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Save Up to 35% On Your Asian Vacation with Best Westerns 11.11 Super Sale

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SAVE UP TO 35% ON YOUR ASIAN VACATION WITH BEST WESTERN’S 11.11 SUPER SALE - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, November 3, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Best Western Hotels and Resorts is inviting the world’s travelers to enjoy amazing savings in dreamy destinations all across Asia with an enticing new flash sale!

Under the “11.11 Super Sale”, guests can book a wide range of world-class hotels and resorts with discounts of up to 35%! Simply make your reservation between November 11th and 21st, 2022, for stays taken before June 30th, 2023 to take advantage of this enticing offer. No minimum stay is required, and all guests will be treated to complimentary Wi-Fi throughout their stay.

Discounts of up to 30% are available, depending upon your choice of hotel, with an extra 5% off for members of Best Western Rewards, the award-winning loyalty program. Not a member yet? Click here to join for free!

As an extra incentive, Best Western Rewards members will also get two extra days to book exclusively on BestWesternAsia.com, on November 9th and 10th, 2022!

From vibrant cities like Bangkok, Jakarta, and Tokyo to blissful beach resorts such as Bali, Phuket and Panglao, and captivating cultural destinations including Ha Long Bay and Vientiane, Best Western has the ideal option for every Asian escape.

Wherever they travel, every guest will experience Best Western’s world-famous hospitality, comfortable rooms, and international amenities. Best Western Rewards members will receive additional perks, including points that never expire, no blackout dates, an exclusive reservation hotline, and more!

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next Asian adventure with Best Western! Simply visit www.bestwesternasia.com

About Best Western Hotels and Resorts
Best Western Hotels and Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a privately held hotel brand 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 the 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

Radisson Hotel Group Continues to Strengthen in Africa

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Radisson Hotel Group Continues to Strengthen in Africa - TRAVELINDEXTaghazout Bay, Morocco, November 3, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Currently, Radisson Hotel Group has nearly 100 hotels and 16,000 rooms in operation and under development in Africa. In the last two years only, the Group opened over 16 hotels in the region and secured over 25 new hotels, representing more than 4,800 additional rooms to its portfolio. Earlier this year, Radisson Hotel Group announced that it had surpassed its half-year growth target in Africa with exciting new openings and market entries across business and leisure destinations. This puts the Group on target to reach its goals of adding 150 hotels to the continent in the next five years – making it one of the fastest-growing hotel companies across Africa year on year.

Commenting at the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF), on the Group’s unparalleled growth and expansion across the continent, Elie Younes, Executive Vice President & Global Chief Development Officer, Radisson Hotel Group, says, “The last two years have been a time of accelerated growth for the Radisson Hotel Group reaching record milestones regionally and globally. Our balanced development strategy along with our tailored approach and responsiveness, enable us to stay relevant to our owners. Our rate of materialization and openings is a testimony to the quality of our pipeline but also translates our conversion strategy in repositioning existing hotels under one of our Radisson Hotel Group brands. 2023 is already anticipated to remain positive with nine hotel openings during the year, which will only reinforce our Group’s presence across the region.”

“Given our recognition as a market leader across the continent, we are well-positioned to speak about the vast opportunities within the African hospitality space. As a Group, we’ve made it a priority to consolidate our market share in key focus markets but also expand into new territories, further cementing our leadership as the most geographically diverse hotel company across Africa” added Ramsay Rankoussi, Vice President Development for the Group in Africa.

Key markets for the Group’s Africa expansion plan include Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, Cameroon, Senegal and Ivory Coast, demonstrating an equal prioritization for Francophone and Anglophone countries.

Highlights from 2022 so far include entry into several key new African markets. Radisson Hotel Group expanded its presence in Madagascar with a portfolio of three hotels, becoming the largest international operator on the island. Extending the Group’s presence into new regions, the first Radisson-branded hotel in East Africa, Radisson Hotel Addis Ababa Bole Airport, was signed in 2022, and the Radisson Individuals brand was introduced to the continent with the opening of two new properties, Number One Oxford Street Hotel & Suites, a member of Radisson Individuals, in Ghana, and Marina Resort Port Ghalib, a member of Radisson Individuals, in Marsa Allam, Egypt.

Another high point of the year is Radisson Blu, the fastest growing hotel brand in Africa in terms of the number of hotels, awarded ‘Africa’s Leading Hotel Brand’ at the World Travel Awards, recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality.

Radisson Hotel Group also recently announced the opening of Radisson Blu Hotel, Juba, South Sudan’s first internationally branded 5-star hotel, and continued its resort growth strategy with the signing of Radisson Resort Dakar Saly in Senegal. There was also the announcement of Radisson Blu Hotel, Livingstone in Zambia and the upcoming offerings for Radisson Safari Hotel, Hoedspruit, both due to open in the coming months. Additionally, the Group reinforced its presence in Tunisia with the recent opening of Radisson Sfax and the rebranding of La Maison Blanche Tunis as a Radisson Individuals property. In South Africa, the Group expanded its portfolio to more than 14 properties with the opening of its latest addition, Radisson Blu Hotel Durban Umhlanga. Further to this, the Group has signed in the last weeks the Radisson Collection Marsa Allam, Egypt with 294 rooms and Radisson Serviced Apartments, Yaoundé, with 220 rooms – both opening in 2024 and further reinforcing the group presence in key focus markets.

