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Qantas returns to South Africa for the 1st time in 2 years

Written by Gill Dewar on January 11, 2022. Posted in Airline, Destination news.

January 11, 2022 – Qantas returns to South Africa for the 1st time in 2 years

Qantas flight QF63 departed Sydney and is expected to land at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport in January 2022.

This flight marks the resumption of direct passenger flights between South Africa and Australia after a 21-month break.

The airline will operate three weekly flights on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

Qantas’ restart coincides with Australia easing its restrictions on South African travellers.

Qantas Airways flight QF63 is scheduled to land at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday afternoon. This is the first direct commercial passenger flight between Australia and South Africa in more than 21 months.

Australia has been largely off-limits to South Africans since coronavirus-induced travel restrictions were first imposed in March 2020. Australians looking to travel abroad have also been limited due to Qantas’ grounding of international flights and strict re-entry requirements.

Almost 200,000 South Africans live in Australia, making it the second largest expat community second only to the United Kingdom. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, more than 110,000 annual travellers arrived in South Africa from Australia, many to reconnect with family and friends.

Qantas had initially hoped to resume its flights between Sydney and Johannesburg in July 2021, but consecutive waves of Covid-19, the prevalence of new variants, and heightened restrictions in response, extended the suspension. The July return date was pushed back to October, then December, and, more recently, to April 2022.

Australia’s financially embattled flag carrier eventually reopened its international routes in November, starting with flights to London, Los Angeles, and Singapore.

The airline also revised its South African restart date to January. This coincided with Australia dropping its restrictions on South African travellers in mid-December. This reprieve mainly applies to Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible visa holders – for skilled migrants, international students, and family – departing South Africa.

Qantas’ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner – flight QF63 – departed Sydney around 10:45 (Australian Eastern Daylight Time) on Tuesday. The 11,000km flight takes around 14 hours to complete and, at the time of publication, flight QF63 was around 3,500km away from Johannesburg. It’s estimated to land at 15:30.

The airline will operate three weekly return flights between Sydney and Johannesburg on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Demand for these flights is extremely high, according to Simple Flying.

And while Australia has reopened to eligible international travellers, territories differ on testing and quarantine requirements. Travellers arriving in Sydney need to comply with the New South Wales rules, which requires a negative Covid-19 rapid antigen test result and full vaccination to avoid quarantine.

Travelling from New South Wales to Queensland, for example, requires another negative Covid-19 test result and an approved entry pass.

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Mexico Will Continue to Be a Top Choice for Travel in 2022

Written by Gill Dewar on January 11, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Travel Advice.

January 11 2022 – Mexico Will Continue to Be a Top Choice for Travel in 2022

Let’s go back to the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. After being battered by all sorts of terrible twists and turns, the travel industry was struggling to maintain a pulse while dealing with constantly changing rules and regulations, including the need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test before re-entering the U.S. I remember thinking at the time, “How in the world is this going to work?”

Looking back now, that was a bold action that certainly saved millions of dollars in business for travel advisors. Mexico deserves a lot of credit for constantly adapting and overcoming hurdles throughout the pandemic. The country set itself apart as an oasis where people could go to be pampered and feel comforted during the darkest days of 2020 and 2021.

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‘Home’ cooking at Martha Stewart’s first restaurant

Written by Gill Dewar on January 11, 2022. Posted in Whats cooking, Activity, Destination news, Restaurant.

What’s cooking?

‘Home’ cooking a key ingredient at Martha Stewart’s first restaurant

For her first restaurant, set to open at Paris Las Vegas this spring, lifestyle maven Martha Stewart will evoke her own country farmhouse.

The Bedford by Martha Stewart, with 194 seats, will be designed with the aesthetic of the brand she has cultivated for decades in broadcasting, publishing and merchandising.

Seasonal, farm-to-table ingredients will be emphasized on dinner, weekend brunch and holiday menus. Purveyors will include Las Vegas Farmers Market, D’Artagnan Foods, Urbani Truffles, Roe Caviar, Frog Hollow Farm, Jasper Hill Farm and Vermont Creamery.

