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Gulf Air to return to Baku in 2022 as rebuild continues

Written by Gill Dewar on December 27, 2021. Posted in Airline, Destination news.

December 27, 2021 – Gulf Air Baku

Gulf Air to return to Baku in 2022 as rebuild continues

Gulf Air has resumed its direct flights to Baku, with two weekly flights planned from the first week of January 2022.

On this occasion, Waleed AlAlawi, acting chief executive officer of Gulf Air, said: “We have been operating direct flights between Bahrain and Azerbaijan since 2018, and it has been a popular destination within the Gulf Air network since its launch.

Gulf Air Baku 2022

“We are extremely happy to see a much healthier trend in the travel industry and the resumption of some of our most popular destinations as the global vaccination program continues to bring a sense of normalcy back into our routine.”

The airline currently operates its flights to over 80 per cent of its pre-pandemic network; as Gulf Air continuously works closely with government authorities throughout destinations on its network to resume operations to those destinations.

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World’s most colourful attractions

Written by Gill Dewar on December 27, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Travel Advice.

World’s most colourful attractions

Uswitch has analysed the colour palettes, global search volumes, and the places gaining the most Instagram hashtags to compile a list of the most colourful destinations in the world.

The world is home to many colourful attractions that travellers travel far and wide to see.

Cinque Terre showcases colourful houses and vineyards in each of its five towns. Besides the allure of its colourful houses, guests can enjoy the beach, wine and hiking trails.

Kampung Pelangi in Indonesia is the second most colourful destination, with seven colours. Known as “Rainbow Village” when translated into English, the village that showcases yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, blue and green, is the ideal backdrop for social media snaps.

In addition, visit places like Lawang Sewu, Wisata Sam Poo Kong and Kota Lama Semarang for its history and culture. Of course, there are also other foodie and art attractions that one can visit.

Another place that has warmed the hearts of many travellers is Willemstad in Curaçao.

The capital city of Curaçao is known for its old town centre with pastel-coloured colonial architecture. Check out Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge, Kenepa Beach and Punda when you visit.

Closer to home is Bo Kaap in Cape Town. Known to attract many well-known celebs including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their 2019 visit. Bo-Kaap’s history dates from the 1760s when numerous “huurhuisjes” (rental houses) were built and leased to slaves, according to Cape Town Tourism’s website.

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Zuiderdam starts again from Port of San Diego – 2nd ship from California by Holland America Line

Written by Traveltalksteam on December 24, 2021. Posted in Cruise, Destination news.

December 24, 2021 – Zuiderdam – Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam Resumes Service from Port of San Diego; Second Ship from California and Sixth Back to Cruising

Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam

returned to service today from Port of San Diego in California, the second Holland America ship to resume service in San Diego since the industrywide pause.

Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam resumes cruising from San Diego today.

Zuiderdam‘s crew celebrated the return in holiday spirit with sleighbells ringing and Santa and his elves on hand to open embarkation and welcome guests back on board. Zuiderdam joins Koningsdam, which resumed service in San Diego Oct. 10. Holland America Line now has six ships cruising again in the Caribbean, Mexico and along the Pacific Coast of the United States.

“San Diego is an important homeport for us, and we are excited to have two ships back in full-time operation here with the restart of Zuiderdam today,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “We are proud to be part of the San Diego community, which has continued to show us tremendous support throughout our restart. There’s no better way to kick off Zuiderdam‘s season than with a holiday cruise full of joyful guests and our grateful crew who are happy to have them back on board.”

Zuiderdam‘s first cruise is a 10-day “Mexico and Sea of Cortez” that will be followed by Panama Canal departures and a grand 35-day South Pacific sojourn and Pacific cruise. Koningsdam sails a series of seven-day cruises to the California Coast or Mexico and two longer Hawaii voyages that run through April 3, 2022. Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam each make one call at San Diego in spring 2022.

Earlier in the week on Dec. 19, while remaining alongside at San Diego’s B-Street Cruise Terminal, Zuiderdam took part in the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights with an illuminated “Ho Ho Ho” on the ship’s side to show community support.

About Holland America Line in San Diego:
Holland America Line has been homeporting from the Port of San Diego since the 1990s. For the upcoming 2021-22 season, the cruise line will bring more than 81,000 guests to the city, which will result in more than $35 million in direct spending.

Operationally, each ship visit directly contributes $364,000 to the local economy in provisioning (fuel, food, flowers, piano tuning, supplies), port taxes, and spending. When Koningsdam and Zuiderdam call at San Diego, both ships will connect to shore power, reducing the ships’ carbon footprint.

Throughout the years, Holland America Line has been actively involved with more than 30 nonprofits in San Diego County through giving, shipboard lunches and cruise donations, including La Jolla Playhouse, San Ysidro Health and Girl Scouts San Diego.

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

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Cosmopolita Rome opens in 2022 – 1st Tapestry Collection hotel by Hilton in Italy

Written by Traveltalksteam on December 24, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

December 24, 2021 – Cosmopolita Rome – Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced the signing of a franchise agreement with G&W Invest Srl to open Cosmopolita Rome, Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Italy’s capital. The new hotel will include 76 stylish guest rooms and will be the first hotel in Italy under Hilton’s newest European brand when it opens early next year.

Cosmopolita Rome

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Hilton said, “In the coming years, we are due to open eight new hotels in Italy, significantly expanding our footprint in key cities and resorts. Italy, like many of its European neighbours, has a large number of independent hotels that would benefit from visibility from Hilton’s 118 million Hilton Honors members, and as a result we’re seeing growing interest in Hilton’s Collection Brands. We’re looking forward to working with our partners at G&W Invest Srl to welcome guests at our first Tapestry Collection by Hilton in the heart of Rome.”

Walter Pecoraro, owner and CEO of G&W Invest Srl said, “Cosmopolita Rome will be our second hotel in partnership with Hilton and the first in Rome. Having welcomed guests for over a century, we are proud to have owned and managed the hotel for the past 25 of those years. This hotel is the perfect location to open Rome’s first Tapestry Collection by Hilton hotel, and we are confident that now is the right time to build on our relationship with Hilton.”

