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5 Coolest Ice Hotels in the World

Written by Gill Dewar on October 21, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Activity, Amazing Facts, Hotel.

October 21, 2021

While some travelers visit warm-weather destinations for their winter vacations, lounging in the sun and enjoying a break from chilly temperatures back home, others head straight for freezing locales to embrace the picturesque, snowy landscapes. Across North America and northern Europe, ice hotels provide the ultimate winter wonderland experience, with one-of-a-kind accommodations in stunning, remote places, like Swedish Lapland or Romania’s Carpathian Mountains. Although amenities, on-site activities, and room types vary by location, ice hotels generally have a few things in common. The hotels made of ice and snow are typically rebuilt every year during the winter, open for a limited season while weather permits. And don’t worry — even though some offer beds made of ice, guests usually sleep on top of a mattress or in sleeping bags, so they don’t shiver all night.

Here are five stunning ice hotels located in Canada, Sweden, Norway, Romania, and Finland.

1. Hotel de Glâce, Canada

This French Canadian palace located outside Quebec City is perhaps one of the best-known ice hotels in the world, and it’s the only hotel made of ice in North America. Opened in 2001, the resort changes its structure each year, offering 21 rooms and themed suites that come with arctic sleeping bags.

Exact opening dates change every year — in 2021, the ice hotel is open from Jan. 2 to March 13.

2. Icehotel, Sweden

Located 125 miles north of the Arctic Circle in Swedish Lapland, Icehotel is situated in the tiny town of Jukkasjärvi. This retreat is made for the rugged traveler, and it’s open all year long. Icehotel Winter is rebuilt each year, offering ice rooms from December through April, while Icehotel 365 has ice rooms available year-round.

The cold rooms are kept at below-freezing temperatures to keep the ice bed frames intact. Guests staying in most rooms need to charge electronics and use the restroom at separate facilities (Deluxe Suites at Icehotel 365 are the exception with their own, warm en suite bathrooms). The hotel offers wilderness excursions, as well as a host of other services for travelers looking to embrace the quiet life of a Swedish village.

3. Snowhotel Kirkenes, Norway

Located in northern Norway, Snowhotel Kirkenes is open 365 days a year. There are 14 rooms available — seven double rooms and seven family rooms with four beds. In the winter, available excursions include king crab winter safaris and northern lights tours, while summer guests can opt to hike with huskies or fish in the Barents Sea.

4. Hotel of Ice, Romania

The Carpathian Mountains surround this high-altitude resort near the glacial Bâlea Lake. The hotel has been built from ice and snow every year since 2005, with double rooms and igloos available for travelers seeking a unique experience. The Ice Restaurant & Bar serves local dishes in a chilly setting — starters and desserts are even served on ice.

5. SnowCastle Resort, Finland

Located in Kemi in Finnish Lapland, SnowCastle Resort is open 365 days a year, but the SnowHotel is only open during the winter. Due to the pandemic, SnowHotel won’t reopen until 2022, but visitors can still check out ice sculptures and the ice bar at SnowExperience365. This year, guests can opt for a winter stay at the Seaside Glass Villas, which have glass roofs perfect for viewing the northern lights.

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Ubud Village Jazz Festival by the Sea at The Apurva Kempinski Bali: Sunday, 31 October 2021

Written by Traveltalksteam on October 21, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Featured events.

October 21, 2021 – Through a special collaboration with the Ubud Village Jazz Festival, Reef Beach Club at The Apurva Kempinski Bali presents the ‘Ubud Village Jazz Festival by the Sea’. This vibrant session is taking place on Sunday, 31 October 2021 from 15:00 to 22:00. Two talented groups will be taking the stage: Dua Empat, a duo who are known for pouring their life stories into their songs, and the Astrid Sulaiman Jazz Quartet, Astrid Sulaiman being a lively jazz pianist who also holds the title of vice president of the festival. With a one-day celebration of jazz music, guests are invited to enjoy a fun and relaxed beachfront experience without any admission fee.

“We strongly believe in embracing a partnership showcasing the best of Bali and Indonesia,”
Vincent Guironnet, General Manager of The Apurva Kempinski Bali, shared. “Working with the Ubud Jazz Festival by the Sea at the Reef Beach Club, as well as giving the opportunity to our community to enjoy such a programme, is something we are looking forward to on 31 October.”

Ever since its first event in 2013, the Ubud Village Jazz Festival has been creating an annual musical experience that is situated in the artistic surroundings of Ubud. The festival has featured various types of jazz music by international performers, while also hosting workshops for budding artists. During these workshops, visitors can learn more about jazz music and hone their skills with jazz experts.

THE VENUE: REEF BEACH CLUB

Nestled in the upscale setting of Nusa Dua amidst a tropical garden, Reef Beach Club is an elevated beachfront experience. This laid-back venue offers a more relaxed, fun and family friendly environment perfectly suited for any occasion.

Located at The Apurva Kempinski Bali, Reef is a sophisticated shorefront venue that impresses with its food and beverage selections amidst the luxurious surroundings. The word ‘reef’ means ‘shoal of rock, sand, coral or similar material, lying beneath the surface of water’, a phrase that truly becomes apparent to guests as they arrive at this ideal beachfront location, complemented with an iconic 42-metre infinity pool, private cabanas, sunloungers, sunbathing spots on the exclusive golden beachfront, seaside-inspired grill and an indoor restaurant setting.

Reef Beach Club is open every day from 10:00 to 22:00. For reservations and more information, you can contact our team through WhatsApp, on 081138209541.

About The Apurva Kempinski Bali: Standing atop the majestic cliff of Nusa Dua, with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and a tropical garden, The Apurva Kempinski Bali offers the epitome of beachfront luxury. This five-star resort in Bali presents itself as a majestic open-air theatre, an embodiment of Indonesian elegance. A collection of 475 iconic rooms, suites and villas are showcased, with 60% of the accommodation featuring its own private plunge pools. From a unique culinary journey and indigenous spa treatments, to the spacious meeting rooms and alluring chapels, The Apurva Kempinski Bali is a spectacular stage where curated experiences are brought to life. kempinski.com/bali

About Kempinski: Created in 1897, Kempinski Resorts is Europe’s oldest luxury resort group. Kempinski’s rich heritage of impeccable personal service and superb hospitality is complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of its properties. Kempinski now comprises a portfolio of 77 five-star resorts and residences in 34 countries and continues to add new properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas. Each one reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage. The portfolio comprises historic landmark properties, award-winning urban lifestyle resorts, outstanding resorts and prestigious residences. Each one imbues the quality guests have come to expect from Kempinski while embracing the cultural traditions of its location. Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent resort brands.

kempinski.com • kempinski.com/press • www.discoveryloyalty.com

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Canopy by Hilton Makes UK Debut in The Heart Of London’s East End – BREEAM VERY GOOD sustainability rating

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

October 21, 2021 –Complete with panoramic views over the City of London, Canopy by Hilton London City echoes the spirit of one of the capital’s most vibrant, eclectic Hilton (NYSE: HLT) .