“Our menu will be delicious, depicting the very same kinds of foods I serve my friends and family,” Stewart said. “The architecture and decoration of the spaces cleverly exemplify the beauty and atmosphere you might find at my beautiful farm in Bedford, N.Y. Dining at the Bedford will be immersive, fun, unexpected and utterly delectable.”

Stewart’s well-known functional and practical lifestyle will be found in the decor with a bring-nature-indoors concept. A neutral palette will act as a backdrop to seasonal colors.

“Martha Stewart is one of the most celebrated voices in hospitality, and we are truly honored that she’s chosen Paris Las Vegas as the home for her very first restaurant,” said Jason Gregorec, senior vice president and general manager of Paris Las Vegas. “When we open the doors, the Bedford by Martha Stewart will be a dining experience you simply can’t get elsewhere.”

Paris Las Vegas is also the home of Chef Joho’s Eiffel Tower Restaurant, French-bistro Mon Ami Gabi and Gordon Ramsay Steak. It includes quick-service options such as Brioche by Guy Savoy and, soon, Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay. Lisa Vanderpump’s second Las Vegas venue, Vanderpump a Paris, and a new Nobu restaurant and lounge are also planned.

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Radisson Blu hits the slopes in Turkey

Written by Leandro Agostini on January 10, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

January 10, 2021 – Radisson Blu Hotel, Mount Erciyes is a welcome addition to Turkey’s popular winter sports destination.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Mount Erciyes

A winter wonderland courtesy of Radisson Blu

As well as being Radisson Hotel Group’s first winter sports hotel in the country, the new Radisson Blu Hotel, Mount Erciyes is also only its second property in central Turkey’s Kayseri province. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the scheme offers guests direct access to top ski lifts, ski slopes and après ski facilities.

Yilmaz Yildirimlar, area senior vice president for Central and Eastern Europe, Russia and Turkey at Radisson Hotel Group, said: “We are delighted to open our first ski hotel in the Kayseri province. Radisson Blu Hotel, Mount Erciyes is the perfect addition to our growing brand umbrella as we continue expanding our Turkey footprint. We would like to thank the owners for their trust in Radisson Hotel Group.”

Combining adventure with relaxation

The property aims to provide the best of both worlds – the chance for travellers to get stuck into all of the adventure activities that the region has to offer, and ample opportunity for them to indulge in some rest and relaxation.

This scheme’s 60 guestrooms include premium rooms with balconies, and impressive suites, while common areas feature roaring fireplaces and comfy sofas, perfect for chilling out after a hard day on the slopes. Guests can also recover with a rejuvenating swim in the indoor and outdoor pools, and refuel at the Breakfast Room buffet, all-day dining establishment the Main Restaurant and self-service venue The Ski Lounge.

Last but not least, there’s a meeting and event space that can hold up to 40 guests.

Menderes Karaküçük, general manager, said: “The hotel is a perfect spot for winter sports and ski lovers. Our experienced team is excited to welcome our guests for the perfect choice for ski, snowboarding, and other mountain sports with our ‘Yes I Can!’ service ethos.”

Source: tophotel

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IMEX Announces New Dates for its 2022 Frankfurt Event

Written by Leandro Agostini on January 10, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Featured events, MICE.

January 10 2022 – IMEX Announces New Dates for its 2022 Frankfurt Event

The IMEX Group has announced new dates for IMEX in Frankfurt 2022.

The change allows the team to stage the 20th anniversary of its market-leading trade show from Tuesday 31 May – Thursday 02 June, giving the global meetings, incentive travel and events industry an additional five weeks to prepare.

The increase in Omicron cases across Europe and around the world together with current regulatory uncertainty caused Chairman, Ray Bloom and CEO, Carina Bauer to review their plans, together with their host venue, city and industry partners. They have taken the opportunity to accept new dates offered by Messe Frankfurt, meaning the show could return to its more familiar timings in late spring.

