Amazing Travel Fact Galapagos

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Did you know that at the most unusual post office in the world, all mail gathers in a wooden barrel? Started in the late 1700’s by whalers, this mailing system requires visitors to take a postcard with a local address and hand deliver it upon return to their own country.  And there’s no facebook, texting or tweeting allowed. Amazing, right?

Started by whalers in the late 1700s, this mailing system – possibly the oldest in the world – requires visitors to take a postcard with a local address, and hand deliver it upon return to their own country.

The tradition has existed ever since tourism began on the islands in the 1960s and for over 200 years before. English whalers and seamen travelling through the bay would leave letters to family, then those travelling in the opposite direction would deliver them back in England.

And it is Galapagos where we find this post office.

 

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Alaska Airlines enhances its global reach with expanded British Airways codeshare

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November 3, 2021 – As a oneworld member, Alaska has implemented new partnerships with member airlines Qatar Airways and Iberia Airlines, and expanded cooperation with existing oneworld partners American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Finnair. These six oneworld airlines currently offer 16 daily international flights to Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles – enabling seamless connectivity to Alaska’s comprehensive network up and down the West Coast. 

“We’re excited to deepen our partnership with British Airways,” said Nat Pieper, senior vice president of fleet, finance and alliances at Alaska Airlines. “Alaska guests have valued access to London and Europe with British Airways for years, and the additional pathways announced today will make it even more convenient.”

With oneworld and our additional airline partners, Alaska guests can fly to as many as 1,000 destinations around the world. Flyers can also earn and redeem miles with our highly-acclaimed Mileage Plan program to fly on more than 20 oneworld and partner airlines worldwide. 

Alaska remains committed to Next-Level Care for its guests and employees by implementing more than 100 ways to maintain the highest standard of safety – from clean planes to clean air in the cabin with hospital-grade air filtration systems. For everyone’s safety on board, Alaska continues to enforce the federally mandated mask policy, even for those who are fully vaccinated. 

 

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Historic Declaration for Expansion of Galápagos Marine Reserve

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November 3, 2021 – Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso has just expanded marine protection around Galápagos by 23,000 square miles and created a protected swimway from Galápagos to Costa Rica.

Galápagos Conservancy is thrilled that Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso has expanded the Galápagos Marine Reserve by 14.8 million acres (23,166 square miles), including the creation of a protected swimway from Galápagos to Costa Rica.

President Lasso announced the declaration, which expands the GMR by 45%, at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland, earlier today. The new protected area is 2.5 times the size of Maryland and covers more water surface area than Lake Michigan. The total size of the marine protected area now extends 47.4 million acres (74,000 square miles).

The declaration also creates an essential migratory corridor that bridges the gap between the protected waters of the Galápagos Marine Reserve and Costa Rica’s Cocos Island National Park. This previously unprotected band of water in the Eastern Pacific, known as the Galápagos-Cocos Swimway, is an underwater superhighway for an array of threatened and endangered migratory species like Whale Sharks, Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks, Manta Rays, Sea Turtles, Tuna, and many more that pass through the oceanic thoroughfare. By securing this biodiversity-rich space between the two marine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a major vulnerability for marine wildlife that has previously been a haven for industrial fishing, including shark finning fleets, has been eliminated. We expect that populations of these threatened and endangered species will soon begin to rebound, and we hope that this agreement between Ecuador and Costa Rica will serve as a model for multinational collaboration in marine conservation going forward.

This is a historic moment for Galápagos and a major victory for global marine conservation. Many organizations, including Galápagos Conservancy, were active in pushing the Ecuadorian government to take this important step. We also owe a special note of gratitude to our close collaborator Dr. Alex Hearn, creator of our Shark Count app, whose research on the importance of this swimway elevated the issue to global prominence.

Galápagos Conservancy is committed to stepping up to ensure the protection of these newly established sanctuaries. We will continue to provide financial support for the Galápagos National Park’s GMR patrol boats, and are already planning to implement a number of new marine projects in 2022, including awarding more grants that focus on marine conservation than ever before.

Although conservation work is never done, today we can celebrate a major victory for Galápagos and for our planet.

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ME hotel Barcelona opens its doors on November 25th

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November 3, 2021 – Located at the heart of the city, on Passeig de Gràcia, ME Barcelona opens its doors on November 25th, becoming the key opening of the season in the contemporary luxury hotel sector

Designers such as Ronan & Ewan Bouroullec, Patricia Urquiola and Jaime Hayón provide their signature touch with their furniture and decoration pieces. Three different gastronomic concepts, a pool on the top floor, wide event spaces and a large interior garden functioning as a green lung in the city are only some of the surprises the hotel has in place for its guests

Comprised of 164 rooms and suites distributed across 14 floors, a total surface of 12.649m2 of which over 3000m2 are open-air spaces, the hotel also offers an impressive patio terrace and an urban vegetable garden

Located near the charismatic and beautiful Casa Rocamora, this grand hotel situates itself among the newest sociocultural hotspots in Barcelona. Innovation, technology, local art and music are an essential part of a strong identity that radiates the energy and creativity of its ancestors in Dubai, Milan, London, Madrid or Ibiza, which have become benchmarks in luxury hospitality at their destination.

Along the same lines, ME Barcelona positions itself as a cultural and artistic catalyzer in the Catalan capital, becoming a meeting point and nexus for local and international talents. With its opening, the hotel transforms the hospitality landscape of Barcelona and sets new standards in the current definition of a luxury hotel, closer to creative spheres and creating personalized bespoke experiences for its guests.

On November 25th, ME Barcelona will be inaugurated, the first five-star hotel of the brand that opens in Barcelona since 2008, and which joins the one that Meliá Hotels International already has in Catalonia: ME Sitges Terramar.

