flydubai to Uzbekistan – Flight details

Flights will operate from Terminal 2, Dubai International (DXB) to Namangan International Airport (NMA) twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Flights to Samarkand International Airport (SKD) will operate twice a week from Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB) on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Return Economy Class fares from DXB to NMA start from AED 1,800. Return Economy Class fares from NMA to DXB start from USD 480. Return Economy Class fares from DXB to SKD start from AED 1,800.

Flight Number	Departure Airport	Arrival Airport	Departure Time	Arrival Time
FZ 789	DXB	NMA	22:50	03:30
FZ 790	NMA	DXB	04:30	07:25
FZ 1945	DXB	SKD	22:40	02:50
FZ 1946	SKD	DXB	04:05	06:30

All Times Local

Flights are available to book on flydubai.com, the official flydubai App, the Contact Centre in Dubai on (+971) 600 54 44 45, the flydubai travel shops or through our travel partners.

Passengers are required to make sure that they are up to date with the regulations for their whole journey, and follow the guidance issued by the authorities and the airline. They can visit the COVID-19 information hub on flydubai.com for more information.

For the full timetable and fares, please visit: https://www.flydubai.com/en/plan/timetable

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Air Canada transports live animals safely – 1st airline to receive IATA Recertification

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 15, 2022. Posted in Airline, Destination news.

Air Canada transports live animals safely

September 15, 2022 – Air Canada transports live animals safely.

Airline awarded the Center of Excellence for Independent Validators for Live Animals Logistics (CEIV Live Animals) certificate
In 2021, Air Canada Cargo safely transported over 11,500 different animal shipments across its network

MONTREAL, Sept. 14, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Canada has become the first airline to be re-certified by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for the safe transport of live animals by Air Canada Cargo. IATA awarded Air Canada Cargo with the Center of Excellence for Independent Validators for Live Animals Logistics (CEIV Live Animals) recertification following successful completion of the verification process.

Air Canada transports live animals safely

“We are very proud to be recognized for our work in operating to the highest global standards for the worldwide transport of all live animals, and being the first airline to be re-certificated continues to position Air Canada Cargo as an industry leader.

Every year, we expertly and safely handle thousands of complex shipments, from rescued dogs, endangered animals transported in conservation efforts, and of course family pets. Air Canada Cargo’s dedicated employees handling animals are specially-trained, and I thank them for their diligence in treating all animals as precious cargo while in our care,” said Jason Berry, Vice President, Cargo at Air Canada.

Air Canada transports live animals safely: Air Canada was the first airline to receive the CEIV Live Animals certification in 2018, a standardized global certification program to improve and reinforce the safety and welfare of animals travelling by air.

As part of the recertification process, a thorough audit was conducted by IATA’s specialists, who reviewed Air Canada Cargo’s live animal transport policies and procedures. Compliance with the IATA Live Animal Regulations (LAR) was fully reviewed as was compliance with protocols like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network celebrating its 25^thanniversary in 2022. Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 51 airports in Canada, 51 in the United States and 86 internationally.

It is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax, which in 2021 gave Air Canada awards for the Best Airline Staff in North America, Best Airline Staff in Canada, Best Business Class Lounge in North America, and an excellence award for managing COVID-19.

Through its leading travel loyalty Aeroplan program, Air Canada offers the ability to earn or redeem points on the world’s largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental rewards.

Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada’s passenger flights and cargo-only flights with its fleet of Boeing 767-300 freighters. Air Canada has committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050.

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Singapore Grand Prix starts on September 28 – Race on October 2

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 14, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Sports.

Singapore Grand Prix

September 14, 2022– About the 2022 Singapore Grand Prix

Known for having one of the most challenging tracks in the world, the FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX is synonymous with high-octane action, grand festivities and unforgettable experiences.

Singapore Grand Prix

Added in 2008 – The Singapore Grand Prix has been a popular addition to the F1 calendar. It is a night race and as a result it offers a different atmosphere than any other F1 event.

