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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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Ryanair adds new Genoa departure from Manchester

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

December 17, 2021 –

Ryanair has announced an additional route for its upcoming summer schedule, flying from Manchester to Genoa.

The low-cost carrier will be operating the flight twice weekly from April.

Ryanair director of commercial, Jason McGuinness, said: “We are pleased to add this new route to Genoa as part of the UK summer schedule 2022, offering our customers yet another amazing European destination to choose from when planning their long-awaited summer holidays.”

Having added over 560 new routes and opened 16 bases throughout the last 12 months,

Ryanair is now looking ahead to next summer with the addition of 65 new B737 Max planes to the fleet.

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Messe Berlin adjusts its concept for ITB Berlin 2022

Written by Leandro Agostini on December 16, 2021. Posted in Featured events, Destination news.

November 16 2021 –27 – ITB Berlin is the world’s largest travel trade fair

The World’s Leading Travel Trade Show

With great regret we have to inform you today, that the in-person edition of ITB Berlin 2022 will not take place as originally planned. Owing to the latest developments and accompanying directives as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, Messe Berlin is unable to afford its exhibitors and partners the necessary planning certainty with the holding of an in-person ITB Berlin in early March. The current situation surrounding the pandemic, as well as the tightened travel restrictions and limits imposed on the numbers that can take part in large events made Messe Berlin take this step.

We made every effort to make it possible to hold ITB Berlin as an in-person event again in the German capital. Particularly in these times, the industry needs orientation, inspiration and dialogue. With the livestreamed convention and Digital Business Day as well as our new regional travel events during the year, we are offering the industry a wide range of fascinating content and new business opportunities in 2022.

In March 2023 ITB Berlin will be back again with an in-person event. ITB Berlin 2023 will open on 8 March and in accordance with the wishes of all market players will take place on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds.

source: itb.com

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Americas’ top three hotel openings 2022- Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton and Marriott

Written by Leandro Agostini on December 16, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

December 16, 2021 –

Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton and Marriott projects as the three most exciting openings due to take place throughout the vast Americas region next year.

Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Expected to open at the start of 2022, this newbuild five-star hotel and residences will accommodate guests in a 22-storey property on Fort Lauderdale’s waterfront. Created in collaboration with Fort Partners and Merrimac Ventures, the scheme will offer a modern interpretation of the classic yacht club lifestyle. The property’s architectural design is by Kobi Karp, with Tara Bernerd & Partners working on the public spaces, rooms and suites; Martin Brudnizki Design Studio focusing on the Evelyn’s Table restaurant and the Ocean Terrace; and Fernando Wong Outdoor Living Design looking after the outdoor spaces.

The under-construction project will have 189 keys, including a mix of suites and hotel residences, along with a third-floor pool terrace overlooking the ocean, a spa, Evelyn’s Table, and lobby café and champagne bar Honey Fitz. It’s envisaged that dedicated event space will be included above the lobby, while the upper floors are to accommodate 42 Four Seasons Private Residences.

The Ritz-Carlton, Paradise Valley, Arizona

This newbuild Ritz-Carlton property is currently under construction in the resort town of Paradise Valley in Arizona, but is expected to open in the third quarter of 2022. Spanning over 20 acres, it’ll offer an elegantly designed and relaxed space where the focus falls on the natural beauty of the surrounding environment. Marriott International’s prestigious luxury brand is creating this resort in partnership with Five Star Development, while Mason Architects and Nelsen Partners – Austin are working on the architectural design, SB Design and BBGM are focusing on the interiors, and Burton is handling the landscape design.

The 215-key scheme will encompass roomy suites, detached casitas and bungalows, along with various public spaces, including a grand lobby overlooking Camelback Mountain. Courtyard gardens and walkways will connect the accommodation in a village-style setting that’ll also boast a a 400 ft pool, a dining concept using ingredients from the resort’s herb garden and citrus orchard, a 16,000 sq ft spa, a 2,500 sq ft health and fitness centre, and indoor-outdoor event space. The resort forms part of the US$2 billion, 122-acre master-planned community of The Palmeraie.

