The Most Popular Dog friendly Hotels Around the World

Written by Gill Dewar on September 1, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

Travel news from around the world

Just in time for International Dog Day on Aug. 26, Expedia has released a new list of the most dog-friendly hotels in the world.

Below are the 12 hotels that are sure to earn a stamp of approval from travelers and their furry friends.

Hotel Normandie Los Angeles, CA
As a pet friendly hotel, Hotel Normandie knows the importance of keeping your canine content. Rest assured; at Hotel Normandie, they provide a multitude of amenities for your dog to enjoy. Guests can contact the property to request a pet friendly room, and they will accommodate accordingly. People Perk: Hotel Normandie offers a $20 food and beverage credit for guests.

Edgewater hotel – a Noble House Hotel Seattle, WA
The Edgewater invites four-legged friends to enjoy the ultimate in hosPETality at Seattle’s premier over-water hotel, as part of the Rock the Dog program. There is a one-time fee of $100 per stay, maximum two pets per room. Rock the Dog Program Includes: pet bed for use each night during stay, pet water and food bowl for use during stay, special treats upon check-in. People Perk: The Edgewater Hotel offers guests a $25 Food and Beverage credit upon arrival.

The Standard High Line New York, NY (Manhattan)
Good news if you are traveling to New York, The Standard High Line New York is pet friendly! One pet of any size is welcome for no additional fee. Both dogs and cats are permitted, and well-behaved pets may be left in the room unattended. Additionally, the hotel provides complimentary use of food and water bowls and pet bedding. People Perk: Guest will receive a complimentary 20% off Food and Beverage credit.

Whitehall Hotel Chicago, IL
The Whitehall Hotel is Chicago’s most distinctive, pet-friendly hotel in the Magnificent Mile welcoming up to two four-legged companions of 30 lbs. or less per room for a small daily fee. People Perk: Guests will receive a $12 parking credit.

Hotel Nikko San Francisco San Francisco, CA
One of the most welcoming dog-friendly hotels in San Francisco, Hotel Nikko is a haven for travelers and their canine companions. Located in the heart of downtown San Francisco, this pet friendly hotel is only steps away from Union Square, Chinatown, and the city’s dog parks, paths and restaurant patios. People Perk: Guest will get a waived resort fee when staying at Hotel Nikko.

Hotel Preston Nashville, TN
The Hotel Preston is a luxurious boutique that welcomes dogs with a fee of $25 per day upon checking in at the front desk. The hotel offers a doggy bag upon arrival featuring a water bowl, a toy and treats. Both dogs and cats are permitted, but pets may not be left unattended in rooms. There is also a designated pet relief area on the property. People Perk: guests will receive a $11 beverage credit per stay.

Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende Urban Resorts San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, MX
With Live Aqua’s Dog Friendly Hotels & Resorts program, furry friends can be part of a wonderful vacation. Guests will be gifted a special welcome kit that includes food and water bowls, water bottles and a pet bed. People Perk: Live Aqua offers free valet parking and 20% off a spa service.

Montage Los Cabos Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, MX
Montage Los Cabos accommodates guests with pets and provides the best possible care by offering an array of amenities and services that include a pet menu, doggy treats, dog-sitting services and more. People Perk: Montage Los Cabos offers guests a 20% off a spa service.

Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort – Adults Only Playa Mujeres, Quintana Roo, MX
Set within the beautiful and private gated community of Playa Mujeres, this award winning, adults-only, all-inclusive resort is a perfect beachside getaway for travelers with furry companions. People Perk: Secrets Playa Mujeres offers guests 20% off a spa service.

Ovolo South Yarra Melbourne, VIC, Australia
With Ovolo’s V.I.Pooch accommodation, guests can enjoy a hassle-free and stress-free vacation, both for themselves and their dogs. Obolo’s V.I.Pooch accommodation package provides guests with: a doggy bed, an eating and drinking mat and food bow, a doggy bag with specially designed toys and treats, as well as dog-friendly staff on hand to provide assistance when needed. People Perk: guests can enjoy a complimentary bottle of wine when staying at the Ovolo.

Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, Japan
Guests can enjoy staying in Tokyo with their furry family members. Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo offers guest rooms equipped with amenities for pets, as well as a private dog park in Serenity Garden. Amenities including pet enclosures or cat houses, food bowls, excrement containers, adhesive rollers, wet tissues and more are available upon request. People Perk: Hotel Chinzanso offers free self-parking.

The Gyle London, England
The Gyle is a fabulous, pet friendly Victorian residence located in the colorful borough of Camden. Dogs can expect lots of attention with complimentary food, beds, bowls and walking maps. Plus, additional pet services like a dog walker are available if needed. People Perk: The Gyle offers a complimentary continental breakfast for guests.

To determine the winners, the online travel booking site dug through hotel reviews to identify 12 properties around the world that offer exceptional amenities for pups. Some of Expedia’s picks even offer perks for human companions.

At the Live Aqua Urban Resort San Miguel de Allende in Mexico, for example, pets are greeted with a water bottle, bed, and food and water bowls. Their humans get free valet parking and 20% of spa services.

The Hotel Preston in Nashville welcomes furry guests with a goodie bag and pet parents with an $11 beverage credit. Meanwhile, at the Ovolo South Yarra in Melbourne, Australia, the V.I.Pooch accommodation package comes with absolutely everything a dog on the road could need — and a bottle of wine for pet parents.

An overwater hotel even made Expedia’s list, and neither you nor your dog will have to spend a dozen hours on a plane to get there. The Edgewater hotel in Seattle, an overwater property located not far from iconic landmarks like the Space Needle, was built for the 1962 World’s Fair and has hosted rock stars such as Led Zeppelin, Neil Young, and The Beatles. The hotel’s Rock the Dog package will set you back an extra $100 per stay, but it includes pet beds, water and food bowls, and treats for up to two dogs.