Once refurbishments are complete, the Cosmopolita Rome will have 76 tastefully decorated rooms, designed to help guests immerse themselves in the architecture of Rome, and will boast a scenic rooftop overlooking the historic city, where guests can enjoy their breakfast surrounded by the stunning architecture. With a newly renovated gym and meeting space for small business meetings, this unique hotel will be the ideal location to explore Rome.

Located in the centre of Rome, guests will be within a 10-minute walk of some of Rome’s most popular sights, including the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Colosseum. Rome’s many renowned galleries, museums and landscaped parks make it the perfect destination for international guests looking to explore some of Europe’s most celebrated attractions. By night, guests can explore Rome’s 54 Michelin star restaurants or visit nearby bars and cocktail hotspots.

The new hotel is the latest addition to Tapestry Collection by Hilton, which is expanding rapidly in Europe. The continent’s first Tapestry Collection hotel opened in Spain this year, with four more due to open in France, the UK and Portugal. Known for their vibrant and unique styles, each Tapestry Collection by Hilton hotel encourages guests to immerse themselves in the local area, creating authentic connections with destinations while offering an upscale and comfortable hotel experience.

The Cosmopolita Rome, Tapestry Collection by Hilton will join the award-winning Hilton Honors guest loyalty programme, allowing more than 118 million members who book directly with Hilton to earn Points for hotel stays and experiences, plus instant benefits including contactless check-in with room selection, Digital Key and Connected Room.

Hilton has seven trading hotels in Rome under the brands, Waldorf Astoria, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Curio Collection by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton by Hilton.

About Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Tapestry Collection by Hilton is a portfolio of more than 70 original hotels that offers guests unique style and vibrant personality, and encourages guests to explore the local destination. With plans for global expansion, every Tapestry Collection property is united by the reliability that comes with the Hilton name, in addition to the benefits of the award-winning Hilton Honors program.

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Wizz Air Gatwick – 14 new low-fare routes

Written by Traveltalksteam on December 24, 2021. Posted in Airline, Destination news.

December 24, 2021 -Wizz Air Gatwick UK, the UK-registered and based airline of Europe’s fastest growing airline group, today announces that it will launch new routes from its Gatwick Airport base to 14 destinations including, Faro, Palma, Larnaca, Catania, Podgorica, Tel Aviv, Chania, Mykonos and Funchal.

There will also be new routes from Milan, Rome, Vienna, Bari and Naples to Gatwick Airport, with those flights operated by Wizz Air Hungary. Tickets go on sale today, on wizzair.com and on the airline’s mobile app, with fares starting from just £8.99*.

Wizz Air Gatwick

A mixture of year-round and seasonal routes, these new flights will launch from March onwards, following Wizz Air UK’s successful bid for a substantial portfolio of 15 daily slot pairs at Gatwick Airport. Wizz Air’s expansion will see the airline basing four additional A321neo aircraft, bringing the total to five, at Gatwick Airport.

These aircraft will serve existing routes from Gatwick Airport to Malaga, the gateway to the Costa del Sol, and the Greek capital city, Athens, as well as all the new routes. With a range of destinations on offer by Wizz Air Gatwick, from the fascinating Italian cities of Milan and Rome, to favourite hot holiday destinations such as Mykonos and Palma da Mallorca, there are exciting travel opportunities for every type of traveller.

With the launch of these new routes, Wizz Air Gatwick will have 22 non-seasonal and seasonal routes on offer from Gatwick.

Since the opening of its base at Gatwick Airport in October 2020, Wizz Air UK has offered an exciting array of routes to popular and off the beaten track destinations for its customers based in London and the South of England, creating jobs, stimulating the local economy, and bringing further connectivity to the region.

The addition of four new aircraft at Gatwick Airport reinforces Wizz Air’s commitment to its Gatwick base operations and its ambitious UK growth plans. This expansion at Gatwick Airport, combined with its operations at Luton Airport, means Wizz Air will operate a total of 88 routes from London, reaffirming the airline’s long-term commitment to the region.

Marion Geoffroy, Managing Director of Wizz Air UK, said: ““We are delighted to be launching a host of new routes from Gatwick, following the announcement of our acquisition of new slots at the airport.

Whether it’s a relaxing beach holiday in the Algarve or a city break in Montenegro’s capital of Podgorica, there are many wonderful destinations to discover and return to. These new routes are further evidence of our commitment to providing low-fare connectivity to our UK customers. We are looking forward to welcoming customers old and new onboard our young, efficient and green aircraft in Summer 2022 to enjoy our excellent service as they head off on their well-deserved trips abroad.”

Stephanie Wear, Vice President of Aviation Development, Gatwick Airport, said: “Wizz Air are one of Europe’s largest airlines and have seen the benefits of expanding at the airport for some time, so I’m delighted that five Gatwick-based aircraft will fly routes to popular destinations across Europe this summer.

Many competitively-priced tickets are already on sale which, after everything we’ve all been through, gives more people the opportunity to take advantage of Gatwick’s fantastic connections to visit friends and relatives, or take a long-awaited holiday, when these new flights start flying from the end of March. Despite the current situation, we’re looking forward to a better summer and Wizz Air’s expanded operation is a wonderful addition to Gatwick and VINCI Airport’s portfolio.”

For ultimate peace of mind during this time, passengers can book tickets with the airline’s travel insurance package which includes Covid-19 cover** and WIZZ Flex. With WIZZ Flex, passengers can cancel their flight up to three hours before departure without any fee and receive 100% of the fare immediately reimbursed in airline credit.

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Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort – new in the Island of the Gods

Written by Traveltalksteam on December 23, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

December 23, 2021 – Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort – Renaissance Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, unveils its second property in Island of the Gods with the opening of Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort. Perched on the hills above Nusa Dua and overlooking sprawling views of the lush green canopy and Indian Ocean, the new resort features 310 stylish guest rooms and four thematic pools, destined to welcome travelers to discover unexpected gems in the tropical destination.

Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort

“Nusa Dua has long been a spirited and sought-after enclave in Bali, surrounded by natural beauty, culture, and history,” said Catherine Flint, Director, Global Brand Management, Renaissance Hotels. “We are thrilled to grow our portfolio in the island, bringing our signature spin on the hotel experience to deliver an unexpected adventure through a local frame of mind.”