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 1,000 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 international rewards program that delivers unique and personalized ways to create memorable moments that matter to its guests. Radisson Rewards offers an exceptional experience for its guests, meeting planners, and travel agents 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.

The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group’s portfolio are subject to stringent health and safety requirements, as outlined in the Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol. The Safety Protocol is an integral part of Radisson Hotel Group’s Safety and Security program ensuring we always care for our guests and team members.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO & Tourism Authority Panama Promote Innovation Through Community Tourism

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UNWTO & Tourism Authority Panama Promote Innovation Through Community Tourism - TRAVELINDEXPanama City, Panama, November 3, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Tourism Authority of Panama (ATP) have launched the Innovative Community Tourism Experiences Competition to promote innovation through alliances between tour operators and community tourism providers.

With the presence of 30 community leaders, with their colorful traditional outfits that represent the cultural diversity of the different indigenous, Afro and mestizo peoples of Panama, the UNWTO and the ATP shared with the media the official details of the competition.

The Competition will promote innovative and disruptive tourism experiences that encourage the conservation and regeneration of the natural and cultural heritage of Panama and the empowerment of local communities. The categories of the contest will reflect the five Heritage Routes of Panama established in the Sustainable Tourism Master Plan 2020-2025: (1) Bridge of the World Route, (2) Crucible of Cultures Route, (3) Forests of Life Route, (4) Birds in Paradise, (5) Wonders of the Ocean.

During the pandemic, technology and the growing sense of responsibility have created a need to develop new transformative products that are more inclusive and sustainable

Applications to participate will be open until 15 March 2023. The grand winner of the contest will receive: (a) a prize of US$25,000 in infrastructure for the community of the winning experience, (b) a spot to exhibit the experience at the Adventure Travel World Summit 2023 in Japan. The five finalist experiences will receive: (a) a course from the UNWTO Tourism Online Academy, (b) inclusion in the UNWTO Innovation Network, with global visibility through UNWTO social media channels, (c) seed capital of US$2,000 each for the communities, (d) a spot for each of the 5 finalists in Adventure Next Latin America 2023 to market their experiences.

UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “During the pandemic, technology and the growing sense of responsibility have created a need to develop new transformative products that are more inclusive and sustainable, and with this competition we are promoting an effort in this direction.”

The Minister of Tourism of Panama, Iván Eskildsen, highlighted: “Our Sustainable Tourism Master Plan establishes that, in order to achieve true sustainability, local communities must be at the centre of the tourism phenomenon. We value the support of the UNWTO and its commitment to the transformation of our industry.”

As of July 2022, Panama has exceeded the figure of 1 million visitors, more than triple the visitor arrivals in 2021. With this competition being launched together with the UNWTO, Panama seeks not only to get back to the pre-pandemic levels of visitors (it is estimated that the monthly volume will be recovered before the end of the year), but above all to transform the country through tourism, improving the quality of life of local communities, while conserving and regenerating its natural and cultural treasures.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

BRINGING THE BAHAMAS TO CANADA: And Canada to The Bahamas

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Just in case Canadians had forgotten The Bahamas during the pandemic, the country’s tourist board delivered a taste of the islands to Canada this week in its first major trade mission since before COVID. “We’re bringing the Bahamas to you,” Deputy Prime Minister I. Chester Cooper enthused to a VP trade audience Tuesday night in Toronto as traditional junkanoo dancers gyrated through the room. And he added quickly, “But we also want to bring you to the Bahamas.”

Indeed, the central theme of the mission, which also had a stop in Calgary this week, welcomed about 300 travel agents at another Toronto-area event Wednesday, and calls in Montreal tonight (Thursday), was “The Bahamas is open for business.”

Cooper (who doubles as tourism minister) and deputy director-general of tourism Dr. Kenneth Romer noted that all COVID entry restrictions to the islands have been removed making it easy for all visitors travel there – not least Canadians who can get there in as little as two-and-half hours from Canadian gateways “with a good tail wind.”

And with ample airlift from this country this winter, including Air Canada, WestJet and Sunwing, to not only Nassau-Paradise Island, but Out Island destinations such as Freeport, Grand Bahama (starting Dec. 17), plus San Salvador (supporting a new Club Med on the island), The Bahamas really is a “multiple destination within a destination” boasting a wide variety of experiences that can be found across the 16 islands (among hundreds) that can be reached by travellers, says Romer.

From swimming with rays and the famous pigs on his home island of Exuma to festivals and cultural events, hiking, cycling, fishing, diving, and the nightlife of Nassau, Cooper maintains The Bahamas is a multi-faceted experience that goes beyond simply sun, sand and sea. And coupled with its remarkably friendly people, he says, “We like to think we’re the greatest little country in the world.”