And in Tokyo, the Hotel Chinzanso earned accolades for providing access to a private dog park. The fifth-floor dog park is situated within the hotel’s Serenity Garden, offering you and your dog a chance to find a moment of peace in a bustling metropolis.

Source

Travel tips from around the world

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Travel platform to expand your travel knowledge, follow the latest destination news and participate in daily questions, like “Travel Trivia”, “Where in the World” and “Amazing Travel Facts”.

Safari Hotels & Conference Centre in Windhoek joins Accor’s portfolio

Written by Gill Dewar on September 1, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

Travel news from around the world

Namibia:

WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA – Safari Hotels & Conference Centre, a prominent two-hotel complex in Windhoek, has become the first property in Namibia to join Accor’s portfolio.

The iconic city resort, conveniently located next to Eros Airport and just 10 minutes from the city centre, features the 215-key Safari Court Hotel, the 199-key Safari Hotel, and the country’s most prominent conference centre, with 16 venues including a 1,600-square-metre ballroom catering to 2,400 delegates.

This expansive hotel complex, considered the capital’s premier leisure and business destination, also offers swimming pools amid landscaped gardens, a selection of dining venues, a modern fitness centre, and a relaxed atmosphere, enhanced by warm hospitality and Namibian charm.

For relaxation, renewal, or pure pampering, the Oukolele Day Spa is known for its signature treatments using international skincare brands Algologie, Dermafix and Enviro, as well as the Jane Iredale mineral make-up range.

With Safari Hotels & Conference Centre now under Accor management, the property will undergo significant refurbishment in the coming months, with both hotels set to be rebranded. The Safari Court Hotel will be reimagined as an upscale brand and the Safari Hotel will be rebadged as an economy brand from the group’s portfolio.

Upgrades, which will be conducted while the property remains open, will span the entire complex and improvements will include the addition of new dynamic dining venues and hospitality concepts.

“Safari Hotels & Conference Centre is a landmark property, synonymous with Namibian hospitality, and its transition to a branded hotel complex under Accor’s expert management and new visionary ownership will capitalise on its facilities, location and reputation to realise its true potential,” said Craig Erasmus, Vice President Operations, Sub Saharan Africa, Accor.

“We look forward to continue welcoming our guests as we usher a new exciting chapter for this city resort, promising them enhanced hospitality experiences that will make for a memorable stay.”

With the Safari Hotels & Conference Centre now part of Accor’s network, guests have the opportunity to join the group’s successful loyalty platform and daily lifestyle companion, Accor Live Limitless (ALL). Leveraging Accor’s vast portfolio of hospitality brands and carefully curated partnerships, ALL offers its more than 68 million members globally a raft of exclusive benefits and services that meet their lifestyle needs and aspirations.

Accor currently operates more than 157 properties in Africa with 85 more in the pipeline.

Source

Travel to Namibia

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

New flights from Tel Aviv to Morocco, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, UAE

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 1, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Airline.

Travel news from around the world

Tel Aviv, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain
Direct connecting Tel Aviv with airports in the UAE, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain will expand the travel and tourism reach in the Middle East.

The world for Israelis became a lot larger with US president Trump negotiating a peace deal with a growing number of countries in the Middle East and the Gulf Region.

America First is the slogan by US President Trump and the means weapon sales since it is expected all these countries will now be allowed to obtain military equipment from the U.S. This is good for the ailing US economy but also dangerous if implemented too quickly and with the purpose to win a US election.

Earlier, following an announcement by US President Donald Trump of a peace deal between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, senior White House adviser Jared Kushner revealed that two Arab states have agreed to open their skies to transit flights to and from Israel, including Bahrain, which is set to join the signing of the UAE-Israeli deal.
Morocco and Israel are set to establish direct air flights as a to normalize Arab-Israeli relations, the Jerusalem Post reported on Saturday.

The report came as part of the Arab-Israeli normalization efforts launched by the Trump administration after reaching the UAE-Israeli agreement. The signing of an agreement is scheduled to take place at the White House as soon as next Tuesday.

On 15 August, The Times of Israel reported, citing anonymous US officials, that Morocco would be the next Arab country to normalize relations with Tel Aviv, after the UAE. Although Morocco has no official diplomatic relations with Israel, there are tourism and trading relations between the two nations. In addition, Moroccan Jews are the second-largest Jewish community in Israel, after Russian Jews, exceeding one million people.

On Wednesday, Trump’s son-in-law and senior White House adviser, Jared Kushner, told reporters that Saudi Arabia and Bahrain had agreed to open their skies for flights to and from Israel.

On Friday, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain announced agreeing to join the Tuesday signing of the UAE-Israeli peace deal. UAE and Bahrain will become the third and fourth Arab states, respectively, to normalize relations with Israel.

In the past, only Egypt and Jordan have had official relations with Tel Aviv, but even in Qatar Israel trade offices operating in secret had been in place for years.

Spotted in e-turbonews

More about travel to Israel, UAE, Morocco, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Virgin Atlantic announces codeshare with Middle East Airlines

Written by Traveltalksteam on August 31, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Airline.

Travel news from around the world

Lebanon
Virgin Atlantic has announced a new codeshare agreement with Middle East Airlines-Air Liban (MEA), offering connections between the US and Beirut via London Heathrow.

The codeshare will allow customers booking through Virgin to travel from Boston, New York JFK and Los Angeles to Beirut and vice versa via London Heathrow Terminal 3.

Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic, commented:

“We’re delighted to launch this new codeshare partnership with MEA Middle East Airlines -Air Liban. As we recover from the pandemic, partnerships are more important than ever, and we look forward to building on the incredibly successful interline relationship we have had in place for a number of years.  

“With a large diaspora population of Lebanese living in the US, this new partnership aims to respond to the large, fast-growing demand to visit friends and relatives as people start to travel to visit their loved ones post Covid-19. We also expect to capture demand for business and leisure travel to the vibrant city of Beirut as travel restrictions begin to relax and global economies gradually recover from the impact of the pandemic.”

Walid Abillama, Head of Commercial Strategy and Alliances at Middle East Airlines, commented:

“Our interline relationship with Virgin Atlantic was the first to target the US travel market to Beirut, and so it is natural for us to partner with Virgin Atlantic and build the first US codeshare agreement targeting Beirut.”

“We are hopeful that this partnership will reintegrate Beirut within the global economy as a post Covid-19 travel destination and will maintain its promise of resilience.”

Middle East Airlines-Air Liban is a Skyteam member and operates flights to 32 international destinations in Europe, the Middle East and West Africa.

Click herefor travel to Lebanon

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Kempinski to enter South America for first time

Written by Gill Dewar on August 31, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

Travel news from around the world

Brazil:

Kempinski is preparing to welcome its first ever resort with residences in South America.

Kempinski Laje de Pedra Hotel & Residences in Canela, Brazil was designed by Edgar Graeff, a disciple of Oscar Niemeyer, and originally opened in 1978.

Today, the hotel is known far beyond the borders of the Serra Gaúcha region, having played host to the signing of the Mercosur treaty in 1992.

Situated on a cliff in Canela with a breath-taking view over the Vale do Quilombo eco reserve, the developers, together with Kempinski Hotels, plan to open the most outstanding luxurious inland resort in Brazil.

By carrying the spirit of this well-known hotel icon into the present and after an extensive renovation and modernisation, it is foreseen that it will welcome the first guests by 2024.

“After being the absolute place to be in the first decades after its opening, the Laje de Pedra has fallen into a slumber, so to speak, in recent times,” said Bernold Schroeder, chief executive of Kempinski Hotels.

“The aim is to bring this historic and architectural icon back to life with our commitment to first-class quality combined with timeless European elegance and to position it as a top destination at the highest level.

“It is an excellent opportunity for us to tackle the South American market with such an exceptional project.”

A total of 360 elegant and state-of-the-art residential suites ranging in size from 54 to 290 square metres will be partially sold, with future owners able to use all of the services of the hotel or rent out their apartment temporarily when they are not on site themselves.

Source

Travel to Brazil

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Bolivian Wine: high altitude, high quality and…healthy?

Written by Gill Dewar on August 31, 2021. Posted in Destination news.

Bolivian wine-growers in Tarija are continuing a centuries-old tradition in a bid to join the world stage with their unique and potentially healthy wines.

In the department of Tarija, southern Bolivia, little known vineyards are producing wine almost 2,000m above sea level. They have been growing grapes here since Jesuit missionaries started the tradition in the 17th Century.

The wine production is mostly concentrated at an altitude of 1,600m to 2,000m. However, in hot Andean regions there are some crops as high as 3,000m.

“Winemaking in the rest of the world ends where we begin,” says Helmut Kohlberg, Vineyard Director at Bodegas Kohlberg.

“In all parts of the world, the winemaking is at sea level, 800m, 1000m, a little more. But we only start to have wine making at this altitude.”

How can wine be good for me?
The 5,000 hectares of vineyards in Tarija are sheltered from strong winds and benefit from a temperate climate with intense sunshine during the day and humidity at night.

“The altitude means that we have less ozone layer filtering the rays, which means there’s more ultraviolet rays at higher altitudes … which produces a response from the plant,” explains Nelson Sfarcich, a wine making expert.

The strong UV rays cause the grapes to grow thicker skins. Grape skins contain resveratrol, a chemical that some studies have suggested can help protect against cancer and heart disease. The thick skinned grapes grown in this area contain a higher level of resveratrol than those grown at lower altitudes.

How these ‘wine temples’ changed Argentina’s wine industry
Space-aged wine could sell for $1 million after spending 14 months on International Space Station
How does high altitude wine taste?
Wines from vineyards at altitude supposedly appeal to those that “like elegant wines”.

“They’re wines that don’t have a very high alcohol content, but rather they have smooth aromas and flavours that are strong at the same time,” says Maria Jose Granier, owner of the artisanal Jardin Oculto vineyard.

The well-known Muscat of Alexandria grape, used in 70 per cent of Bolivia’s wine crops, produces “sweet wines that are quite aromatic,” according to Carla Molina Garcia, an independent sommelier.

It is the aromatic nature of these high altitude wines that is pushing growers to target a niche, high-quality market.

But Bolivian vineyards have their neighbours in Argentina and Chile to compete with. As the seventh and eighth largest wine producers in the world respectively, the two countries have around 200,000 hectares of vineyards between them.

Though there is limited physical space for the producers in Tarija to be able to expand production, they are striving to improve the quality of their product and hope that Bolivia will become known for its distinctive wines.

Spotteed in www.euronews.com

Travel to Bolivia

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Château Tongariro returns to the Roaring 20s in New Zealand’s best travel deals

Written by Leandro Agostini on August 31, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

Travel news from around the world

New Zealand:

Chateau Tongariro Hotel believe in providing visitors with a timeless elegance and believe in preserving history and tradition.