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A new hotel, Marijani Beach Resort, and Spa is set to open in Zanzibar

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November 3, 2021 – Opens on November 15th: Soaring palms and lush greenery welcome you to Marijani Beach Resort & Spa. Located on Pwani Mchangani, the hotel with 82 villa-style rooms is beautifully decorated, with elegance and tranquility. Guests have 4 room types to choose from, depending on your accommodation requirements. As a guest of the resort, you can: 

  • Relax in a variety of room types and accommodations, with all featuring private balconies 
  • Dine on international and local dishes in the whitewashed courtyard of the resort’s restaurant 
  • Spend a day relaxing poolside while nibbling on light bites and drinks from the pool deck bar  
  • Explore the surrounding area, including local villages offering handcrafted keepsakes and art 

Combining the calm and quiet of a beachside stay just a short drive from tropical jungle where rare Zanzibar Red Columbus Monkeys roam, Marijani Beach Resort & Spa provides experienced and novice visitors to Africa’s East Coast with the perfect location from which to set out and explore the region’s remarkable people, history, and environment. 

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Hyatt Completes Acquisition of Apple Leisure Group

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November 3, 2021 – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced that Hyatt has completed the previously announced acquisition of Apple Leisure Group® (ALG), a leading luxury resort-management services, travel and hospitality group, from affiliates of each of KKR and KSL Capital Partners, LLC.

Hyatt is doubling its global resorts footprint through the addition of ALG’s AMR™ Collection brand portfolio, which comprises approximately 100 hotels and resorts operating in 10 countries, as well as a pipeline of 24 executed deals in the Americas and Europe. As a result, Hyatt now offers one of the largest collections of luxury all-inclusive resorts in the world, including new destinations for Hyatt such as Acapulco, Curaçao, the Canary Islands, Menorca and St. Martin. Through this acquisition, Hyatt has added properties in 11 new European markets and expanded its European brand footprint by 60%, strengthening Hyatt’s growth potential in a critical region for global leisure travel demand. 

In addition, Hyatt is offering even more options and experiences for its high-end guest and customer base and enhancing the end-to-end leisure travel experience through:

  • Unlimited Vacation Club® by AMR™ Collection, an exclusive membership club whose members enjoy preferred rates and other benefits at participating AMR™ Collection properties
  • ALG Vacations®, one of the largest packaged vacation providers and leisure travel distribution platforms in North America serving the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean
  • Amstar, a leading destination services management company 
  • Trisept Solutions®, a unique leisure travel technology platform

Hyatt is determining ways in which the World of Hyatt® loyalty program and ALG’s Unlimited Vacation Club® can bring added value and unique loyalty benefits to their respective member bases. Hyatt plans to integrate the AMR™ Collection into World of Hyatt in 2022 so that members can earn and redeem World of Hyatt points at more than 100 AMR™ Collection hotels and resorts.

“Hyatt’s acquisition of ALG represents a brand-defining moment in our more than 60-year history and builds on our legacy as a hospitality leader,” said Mark Hoplamazian, president and chief executive officer, Hyatt. “Hyatt and ALG have highly complementary brand portfolios and share a deep commitment to colleague and guest experiences focused on care. Having first entered the fast-growing luxury all-inclusive space in 2013, we are ideally positioned to capture the significant and rising demand for leisure travel and extend the world-class hospitality we provide to a wide range of new travelers. We are excited to welcome the ALG team to the Hyatt family, and look forward to working together to achieve new levels of growth and value creation for all stakeholders – including our shareholders, owners, customers, guests, members and colleagues.”

“Today marks the beginning of ALG’s next chapter, in which we will continue to build on the strong loyalty and reputation we have established through our luxury travel brands and services, now as part of Hyatt,” said Alejandro Reynal, chief executive officer and president, Apple Leisure Group. “We strongly believe we can achieve more together and are excited by the opportunities ahead for our expanded family, including our ALG team members, who are excited to join a larger global organization. With Hyatt’s added expertise, we expect to accelerate our expansion as we welcome more travelers and turn vacation dreams into life-long memories.”

ALG’s business will continue to be led by Alejandro Reynal and the current ALG leadership team. ALG will operate as a distinct business unit within Hyatt. Mr. Reynal has joined Hyatt’s executive leadership team and reports to Mr. Hoplamazian.

In September of 2021, Hyatt fulfilled its asset disposition commitment announced in 2019 of $1.5 billion resulting in a total of more than $3 billion of proceeds realized since its asset-disposition strategy was launched in 2017, at a combined multiple of over 17x EBITDA. Hyatt also reaffirms its commitment to generate an additional $2 billion in proceeds from asset dispositions by the end of 2024. 

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Hometown Cruise Ship Ruby Princess Debuts for Cruises to California Coast, Mexico, Hawaii, Panama Canal & Alaska

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November 2, 2021 – San Francisco’s hometown cruise ship, Ruby Princess, became Princess Cruises’ sixth MedallionClass ship back in service yesterday, setting sail from the Port of San Francisco. The ship welcomed the first guests back onboard with a special ceremony before sailing underneath the iconic Golden Gate Bridge on a seven-day California Coast cruise, returning on Nov. 7.

 

The cruise ship will be sailing out of the Port of San Francisco to various sought-after destinations including Mexico, Hawaii, the California Coast, Alaska and the Panama Canal on five- to 15-day cruises available for booking through 2023.  

“Princess is proud to have our sixth MedallionClass ship back to provide sought-after cruise vacations,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “It’s inspiring to see guests enjoying real vacations again, and to watch our teammates deliver such meaningful and memorable Princess vacations.”

Ruby Princess offers nearly 900 balconies from which to view the world, an array of entertainment options including Movies Under the Stars and original musical productions, sumptuous dining options from Crown Grill to Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria and exciting new top-deck dining venues including Slice Pizzeria and Coffee & Cones. Guests can also relax and renew with rejuvenating spa treatments, the tranquility of The Sanctuary, a top-deck retreat reserved just for adults and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Earlier this month another Princess cruise ship, Majestic Princess, arrived in San Francisco for an overnight port call, marking the first cruise to bring guests to San Francisco since the industry pause. Long-time partners from the Port of San Francisco welcomed the cruise line back, recognizing the financial impact to local businesses. Now, with Ruby Princess’ arrival as the city’s hometown cruise ship, small and family-owned waterfront establishments will continue to benefit.

“The Port of San Francisco is proud to be the home port of Ruby Princess,” said Elaine Forbes, Executive Director of the Port of San Francisco. “For over fifty years Princess Cruises has sailed from the Port of San Francisco connecting our local merchants, Fisherman’s Wharf, PIER 39 and our iconic City to communities all-around the world.”

