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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MSC World Europa to be christened in Doha ceremony

Written by Leandro Agostini on September 8, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Cruise.

MSC World Europa to be christened in Doha ceremony

September 08, 2022 –

MSC Cruises will christen its new ship MSC World Europa in Doha on 13 November ahead of the vessel’s maiden season in the Middle East.
The 6,774-passenger ship, the first of MSC’s World class series, will inaugurate the Qatari capital’s Grand Cruise Terminal – capable of handling up to 28,000 passengers a day.

MSC World Europa

The ceremony will held in partnership with Qatar Airways as part of Qatar’s Vision 2030 plan to triple its number of international tourists by the start of the next decade.

World Europa will then sail its maiden voyage on 20 December, offering seven-night cruises to Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island and Dammam in Saudi Arabia.

From March 2023, the vessel will move to the Mediterranean operating seven-night cruises to Genoa, Naples and Messina, as well as Malta’s capital Valletta, Barcelona and Marseille.

Meanwhile, MSC Opera will also offer seven-night itineraries in the Gulf to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sir Bani Yas – as well as Muscat and Khasab in Oman.
Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chair of MSC Cruises, said: “MSC World Europa represents the future of cruising, a totally new platform that will provide our guests with an unforgettable cruise not experienced anywhere before, so it is fitting that this monumental event will take place in one of the seven new Urban Wonders of the World and inaugurate the city’s magnificent new Grand Cruise Terminal.

“Qatar will continue to play an important role in our strategy to expand our presence in the broader Gulf region as we see greater demand from our guests to visit this culturally rich and yet not fully discovered part of the world. I would like to thank Qatar Airways for its collaborative partnership and strong support in making this event happen.”
Vago said it was “only fitting” World Europa’s “state-of-the-art environmental technologies” were able to be showcased at the new cruise terminal, adding the ship would become the “most environmentally high-performing” vessel to sail the Middle East when it launches.

Akbar Al Baker, chair of Qatar Tourism and chief executive Qatar Airways Group called the naming of World Europa would “another landmark event” as Qatar looked to grow the “important tourism sector” of cruise.

“As Qatar places great importance on sustainability, it is fitting that we host this ceremony for such an environmentally-focused cruise ship. In addition, the opening of the new Grand Cruise Terminal is a state-of-the-art facility that firmly puts Qatar on the map for cruise ships and positions Doha as one of the most modern ports in the world,” he said.

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Hamad International Airport expansion to be opened October 2022

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

Hamad International Airport expansion to be opened October 2022

September 8, 2022 –

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive H.E. Akbar Al Baker confirmed the official opening of the expansion of Hamad International Airport (HIA) in October 2022.

Hamad International Airport

As per the report, H.E. Mr. Al Baker has announced the opening of the expansion during the Global Tourism Forum in Brussels on 6 September 2022.
He also notes that following the expansion, Hamad International Airport’s capacity is expected to increase to over 53 million passengers.

H.E. Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive:
“The expansion of Hamad International Airport is a vital part of the future success of the Qatar Airways Group, and of course of the country’s preparations to host the 2022 World Cup and beyond. It is also a strong sign that Qatar’s economy is robust and acts as a further economic stimulus, providing excellent opportunities for local and international contractors.”
The final phase of the expansion of the Hamad International Airport will begin by January 2023 and is expected to increase the capacity of the airport to handle over 65 million passengers annually.

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Radisson Hotel Group to build a strong and sustainable future in Thailand

Written by Leandro Agostini on September 7, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

Radisson Hotel Group to build a strong and sustainable future in Thailand

September 07, 2022 –

Radisson Hotel Group is embarking on a transformational journey in Thailand, with a rapid expansion of its portfolio of hotels and resorts and an unwavering commitment to its owners, partners and guests in this enduringly popular tourism destination. With over 25 years of local area expertise and strong brand recognition, the company is now ready to embark on an exciting future in the “Land of Smiles”.

Radisson Hotel Thailand

Radisson Hotel Group has revealed the defined brand architecture and strategic direction that will power its expansion plan in Thailand. The combination of a trusted collection of core brands and a recent partnership with Jin Jiang International and its affiliates create a complete collection of brands ranging from economy to luxury. Driven by a dedicated business unit in Bangkok, this will enable the Group to meet the needs of owners and guests in almost every Thai market, from key cities and popular leisure destinations to emerging hotspots and major transport hubs.

