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Fusion Appoints Three New General Managers in Vietnam

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Fusion Appoints Three New General Managers in VietnamHo Chi MInh City, Vietnam, May 11, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / As Fusion continues to expand its reach throughout Vietnam, the hotel group has made a trio of management appointments in several of its key properties.

Marc Bittner becomes Fusion Hotel Group Director of Operations and General Manager of Fusion Original Saigon Centre

Fusion Hotel Group’s new Director of Operations and General Manager of Fusion Original Saigon Centre embodies the company’s spirit of vitality. The Canadian & French citizen has over a decade of experience working in some of Asia’s most luxurious hotels, including Fusion’s Maia Resort Quy Nhon, where he joined as the pre-opening General Manager in 2019.

With a career that has had him living around Asia and North America, Marc speaks multiple languages in addition to his native tongues, English and French. Prior to joining Fusion, he was General Manager of a luxury resort in Indonesia. He has a strong background in food & beverage, having started his hospitality career as a sommelier and holding positions as head sommelier, beverage manager, and director of food & beverage.

“With his prior Fusion experience, Marc brings with him a solid knowledge of our business, brand, and corporate office as he steps into the role of director of operations,” said Peter Meyer, CEO of Lodgis and Fusion Hotel Group. “In addition to his broad range of experience throughout Asia will be an asset as he helps set Fusion’s strategy and streamlines business operations.”

Fusion appoints Juliana Liew as General Manager of Fusion Suites Vung Tau

Juliana Liew steps into her third General Manager role as she makes the move from Fusion Suites Saigon to the coastal city of Vung Tau, where she will be managing the brand’s flagship Fusion Suites property. Originally from Malaysia, Juliana has held key management positions in her home and Mauritius before relocating to Vietnam in 2017. With a strong background in Sales and Marketing, she will be instrumental in successfully driving results and elevating property performance while playing a pivotal role in achieving operational excellence and delivering outstanding guest experiences.

“Juliana is an asset to the Fusion team having expertly navigated Fusion Suites Saigon through the pandemic,” said Peter Meyer, CEO of Lodgis and Fusion Hotel Group. “In this new role, she will have the opportunity to flex her skills in this popular oceanside destination.”

Fusion appoints Jakub Sippl as General Manager of Maia Resort Quy Nhon

A seasoned hospitality professional with a wealth of food & beverage and management experience has joined the Fusion team to lead the group’s inaugural culinary-focused property, Maia Resort Quy Nhon. Jakub Sippl, the Czech-native began his career in the restaurant industry nearly two decades ago on the island of Malta before pursuing a hospitality career that has brought him to the Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam where he has most recently based in Phu Quoc.

“Jakub brings to his new role a strong background in food & beverage management, as well experience in managing of large-scale events and luxury properties,” said Peter Meyer, CEO of Lodgis and Fusion Hotel Group. “As General Manager of Maia Resort Quy Nhon, Jakub’s expertise will play an important role in elevating Maia’s culinary-focused programs and services to new heights.”

 

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Elephant Bar at Raffles Hotel Wins in Top 30 Bars Cambodia Awards

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Elephant Bar at Raffles Hotel Wins in Top 30 Bars Cambodia Awards - TRAVELINDEXPhnom Penh, Cambodia, May 11, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The iconic Elephant Bar at Raffles Hotel Le Royal won four honors at the “Top 30 Bars Cambodia” awards for 2023, earning recognition for its signature cocktails, impeccable service and distinctive special events.

The outlet was recognized as the “Top Bar of the Year” in the awards, which were announced on March 30. It was also named one of the “Top 30 Bars in Cambodia” and landed two honors for “Top Bar Team of the Year” in separate awards presented by Heineken and Chivas Regal.

“The Elephant Bar is a long-time institution in Phnom Penh,” General Manager Dennis de Groot said. “Over the past nine decades, we’ve welcomed the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Somerset Maugham and Jacqueline Kennedy, who sipped our first Femme Fatale, which is now a signature cocktail.”

The awards were announced as the bar introduces many unique special events this year.

The World Gin Tour, launched in January, showcases highlights from one of Southeast Asia’s most diverse and thoughtfully curated gin collections, with more than 150 labels. Each month introduces a new special cocktail menu featuring refreshing drinks made with a different country’s gin, in addition to a “gin masterclass” that includes cocktail flights for two hours highlighting the featured gin (priced at $28).

Additionally, Elephant Bar’s popular “bar takeover” series has welcomed top regional bartenders, such as Wong Wee Siong of the renowned Smoke & Mirrors rooftop cocktail bar in Singapore who mixed exclusive drinks for Elephant Bar patrons in April.

In March, Raffles Hotel Le Royal hosted the Confrérie du Sabre d’Or, the worldwide organization dedicated to the noble art of Champagne sabrage. The group is globally renowned among Champagne aficionados for the ritual, which involves severing the top of the bottle with a sword.