Drawing inspiration from the grand theatrics of traditional Balinese dances, especially the Barong Dance, the design of the Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort pays homage to one of the oldest forms of performing arts of the island. The newly opened resort is an ode to the richness of Balinese culture, brought to life by the meticulous design work of P49 Deesign. Created as sacred rituals and for entertainment, traditional Balinese dance routines are heavily influenced by nature and guests can discover these highlights in the ‘Good versus Evil’ murals and prints at R Bar, the vibrant industrial-style design at the Backstage, as well as the charming dance performance patterns adorning the backdrop of the ballroom.

The 310 guest rooms and suites are thoughtfully-designed as a tribute to the island’s heritage – with a Balinese mask pattern on the ceiling, a modern invention of ‘Balinese dancer’s head’ gobo light, and turquoise-accented walls for a sense of calm. Featuring breathtaking views of the island, the stylish rooms are seamlessly designed, with spacious bathrooms. A homage to the natural elements of the island, decorative wall ceramics adorn the walls to enhance the look of the space, with a freestanding ivory bathtub as its centerpiece.

Anchoring the six tempting food & beverage experiences at the resort is Backstage, an all-day dining restaurant offering wide selections of local and international favorites at its buffet and live stations. Lion X is a contemporary Chinese restaurant with innovative offerings such as Dim Sum as well as Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine with modern twist. The authentic Indonesian restaurant, Nusantara by Locavore, spotlights the country’s culinary heritage with a fresh look at its regional cuisines. A pottery atelier and cooking lab by day, Tanah Liat transforms by evening into an arts-and-crafts inspired restaurant featuring locally sourced fresh seasonal seafood and plant-based cuisines. Atomic 17 is the resort’s resident pool bar which serves fresh juices and smoothies as well as purist cocktail as the day progresses. Integrating the lobby and lounge, R Bar is where guests can relax and unwind over crafted cocktails, cold-brew coffee, and more by an expert mixologist and barista. As part of the signature Evenings at Renaissance programming – a ritual that ushers the transition of daytime to nightfall – R Bar transforms into an elevated venue where guests and locals can mix and mingle over a full cocktail program and live music every evening.

Guests can relax at The Spa wellness center with treatments inspired by the art of the Balinese healing method or keep up with their fitness regime at the 24-hour gym. Featuring four thematic pools, the main pool is located across the lobby whereas the jungle pool mimics the natural beauty that the island is renowned for – crowned in lush greenery and along a man-made waterfall. The lagoon-like jungle pool is also where The Cove is located, a stunning wedding venue with an aisle stretching right to the heart of the pool.

The resort offers 12,055 square feet of flexible function space to host events for any special occasion. Fully equipped with advanced audiovisual capabilities, the Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 1,100 persons. Perfect for business meetings, the resort has five event rooms and a maximum of seven breakout rooms. Renaissance Hotels’ R.E.N. Meeting program features a dedicated event team committed to deliver seamless event experiences.

The Renaissance Navigator, the brand’s on-property neighborhood expert, is always on hand to help guests uncover the best local discoveries and the hidden gems that can only be experienced in that destination. For art aficionados, Museum Pasifika showcases artworks about Bali, painted by different artists from all over the world. For the adventurous, Bali Paragliding is a great way to enjoy Nusa Dua with a bird’s eye view. Guests can discover the best that Bali has to offer at At The Corner, where they can find unique selections of local accessories and women’s products as well as Jenggala, a store selling ceramics made by local artists.

The resort also showcases the spirit of the neighborhood through its unexpected design and local collaborations. At the resort, all Front office associates, navigator, and Rbar ambassadors are donned with outfits designed by acclaimed designer Paul Ropp, the iconic Bali-based fashion house, featuring bold and vibrant colors that match with the resort’s design and reflect the Balinese culture.

“We look forward to welcoming business and leisure travelers to discover the unexpected experiences in one of the most inspiring neighborhoods in Bali, as well as curating a relaxing and comfortable stay for them through our design-led spaces and excellent food & beverage experiences,” said Jeffrey Tyler, General Manager.

Situated on the southern part of Bali, Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort is a short 15-minute drive away from the Ngurah Rai International Airport, providing easy access for international and domestic travelers. The resort is also within close proximity to the renowned Nusa Dua Beach for those to enjoy the sun and beach.

Renaissance Hotels participates in Marriott Bonvoy, the award-winning travel program from Marriott International. Marriott Bonvoy members will earn points for their stay at Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort, and at other hotels and resorts across Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and a contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind.

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Thailand Pass temporarily suspended

Written by Traveltalksteam on December 23, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Travel Advice.

December 23, 2021 – Thailand Pass temporarily suspended, those received QR Code can enter

For new registrations under the Exemption from Quarantine TEST&GO and Living in the Blue Zone Sandbox programmes, except Phuket Sandbox and Happy Quarantine.

Bangkok – Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) today ordered temporarily suspension of the Thailand Pass for all new TEST&GO and Sandbox applications (except Phuket Sandbox), effective from 22 December, 2021, citing the rising number of Omicron variant cases in the country.

Thailand Pass temporarily suspended, those received QR Code can enter

Travellers who have already received a Thailand Pass QR code (approximately 200,000 applicants) will be allowed to enter Thailand under the existing conditions of the scheme they have registered. However, the government will introduce new measures for contact tracing and will ensure all travellers be tested 2 times using the RT-PCR method. The second testing will take place at government-designated facilities (no additional cost).

New registration for Thailand Pass under the Exemption from Quarantine (TEST&GO) and Living in the Blue Zone Sandbox programmes will no longer be accepted, starting from 22 December, 2021 until further notice. Applicants who have registered, but have not received their QR Code must wait for their Thailand Pass to be considered / approved. Once approved, they can enter Thailand under the scheme they have registered.

Registration for Thailand Pass under the Phuket Sandbox programme and Happy Quarantine remain open, but the government will be reviewing the situation periodically.

Kindly note the information is to serve as reference only. It is especially important to check in regularly on www.tatnews.org to stay current on what remains a very fluid and fast changing situation.

For the full press release, click here.

International Public Relations Division
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 Ext. 4545-48
Fax: +66 (0) 2250 0246
E-mail: prdiv3@tat.or.th
Website: www.tatnews.org

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Iberia flights to Egypt – in 2022 the charter flights will start up again

Written by Traveltalksteam on December 22, 2021. Posted in Airline, Destination news.