With the trends and opportunities in Thailand, the Group will be placing a focus on three brands. Firstly, Park Inn by Radisson, the upper-midscale brand, will offer cost-effective investment and higher returns for owners in a wide range of markets, such as urban areas and transport hubs. Radisson, the world-renowned upscale brand, ensures an efficient business model for owners with properties that are simple to build and conversion-friendly – perfect for primary and secondary cities, plus airport, suburban and convention locations. Finally, Radisson Individuals is the Group’s newest affiliation brand which celebrates the joy of individuality. Ideal for owners who want to retain their unique identity and guests seeking authentic local experiences, these upscale properties are well suited to all urban and resort destinations and have the potential to unlock new and emerging destinations.

These will be complemented by a spectrum of other brands, including Radisson RED, which provides a playful twist on conventional hotel stays in upbeat urban locations, along with Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, Park Plaza and Country Inns & Suites by Radisson. Three newly affiliated brands, Golden Tulip (exclusive to Radisson Hotel Group in Thailand), Kyriad and 7 Days, further broaden the options for owners. Looking beyond traditional hotels and resorts, the Group has also identified serviced apartments and branded residences as areas of opportunity. The overall aim is to offer highly customized options to cater to the specific needs of every owner and developer in the Thai market.

The Group continues to roll-out its five-year transformation plan which includes best-in-class technology and integrated solutions to maximize revenue across the Group’s hotels and deliver the best GOP in the industry.

“With all arrival restrictions having been lifted, international visitors are returning to the country once again. This presents exciting opportunities for hotel owners and developers; but following the recent global challenges it is also vital to make good decisions and choose the right partner for your investment. At Radisson Hotel Group, our defined brand architecture with clear market segmentation, flexible investment options, local area expertise and global support structure ensure that a bespoke solution can be tailored to the unique needs of every owner.” said David Nguyen, Managing Director, Indochina and Strategic Partnerships, South East Asia & Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group.

The most popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia¹ and home to many of the region’s most iconic attractions, Thailand is rebounding rapidly from the impact of the global pandemic, with 24 million international arrivals expected in 2024². Radisson Hotel Group has been ever-present in the Thai market since 1995, generating outstanding brand recognition and loyalty within the market. Now, by combining this rich company heritage with intuitive affiliations and agreements to create a comprehensive collection of brand offerings, Radisson Hotel Group is ready to embark on a bright new era of hospitality in this enchanting country.

The Group recently announced plans to add 100 new properties in Thailand by 2025, up from six today – four currently operating in Bangkok and two in the pipeline in Phuket and Pattaya. This represents a key part of the Group’s wider APAC Expansion Plan, which is aiming to achieve a 400% increase in portfolio strength across the Asia Pacific region, reaching 2,000 properties by 2025. Thailand has been identified as one of five key growth markets, along with India, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand.

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Kuwait Airways to operate 13 daily flights for FIFA World Cup

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

Kuwait Airways to operate 13 daily flights for FIFA World Cup

September 7, 2022 –

Kuwait Airways CEO Maen Razouqi said that the carrier’s holidays offices and the call centre would offer packages – that would include flights and tickets to the World Cup matches, starting from KD 200 (USD 649).

After booking the tickets and flights, passengers should enter these details into the Qatari Hayya application to enable them to attend matches, he added. Qatar would be handling the transportation of fans to and from the venues free of cost and through the Hayya app.

Kuwait Airways FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup organising committee has specified regulations concerning luggage, therefore travellers are advised to bring only carry-on baggage during their trip, the CEO added. Economy class travellers are allowed to carry luggage not exceeding 7kg, while business and first-class passengers are allowed to carry bags not exceeding 10kg and 15kg, respectively. Those who have extended stay in Qatar are allowed to bring a suitable amount of luggage and could book their tickets according to the regular flights between Kuwait and Doha, Razouqi said.

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The tectonic shifts in travel attitudes and behaviours

Written by Gill Dewar on September 7, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Opinionblog.

The Tectonic Shifts in Travel Attitudes and Behaviours

September 07, 2022

Dan Richards is the CEO of Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce. The 2022 Summer Travellers Safety and Sentiment Survey, conducted between July 12 and 16, 2022, reflects behaviours, attitudes and preferences regarding international and domestic travel from more than 2,100 travellers.

The return to the travel world has been a roller coaster. There are the ups of more countries welcoming visitors, fewer COVID protocols, and fewer hospitalizations—and the downs of the BA.5 variant, airline disruptions and the rising cost of travel. But the Global Rescue Traveller Safety and Sentiment Survey of the world’s most experienced travellers reveals a tectonic shift in behaviour and attitude for the remainder of this year and 2023: Travelers are moving ahead and forging plans to overcome travel barriers.

