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Radisson Announces New Hotel in Nigeria with Radisson Collection in Abuja

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Radisson Announces New Hotel in Nigeria with Radisson Collection in AbujaAbuja, Nigeria, February 20, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Radisson Hotel Group is bringing its luxury lifestyle brand, Radisson Collection, to Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city and governmental powerhouse. Radisson Collection Hotel & Conference Center, Abuja Nigeria marks the Group’s 9th hotel and 3rd Radisson Collection in the country, placing it firmly on track to achieve 15 hotels in Nigeria by 2025.

Located next to the Presidential Palace in Maitama District, one of the most sought after and exclusive areas in Abuja, the hotel will be a 45-minute drive from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, the country’s second busiest airport after Lagos. In proximity to the hotel is the city’s most popular market, Wuse market, Jabai Boat Club, a water based recreational facility and family entertainment center, and Abuja National Mosque, also known as the Nigerian National Mosque, built in 1984.

The new-build, 249 room hotel will be the city’s first luxury hotel in Abuja, with an expansive range of rooms, from standard rooms and apartments to lofts and presidential suites. Spanning across almost 3000 square meters, the meeting spaces of Radisson Collection Hotel & Conference Center, Abuja Nigeria will consist of a dividable conference hall, five meeting rooms, a board room, as well as a pre-function area.

Erwan Garnier, Senior Director, Development, Africa at Radisson Hotel Group, said: “With a vast potential for significant scale, both Nigeria and its capital city, Abuja have been identified as key markets within our robust development strategy to reach 150 hotels across Africa within the next five years. It is an honor to kick start the year by introducing our beloved luxury lifestyle brand for experience-driven travelers to the city of Abuja as its first luxury hotel.”

Ramsay Rankoussi, Vice President, Development, Africa & Turkey at Radisson Hotel Group, said: “We are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with Avalon Intercontinental Nigeria Limited, leaders in the hospitality industry with whom we currently operate three hotels in Lagos. 65% of our hotel owners have more than one property with Radisson Hotel Group, which is a testament to our commendable owner retention.”

Radisson Collection hotels are made up of iconic properties in unique locations. Each hotel is authentic to the destination while offering brand’s hallmarks of signature dining, local art, and experiences to create genuine connections. The wide-ranging dining outlets of Radisson Collection Hotel & Conference Center, Abuja Nigeria will consist of a lobby lounge and coffee bar, as well as a business class lounge providing the ideal menu and venue for a quick meal or business meeting. The all-day dining, specialty, and roof top restaurants will offer tailored and unforgettable dining experiences. To unwind, guests will be able to relax on the pool deck and bar or enjoy their favorite workout or treatment at the onsite fitness and wellness facilities. The hotel’s onsite night club will be a new addition to Abuja’s social scene.

Asiwaju Tajudeen Owoyemi, Chairman of Avalon Intercontinental Nigeria Limited, said, “We are delighted to be extending our partnership with Radisson Hotel Group with the addition of Radisson Collection Hotel & Conference Center, Abuja to our collective portfolio. Together, we will be uplifting the hospitality landscape of Abuja by debuting a luxury lifestyle hotel offering like no other within the city.”

About Radisson Hotel Group
The Radisson family of brands can be found around the world in more than 120 countries, with currently over 1,700 hotels in operation and under development. Radisson Hotel Group operates the business in EMEA and APAC with over 1,100 hotels in operation and under development. The international hotel group is rapidly growing with a plan to double the portfolio by 2025. The Group’s overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos.

The Radisson family of brands portfolio includes Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and prizeotel brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels.

Radisson Rewards is Radisson Hotel Group’s loyalty program, which delivers an elevated experience that makes Every Moment Matter. As the most streamlined program in the sector, members enjoy exceptional advantages and can access their benefits from day one across a wide range of hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific.

Radisson Meetings provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely 100% Carbon Neutral.

At Radisson Hotel Group we care for people, communities and planet and aim to be Net Zero by 2050 based on the approved near-term Science Based Targets. With unique solutions such as 100% carbon neutral Radisson Meetings, we make sustainable hotel stays easy. To facilitate sustainable travel choices, all our hotels are becoming verified on Hotel Sustainability Basics.

About Radisson Collection
Radisson Collection is a luxury lifestyle collection of iconic properties located in unique locations. While the character of each Radisson Collection hotel feels authentic to its location, all of them offer the ultimate template for contemporary living – united by bespoke design and exceptional experiences across dining, fitness, wellness and sustainability. Designed for guests and locals alike, each Radisson Collection hotel is defined by the guests who visit them. Guests and professional business partners can enhance their experience with Radisson Collection by participating in Radisson Rewards, an international loyalty program offering exceptional benefits and rewards.

Radisson Collection is part of the Radisson family of brands, which also includes Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and prizeotel brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

A BRIDGE NOT FAR: Touring and tips along Britain’s Great West Way

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It may not be as recognizable a name yet as the Cotswolds or Yorkshire, but England’s Great West Way tourism route – which runs west from London to Bristol and the Welsh border – already encompasses many of the country’s must-see sights, including Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath, as well as attractions like Hampton Court Palace and Highclere Castle (aka Downton Abbey), and Kew Gardens.

Encompassing 805 km. of navigable routes, the Great West Way can be travelled by bike, road, rail, canal, or on foot (or a combination of all five), making the route – unveiled in 2018 – the first of its kind in the UK.

Designed to help visitors easily discover and have a quintessentially English experience, the tour route presents a plethora of gardens, pubs, tearooms, breweries, and vineyards, not to mention lush landscapes, bustling market towns, “chocolate box” villages, and three UNESCO World Heritage sites – all coming together to give “a taste of real England” – or as GWW promoters say: “England undiluted (and) concentrated.”

Based on Ireland’s successful Wild Atlantic Way, the Great West Way can also be broken down into a range of themed itineraries and trails, including heritage, food and drink, countryside, film tourism, and more.

Regional tourism types also point out that by staying along the route, visitors can see sites before (and after) the London day-trip visitors come and go.

With so many of England’s attractions dotted along the route, 2023 promises to be filled with a full slate of activities, anniversaries, and special events. Here’s a just a small sampling of some of the new and notable happenings on Great West Way throughout 2023 (including tips for the trade, and based on a recent FAM visit, some Travel Industry Today tested and suggested experiences on the route):

Royal Connections

2023 is a great year to visit the Great West Way. Starting with the King’s Coronation over the bank holiday weekend May 6-8, there will be a host of Royal celebratory events throughout the year:

• Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle (May 7) – Broadcast by the BBC, this special Coronation Concert will bring global music icons and contemporary stars together in celebration of the historic occasion.

• Royal Windsor Horse Show (May 11-14) – Attendees can join the royal razzamatazz at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, where royals attend and compete, as well as watch show jumping and military spectaculars as the Household Cavalry performs to music.