Princess MedallionClass vacations deliver the ultimate in effortless, personalized cruising. It begins with the Medallion™, a quarter-sized, wearable device that enables everything from touch-free boarding to locating loved ones anywhere on the ship, as well as enhanced service like having whatever guests need, delivered directly to them, wherever they are on the ship.

In addition, guests can share their favorite cruise moments using MedallionNet, the best WiFi at sea, and also stay connected with friends and family back home, work remotely anywhere on the ship, quickly post content and stream favorite movies and shows. 

Princess Cruises sailings onboard Ruby Princess are available for guests who have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise and have proof of vaccination. All fully vaccinated guests must also produce a negative, medically observed COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken within two days of their embarkation on all Princess sailings. 

 

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Eurowings expands in Prague: new summer destinations for 2022

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November 2, 2021 – Germany’s largest vacation airline sends clear message after successful first flights in Czech Republic: route network to be expanded

First flights from Prague successfully launched: customers can choose from 14 new destinations, such as the Canary Islands, Italy, or Southern Spain Right at the start of its new base, Eurowings announces further summer destinations from March 2022 onwards Eurowings CEO Jens Bischof: “Expanding our route network significantly once again with eight new destinations.”

Eurowings has successfully launched from its new base in Prague: already this Sunday, the Lufthansa subsidiary brought its guests on time to Bristol, Copenhagen, Milan, and the sunny Canary Island of Fuerteventura, among other destinations. These are just four of an initial 14 new Eurowings destinations from Prague in the current winter flight schedule. The first flight coming from Bristol was duly welcomed with a water fountain at Prague Airport to mark the occasion.

New Eurowings summer destinations from March 2022 

Right at the start of its new base, Eurowings CEO Jens Bischof announced today at an opening event at Prague Airport already further new summer destinations that the Lufthansa Group airline will fly to in its summer schedule starting in March 2022. “We are delighted that our new Prague service has already been so well received. Prague is a highly relevant location for Eurowings, so we will once again significantly expand our route network with eight new destinations in the next summer flight schedule. This will enable us to fly even more leisure and business travelers to attractive destinations throughout Europe from March,” Bischof emphasized in Prague on Tuesday morning. “Eurowings will once again bring more low-cost flights to the Czech flight market, but above all we strongly focus on customer needs and new, creative service solutions.”

All new direct flights from Prague

From Prague to Spain

Eurowings already flies its passengers from Prague up to four times a week to four popular Spanish metropolises and vacation regions in its current winter flight schedule: to Málaga, Barcelona, Fuerteventura as well as Tenerife.
New in the flight schedule from March 2022: Alicante from 39.99€ (999CZK), the popular vacation island of Palma de Mallorca from 29.99€ (764CZK) and Valencia from 49,99€ (1279CZK).

From Prague to Italy

From now on, Eurowings customers can enjoy Italian flair and take off almost daily from Prague to Milan.
New and already from December 2021, there will also be flights to the Italian capital and global metropolis of Rome, which passengers can reach from Prague via a direct connection starting at 29.99€ (764CZK).

From Prague to Portugal

From spring, Faro, the popular Portuguese port city in the Algarve region, will also be enticing. Eurowings passengers can take off from Prague to Faro from as little as €39.99 (999CZK).

From Prague to Cyprus

Also new in the flight schedule from March 2022: Larnaca, the port city in the Southeast of the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, which is especially attractive for vacationers. Eurowings will take its customers there by direct flight from just €49.99 (1,279CZK).

From Prague to Greece

In the current Eurowings winter flight schedule, passengers already enjoy direct connections from Prague to the Greek capital Athens twice a week. In addition, starting in the summer, they will also be able to reach the Greek vacation islands of Corfu and Crete by Eurowings direct flight from €49.99 (1,279CZK) each.

From Prague to Sweden

Starting in March, Eurowings will be flying its passengers to the Swedish capital and the metropolis of Stockholm, which is popular with both vacation and business travelers. Tickets can be booked from as little as €39.99 (999CZK).

The new summer destinations can now be booked with just a few clicks via eurowings.com or the Eurowings customer app – the recently launched Czech Eurowings website also allows customers to book flights easily and conveniently in their national language. In the winter flight schedule, Eurowings is already flying its passengers to the United Kingdom (Bristol and Birmingham), Denmark (Copenhagen) and Croatia (Zagreb). All prices apply to one-way flights.

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Where in the World France

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How amazing are these sculptures!
 
Do you know where they are?
 
Les Voyageurs by Bruno Catalano  is one of the series of displays by Bruno Catalano in Marseilles, France.
 
All of the sculptures are mesmerizingly beautiful and represent men and women who are travellers. There are different interpretations of these pieces of art. Some think that they are missing a part of themselves and they travel to find it.
 
Others say the missing pieces are the parts that people lose when they travel around the world. That’s the beauty of art, everybody can look at the same object with different eyes. 
 
 

Czech Airlines resumes flights to Copenhagen

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November 2, 2021 – Czech Airlines (CSA) has resumed its Prague-Copenhagen service. The service will be operated twice a week, on Thursday and Sunday. Under the winter flight schedule, CSA will continue operating scheduled flights to Paris (daily), Stockholm (twice a week), Moscow (three times a week) and Kyiv (daily). Flights to more than 15 other destinations are available under code-share agreements with partner airlines. 

CSA’s flight OK508 will depart from Prague – Vaclav Havel airport at 17:45 with arrival in Copenhagen at 19:05 local time. The return flight OK509 from Copenhagen to Prague will depart at 19:50 local time and arrive at 21:10. 

Clients can purchase flight tickets on the Czech Airlines and Smartwings websites and at flight ticket vendors.

Czech Airline’s priority is to ensure maximum safety for passenger on board its airplanes and applies stringent hygienic standards. Passengers are allowed to board Czech Airlines aircraft only with a respiratory mask.

With respect to the situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Czech Airlines offers its clients free rebooking by 31 December 2021. Together with their flight tickets, passengers can purchase a travel insurance policy on the CSA website, complete with coverage of the costs associated with contracting the COVID-19 disease.