Sixty-eight percent of survey respondents have already travelled internationally since the pandemic. The balance of trip takers expects to travel abroad by the end of the year (16 percent) or in the first three months of 2023 (9 percent). The percentage of people who have travelled abroad highlights a 33 percent increase compared to traveller responses half a year ago.

The biggest international travel fear is testing positive for COVID and being stranded away from home. The good news is that this fear is declining. A third of respondents (33 percent) listed COVID as the most concerning but it represents a 37 percent decrease from early 2022.

But travel fears aren’t leading to travel cancelations. Despite reports of the latest COVID-19 variant, BA.5, generating waves of reinfections and single-digit increases in U.S. hospitalizations, nearly 80 percent of respondents say the threat of a new COVID variant is unlikely to make them cancel or postpone international travel this year.

Inflation is having a minimal impact on travel: 79 percent of respondents report inflation won’t cause them to cancel their travel plans. More than one-fifth (21 percent) plan to spend more time and money on trips to make up for curtailed travel due to the pandemic.

Staff shortages among pilots, flight attendants, gate agents and ground crews—a new challenge disrupting travel—are affecting travel schedules, but the majority of survey respondents (58 percent) have not been touched by it.

There’s good news for cruises, an industry shut down by the pandemic. Forty percent of respondents have already taken a cruise since the pandemic started or, if they haven’t, they plan to this year. Nearly a quarter (23 percent) of respondents feel much safer or safe enough to cruise compared to only 19 percent of respondents earlier this year.

The Russia-Ukraine war is having some impact on traveller decisions. The majority of travelers (60 percent) report some level of concern about international travel since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war. While 90 percent have not changed their travel plans due to the war more than a third are buying security evacuation protection as an additional precaution. But for trips to Eastern Europe, the opposite is happening. More than half of travelers (58 percent) who planned or were planning a trip to Russia, Ukraine or any other country in Eastern Europe report the Russia-Ukraine conflict caused them to cancel or postpone travel to those areas.

Travelers are sending a clear message. By overwhelming margins, they are pressing forward with international and domestic travel despite rising costs and airline staff shortages. The majority of travelers (64 percent) say medical evacuation services are more important than Cancel for Any Reason (18 percent) insurance or traditional travel insurance (15 percent).

They are eager to return to family vacations, adventure travels and business trips. Whether it is revenge travel or responsible travel following vaccination or because travelers learned travel protection for emergency medical services and evacuation is obligatory—or a combination of all three—travelers feel safe enough to plan trips and vacations and they have confidence they’ll be able to get home if the worst happens.

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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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The New Atlantis The Royal In Dubai To Open In November 2022

Written by Leandro Agostini on September 6, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

The New Atlantis The Royal In Dubai To Open In November 2022

September 06, 2022 –

Open in second week of November, this is one of the most luxury experiential resorts in the World. The new iconic landmark of Dubai, Atlantis The Royal on the Palm Jumeirah welcomes you to an experience that will completely redefine your perspective of luxury.

Atlantis The Royal In Dubai

Crafted by the world’s leading designers, architects and artists, this is a destination where everything has been designed to challenge the boundaries of imagination.

Rooms, Suites & Signature Penthouses

The $1.4 billion hotel will be made up of 795 rooms and 102 suites, including 44 suites with private pools. Atlantis The Royal is home to some of the most elegant Rooms, Suites and Signature Penthouses in the world, designed to immerse you in absolute comfort and luxury.

The residence side comprises of two, three, four and five bedroom formats, as well as a series of ‘Sky Villas’ complete with private infinity pools and terraced gardens from within the tall structure. All sold out before the opening.

The property

With a unique design, the building is a ‘contemporary interpretation of classic architectural design masterpieces’. The 43-storey (185 metre) property will feature over 90 swimming pools, including a stunning rooftop infinity pool suspended 96 meters above The Palm on level 22, appropriately named Cloud 22 Sky Pool.

There are also plans for a 3,000 square metre wellness facility, which will focus not just on fitness but also health and mental wellbeing. Inside, state-of-the-art offerings will include a 6-room Hammam Sensorium, 17 treatment rooms, a styling salon plus indoor and outdoor fitness spaces.

The lobby

The lobby has three aquariums plus the largest jelly fish tank in the world located in the lobby bar, housing approximately 4,000 jellyfish. There will also be a world-first fire-meets-water fountain called the Skyblaze fountain.