After a two-year absence due to the pandemic, the world’s first night race will be making its grand return. The Marina Bay Circuit, which includes 23 corners, has been the venue of many memorable FORMULA 1 moments and is a pivotal juncture where the eventual champion might be decided.

In 2019, Sebastian Vettel beat runners up Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen to win the FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX, which attracted over 268,000 spectators.

A glamorous and scintillating season that ignites the city, Grand Prix Season Singapore is an exuberant celebration of FORMULA 1 in Singapore and extends well beyond the tarmac and race dates.

See Singapore in a different light! Grand Prix Season Singapore invites you to indulge in ten adrenaline-filled days and nights of glitzy soirees and vibrant celebrations around the city.

Malaysian rock legends Wings are set to boost the high-octane Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2022 this 30th September. The rockers will be the first Southeast Asian act in the power-packed event’s history to perform at the Zone 4 Padang Stage.

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US position in the travel and tourism market – positively still number 1

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 14, 2022. Posted in Destination news, MICE.

US position in the travel and tourism market

September 14, 2022- The latest World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Economic Trends Report reveals the US position in the travel and tourism market is still number 1 – the U.S. remains the world’s biggest and most powerful Travel & Tourism market.

Its top ranking was reaffirmed, despite suffering long and damaging travel restrictions which did little to halt the spread of COVID-19 and only resulted in serious economic losses.

However, while its number one position was retained, the U.S. Travel & Tourism sector’s contribution to the nation’s economy fell by US$700 billion in 2019, to just under US$1.3 trillion last year.

US position in the travel and tourism market

Research by Oxford Economics for WTTC shows there has been no change in the top three countries – with China second and Germany third.

But the rankings are illusionary as the top economies bolstered their numbers through domestic travel, while international visitor numbers plummeted.

In the U.S., International traveller spend rankings saw it toppled from its pre-pandemic top position.

US position in the travel and tourism market: But despite the challenges of the past two years, the new report from the global tourism body shows business travel is on the road to recovery.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Our report shows the resilience of the Travel & Tourism sector, despite the impact of travel restrictions around the world which failed to halt the spread of the virus.

“Despite a challenging macro environment, Travel & Tourism has bounced back. The world, with some exceptions, is travelling again. And we are seeing a resurgence in business travel. Over the next 10 years, Travel & Tourism growth will outstrip the global economy.”

WTTC’s data reveals that in terms of the Travel & Tourism sector’s contribution to GDP, China held onto its second position, with more than US$814 billion, while Germany remained the third biggest Travel & Tourism sector in the world, contributing US$251 billion to the German economy.

The UK slipped dramatically from fifth place in 2019 to ninth in 2021, with a contribution of just over US$157 billion, the biggest faller of the top 10 countries.

US position in the travel and tourism market: In terms of international traveller spend, France, which before the pandemic struck was in fourth place, overtook Spain, China, and the U.S. to grab first place.

China, which remains closed to much of the rest of the world, was in second place before the pandemic, but fell dramatically to 11th position in 2021.

Across Asia Pacific, major Travel & Tourism markets such as Thailand and Japan saw huge losses in international spending, which resulted in both markets – in fifth and eighth place respectively before the pandemic – falling out of the top 20 altogether in 2021.

US position in the travel and tourism market: According to WTTC’s predictions, worldwide business travel is expected to grow more than 41% this year. For the next 10 years it predicts business travel could grow an average of 5.5% annually and may return faster in the Asia-Pacific region.

WTTC predicts by 2032, China could overtake the U.S. to become the world’s biggest Travel & Tourism market.

The research shows China’s Travel & Tourism sector’s contribution to GDP could reach US$3.9 trillion by 2032, making it the world’s most powerful Travel & Tourism market, and India could leapfrog Germany to reach third place with a projected value of US$457 billion.

To read the report in full, please click here.

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August meetings volume recovers to 85.3% of 2019 Levels in the USA

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 12, 2022. Posted in Destination news, MICE.