It is the UK’s first Canopy by Hilton hotel. Set within the multi-million-pound Minories development close to Aldgate station, the eco-conscious 340-room hotel provides the perfect base for design-conscious travellers looking to immerse themselves in London’s lively East End.

Following the opening of Canopy by Hilton Paris Trocadero earlier this year and the arrival of Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana, the hotel joins a growing portfolio of more than 30 lifestyle hotels across the globe – a number which is set to double in the coming years. Each hotel is inspired by its local neighbourhood and designed to give guests an authentic experience, steeped in the culture of the surrounding area.

Simon Vincent, executive vice president and president, EMEA, Hilton, said: “Canopy by Hilton continues to expand its presence across Europe with recent openings in Paris and Madrid, and we’re thrilled to be bringing the brand to London – one of the most dynamic cities in the world. With Hilton set to open 30 hotels in the UK in the next five years, Canopy by Hilton London City is a stunning new addition to Hilton’s lifestyle portfolio and symbolises our commitment to providing exceptional accommodation in the very best global destinations.”

Phil Cordell, global head, Canopy by Hilton said: “Canopy by Hilton is all about championing local neighbourhoods – and what better place for its UK debut than the vibrant East End of London. With its rich textile history and thriving arts scene, the surrounding area provides no end of inspiration for this incredible hotel, and we can’t wait to welcome guests to experience everything it has to offer.”

Neil Taylor, chief operating officer, 4C Hotel Group said: “We are pleased to expand our portfolio with Hilton to open the first Canopy by Hilton hotel in the UK. Convenience and quality are at the core of our business, we carefully select hotels that are perfectly located in major key cities, so our customers have easy access to major tourist attractions. For our business travellers we ensure that our hotels are always located near key transport links. This hotel is the perfect collaboration for us, with an incredible location right in the heart of London’s buzzing East End.”

Locally Inspired Design

The hotel’s interior design reflects the rich culture of the area’s historic textile industry. Inspired by the Huguenot silk weavers who settled in Spitalfields in the 17th century, thoughtfully decorated guest rooms and dining spaces feature floral patterns and woven fabrics reminiscent of the techniques employed by the Huguenots. In celebration of Whitechapel’s contemporary arts scene, artwork created by neighbourhood artists adorns the public spaces throughout the hotel.

Eat. Drink. Smile.

Local inspiration continues throughout the hotel’s dining outlets. East End-inspired dishes made with local, sustainable ingredients are served at the hotel’s specialty restaurant Penny Squares, which takes its design inspiration from the quilting technique popular in the textile industry. Meanwhile, Freedom Café, named after Freedom Press Publishing House in Whitechapel High Street, provides the perfect place to relax, work or socialise over a craft coffee or East End-inspired cocktail at the heart of the hotel. Guests can also enjoy daily tastings at Freedom Café, featuring appetisers and drinks from local distilleries, craft brewers and wineries.

A must-visit, the hotel’s stunning rooftop terrace Florattica, due to open early next year, boasts uninterrupted views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the City of London, serving elegant, refined small plates and a selection of drinks against a vibrant backdrop inspired by the floral patterns of the Huguenots.

Sustainably Canopy

In support of Hilton’s Travel with Purpose 2030 Goals to double its investment in social impact and cut its environmental footprint in half by 2030, the hotel, which opens with a BREEAM VERY GOOD rating – the highest possible rating for the building category – is committed to operating sustainably. Initiatives include:

Building re-use: for both sustainable and economic benefit, two of the three buildings that comprise this hotel have been reused in construction.
Green thinking: a green roof not only supports the City of London’s drive to create more green spaces, but also helps with passive heating, allowing the property to conserve heat without using additional energy.
Efficient operations: a portion of the hotel’s energy will be derived from solar panels adorning another of its rooftop spaces, whilst an intelligent Building Management System controls the use of lighting and air conditioning throughout the building, significantly reducing waste energy.
Sustainable sleeping: guests will sleep easily on beds made from post-industrial recycled steel and wood from sustainable forests, waking up to sustainably produced bath amenities featuring recyclable packaging and filtered water served in reusable glass bottles.
Leading with local: part of the fabric of its local neighbourhood, the hotel proudly sources the majority of food and beverage from local suppliers, celebrating community farms, craft breweries and artisanal bakeries.

We’ve Got You Covered

Guests can enjoy an array of additional amenities available at the hotel, including:
Fully flexible meetings and events space, perfect for hosting exclusive events, high-profile meetings and intimate dinners against a stunning backdrop
Complimentary Canopy bikes to explore the local area in the most sustainable way possible
24-hour fitness centre equipped with a comprehensive range of TechnoGym® cardio and strength equipment

The hotel is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty programme for Hilton’s 18 distinct hotel brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, exclusive member discounts, free standard Wi-Fi and access to the Hilton Honors mobile app.

Nightly room rates start from £249 or Hilton Honors members can redeem Points using the Points Explorer tool. All hotels offer fully flexible booking options with free changes and cancellations, with many rates giving guests the flexibility to change or cancel up to 24 hours before their arrival day*.

About Canopy by Hilton

Hilton’s first lifestyle brand, Canopy by Hilton, is a place in the neighborhood to relax and recharge, offering simple guest-directed service, comfortable spaces and thoughtfully local choices. Each hotel is designed as a natural extension of its neighborhood and delivers a fresh approach to hospitality and the guest experience. There are 31 Canopy properties open around the globe and 29 under development across 16 countries and territories. Experience a positive stay at Canopy by Hilton by booking at canopybyhilton.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about the brand at newsroom.hilton.com/canopybyhilton, and follow Canopy by Hilton on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.

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Explore “carbon neutral” Machu Picchu and travel by train

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

October 21, 2021 – The citadel of Machu Picchu has received the “Carbon Neutral” certificate. It is the first wonder of the world and the first international tourist destination to obtain this certification.

Traveling from Cusco to Machu Picchu

Departure on Belmond Hiram Bingham Train, Travel on the exclusive and

luxurious Belmond Hiram Bingham train and enjoy the elegant dining car,

the bar car, and the observatory, where you can take in the unmatched

scenery in the open air while sipping on a traditional Peruvian cocktail

and listening to live local music. To the beat of the Peruvian cajón and

tambourines, live traditional Peruvian and international music will set the

tone th roughout the trip for an unforgettable trip to the Machu Picchu

citadel.

Brunch on board
Explore the ruins of Machu Picchu, rediscovered in 1911

by Hiram Bingham, are one of the most beautiful and enigmatic ancient sites

in the world. While the Inca people certainly used the Andean mountaintop,

erecting many hundreds of stone structures from the early 1400’s, legends

and myths indicate that Machu Picchu (meaning ‘Old Peak’ in the Quechua

language) was revered as a sacred place from a far earlier time.