• Royal Ascot Racecourse (June 20-24) – England’s most famous, and grandest, horse-racing event, with four days of races each kicked off by a royal carriage parade. Steeped in elegance, the atmosphere found across the Royal Meeting’s five-days creates the perfect day out. Group tours, tickets, and hospitality packages are available.

Anniversaries

Concorde, Aerospace Bristol

• 2023 marks the 650th anniversary of Bristol becoming a city. There will be many festivals and events celebrating Bristol 650 throughout the year.

• Aerospace Bristol is celebrating 20th anniversary of Concorde’s final flight in 2003. Visitors can step aboard Concorde Alpha Foxtrot – the last Concorde ever to fly – which landed for the final time at nearby Filton and enjoy a range of celebratory events and activities, including new group tours and packages.

Walking, Festivals & Music

As well as its natural scenery, cultural scene, and friendly locals, the Great West Way is known for its many festivals and events. Agents may consider including the following events as suggestions on itineraries for visitors travelling over these dates:

• The first Reading Walks Festival launches this year, May 10-14, with over 40 guided walks ranging in length from an hour’s gentle walk to 40 km. along the St James’ Way. Taking place across five days, the festival brings to life the stories, heritage, wildlife, and landscapes of Reading and the surrounding countryside.

• Vale of Pewsey has three new multi-day long-distance walking, cycling, and riding routes, highlighting where to stay, eat and drink, and transfer options. Check out the Pewsey Vale Circular Way (120-km walk/cycle), Mid Wilts Way (8-80 km) and Kennet & Avon Canal (38-80-km walk).

• North Wessex Downs Walking Festival (June 2-11) – A celebration of the stunning landscapes, gorgeous scenery, and top-class walking country.

• Forest Live at Westonbirt/ The National Arboretum (June 8-11) – Held in beautiful forest locations, Forest Live is a major live music series of summer concerts across the country. At Westonbirt there is everything required for a great night out – a relaxed atmosphere, spectacular backdrops and great music from artists including Jack Savoretti and Tom Grennan.

• Bristol Harbour Festival (July 15-16) – The city’s prime, maritime event attracts around 250,000 visitors each year through its popular mix of attractions. There’s a world-class circus and on-water activities, music, family entertainment, food stalls and, of course, the many ships that come into the harbour for the event.

New Garden Tours

• The National Garden Scheme (NGS) offers exceptional gardens, from extensive country landscapes and romantic cottage gardens to urban hideaways and ancient woodlands. Check out the NGS Wiltshire ebooklet NGS Wiltshire 2023 which details gardens open for groups by prior arrangement.

• Bowood House & Gardens (mid April-early June) – New woodland garden guided tours will see visitors surrounded by carpets of bluebells and swathes of magnolias in April, and in May and June there are breathtaking displays of rhododendrons and azaleas, with over 30 hardy hybrids, some previously thought to be extinct.

• Iford Manor Gardens, in Bradford on Avon, is now offering exclusive champagne guided tours of the garden with the owner and kitchen supper clubs on Friday evenings with a five-course tasting menu and live music.

Our Way

Some Travel Industry Today tested and suggested experiences):

Hampton Court Palace

• Hampton Court Palace – Closer to London than many realize (on the Thames near Richmond), the famous Tudor palace is just a hop, skip and half-hour train ride from Waterloo station, then another five-minute walk. The home of Henry VIII is amazing any time, but the Tulip Festivals (April 14-May 1) is especially fragrant, while summer fests feature concerts and other outdoor events. Rotating exhibitions are also a constant; on our visit, there was the excellent “Windsor Beauties,” exploring defined beauty in the 17th century and how they have inspired new portraits of creative talents from the Black British Queer community.

• Kew Gardens – In the same neighbourhood as Hampton Court on the western outskirts of London, Kew houses the world’s most diverse collection of living plants, which has resulted to UNESCO World Heritage Site status. It is also a world-leading scientific research centre. Whether visitors are keen to walk around themed gardens, go up high on the treetop walkway, or explore the glasshouses, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew is a great place to escape it all, just 30 minutes from central London.

• Bombay Sapphire Distillery (London Road, Whitchurch, Hampshire) – A must for gin-lovers, visits begin with a trip to the Turbine Bar for a complimentary G&T, before heading to the Cinema Room to be immersed in all things Bombay Sapphire. A guided tour follows, with stops in the glasshouses, interactive and Botanical Dry Room, and learning about the infusion distillation process used to make the gin.

• Watership Down Inn (Priory Lane, Freefolk, Whitchurch) – Dating to the 19th century, the award-winning gastro pub is nestled at the foot of the North Wessex Downs, overlooking the head waters of the Test Valley and just south of the famed Watership Down. Ideal for lunch before or after the nearby gin tour, it serves locally brewed ales and on our visit: Best. Ham sandwich. Ever.

• The Old Bell Hotel (Abbey Row, Malmesbury, Wiltshire) – Located in the charming Cotswolds town of Malmesbury, the Old Bell Hotel enjoys a prime location next door to Malmesbury Abbey, Abbey House Manor, and quaint shops and restaurants. The market town is the oldest borough in England and the Grade 1 listed hotel is said to be the oldest in the country dating back to 1220. Nearly three dozen rooms are individually designed and furnished with colourful wallcoverings, and interesting antiques and art. The onsite Saints & Sinners restaurant celebrates Cotswold produce and three lounges make a perfect setting for a quiet drink or afternoon tea. The covered and heated outdoor Tyger Bar patio is open year-round.

• Mary Shelly’s House of Frankenstein (Bath) – Showing a different side of the famous Roman Spa town, award-winning Frankenstein House examines the unconventional and tragic life of author Shelly, who wrote much of classic gothic novel in the town. Fun and informative, the attraction extends over four floors, bursting with unusual artefacts, ominous soundtracks, bespoke smells and special effects, and a 2.5-m. animatronic creature, authentically reproduced exactly as Shelley described. Jane Austin and Bridgerton are also big in Bath.

• Bristol Packet Boat Trips (Wapping Wharf) – The fascinating history and contemporary culture of Bristol’s Floating Harbour is revealed on a 45-minute small boat tour, departing Wapping Wharf. Tours in covered low boats sail from beside Brunel’s SS Great Britain museum ship, which is one of Bristol’s top attractions.

• KASK Wine (51 North St., Bedminster/Bristol) – Unique, sustainable wines selected for their minimal intervention and sourced for unique flavours from independent growers are perfectly paired with a selection of local cheeses for an unexpected experience in the British maritime city. Ideal for a pre-drink before dinner. The surrounding neighbourhood is also known for its incredible murals – a Bristol specialty (including three by favourite son, Banksy)

Bristol is known for it’s colourful murals

Discoverer Pass

The Great West Way Discoverer Pass is the best and most relaxing way to explore the route by rail, allowing unlimited off-peak train and bus travel between London Paddington and Bristol Temple Meads, with options to branch off in the Thames Valley, Cotswolds, and Wiltshire – all with just a single ticket.