Sunwing’s David Wright and Lorraine Brisbois, with Bahamas’ deputy PM Chester Cooper, Mrs. Cooper, Paul Strachan, and Dr. Kenneth Romer

While Canada has lagged a little in visitations to the islands this year, in part due lingering COVID restrictions that were only fully lifted Oct. 1, The Bahamas nevertheless is on pace to match or exceed 2019 – a record year – in arrivals in 2022. Romer cites WTTC stats showing the Caribbean leading the world in tourism recovery this year, and The Bahamas leading the region.

Still, Canada remains the No. 2 source market for The Bahamas (behind the US), comprising about 8% of total visitations – a figure Cooper told Travel Industry Today he envisions rising to about 10%, not least through opportunities the tourist board sees from Western Canada.

As Canadians return, they’ll see plenty of changes, particularly in Nassau, where a new US$300-million cruise port – expected to be completed by April – is totally transforming downtown.

Cooper says the government is also spending half a billion dollars on its airports, and more than $5 billion is being invested in tourism product, such as new hotels offerings like the Margaritaville Beach Resort (opened 2021), the fully renovated and recently opened Sandals Royal Bahamian, and The Goldwyn Resort, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World that is scheduled to open on a pristine stretch of Cable Beach with 81 studios, one- two- and three-bedroom suites on Feb. 1.

And with productive meetings with Canadian suppliers now in the books during its major week-long sales and marketing mission, Canadian visitors staying longer and spending more, and bookings for the winter looking positive, The Bahamas is “on stream to be better than before,” says Romer.

After all, he smiles, channeling the islands’ iconic tourism slogan, “It is better in the Bahamas.”

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Moxy Lower East Side Debuts as an Eclectic and Stylish Pleasure Garden in the Neighborhood That Defines New York Cool

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Lobby
Highlight Room Rooftop Bar
King Executive Room, City View
Silver Linings Piano Lounge

Inspired by the neighborhood’s history as a crossroads of entertainment and culture, and its present-day role as an incubator of innovation, the new 303-bedroom Moxy Lower East Side entices with endless amusements enlivened with the spirit of the absurd. Among them are Sake No Hana, a Japanese restaurant; Silver Lining, a piano lounge; The Highlight Room, a rooftop bar; The Fix, an all-day café and lobby bar; and Loosie’s, a subterranean club. Moxy Lower East Side is for adventure seekers who crave a multitude of New York experiences — and want affordability without sacrificing style or substance.

Located where the Lower East Side meets SoHo, Moxy Lower East Side is the fourth Moxy hotel in New York City developed by Lightstone and is part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands including the experiential Moxy Hotels. Guests will discover a melting pot of the city’s cosmopolitanism on every floor, from the catwalk entrance on the corner of Bowery and Broome Street, to five new dining and drinking venues by Tao Group Hospitality.

With interiors by Michaelis Boyd and Rockwell Group and architecture by Stonehill Taylor, the hotel’s design feeds the curiosity and dazzles the eye, layering references to the Lower East Side’s eclectic social history with the vibrancy of today. Cleverly designed bedrooms with tech-savvy amenities provide playful havens, while co-working spaces and flexible meeting studios that seamlessly transition from business to pleasure meet the needs of today’s plugged-in travelers.

“The Lower East Side has always been iconically cool. We saw it as the next logical frontier for Moxy,” says Mitchell Hochberg, President of Lightstone. “By providing a stunning variety of venues and concepts under a single roof, the hotel really embodies the diversity of the Lower East Side. People come to the neighborhood to indulge their thirst for discovery, and they’ll get that at the Moxy too — and we’ve made it accessible rather than exclusive.”

Interior Design
The architecture and design of Moxy Lower East Side embody the neighborhood’s devotion to the pursuit of pleasure and innovation. Michaelis Boyd and Rockwell Group took inspiration from the Bowery’s history as a hub of entertainment — from the eye-dazzling Vauxhall Gardens and German Winter Garden of the 1800s, to the vaudeville theaters and burlesque houses of last century — while channeling the neighborhood’s present-day DNA and maintaining Moxy’s trademark whimsy. Layer upon layer of cultural references reflect the melting-pot cosmopolitanism of New York City and create a funhouse vibe for guests who won’t know what to expect next. The flow of the building, from the catwalk entrance to venues tucked away on the roof and below ground, prods further exploration — catnip for adventure seekers.

Inspired by the circuses and old-time menageries that once lined the Bowery, the 303 bold, playful bedrooms at Moxy Lower East Side are spirited havens designed by Michaelis Boyd, with symmetrical shapes, bright hues, and clever space-saving solutions. Rooms range from 165-195 square-feet, including Kings, Executive Kings, Double Doubles, and Quads. Bathrooms feature rain showers with colored glass doors, lava stone sinks, and a mirror lined with Hollywood-style lighting — the perfect spot to get ready for action. In the hotel’s interior courtyard hangs a large, provocative work by English urban artist D*Face, acclaimed for his vivid, subversive murals inspired by the Pop Art movement.