Guided tour
Tea Time at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge
Return to Cusco on Belmond Hiram Bingham Train.
Gourmet dinner on board
Transfer from Poroy Station to your hotel

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AER LINGUS’ first non-stop transatlantic flight from Manchester to Barbados takes off

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

October 21, 2021 – Aer Lingus’ first transatlantic service from the UK took to the skies this morning with the departure of the airline’s first ever non-stop direct flight from Manchester to Barbados.

The brand new EI 31 service departed at 10.15am marking a major new milestone in the Irish flag-carrier’s services from the UK.

The new flights boost business options and choice for consumers by offering a new northern hub to destinations across the Atlantic.

And from December 1 Aer Lingus will begin operating its first ever non-stop direct flights from Manchester to New York’s JFK airport, just in time for the peak winter travel season.

Holidaymakers have even more reason to cheer when Aer Lingus starts its third new route from Manchester to sunny Florida and the theme-park capital of the world and home of Disneyland and Universal Studios Florida with flights to Orlando on December 11.

To start the celebrations in true Barbadian style, customers checking in for their flights with the Irish flag carrier were treated to a live performance from local Barbadian steel band, Band One.

Thanks to the new service, travellers in the North can now enjoy two weekly flights to Barbados from Manchester with Aer Lingus every Wednesday and Saturday until the end of April, as well as an additional weekly flight each Friday from 30 October.

Aer Lingus offers highly competitive fares in both Business Class and Economy Class on its transatlantic services operating from Manchester, with fares starting from £199 each-way, as part of a return journey.

Customers can also book the flights as part of a holiday package, thanks to the airline’s new partnership with British Airways Holidays.

Lynne Embleton, Aer Lingus CEO, said: “Everyone at Aer Lingus felt great pride to see our first direct, non-stop flight from Manchester to Barbados take to the skies this morning.

“We know there is strong demand for direct transatlantic services from the North of England for flights to Barbados and we’re looking forward to seeing travellers and holidaymakers enjoying the welcoming Aer Lingus experience that we’re known for.

“Aer Lingus has a proud history with Manchester Airport, and today marks the next stage of our exciting journey with them: our new Barbados route, followed by the start of services to New York and Orlando later this year.”

Karen Smart, Manchester Airport Managing Director, said: “It’s incredibly pleasing to see Aer Lingus’ inaugural flight to Barbados take off from Manchester Airport this morning.

“Not only is it great to see the airline put this route on at Manchester, giving passengers additional choice and flexibility for this popular destination, but it is also a huge boost for the region with Aer Lingus choosing us as its first UK base for transatlantic flights.

“The routes across the Atlantic to Barbados and the USA will no doubt be hugely popular with the 22 million people that live in our catchment area, especially with the US opening up to British travellers next month. Furthermore, the routes and base here at Manchester will be welcomed by the hundreds of people who will have access to the jobs created here.

“I look forward to working closely with Aer Lingus as they grow from Manchester Airport.”

Senator, the Honorary Lisa Cummins, Barbados Minister of Tourism and International Transport, said: “Today, Barbados is celebrating the arrival of Aer Lingus’ first Caribbean flight from Manchester to Bridgetown. Manchester Airport is one of the busiest airports in the UK and is easily accessible from across Northern England and Scotland, by road, air and rail. Later this evening, we will be at the GAIA to receive the flight as she arrives with the first visitors!”

Aer Lingus is operating the Airbus A330-300 aircraft on its Barbados services and customers have free access to a world of entertainment, thanks to its inflight entertainment service, featuring the latest blockbuster movies, box sets, games and much more.

Aer Lingus’ Book with Confidence policy gives customers added flexibility and enables them to change their travel dates free of charge, and as many times as they wish, up to two hours before their flight departs*.

Barbados packages with British Airways Holidays are subject to availability with prices starting from £699pp.

Barbados: British Airways Holidays offers seven nights at the 3* All Seasons Resort from £699pp, travelling on selected dates between 1 November – 30 November 2021 inclusive. Includes economy (World Traveller) return flights from Manchester Airport, 23kg luggage allowance and accommodation. For reservations visit www.ba.com/aerlingus

British Airways Holidays offers seven nights at the 4* Bougainvillea Barbados from £1199pp, travelling on selected dates between 1 November – 30 November 2021 inclusive. Includes economy (World Traveller) return flights from Manchester Airport, 23kg luggage allowance and accommodation on All Inclusive board basis. For reservations visit www.ba.com/aerlingus

British Airways Holidays offers seven nights at the 4* The Sands Barbados from £1649pp, travelling on selected dates between 1 November – 30 November 2021 inclusive. Includes economy (World Traveller) return flights from Manchester Airport, 23kg luggage allowance and accommodation on All Inclusive board basis. For reservations visit www.ba.com/aerlingus

For lowest fares and more information please visit www.aerlingus.com.

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Kempinski Adds Two More Hotels to Beijing Portfolio

Written by Gill Dewar on October 21, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

Kempinski Hotels has announced the debut of two hotels, The Universal Studios Grand Hotel and NUO Resort Hotel – Universal Beijing Resort, operated by Key International Hotels Management Co., Ltd., a joint venture between Beijing Tourism Group (BTG) and Kempinski Hotels.

NUO Resort Hotel – Universal Beijing Resort is the first resort hotel from NUO, a homegrown luxury hotel brand. It is inspired by the traditional Chinese cultural and artistic achievements, and provides a mix of business with pleasure and art with technology, as well as sustainability. Located on the banks of the park’s waterway, the hotel has 400 guestrooms and suites, a spa, an indoor swimming pool and wellness facilities, and a multi-function meeting space. Its three dining outlets include the lively Art Deco Café Royal, featuring Mediterranean favorites and Asian-inspired cuisine; the signature Chinese restaurant, JIA, which showcases authentic flavors of Cantonese cuisine; and The Lobby Lounge, which is dedicated to the appreciation of Chinese tea culture.

Universal Beijing Resort is home to Universal Studios Beijing, the largest Universal theme park at the time of opening, and two new hotels alongside Universal CityWalk Beijing. Overall, Universal Studios Beijing comprises seven themed and immersive lands that include several new attractions along with the selected Universal rides, shows and attractions from around the world, besides specially created experiences designed to reflect China’s cultural heritage. Universal CityWalk Beijing also serves as a one-stop entertainment complex, featuring various dining, shopping and entertainment venues. With iconic attractions, popular rides, shows and hotels, Universal Beijing Resort offers rich experiences and quality services for guests of all ages.

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Long-Distance Travelers Planning Expensive Trips for 2022

Written by Gill Dewar on October 21, 2021. Posted in Destination news.