Travel trade

For more information, including info on the Discoverer pass, an interactive map, insider tips, events calendar, or for help in creating customizable itineraries, travel agents can visit HERE; also visitwiltshire.co.uk/GreatWestWay.

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

LISTENING IN: Mamma Mia! Live from London’s amazing ‘ABBA Voyage’

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It’s a shame that ABBA never sang “The Time Warp” as it would be the perfect intro to the “ABBA Voyage” show now playing in London – a concert performance that transports concertgoers back to the 1970s via incredible avatars that are indistinguishable from the real members of the Swedish pop super troopers.

“You think your eyes are playing tricks on you,” VisitBritain CEO Patricia Yates told me as I headed off to the smash show, which takes place Thursday to Mondays at a purpose-built venue located in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London’s East End (DLR station Pudding Mill Lane).

Indeed. Through a technical process that saw the members of the band – Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny and Anna-Frid (ABBA, get it?) – perform their songs in a studio wearing motion capture suits (banner photo), then digitally replaced with their younger selves.

ABBAtars

Beamed to London, the ‘ABBAtars’ perform “live” on stage (to be clear, not on screen), playing close to two dozen songs to a surprisingly all-age audience of 3,000 every night, sweat glistening from their faces on the giant screen backdrop. Bjorn’s guitar strumming, in perfect synch, doesn’t miss a chord. The voices were lifted from the original versions of the songs.

The characters even address the audience, pausing in appropriate places for laughter or applause, though miraculously quick costume changes perhaps give the gig away a little.

A real-live 10-piece band and backup singers perform for real live, even taking centre stage at one point for their own solo.

The irrepressible feel-good show – who doesn’t know the words to almost every ABBA song, from “Mamma Mia” to “Waterloo” and “Fernando” to “Dancing Queen”? – could have taken place in 1979, the year the avatars represent.

Instead, it demonstrates the enduring popularity of the band, which has remained alive in the 40-plus years since the quartet – now in their 70s – last performed in 1981. The only thing that could have made it better is if ABBA had defied aging for real.

ABBA Voyage, which debuted in May 2022, has already been extended until January 2024 and is expected to continue until 2025 when the venue is scheduled to be converted into housing. There is talk the show will soon appear in other cities, like Las Vegas.

There are plenty of great videos on YouTube showing how the state-of-the-art show was made (undoubtedly game-changing technology for the concert industry – imagine Elvis, or a Beatles “reunion” of their younger selves?).

In the meantime, this trailer gives a brief glimpse of the show. ABBA Voyage is performed Monday, Thursday, and Friday evenings at 7.45 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and 7.45 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. VIP and group ticket options are available to travel providers.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Best Western Hotels Expands in Bangkok with New Hotel Next to Iconic Chatuchak Market

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Best Western Hotels Expands in Bangkok with New Hotel Next to Iconic Chatuchak Market - TRAVELINDEX - VISITTHAILAND.netBangkok, Thailand, February 16, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Best Western Hotels and Resorts (BWHR) has expanded its footprint in Bangkok with the opening of Best Western Chatuchak, an exciting new hotel that puts guests just steps from the iconic Chatuchak Weekend Market, in one of the city’s most exciting emerging districts.

Perfectly positioned in North Bangkok, just 100 meters from Kamphaeng Phet MRT subway station, Best Western Chatuchak is easily accessible from all parts of this dynamic city. Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, Bangkok’s new main rail terminal, and Don Mueang International Airport are just a short distance away, making this a convenient place to stay for domestic and international travelers alike.

Guests can unwind in a selection of 192-stylish rooms and suites, each of which comes fully equipped with signature king or twin beds, contemporary interiors, a working desk and views of the city. Modern amenities include a 43-inch HDTV and entertainment system, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a bathroom with a rainfall shower.

Best Western Chatuchak is set to become a major hub for meeting planners. This highly accessible hotel features world-class function space including a naturally-lit ballroom with 280 square meters of pillar-free floorspace and soaring 8.4-meter-high ceilings, allowing it to accommodate 300 guests. This sophisticated venue also extends out onto a 3,200-square meter outdoor terrace and garden, which sets the stage for glamorous alfresco receptions, and a separate meeting room can accommodate up to 100 people. This makes the hotel ideal for all types of corporate and social gathering, including weddings. The excellent local transport and large onsite parking lot mean that all delegates can come and go with ease.

“We are delighted to introduce Best Western Chatuchak to our guests from around the world. Located on the doorstep of Chatuchak Market, which attracts more than 200,000 visitors every weekend, this is a great option for retail lovers and culture seekers. It will also become an important venue for conferences, events and weddings, establishing a new frontier in Bangkok’s thriving meetings, incentives, conferencing and exhibitions (MICE) sector. Just moments from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal and fully connected with urban transport links, Best Western Chatuchak represents another important milestone in the development of this up-and-coming urban district,” said Olivier Berrivin, Vice President of International Operations – APAC, BWH Hotel Group®.

The opening of Best Western Chatuchak reaffirms BWHR’s position as one of the leading hospitality companies in Bangkok. The company now offers eight hotels in Thailand’s dynamic capital city, covering six of its diverse brands.

For more information about BWHR in Asia, please visit www.bestwesternasia.com

About Best Western Hotels and Resorts
Best Western Hotels and Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a privately held hotel company within the BWH Hotel Group® global network. With 18 brands and approximately 4,500 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*, BWH Hotel Group suits the needs of developers and guests in every market. Brands include Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, Executive Residency by Best Western®, Vīb®, GLō®, Aiden®, Sadie®, BW Premier Collection® and BW Signature Collection®. Through acquisition, WorldHotelsTM Luxury, WorldHotels Elite, WorldHotels Distinctive and WorldHotels Crafted collections are also offered. Completing the portfolio are SureStay®, SureStay Plus®, SureStay Collection® and SureStay Studio® franchises**.

* Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.
**All Best Western, WorldHotels and SureStay branded hotels are independently owned and operated.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Orlando Crowned Largest Tourism City Destination in America

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Orlando Crowned Largest Tourism City Destination in America - TRAVELINDEX - TOURISMAMERICA.orgOrlando, Florida, United States, February 16, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today revealed Orlando is predicted to be the largest U.S. Travel and Tourism city destination in 2022 with an economic contribution of over $31 billion, representing 20% of the city’s total GDP and recovering above 2019 levels by $2.7 billion.

The Cities Economic Impact Report, sponsored by Visa and researched in partnership with Oxford Economics, analyzed key Travel & Tourism metrics across 82 cities around the world, including contribution to GDP, employment and traveler spend.