 

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Scandic Hamburger Börs now open

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November 2, 2021 – In 2017, Scandic signed an agreement with property owner LähiTapiola to operate a hotel in the iconic Hamburger Börs building in downtown Turku, Finland. And after a comprehensive two-year restauration, Scandic Hamburger Börs has finally opened its doors and the first guests have already checked in to many of its 272 hotel rooms. The hotel is located just opposite Market Square in central Turku and it will now continue its tradition of providing unforgettable hotel and dining experiences as it has since 1894.

Scandic Hamburger Börs celebrated its grand opening on Monday morning with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting by Minna Arve, Mayor of Turku, Olli Aakula, representative from LähiTapiola, Aki Käyhkö, Country Head of Scandic Finland, and Mikko Henriksson, General Manager of Scandic Hamburger Börs.

– We’re thrilled to be able give this historic Turku hotel a third lease on life. Turku is an important tourist destination for Finland and there is great interest in visiting the city from domestic and international tourists alike. For leisure travelers, Turku is an interesting destination as well as a gateway to the Finnish archipelago. It’s also a fairway for international cruise traffic and important passenger and cargo traffic to and from Sweden, says Aki Käyhkö, Head of Scandic Finland.

Scandic Hamburger Börs has opened just ahead of the upcoming holidays. The banquet and events section of the hotel is housed in the building’s Art Nouveau wing that flows seamlessly into the hotel’s modern architecture and offers guests a convenient walkway between conference facilities and hotel rooms.

– It’s fantastic to finally open Scandic Hamburger Börs. We’ve been overwhelmed by the amount of interest in the hotel even before it opened. Our hotel rooms are almost sold out on weekends in November and December and we can see a pent-up need to stay on weekdays as well. Now we will work hard to provide as great a guest experience as possible so that going forward, we’ll have a full hotel every day of the week, says Mikko Henriksson, General Manager of the newly opened Scandic Hamburger Börs.

The hotel’s new restaurant, Más, which is located on the street level, will add a touch of Spanish flair to Turku with its Iberian-inspired dishes and tapas. And the Börs Roof Bar will offer a vibrant atmosphere, refreshing cocktails and the best views of Turku from the 9th floor. Scandic Hamburger Börs was designed by Schauman Architects and the property is already greatly admired for its classy exterior. Guests staying in the hotel’s 272 rooms will be able to enjoy a good night’s sleep in comfortable standard rooms, spacious superior rooms or magnificent junior suites with arched windows facing the Market Square.

– The interior design of the rooms could be called Scandinavian style, but instead of simple, lighter colors, we’ve used warm, comforting tones to create a relaxed atmosphere, says Jaakko Puro, Interior Design Architect at Puroplan Oy.              

Scandic Hamburger Börs

  • Property owner: LähiTapiola
  • Construction and restauration: YIT
  • Original building from 1885, addition in 1904, renovation in 2021
  • New build, 2021: Janne Helsin, Schauman Architects
  • Interior design: Jaakko Puro, Puroplan Oy
  • Number of rooms: 272
  • Más Restaurant & Bar (street level), 300 seats
  • Börs Katto rooftop bar on the 9th floor, 70 seats
  • Börs Pöheikkö restaurant on terrace, 100 seats
  • 8 meeting and banquet halls
  • Gym & sauna
  • 25 parking spots

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Thompson Central Park New York Debuts in Midtown Manhattan

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November 2, 2021 –  Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today the opening of Thompson Central Park New York from award-winning lifestyle hospitality brand, Thompson Hotels. Located steps from the southern edge of Central Park on West 56th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues, Thompson Central Park New York opens in the former space of the Parker New York.

Thompson Central Park New York welcomes hotel guests to newly designed interiors, including a redesigned lobby, public spaces and 587 sophisticated, contemporary guestrooms and suites including the 174-room highly anticipated Upper Stories, a collection of luxurious accommodations offering expansive views, high-end amenities and exclusive offerings and programming, including access to the private Upper Stories Lounge. Today’s opening also includes the return of beloved culinary hotspot, Burger Joint, and the introduction of new cocktail bar, Standing Room Only. The hotel’s grand opening will culminate in Spring 2022, with the arrival of more soon-to-be announced dining destinations, intimate event space and the opening of Upper Stories.

Thompson Central Park New York features stunning public spaces designed by architect Thomas Juul-Hansen and guestrooms designed by Stonehill Taylor. The property is poised to redefine the New York City experience for sophisticated, contemporary travelers. Guestroom artwork and programming will be music-centric as a nod to the hotel’s history as a home to many musicians and actors who played at New York City top music venues. 

“We’re honored to introduce the world to Thompson Central Park New York and welcome travelers to a stunning new hotel in the heart of New York City,” said Matt Slippoy, general manager, Thompson Central Park New York. “Together with our partners across design, culinary, retail and more, we’re thrilled to provide New Yorkers and travelers with an unparalleled hospitality experience steps from Central Park and iconic cultural institutions, performing arts theaters, Broadway and more of what makes New York City a world-class destination.”

Contemporary Design with Expansive City Views

In designing the hotel’s public areas, Thomas Juul-Hansen sought to create a sophisticated, inviting and modern introduction to Thompson Central Park New York, leveraging the iconic history of this landmark building. Guests are greeted in the lobby by massive wood clad portals leading to an organic shaped wood and leather reception desk, with intimate seating just beyond. The impressive central atrium features 36’ high ceilings with a massive central skylight and curated space for food and drinks below. Debuting in Spring 2022, a vaulted bar space connecting the atrium to both 56th and 57th streets will be lined with wood finishes and capped by a massive, suspended canopy of foliage. Each space throughout the hotel is highlighted by bespoke lighting along with a curated collection of artworks inspired by the rich heritage of the storied neighborhood. 

“When walking into Thompson Central Park New York, hotel guests are greeted with a sensory experience,” said Thomas Juul-Hansen. “From the building’s classic exterior to the luxurious, newly designed modern lobby space and atrium, we have created a bespoke atmosphere for travelers to connect with the iconic style and dazzling glamour of Manhattan.”