August meetings volume went up

September 12, 2022 – U.S. meetings volume in August was up 136.1 percent compared with the same time last year, according to Knowland, a provider meetings and events data. While the late summer month usually trends lower than July, this year it outperformed the previous month by 6.7 percent. Overall, the industry shows recovery at 85.3 percent of August 2019 levels.

“Typically, August experiences a minor dip from July. But August 2022 increased slightly, leading the way into September and October, two of the strongest months, historically,” said Kristi White, Knowland’s chief product officer. “Additionally, August recovered to 85.3 percent of 2019 levels, the third month in a row where recovery levels have exceeded 80 percent. This bodes well for the fall and ongoing recovery for the industry.”

August meetings volume increase

Also noted in the monthly report, the average number of attendees increased to 108 from 68 in 2021 and from 92 in 2019. As attendance rose, space per person decreased, averaging 25 square feet per person compared with 37 square feet last August and 31 square feet before the pandemic.

Corporate meetings proved to be the dominant segment yet again, accounting for 63.5 percent of meetings business, with the health-care, technology and training/education industries holding the most events. However, the online retailer, tobacco, construction, urban infrastructure and agriculture sectors reached their highest levels of recovery.

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Hong Kong Sevens 2022 in less than 3 months – get ready for excellent Rugby

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 9, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Sports.

Hong Kong Sevens 2022: everything we know with 3 months to go

September 9, 2022 – Hong Kong Sevens

Covid-19 restrictions will still be in place at Hong Kong Stadium, where a limit will be placed on capacity
There are still plenty of questions to answer ahead of the return of city’s flagship sporting event

The Hong Kong Sevens is finally coming back in November, after officials at the “highest levels” gave it the go-ahead this week.

Fans are set to descend on So Kon Po in their droves for the first time since April 2019, with the pandemic having frustrated the Hong Kong Rugby Union’s efforts to stage the city’s flagship sporting event.

But even though the Sevens is back, Covid-19 restrictions will still be in place at Hong Kong Stadium over all three days of action – and there are plenty of questions still to answer three months out.

Here’s a rundown of everything we know so far about the return of the Hong Kong Sevens.

Hong Kong Sevens 2022 – When does it take place?

The November 22 edition of the Hong Kong Sevens has been added as an additional 11th tournament at the start of the 2023 World Rugby Sevens Series.

Hong Kong will then get a second spot on the 2023 calendar in its traditional April slot next year.

How many fans will be there?

The 40,000-seat Hong Kong Stadium in So Kon Po will operate at an 85 per cent capacity over all three days.

That means 34,000 fans will be allowed in on each day – and they will have to be separated in the stands in groups of eight people.

Which teams will be coming?

There will only be men’s sides competing at this year’s Hong Kong Sevens, with no women’s competition or mini rugby.

All core Sevens Series teams, including South Africa, Australia, Argentina, Fiji, Ireland, USA, France, Great Britain, New Zealand, Samoa, Spain, Kenya, Canada, and Japan will be playing, plus Hong Kong – who will join the main competition, with no Challenger Series event scheduled.

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Ryanair closure Athens base : reduced flights for 2022-2023 winter season

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 8, 2022. Posted in Airline, Destination news.

Ryanair closure Athens base

September 8, 2022 – Ryanair closure Athens base: reduced flights for 2022-2023 winter season

Irish budget airline carrier Ryanair has announced its decision to close its base in Athens for the 2022-2023 winter season. According to a statement released by the company, it will no longer base two aircraft at the “Eleftherios Venizelos” Athens International Airport from October 29 to the end of March, reducing its flights from the scheduled 29 to 10.

Ryanair had four bases in 2019, that were reduced to two last year.

“We are disappointed to announce the closure of our Athens base at the end of October 2022 for the winter season, but the Greek government have inexplicably failed to respond to Ryanair’s ambitious growth plans for a severely needed tourism recovery scheme>

Ryanair closure Athens base

The airline wants Greece to lower its uncompetitive airport charges and assist traffic recovery post-pandemic,” said Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson, adding that “Athens Airport is a prime example of how the Greek government and German high-cost ownership is failing to deliver for Greece’s people and economy.”