The report studied the sector’s impact in Orlando, Las Vegas, Miami, Chicago, New York City, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and Honolulu.

Las Vegas followed Orlando as the second largest Travel & Tourism market in the U.S. with a direct GDP contribution of $23 billion last year, surpassing the 2019 baseline by 5.3%.

Miami made the top city destinations list with a heroic GDP comeback last year of $11.1 billion that exceeded pre-pandemic contributions by 5% despite a devastating 56% drop in economic contribution from the sector in 2020.

New York City and Los Angeles also landed in the top U.S. rankings for 2022 with Travel & Tourism GDPs valued at $21.1 billion and $11 billion respectively, showing strong signs of closing the gap to 2019 levels.

“It was a fightback year for cities across the country in 2022. Destinations like Orlando, Miami, Chicago and Las Vegas are back stronger than ever before thanks to the relaxation of pandemic restrictions and a strong rebound of consumer confidence.” said Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO.

“Other popular holiday destinations like San Francisco, Honolulu and Washington D.C. are following suit with growing sector GDP contributions that are well on their way to recovering from peak pandemic lows as they build up their industry workforce and cultivate a flourishing base of international travelers.”

Domestic Travelers Dominate Visitor Spending in Major U.S. City Destinations

In 2019, domestic travelers made up an 84.6% share of Travel & Tourism spending in the U.S. – that number increased to more than 95% in 2021. Travel hubs like Orlando, Miami and Las Vegas continued to benefit from strong domestic spending last year to surpass 2019 marks by 19% on average.

In Washington D.C., domestic visitors provided $5.27 billion to the local economy in 2022, 85% of pre-pandemic revenue. Honolulu and San Francisco were not far behind with spending reaching $4.7 billion and $3.41 billion, respectively.

Despite a strong domestic traveler market, pressure created by the slower-than-expected international traveler spending return in the U.S. continued to drive a performance gap in the overall economic recovery of many city destinations last year. The combined international visitor spend across the nine US cities analyzed was 35% below 2019 levels.

Orlando was the only major city destination to maintain its industry edge with international visitors, surpassing 2019 spending by almost 20% in 2022.

Positive Trends for Travel & Tourism Employment in 2022

New York City’s direct contribution of Travel & Tourism to jobs grew by almost 32% between 2020 and 2022, representing an increase of more than 59,200 filled positions.

Las Vegas displayed equally impressive employment gains year-over-year, climbing out of a record low of 163,800 jobs in 2020 to round out 2022 with more than 206,000 industry positions.

While employment across Travel & Tourism in major city destinations continues to rise after the devastating loss of thousands of jobs in the industry throughout the country in 2020, many top markets are still struggling to meet or exceed 2019 job levels despite positive macro-GDP growth.

In 2022, Chicago was the only major city destination with direct contribution of Travel & Tourism jobs outstripping 2019 employment levels, reaching 178,200 jobs last year (a more than 20,000 increase from 2019).

The Travel & Tourism sector overcame significant long-haul hurdles and is poised to emerge even stronger going into 2023 as a critical driver for economic prosperity. By fostering private and public sector collaboration to reintegrate the workforce and attract new talent that meets consumer demand while encouraging open borders, the industry can continue to meet and exceed record economic development.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

S Hotels Announces Green Globe Certification for CROSSROADS Maldives

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S Hotels Announces Green Globe Certification for CROSSROADS Maldives - TRAVELINDEX - VISITMALDIVES.orgMale, Maldives, February 16, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / S Hotels and Resorts and Singha Estate announce that CROSSROADS Maldives has achieved Green Globe Certification, reinforcing environmental commitment. Group reaffirms its vision of sustainability, balanced diversity and social responsibility as the Maldives’ first and only world-class integrated tourist destination is recognised for its international environmental standards.

CROSSROADS Maldives, the Indian Ocean’s first and only multi-island, integrated leisure destination featuring three award-winning resorts – Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, and SO/ Maldives, which is opening in late 2023 – and The Marina @CROSSROADS, a luxury yacht marina, lifestyle area, and culinary experiences, has been awarded the internationally renowned Green GlobeTM Certification (GGC) following a recent sustainability audit, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.

Developed by S Hotels & Resorts Public Company Limited, the hospitality arm of Singha Estate Public Company Limited, Thailand’s leading real estate company, in partnership with Boon Rawd Brewery Co., Ltd., CROSSROADS Maldives has adopted environmental best practices in accordance with Green GlobeTM standards, which are recognized worldwide as the highest benchmark in the tourism and hospitality industry. Successfully attaining Green GlobeTM Certification shows that CROSSROADS Maldives integrates sustainable, socially-responsible and environmentally-friendly processes throughout its daily operations.

This is the latest honour for CROSSROADS Maldives and its resorts, which also won the 2022 TTM Awards for Best MICE Destination and South Asia Travel Awards for Leading Yacht Marina Hotel/Resort.

CROSSROADS Maldives’ comprehensive Environment Policy covers four key pillars: Sustainable Management, Social & Economic Development, Environmental Practices and Cultural Heritage. Each of these strategies has been carefully designed to conserve the Maldives’ national resources and preserve the local way of life.

Two key facilities – the expert-led Maldives Discovery Centre and Marine Discovery Centre – are helping to drive to CROSSROADS Maldives’ social and environmental efforts.

Maldives Discovery Centre is designed to provide in-depth information about the Maldives’ culture, people, history, and unique environment and climate struggles. The facility is fully-equipped with interactive displays and staffed by knowledgeable, experienced guides.

Marine Discovery Centre is a pioneering conservation hub that aims to highlight environmental issues and showcase the destination’s phenomenal beauty. It features a marine biology laboratory and coral nursery, and regular initiatives include fish identification, coral propagation and more.

Dirk De Cuyper, CEO, S Hotels & Resorts, said; “S Hotels & resorts is a subsidiary of Singha Estate, which has passed down its vision of sustainable development and integrating the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially marine biodiversity (SDG 14: Life Below Water), into its business operations. Our company aims to balance big business with the integrity of marine biodiversity to create a balanced, diversity and sustainable growth strategy. This is very challenging, so we have to carefully monitor every aspect of our operations to ensure that it enhances the guest experience but does not impact the environment.”

“CROSSROADS Maldives is S Hotels & Resorts’ flagship project that can generate significant income for the group. In 2023, we will launch SO/ Maldives, the stylish new resort from Accor’s luxury lifestyle brand, which will offer guests a fun and vibrant vacation experience with a wide range of leisure options. All three resorts will have distinctive and different styles, resulting in the company expanding into more diverse market segments,” he continued.