The Factory Loft, a hospitality suite, is the ultimate spot for parties, events, meetings, and social gatherings. Named for Andy Warhol’s legendary Factory studio, the suite features double-height windows and a huge outdoor terrace.

Michaelis Boyd designed the first-floor lobby as a multipurpose work and amusement space with a relaxed ambience. The lobby area is centered around The Fix, a bar and all-day café where a variety of seating arrangements — sofas and armchairs, high-tops and café tables — foster socializing, co-working, and everything in between. In one corner, a hanging birdcage seat invites playful poses. In the café area, marble-topped tables have brass tic tac toe inserts so guests can play a game while they sip cappuccinos. Anthropomorphic tables feature sculptures of hipster animals, like a rock & roll sloth in a leather vest, while nearby a seven-foot bear holds a hula hoop. An adjacent table-height shuffleboard game uses pucks shaped like illicit pills. Overhead, 3D-printed pinup girls dangle from the chandeliers in cheeky, burlesque-inspired poses. Contactless check-in is available at self-service kiosks, while a staffed reception desk accommodates travelers who prefer more assistance.

Drinking + Dining
Inspired by the pleasure gardens and entertainment palaces that populated the Bowery in centuries past, Moxy Lower East Side’s five drinking and dining establishments were developed by Tao Group Hospitality, New York’s leading dining and nightlife operator, in partnership with Lightstone. “New York City is experiencing a huge renaissance right now, with locals and visitors coming to experience the city in waves,” says Noah Tepperberg, Co-CEO of Tao Group Hospitality. “With a sophisticated but approachable piano lounge, a pulsating subterranean club, a modern Japanese restaurant with a festive atmosphere, and a rooftop bar with a big glam factor, Moxy Lower East Side will be ready to rock.”

The lobby-adjacent, Silver Lining is a subdued and sultry piano lounge whose sensuous décor invites chance encounters. The intimate and dreamlike space designed by Michaelis Boyd, features blue velvet banquettes, creative cocktails, and live performances by a rotating mix of piano players and vocalists. A shimmering wallcovering depicts objects associated with the history of the Bowery and specifically with Warhol’s life and career — the banana from the Velvet Underground & Nico album cover, the face of one of his muses, and lines from a poem he wrote.

One flight down, beneath the dramatic entry catwalk, guests enter modern Japanese restaurant Sake No Hana via two dramatically curved staircases of metal, glass, and leather flanked by large kimono-inspired tapestries. Rockwell Group took inspiration from New York’s 1980s punk scene and Japanese street culture for the design, invigorating traditional izakaya comfort dishes with a New York attitude. With a shareable menu of grilled teppanyaki dishes, yakitori skewers, Wagyu beef, and creative sushi rolls, paired with a curated list of sakes, beers, and cocktails highlighting Japanese spirits, the space buzzes with alluring energy.

Subterranean in both location and spirit, Rockwell Group-designed Loosie’s is an edgy club beneath Moxy Lower East Side with a killer sound system and no-attitude dance floor. Guests reach Loosie’s by heading down a mysterious alley behind the hotel, lined with graffiti by the late New York street artist, Lance de los Reyes (aka Rambo), then descending several flights on a staircase. Inside, tufted banquettes, an “exploded” disco ball chandelier, and a cage-like bar cast a decadent spell. Tepperberg partnered with Dylan Hales and Ronnie Flynn, the co-founders of Lower East Side hot spot The Flower Shop, as creative directors for both Loosie’s and Silver Lining. “The Flower Shop has become a neighborhood fixture, and Dylan and Ronnie are really plugged into the local nightlife culture. At both venues, they’ll help curate the music and the atmosphere to appeal to the downtown crowd.”

Up on the 16th floor and a world away, The Highlight Room, designed by Michaelis Boyd, is a glamorous rooftop bar that evokes a 19th-century pleasure garden with foliage swaying from the ceiling and a majestic palm tree spreading its branches across the room. The real showstopper is the spectacular view of the city through a glass wall that spans the entire width of the room and folds back to allow access to the planted, Eden-like, outdoor terrace. From there, guests can lift a cocktail to the expansive views — north to the Empire State Building, south to the Freedom Tower.

Moxy Lower East Side features over 13,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, becoming one of downtown’s most coveted destinations for events, social gatherings, and meetings. The hotel’s three flexible Meeting Studios feature versatile and modular furniture that can be easily reconfigured to transform the space into a lounge by night. The large studio offers a big communal table that can be used for co-working or closed off as a meeting room. Then at night, as the DJ spins and the lights dim, it becomes a place for socializing, with lounge seating and a fun dueling Ms. Pac-Man game table.

Programming
Thoughtfully curated cultural and wellness programming integrates Moxy Lower East Side into the broader community, introducing guests and locals to the neighborhood’s creators, tastemakers, and independent businesses. A stand curated by LES institution Economy Candy sells treats for just 5¢ per piece — just like the old days! — while a custom vending machine offers toys from Babeland, a local erotic toy store. Programming includes DJ and live music performances, art installations, pop-ups, and more. The #SweatatMoxy series taps fitness and wellness experts from the area to create custom classes for guests and locals.