Marriott Bethesda Downtown at Marriott HQ, Maryland

The Bernstein Companies, Boston Properties and Marriott International are collaborating on a major mixed-use development comprising the latter’s new headquarters as well as this new Marriott-branded hotel in downtown Bethesda in Maryland. Gensler is behind the architectural design and Rottet Studio has been entrusted with the interiors.

This flagship hotel is being built, and will be owned, by The Bernstein Companies. Managed by Marriott, it’ll incorporate 244 rooms, a coffeeshop, a rooftop bar and lounge, and a contemporary restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner that benefits from having additional outdoor dining space on a pedestrianised plaza. Events will be hosted across more than 8,000 sq ft of meeting and ballroom space at the stylish property, which is expected to open in January 2022.

source: tophotel.news/

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Arora Group acquires Luton Hoo Hotel

Written by Leandro Agostini on December 16, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

December 16, 2021 –

The Arora Group has completed the purchase of the five-star 228 room Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa from Elite Hotels.

Approximately 50 minutes’ drive from central London and a few minutes’ drive from the M1 motorway, the estate is set in over 1,000 acres of parkland, woods and lakes.

Originally known as a specialist airport hotel owner operator, the Arora Group established their first city centre hotel in 2017 with the opening of the InterContinental London – the O2 and most recently has diversified further into the country house hotel market with the opening of Fairmont Windsor Park.

The purchase of Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa continues the journey of portfolio diversification, and the hotel is well positioned to capture the significant pent-up demand from leisure and corporate travel from domestic and international markets.

Surinder Arora, chief executive of the Arora Group, commented: “Our acquisition of Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa continues to support our strategy to diversify our hotel portfolio and we are excited to build on the already significant investment and development by Elite Hotels since their purchase of the estate in 1999.

“We are excited to welcome the Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa team to the Arora Group and are looking forward to the opportunities ahead for our expanded family.”
Financial details of the transaction were not released.

source: .breakingtravelnews

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Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai welcomes first guests

Written by Leandro Agostini on December 16, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

December 16, 2021 –

Hyatt has welcomed the opening of Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai,

marking the debut of the lifestyle in the Middle East.

The seven-story property is set to become a social hub in the La Mer district, featuring 173 sophisticated guestrooms, including 27 spacious deluxe rooms and suites.

Conveniently located between old and new Dubai, guests have the opportunity to experience nearby attractions including Laguna Waterpark, the La Mer beachfront shopping and dining district, Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.

For those seeking authentic, historical experiences, the nearby neighbourhoods of Satwa, Bur Dubai and Al Fahidi are home to traditional Arab souks, and the Etihad Museum.

“Surrounded by the ocean with year-round sunshine and a stunning aesthetic, we are proud to introduce the tenth Hyatt branded hotel in Dubai and to bring the first Hyatt Centric hotel into the UAE,” said Britta Leick-Milde, hotel manager of Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai.

“With stunning views of the entire Dubai skyline, Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai offers adventure-seeking travellers a window to the destination through a playful interpretation of local culture, art, and points of interest.”

Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai features multiple spaces for meetings, events and social gatherings with a boardroom that fits up to eight guests, large terraces ideal for social gatherings for up to 85 guests, and the exclusive rooftop bar that can be used for small group celebrations.

The terrace suite is also the perfect venue for a New Year’s party, where guests can take in the spectacular views of the Burj Khalifa’s firework show.

Additional amenities and services include a temperature-controlled outdoor pool along with a spa and 24-hour gym fitted with the latest equipment.

Guests can also expect, laundry and dry-cleaning services, valet parking, multilingual staff, and a full-service concierge to ensure every need is met.

The hotel also offers its guests a dedicated private beach area at La Mer North beach to relax and unwind.

source: .breakingtravelnews

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British Airways new destinations – departing from Gatwick

Written by Traveltalksteam on December 16, 2021. Posted in Airline, Destination news.

December 16, 2021 – British Airways new destinations from Gatwick –

Today British Airways has revealed the initial destinations for its new Gatwick subsidiary, which will start flying from March 2022. Tickets to 35 short-haul destinations will also be on sale from Tuesday 14 December.