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Air Europa – stronger in Colombia and Peru through partnership with Viva Air

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 7, 2022. Posted in Airline, Destination news.

Air Europa – stronger in Colombia and Peru

September 7, 2022 – Air Europa – stronger in Colombia and Peru through partnership with Viva Air

The low-cost airline Viva Air signed an interline agreement with Air Europa at the beginning of August in which the Spanish airline strengthens its presence in Colombia by bringing new and more flight options and expanding the routes offer to its clients.

Now, passengers can connect from Bogotá and Medellín to 18 Colombian cities where Viva Air airline operates.

It will be able to offer new and more flight options and also expand the range of its connectivity across South America. The airline currently operates 80 weekly flights to Latin America and the Caribbean, including 18 to Peru and Colombia.

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New airline in Saudi Arabia?

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 6, 2022. Posted in Airline, Destination news.

New airline in Saudi Arabia

September 6, 2022 – New airline in Saudi Arabia

Saudia Arabia has reportedly built a ‘war chest’ of more than $30 billion to create a new international airline that would specifically try to take on Emirates and other Persian Gulf airlines like Qatar Airways.

The new airline has been rumoured since June 2021, but over the last 12 months plans for the carrier have been fleshed out behind closed doors, and a potential name has even been decided according to sources cited by Arabian Business.

New airline in Saudi Arabia

Bankrolled by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the new airline is tipped to be called ‘RIA’, although any final decision will be made by Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Salman – the controversial architect of Saudi Arabia’s diversification into the tourism market and the country’s wider liberalisation.

Saudia Arabia already has an international flag carrier called Saudia which is based in Jeddah, but the airline is likely to be ‘sidelined’ and reconfigured to focus solely on transporting Umrah pilgrims to and from Mecca.

Saudia will continue to be a ‘dry airline’ with special prayer areas onboard its aircraft, whereas RIA will attempt to emulate the success of Emirates with alcohol readily available and onboard social areas designed to appeal to international travellers.

RIA will be based in Riyadh which will act as the new gateway into the Kingdom’s tourism industry. A new international airport could even be built just for RIA.

New airline in Saudi Arabia: “We are talking about a brand-new airline that aims to do what Emirates did in a quarter of the timescale,” an anonymous source told Arabian Business.

“It’s unprecedented in the history of aviation. It’s also why they have yet to appoint a CEO – whoever takes this job will have to deliver the most ambitious targets you can imagine.”

There’s no timeline for when RIA might launch but Saudia Arabia ploughing $100 billion to build its tourism industry and the Kingdom hopes to have 30 million transit passengers passing through the country by 2030.

New airline in Saudi Arabia: At present, Saudia and low-cost airlines based in the Kingdom are only handling around four million transit passengers a year.

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Qatar Airways officially partners with Rugby championships

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 5, 2022. Posted in Sports, Destination news.

Qatar Airways officially partners with Rugby championships

September 5, 2022 – Qatar Airways officially partners with Rugby championships

Qatar Airways Connects Cross-Hemisphere URC and EPCR Club Rugby Competitions to Extend its Diverse Sports Sponsorship Portfolio

Qatar Airways officially partners with Rugby championships

With the inclusion of South African Teams the Airline will partner with the United Rugby Championship and European Professional Club Rugby competitions – Qatar Airways’ first rugby partnership for the upcoming season

DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways announces its newest sport partnership as the Official Airline Partner of the United Rugby Championship (URC), and Official South African Airline Partner for European Professional Club Rugby. The World’s Best Airline, known for supporting sports globally, has entered into multi-year agreements with the top organisations in club rugby in recognition of the growth and passion demonstrated by rugby fans in key travel markets across Western Europe and South Africa.

The URC is one of three major professional rugby leagues in Europe, involving teams from Ireland, Italy, Scotland, Wales and now South Africa. The most successful teams from each league also go on to compete in the [Heineken] Champions Cup and the EPCR Challenge Cup against teams from the domestic leagues in England and France. For the first time in history both competitions, organised by EPCR, will include South African teams.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “At Qatar Airways, we bring the world and communities together – through travel, of course, but also through sport. Today, we continue that mission by providing greater access to fans to watch their favourite teams compete, and supporting URC players and coaches and South African teams competing in EPCR competitions as they make cross-hemisphere trips via Doha to match destinations.”