“People flock to the Lower East Side to discover what’s new and interesting,” says Hochberg. “We’ve not only created a base camp for visitors to explore the Lower East Side, but we’ve brought the neighborhood, and all its dazzling moments of discovery, into the hotel.”

Located at 145 Bowery at the corner of Bowery and Broome, Moxy Lower East Side is offering introductory rates starting at $199 per night. For more information or to make reservations, please visit www.MoxyLowerEastSide.com.

About Moxy Lower East Side
The 303-room Moxy Lower East Side hotel is an eclectic and stylish pleasure garden in the neighborhood that defines New York cool. Inspired by the Lower East Side’s history as a crossroads of entertainment and culture, and its present-day role as an incubator of innovation, the downtown New York hotel, located where the Lower East Side meets SoHo, entices with endless amusements enlivened with the spirit of the absurd. Five new drinking and dining establishments created in collaboration with Tao Group Hospitality bring the area’s dynamic restaurant and nightlife scenes under one roof. The options include modern Japanese restaurant Sake No Hana; piano lounge Silver Lining; subterranean nightclub Loosie’s; rooftop bar The Highlight Room; and The Fix, a day-into-night café and bar in the lobby. Interior design by Michaelis Boyd and Rockwell Group and architecture by Stonehill Taylor feed the curiosity and dazzle the eye, layering references to the Lower East Side’s eclectic social history with the vibrancy of today. Cleverly designed bedrooms provide playful havens, while tech-savvy amenities, co-working spaces, and flexible meeting studios meet the needs of the plugged-in modern traveler. Moxy Lower East Side is for adventure seekers who crave a multitude of New York experiences — and want affordability without sacrificing style or substance. Moxy Lower East Side is Lightstone’s fourth Moxy hotel opening in New York City, following the successful launches of Moxy Times Square, Moxy Chelsea, and Moxy East Village — all three of which are consistently included in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice list of the Top 25 Hotels in NYC. Lightstone opened Moxy South Beach in Miami in 2021; Moxy Williamsburg in Brooklyn, New York, and Moxy Downtown Los Angeles and AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles are opening in the coming months.

About Moxy Hotels
Moxy offers a playful hotel experience for the young at heart. With more than 110 properties open across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, Moxy boldly breaks the rules of a conventional hotel stay across the globe. The nontraditional experience starts with check-in at Bar Moxy and comes to life throughout its social public spaces, like the Lounge and Library, and the small but smart bedrooms. Moxy provides stylish, industrial design and sociable service at an attractive price point, so that guests can splurge on the experiences that matter most to them during their travels. Moxy celebrates nonconformity, open-mindedness, and originality above all – forever giving its guests permission to Play On #atthemoxy. For more information, visit www.MoxyHotels.com and join the fun #atthemoxy on Instagram. Moxy is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit www.MarriottBonvoy.com.

About Lightstone
Lightstone, founded by David Lichtenstein, is one of the most diversified privately held real estate companies in the United States. Headquartered in New York City, Lightstone is active in 26 states across the country, developing, managing, and investing in all sectors of the real estate market, including residential, hospitality, commercial, and retail. With 174 existing properties, Lightstone’s over $7.5 billion portfolio currently includes over 10 million square feet of industrial, logistics, life sciences, and commercial properties, over 22,700 residential units, and over 4,300 hotel keys. Lightstone’s development portfolio includes over $3.5 billion currently under development in the residential and hospitality sectors spread across New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami.

Following the award-winning openings of Moxy Times Square, Moxy Chelsea, and Moxy East Village, Lightstone opened Moxy Miami South Beach in 2021. Following the recent opening of Moxy Lower East Side, Moxy Downtown Los Angeles, and AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles, as well as New York’s Moxy Williamsburg, are opening in the coming months.

Media Contact
Christine Lin
Senior Manager, Global Communications, Select Brands
Marriott International
Christine.lin@marriott.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Marriott International Continues Growth Across Africa with More Than 30 Anticipated Hotel Openings by the End of 2024

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Le Mersenne, Zanzibar, an Autograph Collection Hotel
laïla, Seychelles, a Tribute Portfolio Resort
JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge

From the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum in Taghazout Bay, Morocco, Marriott International, Inc., today announced plans to expand its operations in Africa with the anticipated addition of over 30 hotels, and more than 5,000 rooms by the end of 2024. The company’s growth across Africa is largely driven by its select-service brands which represent half of the company’s current development pipeline in the continent. The company is also expected to introduce its Delta Hotels by Marriott brand in the region.

“Marriott International’s expansion plans reinforce its commitment to Africa and highlight the growth of the travel and tourism sector across the continent,” said Karim Cheltout, Regional Vice President – Development, Africa, Marriott International. “We continue to see opportunities to expand in major gateway cities, commercial centers, and resort destinations across Africa, while catering to the region’s ever-changing and evolving markets through our diverse range of extraordinary brands.”