Thompson Central Park New York partnered with Stonehill Taylor to design the hotel’s 587 guest rooms and suites, as well as guest corridors. The renowned architecture and design firm incorporated design elements to accommodate work and play, boasting elevated finishes and unexpected details. Linear and curving forms live side by side throughout the storage and sleeping areas, as well as the social and workspaces. Crisp white duvets top the navy-blue leather beds, and headboards nestle against ribbed wall detailing. A geometric etagere supports sculptural lighting and texture-providing bric-a-brac while adding structural interest to the space. Double-bay rooms feature a swivel TV, allowing guests to comfortably rotate entertainment to face sleeping and living areas. While walls and floors are finished in neutral earth tones, jewel tones pop throughout the furnishings.

Along the corridors, Stonehill Taylor incorporated balance between opposites to drive the design – from geometric designs in the carpet juxtaposed against light and dark elements, to arched mirrors along the elevator lobbies to reflect light and add depth. In Spring 2022, Thompson Central Park New York will debut The Upper Stories, a collection of 174 high-floor guestrooms with unrivaled views of Central Park, impeccable amenities and unparalleled guest experiences.

“With sophisticated travelers in mind, Thompson Central Park New York’s well-appointed accommodations feature classical elements utilized in sculptural, modern ways,” said Bethany Gale, senior interiors associate, Stonehill Taylor. “From the functionality of the space to the jewel and earth tones, guests will find unexpected yet balanced choices, contributing to a remarkable hotel stay experience.” 

Dazzling Culinary Offerings

Burger Joint, a hidden gem and “speakeasy” space, returns to offer up one of New York’s top-rated burgers and fries. The property is also unveiling SRO (Standing Room Only), an intimate lobby bar that will serve hotel guests and visitors carefully-crafted cocktails, rare and organic wines and mocktails in a spirited setting, creating the perfect spot to meet and mingle.

Beginning November 1, the delectably curated in-room dining menu provides hotel guests with a mix of healthy and indulgent culinary options from 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM. In Spring 2022, the property will introduce an array of signature restaurants, further elevating the property as a dining destination in Midtown Manhattan.

Thompson Central Park New York is part of Thompson Hotels brand’s New York City footprint, joining the collection’s celebrated properties in Lower Manhattan, The Beekman and Gild Hall. One of five Thompson Hotels properties expected to open across the U.S. this year, Thompson Central Park New York’s opening further amplifies the brand’s promise to provide guests with the ultimate “in-the-know” experience at the sophisticated edge of travel.

Guestrooms at Thompson Central Park New York start at an introductory rate of $420 per night. For more information on the hotel’s opening, and to book your stay today, please visit: http://www.thompsoncentralpark.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.

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

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About Thompson Hotels

Founded in 2001, Thompson Hotels is an award-winning boutique lifestyle hospitality brand with a collection of stunning, dynamic properties. Each of Thompson Hotels’ urban and resort locations offer a carefully layered environment that molds into its surrounding community. Guests are provided tailored stays with connections to world-class culinary offerings, arts and entertainment, and groundbreaking design. The Thompson portfolio of lifestyle hotels includes The Beekman and Gild Hall in New York City; Thompson Washington D.C.; Thompson Nashville; Thompson Seattle; Thompson Chicago; The Cape in Los Cabos, Mexico and Thompson Playa del Carmen in Riviera Maya, Mexico; Thompson Zihuatanejo on Mexico’s Pacific Coast; and the new Texas hotels, Thompson Dallas, Thompson San Antonio, as well as Thompson Savannah and Thompson Hollywood. Hotels currently under development include Texas properties in Austin and Houston, as well as Thompson Denver, and Thompson Buckhead. Follow @ThompsonHotels on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for news and updates. For more information, please visit www.thompsonhotels.com

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New direct flights between Toronto and Bogota Colombia

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November 1, 2021 – Avianca announced the beginning of sales of the tickets for its new Toronto – Bogotá route, to fly from December 2021. Initially, the commercial offer is 3 weekly frequencies for the Toronto – Bogotá route and another 3 for the return route Bogotá – Toronto. The flights will be operated in Airbus A320 aircraft with capacity for 150 passengers, which represents an offer of about 4,000 weekly seats available to travelers.

“Connecting Canada with Colombia is a strategic point for Avianca’s proposal to have more direct flights and have the most robust network in the region. We are excited about this new route, and we know that with the product and service that we offer, the Canadian passenger will choose us for their flights to Colombia and other destinations in South America with which we offer important connectivity from the Bogota hub”, commented Rolando Damas, General Director of Avianca for Mexico, North America, the Caribbean and Asia.

The itineraries of the new route are as follows:

Route**

Flight 

Departure

Arrival

Frequency

Toronto-Bogota

AV205

22:50*

05:00* 

Tuesday, friday and saturday

Bogota-Toronto

AV204

15:20*

21:30*

*Local time

** Operation subject to government approval.

Tickets for this route are already available for sale on the mobile application, the website and through travel agencies.

Jorge Alfredo Díaz Bravo, Consul General of Colombia in Toronto, said that “The opening of this route is great news for the Colombian community, for our country and for national tourism.”

The opening of the Toronto-Bogotá route joins the launch and reactivation of 12 additional routes that will be part of the wide catalog of destinations offered by the airline from the next few months. Currently, Avianca offers its customers one of the most robust networks in Latin America with 99 routes, more than 2,680 flights per week and nearly 400,000 weekly seats.

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The David Kempinski Tel Aviv To Officially Open in February 2022

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November 1, 2021 – Kempinski Hotels announces the long-anticipated opening of The David Kempinski Tel Aviv, the luxury hospitality brand’s 80th global opening and first property in Israel. Housed in the newest skyscraper erected along the city’s iconic Mediterranean Sea promenade, the 250-room-and-suite property is set to open to guests in February 2022, fresh upon the opening of Israel’s international borders to tourism.

Centrally located across the street from the seaside boardwalk and promenade, and within walking distance to the city’s famed outdoor food markets and dynamic urban center, The David Kempinski Tel Aviv stretches over 34-stories in a seaside skyscraper that was built by Feigin Architects with interior design spearheaded by Ara Design. Unique for an urban resort, each of the 250 guest rooms and suites at The David Kempinski Tel Aviv feature views of the Mediterranean Sea, with sliding glass doors that allow guests to soak up the plein soleil of the region. Amongst the highlights of The David Kempinski Tel Aviv are 56 suites of unprecedented grandeur, including the property’s triplex-penthouse suite, the largest of its kind in Tel Aviv, spanning more than 4,000-square-feet, including 1200-square-foot rooftop terrace and infinity pool melting into the coastline. Guests of the hotel’s top 14 suites will have exclusive access to the 34th floor outdoor lounge that is open during the warm spring, summer and autumn months, and boasts a private rooftop pool, relaxation area with sunbeds and cabanas, and a fully-serviced lounge restaurant and bar.