December 22, 2021 – Iberia flights to Egypt will restart on January 8!

Egipto

Under agreement with Spanish tour operator SamaTravel, starting on 8 January

Alternating Madrid-Cairo and Madrid-Luxor flights

Iberia flights to Egypt

Iberia and the Spanish tour operator SamaTravel have agreed to offer charter flights from Madrid to the Egyptian cities of Cairo and Luxor.

From 8 January until end-October, 2022, charter flights are scheduled for every Saturday, alternating between Cairo and Luxor, the country’s main port of call for cruise ships.

Flight Schedule

From/To	Flight no.	Day	Departs	Arrives
Madrid-Cairo	IB2870	Saturdays (alternating with Luxor)	10:00h	15:50h
Cairo-Madrid	IB871	Saturdays (alternating with Luxor)	17:00h	21:20h
Madrid-Luxor	IB2870	Saturdays (alternating with Cairo)	9:00h	15:50h
Luxor-Madrid	IB871	Saturdays (alternating with Cairo)	17:00h	21:20h

Flight schedules are set to facilitate connections to/from the Spanish airports of Barcelona, Corunna, Vigo, Asturias, and Bilbao.

Egypt, a popular destination in 2022

Egypt is a popular destination following the pandemic restrictions, in part because of the low incidence of Covid-19 cases there.

Egypt has implemented strict precautionary measures to protect the health of visitors.

SamaTravel notes that demand for travel to Egypt has been increasing steadily.

“Since we became the first tour operator to resume charter services to Luxor, we have seen demand grow day by day. Most of our flights have been full in recent months, and we have even had waiting lists. That’s why we decided that we couldn’t ignore the requests from tour operators and travel agencies, and are now betting heavily on our star destination. It is a privilege to do so with Iberia,” said SamaTravel CEO Mohamed Ali.

“We are very happy,” he continued, “that we were chosen to return to a country we love and we trust that we will continue to lead as the Spanish tour operator with the largest number of seats for Egypt.”

Iberia’s Guillermo González Vallina, Sales Manager for Spain, Portugal, and North Africa, commented. “We are delighted to be flying again to Egypt following the interruption caused by the pandemic. Now, thanks to SamaTravel, we will be making these charter flights which are sure to be a success. Iberia hopes to offer our customers a wonderful holiday experience!”

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Air Belgium direct flights to Dominican Republic new from December 15

Written by Traveltalksteam on December 22, 2021. Posted in Airline, Destination news.

December 22, 2021 – Air Belgium direct flights to Dominican Republic – The Belgian airline, Air Belgium, will officially launch on 15 December direct and regular flights to Punta Cana in Dominican Republic from Brussels Airport (Zaventem).

After the successful launch of a first route from Brussels Airport to Mauritius, Air Belgium will now also offer two weekly direct flights to Punta Cana every Wednesday and Saturday.

Air Belgium direct flights to Dominican Republic

Travellers will also be able to fly to Curacao on the same route on Wednesdays and Saturdays after a short stopover in Punta Cana.

Air Belgium offers its passengers a full service in its three travel classes: Economy, Premium and Business. With the launch of this new route, the Belgian airline is extending the range of services available to passengers looking to travel to the Caribbean’s most popular destinations.

Air Belgium displays the Belgian flag on its aircraft and aims to showcase Belgian know-how. This is reflected in its offer, whether it be catering with typical Belgian dishes, hospitality, multilingual crews and generally in all services on the ground and on board.

Arrival of a new Airbus A330neo

The company is further developing its business with the immediate arrival of a second Airbus A330neo. This latest generation aircraft is one of the most cost-effective and modern types of aircraft currently available on the market. Apart from being much more environmentally friendly, these new aircraft also offer more comfort to passengers with a quieter cabin, more space and one of the most advanced in-flight entertainment systems in Europe.

About Air Belgium

Air Belgium SA is a company under Belgian law with its registered office in Mont-Saint-Guibert in Walloon Brabant. Its purpose is to offer direct intercontinental flights from Belgium. Exclusively devoted to long-haul flights at competitive fares for business and leisure travellers with a strong Belgian identity felt through all its ground and in-flight services.

Air Belgium’s main operational base is located at Brussels Charleroi Airport. Air Belgium also operates from other airports in Belgium and Europe. Beyond its own regular routes, Air Belgium also provides services for many prestigious foreign companies, tour operators, cruise operators and foreign governments.

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AIDAcosma cruise ship – new by Carnival – 1st voyage in February 2022

Written by Traveltalksteam on December 22, 2021. Posted in Cruise, Destination news.

December 22, 2021 – AIDAcosma cruise ship – AIDA cruises takes delivery of the new cruise ship.

First voyage departs February 26, 2022 // Inauguration ceremony in Hamburg on April 9, 2022

On December 21, 2021, AIDA Cruises took delivery of its newest cruise ship AIDAcosma in Bremerhaven from the Meyer shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. It is the company’s second newbuilding powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) – currently the maritime sector’s most advanced technology for reducing emissions.

Felix Eichhorn, President of AIDA Cruises, said at the ceremony, “Today marks an important milestone on our journey to emission-neutral cruising. With AIDAcosma and her sister ship AIDAnova, two of the most innovative cruise ships in the world belong to our fleet in terms of sustainable cruising as well as the very special guest experience and product diversity.”

AIDAcosma cruise ship

A variety of vacation experiences await guests on board AIDAcosma. One of the highlights is the Ocean Deck. This wonderful new area extends over four decks and offers an all-round panoramic view of the sea. The extensive sunbathing area invites guests to sunbathe and chill out during the day and in the evening. The large infinity pool at the stern of the ship provides cooling.

Guests young and old have plenty to do on board – be it on the bouldering wall, on the racer, climbing the rope towers or on the balance course. The new Fun Park with its large indoor playground offers plenty of variety.

The gourmet variety too is being enriched: Summery, light delicacies are served at the Beach House Restaurant. The specialty restaurant Mamma Mia is also new and offers homemade pasta and fresh Italian cuisine with on-site service. The brewhouse gets an outdoor grill with a magnificent sea view.