Qatar Airways officially partners with Rugby championships:

The three-year partnership kicked-off today with a celebration at Hamad International Airport in Doha. Inside the Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker was joined by Martin Anayi, Chief Executive Officer of the URC, Anthony Lepage, Chief Executive Officer of the EPCR, Mark Alexander, President of the South Africa Rugby Union, Ali Price, scrum-half of the Glasgow Warriors and Johannes Goosen, full-back of the Vodacom Blue Bulls, to commemorate the partnership.

Martin Anayi, Chief Executive Officer of the United Rugby Championship, said: “Our league has greatly broadened its horizons in the past 12 months and we are honoured that Qatar Airways have become one of our key partners.

“Travel is at the heart of all of our competitions and this partnership will allow us to tap into the incredible expertise and knowledge available at Qatar Airways as they support our teams and fans on their journeys to some of the biggest games of the season.”

Qatar Airways officially partners with Rugby championships

Qatar Airways are also partnering with SA Rugby as an associate sponsor of the URC competition in the southern hemisphere and their involvement was welcomed by Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby: “I have no doubt that Doha will become a very familiar and welcoming staging post for all our teams and staff.

“We are delighted to welcome Qatar to the family and to share this amazing new rugby journey literally and figuratively with them over the coming years.”

Qatar Airways officially partners with Rugby championships:Anthony Lepage, Chief Executive Officer of EPCR, added: “We are very pleased to welcome Qatar Airways as our South African Airline Partner and enter into this partnership alongside the URC.

Qatar Airways officially partners with Rugby championships welcomes five South African clubs into the Heineken Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup, the support from Qatar Airways will be key in helping players and coaches travel to face new competition from clubs in England and France. We are entering a new global phase of our competitions and Qatar Airways will play a key part in delivering the pinnacle of club rugby competitions to more audiences than ever before.”

As part of the partnership, Qatar Airways will support the URC and EPRC grow the game globally and will soon be offering URC all-inclusive Travel Packages with Flights, hotels and match tickets. Rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States and across Africa, Asia and the Middle East for both men and women.

Qatar Airways officially partners with Rugby championships:

The URC features sixteen (16) teams, comprised of two (2) teams from Scotland, two (2) teams from Italy, four (4) teams from Wales, four (4) teams from Ireland, and since the 2021/22 season, four (4) teams from South Africa.

Qatar Airways officially partners with Rugby championships

Of the sixteen (16) URC teams, eight (8) teams qualify for the top-tier Heineken Champions Cup. To qualify, a team must either be one of four Shield winners or one of the next four highest-ranked clubs in the final league table. Qualifying teams from the URC will compete against the top-qualifying teams from the French Top 14 and the English Premiership Rugby. The remaining eight (8) teams from the URC, as well as the remaining clubs from the Top 14 and Premiership Rugby, compete for the EPCR Challenge Cup.

Qatar Airways officially partners with Rugby championships:

Adding the United Rugby Championship (URC) and European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) to its already extensive sports portfolio solidifies Qatar Airways as a brand committed to supporting sport across the globe. Qatar Airways is a leading global football supporter including FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, Paris Saint-Germain, FC Bayern München, Concacaf, CONMEBOL. Additionally, Qatar Airways is the official airline of The Ironman and Ironman 70.3 Triathlon Series, GKA Kite World Tour and multiple equestrianism, padel, squash and tennis events.

A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was announced as the ‘Airline of the Year’ at the 2021 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax. It was also named ‘World’s Best Business Class’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline Seat’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Onboard Catering’ and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’. The airline continues to stand alone at the top of the industry having won the main prize for an unprecedented sixth time (2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021).

Qatar Airways currently flies to more than 150 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, currently named ‘Airport of the Year’ by Skytrax World Airport Awards 2022.