The restaurants

There are 17 restaurants and bars available in the resort, 8 of them will be by award-winning celebrity chefs. These include experimental modern British cuisine at Heston Blumenthal’s Dinner by Heston, Michelin-lauded tapas at Jose Andres’ Jaleo, the first traditional cevichería in Dubai by Gastón Acurio, chef Costas Spiliadis will present fine Mediterranean fare against a fountain backdrop, Persian flavours at Ariana Bundy’s Ariana’s Persian Kitchen, Hakkasan Group will add Ling Ling to the culinary-line up, and baker to the stars Mich Turner will bring The Little Venice Cake Company to the resort.

A first-of-its-kind Nobu by the Beach, by famous chef Nobu Matsuhisa, will be the eighth acclaimed restaurant in Atlantis The Royal’s dining portfolio.
4 bars, an all-day dining restaurant, a casual restaurant, cafe, a food hall, entertainment centre and aforementioned day-to-night clubbing experience, Cloud 22.

Room rates

The Royal Atlantis in Dubai is in a position for success. The iconic building is a neighbor to Atlantis, The Palm, and at the tip of the tree-shaped Island, Palm Jumeriah.

The room rates will start at 750 USD per night and the Suites at 2.000 USD per night.

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Qatar to open three new five star hotels ahead of FIFA World Cup

Written by Leandro Agostini on September 6, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Hotel, Sports.

Qatar to open three new five star hotels ahead of FIFA World Cup

September 06, 2022 –

Qatar is gearing up to open three new five-star hotels ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2022 as the country prepares to host more than a million international football fans for the world’s greatest football tournament.

Qatar five star hotels FIFA World Cup

With less than 100 days to go before fans descend on the region for the month-long event, which will kick off November 20, new hotels are opening their doors in the Gulf state – the host nation for the first-ever FIFA World Cup in the Middle East – in September and October.
They include the Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay Beach – a 278 -room resort near Doha Corniche – and the St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island on the Pearl-Qatar – a resort spanning a whole island, which will open on October 1.

A third – the Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha – is also slated to open in October near Hamad International Airport.

About 1.2 million fans, roughly half the population of Qatar, are expected to descend upon the country state during the event but providing sufficient rooms for visiting fans, teams and tournament staff has been a key challenge for Qatar and organizers have tried everything from cruise ships and desert camps to help ease the accommodation squeeze.

Berthold Trenkel, chief operating officer of Qatar Tourism, said the new hotels are in line with the country’s plans to expand its hospitality industry to fulfil the country’s ambitious goal of attracting more than six million international visitors a year by 2030.

“We are pleased to witness the continuous addition of world-class hotels to Qatar’s thriving hospitality landscape,” he said. “The exemplary service provided by our hotels plays a key role in the overall visitor experience, which in turn helps boost the tourism sector and diversify Qatar’s economy.”

“With new hospitality, cultural and retail offerings, Qatar continues to attract growing numbers of visitors each month, as demonstrated by our current summer season which sees peak figures compared to the past five years.”

The FIFA World Cup is expected to attract fans from 31 other nations to the country. Football fans have so far snapped up 2.45 million tickets to November’s World Cup in Doha, FIFA reported last month, which plans to make three million spots available in total.

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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 Boosts Amsterdam with 14 Amazing Weekly Flights!

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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Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah Opens on Palm West Beach

Written by Leandro Agostini on September 5, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah Opens on Palm West Beach

September 05, 2022 –

Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah Opens on Palm West Beach
Located on the popular Palm West Beach, the hotel is the perfect escape for couples, families, friends and solo travelers looking to enjoy sunset views, a temperature-controlled pool, event spaces, a tranquil spa and more.

Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah

Featuring 608 guest rooms and suites along with ten enticing culinary concepts, it is poised to become one of the top leisure and events destinations in Dubai.

The hotel is home to several new dining concepts unique to the property including Zing Beach Bar which offers refreshing craft drinks and a wide selection of light bites at the water’s edge, and the cool, calm and connected SocialBee whichfeatures a delightful menu designed around locally-sourced honey. Mowsem, the hotel’s all-day dining destination, serves an exciting array of global cuisine, whilst Australian Jones the Grocer, locatedon the beach and already a favourite among residents, is the perfect breakfast spot for fresh and delicious artisan food.

Launching later this year, Factory by McGettigan’s will become the ultimate neighbourhood hangout with its Irish charm, delicious artful drinks, sharing plates, and an ever-changing line up of live entertainment.

CLAW BBQ
will dial upthe Southern hospitality with mouthwatering must-have grills, seafood, shakes and retro arcade games in a fun and vibrant setting.