In addition, AIDAcosma scores with features popular with AIDAnova, such as the Beach Club, the Theatrium with its 360° stage, the TV studio and the spacious Body & Soul Organic Spa. Culinary guests are spoiled in 17 restaurants and 23 bars and cafés.
From the end of February, Hamburg will be the first “home port” for AIDAcosma. There the first of altogether six metropolis voyages starts on February 26, 2022. The 7-day cruises can be booked now.

On April 9, 2022, the champion athlete Kristina Vogel will ceremoniously christen the new ship in Hamburg. Guests of the subsequently starting christening voyage to the Mediterranean can experience this special event on board. The two-week christening voyage, including the ceremonial christening, can also be booked from now on, taking passengers to either Mallorca (until April 23, 2022) or Barcelona (until April 22, 2022). Further highlights of the itinerary include Lisbon, Cadiz and Malaga. More details on the christening event will be announced shortly.

From April 23 to October 15, 2022, AIDAcosma will offer voyages from Palma and Barcelona. The one-week highlight itinerary “Mediterranean Treasures” will also include Florence, Rome and Corsica. In the fall, the ship sets course for its sunny winter home of Dubai.

The new AIDAcosma voyages can be booked now at travel agencies, at the AIDA Customer Center by calling 0381/202 707 07 or at www.aida.de.

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Recovery China Travel and Tourism sector – by more than 60% this year, reveals WTTC

Written by Traveltalksteam on December 21, 2021. Posted in Destination news.

December 21, 2021 – Recovery China Travel and Tourism sector – if key measures are followed, the number of those employed in the sector could eclipse pre-pandemic levels

New research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reveals the recovery of China’s Travel & Tourism sector has soared ahead of many major tourism markets such as France and the U.S., and ahead of the global recovery.

Recovery China Travel and Tourism sector

Before the pandemic struck, China’s Travel & Tourism sector’s contribution to the nation’s GDP represented CNY 11.5 trillion (11.6% of the total economy).

In 2020, when the pandemic brought international travel to a grinding halt, China’s Travel & Tourism sector’s contribution to the national economy fell by almost 60%, representing a decrease of CNY 6.9 trillion.

However, according to the research, and based on the current rate of recovery, the sector’s contribution to the country’s GDP could see a year on year increase of 60.7% this year.

This growth is almost twice the global average of 30.7% and represents an annual increase of nearly CNY 2.8 trillion.

Recovery China Travel and Tourism sector

The data also reveals Travel & Tourism’s contribution to the country’s economy could see a further year on year rise next year of 40.4%, representing an increase of nearly CNY 3 trillion.

Domestic spend is expected to grow by 75% by the end of this year and experience a further year on year rise of more than a third (35.9%) in 2022.

However, while international spend, which is critical to the sector’s recovery, is set to grow by just 7.2% in 2021, next year, when China’s border is expected to reopen to major source markets around the world, it could significantly outpace domestic spend with a rise of 94.3%.

After a loss of more than 16 million jobs last year, when Travel & Tourism businesses in China and around the world suffered catastrophic losses due to severe travel restrictions and complete border closures, employment growth is set to rise by a minimal 3.6% in 2021.

However, employment growth could experience a more positive increase next year of 17.7%, reaching more than 80 million jobs in 2022, just 1.9% below pre-pandemic levels.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Our research clearly shows that while the global Travel & Tourism sector is beginning to recover, China’s recovery is faster.”

“Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic saw 16 million jobs lost from China’s Travel & Tourism sector. But the predicted rise in both international and domestic spend next year brings a positive outlook for both jobs and GDP.”

According to the research, the sector’s contribution to the country’s GDP and the rise in jobs could be more positive this year and next, if five vital measures are met by governments around the world.

These measures include allowing fully vaccinated travellers to move freely, irrespective of their origin or eventual destination.

Secondly, the implementation of digital solutions which enable all travellers to easily prove their COVID status, in turn speeding up the process at borders around the world.

Thirdly, for safe international travel to fully restart, governments must recognise for all vaccines authorised by WHO.

Fourthly, continued support of the COVAX/UNICEF initiative to ensure equitable distribution of vaccines around the world.

Finally, the continued implementation of enhanced health and safety protocols, which will underpin customer confidence.

The future could be even brighter for China’s Travel & Tourism sector

If these vital measures are followed before the end of 2021, research shows the impact on the economy and jobs across China could be considerable.

The sector’s contribution to GDP could rise by 71.3% (nearly CNY 3.3 trillion) by the end of this year, and a further year on year rise of 43.3% (CNY 3.4 trillion) in 2022.

Domestic spend could increase by 85.2% this year, followed by a 37.9% growth in 2022.

International spend could rise 23.6% in 2021 and could experience a substantial year on year boost of 103.2% next year.

Employment could see a 10.5% rise this year, and a year on year increase of 20.1% in 2022, which would see the number of those employed in the sector eclipse pre-pandemic levels by more than 5.5 million.

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Brussels Airlines Forms Exciting Partnership with airBaltic for Summer 2025

Flights Riga-Lapland with AirBaltic – new flights to airBaltic to Kittilä 1 per week

Written by Traveltalksteam on December 21, 2021. Posted in Airline, Destination news.

December 21, 2021 – Flights Riga-Lapland with airBaltic -Latvian airline airBaltic launched direct flights between Riga and Kittilä, Finland on December 18. airBaltic now connects both cities with one weekly flight.

Flights Riga-Lapland

Situated in Lapland, Kittilä is a popular holiday resort known for various free-time activities. It’s famous for its stunning nature, ski resorts and other winter attractions.

Destination served	Flight frequency	Price *, GREEN	Price *, GREEN Classic	Price*, Business
Riga–Kittilä	1 flight weekly	149 EUR	229 EUR	599 EUR

*Lowest fare (round-trip), including taxes, fees and service charges, on www.airBaltic.com, subject to availability

The scheduled flight time to Kittilä is one hour and 55 minutes. Round-trip ticket price to Kittilä starts at 149 EUR. A complete schedule of airBaltic flights can be found on the company’s homepage at www.airbaltic.com.

Currently airBaltic offers more than 70 direct destinations from Riga, Tallinn and Vilnius. In September, airBaltic launched direct flights from Riga to sunny Tenerife (Spain) and Dubai (United Arab Emirates).