British Airways new destinations

The airline announced its intention to create a short-haul standalone business at Gatwick in August, similar to its operation from London City Airport, which operates under the British Airways name but exists as an entirely separate entity. The offshoot will launch later in 2022, with short-haul services at Gatwick being operated by mainline BA until the new entities’ Air Operators Certificate is issued. BA short-haul flights will start operating from Gatwick at the end of March, with three Airbus short-haul aircraft initially, ramping ramp up to 18 aircraft by the end of May.

The subsidiary will herald the airline’s return to short-haul flying from the London airport, which had been suspended as a result of Covid-19 in Spring 2020. During the pandemic, several routes were moved to Heathrow airport, some of which will return to Gatwick, as well as being maintained at Heathrow to give customers choice, including Faro, Ibiza, Malaga, Marrakech and Tenerife. In addition, other new routes will be added at Gatwick including Athens, Berlin, Madrid, Milan Malpensa and Santorini.

The new services will be branded and known as British Airways*. Customers will receive the same high level of service they expect of British Airways as well as enjoying the benefits of travelling with the UK’s flag carrier including a generous baggage allowance, free water and snacks, free seat selection at -24 hours and frequent flyer benefits which include lounge access.

Club Europe customers will also receive complimentary food and drink and Euro Traveller customers who want to order additional food will benefit from access to the airline’s ‘Speedbird Café‘, which features a selection of products from a range of carefully selected British brands.

Tickets, which will go on sale at ba.com today, and start from £39* each way with fares competitive with those of Gatwick no-frills carriers. British Airways Holidays also has a number of packages to these destinations, starting from £119.** The airline will continue to prioritise flying to and from the most convenient destinations across Europe.

Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, said: “Today is a landmark moment for British Airways. The creation of a new British Airways short-haul organisation means Gatwick customers will benefit from access to a premium service from the UK’s flag carrier at competitive prices. We are looking forward to bringing a short-haul network back to Gatwick, with a fantastic flying team in place, to serve our customers from London’s second hub airport, which we feel sure will be a success.”

Stewart Wingate, CEO, Gatwick Airport, said: “This significant news will be very welcome for many people connected to the airport. Despite the ongoing public health situation, today’s announcement is a positive signal that consumer confidence is returning as people start thinking about making travel plans for next summer.

“Given the difficult period we have all just been through, we expect BA’s new and extensive network of services from Gatwick to destinations across Europe to be in high demand and our staff, retailers, restaurants, cafes and bars are all looking forward to welcoming BA passengers back in larger numbers from April next year.”

British Airways new destinations –

The airline has already launched a significant recruitment campaign to invite people interested in roles to help the company launch the new subsidiary. Prospective candidates can visit the British Airways careers site, where new roles are added each week and you can register your interest for future job alerts.

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Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah Marjan Island opens – the Middle East’s 1st Radisson Resort

Written by Traveltalksteam on December 16, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

December 16, 2021 – Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah Marjan Island – Radisson Hotel Group is delighted to announce the opening of the Middle East’s first Radisson Resort, Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah Marjan Island – a perfect beach getaway just a 45-minute drive from Dubai, offering direct beach access and panoramic views of the surrounding waters.

Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah Marjan Island features 388 rooms and suites with sea views or balconies to enjoy the fresh sea air and spectacular vistas of the picturesque Marjan Island, a group of four man-made coral-shaped islands in Ras Al Khaimah spanning 4.5 kilometers into the sea. The unique landscape covers an area of 2.7 million square meters.

Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah Marjan Island

The resort has a scenic panorama of the Arabian Peninsula and the surrounding Yanis and Jais Mountains, conveniently situated close to a range of activities and attractions including the world’s longest zipline, the Jebel Jais Flight, the terracotta dunes of Al Wadi and Ras Al Khaimah’s National Museum. The emirate is home to magnificent landscapes, breathtaking coastlines, vast desert plains and 64 kilometers of white sandy beaches.

Tim Cordon, Area Senior Vice President, Middle East, and Africa at Radisson Hotel Group, says, “We are honored to end the year with the opening of the Middle East’s first Radisson Resort right here in the UAE, and our first hotel in Ras Al Khaimah. The opening of Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah Marjan Island means that we are now present in six of seven Emirates and the new resort perfectly complements our existing hotel portfolio of 15 hotels across the UAE. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism has been doing a fantastic job promoting the destination and we look forward to contributing to the destination’s attraction with our new resort.”

Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah Marjan Island’s leisure facilities include a private beach, two swimming pools, a designated kids pool, an indoor fitness center with a fully-equipped gym, and a spa, as well as two meeting rooms and a ballroom perfect for larger corporate events and private events like weddings. The resort also offers a diverse selection of dining options across its six restaurants; RBG Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner serving a selection of international dishes. The beach-facing sports bar, RBG Bar, is the perfect place to relax with its retro-inspired décor, and serves signature comfort foods. For fresh seafood dishes, a raw bar, and live-fire barbecue, The Seafood Shack is the perfect place to enjoy sunset drinks on the terrace. La Med serves up a wide array of dishes from around the Mediterranean on its sunlit terrace. Guests can enjoy a drink, snack, or coffee at the lobby café Bake House which is open all day, or relax poolside with refreshing drinks and quick bites without having to leave the comfort of the pool at The Shelf Pool Bar.

David Allan, Cluster General Manager of Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Canal View, and Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah Marjan Island, comments: “We are excited to be launching the first Radisson Resort in the UAE. Our new Radisson Resort is designed to be a place to relax, recharge and reconnect while delivering memorable moments – the perfect choice for staycations, couples and families alike. We are looking forward to taking care of every guest with the style of friendly service for which we are renowned.”

Radisson Hotel Group’s highest priority remains the health and safety of its guests and employees. Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah Marjan Island is implementing the Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol program of in-depth cleanliness and disinfection protocols developed in partnership with SGS, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, which are designed to ensure guest safety and peace of mind from check-in to check-out.

Read more about the hotel, on the hotel website.

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Sanlucar de Barrameda – Spain’s designated Capital of Gastronomy 2022

Written by Traveltalksteam on December 15, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Restaurant.

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December 15, 2021 – Sanlucar de Barrameda – The Andalucían city of Sanlucar de Barrameda, located in the northwest of the Cádiz province, has been designated the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy for 2022 providing food lovers with the opportunity to explore one of Andalucía’s most coveted gastronomic destinations.

Sanlucar de Barrameda

The city will run several events to celebrate this special announcement inviting visitors and residents to enjoy Sanlúcar’s delicious cuisine and unique wine. This programme seeks to showcase the region highlighting its high standards of quality-of-life thanks to its geographical location and climate, which provide a world-class sun and beach proposition for visitors. The city is rich with natural resources thanks to its proximity to the Guadalquivir River and the natural reserve of the Doñana National Park, which are both an inspiration for the city’s food culture and the legendary horse races that take place on a long stretch of beach in August.

Two elements of the food culture of Sanlucar which have been highlighted in the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy celebrations are Sanlúcar king prawns and the region’s Manzanilla wine (straight from the heart of the Jerez Region). Sanlúcar’s king prawns are one of the most renowned gastronomic treasures of Andalucía and are farmed in the mouth of the Guadalquivir River adjacent to the Doñana National Park.

This prawn carries an intense and rich flavour mainly thanks to the characteristics of the waters in which it grows. At present, these delicate prawns have an official quality brand called Langostino de Sanlúcar (King Prawn of Sanlúcar) which recognises the prawns caught on the coast of the lower Guadalquivir River. In 2020, 146,00 kilograms of these prawns were sold in the Sanlúcar de Barrameda fish market.

The celebrated counterpart, the Manzanilla wine, is a variety of fino sherry made around the port of Sanlúcar de Barrameda and is produced under the Spanish Denominación de Origen Protegida (DOP) of Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda DOP since 1964. In Spanish, chamomile infusion is called “manzanilla”, and thus this wine gets the name because of its flavour said to be reminiscent of such an infusion. The sherry is manufactured using the same methods as a fino and results in a very pale, dry wine.