“We are delighted to achieve Green GlobeTM Certification, which is considered the highest global standard for sustainable tourism and hospitality providers. At S Hotels & Resorts and Singha Estate, we are committed to operating in accordance with the philosophy of sustainable development throughout caring for the environment and community is integral to every aspect of our business. We understand that we are only the guardians of our destinations and that we have a responsibility to protect and preserve them for future generations. Receiving this important accolade shows that we are succeeding. The Maldives is a truly breathtaking destination, and we look forward to showcasing its natural beauty to the world’s travellers for many years to come,” Mr. De Cuyper concluded.

About S Hotels & Resorts
S Hotels & Resorts, a subsidiary of Singha Estate Public Company Limited, is a new-era Thai-inspired personalised hospitality company that caters to upscale travellers with an independent spirit. The group offers guests a portfolio of 38 properties in 5 countries with a total of 4,552 keys and provides guests with the opportunity to experience the best destinations from a unique perspective while enjoying world-class facilities and tailored services. S Hotels & Resorts’ properties are located in attractive, unspoiled locales to provide an exclusive playground built around nature, culture, wellness and adventure, with luxurious amenities and fine cuisine. Each property boasts its own distinctive, destination-sensitive designs and unique signatures while also providing consistency thanks to a well-defined brand philosophy and a service culture that focuses on exceptional guest experiences backed up by Thai-inspired hospitality and global quality standards.

About CROSSROADS Maldives
Crafted from tales of the past, designed to inspire the present, CROSSROADS Maldives is the next chapter in the story of one of the world’s most amazing destinations. The archipelago’s only “one-stop, non-stop” lifestyle destination invites adventurous travellers from the four corners of the globe to cross paths and explore a treasure trove of iconic oceanfront resorts, upscale lifestyle outlets and endless entertainment offerings, as well as the stunning natural, cultural and nautical attractions that have lured maritime travellers to the Maldives for centuries. CROSSROADS Maldives is where cultures meet.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Meliá Chiang Mai Celebrates First Anniversary with New Experiences

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Meliá Chiang Mai Celebrates First Anniversary with New Experiences - TRAVELINDEX - VISITTHAILAND.netChiang Mai, Thailand, February 15, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Meliá Chiang Mai is turning one this April, offering a variety of exciting new experiences to mark the milestone including a purple-themed afternoon tea, roast dinner buffet and spa journey dedicated to coconuts.

The first five-star hotel to open in Chiang Mai since the onset of the global pandemic, Meliá Chiang Mai debuted on 10 April last year, signaling a huge vote of confidence at the time in the future of the mountain city’s tourism landscape.

A new afternoon tea for two available daily from 2pm – 5pm at Ruen Kaew Lounge will make a splash with purple from 1 April until 30 June 2023. Crispy butterfly pea flowers with purple hummus, lavender mousse with mirror glaze and purple potato mont blanc are among the visually compelling savoury and sweet treats served with a selection of teas or freshly brewed coffee as part of “Summer Purple Afternoon Tea”.

Replete with slow-roasted beef tenderloin, whole roast chicken, and braised lamb shanks, Laan Na Kitchen will host the “Friday Roast Dinner Buffet” on 28 April, 26 May, and 30 June 2023 from 6pm – 9.30pm. Anchored by roast carvery stations, the buffet also includes a live pasta station and chemical-free side dishes featuring fresh organic produce from local farmers.

During the second quarter of 2023, 21st floor Mai Restaurant & Bar will serve a four-course ‘360° Cuisine’ Thai set menu daily from 6pm – 10pm with new dishes crafted by a thoughtful cooking process that involves sourcing organic produce from the hotel’s nearby farm and using every part of each ingredient possible before food waste is returned to the farm as fertilizer. New dishes include Makreau thed consommé comprising farm-grown tomato with pearl summer squash, Hung Ley curry style pulled pork lasagna with pomelo peeled coconut cream sauce, and a warm, overripe banana cake with mixed nuts butter scotch for dessert.

From 1 – 10 April 2023, other promotions to mark the first anniversary include Laan Na Kitchen providing a 50% discount on its breakfast buffet from 6am – 10.30am for walk-in guests, making it THB 383 net per person (the normal price is THB 765 net per person), and a complimentary bottle of Spanish sparkling wine for 10 guests who celebrate a special occasion at one of the hotel’s banquet venues.

To celebrate the hotel’s first anniversary, YHI Spa is offering a new package dedicated to coconuts designed to detoxify and rejuvenate the skin. ‘Coconut Pampering’ begins with a 60-minute coconut body polish to exfoliate dead skin cells and soften the skin, followed by a 60-minute aromatherapy massage with virgin coconut oil to prevent dry skin and protect it against aging. A warm cup of YHI’s coconut charcoal tea rounds out the treatment. The 120-minute Coconut Pampering package is THB 2,950 net per person and available daily at YHI Spa from 10am to 10pm from 1 April – 30 June 2023.

YHI Spa will also discount its 60-minute aromatherapy massage from THB 1,766 net to THB 1,366 net per person from 1 – 30 April 2023.

For more information and reservation, please contact +66 52 090 699

Prices are inclusive of 10% service charge and 7% government tax.

About Meliá Hotels & Resorts
Meliá Hotels & Resorts is the best-known international brand in the portfolio of the Meliá Hotels International company; it has more than 100 city and resort hotels in the main leisure and business destinations of Europe, Asia, Africa and America. The brand offers exemplary meetings and events facilities in all important business cities as well as in exotic locations, catering to the ever-expanding conference and incentive travel market. As part of its innovation philosophy and new positioning, Meliá Hotels & Resorts has reinvented itself to cater to every aspect of the guests’ wellbeing. Unique experiences are created for guests and are defined by relaxation, quality time and personalised services. For a balanced lifestyle, Meliá Hotels & Resorts instinctively understands the guests’ needs and lifestyle expectations, which is an integral part of its redefined identity.

About Meliá Hotels International
Founded in 1956 in Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International operates more than 380 hotels (portfolio and pipeline) throughout more than 40 countries, under the brands Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, Paradisus by Meliá, ME by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, The Meliá Collection, INNSiDE by Meliá, Sol by Meliá, and Falcon’s Resorts by Meliá, plus a wide portfolio of affiliated hotels under the “Affiliated by Meliá” network. 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 in Spain and Europe, according to the last S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (Silver Class). It also has ranked seventh in the Wall Street Journal’s list of the 100 most sustainably managed companies in the world (and the leading travel company) and is the only Spanish travel company included in the list of “Europe’s Climate Leaders 2021” by Financial Times. Meliá Hotels International is also included in the IBEX 35 Spanish stock market.