As IMEX CEO Carina Bauer explains, “Everyone in our industry can see the current situation in Europe and knows that, with trade shows depending on such long lead times, it doesn’t support a show in April. We strongly believe that a late May edition of IMEX in Frankfurt will allow everyone to move ahead and plan with certainty and confidence. Having recently come off a highly successful IMEX America, we’re completely focused on building a strong return for IMEX in Frankfurt and we’re also keenly aware of how much our industry needs IMEX to bring everyone together and prove that business regeneration and good lead flow is not only viable but closer than some may think.”

IMEX in Frankfurt takes place 31 May – 2 June, with a dedicated day of tailored education on Monday 30 May for specialist groups such as corporate, association, and agency buyers.

Registration for IMEX in Frankfurt will go live in the week commencing Monday, January 17.

For more info on the Expo click here

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JW Marriott Hotel São Paulo to open in 2022

Written by Leandro Agostini on January 10, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

January 10, 2021 – Marriott International has signed an agreement to debut JW Marriott Hotel São Paulo in Parque da Cidade.

JW Marriott Hotel São Paulo in Parque da Cidade.

The property will be converted from an existing luxury hotel.

The hotel is expected to open in quarter two of the year.

Strategically located along Avenida Nações Unidas within proximity to major business and exclusive entertainment areas in the city, JW Marriott Hotel São Paulo is expected to feature 258 spacious, well-appointed guestrooms.

There will also be a full-service restaurant, a lounge/bar, a luxurious spa with five treatment rooms, an indoor/outdoor swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and other high-end amenities.

In addition, the hotel will offer six meeting spaces totalling more than 1,000m², making it a prime destination for business meetings and conferences.

The growing presence of global companies in the area has fuelled corporate demand for hotels and continues to position Parque da Cidade and São Paulo as a major global and tourism hub.

“We are thrilled to continue expanding our long-standing presence in Brazil in the luxury segment and with one of our flagship brands,” said Bojan Kumer, regional vice president, Marriott International.

“Brazil is a key and strategic market in our portfolio and today’s signing further underscores our growth commitment to the country.

“We look forward to positioning JW Marriott Hotel São Paulo as the leading luxury hotel in the city and country.”

Marriott International currently operates 11 properties in Brazil and over 300 across the Caribbean and Latin America region.

Source: breakingtravelnews

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Croatia’s tourism recovering into 2022

Written by Gill Dewar on January 10, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Travel Advice.

January 10 2022 – Croatia’s tourism recovering into 2022

Croatia recorded 13.8 million tourist arrivals and around 84 million overnight stays last year. Compared to 2020, the number of arrivals increased by 77% and the overnight stays by 55%, announced the Ministry of Tourism.

Compared with the pre-crisis year of 2019, the tourist arrivals last year reached 67% of the level at that time, and overnight stays were at 77%.

Croatia’s tourism achieved the best results in the Mediterranean in the second pandemic year despite all the challenges, stated the head of the Croatian Tourism Board (HTZ), Kristjan Stanicic, according to the statement. This year, the tourism industry aims to reach 90% of the level from the record year of 2019, he added.

Tourism Minister Nikolina Brnjac stressed that in the previous year Croatia strengthened its image of a safe and responsible destination.

Regarding the source markets, most tourists came from Germany (2.9 million arrivals, +84%), followed by Slovenia (1.2 million arrivals, +18%). Austrian vacationers ranked third among foreign tourists in terms of arrivals. Last year, 1.1 million arrivals by Austrians were recorded in the Adriatic country, an increase of 18% compared to 2020.

Austrians were followed by the guests from Poland (1 million arrivals, +50%) and the Czech Republic 775,000 arrivals, +50%).

Foreign tourists were responsible for almost 72 million or 85.7 of all overnight stays in the previous year. Domestic vacationers (2.3 million arrivals, +41% compared to 2020) generated 12.3 million overnight stays.

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Eight hot London hotel openings for 2022

Written by Gill Dewar on January 10, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

January 10, 2022 – Eight hot London hotel openings for 2022

Following a bumper year for new openings in 2021, London is set to welcome a swathe of new properties this year, giving event profs plenty of fresh options to choose from.