Chateau Tongariro Hotel believe in providing visitors with a timeless elegance and believe in preserving history and tradition. The location within a Dual World Heritage National Park ensures the hotel is an advocate for conservation and upholds a meaningful relationship with local Maori.

The elegant Chateau Tongariro is located within Whakapapa Village – in the heart of the Tongariro National Park and was constructed in 1929.

Today, the hotel provides accommodation, restaurants, bars, conference facilities and is a popular wedding destination throughout the year.

The Chateau Tongariro Hotel is surrounded by a stunning natural playground bursting with diverse landscapes for visitors to the Tongariro National Park to discover.

spotted in https://www.visitruapehu.com/

best hotels for groups to book in New Zealand

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Lollapalooza Music Festival comes to Argentina

Written by Gill Dewar on August 31, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Featured events.

LOLLAPALOOZA ARGENTINA 26 – 28 November 2021

One of the premier music festivals in the world, Lollapalooza is three days of non-stop music, vibes and good times.

Drawing a diverse crowd from crop top wearing, flower crown toting millenials to longtime fans and festival veterans, one thing’s for sure: with such a unique and impressive history, once you have your first Lolla experience under your belt, it’s unlikely it’ll be your last.

As a festival that began as a touring event, it only makes sense that they’d want to keep the tradition alive.

In 2011, Lollapalooza marked it’s territory by expanding into South America, performing it’s first international show in Santiago. São Paulo became another destination in 2012 as well as Buenos Aires, in 2013.

The very first Lollapalooza in Europe was held in Berlin in 2015. Today, the event is part of the cultural identity of Chile, Brazil, Argentina, and Germany — and who knows where it may show up next.

Lollapalooza has become one of the premier music events in Argentina thanks to its staggering lineup of artists. The Hipodromo de San Isidro in Buenos Aires hosts this gigantic three-day event.

LollaPalooza is a multi-genre music festival, with one major dance stage. It’s hard to believe it’s been twenty years since Lollapalooza first took the stage with amplifiers cranked to eleven.

From the early days when flannel-clad grunge rockers cleared out mosh pits for bands like Soundgarden and Pearl Jam to the present, when Arcade Fire and Kanye West draw gigantic crowds of all ages, the festival has taken on a life of its own, infused with the incredible energy of fans and the artists that rock them.

Source

Travel to Argentina

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Sojo Hotels nominated at World Travel Awards

Written by Leandro Agostini on August 31, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

Travel news from around the world

The company is seeking to set an example of adaptation in Vietnam, with its brand-new ‘touchless’ hotel model.

The chain minimises physical contact between people and objects, as well as direct contact between people.

Instead of checking in with a front desk receptionist, guests can check in online 48 hours in advance or utilise the automated check-in kiosk system when they arrive at the hotel lobby.

Instead of pressing buttons, pulling switches, picking up room keys or drawing the curtains, guests can also use a single mobile key integrated within the Sojo app.

The company has used technology to build a live chat system between ‘Gurus’ (versatile and multi-tasking customer representatives) and the guests to ensure communication remains smooth.

More Information

World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries.

Today, the World Travel Awards brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence.

Spotted in: https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/

More about travel to Vietnam

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Anantara Ubud Bali Resort Set for Mid-2022 Launch

Written by Leandro Agostini on August 31, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

Travel news from around the world

Bali:

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas has announced the planned opening of Anantara Ubud Bali Resort in mid-2022. It is the brand’s third resort in Bali, Indonesia. Located in the hillside village of Payangan, it is a one-and-a-half-hour drive away from Bali’s international airport and 35 minutes from the center of Ubud by car.

Guests can choose from 85 rooms, and one- and two-bedroom pool villas. For a longer stay, guests can choose from 15 Anantara residences. The resort has several restaurants that provide sustainable local and international cuisine, icluding locally sourced organic produce from the hills surrounding the resort. Guests can opt for nutritionally healthy menus or explore the “Dining by Design” experiences curated by a private chef in and around the resort.

Amenities include an infinity swimming pool and a gym and fitness facility, while the spa at Anantara Ubud Bali Resort is equipped with foot-massage pods, single and couple’s treatment rooms and a hair salon. Visiting wellness practitioners will offer a range of traditional holistic treatments. There’s also a dedicated kids’ and teens’ clubs to engage younger guests with a range of activities tailored to the interests of different age groups.

Top attractions of Ubud, including the Hanging Gardens, the terraced rice fields, the Puri Saren Royal Palace and Bali’s Seminyak Beach are located nearby and can be accommodated on a day trip.

In other recent Anantara news, the company announced the upcoming addition to its Middle East portfolio: Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort. The resort is in the final stages of development in the World Islands archipelago, located in the Arabian Gulf, approximately two-and-a-half miles off the coast of Dubai.

Spotted in Luxury Travel Advisor

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Malta – Perfect Location to Continue Pride Celebrations in September

Written by Gill Dewar on August 31, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Featured events, MICE.

Malta Pride September 2021

Malta, an archipelago in the Mediterranean, is the perfect location to continue Pride celebrations September 10-19.

Malta was ranked #1 by ILGA-Europe on the EU Rainbow List for the 6th year in a row and is one of the world’s top LGBTQ+ travel destinations. Malta has achieved an overall score of 94% for LGBTQI human rights.

Malta Pride Week is a great opportunity for LGBTQ+ travelers to explore the three sister islands, Malta, Gozo, and Comino while celebrating pride week in a travel destination known for its 7000 years of history, culinary delights including 5 Michelin star restaurants, great beaches and nightlife. Malta plans a wide array of events to enjoy during their week long celebration ensuring a memorable experience for all LGBTQ+ visitors.

Malta Pride week has a week full of events in every category including fashion, art, film and music.