About Asset World Corp Public Company Limited
Asset World Corp Public Company Limited is a holding company under TCC Group operating leading integrated lifestyle property development in Thailand. The company has two main businesses consisting of the Hospitality business managed by top hotel executives of world-renowned hotel brands such as Marriott, The Luxury Collection, Okura, Banyan Tree, Hilton, and Sheraton and Retail, Wholesale and Commercial properties whose projects include 1) Retail and Wholesale including lifestyle travel destinations, community shopping malls, community markets, and wholesale business real estate. Popular real estate projects consist of ASIATIQUE the Riverfront Destination, Gateway at Bangsue, AEC Trade Center – Pantip Wholesale Destination, and Tawanna Bangkapi and 2) Commercial buildings including the famous Empire Tower and Athenee Tower located in Bangkok’s central business district.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Centara Appoints P. Thongrungrot Corporate Public Relations Director

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Centara Appoints P. Thongrungrot Corporate Public Relations Director - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25HOTELS.comBangkok, Thailand, February 15, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, has announced the appointment of Pornchanok Thongrungrot as its new Corporate Public Relations Director. Pornchanok or Pao, as she is better known, has worked with Centara since 2015 when she joined the company as Assistant Corporate Public Relations Manager. Since then, her talent and professionalism have helped her to achieve the series of promotions and she is now more than ready to lead the group’s Corporate Public Relations division.

Pao gained strong marketing and communications experience with local and global brands across multiple industries, including Boots Retail Thailand, Yum Restaurants International (KFC and PizzaHut Thailand), and TTMWM – an affiliate of Toyota Motor Thailand. This gave her the perfect platform upon which to build her career with Centara.

Since joining Thailand’s leading hotel and resort company, she has supported several major PR campaigns and marketing initiatives, including the launch of Centara Reserve, the personalised luxury lifestyle brand, and the expansion of the family-focused Centara Mirage concept in Vietnam and the Middle East. She successfully implemented Centara’s international PR strategy in 2018 and tripled brand’s media value through several media and influencers trips over the past few years. Pao also helped to skilfully guide the company’s corporate PR strategy through the global pandemic.

Fluent in Thai and English, Pao has become a well-known and highly respected figure among the local and international media, with excellent contacts among journalists, editors, bloggers and influencers in Thailand and overseas.

“Ever since Pao joined Centara in 2015, we have been hugely impressed by her ability and expertise. She has a natural understanding of the PR industry and excellent inter-personal skills, which enables her to build and maintain strong relations and generate positive media coverage. Also, being of the millennial generation, she is at the forefront of all the latest media trends and social media platforms. I am delighted that Pao has been promoted to the role of Corporate Public Relations Director and look forward to continuing to see her flourish for many years to come,” said Tom Thrussell, Vice President Brand, Marketing & Digital, Centara Hotels and Resorts.

About Centara
Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 92 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, China, Japan, Oman, Qatar, Cambodia, Turkey, Indonesia and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands – Centara Reserve, Centara Grand Hotels & Resorts, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centara Boutique Collection, Centra by Centara and COSI Hotels – ranging from luxurious island retreats to family resorts and affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology. It also operates state-of-the-art convention centres and has its own award-winning spa brand, Cenvaree. Throughout the collection, Centara delivers and celebrates the hospitality and values Thailand is famous for including gracious service, exceptional food, pampering spas and the importance of families. Centara’s distinctive culture and diversity of formats allow it to serve and satisfy travellers of nearly every age and lifestyle.

Over the next five years Centara aims to become a top 100 global hotel group, while spreading its footprint into new continents and market niches. As Centara continues to expand, a growing base of loyal customers will find the company’s unique style of hospitality in more locations. Centara’s global loyalty programme, Centara The1, reinforces their loyalty with rewards, privileges and special member pricing.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Momentum in International Visitor Growth into Asia Pacific Continues

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Momentum in International Visitor Growth into Asia Pacific Continues - TRAVELINDEX - VISITTHAILAND.netBangkok, Thailand, February 15, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Following strong annual percentage increases in international visitor arrivals (IVAs) in 2022, predictions now are for a peak in that growth momentum in 2023 year-over-year, before slowly moderating in strength to 2025, as pent-up demand gradually eases.

The latest scenario forecasts from the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) for international arrivals into 39 Asia Pacific destinations covered in the Executive Summary report released today, predict that under the mild scenario, the return to pre-COVID levels of IVAs will occur in 2023; under the medium scenario that is projected to occur in 2024, while under the severe scenario, even by the end of 2025, arrival numbers are predicted to still lag the 2019 benchmark by around 12%.

In absolute terms, the number of international arrivals estimates for 2023 range from 713 million under the mild scenario to 512 million under the medium scenario and 383 million under the severe scenario.

While the forecasts for annual increases in international visitor numbers into and across Asia Pacific are strong for each year from 2023 to 2025 under all three scenarios, there are still significant variations under each of those scenarios for individual destination regions and within those, the destinations themselves.

The annual growth rate for IVAs into and across Asia, for example, is predicted to be of the order of 254% in 2023 under the mild scenario, 171% under the medium scenario and 127% under the severe scenario. Such performances are supported by the recent news that China is slowly returning to international travel for both inbound and outbound.

The other destination regions of Asia Pacific are not forecast to grow as strongly as Asia, but still have significant growth rates and absolute volume increases, which, importantly, are predicted to remain positive from year to year between 2023 and 2025.

In addition, when evaluating the annual percentage gains, it must be remembered that while triple-digit annual growth rates look powerful, they translate into quite different absolute increases in IVAs; the annual percentage increases need to be tempered against the absolute increases in visitor numbers.

“Overall, while the trends in these latest forecasts are extremely positive, there are still significant challenges ahead, not the least of which will be managing the impacts of the various variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and whatever else might appear. Add to that the continually looming possibility of a global recession, ongoing geo-political conflicts, a persistent trade-war and changing landscapes in the face of climate change, and it seems advisable to at least consider the possibility of more years of uncertainty and to prepare accordingly,” said PATA Chair Peter Semone. “We were warned with SARS in 2003/2004 but did not fully heed it and consequently paid an enormous humanitarian and economic price with COVID-19. Lessons must be learned and remembered.”

“International travel has already returned to and across the Asia Pacific region to some degree, however, growth over the next few years will largely be uneven for various sub-regions and destinations, in the face of their own local disruptions. The need for a mindset shift from merely marketing a destination to managing visitor demand in a responsible and sustainable manner remains a critical issue for the travel and tourism sector. While the lure of revenue is seductive after years of losses, it should not be the only driving force behind the rebuilding of the supply-side elements of international travel and tourism,” added Mr. Semone.

Mr. Semone concludes by noting that, “Another critical issue for the travel and tourism sector is staffing; we need appropriately trained and motivated personnel and that in turn necessitates education, realistic salaries and benefits, and a transparent promotion pathway for those staff. The sector lost millions of workers during the COVID-19 years and luring them back will be a difficult task unless conditions improve. Developing a more harmonious and equitable tourism system of necessity, involves destinations, suppliers, local communities, and workers. Get that mix right and we will be on the road to a sustainable and equitable long-term future.”