Visitors looking to discover the city and its culinary scene during its year as Spanish Capital of Gastronomy should look out for its main gastronomic treasures:

Tortillitas de camarones: This simple yet delicious tapa uses small fresh prawns to create fritters that are best served piping hot.
Acedías and tapaculos: two of the city’s most famous fish best served fried and to be eaten by hand.
Arroz con Pato: one of the lesser-known dishes that are popular among the locals of Sanlúcar. It is made from products sourced in the estuaries and areas bordering the river. The star is blue duck that is eaten in sauce or with rice hence the name ´Rice with Duck’.
Guisos Marineros: seafood stews are especially famous in Sanlúcar de Barrameda. They come in many shapes and sizes made with cuttlefish, king prawns, monkish and many other delicacies caught just off the coast.
Las Papas Aliñás: one of the most recognised potato dishes in Cádiz. Its main characteristic is that it is served “warm” and not cold like most potato salads. It is a type of potato salad that optimises simple, local ingredients.

The title of Spanish Capital of Gastronomy will be held by Sanlucar de Barrameda from 01 January to 31 December. Huelva (2017), Leon (2018), Almeria (2019) and the region of Murcia (2020 and 2021) are among the Spanish cities that have previously held this annual recognition that celebrates food and tourism since its first edition in 2012.

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New routes United Airlines – New Partnership announced with Virgin Australia Group

Written by Traveltalksteam on December 15, 2021. Posted in Airline, Destination news.

December 15, 2021 – New routes United Airlines through partnership with Virgin Australia Group

Australia has always been a key part of United’s network as demonstrated by United being the only carrier to maintain passenger service between the U.S. and Australia throughout the pandemic. In addition, United offers more flights to Australia than any other U.S. carrier and now extends its presence by adding Virgin Australia Group’s comprehensive network.

“The United States and Australia share a special bond and I’m especially proud that United was the only airline to maintain a vital link between these two countries throughout the pandemic,” said United CEO Scott Kirby.

“Looking ahead, Virgin Australia is the perfect partner for United. Our partnership provides considerable commercial value for both airlines and a shared commitment to offer the best travel experience for our customers.”

New routes United Airlines

United currently offers daily direct flights from San Francisco and Los Angeles to Sydney, while other services including flights from Houston and direct services to Melbourne are expected to resume later in 2022. Under this new partnership, United’s customers will now have access to top Australian destinations including Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.

In addition to the ability to redeem and earn points/miles, eligible premier MileagePlus and Velocity members will also receive the following benefits when flying on United and Virgin Australia worldwide:

Priority check-in
Priority boarding
Priority baggage delivery and additional baggage check allowance
Priority security clearance
Lounge access

The partnership will also triple Virgin Australia’s reach into the U.S., with customers accessing United’s vast domestic and international network, connecting at United’s multiple Australian gateways.

The partnership is another significant customer enhancement for the relaunched Virgin Australia, that will also see the airline resume the sale of codeshare flights at virginaustralia.com, starting with United services in early 2022, followed by the airline’s other international partners. Virgin Australia first paused the sale of codeshare flights on its website at the height of the pandemic, and today’s announcement will open a new gateway for travel between Australia and the U.S. and beyond.

“We are grateful to have such a strong partner in United,” said Virgin Australia Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka. “They have proudly been one of Australia’s most loyal and long serving aviation partners and their market strength both to Australia and in the United States brings great value to our guests. We look forward to innovating together on behalf of our guests to ensure they have the very best travel experiences to over 90 destinations in the U.S.”

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Radisson Hotel Group to open 11 Radisson Individuals hotels across Russia

Written by Traveltalksteam on December 15, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

December 15, 2021 – Radisson Hotel Group and Cosmos Hotel Group (part of the AFK Sistema company) signed an agreement under which part of Cosmos Hotel Group’s hotels will benefit from the international hotel chain Radisson Hotel Group, while maintaining their own brand and identity.

Radisson Hotel Group

Under the agreement, 7 existing hotels currently in the Cosmos Hotel Group’s portfolio will join the Radisson Individuals brand. Another 4 hotels are committed to open by 2025 under this dual branding. In the future, the number of Cosmos Hotels that will be a member of Radisson Individuals could increase. Radisson Individuals offers independent hotels and regional chains the opportunity to be part of the global Radisson Hotel Group platform, and benefit from the Group’s global reach, while retaining the freedom to maintain their own uniqueness and identity.