Select-Service Accommodations Fuel Growth
Marriott International’s select-service brands in the region, led by Protea Hotels by Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton, make up more than 50 percent of the company’s property additions in Africa through 2024. Protea Hotels by Marriott remains the most recognizable hospitality brand in Africa, with over 60 hotels across nine countries. Offering a taste of the local flavor in an authentic way, Protea Hotels by Marriott expects to further expand its footprint across the continent with 10 anticipated additions by the end of 2024. Plans include the brand’s first properties in Kenya, Malawi, and Angola, and further expansion in South Africa where it is expected to open five new hotels.

With its authentic and timeless design, paired with stylish comfort, Four Points by Sheraton continues to build on its momentum in Africa with five anticipated additions by the end of 2024. These expansion plans for Four Points by Sheraton include the brand’s entry into Uganda, Senegal, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Cape Verde. The brand also expects to open its second property in Nigeria, Four Points by Sheraton Ikot Ekpene.

Demand for Premium and Luxury Brands Remains Strong
Marriott International also continues to see growth opportunities across Africa for its unparalleled premium and luxury brands. The company’s expansion plans for its premium brands across the continent include the anticipated launch of Delta Hotels in 2023. Delta Hotels, which provides guests with exactly what they need for a seamless travel experience, is expected to make its entry into Africa with the opening of Delta Hotels by Marriott Dar es Salaam Oyster Bay in Tanzania.

Plans for Tribute Portfolio, a growing global family of characterful, independent hotels drawn together by their passion for captivating design and vibrant social scenes, include the expected opening of laïla, Seychelles, a Tribute Portfolio Resort. The company is also slated to introduce the Westin Hotels & Resorts brand in Ethiopia with the anticipated opening of The Westin Addis Ababa. Additionally, Marriott International plans to grow its iconic collection of independent properties under the Autograph Collection Hotels brand with new properties in expected Tanzania and Algeria.

Marriott International also plans to expand its portfolio of luxury brands with five anticipated openings in Africa by the end of 2024. The company is expected to introduce The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis brands in Morocco with the anticipated openings of The Ritz-Carlton, Rabat Dar Es Salam, and The St. Regis La Bahia Blanca Resort, Tamuda. JW Marriott is expected to enter Kenya with the openings of JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi and JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, which will mark the company’s first property in the luxury safari space.

Marriott International’s current portfolio in Africa encompasses nearly 130 properties and more than 23,000 rooms across 20 countries.

Note on Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of United States federal securities laws, including statements related to expected unit and rooms growth; expected hotel openings and brand debuts in certain markets; our growth pipeline; and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous evolving risks and uncertainties that we may not be able to accurately predict or assess, including the risk factors that we identify in our U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations we express or imply in this press release. We make these forward-looking statements as of the date of this press release and undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc., (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 8,100 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel program. Connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

Media Contact
Chandan Belani
Senior Area Director, Communications – Middle East & Africa
Marriott International
Chandan.Belani@marriott.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts to Debut in Costa Mujeres, Mexico

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The St. Regis Costa Mujeres Resort

Marriott International, Inc., today announced it has signed an agreement with AB Living to bring the legendary St. Regis brand to Costa Mujeres. Solidifying the brand’s position as a global leader in luxury leisure hospitality, The St. Regis Costa Mujeres Resort is expected to welcome its first guests in early 2025.

“The signing of The St. Regis Costa Mujeres Resort represents a pivotal moment for St. Regis, as the brand continues its dynamic resort growth in the world’s most glamorous leisure destinations,” said George Fleck, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. “We are thrilled to expand St. Regis’ footprint in Mexico and look forward to bringing the brand’s celebrated rituals and traditions to this vibrant and sought-after destination for future guests.”

Building on the brand’s existing portfolio of 15 resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts has plans to expand its resort portfolio to include some of the world’s most coveted leisure destinations, including within the Caribbean, North America, North Africa, Middle East, and Asia Pacific. The signing of The St. Regis Costa Mujeres Resort underscores this commitment to its strong global expansion in the world’s most compelling markets.

“We are thrilled to work with AB Living to introduce The St. Regis brand to Costa Mujeres, Cancun’s exciting new side of town,” said Laurent De Kousemaeker, Chief Development Officer, Marriott International. “This signing showcases both the continuous growth in one of Mexico’s top destinations and the strong interest in our portfolio of sought-after luxury brands.”

The St. Regis Costa Mujeres Resort is ideally located on a 3.5-hectare site along the scenic Costa Mujeres beach. Situated north of Cancun on the Yucatan Peninsula, Costa Mujeres is a vibrant travel destination, known for its tranquil atmosphere, lush natural surroundings, and pristine beaches on the Mexican Caribbean. The resort is only a 35-minute drive from Cancun’s International Airport and a quick boat ride from the magical Island of Isla Mujeres.

“Our choice of St. Regis is based on a shared vision of luxury hospitality, standards of service, tradition and excellence. St Regis. is also a leader in the luxury branded residential segment, a component that plays a major role in this project,” said Alejandro Bataller, Vice President of AB Living Group.