Large LGBT Pride celebrations in the heart of the Mediterranean. This annual gay festival on Malta island features street parties, LGBT floats, parades, concerts, events and fun-filled activities.

The Malta Pride 2021 March takes place on Saturday, September 12th in Valetta. Another highlight of this weeklong festival is the after-Pride dance party, featuring top local & international DJ’s and performers.

Source

Information on booking Malta

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

The World’s Best Airports in 2021

Written by Gill Dewar on August 30, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Airline.

Singapore Changi Airport falls from top spot as world’s best airports for 2021 revealed

For the first time in nearly a decade, Singapore’s Changi Airport has lost its place at the top of Skytrax’s annual ranking of the world’s best airports at the World Airport Awards.

Doha’s Hamad International Airport, which has been climbing the ranks for years, has been rewarded with the number one spot in 2021 in the “World’s Best Airport” category.

This year, Changi placed third — an achievement for any other airport, but perhaps not from the perspective of its superfans, who regularly praise the airport’s ease, comfort and top-notch food and drink options.

Doha’s ascendance coincides with hard work from its flagship airline, Qatar Airways. The Qatari government has invested heavily in both its national carrier and its airport, with pretty spectacular results.

Travelers on Qatar Airways who have a connecting flight at HIA can enjoy free city tours, gratis accommodation and food (depending on the length of the layover) and a VIP transfer service where airline employees meet visitors as they de-plane and guide them seamlessly through the airport and onto their connecting flight.

Airports in Europe and Asia dominated the rest of the 2021 list. Japan was voted best-rated country overall, with three airports in the top 10, including both of Tokyo’s airports (Narita and Haneda).

The World Airport Awards are voted for by customers in a global airport satisfaction survey conducted from August 2020 until July 2021.

Here’s the full list of the top 10 in the “World’s Best Airport” category:

1. Hamad International Airport (HIA)

2. Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)

3. Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)

4. Incheon International Airport (ICN)

5. Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT)

6. Munich Airport (MUC)

7. Zurich Airport (ZRH)

8. London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

9. Kansai International Airport (KIX)

10. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)

Source

Travel around the world

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Underwater ‘forest’ off the coast of Ayia Napa

Written by Gill Dewar on August 30, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Amazing Facts.

Jason deCaires Taylor is the mastermind behind the Museum of Underwater Sculpture Ayia Napa (Musan)

Artist Jason deCaires Taylor has made a big splash in the art world once more – this time with an underwater forest off the coast of party hotspot Ayia Napa in Cyprus.

The Briton is known for creating underwater museums that feature striking sculpture collections. He’s created aquatic sculpture gardens everywhere from Cannes, Mexico, Grenada, the Bahamas, Lanzarote, Norway, Australia, and the Maldives – though this one was partially destroyed after it was deemed offensive.

Titled Museum of Underwater Sculpture Ayia Napa (Musan), his latest submerged endeavour is 200 metres (656ft) off the coast of Pernera Beach and features 93 sculptures on the seabed between eight and 10 metres (26 to 33ft) below the surface.

The exhibition, made with a budget of £846,685 (€1million), opened last month, with divers and snorkelers invited to explore what lies beneath.

The artworks, lowered into the sea using a crane, allude to the relationship between man and nature, with life-size sculptures of children pointing cameras and playing amid 13-tonne blue-tinged trees that catch the light as swimmers paddle overhead.

Made in conjunction with the government of Cyprus, the artworks are intended to resemble a path through the forest floor.

And it’s hoped that the materials will be a haven for sea life.

A launch statement said: ‘The sculptures have been designed and made with materials that attract marine life, and are placed at different depths, thus creating a suitable substrate for marine life at all levels.

‘The sculptures are made of inert materials, with neutral pH, so as not to affect the area adversely. It’s a sandy area and it is expected that over time the biodiversity of the area will be enriched, thanks to the museum.’

The artist describes the sculptures as ‘active catalysts’ in nurturing aquatic life and reefs, meaning Musan will become an evolving and growing underwater forest.

Ayia Napa’s Mayor, Christos Zannettou, said: ‘We believe that with this unique diving museum visitors will be able to enjoy an underwater oasis.’

The past 20 years have seen maritime ecosystems in the Mediterranean deplete radically, with eco-artists like deCaires Taylor determined to make a change.

The qualified diving instructor is preoccupied with man’s impact on the earth in his work, which has a focus on biodiversity.

Source

Travel to Cyprus

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Eurowings starts flights to Armenia

Written by Traveltalksteam on August 30, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Airline.

Travel news from around the world

COLOGNE/BONN, AUGUST 6,
Source: ARMENPRESS. Eurowings airline is launching a new direct connection and will fly its passengers from Cologne/Bonn to the Armenian capital Yerevan for the first time.

Starting August 6, every Friday, an Airbus A320 takes off for Armenia at 2.20 pm, arriving at 8.40 pm. The return flight departs on the same day at 9.30 p.m. and lands at Cologne/Bonn Airport at 00.20 am the next day. All flight times are local times, the airline said in a news release.

Marcelo Wende, Director of “Armenia” International Airports” CJSC, said: “We are happy that Eurowings is entering the Armenian market. We congratulate the airline and wish them successful operation and safe flights. From now on, opportunities to travel directly to Europe will increase.”

“It a big pleasure for us at Eurowings to serve for the first time the Armenian market and offer the regular Eurowings flights from “Zvartnots” International Airport of Yerevan to Cologne. Together with Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa as of next Friday and now Eurowings, as one of the leading European Low Cost Carriers, we are glad to increase our Lufthansa Group presence in Yerevan and therefore offer more opportunities for travelers from Armenia” René Koinzack, General Manager Sales Ukraine, South Caucasus, Belarus and Turkmenistan at Lufthansa Group.