October 21, 2021

Rakuten Advertising recently released the results of its 2021 Travel Survey, which showed that consumers expect to spend on average $1,000 on travel this holiday season and only one in five travelers plan to spend less on travel this year than in 2019. A subset of surveyed travelers planning long-distance vacations (100 miles or more) are more likely to book expensive vacations (more than $2,000) beginning in January 2022. Of those long-distance travelers who are “strongly considering” a 2022 vacation, nearly a quarter (23 percent) are planning on spending up to $5,000 on their travel plans.

The survey also revealed that consumers are hunting for travel deals across multiple channels. More than 90 percent of travelers reported they’ll seek out deals when making travel-related purchases, with over a quarter (27 percent) saying they will use customer review sites to find these deals, surpassed only by online search results (40 percent). Sites and apps that show offers from multiple brands (22 percent), online ads (22 percent), and card-linked offers (21 percent) are all very popular among travelers when finding deals, rewards and discounts related to travel as well.

Another key finding was that families with higher incomes are more responsive to deals. Families with incomes more than $100,000 are particularly drawn to deals compared to those with incomes less than $100,000, and most often find them on coupon sites. Additionally, these higher-income customers respond well to email and credit card offers, while families with lower incomes are more responsive to online advertisements.

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The London Project prepares for Ain Dubai debut

Written by Gill Dewar on October 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Activity, Featured events, Restaurant.

October 20, 2021

The London Project will offer front-row seats to the glittering grand opening of Ain Dubai, the highest observation wheel in the world, this week.

On October 21st, the Bluewaters Island-based eatery will unveil a brand-new menu and the debut of its live band.

There will also be a three-day special for half priced premium Laurent Perrier bubbles in celebration of the highly-anticipated launch extravaganza.

Located at the foot of Ain Dubai, the London Project invites diners to enjoy dishes from its new menu paired with spectacular mixology from the Gin Garden, while taking in unobstructed views of the opening firework and laser shows.

Not only will bottles of Laurent Perrier Champagne be served at half price, but the London Project will reveal a signature Gin Wheel featuring five custom-made gin-based cocktails for the opening spectacle.

Guests can expect an energy-inducing atmosphere with live music by the London Project’s new jazz-duo comprising a singer and saxophonist who will perform a variety of music styles, both day and evening from October 21-23.

From the kitchen comes a new carefully curated menu that embraces the unique and desired flavours found in global cuisines, presented with flair.

With both indoor and outdoor terrace seating, the London Project offers awe-inducing views of Ain Dubai, the waters of the Gulf, and the city’s sparkling skyline – presenting a front row seat to the event that will put Bluewaters Island on the global stage.

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VisitBritain reveals importance of football to tourism sector

Written by Gill Dewar on October 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Activity, Sports.

October 20, 2021

New research from national tourism agency VisitBritain demonstrates the increasing importance of football in driving inbound tourism to the UK and in boosting visitor spending.

A new report, published today, shows that overseas visitors who went to a football match spent £1.4 billion across the UK in total during their trip in 2019, up 84 per cent on the £742 million spent in 2011 when the research was last conducted.

There were 1.5 million visits to the UK in 2019 that included watching a live football match, up 66 per cent compared to 2011 when there were 909,000 visits.

Visitors who attended a football match also spent more and stayed longer, spending £909 per visit on average, 31 per cent more than the global visitor average of £696 in 2019, and staying ten nights compared to seven.

It is not just leisure visitors that enjoyed football matches.

Out of the 1.5 million who went to a football match during their stay, 94,000 were international business visitors.

Football also took the top spot in 2019 as the most popular live sporting event for international tourists to the UK.

Tourism minister, Nigel Huddleston, said: “Our national game is a massive draw for visitors that want to come and watch top-class football from some of the best leagues in the world.

“Football tourists boost local economies during the off-peak tourism season supporting restaurants, hotels and hospitality venues.

“I will continue to work closely with VisitBritain, the Premier League and the EFL to keep up this momentum.”

More than half of visitors who watched football during their trip also took time to see the famous monuments and buildings of the country and almost three-quarters included a restaurant meal.

They were also more likely than other inbound visitors to undertake these activities, underscoring the additional value football visitors bring to the economy.

Premier League chief executive, Richard Masters, said: “The Premier League and its clubs provide competitive football, featuring the world’s best players and managers, in front of brilliant fans.

“We are very proud of the positive impact the League has on both national and local economies.

“Seeing the competition in action is fantastic and we look forward to welcoming more international visitors to our stadiums in the future.”

The top three source markets for football-watching visitors in 2019 were the Irish Republic with 175,000 visits followed by Germany with 126,000 and the USA with 113,000.

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Air Canada Launches its New LEAVE LESS Travel Program – Leading the Way for Sustainable Business Travel

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

October 20, 2021 – Air Canada to offer Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) to its corporate customers; carbon offsets also available for purchase

Deloitte Canada is the first participant to join program
Airline acting on its long-term goal to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050

MONTREAL, Oct. 19, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Canada announced today that Deloitte Canada will be the first corporate customer to participate in its new LEAVE LESS Travel Program, which offers corporate customers effective options to offset or reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions related to business travel and reduce their carbon footprint.

Corporate customers can now purchase Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), carbon offsets or a combination of both. The LEAVE LESS Travel Program is one of the many comprehensive initiatives being implemented as part of Air Canada’s Climate Action Plan and an additional step towards achieving the airline’s long-term goal of net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.

“Building a long-term sustainable aviation industry requires a collective effort and companies will play a key role in building greener and more sustainable air travel. We are pleased to see that customers, such as Deloitte, are taking concrete actions by supporting and contributing to innovative solutions,” said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer at Air Canada.

“Air Canada has made sustainability a core component of its business decisions. This initiative allows our corporate customers to offset or reduce the GHG emissions associated with their business travel and empowers their employees to make sustainable choices. With this, companies work towards their sustainability goals while they partner with us to advance decarbonization in the airline industry. Our new, industry-leading LEAVE LESS Travel Program shows our strong and ongoing commitment to transition to low carbon alternatives. It represents a meaningful step forward into reaching our ambitions to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.”

“Deloitte is steadfast in its commitments to address climate change by driving environmentally responsible choices within our organisation and beyond,” said Anthony Viel, CEO at Deloitte Canada. “Our people and our clients know that stakeholders, customers, investors and shareholders desire more sustainable business strategies and we recognise the important role Canadian businesses collectively play in leading the commitment to transition to a low-carbon economy. We are thrilled to be the first company to jump on board this corporate program to accelerate adoption of a fuel source that can dramatically reduce emissions from aviation. By collaborating with Air Canada to increase the use of sustainable aviation fuel, we hope that we can inspire and help others contribute to a thriving Canada and a greener world.”