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Scandic Helsinki Hub opens its doors and has a grand total of 352 rooms!

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 1, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

Scandic Helsinki Hub

September 1, 2022 – Scandic Helsinki Hub

Today, Scandic Helsinki Hub opened its doors in the Finnish capital. Located in downtown Helsinki, the hotel is housed in an impressive 1920s printing house that has been transformed into a large 352-room hotel. Along with unique loft-style rooms, the hotel features inspiring event, meeting and coworking spaces along with a trattoria and bars.

Scandic Helsinki Hub

The hotel is strategically located at the crossroads of downtown Helsinki and the charming Helsinki south district. Vestiges of the former printing house have been elegantly preserved in the design throughout the building, and guests can choose accommodations that offer a variety of special features and unique experiences, including rooms with a private terrace overlooking the hotel courtyard and junior suites with large corner windows. The rooms facing Annankatu Street also offer views of the verdant Old Church Park.

– We are delighted to open a new hotel during a period when we’re seeing good development in the Helsinki region where activity levels have returned at our hotels. Scandic Helsinki Hub is a splendid addition to our existing hotel portfolio in the capital as both domestic and intra-Nordic leisure and business travelers are back in our hotels, says Aki Käyhkö, Head of Scandic Hotels Finland.

Scandic Helsinki Hub offers flexible meeting, event and coworking spaces. For larger gatherings, there is also a multi-level space with a 16-meter LED wall for larger, more extravagant happenings.

– We want to be a hub where people from all around the world can meet and spark new ideas. We’re opening with a close to 100-strong international team and I’m extremely excited to welcome guests from all over to this fantastic hotel and extraordinary building, says Outi Hanhijärvi, General Manager of Scandic Helsinki Hub.

The hotel’s restaurant, Trattoria II Centro, features Italian cuisine along with a selection of vegan dishes made with authentic Italian ingredients. Guests can enjoy these delights on the hotel’s atmospheric glassed-in terrace or at the bar that opens onto the courtyard.

As at all Scandic hotels, sustainability is a central part of Scandic Helsinki Hub. The hotel is ecolabeled according to the Nordic Swan Ecolabel’s new, tough criteria where, among other things, ecolabeled products and chemicals and 100 percent renewable electricity, the absence of single-use disposables, reduced water consumption, a climate-friendly menu and reduced food waste formed the basis for certification.

The principles of sustainable development have been the starting point for the hotel’s entire planning process. Many of the original elements have been preserved in the building and recycled materials such as plastic bottles and textile waste for furniture and carpets have been prioritized during procurement.

Facts about Scandic Helsinki Hub

352 rooms
25 accessibility rooms
Italian-style trattoria and 2 bars, seating 300
Courtyard terrace
8 event and meeting spaces, maximum capacity 520
Coworking lounge
Gym, sauna, cold water bucket showers and yoga room
Garage with electric car and bike charging
Original building: Tilgmann printing house from 1920s and 1930s
Interior design: Franz Design
Architect, renovations: PES-Arkkitehdit
Property owner: Työeläkeyhtiö Varma
Construction: Haahtela
Construction years: 2020 – 2022
Environmental certification: Nordic Swan Ecolabel

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Designated Quarantine hotels in Hong Kong – Problem solver for booking hotel rooms in these hard-to-book hotels

Written by Traveltalksteam on August 31, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

Designated Quarantine hotels in Hong Kong

August 31, 2022 – It is still a challenge to travel to Hong Kong and get the rooms you need in the designated quarantine hotels. Rooms are scarce and difficult to book. In fact, almost no agent in China can assist with booking these special rooms.

Do you need to book a Designated Quarantine Hotel in Hong Kong for your clients? And you are desperately trying to find a way to book these?

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Why you need the Designated Quarantine hotels in Hong Kong

The stay in the Designated Quarantine Hotels is compulsory.

During the compulsory quarantine period, unless with the permission of an authorized officer, the person shall confine himself/herself to the place of quarantine and are prohibited from leaving Hong Kong.