If you need a hotel or activities in Armenia, please contact us

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Egypt’s ancient King Khufu’s Boat moved from Giza pyramids to new home

Written by Gill Dewar on August 30, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Amazing Facts, MICE.

CAIRO – King Khufu’s Boat, an ancient vessel that is the oldest and largest wooden boat discovered in Egypt, has been painstakingly moved from its longstanding home next to the Giza pyramids to a nearby giant museum, officials said.

The 4 600-year-old vessel, also known as the Solar Boat, was moved to the nearby Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), due to be inaugurated later in 2021.

“The aim of the transportation project is to protect and preserve the biggest and oldest organic artefact made of wood in the history of humanity for the future generations,” the tourism and antiquities ministry said in a statement.

It took 48 hours to transport the cedarwood boat, which is 42 metres long and weighs 20 tons, to its new home. It arrived at the GEM in the early hours of Saturday, the ministry said.

The boat was transported as a single piece inside a metal cage carried on a remote-controlled vehicle imported especially for the operation, said Atef Moftah, supervisor general of the GEM project.

The vessel, discovered in 1954 at the southern corner of the Great Pyramid, has been exhibited for decades at a museum bearing its name at Giza Plateau.

Egypt says the Grand Egyptian Museum, which has been under construction intermittently for 17 years, will contain more than 100 000 artefacts when it opens.

Source

Travel to Egypt

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Africa’s second-tallest skyscraper

Written by Gill Dewar on August 30, 2021. Posted in Destination news, MICE.

Deal signed to construct Africa’s second-tallest skyscraper

Zanzibar is set to build Africa’s second-tallest skyscraper and what will be the continent’s largest hotel.

According to a number of news reports, Zanzibar has inked a deal for a major development that will see the construction of Africa’s second-tallest skyscraper and the largest hotel built at a cost of $1.3 billion.

The Zanzibar Domino Commercial Tower project will be home to a man-made island and come complete with a marina where cruise ships and yachts can dock.

In addition, the development will have several luxury hotels, resorts, apartments, a golf course and a wedding chapel.

The project is a joint venture between AICL Group in Tanzania and Crowland Management. A contract has been signed with architect xCassia, which has been tasked with the design of what will be the tallest building in East, Central and Southern Africa.

Zanzibar’s Minister of State in the President’s Office, Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga was quoted as saying that the project was a major step towards building the island nation’s blue economy.

“Its implementation supports the government’s efforts in inviting more local and foreign investors to the isles,” he said.

The estimated timeline for the project’s completion date is in four years. When complete, the tower will be 300m, surpassing the 228m Leonardo development in Sandton. South Africa. It will be rivalled by the Iconic Tower in Cairo, Egypt, which is expected to stretch into the sky at a height of 385m when complete in 2022.

Inspired design

The entire development has been planned over three sites that will be linked by both high and low bridge structures. The Arrivals Plaza, Zanzibar Domino and Island Resort will reportedly each have unique identities.

Guests will enter the property from the Arrivals Plaza. The Zanzibar Domino Bridge will form the backbone of all transport and services.

The Zanzibar Domino will be located 1.5km off the island’s main road, radiating out 250m to incorporate the marina.

The tower itself will comprise 560 apartments across two residences while five and six-star hotel apartments will add another 360 rooms. The resorts and wedding chapel will be accessible privately by helicopter, boat or bridge.

Source

Travel to Zanzibar

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

SAA 2.0 to start flying in September 2021

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

South African Airways will resume flights on 23 September, more than 15 months after it was grounded by Covid-19 and business rescue.

The national carrier said that voyager bookings and travel credit voucher redemption will be available from 6 September 2021. The airline will initially operate flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town, Accra, Kinshasa, Harare, Lusaka and Maputo.

More destinations will be added to the route network as it ramps up operations in response to market conditions.

“After months of diligent work, we are delighted that SAA is resuming service and we look forward to welcoming on board our loyal passengers and flying the South African flag. We continue to be a safe carrier and adhering to Covid-19 protocols,” said interim chief executive Thomas Kgokolo.

“There is a profound feeling of enthusiasm within Team SAA as we prepare for takeoff, with one common purpose – to rebuild and sustain a profitable airline that once again takes a leadership role among local, continental, and international airlines.”

Kgokolo said that aviation sector is going through a testing period, and SAA is aware of the tough challenges that lie ahead in the coming weeks.

“As we are now poised for takeoff, we see this as a major milestone for SAA and the country.”

SAA has failed to make a profit for almost a decade, surviving on state bailouts and government debt guarantees, while it was placed under administration a year ago.

The carrier has been lying dormant since March 2020, when the fleet was grounded due to travel bans to contain the Covid-19 coronavirus.

In June 2021, the government agreed to sell a majority stake in the carrier to a local jet-leasing company and private-equity firm.

A consortium comprised of Johannesburg-based Global Airways, which owns recently launched domestic airline Lift, and private-equity firm Harith General Partners will take a 51% shareholding in South African Airways.

The group, Takatso, will invest as much as R3.5 billion over the next three years, Lift co-founder Gidon Novick and Harith chief executive officer Tshepo Mahloele said.

“Government will have no further financial obligations to the company, outside of the existing liabilities that they will settle,” Novick said. “Route networks we are still working on, and it will be a phased rollout based on demand re-emerging post-Covid.”

Source

Travel to South Africa

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Thanda Island, Tanzania – new mermaid will help build up reefs

Written by Gill Dewar on August 27, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Amazing Facts, MICE.