Elephant Bar exudes timeless charm and sophistication with its rich wood accents, colorful ceiling frescoes and historic photographs on the walls, while wicker chairs and leather sofas bask behind high French windows and arched colonnades in true colonial style.

Voted the No. 1 hotel in Cambodia by readers of the US-based travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler in its annual Readers’ Choice Awards in October, Raffles Hotel Le Royal originally opened in 1929. The hotel features 175 rooms and suites that underwent a full refurbishment as part of a meticulous one-year restoration project in 2019.

For more information or to make a booking, call 023 981 888

ABOUT RAFFLES
Raffles Hotels & Resorts boasts an illustrious history and some of the most prestigious hotel addresses worldwide. In 1887, Raffles Singapore set the standard for luxury hospitality, introducing the world to private butlers, the Singapore Sling and its enduring, legendary service. Today, Raffles continues this tradition in leading cities and lavish resort locales, enchanting travellers with meaningful experiences and service that is both gracious and intuitive. Connoisseurs of life choose Raffles, not merely for its aura of culture, beauty and gentility, but for the extraordinary way they feel when in residence with Raffles. Each Raffles, be it Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Warsaw, Jakarta or the Seychelles, serves as a venerated oasis where travellers arrive as guests, leave as friends and return as family. Raffles is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Holiday Inn Siracha Laemchabang Unveils New Meeting and Wedding Packages

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Holiday Inn & Suites Siracha Laemchabang Unveils New Meeting and Wedding Packages - TRAVELINDEXSiracha, Laemchabang, Thailand, May 11, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Holiday Inn & Suites Siracha Laemchabang in Siracha, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, today launches new meeting and wedding packages featuring 7 fully equipped meeting rooms in Siracha for both social and professional occasions. Located in Siracha in Chonburi province, the hotel provides contemporary, comfortable guest rooms and meeting rooms that can accommodate small groups of 10 people to large groups of up to 350 guests with the meeting space covers over 591 sqm, providing a premier setting for events of all sizes.

The hotel’s “Meet with Confidence” package offers THB 1,500 per standard room with breakfast and wifi, a free room when booking 20 rooms or more, and a free upgrade to the next category when booking 20 rooms or more. The hotel’s meeting offers include a full-day meeting package for THB 1,250 per person, a half-day meeting package for THB 1,000 per person, and a coffee break package for THB 550 per person. These packages include the meeting room, a coffee break that guests can choose for 7 days, 7 themes (for at least 40 persons), a free Thai dessert booth LIVE station when paying in advance THB 100,000, full HD TV, sound, AV projector, and free drinking water, mints, coffee, and tea. Other terms and conditions may apply.

Additional activities, such as mangrove planting (subject to season and tide) and planting staghorn coral, are available for THB 360 net per person and THB 2,600 net per unit, respectively. The hotel’s “Simply The Best” wedding showcase takes place from May 22-28, 2023, at the hotel lobby and ballroom on the 6th floor, and guests can enjoy privileges with freebies. Guests can pre-register via

In addition, bookers can also earn with IHG Business Rewards, earning three points per $1 USD when booking accommodations, meetings, or events at nearly 6,000 participating IHG Hotels & Resorts worldwide.

The hotel is just a 1.5-hour drive from Suvarnabhumi Airport and 20 minutes from the famous beach resort Pattaya. The property has an all-day dining restaurant serving authentic Thai and international cuisine, a lobby bar, a poolside bar and snack menu. Families can make the most of the Holiday Inn signature “Kids Eat & Stay Free” program, plus the hotel’s iconic 25-metre lap pool, sauna, and private onsen at its fitness club.

For more information and reservations, please call 033 251 699

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Banyan Tree Krabi Floats New Luxury Longtail Boat to Guests

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Banyan Tree Krabi Floats New Luxury Longtail Boat to Guests - TRAVELINDEXKrabi, Thailand, May 11, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Visitors heading to Thailand in search of a desert island paradise may be one step closer to fulfilling that dream if they venture towards Krabi and the secluded Tubkaek Beach, where one resort, Banyan Tree Krabi, has unveiled a luxurious new longtail boat, manned and ready for those who seek serenity upon a sapphire sea.

The White Pearl was built by local craftsmen using materials sourced from around Krabi Province, and with specific modifications to enhance luxury and comfort on board. The boat will cater to day trips and island hopping, not only for guests at Banyan Tree Krabi but for private bookings. The White Pearl is ideal for a romantic getaway for two, but can take up to eight passengers.

Visitors can choose from either a half-day longtail boat trip to nearby Koh Hong or a full-day (eight-hour) “4 Islands Tour” among the tranquil islets of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park.

While few travellers will recognise the name of the national marine park, most will recognize the iconic picture postcard of the limestone cliffs that jut majestically from the Andaman Sea, popularised in the 1970s’ James Bond movie, The Man With the Golden Gun, and more recently in The Beach, starring Leonardo di Caprio.