Alexandr Shvein, Cosmos Hotel Group President, says: “Together with Radisson Hotel Group, we are launching a product that is unique for the Russian market: on the one hand, it is the development of a domestic brand and, on the other hand, support from a major international player. These hotels, which are part of the agreement, will operate under the Cosmos Hotels brand and affiliate to Radisson Individuals. At the same time, using the Radisson Rewards loyalty program, we will gain a new sales channel and access to Radisson Hotel Group’s worldwide client base. And, of course, we are ready to offer third-party owners who are considering us as a management company for their hotels to connect them not only to the Cosmos brand, but also to Radisson Individuals. We see this “symbiosis” between Cosmos HG and Radisson Hotel Group as a rethinking of our approach to developing the hospitality sector in Russia”.

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Pfizer Covid pill STILL beats Omicron and cuts risk of dying/hospitalization by up to 89%

Written by Traveltalksteam on December 15, 2021. Posted in Destination news.

December 15, 2021 – Pfizer’s breakthrough at-home Covid pill should still work against Omicron.

Laboratory tests suggested the twice-a-day antiviral, called Paxlovid, will still offer a ‘robust’ response against the variant.

Pfizer Covid Pill

Pfizer Inc. today announced final results from an analysis of all 2,246 adults enrolled in its Phase 2/3 EPIC-HR trial of its novel COVID-19 oral antiviral candidate PAXLOVID™.

These results were consistent with the interim analysis announced in November 2021, showing PAXLOVID significantly reduced the risk of hospitalization or death for any cause by 89% compared to placebo in non-hospitalized, high-risk adult patients with COVID-19 treated within three days of symptom onset.

In a secondary endpoint, PAXLOVID reduced the risk of hospitalization or death for any cause by 88% compared to placebo in patients treated within five days of symptom onset, an increase from the 85% observed in the interim analysis.

The EPIC-HR data have been shared with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as part of an ongoing rolling submission for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).

“This news provides further corroboration that our oral antiviral candidate, if authorized or approved, could have a meaningful impact on the lives of many, as the data further support the efficacy of PAXLOVID in reducing hospitalization and death and show a substantial decrease in viral load. This underscores the treatment candidate’s potential to save the lives of patients around the world,” said Albert Bourla, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Pfizer.

“Emerging variants of concern, like Omicron, have exacerbated the need for accessible treatment options for those who contract the virus, and we are confident that, if authorized or approved, this potential treatment could be a critical tool to help quell the pandemic.”

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Hyatt Place Zurich Airport The Circle opens – 1st Hyatt Palace in Switzerland

Written by Traveltalksteam on December 15, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

December 15, 2021 – Hyatt Place Zurich Airport The Circle Celebrates Opening

Hyatt Place Zurich Airport The Circle, the third Hyatt-branded hotel and the first Hyatt Place branded hotel in Switzerland, is officially open, expanding the Hyatt Place brand’s footprint globally in markets that matter most to guests and World of Hyatt members.

The 300-room hotel opens in the Circle destination of Zurich

Hyatt Place Zurich

The new hotel features the Hyatt Place brand’s intuitive design, casual atmosphere and practical amenities, such as free Wi-Fi everwhere and 24-hour food offerings.

Because Hyatt’s efforts are grounded in listening and fueled by care, Hyatt Place hotels combine style, innovation and 24/7 conveniences to create an easy-to-navigate experience for today’s multi-tasking traveler. Hyatt Place Zurich Airport The Circle is situated in the Circle destination and directly linked to Zurich Airport, representing one of the most central locations in Switzerland. Guests can conveniently enjoy the business and lifestyle offerings of the Circle, which includes shops, restaurants, a park, airport facilities and The Circle Convention Center. After a productive day, guests can unwind in the park or take advantage of the great outdoors, as the Swiss Alps and Lake Zurich are nearby.

“As the Zurich Airport and the Circle district continue to be a dynamic destination, we are excited to add to the momentum by welcoming the first Hyatt Place hotel to Switzerland,” said hotel manager at Hyatt Place Zurich Airport The Circle Ines Bruenn. “With our smartly designed social spaces and guestrooms with separate work and sleep areas, our multitasking, international and local guests can easily accomplish what they need to do while on the road, while both working and relaxing with nature right at their doorstep.”