First up, One Hundred Shoreditch, the second London property from Lore Group, will open its doors in February, featuring 258 stylish rooms, and a number of restaurants and bars including the Rooftop, offering panoramic views of East London.

One Hundred Shoreditch will also be home to five meetings and events spaces suitable for everything from private dining and receptions to meetings and weddings. The largest room, surrounded by floor to ceiling glass, offers views of the London city skyline.

Chateau Denmark is a new hotel in the West End of London that will be opening this spring. Located along Denmark Street, the hotel pays homage to the British music scene, and will offer 55 “session rooms and apartments”.

The West End will also welcome Broadwick Soho in June 2022. This vibrant, 57-bedroom, independent luxury hotel is created by a group of friends and the first London hotel designed by designer Martin Brudnizki, of The Wolseley and Annabel’s fame.

The boutique property will offer 57 bedrooms including one penthouse and nine suites with many rooms offering private balconies overlooking the streets, an authentic Italian restaurant, and a rooftop cocktail bar.

Raffles London at The OWO is slated to open in late 2022, marking the luxury brand’s debut in the UK. Located in the former Old War Office on Whitehall, the property will offer 120 rooms and suites, 85 branded residences, an extensive wellness space and 11 restaurants and bars, including a rooftop restaurant and bar with views across Whitehall, The Mall and on to Buckingham Palace.

The luxurious Peninsula brand is also expected to make its long-awaited UK debut this year. Celebrating the best of British culture, The Peninsula London is located at a prestigious address overlooking Hyde Park Corner and Wellington Arch at the heart of Belgravia. It will offer 190 rooms and suites, a grand entrance and colonnaded courtyard reception, and a grand ballroom to host spectacular events.

Due to open in winter 2022, The Hoxton, Shepherd’s Bush will be the fourth Hoxton in its hometown of London and marks the first time heading west for the East London-born brand.

Designed by Ennismore Design Studio, The Hoxton, Shepherd’s Bush will have 237 rooms of various sizes including an all new and most affordable ‘Hideout’ category; a central bar and open lobby with laidback and eclectic vintage seating; a retro pastel restaurant, terrace and courtyard; a retail space; and The Apartment meeting and events space.

Sustainable brand 1 Hotels is set to debut its first UK flagship, right in the heart of Mayfair and overlooking Green Park. With nine storeys and 184 modern, eco-conscious guest rooms, the 1 Hotel London is also set to feature a farm-to-table restaurant with seating amongst a garden, a bespoke fitness and wellness centre, and a communal lobby bar designed to ‘inspire gatherings and new friendships’.

And finally, Park Hyatt London River Thames at Nine Elms, is expected to open in 2022 and will be located within R&F UK’s Nine Elms development on the south bank of the river.

The Nine Elms area, which is directly opposite Westminster and close to the new US embassy, has undergone significant regeneration. The 203-room hotel will be a part of R&F UK’s new developments here, which all together comprise 18 buildings housing 2,300 apartments and over 120,000 sq ft of commercial space, shops and restaurants.

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Madeira enlarges Savage Islands marine sanctuary

Written by Leandro Agostini on January 7, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Travel Advice.

January 07 2022 – Madeira enlarges Savage Islands marine sanctuary

The government of Madeira has announced that the marine reserve around the Savage Islands (Ilhas Selvagens) will be extended to 12 nautical miles.

The move will create the largest fully protected marine sanctuary in the whole of the Northern Atlantic and Europe.

The decision coincides with the fiftieth anniversary of the declaration of the remote islets as a nature reserve, situated 280 kilometres south of the Madeiran mainland, off the coast of north-western Africa.

The nature reserve was one of the first protected areas in Portugal.

All species inside the reserve will be fully protected from fishing or other extractive activities.

Researchers from Oceano Azul have teamed up with the Waitt Foundation and National Geographic Pristine Seas to conduct scientific research, which back the needs for a reserve.

The waters around these islands are a vital passageway for migrating fish and mammals, while the waters near the islands’ shores provide essential nursery habitats.

The groups stressed the importance of the move, given that only under eight per cent of the ocean is currently protected.

It is hoped that this will inspire others in taking similar measures to preserve our oceans.