Also opening later this year, Barfly by Buddha Bar will be located on the 13th floor of the property, offeringsunset views of the sea, Bluewaters Island, the glittering Dubai Marina skyline and the Palm Jumeirah. This restaurant, bar and lounge will boast an exquisite dining and drinking experience, set to a soundtrack of uplifting music mixed by talented DJs.

The renowned Trader Vic’s and Tahitian Village will launch just as the good weather returns and will serveup simmering plates of island-style cuisine alongside delicious and popular Mai Tais.

Aside from the culinary experiences, the property offers one of the longest pools in Dubai, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and the award-winning eforea Spa that provides comprehensive relaxation experiences, eight well-appointed treatment rooms, a dedicated spa suite and a Moroccan Hammam for individuals and groups. For young guests, the Pirates Kids Club has an indoor and outdoor area, and a dedicated kid’s pool. The hotel will also feature a pristine private beach with breathtaking city views, daybeds and a range of watersports activities.

Additionally, the property has several meeting and event spaces designed for all occasions, including the outdoor Ocean Terrace that can cater for up to 800 people – perfect for weddings and large events.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts marks its continued global growth by reaching its 600th property with the recent openings of Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah and Hilton Hiroshima. As Hilton’s flagship brand, Hilton Hotels & Resorts continue to offer exceptional stay experiences to guests for over a century at hotels located in the most sought-after destinations around the world. In addition to the latest milestone openings, the brand recently grew its all-inclusive footprint with the opening of Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort and Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort. Hilton Hotels & Resorts also debuted the largest hotel in Asia Pacific with the opening of Hilton Singapore Orchard and made its highly anticipated entry in the Maldives with Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa

Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah joins 33 other Hilton properties operating in the UAE. The hotel is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 18 distinct hotel brands. Members who book directly have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi and the Hilton Honors mobile app. Book direct at Hilton.com, through the Hilton Honors app or through other official Hilton channels for more perks and a price match guarantee. Hilton Honors members can redeem Points using the Points Explorer tool.

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IHG Hotels and Resorts announces signing for Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya

Written by Leandro Agostini on September 5, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

IHG Hotels and Resorts announces signing for Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya

September 05, 2022 –

Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya will be the fourth Hotel Indigo-branded hotel in Japan, following Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora which opened in 2020, and Hotel Indigo Karuizawa and Hotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen Garden, both of which opened earlier this year.

IHG Hotels and Resorts

With 254 open or pipeline hotels worldwide, Hotel Indigo is IHG’s lifestyle boutique hotel brand that is built around ‘neighbourhood stories’, tickling guests’ curiosity by incorporating the city’s character, unique history and culture into every detail of the hotel design, artwork, service and experience.

Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya will be located at the top of the ‘Dogenzaka Dori’, a large, mixed-use complex that’s being developed as part of the Shibuya Ward Dogenzaka 2-chome Development Plan.

Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya

A five-minute walk will take guests to the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, a quintessential symbol of Tokyo’s cultural centre that attracts the world’s attention. In the other direction is the calm, residential Shoto area, putting the hotel in an ideal location to enjoy every aspect of Shibuya’s unique neighbourhood story.

That story is based on the theme of a ‘jungle city where individuality and colours mix and change’, expressing a Shibuya that continues to evolve with the flow of the times, just like a jungle where diverse and colourful lives are born. This will be reflected in the local experience and the hotel’s interior design and services.

In addition to the 272 guest rooms, the hotel will have facilities such as a neighbourhood café & bar with an outdoor terrace and a fitness gym. Rooms occupying the upper floors will offer panoramic views, which extend as far as Mount Fuji and Tokyo Sky Tree on a clear day. It will also feature a coffee shop for eat-in and take-out near the entrance on the third floor.

Abhijay Sandilya, Managing Director – Japan, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said, “We are so proud to announce the signing of Japan’s fourth Hotel Indigo hotel, demonstrating the incredible growth the brand has seen since we debuted it here just two and a half years ago. Shibuya is one of Japan’s world-class culture hubs that is perfectly suited to the neighbourhood stories embodied by Hotel Indigo, so we could not wish for a better location for this great brand to make its Tokyo’s debut. We are honoured to form this partnership with Pan Pacific International Holdings Corporation, and look forward to working hand-in-hand long into the future.”
Pan Pacific International Holdings Corporation, President and CEO, Representative Director, Naoki Yoshida said, “PPIH is proud to develop this new urban development plan that takes advantage of the charms of Shibuya, with the goal of creating a lifestyle hub with a large-scale complex, comprising ‘retail, offices and a hotel’ and proposing a new circulation route around the Shibuya area. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the many people involved in this project.”Dogenzaka Dori” will create a new destination for people to come to the Shibuya area, a lifestyle hub that attracts a diverse range of people and revitalises the area as a new centre of culture.