Thanda Island, off the Indian Ocean coast of Tanzania, has introduced an underwater mermaid sculpture that doubles as a tool in the private island’s ongoing marine conservation work, which includes growing and preserving the vulnerable coral reef that surrounds the island.

Created by Antigone Meda, island manager and “Head of Magic” at Thanda Island, the bigger-than-life-size concrete sculpture contributes to an expanding artificial reef that is part of an coral nursery beneath the waves of the Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve about 5 minutes by boat from the resort.

The piece is also the first of many mermaid sculptures that Meda intends to create to symbolize “the wonderful women that work on the Thanda Island team.” Made from environment-friendly concrete and cast in fiberglass molds, the sculpture is named “Rianne” for resident marine biologist Rianne Laan, who created the coral nursery in 2018.

Meda, who joined Thanda Island in 2016 and became island manager two years later, drew inspiration for the sculpture from the underwater artwork of British artist Jason Taylor. She only works on mermaid sculptures at night after her work is over, she said, “so this one took about two years. It was worth it — this was a dream project.”

Travel to Tanzania

Source

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

10 inspiring travel destinations to visit in 2022

Written by Gill Dewar on August 26, 2021. Posted in Destination news, MICE.

Let’s stop dismissing dreams with “I will go there one day” and finally say ‘yes’ to our desires!

It’s time to explore the charming villages, stunning beaches, and vibrant cities around the world and open your heart to new challenges, experiences, and people. Here is a list of 10 inspiring travel destinations to visit in 2022.

1. New York, USA
There are many reasons to love the New York lifestyle. Think of incredible architectural treasures and attractions, such as Central Park and the Statue of Liberty. New York, the most populous city in the United States, speaks all languages and is suitable for everyone. The city boasts the best international art fairs, fine art exhibitions, numerous art museums, and world-known artists. The fascinating nightlife scene of the Big Apple is also something that you will love at first sight.

2. Scandinavia
You should visit Scandinavia at least because of a number of amazing phenomena created by Mother Nature. You may experience the Midnight Sun, the Polar nights, and the Northern Lights. If you are in the mood for Scandinavian city life, you may feel the metropolitan atmosphere combined with tradition in Scandinavia’s capitals: Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, and Reykjavik. In the warm summer months, check out annual holidays, festivals, and other countless outdoor events happening there quite often.

3. Russia
Russia is undeniably one of the most fascinating destinations to explore on a tour. The country offers the vastness of the diverse landscape. You can discover the beautiful nature of Kamchatka, spot polar bears up in the Arctic Circle, and climb the Altai Mountains. One of the popular tourist routes in Russia is the Golden Ring that includes Rostov Veliky, Vladimir, Sergiev Posad, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Ivanovo, Suzdal, Pereslavl-Zalessky, and a few small towns. There are plenty of museums, including unusual thematic museums. Besides, it is worth visiting Russian Orthodox churches, as they are a big part of Russian traditions and history. Try your best to comprehend antique Orthodox icons that are a wonderful example of Russian culture.

4. Japan
If you want to feel an effortless blend of the past and present, head for Japan. You will find centuries-old Shinto shrines and calm rock gardens beyond the glassy hotels and modern shopping complexes. Visit some of the many impressive castles and temples around the country. There is a wide range of travel options including subway, train, and bus services to choose from. You will be impressed by the sparkling clean streets and absolutely spotless hotels and restaurants filled with pleasant smells.

5. Greece
Greece is famous for its pristine islands capped with whitewashed buildings. You should visit the Athens Acropolis and climb up to the towering monasteries of Meteora to soak up thousands of years of history. Land on one of Greece’s six thousand islands to unwind, relax, and enjoy yourself in crowd-free villages. Hike volcanoes, explore forests, and taste olives. Venture Greece’s perfect turquoise waters by sailboat. If you are not into extreme sports, you may admire the breath-taking views from the shores of one of the many Greek beaches.

6. Turkey
Turkey attracts people with tall mountains, small idyllic villages, crystal clear waters, and the ruins of ancient empires. Try famous Turkish cuisine that is much more than just baklava and kebab. It is a whole world of desserts, vegetable dishes, huge breakfast spreads, fresh seafood, meze, and more. Antalya, Fethiye, Izmir, and Bodrum boast the most beautiful beaches in Turkey. You may take a special cruise to experience the Mediterranean or Aegean Coast. Fans of being scrubbed, washed, and massaged should try the hamam that is a truly spectacular way to unwind.

7. Croatia
Croatia is a wonderful place with picturesque ports, hundreds of islands, beautiful cultural cities, stunning nature, and over 2,500 hours of sun per year. It is easy enough to reach Croatia comparing to traveling to the Canaries or the majority of the Greek Islands, which is especially important if you are traveling with tiny tots. To run away from the crowds of sunbathing tourists (those are more than enough, as Croatia is famed for its scenic pebbled beaches), rent a boat to enjoy Stiniva Bay. There are also many tours for fans of Game of Thrones. You can visit Trsteno Arboretum (the Garden of Red Keep), Dubrovnik City Walls (King’s Landing City Walls), the Fortress of Kliss (the City of Meereen), and other filming locations.

8. South Africa
Paragliding off of a mountain over a capital city, going Shark Cage Diving, and blokarting down by the beach are just some of South Africa experiences that will spice your life up a bit. You can also go on a safari to see some of the magnificent animals. If you are lucky enough, you can even see penguins right on the beach. The country is also known for its wineries and vineyards, so do not miss the opportunity to take a specialized tour to enjoy tasting menus and, of course, purchase a few bottles of fabulous wine.