A Simplified, Sustainable Journey

The LEAVE LESS Travel Program allows corporate customers to choose the offering they want through a customized approach using SAF, carbon offsets, or a combination of both, through four core actions:

Calculate: Air Canada tracks and calculates the GHG emissions associated with customers’ business travel.
Select: Customers can choose how they want to mitigate their GHG emissions associated with their business travel: SAF and/or carbon offsets.
Purchase:
- SAF
  Air Canada purchases the required SAF volumes and to ensure the customer can claim the benefits of its investment, Air Canada will implement a SAF certification system in-line with industry-leading best practices.
- Carbon Offset:
  Air Canada facilitates the purchase of carbon offsets
Reduce: Customer contributes to its sustainability goals

The LEAVE LESS Travel Program, supports the airline’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably goal 13: Climate Action. Through its Climate Action Plan, the airline has committed to investing $50 Million in SAF, and carbon reductions and removals.

The Air Canada LEAVE LESS Travel Program will source SAF from Neste, a leading producer of renewable fuels. In neat form and over the life cycle, Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ reduces GHG emissions from aircraft by up to 80% compared to fossil jet fuel.

Air Canada Climate Action Plan

Air Canada has set ambitious climate targets to realize a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) throughout its global operations by 2050. To reach this, Air Canada has set absolute midterm GHG net reduction targets by 2030 in its air and ground operations compared to its 2019 baseline and has committed to investing $50 Million in SAF, and carbon reductions and removals.

Air Canada has built a solid foundation in energy sustainability through numerous comprehensive initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint. Since 2016, over 115 fuel-efficiency projects have been achieved and contributed to more than 145,000 tCO₂e saved. Since 2016, the airline reduced more than 145,000 tCO₂e from its air operations through fuel efficiency initiatives, including participating in eight biofuel flights with ongoing, active support for the development of SAF in Canada including working with the Government of Canada on policy development to support a Canadian-based sustainable aviation fuel industry.

In 2020 and 2019, Air Canada was recognized by Vancouver Airport Authority as the YVR Green Excellence winner for green initiatives on Sea Island including water and energy conservation, waste minimization and the Richmond Ocean Shoreline Cleanup.

Air Canada’s ESG initiatives are further detailed in the airline’s Corporate Sustainability Report, Citizens of the World.

CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. These statements may involve, but are not limited to, comments relating to guidance, strategies, expectations, planned operations or future actions. Forward-looking statements are identified using terms and phrases such as “preliminary”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “may”, “plan”, “predict”, “project”, “will”, “would”, and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions. Forward-looking statements, by their nature, are based on assumptions, including those described herein and are subject to important risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements cannot be relied upon due to, amongst other things, changing external events and general uncertainties of the business. Actual results may differ materially from results indicated in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including the factors identified herein and in Air Canada’s public disclosure file available at www.sedar.com including those factors identified in section 17 “Risk Factors” of Air Canada’s 2020 MD&A. The forward-looking statements contained or incorporated by reference in this news release represent Air Canada’s expectations as of the date of this news release (or as of the date they are otherwise stated to be made) and are subject to change after such date. However, Air Canada disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities regulations.

About Air Canada
Air Canada is Canada’s largest domestic and international airline and, in 2019, was among the top 20 largest airlines in the world. It is Canada’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking according to independent U.K. research firm Skytrax. In 2020, Air Canada was named Global Traveler’s Best Airline in North America for the second straight year. In January 2021, Air Canada received APEX’s Diamond Status Certification for the Air Canada CleanCare+ biosafety program for managing COVID-19, the only airline in Canada to attain the highest APEX ranking. Air Canada has also committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050. For more information, please visit: aircanada.com/media, follow Air Canada on Twitter and LinkedIn, and join Air Canada on Facebook.

About Deloitte Canada
Deloitte provides audit and assurance, consulting, financial advisory, risk advisory, tax, and related services to public and private clients spanning multiple industries. Deloitte serves four out of five Fortune Global 500® companies through a globally connected network of member firms in more than 150 countries and territories bringing world-class capabilities, insights, and service to address clients’ most complex business challenges. Deloitte LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership, is the Canadian member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee, and its network of member firms, each of which is a legally separate and independent entity. Please see www.deloitte.com/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited and its member firms.

Our global Purpose is making an impact that matters. At Deloitte Canada, that translates into building a better future by accelerating and expanding access to knowledge. We believe we can achieve this Purpose by living our shared values to lead the way, serve with integrity, take care of each other, foster inclusion, and collaborate for measurable impact.

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Qantas – massive release of reward seats in 2022 for frequent flyers

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

October 20, 2021 -Millions of seats available across international and domestic routes to be booked with points

Flexibility to book with confidence, with free changes and cancellations
Almost two billion points redeemed on international flights since 1 October
Even more value when booking hotels and holiday packages – 25% off when you use points

To celebrate the reopening of Australia’s borders next month, Qantas is today making the largest single release of additional Classic Flight Reward seats in the airline’s history across its international and domestic network.

The additional seats will make it easier for frequent flyers to book a holiday in 2022 to popular destinations like London, Los Angeles, Fiji, Byron Bay and Cairns.

Qantas Frequent Flyers will have access to up to 50 per cent more reward seat availability on Qantas international, trans-Tasman and popular domestic routes until the end of 2022. Additional reward seats will be made available to book on qantas.com from 7.00am (AEDT) this morning.

Frequent flyers can use their points to book one of millions of reward seats across Qantas, Jetstar and more than 45 international partner airlines including Emirates and American Airlines.

Qantas is also getting set to launch more Points Planes – where every seat in every cabin on a flight is available to book as a reward seat – as more states and territories ease domestic and international travel restrictions

Thousands of frequent flyers snapped up seats between Sydney and London and Los Angeles after these flights were brought forward to 14 November 2021, with members already redeeming almost 2 billion points on international flights in the first two weeks of going on sale, showing just how excited they are to get back into the air.

Flights to Tokyo, Fiji, Canada and Singapore are scheduled to resume from 18 December 2021 with other destinations such as San Francisco, Bangkok, Hong Kong and Dallas expected to resume by April next year. Flights between Australia and New Zealand are scheduled to resume from mid-December 2021.

Domestic flights are expected to gradually open in the coming weeks as states and territories reach vaccination targets.

Qantas Loyalty CEO Olivia Wirth said, “Throughout the pandemic, many Qantas Frequent Flyers have been stockpiling points they have earned on the ground so they can use them to travel once travel restrictions are lifted.

“With members keen to travel internationally and domestically we have released more reward seats to make it easier for our frequent flyers to use their points to go on holidays and be reunited with family and friends in 2022.

“There’s no doubt we will appreciate travel in 2022 like never before and Qantas is excited to help Australians rediscover the joy of flying and making travel memories with their loved ones,” Ms Wirth said.