What you will learn from this report:

– Forecast international visitor numbers for Asia Pacific between 2023 and 2025 by destination region, sub-region, and destination, highlighting changing demand preferences in the post-COVID era; and
– Forecasts for 39 individual destinations facilitating the development of appropriate strategies over the next three years.

The PATA Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts Executive Summary 2023-2025 is now available at https://www.pata.org/research-q1v63g6n2dw/p/asia-pacific-visitor-forecasts-2023-2025.

PATA International members have exclusive access to the Forecast webinar recording, “How Would the Opening of China Impact on Demand for Tourism in the Asia Pacific Region” which was held on Thursday, January 26, 2023. The webinar included expert speakers from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Euromonitor International, and OAG. The speakers provided an overview of the forecasts for international arrivals to Asia Pacific between 2023 and 2025 from their unique positions of forecasting arrivals, monitoring changing consumer sentiment, and aviation capacity.

About PATA
Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for-profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. The Association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research and innovative events to its member organisations, which includes government, state and city tourism bodies; international airlines and airports; hospitality organisations, and educational institutions, as well as thousands of young tourism professional (YTP) members across the world. The PATA network also embraces the grassroots activism of the PATA Chapters and Student Chapters, who organise numerous travel industry training programmes and business development events across the world. Thousands of travel professionals belong to the 32 local PATA Chapters worldwide, while hundreds of students are members of the 28 PATA Student Chapters globally. The PATAmPOWER platform delivers unrivalled data, forecasts and insights from the PATA Strategic Intelligence Centre to members’ desktops and mobile devices anywhere in the world. PATA’s Head Office has been in Bangkok since 1998. The Association also has official offices or representation in Beijing and London.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

FLORIDA ROADTRIP: What’s new and notable around the state

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Whether travellers are looking for new places to stay, visiting iconic theme parks, returning to favourite haunts, or discovering a part of the state they may not have known, there is never a shortage of new experiences and opportunities in Florida. Here is a just a small sampling of some of what’s brightening the tourism scene in the Sunshine State in 2023.

Miami

The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Miami Health & Wellness Months are underway. Through March 31, the program features discounts on wellness and self-care activities, treatments, and experiences. More than 60 offers are listed at MiamiTemptations.com.

Fort Lauderdale

Greater Fort Lauderdale is preparing to set a new record this month (February) with four, back-to-back, sold-out LGBT+ cruises, welcoming more than 11,500 global visitors to the destination. Greater Fort Lauderdale is Florida’s LGBT+ capital and one of the most progressive destinations in the United States. The South Florida City also celebrated the Pride of the Americas festival Feb. 10-12, featuring a performance by Boy George.

The Palm Beaches

• The high-speed Brightine passenger rail service, which runs between Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach unveiled a Boca Raton station in November. Service to Orlando is begin in 2023.

• Rapids Waterpark, South Florida’s largest water park, has announced a new ride coming in 2023 – Mega Mayhem, Dueling Water Coaster will open this summer at the Riviera Beach park in Palm Beach County. The new attraction features two side-by-side flumes where riders speed down twists and high-banked turns as they are propelled uphill by a unique blast jet propulsion technology. Thrill seekers will compete to reach the finishing plunge first while experiencing drop and dive sensations along the way. Riders can see other racers speeding down the slide through open low-separator walls at a max speed of up to 22 35 km. The park opens for the season on March 11.

• Located on more than three hectares acres along Palm Beach County’s picturesque Singer Island, Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences is a new health-centric resort expected to open in April. It will offer first-class service along with a program combining Eastern well-being philosophies and western technology with 92,000 sq. m. of wellness amenities including The Aayush Hydrothermal water therapy circuit; indoor/outdoor treatment rooms; float tank; IV, sound and light therapies; acupuncture; body therapies from around the globe; and arguably the most sophisticated, spa-centered Ayurvedic and yoga program in the US.

• Banyan Cay Resort & Golf will become Florida’s first ‘Destination by Hyatt’ hotel and the first full-service Hyatt-branded property in Palm Beach County. The new-build luxury resort, due this spring, will boast an upscale West Indies style with 150 oversized rooms and suites and a robust menu of amenities that include a lush spa inspired by West Indies rituals, three on-site restaurants, two pools, and 18 holes of golf designed by Jack Nicklaus. Banyan Cay’s premier location within minutes of downtown West Palm Beach.

• The luxurious Jupiter Beach Resort is undergoing renovations to complete the remaining guest rooms, in-house restaurant, Sinclair’s, and the spa. While Sinclair’s is undergoing an exciting update, guests can enjoy the same service and menu at a new pop-up version of Sinclair’s. Completion is expected mid year.

Kennedy Space Center

Carnival Cruise Line has partnered with the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to launch a children’s space program with activities inspired by NASA science. Launched last fall on Carnival Celebration this November, the program enables children of all ages in the Camp Ocean program to explore the universe and earth in an array of hands-on and one-of-a-kind learning experiences.

Daytona Beach

The 65th annual Daytona 500, kicks off NASCAR’s 75th Anniversary season this weekend (Feb. 19) with the 65th annual event.

Jacksonville

• Newly approved plans for Shipyards Four Seasons include a 176-room luxury hotel and marina. The five-star hotel will include resort amenities, such as a spa, pool, and meeting spaces.

• Plans include a $4-million investment in Metropolitan Park, creating a 4-hectare destination riverfront park. Construction is expected to be completed in 2025. An extension of the full project also includes Miller Electric Center, a new Jaguars sports performance centre currently underway. The Shipyards will deliver a downtown experience that blends urban design with waterfront entertainment.

Panama City

• A Hotel Indigo in the Historic Waterfront District of downtown Panama City is set to open in May. The $30-million boutique hotel will feature 124 guest rooms with restaurant, sky bar and a promenade along the waterfront. Guest rooms will offer sweeping views of the St. Andrews Bay.

• Embassy Suites by Hilton is another new property scheduled to open early 2023. The hotel will overlook the white sand beaches and Gulf of Mexico and will be located adjacent to the famed Pier Park lifestyle centre.

Pensacola

• Historic downtown Pensacola has welcomed a new boutique luxury property to the neighbourhood: Lily Hall. The 15-oom hotel was converted from the former Mount Olive Baptist Church (1928-1982).

• Through 2023, Innisfree Hotels will unveil upgrades to several of its Pensacola properties, as well as new additions to Pensacola Beach.

• Broadway touring performances will take place at the Saenger Theatre, including “Jesus Christ Superstar’s 50th Anniversary Tour,” “The Book of Mormon” and “CHICAGO The Musical.”

• Adventure enthusiasts can take their adventures to new heights with the Laguna’s Scenic Zip, Northwest Florida’s longest zip rail – a new, custom 120-m zip rail that has guests feeling the wind in their hair as they zoom around the park from 12 m. above ground.