However, while locations such as Maya Beach and Ko Phi Phi have become inundated with tourists in recent years, the 4 Islands have eluded the crowds. Uninhabited but for sea birds, monkeys and monitor lizards, it is in these bays that The White Pearl anchors, allowing guests the opportunity to swim and snorkel in serene undisturbed clear waters.

Perhaps the best known of the four islands is Koh Hong, which faces Tubkaek Beach, and is famed for its volcanic lagoon in the centre of the island, providing Instagrammers and influencers with some of the most idyllic and celebrated beach snaps of all time.

All day trips on The White Pearl include fresh coconut, fruit and soft drinks, snorkelling equipment, life vests, toilets, and an English-speaking Boat Host.

Each of the 72 suites and villas at Banyan Tree Krabi faces west to the sunset and the islands mentioned.

ABOUT BANYAN TREE
Banyan Tree Group (“Banyan Tree Holdings Limited” or the “Group”) is one of the world’s leading independent, multi-brand hospitality groups centred on stewardship and wellbeing while offering exceptional, design-led experiences for the global travellers of today and tomorrow. The Group’s diversified portfolio of hotels, resorts, spas, galleries, golf and residences is centred around an ecosystem of 10 global brands, including the award-winning Banyan Tree, Angsana, Cassia, Dhawa and Laguna, as well as the highly anticipated new brands of Homm, Garrya, Folio and two new Banyan Tree brand extensions, Banyan Tree Escape and Banyan Tree Veya.

Founded in 1994 on the core concept of sustainability, Banyan Tree Group seeks to create long-term value for all stakeholders and destinations across its network of properties, products and brands, through a purpose-driven mission. With 8,000 associates across 23 countries, Banyan Tree Management Academy (BTMA) was established in 2008 to support the Group’s goals through advancing people development, management excellence, and learning with integrity and meaning.

 Banyan Tree Group has received 2,921 industry awards and accolades since inception over 25 years ago, most recently being named among the Top 25 Hotel Brands in the World by Travel + Leisure. It has also received recognition for its commitment to environmental protection and community development through its Banyan Tree Global Foundation (BTGF), which aligns the Group’s efforts to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Executing on its regionalised growth strategy, the Group’s global footprint continues to grow with 47 new hotels and resorts under design and construction in the pipeline, in addition to 58 operating hotels in 17 countries as of December 2021. As a global industry hospitality leader, Banyan Tree Group firmly embeds its mission to be a business that benefits all stakeholders, for the greater good.

Banyan Tree Group entered a strategic long-term partnership with Accor in 2016 to develop and manage Banyan Tree branded hotels around the world along with the access to Accor’s global reservations and sales network, as well as the loyalty programme ALL – Accor Live Limitless. It also formed a joint venture with China Vanke Co. Ltd. in 2017 – focusing on active ageing and wellness hospitality projects.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit to Debut this Summer

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INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit to Debut this Summer - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, May 11, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Thailand will soon open the doors of its first INNSiDE hotel, a design marvel that “challenges convention” with a sky-high transparent infinity pool, integrated co-working spaces and authentic Spanish tapas bar.

Set to debut this July, INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit joins a collection of unique urban and beach hotels in 14 different countries designed for those with curious minds who cultivate a fluid lifestyle when it comes to work and leisure. Always true to their destination, they give guests the freedom to connect or disconnect among an independent community.

Situated in the heart of the action in Bangkok’s lively On Nut neighborhood, the 208-room INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit’s stunning design draws inspiration from some of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks such as the Chao Phraya River and temples Wat Pho and Wat Phra Kaew. To wit, the tapas bar’s angled lines and cabling reference Rama VIII Bridge. Graphic glass walls hung in the 31st floor all-day dining restaurant depict state park Sanam Luang. The rooftop pool area features a contemporary interpretation of Brahman structure The Giant Swing.

Guests will soak up Bangkok’s mesmerizing skyline from the soaring windows of an expansive 32nd floor co-working space. Bespoke social and corporate events make the most of the hotel’s creative, playful meeting rooms and multifunctional areas, such as the aptly named Big Ideas Space, that underscore the INNSiDE brand.

The lifestyle hotel’s pièce de résistance is the spectacular two-story infinity pool that, together with the rooftop pool bar, crowns the hotel’s uppermost floor, the 34th floor. At the Spanish tapas bar on the 33rd floor, each and every seat is an opportunity for a culinary pilgrimage across Spain. With classic tapas, Spanish wines, beer on tap, cocktails and signature sangrias in hand, tapas bar guests peer into the bottom of the swimming pool; a visual wonder unrivaled in Bangkok.

Beyond its Spanish roots, the hotel’s dining landscape highlights local cuisine. All-day dining “Kites Thai Eatery” celebrates local food throughout the Kingdom, with quality ingredients sourced from local farms. The Open Living Lounge, a café and lobby bar integrated into the 32nd floor’s coworking space, serves grab-and-go barista coffee and morning pastries, Spanish afternoon tea, and Thai and Western comfort food, with drink trolleys to boot. Room service is 24/7.