“We’ll also be announcing more domestic and international Points Planes. It’s our way of thanking our frequent flyers for their ongoing loyalty.”

Qantas Frequent Flyers can book their flights with confidence, with no fees to change or cancel an international Classic Flight Reward seat booking for travel until 31 December 2022 (on bookings made by 28 February 2022).

Reward seats are available at the same great value, with Classic Flight Rewards starting from 6,400 points on Jetstar and 8,000 points on Qantas excluding taxes, fees and carrier charges (TFCC). Qantas Points required to fly to some popular destinations include:

Route	Economy	TFCC	Business Class	TFCC
Sydney – Melbourne	8,000 points	$38.17*	18,400 points	$38.17*
Brisbane – Melbourne	12,000 points	$37.48*	27,600 points	$37.48*
Melbourne – Auckland	18,000 points	$181.80*	41,500 points	$181.80*
Sydney – Fiji (Nadi)	18,000 points	$129.60*	41,500 points	$129.60*
Brisbane – Los Angeles	41,900 points	$225.72*	108,400 points	$350.72*
Melbourne – London	55,200 points	$252.10*	144,600 points	$462.10*

*One-way fares. TFCC correct as at 11/10, for travel in February 2022

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European Food Summit returns in less than a month

Written by Traveltalksteam on October 20, 2021. Posted in Featured events, Destination news.

October 20, 2021 – The European Food Summit will take place between 6 and 8 November, bringing together great minds from around the world who understand the importance and power of food in its entirety. Tickets are available for purchase online!

European Food Summit (EFS) raises awareness about the global impacts of food. After a successful premiere back in 2019, the organisers are yet again bringing together great minds from around the world who understand the importance and power of food in its entirety.

In three consecutive days (6, 7 and 8 November 2021), numerous events will take place. In addition to the inspiring contents of the Symposium headed by Ana Roš, named World’s Best Female Chef in 2017, and Andrea Petrini, one of the most influential people in the world of gastronomy, the three-day program will feature exceptional accompanying culinary events. Among them the sensational Gourmet Crawl Ljubljana, a unique culinary exploration of the cultural temples and Ljubljana city sights with top Ljubljana chefs, unforgettable Experience dinner with the best culinary virtuosos, I Feel Slovenia daily trips through hidden corners of Slovenia where unique world-class gourmet stories are being written.

A number of world-renowned chefs who have set international culinary and sustainable trends in gastronomy have confirmed their participation in the EFS as well. Make sure not to miss out and get your tickets now!

For all interested in participating, the detailed programme and the tickets are available on the official EFS website.

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KLM operating direct flights to 162 destinations this winter

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

October 20, 2021 – KLM’s new winter schedule goes into effect on 31 October and is valid until 26 March 2022. As more and more travel restrictions are eased, KLM will be able to increase capacity again this winter and, as a result, plans to operate direct flights from Amsterdam to 162 different destinations, 72 intercontinental and 90 within Europe.

Intercontinental: More flights to the US, Caribbean

KLM has resumed operating services to almost its entire pre-Covid network (one destination excepted). Intercontinental flights will be operating at around 75% of capacity this winter compared to winter 2019.

Now that vaccinated European travellers will again be welcome in the United States starting 8 November, KLM will expand capacity to various US destinations. The number of flights to Atlanta, for example, will almost double to 12 a week, and there will be 11 weekly flights to New York JFK this winter. KLM will also serve Las Vegas and Miami this winter, both three times a week. Service to Minneapolis, which resumed in the summer, will also continue this winter with three weekly flights.

KLM began noticing a sharp rise in demand for travel to the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands this summer. That is why the airline is also expanding capacity to the Caribbean and will double the number of flights to Curaçao to 14 a week. It will also boost daily capacity on the route to Aruba and Bonaire by deploying a Boeing 777-300ER, its largest passenger aircraft. To meet anticipated demand during the Christmas holiday season, KLM is planning three additional weekly flights to these islands, bringing the total number of weekly flights to Aruba and Bonaire to ten by the end of the year.

The KLM network is also showing signs of recovery in South America, with four flights a week to San José and Liberia in Costa Rica (up from two last winter) and daily service to Panama City. Capacity on the route to Paramaribo will also increase considerably this winter, with four weekly flights (compared to one last winter due to strict travel restrictions). KLM’s longest scheduled service, non-stop from Amsterdam to Santiago de Chile, will continue this winter with three weekly flights.

This winter will see the introduction of four entirely new destinations: Mombasa, Cancún, Port of Spain and Bridgetown. The first flight to Cancún in Mexico will take off on 2 November, with five weekly flights during the Christmas holiday season. This will bring the total number of weekly KLM flights to Mexico to 12. The first (combined) flight to Port of Spain in Trinidad & Tobago and Bridgetown in Barbados took off on 16 October and will eventually operate three times a week. Scheduled service to Mombasa in Kenya is expected to commence in early December; KLM is currently in the process of obtaining the necessary flight permits from the Kenyan authorities.

KLM’s Asian network is still hampered by travel restrictions. As a result, demand for these flights lags behind those for other regions. The demand for cargo transport to and from Asia remains high, however, allowing KLM to continue serving many of its destinations this winter season.

Europe

In Europe, KLM is meeting the sharp rise in demand for both holiday and business travel. New destinations such as Zagreb and Poznan proved popular soon after their introduction this summer and KLM plans to continue operating these services this winter. With their addition, the number of European destinations served by KLM will in fact exceed that of winter 2019.

In many cases, the number of flights to European destinations is still slightly down on pre-Covid-19 figures. KLM is operating at about 84% of its European network capacity. Even so, the airline is once again serving Europe’s major cities, including Berlin, London, Munich and Paris, at least five times a day. This makes KLM’s winter schedule, with more flights than in the summer, attractive for the growing number of European business travellers. By increasing the number of flights in Europe, KLM will once again be able to connect many European locations through Amsterdam Schiphol, boosting the airport’s status as a global hub.

“

“After more than 18 months, more and more borders are reopening and we are well on the road to recovery. KLM is delighted that we can once again offer passengers so many destinations. We look forward to doing what we do best: bringing people together. Travel is all about personal connections, and that’s what KLM stands for!”

Pieter Elbers, KLM President and CEO

Where can I fly tool

KLM appreciates how difficult it can be to plan a trip during the Covid-19 pandemic. Travel rules and restrictions are changing constantly and vary from country to country, making it more important than ever for travellers to have the most up-to-date information when planning a journey. That is why KLM is offering an interactive “Where can I fly to?” map showing current travel requirements for every country in KLM’s network. The map displays travel requirements based on travellers’ country of departure and vaccination status, so they can choose their next destination at a glance.

In addition to this service, KLM advises Dutch travellers to consult www.wijsopreis.nl for up-to-date travel advisories issued by the Dutch government.