We are honoured to be partnering with IHG Hotels & Resorts, a leader in connecting people with travel around the world. Together with Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya, which reflects the evolving character and charm of the Shibuya area, we hope that Dogenzaka Dori will shine a light on the still undiscovered charms of Shibuya and provide a wonderful experience for many domestic and international guests.”

IHG Hotels & Resorts has a total of 50 open or pipeline hotels in Japan under six brands – (ANA) InterContinental, Kimpton, ANA Crowne Plaza, (ANA) Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Hotel Indigo, and is preparing to Regent Hotels & Resorts, Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spa and voco in the coming years.

Since January 2020, IHG has opened 11 hotels, including three Hotel Indigo brands (Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora, Hotel Indigo Karuizawa and Hotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen Garden), ANA Holiday Inn Resort Shinano-omachi Kuroyon, Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo, Holiday Inn Express Osaka City Centre Midosuji, and the 1,000-room resort in Appi Kogen, which includes ANA InterContinental, ANA Crowne Plaza and ANA Holiday Inn.

With the opening of Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya in 2023, IHG will have five hotels in Tokyo and eight in Greater Tokyo area. (ANA InterContinental Tokyo, The Strings by InterContinental Tokyo, InterContinental Tokyo Bay, Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo, InterContinental Yokohama Grand, InterContinental Yokohama Pier 8 and ANA Crowne Plaza Narita)

IHG is committed to grow in Japan and will continue to focus on building relationships with property owners to further expand its portfolio.

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Radisson Hotel Group to expand across Australasia

Written by Leandro Agostini on September 2, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

Radisson Hotel Group to expand across Australasia

September 02, 2022 –

As part of the Group’s APAC Expansion Plan, brands such as Radisson Individuals, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and Radisson RED will spearhead widespread growth in the market.

Radisson Hotel Group

Radisson Hotel Group has announced significant expansion plans for Australasia, with a newly expanded brand portfolio, strategic partnerships and diverse business models that will enable the Group to achieve exponential growth across the region by 2025.

On Radisson Hotel Group’s plans for the Australasia market, Ramzy Fenianos, Chief Development Officer, Asia Pacific, commented: “Our ambitious plans in Australia and New Zealand are a testament to our success in the market and the relevance of our products to both inbound and domestic travelers seeking a diverse range of hotel and resort experiences. Our defined brand architecture is designed to be relevant for our guests and owners, delivering on meaningful experiences. With visa applications for Australia already being at 80% of pre-pandemic levels as of May this year, we’re optimistic that the market will see continued rapid recovery, and a surge in demand from inbound tourists as we approach the summer season.”

The expansion will target capital cities and popular regional destinations across Australia and New Zealand, such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, and will be driven through a combination of growth models such as strategic alliances and master license agreements with its esteemed partners.

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson lobby render
The Group will also seek opportunities to make tactical mergers & acquisitions, and will offer owners attractive, cost-effective options for property conversions. All of these initiatives will be powered by the new Business Unit in Sydney, which is already operational and providing dedicated local development and operational support for owners and investors, enabling them to customize their strategy.

The plans are particularly timely as the Australasia market is starting to see growing demand for hotels and resorts as it recovers post-pandemic, and ahead of the 2032 Olympics. Furthermore, recent research has shown that investors are eager to deploy capital into hotel assets in Australia and New Zealand, with their focus being very much on a “flight-to-quality” strategy, with notable returns being realized through both conversions and mid-market property.

To cater to this, the Group is doubling down on its mid-scale brands in the market – with Radisson Individuals, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson and Radisson RED spearheading the growth of its portfolio in Australasia. With a comprehensive collection of brands ranging from midscale to luxury, Radisson Hotel Group will now be able to customize its Australasian development strategy to meet the specific needs of owners and investors in every market segment and location.

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Wyndham Residences The Palm officially opens

Written by Leandro Agostini on September 2, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

Wyndham Residences The Palm officially opens

September 02, 2022 –

Wyndham Residences The Palm is delighted to announce its official opening on the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. The unique 102-room pet-friendly property, nestled amongst the residential community on the West Crescent, seamlessly provides home comforts with an elevated resort lifestyle, highlighted by high-end family-friendly amenities and long-term stay options.