Fresh-faced and exuding modernity from every corner, eight accommodation categories come with work desks and DreamMaker mattresses. In-room perks range from complimentary minibar items, organic bathroom amenities and natural cork yoga mats to 50-inch TVs, Wi-Fi, and USB chargers. Rooms on the upper floors afford great views of the Thai capital.

A 30-minute ride from Suvarnabhumi Airport and close to Bangkok’s largest convention centre, BITEC, the hotel is also home to a 24-hour gym and a concierge service. A ban on single-use plastic and recycled glass bottles for drinking water are among the hotel’s raft of sustainability efforts.

“In a first for Bangkok, we’re giving our guests the freedom and flexibility to move seamlessly from work, to leisure, to wellbeing. Our new lifestyle hotel enriches the everyday experience with multi-purpose spaces, stand-out service, and inspiring local influences,” said Ignacio Martin, Meliá Hotels International Managing Director for Asia Pacific.

“Together with my imaginative team, INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit would have to be, hands down, the most dynamic hotel project I’ve worked with hitherto; the buzz is palpable,” added the hotel’s general manager Aarron Nelson. “Our new hotel challenges convention by offering the unexpected, with its endless opportunities to seek stimulus, inspiration and adventure with every step – and occasionally time to relax too.”

To mark the hotel’s debut, a 15% off introductory offer on room rates applies from July until October 2023.

About Meliá Hotels International
Founded in 1956 in Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International has a portfolio of more than 400 hotels (portfolio and pipeline), throughout more than 40 countries, and 10 brands: Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ME by Meliá, The Meliá Collection, Paradisus by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ZEL, INNSiDE by Meliá, Falcon’s Resorts by Meliá, Sol by Meliá and Affiliated by Meliá. The Group is one of the leading companies in resort hotels worldwide, while also leveraging its experience to consolidate the growing segment of the leisure-inspired urban market. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led the Group to become the most sustainable hotel company worldwide, according to the last S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment, and it is also a “Top Employer 2023” brand in Spain, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Italy and Germany. Meliá Hotels International is also included in the IBEX 35 Spanish stock market.

About INNSiDE by Meliá
INNSiDE is a collection of unique urban and beach hotels designed for those with curious minds and fluid lives. Always true to their destination, they give guests the freedom to connect or disconnect among an independent community of like-minded travellers.

INNSiDE provides guests with all the everyday essentials and extra-special details to make their stay all the more unique. From in-room comforts to the inspiring Big Idea Space, Open Living Lounges, and fitness studios, we allow guests to feel more-than-at-home.

Sustainability is also packed into all the little details: every room is equipped with paper and plastic-free collateral and complimentary organic cosmetics. INNSiDE celebrates the culture of each of its locations with an events calendar, handy city guides for guests, and by spotlighting a local artist’s work across the hotel walls and onto merchandise and staff uniforms.

There are currently 38 INNSiDE by Meliá properties worldwide, with the brand continuing to expand its global footprint. All properties are located in the best lifestyle neighbourhood travel destinations. Some of them are Spain (Madrid, Mallorca, Ibiza, Fuerteventura, Zaragoza), United Kingdom (Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester), United States (New York, Lima), Germany (Berlin, Bremen, Frankfurt, Munich, Dresden, Düsseldorf, Aachen, Leipzig, Hamburg) Czech Republic (Prague), France (Paris), Italy (Milano), China (Zhengzhou), Indonesia (Yogyakarta), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) and Netherlands (Amsterdam).

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Joyned and Amadeus Unveil New Agreement to Enhance Travel Booking Experience

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Joyned and Amadeus Unveil New Agreement to Enhance Travel Booking ExperienceIsraeli start-up Joyned has today announced a commercial agreement with leading global travel technology company Amadeus. The agreement will see Joyned’s group booking software – Joyned Booking – offered alongside Amadeus’ portfolio of solutions to online travel agencies and other digital travel players across the globe.

The Joyned Booking website add-on enables a more social booking experience by allowing travellers to invite friends and family to discuss and collaborate on travel plans in a private on-site space, and then book with ease. This increases conversion rates for digital travel players, whilst complementing Amadeus’ existing booking technology and further boosting its value proposition.

Commenting on the partnership, Jonathan Abraham, CEO of Joyned, said; “Having informally collaborated with Amadeus over the past few years, a commercial partnership was the natural step forward. Both our mission and Amadeus’ are interconnected around a customer-first focus so it’s a natural fit! We’re excited to be able to bring our social booking solution to more travellers across the globe through this partnership, providing an enhanced customer experience for more and more people.   

“Social booking is such a big topic in the travel industry at the moment and we are currently the only company to offer an off-the-shelf solution for travel websites. Our partnership with Amadeus will see its value proposition enriched through offering customers a social group booking platform,” he added.