Health and safety:

The safety and health of our passengers is airBaltic’s top priority. airBaltic has introduced strong health measures and the flight operations follow the recommendations issued by authorities. To read more about the airBaltic health measures, please visit airBaltic website: https://www.airbaltic.com/en/health-measures.

airBaltic asks its passengers to strictly follow all of the rules and regulations issued by the relevant authorities. Passengers are strongly suggested to check the travel regulations and airport restrictions on the official websites or with local embassies before travelling. Regulations are changing rapidly and vary per country, therefore passengers are asked to always make sure they have the latest information to have a smooth journey.

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Hotel Indigo Jeddah – Durrat Al Arus – 2nd IHG Indigo hotel in Saudi Arabia

Written by Traveltalksteam on December 21, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

December 21, 2021 – Hotel Indigo Jeddah – Durrat Al Arus will be amongst IHG’s new generation of lifestyle hotels introduced to the Kingdom, in line with Saudi Vision 2030

Hotel Indigo Jeddah

IHG^® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of a Management Agreement with Dallah Real Estate Company for a Hotel Indigo Jeddah – Resort in Durrat Al Arus. With this signing, IHG continues to expand its lifestyle portfolio in the country to cater to the future demand from new guest segments, seeking authentic Arabian experiences through Hotel Indigo’s neighbourhood story. No two hotel Indigo can be the same, as each has its own specific neighbourhood story embedded in the design, food and service.

Due to open in early 2026, the Hotel Indigo Jeddah Resort will be located in Durrat Al Arus, a recreational neighborhood north of Jeddah, and will be a leisurely drive away from the main city. The resort will be a part of a mixed-use development project consisting of a budding residential community, vast water frontage and man-made lagoons. Located along the Red Sea Coast, Hotel Indigo Resort in Durrat Al Arus will also be a perfect destination for guests to enjoy an active waterfront.

IHG and Dallah Real Estate Company, will work in collaboration with renowned design studios and research agencies to weave the ‘Neighbourhood Story’ into the DNA of the hotel. The unique aesthetics of the resort and its service styles will immerse guests into the authenticity of the destination, its local culture, character and history.

Along with boldly-designed 271 rooms, the resort will also feature 50 private pool villas, an expansive wellness facility, and home-grown food and beverage concepts that will not only offer a unique perspective to dining in Saudi Arabia – but also catch the interests of foodies and critics alike.

Staying true to engaging with the neighbourhood, Dallah Real Estate Company has also partnered with 17Sixty – a marine adventure company that will enable the guests of Hotel Indigo, and residents of Jeddah, to experience marine flora and fauna like never before, keeping sustainability at its core. The company will also provide thrilling water sports activities to the guests.

Speaking on the announcement, Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG said: “After debuting the brand in Riyadh, we are delighted to sign our second Hotel Indigo property in the country this year – Hotel Indigo Durrat Al Arus in Jeddah. In line with the Saudi Vision 2030 and the country’s Tourism Strategy, our luxury and lifestyle brands are gaining a lot of interest from our partners and investors. We are confident that upon opening, these properties will be equally popular with domestic and international travelers and will add to the authentic experiences guests will be looking for while visiting Saudi Arabia.

We are also honored to once again partner with Dallah Real Estate Company, who boast a great deal of expertise in this sector. Together, we look forward to welcoming our guests to this exquisite property when it opens doors in 2026. ”

Abdulaziz M.A Yamani, Managing Director, Dallah Real Estate Company said: “Given IHG’s history and strong legacy in the Kingdom, we are pleased to partner with them to offer our Saudi travellers and international guests a premium and authentic stay experience at Hotel Indigo Durrat Al Arus. The hotel will be positioned as a holistic destination for guests looking for adventure and an experiential stay. We are confident that this partnership will not only offer the best-in-class service to guests but also bring value to the business from IHG’s global systems and loyalty programme.”

IHG currently operates 37 hotels in Saudi Arabia across five brands including InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites and voco. A further 23 hotels are in the development pipeline, due to open within the next three to five years.

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1st winter sport hotel in Turkey by Radisson Hotel Group

Written by Traveltalksteam on December 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

December 20, 2021 – 1st winter sport hotel in Turkey by the Radisson Hotel Group

Radisson Blu Hotel, Mount Erciyes features 60 spacious rooms including premium rooms with balconies, and suites with incredible mountain views.

1st winter sport hotel in Turkey by the Radisson Hotel Group

The hotel is designed for ultimate comfort – after a day on the slopes, guests can cozy up by the open fireplaces or enjoy a relaxing dip in the indoor and outdoor pools with beautiful views of Mount Erciyes. The hotel can also host meetings for up to 40 people.

The hotel will offer a range of traditional Turkish and international dishes, as well as delicious drinks. The Breakfast Room buffet presents a wide selection of international breakfast options, while the Main Restaurant welcomes guests with its cozy, all-day indoor dining overlooking the mountains. Guests can also enjoy the fresh mountain air at the hotel’s outdoor Ski Lounge, a self-service restaurant with unparalleled views of the slopes and surrounding mountains.

In addition to being one of Turkey’s best winter-sport areas, Kayseri is also a popular spot for mountain climbers with trails reaching up the volcanic mountain to an elevation of 3916 meters. From the top of the mountain, hikers can enjoy a stunning view of the area stretching from Cappadocia to the Taurus Mountains. Cappadocia is a world-renowned World Heritage Site that doubles as an open-air museum and is located adjacent to Aladaglar National Park, where visitors can enjoy a picnic besides one of the seven scenic Kapuzbasi Waterfalls. The hotel is also conveniently located just half an hour from Kayseri Erkilet Airport.

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Independent travel advice – Dutch Travel organizations create their own travel advice and website

Written by Traveltalksteam on December 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news, MICE.

December 20, 2021 – Independent travel advice – Many travel companies in the Netherlands will now offer travel based upon their own research. They will ignore the government guide lines.

Independent travel advice

On Monday they will launch this site. Their research is based on the World Health Organisation, hospitalisations in individual countries and tourists and ex pats in those locations.

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new summer schedule American Airlines and JetBlue

Written by Traveltalksteam on December 20, 2021. Posted in Airline, Destination news.

December 20, 2021 – New summer schedule American Airlines and JetBlue – First-ever JetBlue service to Vancouver and Asheville, North Carolina, on sale today, plus expanded flying on a variety of Northeast routes.