The Savage Islands are rugged and inhospitable, inhabited only by rangers.

They are an important nesting point for the Atlantic’s largest breeding colony of Cory’s Shearwaters and also home to the endemic Selvagens Gecko.

This announcement follows on from the recognition of Porto Santo as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2020, both on land and sea.

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Ireland loosens requirements for vaccinated travellers

Written by Leandro Agostini on January 7, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Travel Advice.

January 07 2022 –

Ireland loosens requirements for vaccinated travellers

Tourism Ireland has welcomed a government decision to lift additional pre-testing requirements for travel to the destination.

The measures were initially introduced to combat the emergence of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

Fully-vaccinated travellers will no longer need to take a pre-departure PCR test before entering the country.

The new regulations for entry into the Republic of Ireland are:

Vaccinated or recovered travellers into Ireland will be required to present evidence of a valid Digital Covid Certificate or other acceptable proof of vaccination/previous infection prior to travel.
Travellers who are not vaccinated or recovered will be required to present evidence of a not-detected RT-PCR test carried out no more than 72 hours before their arrival into Ireland.

Julie Wakley, Tourism Ireland head of Great Britain, commented on the change in restrictions: “We’re delighted to be able to welcome travellers back to Ireland without the need for pre-departure testing for fully vaccinated visitors.

“Hassle-free travel within the Common Travel Area has resumed and fully vaccinated visitors from Great Britain will be able to travel between GB and Ireland with no testing or quarantine required.”

All visitors to Ireland must complete a Passenger Locator Form.

Travel guidelines to Northern Ireland remain unchanged for visitors travelling from GB.

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Black Eyed Peas headed for Expo 2020 in Dubai

Written by Gill Dewar on January 7, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Featured events, MICE.

January 7 2022 – Black Eyed Peas headed for Expo 2020 in Dubai

Global music superstars Black Eyed Peas will throw the biggest party yet at Expo 2020 this month as they celebrate 25 years of smash-hit success.

The group will showcase new music from their album ‘Translation’ during a special one-off performance on January 25th.

This global livestream will be broadcast live from Al Wasl Plaza and will feature Black Eyed Peas performing a dynamic and bespoke show under Al Wasl dome, the largest 360-degree projection surface in the world.

Aligned with subtheme of mobility, this high-energy new show is inspired by the pace and pulse of technology and music, that explores and embraces new frontiers that drive humankind forwards.

This exciting new show will be streamed live to millions of fans around the world, with many ways for you to be part of it.

Visitors wishing to attend Black Eyed Peas’ ‘Infinite Nights’ show are advised to arrive early.

For more info on the Expo click here

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Manchester City sign Emirates Palace partnership

Written by Gill Dewar on January 7, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Hotel, Sports.

January 07, 2022 – Manchester City sign Emirates Palace partnership

Emirates Palace has signed a new agreement with Manchester City FC, establishing the property as the official luxury hotel partner of the club.

The deal will see the brand featured in various places, including Etihad Stadium, the training ground and on a training kit.

The hotel has previously been used by Manchester City’s first team as a base during warm weather training visits to the United Arab Emirates.

In addition, City Football Schools, based in Abu Dhabi, currently use the pitch facilities at the hotel to host educational and community sessions with children in the region.

The Premier League club, founded in 1880, has won the European Cup Winners’ Cup; seven league championship titles, including five Premier League titles, and six FA Cups.

“The partnership with Manchester City reinforces Emirates Palace’s position as the ultimate destination for sports, leisure and recreational facilities in the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

“With our FIFA-approved football pitch and other award-winning facilities, we are excited to be the training ground for the Premier League Club and to host educational and training sessions for sports enthusiasts and children and of the region,” said Michael Koth, general manager of Emirates Palace.

In addition, as part of its community outreach programmes, Emirates Palace will continue to welcome Abu Dhabi-based City Football Schools to use the pitch facilities, and will host educational and training sessions for children of the region.

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Mama Shelter reveals extensive 2022 expansion plans

Written by Gill Dewar on January 7, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

January 07, 2022 – Mama Shelter reveals extensive 2022 expansion plans

Mama Shelter will add three new properties to their collection in 2022, with more than 19 openings planned between now and 2025.