Furthermore, by implementing Joyned’s seamless, social booking experience for groups, travel sites can typically enjoy a higher conversion rate of 10% and an increase in overall website revenue. Additional data and insight is also made available through Joyned Booking, such as price perception and mapping of the group booking customer buying journey, further enriching travel sites’ offering through tailored offers and promotions.

Sam Abdou, Executive Vice President of Airline Distribution and Global Online Tech at Amadeus, said: “For digital travel players, the success and growth of their businesses is closely tied to increasing conversion rates, and social booking has a proven track record in this regard. That’s why we’re excited to be partnering with Joyned. We’re always looking at how we can improve the booking experience in a way that benefits both our customers and travellers. Joyned Booking delivers in both areas by growing digital travel players revenue through increased conversion rates and introducing a more collaborative experience for travellers that makes the process of booking a trip easier than ever. I look forward to working more closely with Jonathan and the Joyned team in the future as we continue to innovate together.”

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

CUNARD CELEBRATES QUEEN ANNE FLOAT OUT

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Luxury cruise brand Cunard celebrated a construction milestone last week with the float out of Queen Anne at the Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Venice, Italy. The 249th ship to sail under the Cunard flag, Queen Anne officially touched water for the first time exactly 365 days before she will set sail on her maiden voyage to Lisbon on May 3, 2024.

Steeped in tradition, the float out was marked by a special ceremony where a ‘Madrina’ is named to offer blessings and best wishes for the ship, celebrating the flow of water into the ship’s dry dock.

Carnival UK President Sture Myrmell said: “We are delighted to celebrate this important milestone in the construction of Queen Anne. The float out ceremony marks the ship’s transition from her building dock to where she truly belongs – in the water.”

The float out completes the first comprehensive phase of construction for Queen Anne, which now transitions to focus on building the luxury ship’s interiors.

Queen Anne

The 113,000-ton, 3,000-guest Queen Anne, which spans 14 decks, is the newest ship in the Cunard’s 180-year history. Entering service in May, 2024, Queen Anne will join Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth. It will be the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four ships in simultaneous service.

The float out ceremony follows September’s keel laying, in which a coin was embedded into the ship’s keel by Captain Inger Thorhauge, alongside an original coin from the ship’s namesake’s reign, to mark the formal start of her construction.

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

SURVEY REVEALS: Why Montreal is magnifique

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A new study has revealed visitors to downtown Montreal are highly satisfied with the destination – particularly tourists from outside Quebec. In fact, visitors tend to like the city better than those who live there.

The study, conducted by Léger for Montréal Centre-Ville, was based on a face-to-face survey of 1,021 visitors to downtown Montreal, as well as a web survey of 1,404 Quebecers to find out their appreciation of the heart of the city as the summer season approaches.

The survey revealed a very high satisfaction rate among visitors surveyed in the downtown core, particularly among tourists from outside Quebec, who are 100% satisfied with their visit to the city. This satisfaction rate was 94% among students, 93% among residents, 92% among local tourists, and 91% among office workers.

The study also reveals that, regardless of the reason for their presence in the downtown area, visitors strongly recommend living, travelling, studying, or working there.

The main strengths for Quebecers and foreign visitors to downtown Montreal were:

• Atmosphere and dynamism
• Cultural offer
• entertainment and free activities
• Gastronomy, and
• Proximity of all services.

The results of the study reveal that, while the downtown area has managed to maintain its attractiveness despite nearly three years of pandemic, it is also faced with major issues that are hindering its recovery. The three main irritants identified by users are:

• Cohabitation issues due to the growing presence of homelessness
• Lack of cleanliness, and
• High costs

“The power of attraction of Downtown Montreal lies first and foremost in the atmosphere and the vibrant experience it offers throughout the year. In particular, its cultural and gastronomic offerings, its walkability and the animation of the public domain offer a unique experience to users of all kinds,” said Glenn Castanheira, Executive Director of Montréal Centre-Ville. “It is therefore essential to strengthen these strategic assets that give our downtown a power of attraction that radiates well beyond the borders of Quebec.”Residents’ opinions

While downtown Montreal is Canada’s fastest growing downtown, the study reveals a divergence of opinion between downtown residents and other respondents.

• Residents find downtown clean at 53%, compared to 38% for Quebec respondents and 63% for visitors
• In terms of safety, 66% of residents felt safe in their neighbourhood, compared to 82% of visitors and 45% of Quebecers surveyed
• 65% of residents think that public spaces, parks, and green spaces are well maintained, compared with 46% of Quebecers and 76% of visitors to the downtown area
• 72% of residents consider the commercial offer to be of good quality and varied, compared with 94% of visitors outside Quebec and 81% of Quebecers outside Montreal

Meanwhile, the survey indicates that 85% of respondents consider the downtown area to be easily accessible by public transit and 83% consider walking to be pleasant and safe. In terms of active transportation, 65% of respondents indicated that it is easy to get around by bicycle in the area. Finally, only 36% of respondents found it easy to get around by car in the heart of the city.