Hyatt Place Zurich Airport The Circle offers:

300 spacious guestrooms with separate spaces to sleep, work and play, as well as a Cozy Corner sofa-sleeper
The Market serving a selection of perfectly packaged grab-and-go items from snacks to salads as well as beverages available 24/7
ZOOM Restaurant with all-day dining and take-out options, delivering responsibly sourced, regionally inspired fare as well as international classics, including small bites such as wraps and waffles and heartier options including salads, burgers, fries and Zurich specialties
ZOOM Bar offers specialty coffees, premium beers, as well as wines and cocktails, along with snacks and bites, available all-day long
Necessities program for forgotten items that guests can buy, borrow or enjoy for free
Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and guestrooms
Convenient Workspaces and Event Spaces including a communal table in the lobby and over 30,000 square feet (2,800 square meters) of function space at The Circle Convention Center
Fitness Center open 24/7, featuring cardio equipment with LCD touchscreens, along with the nearby park offering outdoor jogging and walking

For more information about the hotel, please visit: hyattplacezurichairportthecircle.com

Guided by its purpose of care, Hyatt’s multi-layered Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment further enhances its operational guidance and resources around colleague and guest safety and peace of mind. More information on Hyatt’s commitment can be found here: hyatt.com/care-and-cleanliness

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Aer Lingus heads for Orlando, Florida

Written by Leandro Agostini on December 14, 2021. Posted in Airline, Destination news.

December 14, 2021 –

Aer Lingus has celebrated the launch of its very first direct flight from Manchester Airport to Orlando, Florida.

Flight EI 35, operated by an Airbus A330, to Orlando is the third route launched by Aer Lingus UK as part of its new services from Manchester Airport direct to the United States and the Caribbean.

Aer Lingus launched direct flights from Manchester to Barbados on October 20th and to New York, JFK on December 1st.

Holidaymakers wanting to visit the ‘Sunshine State’ of Florida, can choose from four weekly flights, departing at 11:00 every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

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Qatar Airways increase flights from Dublin

Qatar Airways touches down at Odesa International Airport

Written by Leandro Agostini on December 14, 2021. Posted in Airline, Destination news.

December 9, 2021 –

Qatar Airways’ inaugural flight from Doha to Odesa landed at Odesa International Airport earlier.

The arrival marks the launch of the airline’s second gateway to Ukraine.

Operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft, flight QR309 carrying Qatar Airways regional manager, Christian Deresjo, was welcomed with an opening ceremony attended by the head of Odesa’s regional state administration, Serhii Hrynevetsky.

Also on hand was the mayor of Odesa, Hennadii Trukhanov; the head of the Odesa’s regional council, Hryhoriy Didenko; and Odesa city council director of culture and tourism, Tetiana Markova, as well as the director general of Odesa International Airport, Volodymyr Semenchenko.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: “The start of service to Odesa marks the growing relationship between the state of Qatar and Ukraine.

“Odesa is popular for both business and leisure, and in particular, we expect the route to serve seafarers and offshore workers around the world, who will be able to enjoy our industry-first, dedicated ‘Mariner Lounge’ at the airline’s home airport Hamad International Airport (HIA).

“This important new gateway will provide enhanced connectivity to both business and leisure travellers, and will help connect passengers from Odesa to our extensive global network of more than 140 destinations worldwide.”

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Club Med Ixtapa Pacific, Mexico Club Med Ixtapa Pacific, has officially re-opened

Written by Leandro Agostini on December 14, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

December 14, 2021 –

Club Med Ixtapa Pacific, has officially re-opened – just in time for warm weather winter getaways.

Club Med Ixtapa Pacific, has officially re-opened

The family-friendly all-inclusive resort – and Ixtapa’s best kept secret – is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the green mountains of the southern Sierra Madre, guaranteeing over 300 days of sunshine per year.