Envisioned by Sordo Madaleno Architects, an internationally renowned architectural firm based in Mexico City, The St. Regis Costa Mujeres Resort is expected to feature 158 guest rooms and 80 branded residential units, which will boast spectacular views of the Island of Isla Mujeres to the east and Cancun to the Southeast. Plans for the resort also include three distinct food and beverage venues, several swimming pools, a glamorous beach club, approximately 470 square meters of meeting space, and the signature St. Regis Butler Service. Comprised of 22,584 square meters, the branded residences will enjoy private elevator access, a residential concierge, a fitness center, and full access to the resort’s amenities and services.

Marriott International currently operates two St. Regis properties in Mexico; The St. Regis Mexico City and The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort. Additionally, the brand is slated to make its debut in Riviera Maya later this year and in Los Cabos in 2023.

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc., (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 8,100 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel program. Connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

About St. Regis Hotels & Resorts
Combining timeless glamour with a vanguard spirit, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts is committed to delivering exquisite experiences at nearly 50 luxury hotels and resorts in the best addresses around the world. Beginning with the debut of The St. Regis hotel in New York by John Jacob Astor IV at the dawn of the twentieth century, the brand has remained committed to an uncompromising level of bespoke and anticipatory service for all of its guests, delivered flawlessly by the signature St. Regis Butler Service. For more information and new openings, visit stregis.com or follow Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. St. Regis is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit www.MarriottBonvoy.com.

About AB Living
AB Living is a business group with more than 30 years of experience creating unique projects on the Mediterranean coast. It currently has three business divisions, AB Wellness, responsible for the SHA Wellness Clinic brand, AB Properties, focused on the residential real estate sector, and AB Hospitality, which aims to develop unique hotel projects with high added value with leading international brands in the premium and luxury segment.

To make this visión a reality, the AB Living Group has invested in recent years in different locations in search of the perfect environments with large areas of surrounding nature, warm climates and easy accessibility. In addition, it has created a solid regional structure of human capital with extensive experience in the sector.

After nearly 15 years of building the SHA Wellness concept, its flagship brand, AB Living is working in parallel to expand the brand with planned openings in Mexico in 2023 and the Emirates in 2024.

Media Contacts
Erica Flint
Director, Global Communications, Marriott International Luxury Brands
Marriott International
Erica.Flint@Marriott.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

An Enchanted Sanctuary Suspended in Time and Space

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BANYAN TREE HOTELS - An Enchanted Sanctuary Suspended in Time and Space - TRAVELINDEXAlUla, Saudi Arabia, November 1, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Set against a breathtaking backdrop of majestic desert canyons, in the historical city of AlUla, is Banyan Tree Group’s first property in Saudi Arabia. Banyan Tree AlUla is the brand’s new all-villa tented resort is inspired by the nomadic nature of Nabataean architecture, enveloped by unparalleled nature and heritage.

• Discover Saudi Arabia with a comprehensive travel guide on Saudi Arabia, visit TourismSaudiArabia.com

An enchanted sanctuary suspended in time and space.

Situated in the magical surrounds of AlUla in Saudi Arabia, our all-villa resort is a desert retreat located in one of the world’s most mysterious and exciting travel destinations, inspired by the natural surroundings of the Ashar Valley.

Journey in an open-air museum of valleys, cliffs and canyons, imprinted with the memory of 7,000 years of civilisation. Linger around a warm fire under an endless canopy of stars.

Embark on a multi-sensory experience at Banyan Tree AlUla. Be stunned by the stillness, peacefulness, the stunning rock formations, the sheer force of nature, and feel as if time and space were suddenly suspended, allowing the senses to fully awaken.

Set in the area known as the world’s largest living museum, our resort is just a short flight from either Riyadh or Jeddah, connected by direct flights from Dubai, all of which make AlUla more accessible for international travelers.

• Discover Saudi Arabia with a comprehensive travel guide on Saudi Arabia, visit TourismSaudiArabia.com

Roam the intricate Old Town of nearly 900 mud-brick houses and 400 shops, and unearth handiworks by local craftsmen. Awaken your senses to the stories that unfold before you.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Jono Hotels Unveils New Era of Smart and Social Hospitality in Phuket

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Jono Hotels Unveils New Era of Smart and Social Hospitality in Phuket - TRAVELINDEXPhuket, Thailand, November 1, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Are you seeking a new way to stay, play, relax and recharge that delivers the benefits of a world-class hotel, while getting rid of all the nonsense that can hold you back and drive you crazy? The wait is over; Jono Hotels (which derives from “Journey of the Nomad”) is here to keep you connected, make you smile and put the spirit of discovery back into your travels.

• Discover gastronomy destination Phuket and Asia’s Best Fine Dining Restaurants at Top25Restaurants.com

Never Mind the Nonsense, Jono Hotels Unveils New Era of Smart, Seamless and Social Hospitality in Phuket. Newly opened just steps from the seafront, JonoX Phuket Karon removes unnecessary hotel hassle and creates seamless stays for modern nomads, from Gen X to Gen Z or anyone in between. With contemporary design, comfortable bedding and modern amenities, the 21sqm Recharge Rooms are ideal for every type of traveller.