Wyndham Residences The Palm

Celebrating the launch, guests booking between now until October 15, 2022 can avail an exciting 30% off on Best Available Rates for stays across 2022 and 2023. In addition, children below 12 go free.

Whether it’s weekend away or a long-term stay, travellers and residents alike will be treated to a variety of sleek accommodation options from studios to one-, two- and three-bedroom deluxe units offering picturesque views of the Arabian Gulf and the dazzling Marina skyline. Most apartments feature large balconies or terraces and all include spacious fully-equipped kitchens, laundry facilities and a choice of connecting rooms which can accommodate up to 5-bedroom units. The property has specially designed its ground floor units as pet-friendly options.

Featuring a luxurious outdoor temperature-controlled swimming pool, an expansive private beach, and a kids’ pool and club, the luxurious property is home to a perfect mix of amenities for large groups and families. The property also has a fully equipped gym that will offer annual and monthly memberships for Palm Jumeirah residents. Wyndham Residences The Palm is home to an all-day-dining outlet, ‘20Four’, which is inclusive of a bar and grab-and-go area. Excitingly, a premium beach club, pool bar, and additional restaurants are also expected to open later in Q4.

Mohamed El Akkad, Hotel Manager at Wyndham Residences The Palm, states: “I am tremendously proud to launch Wyndham Residences The Palm with such an amazing team. I am sure that Wyndham Residences The Palm, one of only a few premium, pet-friendly aparthotels on The Palm, will be a sought-after holiday destination for both residents and international holiday-goers. Whether it is a short-stay or long-stay experience, myself and the team look forward to welcoming guests through our doors and making their stay feel as homely and personal as possible.”

Set in one of the city’s most exclusive destinations, Wyndham Residences The Palm is only a stone’s throw away from upscale restaurants, stylish nightclubs, the Aquaventure Waterpark, Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk, The Pointe and Nakheel Mall. In addition, popular attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall and the Dubai Frame are but a mere drive away for those looking to explore the iconic city sites.

The opening marks Wyndham’s first collaboration with IFA Hotels & Resorts, a leading real estate development specialised in the development of mixed-use hotel and residential resort projects as well as luxury leisure services.

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Thai AirAsia X to fly direct Thailand – Australia from December

Written by Leandro Agostini on September 2, 2022. Posted in Airline, Destination news.

Thai AirAsia X to fly direct Thailand – Australia from December

September 02, 2022 –

Thai AirAsia X will fly from Bangkok to both Melbourne and Sydney, beginning December 1 and 2 this year, respectively. The Bangkok to Sydney route will fly four times per week on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The Bangkok to Melbourne route will fly thrice a week on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Both scheduled to be operated on the airline’s all-Airbus A330 fleet.

AirAsia

Acting CEO of Thai AirAsia X expressed: “Thailand and Australia have maintained strong relations for over 70 years, and Australia is among the top three educational destinations for Thai students as well as a leading travel destination for Thai tourists.”

“Both Thailand and Australia have strong characteristics that mutually attract travellers from both sides of the hemisphere. Bangkok is a one stop shop for nightlife, culture, shopping and local Thai cuisine for international travellers. Not only that but it’s a key transit hub for Australian travellers.”

Melbourne Airport Chief of Aviation Jim Parashos stated: “We are thrilled to welcome Thai AirAsia X to the Melbourne Airport family. Thailand is a favourite destination of Australians, and we expect these new direct services will be popular, particularly among leisure travellers keen to get back to Southeast Asia to experience the country’s incredible food, beaches and culture”

“This new route will also drive tourism into Victoria and support a growing Thai international student market. Prior to the pandemic, Thailand was one of the state’s top 10 international student source markets and an important part of our economy. This new route will also drive tourism into Victoria and support a growing Thai international student market. Prior to the pandemic, Thailand was one of the state’s top 10 international student source markets and an important part of our economy.”

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First Lufthansa Boeing 787 lands at Frankfurt Airport

Written by Leandro Agostini on September 1, 2022. Posted in Airline, Destination news.

First Lufthansa Boeing 787 lands at Frankfurt Airport

September 01, 2022 –

Build-up of 787 fleet starts with today’s addition of D-ABPA – a total of 31 more 787 deliveries expected by 2027

After a long wait, Lufthansa received its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registered under the registration number D-ABPA and christened «Berlin»: This new generation of aircraft will allow the airline to replace its old Airbus A340s.

Lufthansa Boeing

The company’s first 787 took off from Paine Field Airport (PAE) at 16:28 local time under flight «LH9921» and will land in Frankfurt (FRA), the airline’s main hub. This is the first 787-9 from the factory to be delivered to an airline, following the resumption of Dreamliner deliveries in August this year.