At night, the 34th floor lounge will also transform to Cloud51, a buzzy nightlife experience with libations and tapas (opening April 2022).

Adding to the city’s legendary gastronomic scene, The David Kempinski Tel Aviv will feature five dining venues spread across multiple floors of the property, each with their own unique atmosphere and decor. Executive Chef Mor Cohen, a World Luxury Restaurants Award-winner specializing in gourmet Kosher cuisine, will helm the property’s F&B program, including Sereia Restaurant & Lounge, a high-end Kosher fish restaurant with an outstanding selection. The hotel’s infinity pool deck will feature a full-day menu and bar while the lobby entertainment will offer a two-in-one concept with The Common Bar, a Cohiba Atmosphere-branded cigar bar and Israel’s first House of Macallan whisky bar.

Set in the heart of the “tayelet” (as Tel Aviv’s boardwalk is locally referred to in Hebrew), The David Kempinski is steps away from the outdoor sport and water activities the city offers, from standup paddleboarding and surf lessons to bike and scooter rentals and rooftop yoga curated by the hotel. Guy Klaiman, General Manager of The David Kempinski Tel Aviv states that “Our goal is to create a warm community and become a home base in Tel Aviv for families visiting Israel. The David Kempinski Tel Aviv is the new central hub along the beach, combining the finest of a beach vacation and cultural urban experience.”

In addition to the entertainment and culinary offerings, the hotel includes a full-service spa with 11 treatment rooms, a fully-equipped gym, a sauna and a relaxation area. Manicure, pedicure and hair salon appointments can be arranged in-house with the hotel’s team of seasoned professional stylists. The David Kempinski Tel Aviv tower features a state-of-the-art meeting and banquet space that can accommodate up to 500 guests, creating a new venue for destination weddings, large conferences, business meetings, and holiday celebrations.

 Rack rates at The David Kempinski Tel Aviv starting at $550USD.

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KLM Royal Dutch Airlines commits to Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi)

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November 1, 2021 -Together with Air France-KLM and Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines today announced that it will be bringing its targets for reducing CO2 emissions in line with the UN Paris Climate Agreement. This agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels in order to combat the impact of climate change. “Very recently, a number of airlines – including KLM – committed to achieving Net Zero by 2050 under the IATA umbrella. This constitutes another important aspect of the Paris Agreement. We are now taking the next, crucial step for the entire Air France-KLM Group. We are committing ourselves to the CO2 reduction path developed by SBTi specifically for the airline industry. This will bring our targets further in line with the Paris Climate Agreement,” says Pieter Elbers, CEO of KLM. 

Air France-KLM, Air France and KLM have each signed a letter of intent in which the group declares its commitment to cooperating with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Based on scientifically substantiated targets to reduce CO2 emissions and working in consultation, a corresponding path will be established and validated. Pieter Elbers, CEO of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: “The earth has clear limits as to how we use our resources and the volume of emissions we generate. In recent years, we have worked hard at a national, European and global level to cooperate, innovate and define agreements. By establishing SBTi, we can further reduce our CO2 emissions step by step in a transparent manner. Initiatives including fleet renewal, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and further operational innovation and efficiency will enable us to achieve the targets.” (see enclosed “KLM’s pathway towards the Paris climate goals”)

Fly Responsibly

In 2019, KLM introduced its Fly Responsibly sustainability initiative, directed at transforming KLM into a more sustainable airline. In addition to fleet renewal, scaling-up production and use of SAF form the cornerstone of KLM’s approach. Cooperation and supportive policies are needed to create a level playing field upon which SAF will become the standard. Elbers: “A successful, ambitious climate policy hinges on cooperating well with industry parties, knowledge institutions and governments. Together, we must reach solid agreements that truly support the energy transition.”

Despite the huge impact of Covid-19, sustainability has remained a top priority for KLM. In 2021, KLM added the first of 25 new Embraer 195-E2 aircraft to its fleet. This aircraft emits 31% less CO2 per passenger than its predecessor. KLM also took part in trials involving sustainable taxiing and operated the world’s first commercial flight powered by a fuel mixture containing synthetic kerosene.

How does SBTi work?

SBTi is a partnership between four NGOs and knowledge institutions: the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), World Resources Institute (WRI), UN Global Compact and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). SBTi helps private-sector organisations to set climate targets in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, based on what science tells them is necessary to honour the agreement, and to give short and medium-term targets concrete shape. Working with SBTi will enable KLM to gradually reduce its CO2 emissions per passenger-kilometre. Until the targets for Air France-KLM are set and validated, KLM will continue to work on its current ambitions for 2030.

 

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Etihad Airways announces flights to holy city of Medina

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November 1, 2021 – Etihad Airways has announced the launch of flights to the holy city of Medina from 27 November 2021.
  • Three weekly Medina flights starting 27 November 2021

Medina will be served three times weekly from Abu Dhabi using a modern two-class Airbus A321.

 

Fatma Al Mehairi, Vice President Sales UAE at Etihad Airways, said: “We look forward to reconnecting Abu Dhabi with Medina, a city of enormous historic and religious significance for Muslims around the world. Our flights will support the growing demand for religious travel and strengthen the existing air links between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, a key travel market for Etihad Airways.”

 

The service has been timed to provide religious, leisure and business travellers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia with convenient flight options as well as connect seamlessly to major cities in the Indian Subcontinent and Asia for those travelling to and from Medina through Abu Dhabi.

 

Located in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia, Medina is a three-hour flight from Abu Dhabi. The city is home to Prophet Mohammed’s Mosque and burial site and an important holy place for Muslim pilgrims.

 

The country’s two Holy Mosques in Mecca and Medina are allowing full-capacity attendance for worshippers who are fully vaccinated following an easing of restrictions earlier in October 2021.