Each hotel will pay homage to the local culture, while maintaining the fun and creative vibe and characteristics the brand prides itself on.

Mama Shelter is landing in Lisbon and will be the first Mama address on the Iberian Peninsula: Mama Lisboa is scheduled to open next week.

Situated between the lively Príncipe Real district and the monumental Praça Marquês de Pombal, the hotel will have breath-taking views across the entire city from its rooftop.

The 130 rooms and restaurant – a new take on a traditional French brasserie – will immerse guests in the dynamic vibe of the city for a real Lisboeta experience.

Mama Paris La Défense will open in March, as Mama Shelter’s third Parisian hotel.

Its 211 rooms will look out to the whole of Paris and the skyline of La Défense.

Other highlights include a Space-themed American diner, a sports bar and many Ateliers.

In late 2022, Mama Shelter is travelling to the Middle East for the final opening of the year: Mama Dubai.

It will be a real pearl in the desert, with 197 rooms and 192 apartments, a range of dining outlets, a terrace with four swimming pools, an outdoor CineMama and so much more.

In January next year, Mama Shelter will be heading to eastern Europe, where Mama Bucharest is going to be opening in the French neighbourhood with 123 modern and stylish bedrooms.

France will also come under the spotlight in early 2023 with the opening of Mama Rennes.

Located in Place des Lices, in the town centre, the 119-room hotel will include a restaurant, a rooftop and a spa with a swimming pool.

Mama Dijon will open in the spring, with 124 rooms on five floors.

There will also be a restaurant serving up a typical Mama menu: a mix of local flavours and signature dishes.

A highlight will be the CineMama, the hotel’s very-own private cinema.

Mama Shelter will end the year with the opening of Mama Sao Paulo, a sun-kissed Mama full of samba, cachaça and wild nights.

This second Brazilian Mama will have 123 rooms and will embrace the local culture from within.

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Hilton Garden Inn lands with a Bang in Thailand

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

January 06, 2021 –

Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bang Tao gives the brand a foothold in Thailand’s world-renowned tourism hotspot.

Hilton Garden Inn takes a punt on Phuket

Hilton Worldwide’s third property on the sun-soaked island of Phuket has opened its doors. Thailand’s first Hilton Garden Inn hotel is located near the popular Bang Tao Beach, and is within a stone’s throw of lots of local highlights, including shops, entertainment facilities and attractions like the Laguna Phuket Resort Complex and Boat Avenue.

The 177-key Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bang Tao is also just a 25-minute drive from the island’s international airport.

Jenny Milos, vice president of focused service and all suites brands, Asia Pacific, Hilton, said: “Being one of the strongest focused-service brands in the market, Hilton Garden Inn is rapidly growing throughout Asia Pacific with almost 50 operating hotels and 110 properties in the pipeline. With the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bang Tao, we look forward to serving the evolved preferences of modern travellers, expressed through the brand’s signature positive, upbeat service, its luminous spaces and modern amenities, and its stylish and approachable design delivered at an affordable price point.”

What to expect at Hilton’s latest outpost

The hotel offers guests two rooftop swimming pools, as well as a 24-hour fitness centre complete with LifeFitness equipment. The brand’s signature restaurant, Garden Grille & Bar, serves up local and international fare, while The Pool Bar on the roof offers delicious cocktails with panoramic views.

Paul Hutton, area vice president and head of South East Asia for Hilton said: “We are delighted to welcome our third Hilton hotel in Phuket with the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bang Tao, where our portfolio in Thailand now spans 14 distinctive hotels and resorts. Hilton Garden Inn’s brand entry to Phuket Island’s vibrant hospitality scene is testament to Hilton’s commitment to deliver exceptional hospitality experiences.”

The property was developed, and is managed, by GCP Hospitality.

Christophe Vielle, CEO and co-founder of GCP Hospitality, said: “The opening of Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bang Tao is especially significant for us. It marks the first and only Hilton Garden Inn hotel in Phuket and further confirms GCP Hospitality’s commitment to expand its hotel portfolio in Thailand.