During the subsequent medical surveillance and self-monitoring period, the person is not barred from leaving Hong Kong. He/she must undergo testing(s) per relevant instructions if he/she is in Hong Kong on the specified day(s) for compulsory testing.

What is the quarantine period?
Starting 0.00am on 12 August 2022, inbound travellers will be subject to 3 nights of compulsory quarantine and 4 nights of medical surveillance (“3+4” arrangement) regardless of vaccination status.

Here you can find more information about all the requirements to enter Hong Kong.

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Finnair offers daily services to Doha in strategic partnership with Qatar Airways

Written by Traveltalksteam on August 30, 2022. Posted in Airline, Destination news.

Finnair offers daily services to Doha

August 30, 2022 – Finnair offers daily services to Doha in new strategic partnership with Qatar Airways.

Finnair and oneworld partner Qatar Airways have concluded an agreement to establish a long-term strategic cooperation between Helsinki, Stockholm and Copenhagen and Doha. Finnair and Qatar Airways are exploring opening services also between another European destination and Doha.

These services will be supported by a comprehensive codeshare agreement with shared passenger and cargo capacity between both airlines.

Finnair offers daily services to Doha

Customers from the three Nordic cities will benefit from seamless connections via Doha to Qatar Airways’ extensive network of around 100 destinations across Australasia, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. The collaboration will also open new destinations and connection opportunities across Finnair’s Nordic network for Qatar Airways’ customers.

The services are planned to start between November and December 2022. They will be operated with Finnair’s Airbus A330 aircraft featuring Finnair’s new long-haul cabins, including industry-leading Air Lounge business class seats, a brand-new premium economy travel class and refreshed economy class.

The flights to Doha are to be sold and marketed by both Finnair and Qatar Airways. Finnair offers daily services to Doha as per the schedule below:

7 weekly flights to and from Helsinki
7 weekly flights to and from Stockholm
7 weekly flights to and from Copenhagen

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “As a fellow oneworld member, we enjoy a close relationship with Finnair and these new services to Hamad International Airport are an example of Qatar Airways working with partners for the benefit of our joint customers. This strategic partnership demonstrates our commitment to the Nordic markets and strengthens our position as the leading Middle East carrier in this important region. This partnership will be the foundation for the future expansion here.”

Mr. Al Baker added: “Soon, Doha will be the oneworld hub bringing more airline partners together than ever before. With this codeshare agreement, travellers from the Nordics will continue to have excellent connectivity to Doha with Finnair and onwards with Qatar Airways to attractive leisure and key business destinations across Asia, Africa, Australasia and the Middle East.”

“We are delighted to expand our collaboration with our oneworld partner Qatar Airways, offering new connections between Doha and the three Nordic capitals”, says Finnair CEO Topi Manner. “The role of Doha as an international hub is growing, and Qatar Airways has extensive connections from Doha onwards to for example Australasia, the Middle East and Africa.”

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JetSMART flights Argentina and Paraguay – newest 70th Route

Written by Traveltalksteam on August 29, 2022. Posted in Airline, Destination news.

JetSmart flights Argentina and Paraguay

August 26, 2022 – JetSmart announces a new flight route between Argentina and Paraguay

The South American ultra-low-cost carrier JetSMART has announced the future launch of its 70th route in Latin America, flying between Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) in Asunción, Paraguay.

JetSmart flights Argentina and Paraguay

JetSMART will start this new route in November 2022

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Grand Hyatt Gurgaon in Gurgaon Delhi opens its doors with 442 rooms

Written by Traveltalksteam on August 29, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

Grand Hyatt Gurgaon in Gurgaon Delhi

August 29, 2022 – Hyatt Celebrates the Opening of Grand Hyatt Gurgaon

The 442-room property marks the Grand Hyatt brand’s debut in the Indian state of Haryana

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) announced the opening of Grand Hyatt Gurgaon in Delhi NCR today. The 442-room luxury hotel is the first Grand Hyatt property in Gurgaon, and is a dynamic luxury destination that will provide business and leisure travelers with an inspiring place to meet, work, celebrate and stay.

