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PUBS, PATIOS & BARS: Discovering Ontario’s new Craft Gin Trail

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Canadian gin lovers now have a trail they can call their own. The Ontario Craft Gin Trail launched early in June offering a spirit-based version of more ubiquitous wine and beer trails (or in some destinations, rum routes).

The self-guided tour features six distinctive distilleries in Southwestern Ontario (including Stratford, Guelph, Ayr, Arthur, and Elora), all within an hour of Kitchener-Waterloo, and similarly within about a two-hour drive from Toronto.

Marty Van Vliet of the Elora Distilling Company told Travel Industry Today that the idea came from similar ventures in the UK, where the craft gin industry has been flourishing since the 1990s. The US followed about a decade later, but government regulations in Canada didn’t allow smaller distillers to flourish here until after 2009.

As such, Van Vliet says, “We’re a relatively young industry in Canada, we’re just catching up.”

And with consumer interest in craft gin booming in Canada, the time was right to start a trail. “We (Canada’s gin industry) have been crying out for something like this!” Van Vliet says.

Organized with the help of local tourism officials, the route has six inaugural members with hopes that others will soon join. They include:

• Dixon’s Distilled Spirits of Guelph produces an award-winning line of hand-crafted, all-Canadian artisanal gins.

• Elora Distilling Company of Elora makes a line of four gins from local ingredients, as well as a seasonal gin that changes throughout the year.

• Junction 56 Distillery of Stratford uses a unique distillation process and a select mix of local botanicals to give traditional gin a fresh twist
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• Silver Fox Distillery of Arthur, the only fully woman-owned distillery on the trail, uses locally sourced grains and botanicals to craft award-winning spirits.

• Spring Mill Distillery of Guelph embraces time-honoured distilling traditions and historic roots that stretch back more than 200 years to bring gin and spirits to aficionados today.

• Willibald Farm Distillery & Brewery of Ayr crafts gin and spirits from products grown right on the farm, in addition to welcoming visitors to its restaurant, brewery and seasonal biergarten.

Silver Fox Distillery

Each distiller is unique, says Van Vliet, who describes himself as a gin drinker who frequently buys his colleague’s efforts simply because they’re different than his own.

At Elora Distilling, which opened in 2020, Van Vliet says four regular gins are made, plus a fifth seasonal offering. But altogether, he adds, the Trail features craft distillers that are small enough to have the flexibility to “create many fabulous experimental” gins – some of which can also be found in the LCBO.

And while Elora also distills vodka, whiskey, and rum, Van Vliet notes that such is the current interest gin in Canada that it “outsells everything.”

Importantly, all distilleries on the trail offer (free) samples – there are over two dozen types across the spectrum – and many conduct tours and/or have their own bars and restaurants. (Note: tours should be booked in advanced).

Individual distilleries may have unique opportunities. Van Vliet’s establishment, for example, offers cocktail mixing classes and has partnered with the local tourist office to offer a walking tour of Elora, focussing on the history of alcohol in the region.

“Because we are craft,” he explains, “what one is doing is not what the other is doing,” thereby creating a variety of experiences amongst the Trail members.

At the same time, not unlike the nearby Niagara wine region, a trek along the Trail simply makes for a great outing, particularly for Canadians who have been cooped up for two years due to the pandemic.

And, says Van Vliet simply, “(It) provides another way for people to get a taste of the vibrant culinary scene this part of the province offers.”

Those interested in the Craft Gin Trail can obtain a passport-brochure at any of the distilleries; those getting three stamps qualify to win a merchandise gift pack. More information is also available on Facebook, Instagram, or at the website, craftgintrail.com.

With glass purposefully in hand, we at Travel Industry Today continue our series on some of the planet’s best bars, patios and rooftop venues. For more articles in the series, click here:

PREVIOUS ARTICLES: https://travelindustrytoday.com/pub-patio/

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First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

LISTENING IN: Our Happy Canada Day playlist

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From Bryan Adams to Alfie Zappacosta, and Justin Bieber to Neil Young, Canada has always punched above its weight musically, offering a dictionary-worthy list of great artists. And while our video this week may not recall them all, it’s a trip down memory lane sampling a vast number of favourites, and even some of the forgotten.

So, without further ado, let us Rush to it and take a magic carpet ride, keep on rockin’ in the free world and, ultimately, lay it on the line. After all, we’re here for a good time, not a long time, so enjoy some of our best ¬– we did it for love, and, baby, you ain’t seen nothing yet!