The world’s first Jono Hotel has now opened in Karon Beach, the chic seafront enclave on Phuket’s sunset coast. This innovative new lifestyle brand is focused on making your life easier – whether you identity as Gen X, Gen Z or anyone in between. Like that reliable friend you invite on your trip, JonoX Phuket Karon has got your back. Our aim is to make every vacation fun, casual and carefree, while using cutting-edge tech to put the entire destination at your fingertips. Work or play, young or old, short break or long vacation, we’ll treat you like one of the family.

“At Jono Hotels, we understand that the world has moved forward and the needs of travellers have changed. As a new player in the market, we can take a fresh approach to hospitality that does away with those annoying, inefficient practices of the past and shapes the entire experience around the needs of you, our guests. Personal and playful, smart and social, innovative and insightful, we want to make every stay completely seamless. Like the warm and welcoming sea breeze that drifts off the Andaman Sea, JonoX Phuket Karon will be a breath of fresh air for modern explorers,” revealed Björn Richardson, Senior Vice President – Hospitality and Property Operations at Boutique Corporation PLC, when asked about Jono Hotels and JonoX Phuket Karon, the brand’s first hotel management agreement.

Set in the heart of the action, just a short stroll from the soft, sandy beach, JonoX Phuket Karon provides everything you need for a rewarding adventure, without any unnecessary fuss. The 121 guestrooms range from the stylish 21-square metre Recharge Rooms, with plush king or twin bedding, to the more spacious 35-square metre RechargeX Rooms, which also offer bunk beds for youngsters. Clean, contemporary design and intuitive amenities such as Smart TVs, high-speed Wi-Fi, walk-in power showers, kettles and more make it easy to cut loose. Forget long waits at reception or pressing “0” for the operator; the hotel’s dedicated app lets you talk to the front desk in your native tongue, order room service, make travel arrangements, book activities and more, all from your smartphone.

• Discover gastronomy destination Phuket and Asia’s Best Fine Dining Restaurants at Top25Restaurants.com

The sparkling rooftop infinity pool provides the perfect place to rise above the crowds and chill out in style, including a separate area for children to splash, while a colourful kids’ playroom is available when parents need a break. Freshly-made local and international cuisine can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch and dinner at 360 Restaurant, and Altitude Rooftop Bar is open throughout the day and late into the night, letting guests socialise together and sip cool cocktails.

For executives and entrepreneurs, an intimate meeting room can host up to ten people and comes integrated with audio-visual equipment to bring your presentations to life. With solid doors that keep sound out, this private room also doubles as a co-working space – perfect for the new generation of digital nomads.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Observatories Guiding Shift Towards More Sustainable & Resilient Tourism

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UNWTO - Observatories Guiding Shift Towards More Sustainable & Resilient Tourism - TRAVELINDEXMadrid, Spain, October 31, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Destinations around the world are reporting significant advances in sustainable tourism, with timely evidence and analytics serving as key tools for transformation as the sector’s recovery continues to get underway.

Meeting in Madrid, the World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) welcomed insights from more than 150 experts, with a focus on key topics including the shift towards a circular economy and reducing food waste across the sector. The global network of INSTO Observatories is pioneering and implementing, very often for the first time, catalytic activities designed to help the tourism sector implement sustainable development at the destination level. Together, they are leading the transformation of tourism by building on the principles of participatory approaches including all stakeholders to ensure an inclusive and resilient tourism development.

The Observatories are an excellent tool for guiding and accompany this change and ensure evidence-based decision- making

UNWTO Secretary- General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “To ensure the sustainable transformation of the tourism sector, its development must be seen as a means to achieve the overall prosperity of a local community and the surrounding environment rather than a goal in itself. The Observatories are an excellent tool for guiding and accompany this change and ensure evidence-based decision- making.”

Sustainable production and consumption

At the Global INSTO Meeting, destinations focussed on how a timely and evidence-based approach is helping stimulate circular economy processes that result in using resources such as water and energy more efficiently. In addition, challenges in the environmental and social dimensions and the need for indicators that allow for comparability among destinations were highlighted.

Another topic was the availability of data from a growing variety of data-sources, making it increasingly difficult to process them into useful information needed for an informed decision- and policy- making process. It was agreed that all of these issues will be addressed in the INSTO Network through webinars and technical discussions.

Network keeps growing

Within the framework of the meeting, the Center of Tourism Economics of the State of Sao Paolo in Brazil and the Biscay Tourism Intelligence System in Spain were officially welcomed as new members of the Network. Both destinations have based their commitment to sustainable tourism development on participatory approaches, evidence generation and transparency, all three important requirements for membership.

The meeting was also an opportunity to introduce the five members who have joined since 2021: Mallorca, Barcelona and Málaga from Spain, the Yukon from Canada and Bogotá in Colombia.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News