New summer schedule American Airlines and JetBlue

New international and domestic destinations announced by American from New York and Boston, including new long-haul service to Doha, Qatar.

Starting next summer, American and JetBlue will fully co-locate at LaGuardia’s new Terminal B, making it easy for customers to connect between both airlines.

FORT WORTH, Texas — JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU) and American Airlines (NASDAQ: AAL) today announced that customers in New York and Boston will have more reasons to make the Northeast Alliance (NEA) their preferred travel provider as the airlines add new routes, improved schedules and enhanced product offerings. Nine new routes go on sale this week across both airlines in New York and Boston. With these new routes, the NEA offers more frequencies in New York and Boston than any other airline.

“A new year brings new opportunities for the Northeast Alliance to add more JetBlue flying in New York and Boston and to deliver on the customer benefits we’ve promised since first announcing this innovative partnership,” said Joanna Geraghty, JetBlue’s president and chief operating officer. “As we look ahead to 2022, the NEA is poised to deliver incredible growth, which will bring more of our award-winning service and low fares to travelers in the Northeast as, together with American, we create a true third competitor in the region.”

Record-setting service in New York and Boston

With the addition of new destinations, new markets and added frequencies on variety of existing routes in New York and Boston, JetBlue and American are on track for a record-setting year in the Northeast in summer 2022.

“As we welcome customers back to travel, the Northeast Alliance is delivering on promises to offer customers more choices and travel benefits,” said Robert Isom, American Airlines president. “We’re excited to offer our New York and Boston customers even more frequencies and destinations when they travel next year.”

At New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), the NEA will offer up to 300 daily departures. Along with the introduction of JetBlue’s new Vancouver service, the airline will also add frequencies on a variety of existing routes between JFK and:

Aruba (AUA): Up to 4x daily.
Atlanta (ATL): Up to 4x daily.
Cancun, Mexico (CUN): Up to 4x daily.
Detroit (DTW): Up to 2x daily.
Guayaquil, Ecuador (GYE): Up to 2x daily.
Kingston, Jamaica (KIN): Up to 5x daily.
Minneapolis–St. Paul (MSP): Up to 2x daily.
Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ): Up to 4x daily.
Raleigh–Durham, North Carolina (RDU): Up to 3x daily.
Saint Lucia (UVF): Up to 2x daily.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos (PLS): Up to 2x daily.

As part of the customer-focused NEA, in 2022, American will enhance its global reach with new nonstop service between JFK and Doha, Qatar’s Hamad International Airport (DOH), becoming the only U.S.-based carrier to serve the Middle Eastern destination.

In the past year, American has provided New York customers with new international travel options, including JFK to Santiago, Chile (SCL); Tel Aviv, Israel (TLV); Athens, Greece (ATH) and Delhi, India (DEL).

At LGA, the NEA will offer nearly 200 daily departures, which includes JetBlue tripling their departures compared to 2019. Along with the introduction of JetBlue’s new Portland, Maine (PWM), service, the airline will also add frequencies on a variety of existing routes between LGA and:

Boston (BOS): Up to 15x daily.
Charleston, South Carolina (CHS): Up to 3x daily.
Jacksonville, Florida (JAX): Up to 3x daily.
Nashville, Tennessee (BNA): Up to 3x daily.
New Orleans (MSY): Up to 2x daily.
Orlando, Florida (MCO): Up to 5x daily.
Tampa, Florida (TPA): Up to 3x daily.
Savannah, Georgia (SAV): Up to 2x daily.

American has also added new LGA routes to Houston (IAH); Kansas City, Missouri (MCI); Oklahoma City (OKC); and Omaha, Nebraska (OMA). The airline has also added more seats to routes to St. Louis (STL), RDU and BNA. Bolstered by the NEA, American has strengthened its offering at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) with better frequencies to hub airports.

As part of the LaGuardia redevelopment project, American is completing its move of operations to the new Terminal B, Western Concourse starting today. The airline will no longer operate out of the old Central Terminal Building, which has been home to American’s operation since the 1960s. Additionally, JetBlue will be fully operating out of LaGuardia’s Terminal B when completed in summer 2022, providing easy connections for customers traveling on the Northeast Alliance. The LaGuardia Terminal B redevelopment includes a new 1.3-million-square-foot terminal with 35 gates, an array of New York City-inspired shops and dining options, permanent pieces of art by leading artists, and a one-of-a-kind water feature.

Beginning in June, customers in Boston will enjoy greater connectivity with six new U.S. domestic routes and two new options to Canada. With these new routes, the NEA will serve 46 of the top 50 U.S. domestic mainland markets from Boston. Tickets will be available for sale starting Dec. 20.

In Boston, American today announced new nonstop service operated on Embraer E175 aircraft between Boston and:

Halifax, Nova Scotia (YHZ): 1x weekly.
Louisville, Kentucky (SDF): Up to daily.
Memphis, Tennessee (MEM): Up to daily.
Pensacola, Florida (PNS): 1x weekly.
Traverse City, Michigan (TVC): 1x weekly.

These new routes follow recently announced American routes from BOS to Columbus, Ohio (CMH); Cincinnati (CVG); Indianapolis (IND); Wilmington, North Carolina (ILM); STL; and Toronto (YYZ).

Along with JetBlue’s introduction of new service to Vancouver and Asheville, the airline will add even more flying between BOS and Reagan National Airport (DCA) with up to 16 daily departures. Additionally, service at Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) will return in summer 2022 with up to five daily flights between BWI and BOS starting June 9.

In summer 2022, the NEA will offer more than 200 daily departures at BOS, with JetBlue operating more than 150, to more nonstop destinations than any other carrier.

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Hotel Palasa Beach opens its door – 4th Melia hotel in Albania

Written by Traveltalksteam on December 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

Dcember 20, 2021 – Hotel Palasa Beach – Meliá continues with its growth in Mediterranean destinations with the announcement of its fourth hotel in Albania

Hotel Palasa Beach

This new project on the Albanian Riviera will be part of The Meliá Collection, the company’s portfolio of luxury hotels with their own particular personality

Meliá Hotels International continues with growth in Mediterranean destinations after announcing the addition of a new hotel in Albania, a rapidly emerging travel destination. The Hotel Palasa Beach, Member of Meliá Collection, will be the company’s fourth hotel in the country, located on the Albanian Riviera, whose spectacular beaches and scenery make it one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe.