KLM: Outstanding hygiene standards, flexible bookings and five stars from passengers

KLM sets the highest possible standards for hygiene before, during and after flights. It has been awarded the APEX Health Safety Diamond Award and the Skytrax COVID-19 Airline Excellence Award, recognition of its industry leadership in hygiene and health safety.

KLM also offers customers maximum flexibility when it comes to booking, changing or cancelling trips. Yet another feather in KLM’s cap is that it has retained its five-star APEX product and service rating, based on evaluations by passengers worldwide.

At the moment, the destinations, flights and capacities described above are valid for the months of November and December. Given the many travel restrictions that remain and their unpredictability, changes may be necessary from January onwards.

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Visit Keukenhof in the Netherlands

Written by Traveltalksteam on October 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Activity.

October 20, 2021 – When spring comes, your thoughts may be turning towards gardening. If you are in the market for tulips, the best place to buy them – or just to see them – is the tulip fields of Keukenhof in Holland. These huge gardens are the largest and most spectacular flower gardens in the world – from March to May every year they are a sea of multicolored tulips stretching over the flat Dutch landscape as far as the eye can see. Recent additions in 2009 and 2010 make the bulb fields a must-see for anyone interested in gardening, landscaping or flowers.

Dive into spring in this sea of colour and fragrance at the world famous Keukenhof Gardens. By far the most beautiful spring garden, where you can explore over 32 hectares, covered with more than 7 million blooming tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. Our tour gives you the most unique experience of the Keukenhof.

Opening in 2022:

March 24 – May 15, 2022

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Ryanair Launches New Route From Edinburgh To Marrakesh

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

October 20, 2021 – Ryanair, Europe’s No.1 airline, today (19^th Oct) announced a new route – Edinburgh to Marrakesh, operating twice weekly from 18^th December. As travel recovers to pre-Covid levels, Ryanair’s growth continues to lead traffic and tourism recovery across Europe.

To celebrate, Ryanair has launched a £19.99 seat sale for travel until the end of March ‘22, which must be booked by midnight Thursday, 21^st October 2021 on www.Ryanair.com – the perfect excuse for a well-deserved getaway with family or friends.

Ryanair’s Director of Commercial, Jason Mc Guinness, said:

“As Europe’s No.1 airline, Ryanair remains committed to re-building Europe’s aviation and tourism industry by restoring connectivity and growing its network of passengers to over 225 million by 2026. As Ryanair takes delivery of 55 additional Boeing 737-8200 ‘Gamechanger’ aircraft this winter, we are delighted to add this new route from Edinburgh to Marrakesh.

We are launching a seat sale to celebrate this new route to Marrakesh, with fares available for just £19.99 for travel until the end of March ’22, which must be booked by midnight Thursday, 21^st October 2021 on the Ryanair.com website.

As consumer confidence in air travel steadily restores, Ryanair is once again calling on the UK Government to scrap or suspend APD (Air Passenger Duty) to allow airlines quickly recover connectivity, jobs and tourism in the aftermath of the pandemic. APD makes UK airports very uncompetitive compared to those in Europe, while Ryanair continues to add capacity having opened several new bases in recent months, including Agadir, Billund, Riga, Stockholm, Turin and Zagreb. While Ryanair is committed to the UK and to Edinburgh airport, the lack of Government support continues to create barriers to boosting traffic and growth.”

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Princess Cruises Offers Half Price Cruise Vacations to First Responders

Written by Traveltalksteam on October 20, 2021. Posted in Cruise, Destination news.

October 20, 2021 – Princess Cruises is launching a special 50 percent off promotion, valid on select cruises sailing from North America through February 2022 for all active first responders and medical professionals in gratitude for their service.

For those taking advantage of this special discounted offer, verification of current professional status through Sheer ID, a digital verification form, is accessible at https://www.princess.com/cruise-deals-promotions/first-responder-medical-offer. First responder and medical professional information will be collected from 10/18 -10/31 and then validated with offers emailed on 11/3. The discount offer booking deadline is December 31, 2021.

“We wish to express our sincere gratitude to the first responders and medical professionals who have been our heroes caring for people in need day in and day out and continue to inspire everyone around them,” said Shelley Wise, Princess Cruises vice president integrated marketing. “We hope this special offer affords the opportunity to get away with their loved ones to reconnect and relax on a real vacation.”

Select cruises departing from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Mexico and the California Coast, plus Caribbean cruises sailing from Ft. Lauderdale, can be redeemed at 50 percent off, subject to terms and conditions.

In addition, active first responders and medical professionals can enter a sweepstakes between October 18-31, 2021, for a chance-to-win a cruise for two people. The entry link can be found https://www.princess.com/cruise-deals-promotions/first-responder-medical-offer/. One grand-prize winner will be randomly drawn and notified on Nov. 1, 2021. The grand prize value of the sweepstakes is $2,500.00, based on a 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise, balcony stateroom for two with drinks, wifi and crew incentive included with Princess Plus. The discount and sweepstakes is only available to U.S.-based first responders and medical professionals.

Princess offers MedallionClass vacations, delivering the ultimate in effortless, personalized cruising. It begins with 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.

Princess Cruises sailings 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. Crew vaccinations are in accordance with CDC guidelines.

For the latest Princess COVID-19 health protocols, please visit https://www.princess.com/plan/cruise-with-confidence/cruise-health/covid-19-guest-protocols/.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company’s website at http://www.princess.com/.

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Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings: 13 Ships Set To Be In Service Soon

Written by Traveltalksteam on October 19, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Cruise.

October 19, 2021 – With its three cruise brands now back in service, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings plans to have 13 ships sailing commercially by Dec. 1.

While Norwegian leads the way, with nine vessels slated to sail, Oceania and Regent are also speeding up its restart plans.

Here is the latest brand by brand update:

Norwegian Cruise Line
Status: Six ships currently in service; three more set to follow by Dec. 1
Ships: Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Breakaway currently in service; Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Joy set to follow
Regions: Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bermuda, Alaska and West Coast

After a 500-day operational pause, Norwegian Cruise Line resumed service in July with a series of Eastern Mediterranean cruises.

Currently, the brand has six vessels back in revenue operations, offering cruises in North America, the Caribbean and Europe.

With three more ships returning by Dec. 1, the company is set to return to additional destinations, including the West Coast – where the Norwegian Bliss is welcoming guests back on Oct. 24. Based in Los Angeles, the 4,200-guest ship offers a program of Mexican Riviera cruises through 2022.

While two other vessels are returning in 2021, the balance of the 17-ship fleet is slated to resume service next year.

Oceania Cruises
Status: Two ships currently in service
Ships: Marina and Riviera
Regions: Mediterranean and Atlantic

Oceania Cruises resumed revenue service in August with the Marina. The vessel welcomed passengers back in Denmark for a series of cruises to Western Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Greek Isles.