Ocala

• As the destination grows, new hotels are popping up to accommodate more guests. Recently opened are the Avid Hotel, only minutes from downtown Ocala, and a new Towne Place Suites by Marriott hotel.

Orlando

• Black History Month in Orlando continues throughout February with commemorations and celebrations of African American history and culture. With limited-time exhibitions and musical performances, a robust collection of Black-owned or run restaurants, along with year-round cultural attractions and tours through historic towns and landmarks, Orlando offers a wide range of opportunities for locals and visitors to experience the inspiring, rich culture of the African American community.

• Cambria Hotel Orlando Universal Blvd. will welcome guests this Spring (bookings open March 31). Located in the International Drive Resort area – near major attractions as well as local shopping and restaurants – this 118-room property offers amenities including a rooftop pool and lounge, state-of-the-art fitness centre, the sophisticated Veer Kitchen & Bar restaurant, rooftop bar and more.

• Opening this fall in Orlando, Aloft Lake Nona will be a six-story, 205-room music-themed property. Its eclectic décor and design nods to the hotel’s music and technology roots that gives each guestroom its own character. Aloft Lake Nona will also feature a 930 sq.-m. conference centre and full-service restaurant.

Universal Orlando Resort

• Canadian residents can now take advantage of the “Get 2 Days Free with a 3-Day, 2-Park Ticket” offer at Universal Orlando Resort. Available for booking by Dec. 9 for travel in 2023, the offers start at US$234.99 per adult, plus tax and allows guests spend five full days at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure for the price of a 3-Day ticket. And for $35 more, guests can upgrade their ticket to include access to Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park.

• Mardi Gras celebration continue through April 16 at Universal Studios Florida. The parkwide celebration features cuisine inspired by Carnaval celebrations from New Orleans to Brazil to Belgium and beyond, plus a lively parade filled with vibrant floats where partygoers can catch beads by the handful. And on select nights, guests can cap the festivities with live concerts by top names in music. Access to Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval is included with regular admission to Universal Studios Florida.

• Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast – opening this summer at Universal Studios Florida – will combine innovative screen technology, state-of-the-art gaming interactivity and elaborate physical sets to create a one-of-a-kind, game-based adventure where guests encounter immersive environments, nefarious villains, and mischievous Minions from Illumination’s blockbuster film franchise. The new attraction will be part of a new Minion land, featuring the beloved Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction, a new Minion café and more.

Disney

• TRON Lightcycle/Run officially opens April 4 at Magic Kingdom Park. The attraction will be one of the fastest coasters at any Disney theme park in the world.

• ‘Journey of Water,’ inspired by Moana, will open in late-2023 within World Nature, the EPCOT neighbourhood dedicated to understanding and preserving the beauty, awe, and balance of the natural world. The all-ages attraction at Walt Disney World in Orlando will allow guests to explore and engage with water as it travels from the skies to the oceans and back again.

• Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando – Disney Springs Area, the newest official Walt Disney Partner Hotel, is set to be completed in spring 2023 with 604 guestrooms and 1,600+ sq. m. feet of meeting space. Guests will be able to enjoy a resort-style pool, splash pad and poolside dining and refreshments, as well as an extensive marketplace, onsite dining, complimentary hot breakfast, shuttle service to all four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, and evening snacks and beverages.

Legoland

LEGOLAND Florida has opened its newest attraction – Pirate River Quest – early this year. The family-friendly treasure hunt adventure, led by a pirate in search of a lost treasure, takes guests through the uncharted waters of the legendary Cypress Gardens to discover the secrets protecting its canals.

SeaWorld

SeaWorld Orlando’s newest roller coaster, “Pipeline: The Surf Coaster,” is set to be unveiled this Spring. The attraction is the world’s first “Surf Coaster,” which will enable riders to “feel the power of the ocean” in a whole new way.

Davenport

Featuring 20 bedrooms and many more bathrooms, the VIP Hollywood Experience home – the first opened in the Fantasy Island quad of vacation rentals – features everything from a bowling alley to a half-court basketball area, a pool with its own lazy river and a wall that’s a single, movie-theatre style screen. The venue is just minutes from Orlando’s theme parks or the LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven.

Tampa

• Visit Tampa Bay (VTB) has launched the third edition of its Tampa Gay Guide, which details a host of LGBT+-owned and LGBT+-friendly businesses across the many districts within the destination as well as events such as the Tampa Pride Parade, Pride on the River, and the Tampa Bay International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. With a steady influx of LGBT+ travellers, the first edition of the Tampa Gay Guide was launched in 2019 to showcase Florida city’s diversity.

• The award-winning Epicurean Hotel is serving up a $21-million expansion project. Located directly across Howard Avenue from the 137-room main hotel, the expansion will include 51 new guest rooms and suites, a private lobby, meeting space and rooftop terrace. The four-storey structure will incorporate two restored historic apartment buildings and add two floors of parking with 91 spaces. The expansion is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2023.

St. Petersburg

TradeWinds Island Resorts (Island Grand and RumFish Beach Resort) has added 141 guest rooms to its portfolio, along with a three-storey, new dual-line zipline on the beach, plus a new Mexican restaurant concept at the Island Grand.

The Zing Ray Zip, makies them the first-ever St. Pete Beach resort with a three-story, dual-line zipline on the beach. More amenities will be added this summer at TradeWinds, including the Aqua-Bana, a 10-person covered floating cabana complete with a table and a cooler of ice.

Punta Gorda

Punta Gorda’s Harbor Walk is a 5-km. walk along the beautiful Charlotte Harbour shoreline. Part of the Punta Gorda Pathways program, it connects to Fisherman’s Village, a highlight of Punta Gorda and the place to hop on a King Fisher Fleet tour of the harbour, the Peace River and nearby islands Gasparilla Island/Boca Grande, Cayo Costa and Cabbage Key. The Harbour Walk is a great location to take advantage of the Free Bike Loaner Program – bike stations include Fishermen’s Village, Laishley Marina, Bayfront Punta Gorda’s Wellness Center, Sheraton Four Points and SpringHill Suites.

Florida Keys

The Keys are celebrating the bicentennial of the subtropical island chain throughout 2023, starting with the “200 Years of Paradise Kick-off Concert,” which includes a drone firework show March 25 in Key West. Other events will include an air show in Key West April 15-16; a sea-to-table dinner set for June 10, in Islamorada highlighting the island chain’s local chefs, fishing captains, artists and coral restoration initiatives; and Bicentennial Day festivities and fireworks July 3 in the Lower Keys, to feature the creation of the world’s largest Key lime pie.
In addition, museum exhibits around the Keys, annual festivals, and the Florida Keys Council of the Arts’ 300-canvas “Connections Project” mosaic mural are themed to celebrate the historic bicentennial and the Keys’ multifaceted heritage.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News