9. Italy
From the Colosseum to St. Peter’s Square, ancient history and culture are everywhere in Italy. Visit famous museums to enjoy some of the world’s greatest works of art. For fans of pasta, there are fresh markets and local villas around every turn. Don’t forget about Italian wine that goes perfectly with the food! You should also take some time to explore Italian natural landscapes and the mountains.

10. France
Paris is the city of love, so if you are going to propose, a great idea is to do it in front of the Eiffel Tower. If you choose Chamonix, Val D’Isere, or Courchevel, try the French favorite activity après-ski. Head to the Cannes Film Festival for celebrities spotting or grab your bucket and spade and check out the French Riviera. There is a beach for everyone, from Hyères with the famous Plage de l’Almanarre to Nice.

Choose your next getaway to get yourself excited about traveling again! You deserve it!

Source

Travel around the world

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

60th ICCA Congress – transformed business events industry – Colombia

Written by Gill Dewar on August 26, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Featured events, MICE.

Travel Event

The 60th Annual ICCA Congress will take the global association meetings industry to Cartagena, Colombia on 24-27 October 2021 with the theme Forward to our Future. The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Annual Congress is a must-attend event for all involved in international conventions and congresses and this year’s hybrid experience is no different. Delegates are invited to join the Congress in the host city of Cartagena de Indias, a Congress Hub, or on ICCA’s state-of-the-art virtual platform. Registration for the ICCA Congress 2021 is flexible, so delegates can change how they participate at any time.

Setting the stage for future business events
Last year’s ICCA Congress established the Kaohsiung Protocol, a crowdsourced framework identifying major trends and key strategies to enable the international meetings industry to thrive despite the COVID-19 pandemic. The ICCA Congress 2021 will continue the industry’s collaborative approach to overcoming challenges and reinventing business operations. The innovative programme combines best practices for pandemic-safe meetings with the latest research into the future outlook of business events.

“ICCA research has consistently found that the general sentiment about the need for face-to-face events has not only remained, but intensified. Furthermore, while digital and hybrid events have expanded audiences for many organisations, these alternatives cannot supersede the serendipitous moments and truly meaningful connections that are the essence of face-to-face meetings,” said ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath.

“We’ve been listening closely to the motivations and desires of both our ICCA World and Association Community members. As a result, the ICCA Congress 2021 is an event that we are proud to say has been developed for our members, by our members. Delegates will get first-hand experience with the creative, future-forward strategies that will become standard operations for the successful business events of tomorrow.”

Global community connects in Cartagena
ICCA World is a strong advocate for returning to face-to-face meetings, with both safety and financial efficiency as top priorities. Before the pandemic, business events contributed USD 1.5 trillion to the global GDP and affected nearly 26 million jobs worldwide.

“The economic impact of international business events cannot be overstated,” said Gopinath. “In-person meetings are vital to economic development, local job creation, and knowledge exchange. We are very pleased to be able to bring the 60th ICCA Congress to Cartagena, Colombia as a live event.”

Diana M. Rodriguez, CMP, Cartagena de Indias Convention Center, said: “We are convinced that face-to-face meetings and events drive socio-economic development for destinations. They serve as platforms for knowledge sharing and generating valuable connections that positively impact businesses and professionals alike, well beyond the event itself. That’s why we are ready to welcome ICCA delegates in Cartagena de Indias; to rediscover the true power of meeting again under the magic spell of our legendary and ‘heroic’ city.”

ICCA Congress 2021 delegates who are unable to travel to Colombia will also have the opportunity to meet face-to-face at one of the worldwide Congress Hubs. Confirmed destinations as of the date of this announcement are: Paris, France; Johannesburg, South Africa; and Seoul, South Korea. Congress Hub programmes will livestream key plenary sessions that take place in Cartagena. Delegates will also hear from industry experts and government officials with strong ties to their region and participate in immersive workshops. Each Hub will be infused with the Cartagena experience through themed dinners and social events that deliver a Colombian flair.

Delegates who join the ICCA Congress 2021 digitally will have access to cutting-edge event tech. The virtual platform is as functional as it is impressive. The customised, visual wow-factor will keep delegates plugged-in and maximise their overall event participation. Meanwhile, powerful technology will ensure that the learning and networking components are smoothly executed and impactful.

“No matter where our delegates are, they can fully engage with the Congress programme. They’ll make valuable and profound connections and feel immersed in the event,” said Gopinath. “The future of the international meetings industry is here and we will bring it to the world stage during the ICCA Congress 2021.”

Source

Travel to Colombia

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Travel news from around the world

More about our Facebook Group

Travel news from around the world

More about our Facebook Group

Travel news from around the world

More about our Facebook Group

Travel news from around the world

More about our Facebook Group

Travel news from around the world

More about our Facebook Group

More about our Facebook Group

Travel news from around the world

More about our Facebook Group

LOLLAPALOOZA ARGENTINA 26 – 28 November 2021

More about our Facebook Group

Travel news from around the world

More about our Facebook Group

Travel news from around the world

More about our Facebook Group

Malta Pride September 2021

More about our Facebook Group

Singapore Changi Airport falls from top spot as world’s best airports for 2021 revealed

More about our Facebook Group

More about our Facebook Group

Travel news from around the world

More about our Facebook Group

More about our Facebook Group

Deal signed to construct Africa’s second-tallest skyscraper

Zanzibar is set to build Africa’s second-tallest skyscraper and what will be the continent’s largest hotel.

Inspired design

More about our Facebook Group

More about our Facebook Group

More about our Facebook Group

More about our Facebook Group

Travel Event

More about our Facebook Group

Travel Talks Platform for the travel industry

Submit

Subscribe