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

‘PUT YOUR SEATBELTS ON’: Sandals 2.0 racing into the future

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Before Carnival celebrations had even subsided at the grand opening of Sandals Royal Curaçao last weekend, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) executive chairman Adam Stewart was already looking to the future, announcing growth plans for the company and a complete transformation of the luxury all-inclusive chain that was founded over 40 years ago in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

The son of late company founder Gordon “Butch” Stewart revealed that the company plans to “at least” double its size in the next decade, adding to the 19 existing Sandals and Beaches resorts already in existence.

“The next 10 years is going to be insane; so, we’re asking you to put your seatbelts on!” he declared.

SRI’s plans are based on its substantial real estate holdings – prime land that was judiciously purchased throughout the Caribbean in the years before Butch Stewart’s death in January 2021, and added to during the pandemic.

“Over the years we ran around the Caribbean and if we saw (a piece of) real estate we loved, we acquired it – even though we didn’t have imminent plans for it,” says Stewart. “So, today, our company holds the largest land bank of Caribbean real estate of any company and it’s the best of the best of what’s out there… So, it gives us the opportunity to double the size of Sandals and Beaches resorts today on the best real estate that you can no longer buy.”

Stewart notes that the plan is part of SRI’s mission to “share the four corners of the Caribbean with the world.”

Indeed, the opening of Sandals Royal Curaçao earlier this month marked the brand’s first resort outside the English-speaking Caribbean.

Next up is completion of Beaches St. Vincent and the Grenadines, SRI’s eighth Caribbean destination, on the site of the former Buccament Bay Resort, in 2023.

It’s to be expected that the future destinations will be announced systematically and in typically sensational Sandals fashion in due course. At least two will be in Jamaica.

Existing Sandals and Beaches resorts will not be neglected, Stewart assures, pointing out that SRI now owns all of its own hotels, which allows the company to invest in its own assets quicker than if in a managed property.

To that end, he notes that SRI is in the middle of “blowing to pieces” Sandals Dunn’s River, soon to be reintroduced as “the next Sandals resort (and) the next generation of design.” Features will include Skypool suites and Rondoval suites with rooftop terraces, and a Red Lane Spa “like we’ve never built before” and using local mineral water.

Celebrating Sandals style at the Royal Curaçao opening

Across the brands, Stewart says “every single element of hospitality is going to be reviewed (and innovated).”

For example, in Curaçao, Sandals has introduced its first-ever “island-inclusive” dining program, which gives some guests (Reward members and those in Butler suites) a US$250 credit at select local restaurants. Guests can also sign out (for free) a MINI Cooper to drive around the island for the day.

It’s part of the plan to do things “that have never quite been done in hospitality before” and “outperforming” the competition.

Beyond Dunn’s River, and St. Vincent, renovation projects are underway at a number of resorts in Jamaica, St. Lucia and Turks and Caicos.

Additionally, five new Beaches (including the Grenadines) will more than double the current roster of three.

After 40 years, the new executive chairman enthuses that the next generation of the Stewart family, based on the foundation and legacy of the founder, is just getting started.

“We plan,” says Stewart, “to take this brand to the moon!”

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Marriott Bonvoy Launches New Co-Branded Credit Cards in China with China CITIC Bank

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Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Co-branded Credit Card.jpg
Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Co-branded Credit Cards

Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program and marketplace, today announced the launch of three Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Co-branded Credit Cards1, providing residents of mainland China with more exclusive benefits and value-added services. Issued by China CITIC Bank and powered by China UnionPay, the three cards, in three distinct levels, offer cardholders a wide array of benefits, including accelerated earning of Marriott Bonvoy points, which can be redeemed for free nights at more than 8,000 properties around the world.

“With the Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Co-branded Credit Cards, we are offering the new generation of Chinese travelers easier and more ways to earn Marriott Bonvoy points,” said Bart Buiring, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Marriott International Asia Pacific. “Marriott Bonvoy is at the heart of our consumer strategy and our collaboration with China CITIC Bank underscores our hyper-local strategy that focuses on delivering extra value to our members.”

“As a travel program encompassing a powerful portfolio of 30 global hotel brands, Marriott Bonvoy aims to provide members with unique and diverse travel experiences,” said Lawrence Ng, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Greater China, Marriott International. “By establishing this collaboration with China CITIC Bank, which has deep insights into understanding how Chinese consumers spend, and combining our travel insights of Chinese travelers, we aim to offer a more seamless experience for Cardholders to enjoy Marriott Bonvoy benefits and maximize rewards on their purchases.”

“China CITIC Bank is delighted to partner with Marriott Bonvoy to launch the first Marriott Bonvoy credit card in China. Consumers who successfully sign up will not only be automatically enrolled in the Marriott Bonvoy travel program, but will also enjoy a wealth of benefits, including related Marriott Bonvoy Elite status. The new card leverages both companies’ strength and rich experience in its respective areas to cater to affluent consumers in China with better travel experiences and financial services.” said a representative from the China CITIC Bank Credit Card Center. “Tapping into the tourism industry’s recovery, our partnership with Marriott Bonvoy will further inspire travel by providing more benefits and world class financial services for potentially millions of cardholders across China.”