In 2019, Lufthansa Group placed the order for 20 787-9s as part of its intercontinental fleet renewal plan, over the years the order increased to 32 units to be distributed among the group’s airlines, Lufthansa will be the first operator and will base this model at its hub in Frankfurt.

The first five Dreamliners of the largest German airline operator came from Hainan Airlines, which were later transferred to Vistara and finally taken over by Lufthansa after negotiations with Boeing due to delays in the 777-9X program. These first aircraft are powered by General Electric engines, the other 27 units will be equipped with Rolls-Royce engines and are expected to enter the fleet in 2023.

The German carrier’s first five 787s will have the same cabin as Hainan Airlines’ aircraft, which include 26 Business Class seats (1-2-1) of Collins Aerospace’s Super Diamond model, 21 Premium Economy seats and 247 seats in Economy.

The remaining Dreamliners will have the new Business Class and Premium Economy group products incorporated, the latter of which debuted this year on SWISS Boeing 777-300ERs and is expected to be installed on Boeing 777-9Xs, Airbus A350s, Boeing 747-8i and Airbus A330-300s.

Lufthansa also expects to take delivery in the coming weeks of the second Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which is registered under the registration number D-ABPD and christened «Frankfurt am Main».

The remaining aircraft to be delivered tentatively by the last quarter of this year and early 2023 are as follows: D-ABPB, D-ABPC and D-ABPE. This 787 sub-fleet has an average age of 3 years, as these units were kept in storage awaiting a new customer.

At the end of 2021, the German airline revealed that the first international destination for the Dreamliner would be Toronto – Pearson (YYZ), for the moment Lufthansa has not announced the schedule for these new aircraft.

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Virgin Voyages Has New Loyalty Program

Written by Leandro Agostini on September 1, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Cruise.

Virgin Voyages Has New Loyalty Program

September 01, 2022 –

Virgin Voyages has plans to launch its loyalty program: The Sailing Club. The line has also unveiled a perks program for the remainder of 2022. Guests who avail of these perks can achieve elite status when the loyalty program launches in 2023.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages’ Sailing Club is introducing two perks, exclusively available to loyal qualifying “Sailors,” or guests in 2022. The first perk includes “Deep Blue Extras,” a collection of luxuries that elevate qualifying guests to enjoy VIP treatment. These include one free “Shake for Champagne,” anytime boarding and premium Wi-Fi (when available), exclusive cocktail parties and laundry services. Deep Blue Extras are available for all qualifying guests from September through December 2022.

Virgin Voyages is also introducing “Red Hot Booking Bonus Months.” Valid until November 15, 2022 any new qualifying booking made during these select months (excludes bookings made with existing voyage credits), will allow all qualifying guests to be treated to on-board spending perks and chances to win prizes such as a trip to Ulusaba, Richard Branson’s private game reserve in South Africa, and “Virgin Points” through Virgin Red, the line’s rewards club.
In addition, guests who avail of this perk will earn an extra $200 in “Sailor Loot” (on-board spending credit), which can be combined with all other promotions, offering rewards to loyal guests.

Virgin Voyages will reward past guests with “Tokens” to track all qualifying spend to ensure “Sailors” are positioned for benefits in 2023. All of the money spent with Virgin Voyages since inception will be counted and tallied as Tokens. And as an exclusive perk for all loyal guests, every dollar spent during these “Red Hot Booking Bonus Months”–up to four Tokens per dollar for Sea-Blazers, and three Tokens per dollar for Sea-Rovers–will contribute to an individual’s future status. As the program is unveiled in 2023, these Tokens will fast-track “Sailors” to the highest tiers possible, unlocking even more perks next year.

The 2022 perks will be available to all loyal qualifying “Sailors” defined as Sea-Blazers and Sea-Rovers. Sea-Blazers are those who sailed with Virgin in 2021. Additional perks include a $125 “Bar Tab Bonus” for life. Guests who have sailed with Virgin twice in 2022 are dubbed Sea-Rovers. Perks include a $100 Bar Tab Bonus for two years (valid until 2024). Match & Sea More Sailors, or guests who are enrolled in other cruise and select airline travel rewards programs, will also be granted Sea-Rover status, which includes the $100 Bar Tab Bonus for two years (valid through 2024).

As the final component of the 2022 program, Virgin Voyages is inviting “Sailors” for suggestions on what perks they would like to be offered; how Virgin Voyages can elevate its loyalty program; and what the company can do to make its “Sailing Club” experience stand out.

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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