“This hotel also serves as a promise from GCP Hospitality to bring world-class hospitality to some of the world’s most exciting destinations. Bang Tao is a location that perfectly marries nature with urban living – making it the perfect fit for travellers seeking to discover the best that Phuket has to offer.”

Source: tophotel

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Six Senses the Palm, Dubai signed for 2024 opening

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

January 06, 2021 –

Six Senses will mark its entry into the United Arab Emirates’ market with a 60-room hotel and 162 branded residences along a private stretch of beach on Palm Jumeirah.

Six Senses the Palm, Dubai is set to open in late 2024.

Coral is the main inspiration for the architectural narrative, with the undulating rooflines, silhouettes, and cellular facades resembling its natural form and beauty.

This creates outward-looking environments that are shaded and protected from the sun.

As the popularity of tranquil beachfront locations grows, the Six Senses hotel and branded residences will offer a new dimension in community living, and further elevate the burgeoning real estate and hospitality sector.

The Majlis is a central part of Emirati life.

Community and ceremony will therefore be foremost at Six Senses the Palm, Dubai, enhanced by over 60,000 square feet of amenities.

Facilities include restaurants, bars, indoor cinema, pool, squash court, kids’ club, and games room, library, shared workspace, function and meeting rooms.

Another highlight of the resort is the central garden.

This naturally shaded landscape forms a series of mini jebels (hills), meandering valley paths, and romantic courtyards.

It will be a hub for activities including badminton, yoga, and football, all accessed via bridges, stepping-stone paths and tunnels wrapped in native beach planting.

The main pools and sun decks are banked by undulating native planting, which flows down to the beach.

Commenting on the announcement and the foray into the UAE market, chief executive of Six Senses, Neil Jacobs, said: “Six Senses the Palm, Dubai marks a new milestone for the brand as it enters this remarkable destination.

“From the bottom of the ocean to the signature rooftop bar, our concept celebrates the natural beauty of the Gulf, the solidarity and hospitality between host and visitors, and the journey that Dubai has been on, with its unique Emirati traditions and bubbling optimism for the future.”

Source: breakingtravelnews

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Newbuild Riu Plaza hotel lined up for prominent Chicago site

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

January 06, 2021 –

Chicago’s vibrant hospitality scene will soon be boosted by the addition of a striking urban hotel close to the city’s Magnificent Mile.

A new landmark building

As part of its ongoing expansion efforts, Riu Hotels & Resorts has acquired a plot of land at 150 East Ontario Street in the bustling Streeterville neighbourhood, which has been earmarked for a major development. It’s envisaged that the four-star Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago will be housed within a newbuild skyscraper rising up to 28 storeys and comprising more than 350 guestrooms in total.

Construction is expected to begin in spring 2022 and take approximately two years to complete. The building will be designed according to the Chicago School architectural style developed in the city in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Luis Riu, CEO of RIU Hotels & Resorts, said: “We have been working to make this opportunity a reality for several years. It’s a dream location for any investor, right in the heart of the city.

“That’s why I’m so delighted to present this project, which has gone ahead despite numerous difficulties. Chicago is a great tourist destination that complements and enhances our range of urban hotels and strengthens RIU’s commitment to the United States, where we are about to open our fourth hotel, the Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square.”

A growing network

The hotel will cater for both business and leisure travellers, offering a broad range of services in line with the rest of Riu Plaza’s portfolio. Its classic façade will be complemented by modern interiors and venues including a standout 26th-floor sky bar that’ll no doubt deliver impressive views across the Windy City.

Riu Hotels & Resorts will also soon open Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square, increasing the size of the collection to nine properties. The brand currently has sites in Madrid, Panama City, Guadalajara, Berlin, Dublin, Miami, San Francisco and New York.

Moreover, the brand’s gearing up to enter the UK and Canada over the next few years. The group has acquired a building next to London’s Victoria station with plans to open a 435-key property there in 2023, while a 350-key hotel is on the horizon for Toronto.