Three Cards, Multiple Benefits*
With three distinct card levels—Gold, Platinum and Premium Platinum, the co-branded credit cards are designed to appeal to different types of customers such as millennials, families, and business professionals by offering a wide variety of cardmember benefits.

  • Upon activating the Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Gold Card, cardholders are automatically awarded Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status and 5 Elite Night Credits, which accelerates members on their pathway to Elite status. There will be additional benefits — earning 2 points for every RMB 18 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy and 1 point on all other purchases2.
  • Upon activating the Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Platinum Card, cardholders will enjoy Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, 10 Elite Night Credits and 1 Free Night Award for a stay of up to 12,500 points3. There will be additional benefits — earning 2 points for every RMB 10 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy and 1 point on all other purchases2.
  • Upon activating the Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Premium Platinum Card, cardholders will enjoy automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, 15 Elite Night Credits and 2 Free Night Awards, each valued at 35,000 points3. Upon spending RMB 500,000 with the Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Premium Platinum Card within a 12-month period after the card activation, cardholders will be awarded Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status and 1 additional Free Night Award for a stay of up to 35,000 points3. There will be additional benefits — earning 3 points for every RMB 10 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy and 1 point on all other purchases2.

Marriott Bonvoy has rolled out a series of limited time offers, which give cardholders who apply and activate their Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Co-branded Credit Card between June 28 and August 31 2022 the opportunity to earn more bonus points.

  • Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Gold Card cardholders who spend RMB 10,000 within the first three months of card activation can earn 5,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points.
  • Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Platinum Card cardholders who spend RMB 20,000 within the first three months of card activation can earn 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points
  • Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Premium Platinum Card cardholders who spend RMB 30,000 within the first three months of card activation can choose to accelerate their way to the Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status or earn 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points.

More Ways to Explore
Cardholders can enjoy an exclusive 10% off on the Club Marriott membership fee4, as well as purchases from the Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques website, a prestigious collection of branded online retail stores offering curated, premium and exclusive products from Marriott Bonvoy’s hotels to enjoy at home. Cardholders can also enjoy up to 20% dining discounts and receive 10% off best available rate on accommodations at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy in China5 (including all managed hotels and selected franchised hotels). In addition, they can travel with fraud and flight delay insurance to improve their travel experience.

More details about the Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Co-branded Cards are available here.

* View terms and conditions that card benefits associated with each of the three cards and limited time offers, please click here.

Notes to Editors
Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Co-branded Card Key Features: See Terms and Conditions for details

Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Gold Card

  • Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status
  • Annual welcome of 5 Elite Night Credits

  • Exclusive Hotel Discounts:

    • 10% off on room discount at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy in China when booked directly through Marriott Bonvoy website and app
    • 10% off on F&B at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy in China
    • 10% off site-wide on Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques
    • 10% off on Club Marriott membership fee at participating hotels in China

  • Accelerate points earning through daily spending:

    • Earn 2 points for every RMB 18 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy and 1 point on all other purchases2.
  • Fraud insurance and 4-hour flight delay insurance

Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Platinum Card

  • Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
  • Annual welcome of 10 Elite Night Credits and 1 Free Night Award (Redemption level up to 12,500 points3)

  • Exclusive Hotel Discounts:

    • 10% off on room discount at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy in China when booked directly through Marriott Bonvoy website and app
    • 20% off on F&B at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy in China
    • 10% off site-wide on Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques
    • 10% off on Club Marriott membership fee at participating hotels in China

  • Accelerate points earning through daily spending:

    • Earn 2 points for every RMB 10 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy and 1 point on all other purchases2.
  • High-valued Fraud Insurance, 4-hour flight delay insurance and aviation accident insurance
  • Car Roadside Assistance and hospital registration
  • Up to 4 times airport lounge access or up to 8 times high-speed train station lounge access per year

Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Premium Platinum Card

  • Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
  • Annual welcome of 15 Elite Night Credits and 2 Free Night Awards (Redemption level up to 35,000 points each3)

  • Exclusive Hotel Discounts:

    • 10% off on room discount at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy in China when booked directly through Marriott Bonvoy website and app
    • 20% off on F&B at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy in China
    • 10% off site-wide on Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques
    • 10% off on Club Marriott membership fee at participating hotels in China

  • Accelerate points earning through daily spending:

    • Earning 3 points for every RMB 10 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy and 1 point on all other purchases2.