Founded in 1999, Montréal Centre-Ville is downtown Montreal’s Business Improvement Area (BIA) Montréal, a non-profit organization representing nearly 5,000 businesses located between Atwater Avenue and Saint-Urbain Street and between Sherbrooke Street and Saint-Antoine Street.

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ROUND-UP: May 1-5, 2023

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WestJet made all kinds of news last week, while Canadian passport office and some border staff were back at it as federal workers settled their two-week strike. Amongst the other round-up items: an interesting opinion on the prospects of the Canadian airline industry and – wait for it – the US finally ended vaccine requirements at the Canada-US border.

NEWS

Effective May 12, the US is officially lifting COVID-19 vaccination requirements for foreign air travellers and at the Canada-US border. May 11 will mark the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency the US imposed back in 2020 as the world was coming to grips with the scale of the pandemic.

The WestJet Group announced the completion of its acquisition of Sunwing Vacations and Sunwing Airlines. The transaction, which will see the two brands maintain independent operations, includes the appointment of now former Sunwing CEO Stephen Hunter as CEO of the WestJet Group’s Vacations Business, responsible for all tour operating and vacation package businesses of both brands. In other news, the first collective bargaining agreement between WestJet and the Unifor bargaining unit at YYZ was ratified by Unifor’s members. Unifor is the certified union representing WestJet airport employees at Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Passport workers and some border staff were back at work with the announcement that the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) had reached a tentative contract agreement with the Treasury Board covering more than 120,000 federal government workers across the country.

BORDERS

Japan lifted most of its coronavirus border controls, including a requirement that entrants show proof of three vaccinations or a pre-departure negative test.

After May 9, testing of those with symptoms upon arrival will be voluntary. Japan’s government dropped its requests for mask wearing in March, leaving it up to each person’s discretion.

Travellers entering China no longer need to provide a negative PCR test result in another easing of China’s “zero COVID” policies. Travellers can instead show a negative antigen test result taken within 48 hours before boarding. Airlines will no longer be required to check test results before departure.

BY THE NUMBERS

Vacation deprivation levels have reached a 10-year high as working adults navigate inflation, workplace labour shortages, and busy schedules, according to a new report by Expedia. Key findings amongst Canadian respondents include: 57% of Canadian working adults, 74% of Gen Z, and 37% of Baby Boomers.

AIR

Air Canada and Dreams Take Flight, with the support of numerous Air Canada employee volunteers, conducted their third flight of the year, transporting a plane load of children from Toronto Orlando (plane). The plane was carrying many children who were meant to experience the once-in-a-lifetime trip in 2020 but were unable to due to the global pandemic. Five more flights from across Canada will depart from Edmonton, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, and Ottawa throughout 2023.

WestJet’s conducted its first-ever flight to Asia, with WS80 from Calgary arriving at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport on May 1. The service will operate three times per week through Oct. 28 on the airline’s 787 Dreamliner and will return in Spring 2024.

Flair Airlines has established a new base of operations at the Calgary International Airport as part of its ongoing aggressive expansion plans. The company, which had just three aircraft at the start of 2021, will have a total fleet of 21 Boeing 737s by this summer with service to over 30 cities across Canada, the US and Mexico. At the opening of the base, Flair CEO Stephen Jones said he doesn’t believe all the suddenly numerous Canadian airlines will survive.

DEALS

To celebrate of its new ‘Time to go’ marketing campaign, Air Transat is offering prices on round-trip flights to Europe and US, including flights to the former starting at $799, and one-way flights from Toronto to Florida starting at $149, and one-way flights from Montreal to California from $249.

TOURS

G Adventures is planning the world’s biggest community tourism summit Sept. 22-28 in Peru. The multi-day mega-event will include the inaugural GX summit, the first World Community Tourism Summit, and G’s 2023 Change Makers event and will be a travel convention “unlike any the travel industry has seen before.” The event will be attended by travel agents, suppliers, media, and travellers from around the globe “to experience firsthand what an incredible impact community tourism can have on a destination.”

TravelBrands reports electric Tesla vehicles are now available for rental in Canada and the US. Traveller can choose from three zero-emission models: the Tesla Model 3 SR Plus Electric, Tesla Model 3 LR Electric, and Tesla Model Y. As an added bonus, travel agents who make new electric vehicle rental bookings in May, will receive 5X Loyalty Rewards points and be entered for a chance to win a three-day Tesla rental.

HOTELS

Two prominent hotel brands are headed for Belize. Margaritaville, scheduled to open this year, will be a full-service resort with spa, gym, convenience store, and more. It is registered to have over 70 Villas, and Suites available. And Four Seasons is under construction, with an expected opening date in mid-2024. Amenities will include a nine-hole golf course, approximately 100 luxury villas, private residential options, and other luxury amenities. Meanwhile renovation and expansions are under way at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza, Radisson Fort George Hotel, and Princess Ramada Hotel.