Source: tophotel

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Cliff diving is spectacular and dangerous

Written by Gill Dewar on January 6, 2022. Posted in Amazing Facts, Destination news.

Amazing Travel Fact – Cliff diving is spectacular and dangerous.

But did you know that there is a famous place in the world that has been known for cliff diving since the forties? Not only that, at one time it was The party destination for celebrities – John F Kennedy and Jackie and Bill and Hillary Clinton even honeymooned here.

Do you know where we need to travel to find this?

Cliff diving has been a tradition in Acapulco since the forties and it is currently one of the most famous cliff jumping locations in the world. The jump is off a 45 foot cliff into the ocean. Divers must consider the wind and the timing of the ocean waves to hit the water when there is at least four and a half meters of water covering the jagged bottom. Cliff divers can be watched by paying an entrance fee to gain access to a viewing platform.

In the 1930s, John Wayne and Errol Flynn purchased Hotel Los Flamingos to use as a home base for social events and fishing trips. Acapulco became the party destination of Hollywood’s A-list celebrities, attracting the likes of Ronald and Nancy Reagan, Delores Del Rio, Rock Hudson, Debbie Reynolds and Orson Welles.

For her 28th birthday, Rita Hayworth celebrated in Acapulco Bay aboard Errol Flynn’s yacht. Elizabeth Taylor married Mike Todd in Acapulco, and John F. Kennedy and Jackie honeymooned in Acapulco, as did Bill and Hillary Clinton.

In the 1960s, moviegoers got a taste of Acapulco’s frolicking beach life in Elvis Presley’s hit movie, “Fun in Acapulco.”

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March date set for ITB Berlin 2023

Written by Gill Dewar on January 6, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Featured events, MICE.

January 6 2022 – March date set for ITB Berlin 2023.

March 8 will be the opening date for ITB Berlin 2023, which will take place in the Berlin Exhibition Grounds. This has been confirmed by organisers of the event, Messe Berlin, following an announcement last month that ITB Berlin 2022 had been cancelled.

ITB Berlin

Head of ITB Berlin, David Reutz, explained that while postponement for later in the year had been considered, the ultimate decision was to simply hold the 2023 event in person in March.

“For this reason we are strengthening the digital elements of ITB Berlin at the ITB Berlin Convention and Digital Business Day. We are doing everything to support a travel industry hard-hit by the pandemic, and in 2022 are planning a series of additional services and events in virtual and in-person formats,” he said,

All stand bookings by main exhibitors for ITB Berlin 2022 will be cancelled and stand fee invoices already paid will be refunded. Orders for exhibitor and trade visitor tickets will also be cancelled or not invoiced.

All Trade Visitor Passes for ITB Berlin 2022 and paid via the ITB Berlin ticket shop will be refunded. Those ordered on account will be cancelled and invoices already paid will be refunded.

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airBaltic builds use of sustainable aviation fuel

Written by Gill Dewar on January 6, 2022. Posted in Airline, Destination news.

January 6, 2022 – airBaltic builds use of sustainable aviation fuel

airBaltic increased the amount of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) used in its operations by a fifth last year.

This has been achieved in cooperation with Neste and other fuel providers on the airBaltic network.

The collaboration with Neste started recently when airBaltic fuelled the first flight using an allocation of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

Martin Gauss, chief executive of airBaltic, said: “Our vision sees us becoming a sustainable carrier in the EU aviation market.

“At airBaltic, we believe that SAF will play a crucial role in ensuring the future of the aviation industry and help everyone involved to decrease their impact on the environment.

“Our use of SAF will increase further in 2022 and beyond.”

On December 28th, airBaltic flight BT302 from Helsinki to Riga was performed with an allocation of 37 per cent of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel and 63 per cent of conventional fossil jet fuel.

It was thus far the highest proportion of SAF used by airBaltic in a single flight.

Tuomas Kulola, head of sales at marketing and services, Neste, added: “Neste is committed to help the aviation industry to reach its climate goals. We have developed a drop-in solution that is readily available and provides an immediate solution for reducing the greenhouse gas emissions of flying.

“All solutions are needed, and every step is important.”

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