Spread across 37 acres and situated along a 2,400-foot stretch of white sand beach, the resort offers guests plenty of room to roam and enjoy unlimited refined culinary options, 25+ land and water activities like pickleball, sailing, and flying trapeze, immersive destination excursions like deep sea fishing, and highly-customized kids’ clubs to keep kids busy while adults enjoy some R&R at the spa.

source: hospitalitynet

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Swiss-Belboutique Napier – New Zealand Opens Its First Internationally Branded 5-Star Hotel

Written by Leandro Agostini on December 14, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

December 14, 2021 –

Expanding its presence in New Zealand, Swiss-Belhotel International, has announced the opening of its 5-star premium boutique hotel, Swiss-Belboutique Napier.

This is the first internationally branded hotel in the city and will help to place the attractive art-deco destination of Napier on the world markets. Offering one of the most spacious rooms and enticing facilities, Swiss-Belboutique Napier promises unique and personalised experience for discerning travellers.

The 5-star Swiss-Belboutique Napier, is a modern and vibrant hotel with the art-deco design theme running throughout.

It features 52 extremely spacious and stylish guest rooms and suites, a bar and lounge area, a fully-equipped fitness centre, and secure on-site parking. Accommodation choices range from Deluxe Rooms and Studios to unique Swiss-SuperStudio and Swiss-SuperSuites – One or Two-Bedroom, with some of them overlooking the Bluff Hill.

The upscale offering gets even better with the gastronomical experience at Saffron Social Kitchen – Showcasing New Zealand cuisine with a modern twist. Our head chef is using flavours from around the world with Saffron taking the lead in the signature dishes. The emphasis of Saffron Social Kitchen lies on seasonal local produce and sustainability. We work with the complete product and not only part of it – Nothing goes to waste. Featuring an intimate restaurant setting and a warm ambience, Saffron Social Kitchen offers the perfect option for a special dining experience and opens all day for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 6.30am to 9.30pm.

Swiss-Belboutique Napier is one of the few pet-friendly hotels in town and caters to the travelling needs of animal-lovers.

source: hospitalitynet

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InterContinental Cairo – scheduled opening 2026

Written by Traveltalksteam on December 14, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

December 14, 2021 – InterContinental Cairo – IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of a Management Agreement with Pyramids Group for Urban Development to bring a new luxury hotel to Egypt .

InterContinental Cairo New Capital

Scheduled to open in early 2026, this signing reinforces IHG’s commitment to growing its brand portfolio in the country and solidify its presence in the luxury and lifestyle segment in the region.

Joining Holiday Inn New Assiut Asayla, Hotel Indigo Mountain View North Coast, Hotel Indigo Mountain View icity New Cairo, Hotel Indigo Mountain View icity 6th of October City and Hotel Indigo Mountain View Ain El Sokhna, the latest development marks the 6th IHG hotel to be signed in Egypt this year.

Featuring 300 luxurious rooms, InterContinental Cairo New Capital will be centrally located in the New Capital, a strategic city in Cairo, which was built as part of Egypt Vision 2030 to bolster the economic development of the country. The hotel will be located in the heart of the city, surrounded by landmarks such as the Presidential Palace, the Government Square, and the Opera.

The new development will offer leisure and business guests a wide range of dining options including an all-day and specialty restaurants, a rooftop bar, and café lounge. The hotel will also feature an outdoor and indoor pool, 250 sqm health club, 800 sqm spa, business center, and 8 meeting rooms.

Speaking on the announcement, Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG said: “Egypt is an important market for us in the region, and we are delighted to be a part of, and contribute to the economic growth of country with a number of new signings this year, including the latest addition to our portfolio – InterContinental Cairo New Capital. We are honored to partner with Pyramids Group for Urban Development who have a distinct vision for their 45,000 square meter mixed-use development in the prime location of the New Administrative Capital in Cairo. We are confident that the new hotel will add great value to this development and cater to its elite clientele as well as take the legacy of our luxury portfolio forward with a best in class, brand defining product.”

Mr. Hisham el Kholy – Chairman, Pyramids Group for Urban Development said: “The concept of the development, its size and quality of the master plan makes it a unique destination. With IHG’s rich history and local experience in the country, combined with their international standards and global systems, we are confident that the hotel will be a great success and offer our guests a luxurious stay within the New Capital in Cairo.”

IHG currently operates 5 hotels in Egypt across eight brands including InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, and Staybridge Suites. A further 9 hotels are in the development pipeline, due to open within the next three to five years.

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