Grand Hyatt Gurgaon

With awe-inspiring architecture, smart, sophisticated design, and exceptional service and amenities to match, Grand Hyatt hotels deliver a luxury travel experience beyond all expectations. Each Grand Hyatt property offers superior service within a multicultural backdrop of dramatic architecture, inventive restaurants, luxury spas and sophisticated meeting spaces. With the opening of Grand Hyatt Mumbai in 2004, followed by Grand Hyatt Goa in 2011 and Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty in 2018, the addition of Grand Hyatt Gurgaon marks the first in the city and the fourth Grand Hyatt-branded hotel in the country.

Grand Hyatt Gurgaon is conveniently located in the commercial hub of the National Capital Region, amid high-end residential and commercial spaces. The hotel is part of a 29-acre complex and, the bold and vibrant design and architecture have been created by Foster+Partners, London – the globally renowned architectural, engineering, and integrated design firm. The site includes a unique high street shopping center and an office tower making Grand Hyatt Gurgaon an ideal location for visitors to the city.

“Located within a world-class city as well as a key destination for travelers, Grand Hyatt Gurgaon serves as a key milestone within Hyatt’s strategy to expand its luxury offerings in India, “ said Sunjae Sharma, Managing Director – India & Southwest Asia, Hyatt Hotels Corporation said. “We are truly excited to announce the opening of this striking new destination hotel in the heart of the Delhi NCR region and introduce guests to an elevated standard of grand living with state-of-the-art designs, inventive cuisines, impressive views and an unforgettable experience.”

Grand Hyatt Gurgaon stands out for its cutting-edge interior design by Hall of Fame awardee, Tony Chi & Associates, New York. The hotel will feature 442 luxurious guest rooms, including 45 suites and 55 service apartments, providing guests with a comfortable respite.

Aligned with the world-class food and beverage options the Grand Hyatt brand is known for, Grand Hyatt Gurgaon is home to variety of distinct dining venues. The Parlour offers guests a curated tea menu of over 20 loose teas to choose from – including the restaurant’s own signature blends of Grand Grey & Grand Rose (Green), while also hosting an Artisan Coffee Program with COHOMA coffee. Bar Musui is the ideal sophisticated setting for an evening drink, offering spirits, wines, beers and carefully crafted classic cocktails from across the globe and accompanied by live jazz and blues music. Seasonally inspired menus can be found at Maison Maiya, which presents a theatrically-themed selection of Asian and European flavors and incorporates locally sourced products with a delicate blend of dietary options to appeal to a wide range of palates.

Grand Hyatt Gurgaon also features an expansive event space, including The Grand Ballroom and The Campus. The 7,500 square foot (700 square meter) Grand Ballroom welcomes guests with two live, interactive kitchens – the only luxury hotel in Gurgaon to offer this experience. The Campus, a 17,760 square foot (1,650 square meter) space inspired by the concept of university living, is a meeting space segregated into a Lecture Hall, Classrooms, Library, and Common Spaces. The venue features Culina – a live kitchen, live music room, personal bar, games room, and relaxation lounge where guests can unwind. The various spaces at The Campus are perfectly suited for private company meetings, coffee breaks and parties.

Hyatt is committed to advancing environmental action as part of World of Care, the organization’s global approach to environmental, social, governance (ESG) so that destinations around the world are vibrant for guests, colleagues and communities. Grand Hyatt Gurgaon is mitigating its environmental impact by using energy-consumption minimizing Lutron smart wireless switches as well as double-glazed windows in guest rooms, to minimize heat loss. The hotel’s water conservation efforts include using water-saving WCs throughout the property.

“The opening of Grand Hyatt Gurgaon in the millennium city of India is a momentous occasion,” said Tarun Seth, general manager, Grand Hyatt Gurgaon. “We are proud to offer guests one of the most sophisticated and smartly designed properties in the city with welcoming, upscale service and amenities to match.”

The term “Hyatt” is used for convenience in this release to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.

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