A prime location overlooking the sea, and architecture which will be fully integrated with the natural environment, will allow the Hotel Palasa Beach to offer unique hotel and destination experiences for guests. As part of The Meliá Collection, a portfolio of luxury hotels with their own particular personality, this new hotel will invite guests to discover the Albanian Riviera and connect with the destination through its design, cuisine and many other details to enhance the customer experience.

Hotel Palasa Beach, Member of Meliá Collection, will have 142 rooms and suites, including spectacular villas. On the beachfront and with spaces on different levels, fully integrated with the environment and offering sea views from practically all of its spaces, the hotel will offer 5 villas, 1 superior villa, 16 deluxe rooms, some with a private swimming pool, 6 suites with access to an exclusive pool and 8 suites, in addition to other standard rooms. A wide variety of rooms that will also provide exclusive amenities and exquisite decoration to make them the perfect refuge for every type of guest.

The facilities at the Hotel Palasa Beach, Member of Meliá Collection, will include a spa and wellness centre with an indoor pool and a gym. The outdoor areas will include a large pool for guests to enjoy a dip while admiring the scenery. The beach club alongside the pool and the hotel restaurant will provide a wide range of dining options for guests, reflecting the uniqueness of the environment through a careful selection of local and international flavours. The Hotel Palasa Beach will also provide a casino. As a commitment to the MICE segment, this Meliá Collection hotel will also provide 4 rooms for meetings and events.

In the words of Gabriel Escarrer, Executive Vice President and CEO of Meliá Hotels International “I am proud that we are involved in a project as special as this. This new addition is a boost to our growth in the Mediterranean, as well as an opportunity to continue offering our customers unique experiences with hotels as special and iconic as the Hotel Palasa Beach, Member of Meliá Collection”.

This new addition means Meliá Hotels International now has 4 projects in Albania, where it is already preparing the future opening of the Meliá Dürres, Sol Dürres and Meliá Tirana hotels. The hotel company remains firmly committed to Mediterranean destinations, supported by its considerable experience and market leadership. The addition also demonstrates the company’s commitment to differentiation and high-end travel with The Meliá Collection, a portfolio of unique hotels with a strong connection to their destinations, already comprising 6 hotels around the world which will now be joined by the Hotel Palasa Beach, Member of Meliá Collection.

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Nobu Hospitality announces a new hotel and restaurant in Spain

Written by Leandro Agostini on December 17, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

December 17, 2021 –

Spain’s gastronomic hotspot Nobu Hotel and Restaurant San Sebastián

Nobu Hospitality, the global lifestyle brand founded by Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper, announces its fourth Spanish hotel and restaurant – Nobu Hotel and Restaurant San Sebastián.

With a strong focus on cuisine, local culture, and architectural design combined with an air of celebrity, Nobu may have met its match in San Sebastián.

As the capital of Gipuzkoa, this is a city with the most Michelin stars per square meter than anywhere else in the world, the site of Balenciaga’s first atelier, and a place that Hemingway fondly called home while writing ‘Fiesta’. A true culinary mecca, the mountainous Basque Country’s culture is reflected throughout the coastal town, where visitors are invited to hop from bar to restaurant while sampling bitesize gastronomy referred to locally as pintxo.

Overlooking La Concha Bay, Nobu Hotel and Restaurant San Sebastián is scheduled to open in March 2023, with 20 luxuriously designed guest rooms and suites and a 98-seat Nobu restaurant offering panoramic water and city views. The fully renovated hotel sits on the site of the famed Palacio Vista Eder, constructed in 1912 and designed by renowned Spanish architect, Francisco Urcola.

Partnering with Nobu Hospitality on the new opening is Millenium Hospitality Real Estate SOCIMI (“MHRE”). With an existing collection of five-star hotels peppered throughout Spain and Portugal, MHRE’s strategy places an emphasis on the careful selection of properties and their location. Based on generating value by acquiring and repositioning hotel assets, MHRE is managed by a multidisciplinary team of prestigious professionals with extensive experience in hotel investment, boasting a large portfolio of assets both under operation and in the process of being repositioned.

Javier Illán Plaza, President and CEO of Millenium Hospitality Real Estate states, “The partnership with Nobu Hospitality and launch of Nobu Hotel and Restaurant San Sebastián further places the region on the map as the ultimate gourmet hotspot. I’m thrilled to be working with the brand to make this opening one of the country’s most exciting for 2023, which will be embraced by residents and visitors alike.”

Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper state, “San Sebastián is an exciting location for the brand as good quality food is intrinsic to the destination. We’re so pleased to be partnering with Javier Illán Plaza on this project and to be opening our fourth hotel and restaurant in Spain, bringing the Nobu cuisine to a new audience of residents and travellers.”

Trevor Horwell, Chief Executive Officer Nobu Hospitality comments, “We are truly honored to be entering the city of San Sebastián, well known for its cultural diversity and a beacon of gastronomic excellence in Spain. The Nobu Hotel and Restaurant San Sebastián are crafted on the tremendous vision of our partner, Millenium, to create a very special hospitality experience. We look forward to becoming a part of the local community whom we hold in such high regard.”

source: premierconstructionnews.com

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Hyatt Is Opening a New Hotel in Panama City

Written by Leandro Agostini on December 17, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

December 17, 2021 –

It’s one of the most charming neighborhoods in all of Central America: the Casco Antigua (also known as Casco Viejo) of Panama City, Panama.

And now one of the world’s biggest hotel brands is entering the market.

It’s set in side a 17th-century that was once a Jesuit convent; the property has been “delicately restored” by a team of designers and architects to create what Hyatt is calling a “living museum where the history of Panama will be showcased through a bold and contemporary design concept.”

The property will feature a total of 88 rooms and suites, along with a five dining concepts: an all-day eatery, a bistro and coffee bar; an Italian restaurant and a steakhouse with an underground wine cellar.

That’s along with a spa with four treatment rooms and a rooftop sky deck with an infinity pool with views of the city and the Pacific Ocean and a bar.

For more, visit Hyatt’s Unbound Collection.

Hyatt’s Unbound Collection is set to open its first hotel in the region, with the debut next spring of the Hotel La Compañía, a luxury boutique hotel set in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

source: caribjournal

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