 

Medina will be Etihad’s fourth destination in Saudi Arabia after Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh. The route was established in 2014 but was temporarily suspended in 2020 as a result of travel restrictions following the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Guests flying to Medina are not required to quarantine if they are fully vaccinated with either two doses of Pfizer, Oxford AstraZeneca or Moderna, or one dose of Johnson & Johnson, or have received two doses of Sinopharm or Sinovac plus one dose of Pfizer, Oxford AstraZeneca or Moderna.

 

Travellers can fly with complete peace of mind thanks to the Etihad Wellness programme, which includes complimentary COVID-19 insurance for all passengers, valid for travel until 31 March 2022.

 

Flight schedule for Medina flights effective 27 November 2021. Subject to change.

 

Flight

Departure

Local time

Arrival

Local time

Days

Abu Dhabi – Medina

10:40

12:40

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

Medina – Abu Dhabi

16:05

19:25

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

 

 

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Bolivia is open for International Tourism!

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November 1, 2021 – We have the great pleasure to inform you that the quarantine of visitors to Bolivia has finally been lifted as of November 28, 2021. In the same way, we are proud to have been able to argue the prevailing need to balance health with the economy, while assuring our contribution to development. On the other hand, we report that the complete vaccination scheme in La Paz, the gateway to Bolivia, has exceeded 80% in recent days.

 

All Bolivian inhabitants have the duty and obligation to comply with the protocols and biosafety standards to prevent the spread of COVID -19. Crillon Tours already has its team vaccinated and complies with WTTC and local biosecurity protocols in place and working.

 

We all know that it is necessary to update pandemic measures for the entry of foreign travelers to Bolivia, in order to promote the economic reactivation of the tourism sector as a potential engine for the economic development of the country, thus we want to highlight the most important parts of Supreme Decree 4605, signed by the Government yesterday.

 

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SURVEILLANCE MEASURES FOR THE ENTRY TO BOLIVIA

 

  • A certificate of vaccination against COVID-19 with a complete schedule at least fourteen (14) days before the date of entry:
  • Certified negative RT-PCR test for persons over five (5) years of age, Up to seventy-two (72) hours before boarding in the country of origin, for visitors entering by Air, Lake, Land or River.
  • Health insurance with coverage for COVID-19, which covers the expenses for their treatment if need it.
  • In case they do not have a vaccination certificate against COVID-19 with a complete scheme with at least fourteen (14) Days before the date of entry, passengers must  remain in mandatory isolation from entry until obtaining the negative result, which will be paid by passengers, controlled and monitored according to current regulations of the Ministry of Health and Sports.

 

Our borders are open and we are waiting for our neighbors to open theirs as soon as possible, in order to also start our HYDROFOILS CRUISES.  Today we count with more International flights into Bolivia and the announcement of increased itineraries in the next months. Crillon Tours continues to operate under the Travel Bubble System, with direct control on its vast own infrastructure. Flights to UYU will resume on Nov. 24th.

 

Welcome to the heart of South America, where our huge pristine nature, our proverbial excellent service and the alive ancient cultures will grant a unique experience away from crowds!

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Lonely Planet’s top 30 destinations for 2022: Oman and Egypt rank in world’s top 10

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29 October 2021

Lonely Planet has named its top destinations to travel to in 2022.

The travel guide book experts have crowned the Cook Islands in the South Pacific as the number one country to visit next year.

The remote island nation is followed on the list by Norway, known for its dramatic glaciers and home to the world’s first energy-producing hotel. Ranking in third is Indian Ocean holiday hot spot Mauritius, which recently reopened to international travellers.

Regionally, Oman was the top-rated country, ranking in seventh place on Lonely Planet‘s list. The sultanate is lauded for its natural beauty, Bedouin values and a rich heritage.

Egypt also comes highly recommended by the guide book publisher. The country squeezed into the final position on the top 10 list of the best countries in the world and is known for its ancient ruins, historical sites and captivating marine life in the Red Sea.

The top 10 countries to visit in 2022

  1. The Cook Islands
  2. Norway
  3. Mauritius
  4. Belize
  5. Slovenia
  6. Anguilla
  7. Oman
  8. Nepal
  9. Malawi
  10. Egypt

The tiny Cook Islands archipelago was crowned the top country to visit in 2022, winning praise for eco-initiatives including the Marae Moana, the world’s largest marine protected area. Lying half way between New Zealand and Hawaii, the country also offers travellers amazing diversity across all 15 of its islands.

Lonely Planet said that its “diverse landscapes framed by the remote expanses of the world’s biggest ocean promise active adventure, cultural interaction and culinary delights”.

As travel slowly starts to recover from restrictions put in place during the global pandemic, next year could be a big one for those struggling to contain their wanderlust.

Top 10 cities in the world: Auckland is No 1

Auckland is the best city in the world to visit in 2022 says ‘Lonely Planet’. 

  1. Auckland, New Zealand
  2. Taipei, Taiwan, province of China
  3. Freiburg, Germany
  4. Atlanta, US
  5. Lagos, Nigeria
  6. Lefkosia, Cyprus
  7. Dublin, Ireland
  8. Merida, Mexico
  9. Florence, Italy
  10. Gyeongju, South Korea

For anyone craving a city break, Lonely Planet has also named the top 10 cities in the world with New Zealand’s Auckland ranking in the No 1 spot.

Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, a ranked in second place, while Germany’s Freiburg in the Black Forest ranked third.

Iceland’s best-kept secret leads top 10 regions

When it comes to the best regions to travel to, Iceland’s Westfjords, which is home to coastal cliffs, red-sand beaches and thundering waterfalls, took the top spot.

This was followed by West Virginia in the US and Xishuangbanna, a prefecture in China’s Yunnan Province known for its nature.

The UK made it into the top 10 regions list with Kent’s Heritage Coast ranking fourth, and the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico was listed in fifth.