A second ship, the Riviera, joined the active lineup recently, offering additional itinerary choices in the Mediterranean.

In December, the upper-premium brand is also resuming service with the Insignia – which is set to offer a Panama Canal cruise before kicking off its epic six-month-long “Around the World in 180 Days” voyage.

Phased restart dates for the balance of the Oceania Cruises fleet continue next , with three more vessels resuming guest operations in 2022.

Regent Seven Seas
Status: Two ships currently in service
Ships: Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Explorer
Regions: Northern Europe, Mediterranean, Caribbean and Panama Canal

With two ships now in service, Regent Seven Seas Cruises plans to have its entire fleet back in action by early 2022.

The luxury brand first restarted revenue operations in September, with the 2019-built Seven Seas Splendor. After resuming its inaugural season in Northern Europe, the vessel is currently sailing in the Mediterranean ahead of a winter season in the Caribbean.

The Seven Seas Explorer joined the active lineup recently, offering additional voyages in Europe.

A third Regent ship returning in December. The vessel is slated to sail a Panama Canal cruise before beginning an epic World Cruise in January.

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Holland America Line welcomes princess Margriet as godmother

Written by Gill Dewar on October 19, 2021. Posted in Cruise, Destination news.

Holland America Line has confirmed that when Rotterdam is named next spring, princess Margriet of the Netherlands will be the godmother of the ship.

The news sees a continuation of a tradition that began in the 1920s.

Holland America Line’s connection to the House of Orange goes back nearly a century to prince Hendrik launching Statendam III in 1929.

Since then, members of the Dutch royal family have launched 11 more Holland America Line vessels throughout the years, including princess Margriet who named Prinsendam (1972), Nieuw Amsterdam III (1983), Rotterdam VI (1997) and Oosterdam (2003).

“We are deeply grateful that princess Margriet will once again act as godmother to a Holland America Line ship, carrying on a long tradition with the royal family that continues to honour our Dutch roots,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line.

“Rotterdam will be named in Rotterdam next year, celebrating its namesake city and our historic connection with the Netherlands.

“We look forward to commemorating the occasion where it all started for Holland America Line.”

The maiden cruise departs October 20th next year from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and embarks on a 14-day transatlantic journey to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

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The Michelin Guide Goes Digital

Written by Gill Dewar on October 19, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Restaurant, Whats cooking.

The Michelin Guide is going digital. The iconic red book is no more. Instead, the famed restaurant review and guide books have developed a proprietary app for iOS and Android, which offers users an interactive experience. The app promises to help consumers quickly find information on nearby Michelin-rated restaurants, and unique hotels.

Why did Michelin decide to go all digital, and forego the iconic red guides?

The content, not the delivery method, is the core of the Michelin selection. Going digital makes it possible for us to put the entire global Michelin Guide all in one place, and allows us to distribute it free of charge to a larger audience. We recognize that the printed guides are legendary, and that for many people they represent freedom and adventure. What better way to honor that history than with a global guide that fits in your pocket?

Can you tell us a bit about the UX of the new interface? What can people do on the app?

Users can find every Michelin-rated restaurant in the world, with the ability to search by name, location, cuisine, and even chef. They can see which Michelin Guide restaurants are located near them while they’re on the move or when they’re planning a trip to a future destination. Restaurants added to the Michelin Guide are now added in real-time, ensuring you always have access to the most up-to-date selection and reviews (no more waiting for the next book to be released). Most restaurants can be booked through the app via global partners like RESY, Open Table, and TheFork.

Engagement is another key focus of the app. The new Michelin Guide has created a space for its community through user profiles and the ability to endorse (“love”) restaurants and hotels. Users can also create restaurant and hotel wishlists — saving their favorites, sharing them with others, and discovering lists authored by experts and aficionados.

How does the digital-only guide fit into Michelin’s overall digital strategy?

Digital is no longer an alternative distribution channel but a mainstream part of our lives. We want to reach everyone who loves and appreciates food and travel, and the accessibility of a free digital product will help us achieve that goal while following through on Michelin’s commitment to reducing waste and improving sustainable business practices. Giving Michelin Guide users access to real-time information and a platform for engagement makes digital the ideal format for the future.

What other innovations can we expect from Michelin moving forward?

The introduction of community features in the app lays the groundwork for functionality that can leverage the knowledge of like-minded people to improve how we evaluate our selections. We’ll continue to increase the opportunities for engagement, bringing users the ability to love/endorse individual people/profiles, add notes to list items, have verified accounts, and plot points of interest, including their own restaurant and hotel recommendations. We’ll also accomplish full feature parity across all of our platforms, so users will have the ability to discover, plan, share, and book future journeys entirely within the Michelin Guide and Tablet Hotels universe.

What advice do you have for operators who are wary of bringing tech into their venues?

Today’s consumers expect instant gratification, and they expect it to be facilitated by technology and real-time interaction with brands and businesses. Restaurants and hotels are experiential by nature — hospitality is their entire purpose — so they’re ideally suited to thrive in this environment. Technology can allow them to be more efficient, more responsive, and create more rewarding connections with their customers.

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A Village in Cyprus Is Now Home to This 16-Foot-Tall Potato Statue

Written by Gill Dewar on October 19, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Amazing Facts, Where in the world.

The Belfast Tourist Board recommends that visitors to the Northern Ireland city should try to see “the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience,” the century-old Belfast Cathedral, and The Big Fish, a 32-foot long ceramic statue of a salmon.

When officials in Xylofagou, a village in Cyprus, were trying to figure out what they could do to commemorate their most famous crop, they thought about Belfast’s Big Fish. But instead of a tiled mosaic covered with stories about their city — like that oversized salmon — Xylofagou ended up with, uh, a giant fiberglass potato on a stick.

The newly unveiled 16-foot-tall replica of the ‘spunta’ potato variety cost the village €8,000 ($9,300) to design, build, and install. “The Big Potato” has also been roundly mocked on social media for its unfortunate resemblance to, uh, a very personal body part. (No giggling, please!)

“Xylofagou has a long legacy of potato growing and used to be the main potato grower in Cyprus. This helped the village grow into the 10,000-strong community it is today,” community leader George Tasou told the Cyprus Mail. He also said that he’s “not bothered” by the social media snickering about its shape, because the sculpture has gotten some much-needed publicity for Xylophagou.

Tasou said that the Big Potato will soon be accompanied by more decorative elements and bench seating for people who want to be photographed near the giant spud. There is also a plan to add a “kiosk offering potatoes cooked in many different ways,” and the village may eventually build a potato museum that would show potato-growing tools and pictures of the different varieties of potatoes that are grown in the region. Next year, Xylophagou also wants to set a new Guinness World Record for frying the most French fries at one time; their goal is to cook around 1,760 pounds worth.

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Intercontinental: More flights to the US, Caribbean

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