Quebec’s Fairmont Tremblant is getting an outdoor makeover: The Fairmont Tremblant’s outdoor pool deck will undergo major renovations this summer. Until work is completed in the fall of 2023, the Moment Spa, located in the hotel, will be open, as will the renowned establishment’s indoor aquatic facilities.

RESORTS

The Coraland Music Fest 2023 is set to take place at Blue Diamond Resorts in Cayo Santa María, Cuba, May 11-14 and May 18-21. The is an electronic music festival highlights a line-up of Cuban and international DJs, along with beach parties. Participating hotels include Starfish Cayo Santa Maria Hotel, Grand Memories Santa Maria Hotel, Sanctuary at Grand Memories Santa Maria Hotel and Memories Paradise Beach Resort, and packages are available with Sunwing. The fest is free for guests.

La Société Immobilière du Massif de Charlevoix has unveiled its new apartment-hotel project named Le Camp de Base – Secteur Grande Pointe. The $40-million real estate project at the foot of the mountain will offer a residential ski-in/ski-out experience as well as several hotel services, including an outdoor pool. The delivery of the first units is scheduled for the fall of 2025.

CRUISE

Viking has taken delivery of the company’s newest ocean ship, the Viking Saturn. Viking also announced that the vessel will be officially named in New York City on June 6, by her ceremonial godmother, Ann Ziff, the philanthropist and Chairman of the Metropolitan Opera who is a long-time Viking cultural partner. Following the naming ceremony, the ship will spend her inaugural summer sailing two new Viking voyages: “Iconic Iceland, Greenland & Canada,” between New York City and Reykjavík, and “Iceland & Norway’s Arctic Explorer,” between Reykjavík and Bergen.

Silversea Cruises’ ‘Suite Upgrades’ promotion for new bookings made by May 31 offers guests to a two-category suite upgrade on select voyages, for selected suite categories and a US$1,000 shipboard credit per suite. Plus, Silversea’s door-to-door all-inclusive fares feature a refundable, reduced 15% deposit and price guarantee, as well as private executive transfers between home and airport, international flights and Business Class upgrades, and in-country air and hotels when required by the itinerary, as well as airport transfers and luggage handling.

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS

Canada’s Wonderland opened on the weekend with a full lineup of events and entertainment in store for the 2023 season. The popular theme park, located in Vaughan, just north of Toronto, will feature two new rides: Tundra Twister, a giant 360-degree spinning swing ride coming to Frontier Canada. The only one of its kind in the world, Tundra Twister will have guests spinning, twisting, and twirling upside-down at heights of 47 m. and speeds of 75 km/h.

FAMS & INCENTIVES

In celebration of Travel Agent Appreciation Month, Royal Irish Tours (RIT) has revealed an incentive for travel counsellors in May: every booking in May will be added to a draw to win a grand prize of an eight-day familiarization trip to Ireland or Scotland in 2023/24. Multiple bookings mean multiple entries in the draw.

The Globus family of brands launched a special booking incentive to compliment its existing offers for agents: a $150 gift card for every Globus or Avalon Waterways booking made between mid-April and May 17. In addition to this limited-time incentive for new bookings, travel advisors can earn more through GFOB’s Travel Advisor Discount Program. And, for those advisors who become an Avalon Waterways specialist, the company offers access to Suite Rewards – a program that provides them the opportunity to earn a complimentary FAM.

EVENTS

The Jamaica Tourist Board, in partnership with ACTA, is offering a free Business-building Workshop series with the chance to win trips (for two) from Royalton Negril Resort, DeCameron Club Caribbean, and Secrets St. James Resort. The three hour-long virtual sessions will be as follows (all times 2-3 p.m. EDT): May 9 – Planning Fees for Travel Advisors: Everything you need to know; May 10 – Removing the noise and overwhelm to make space for new leads; and May 11 – Generating new leads for your business. Register at  visitjamaica.com/canada/engage.

Tourism Ireland is hosting the following upcoming educational webinars (all at noon, EST) for travel agents: May 10 – ‘Attractions Across the Island of Ireland’; June 7 – ‘Flavours of Ireland’; and June 28 – ‘Explore Northern Ireland.’ Contact the tourist board for details.

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

Philip Rose – familiar to the Canadian trade as the former head of the Jamaica Tourist Board in this country – has been named Deputy Director of Tourism for the Americas, with responsibility for the US, Caribbean and Latin America.

DESTINATIONS

A walrus that became a global celebrity last year after it was seen frolicking and basking in an Oslo, Norway fjord before it was euthanized by the authorities has been honoured with a life-size bronze sculpture, not far from the place where the actual 600-kg. mammal was seen resting and relaxing during the summer of 2022. The walrus, named Freya, quickly become a popular attraction among Oslo residents but authorities later made a decision to euthanize it – causing public outrage – because they said people hadn’t followed recommendations to keep a safe distance away from the massive animal.

LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY

In 1919, airline passenger service was inaugurated when Robert Hewitt flew two women from New York to Atlantic City, N.J.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

THE MINSTREL OF THE DAWN: Gordon Lightfoot

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Like a great many Canadians I was saddened by the news of Gordon Lightfoot’s death last week. I bought his first album ‘Lightfoot’ when it was released in 1966 mainly because he was related to a friend and I thought he was cute. However, while the Lightfoot look was attractive, the Lightfoot sound hooked me. I bought all the albums as they were released and headed off to hear him live at Yorkville’s famous Riverboat Café in Toronto. What you may not know however, is that way back in those pre-album days, Lightfoot had a strong connection to an early travel industry founder.

Gordon Lightfoot and Terry Whalen

In the mid-fifties Lightfoot was part of a barbershop quartet called the Teentimers who performed at clubs and dances across Ontario. When the group disbanded Lightfoot moved to California to study music. He returned to Canada in the early sixties and teamed up with one of his former TeenTimer pals, Terry Whalen and, calling themselves the Two Tones, they performed regularly in Toronto, Orillia and Muskoka.

They released an album – ‘Two Tones at the Village Corner’ recorded live at the Village Corner in Toronto in 1962. They also released a single – both those records are now collectors’ items.

The Two Tones live album and the first Lightfoot solo album

The duo split and Lightfoot went on to a brilliant musical career. Terry Whalen continued to sing but soon his career took a twist as he became part of a very different duo. Teaming up with Ron Harding, in 1966 the two founded a wildly successful and innovative tour company aptly named Great Places. Those were the early days of charter holidays as Canadians were introduced to new destinations including St. Lucia and San Juan. Skiing was also a big part of Great Places programme with ski packages to Austria and Aspen.

Unfortunately by the early seventies Great Places was no more and Whalen and Harding went their separate ways (Harding to a long travel career at Sunquest).  Terry Whalen left the industry and died in 2004.

Gordon Lightfoot of course, went on to became a Canadian music icon, with his compositions being covered by major artists including Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Barbra Streisand, Neil Young and Harry Belafonte.

Dylan who inducted Gordon Lightfoot into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame at The 1986 JUNO Awards, has been quoted as saying, “I can’t think of any Gordon Lightfoot song I don’t like. Every time I hear a song of his, it’s like I wish it would last forever.”

Hard to choose just one, but here goes…

Turns out I couldn’t choose just one – so while there’s no video of him singing this – here’s another Lightfoot song that brings back memories of summers spent around Georgian Bay.

The Minstrel of The Dawn

The minstrel of the dawn is here
To make you laugh and bend your ear
Up the steps you’ll hear him climb
All full of thoughts, all full of rhymes
Listen to the pictures flow
Across the room into your mind they go
Listen to the strings
They jangle and dangle
While the old guitar rings
The minstrel of the dawn is he
Not too wise but oh so free
He’ll talk of life out on the street
He’ll play it sad and say it sweet
Look into his shining face
Of loneliness you’ll always find a trace
Just like me and you
He’s tryin’ to get into things
More happy than blue
A minstrel of the changin’ tide
He’ll ask for nothing but his pride
Just sit him down upon that chair
Go fetch some wine and set it there
Listen to the pictures flow
Across the room into your mind they go
Listen to the strings
They jangle and dangle
While the old guitar rings
A minstrel of the dawn is near
Just like a step’n fetchit here
He’s like an old time troubadour
Just wanting life and nothing more
Look into his shining eyes
And if you see a ghost don’t be surprised
Like me and you
He’s tryin’ to get into things
More happy than blue
The minstrel boy will understand
He holds a promise in his hand
He talks of better days ahead
And by his words your fortune’s read
Listen to the pictures flow
Across the room into your mind they go
Listen to the strings
They jangle and dangle
While the old guitar rings
The minstrel of the dawn is gone
I hope he’ll call before too long
And if you meet him you must be
The victim of his minstrelsy
He’ll sing for you a song
The minstrel of the dawn

Songwriter: Gordon Lightfoot

Christian Island (Georgian Bay)

I’m sailing down the summer wind
I’ve got whiskers on my chin
And I like the mood I’m in
As I while away the time of day
In the lee of Christian Island
Tall and strong she dips and reels
I call her silver heels
And she tells me how she feels
She’s a good old boat and she’ll stay afloat
Through the toughest gales and keep smilin’
But for one more day she would like to stay
In the lee of Christian Island
I’m sailing down the summer day
Where the fish and seagulls play
I put my troubles all away
And when the gale comes up I’ll fill my cup
With the whiskey of the highlands
She’s a good old ship and she’ll make the trip
From the lee of Christian Island
Tall and strong she slips along
I sing for her a song
And she leans into the wind
She’s a good old boat and she’ll stay afloat
Through the toughest gales and keep smilin’
When the summer ends we will rest again
In the lee of Christian Island

Songwriter: Gordon Lightfoot

First published at Travel Industry Today

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News