‘Lonely Planet’s top 10 regions for 2022

1. Westfjords, Iceland

2. West Virginia, US

3. Xishuangbanna, China

4. Kent’s Heritage Coast, UK

5. Puerto Rico

6. Shikoku, Japan

7. The Atacama Desert, Chile

8. The Scenic Rim, Australia

9. Vancouver Island, Canada

10. Burgundy, France

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Europeans More Confident and Relaxed About Travel in Coming Months

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October 29, 2021 –  More travel on the horizon

  • 2 in 3 Europeans plan to travel in the next six months, building on the confidence restored over the summer
  • Intra-European trips overtake domestic travelling: 55% of short-term travellers prefer to visit another European country
  • Air travel is on the rise, with over 50% of respondents stating they feel comfortable taking a plane again

Although the peak summer season has been left behind, the desire for travel remains strong across Europe. 66% of Europeans plan trips through March 2022, while increased confidence on when, where and how to travel indicates a positive tourism outlook for the coming months. This is according to the latest research on “Monitoring Sentiment for Domestic and Intra-European Travel – Wave 9“[1] by the European Travel Commission (ETC), which provides timely insights on Europeans’[2] short-term travel intentions and preferences during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Eager travellers are more open to short-term trips

For the first time since October 2020, Europeans’ travel plans are spread evenly over the next six months: 26% are opting for trips between October and November, 28% between December 2021 and January 2022, and 25% will travel in February and March 2022. These results indicate that an increasing number of Europeans are no longer in a “waiting mode” to travel and feel much more confident to embark on spontaneous trips.

As travel sentiment continues to improve and pandemic restrictions become the new normal, ‘travel-ready’[3] Europeans are more determined to adhere to their travel plans (up 39% over the previous survey), rather than wait or postpone.

European city breaks are a top last-minute getaway

Intra-European getaways are now at the forefront, indicating enhanced comfort to travel internationally: more than 1 in 2 Europeans with short-term travel plans will head to other European countries, a 41% surge since September 2020. Meanwhile, preferences for domestic trips (32%) decreased by 18% over the past twelve months. Mediterranean destinations rank highest on travellers’ destination wish list, with Spain and Italy (both 9%), France (8%) and Greece (7%) as the top preferences. 

Desire for city breaks (18%) has now reached a peak for 2021 with a 43% rise since summer 2021, though the appeal of a holiday at the coast also remains strong. At the same time, trip planning is becoming more last-minute, since only 29% of Europeans with travel plans for October or November have fully booked their trip. This drops further, to 15%, among those travelling later in 2021. Higher interest in city breaks and last-minute bookings is another indicator of the gradual return to normality and towards more spontaneous trips in the near future.

More city breaks come along with the increased popularity of shorter trips of up to 3 nights (30% of city break travellers). Shortening trip length also affects budgets, as the share of travellers intending to spend up to 500 euros on their trip grows by 20% compared to the previous survey, to the detriment of higher expenditure levels (1,000+ euros).

Preference for air travel increases, though health and safety concerns remain strong

Despite a lingering hesitancy towards air travel, over 50% of ‘travel-ready’[3] Europeans are now eager to switch to air transport (a 13% increase over the previous survey). This is another sign of improved consumer confidence towards using commercial flights to optimise travel times.

Despite their increased eagerness to travel in the next six months, 63% of ‘early bird’[3] travellers still rely on health and safety protocols at the destination as it makes them feel more comfortable and likely to enjoy their trip. Destinations and tourism businesses should reassure travellers through effective COVID-19 measures, particularly in relation to the areas of most concern: air travel, in-destination transportation, and local attractions.

[1]  Wave 9 features data collected in September 2021

[2]  Germany, United Kingdom, France, Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, Poland, and Austria

[3]  ‘Early-bird’ travellers and ‘travel-ready’ Europeans refer to survey respondents who are planning to travel in the next 6 months

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4 Things to Know Before Your First Trip to the Maldives

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Luxurious bungalows, electric-blue seas, and blissed-out vibes: What’s not to love? “The Maldives have been at the top of our clients’ bucket lists for the past ten years,” says Judy Stein, president of the Stein Collective by Ovation Travel and a member of T+L’s Travel Advisory Board.

But what has always been a “maybe someday” kind of trip turned into a “why not now?” experience over the past year, when the Maldives became one of the first countries to reopen its borders during the pandemic. Americans have been free to visit the more than 150 private-island resorts in the archipelago since July. And while the price tag for these escapes hasn’t changed — most visitors should budget at least $800 a day just for the room — there’s an ever-growing range of options for those willing to make the long-haul trip. Get the most out of your stay with this advice.

Skip the flight and take a boat.
 
Travelers arrive at Velana International Airport near the capital, Malé, and many private-island resorts offer the choice of transferring by boat or seaplane. While the puddle-jumper flight sounds quick — and the views from the air are incredible — it’s actually the more time-consuming option, because seaplanes depart from a different airport. Instead, opt for the boat transfer. Getting to the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, for example, takes just 40 minutes aboard the property’s yacht. The speedboat ride to Gili Lankanfushi is like a dreamy Robinson Crusoe–style villas, takes 20 minutes. And the barefoot-luxury One&Only Reethi Rah is 45 minutes from the airport by sea.
 
Bring the family.
 
Many people think of the Maldives as being only for couples, but a number of resorts are geared to families with kids and teens. Soneva Fushi has the largest and arguably best kids’ club in the country, complete with a Lego room and countless things to do, including surfing lessons and stargazing at the hotel’s observatory. The kids’ club at Lux* South Ari Atoll Resorts & Villas has a pirate-themed pool exclusively for young ones, plus island-wide treasure hunts.

Consider spending points, not dollars.

If you’ve been stockpiling points during the past year, this might be a good time to cash in. Villas at the stylish new JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa start at 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, depending on the season. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is also available for as little as 85,000 Bonvoy points a night, depending on when you go. And stays at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi can be had for 120,000 Hilton Honors points per night — with the fifth night free.

With some of the most over-the-top accommodations you’ll find anywhere in the world, the Maldives is an ideal place for a splurge. Soneva Jani is one of the nation’s most luxurious resorts, with massive new overwater villas complete with waterslides. Joali brings the wow factor with palatial villas featuring private pools. Cheval Blanc Randheli, a sister property to the LVMH resort in St. Bart’s, has 45 private villas — including a four-bedroom jaw-dropper on its own 2½-acre atoll. And the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is home to the crown jewel of the Maldives, the Muraka residence, with its incredible underwater bedroom, fitted with a see-through domed ceiling for watching marine life swim past.

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