  • Milestone Awards: Spend RMB 500,000 within a 12-month period after the card activation and enjoy:

    • Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status
    • 1 Free Night Award (redemption level up to 35,000 points3)
  • High-valued Fraud Insurance, 4-hour flight delay insurance and aviation accident insurance
  • Car Roadside Assistance and hospital registration
  • Up to 16 times airport lounge access or up to 32 times high-speed train station lounge access per year

1 Terms and Conditions apply. The application for Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Co-branded Card is only open to residents in mainland China.

2 Where applicable terms of qualified daily spending/eligible daily purchases are provided, the terms and conditions of Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Co-branded Credit Cards shall prevail. For detailed terms and conditions of Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Co-branded Credit Cards, please go to the official website of China CITIC Bank Credit Card Center at http://creditcard.ecitic.com/shenqing/wanhao/index.shtml or Marriott Bonvoy at http://marriottbonvoyasia.cn/CITICcard.

3 Certain hotels charge a resort fee.

4 Club Marriott provides exclusive dining and accommodation benefits to members at over 330 Marriott Bonvoy participating hotels and resorts in Asia Pacific. Please refer to the following.

5 Terms apply, for full list of participating hotels, please check it at the official website of Marriott Bonvoy website.

Contact:
Jessica Zhou
Senior Director of Communications, Greater China
Marriott International
Jessica.zhou@marriott.com

About Marriott Bonvoy®
Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program and marketplace, gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques website. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com. To download the Marriott app, go here. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

About China CITIC Bank Credit Card Center
The China CITIC Bank Credit Card Center manages and operates the credit card business of China CITIC Bank. Based in Shenzhen, the Center first began issuing credit cards in December 2003. It is the national headquarters and the first branch-level franchise institution of China CITIC Bank’s credit card business. As of November 1, 2021, the Center has issued in excess of 100 million credit cards, making it one of the leading credit card issuers of joint-stock commercial banks in China.

For more information, please visit our website at or connect with us on Weibo @中信银行信用卡.

About China CITIC Bank
China CITIC Bank was founded in 1987. It is one of the earliest emerging commercial banks established during China’s reform and opening-up and also China’s first commercial bank participating in financing at both domestic and international financial markets. A keen contributor to China’s economic development, the Bank is renowned at home and abroad for brushing numerous track records in the modern Chinese financial history. In April 2007, the Bank simultaneously listed its A and H shares at the Shanghai Stock Exchange and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. The Bank has persevered in serving the real economy, engaging in stable healthy business operation and keeping abreast with the times. Thriving through over 30 years’ growth and expansion, the Bank has become a financial conglomerate with strong comprehensive competitiveness and powerful brand influence, registering more than RMB8 trillion total assets and nearly 60,000 employees. As at the end of 2021, the Bank had 1,415 outlets in 153 large and medium-sized cities in China.

For more information, please visit our website or follow @中信银行 on Weibo.

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

CRUISE SHIP HITS ICEBERG IN ALASKA

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The Norwegian Sun cruise ship hit a small iceberg during its voyage in Alaska on Saturday. As a result, the ship was forced to skip its Skagway port of call and head directly to Juneau for the damage to be assessed.

A cruise spokesperson told USA TODAY that, “while transiting to Hubbard Glacier in Alaska, Norwegian Sun was engulfed by dense fog, limiting visibility and resulting in the ship making contact with a growler.”

According to the US National Ocean Service, growlers are fragments of ice roughly the size of a truck or grand piano. They extend less than three feet above the sea surface and occupy an area of about 215 square feet.

When trapped air escapes as the iceberg melts, it sometimes makes a sound like the growl of an animal, hence the name.

Stock image of a growler

“The ship remains fully operational and is currently in Juneau, Alaska for assessment,” the spokesperson said. “Additional information will be provided as appropriate.” They did not say whether any passengers or crew members had been injured.

Passengers were reported to have felt shuddering and rattling noises that may have been related to the ice impact.

The ship was in Juneau as scheduled on Monday but there has been no official assessment of the damage.

Depending on the outcome of a dive inspection, it is possible the ship may be cleared to resume normal operations and continue on to Skagway.

The remainder of the current itinerary has the ship visiting Ketchikan on Tuesday, June 28, and Victoria, British Columbia, on Wednesday, June 29.

The cruise line did not comment regarding any course changes.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

TRAVEL CONFIDENCE ON THE RISE: Many global tourists unconcerned about the spread of COVID-19

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Widespread COVID-19 concern appears to be declining as international travel resumes, amid easing travel restrictions and rising vaccination rates. According to a live poll conducted by GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, 57% of respondents are “not concerned” or are “not very concerned” about the spread of COVID-19, suggesting that tourists are more prepared to live with COVID-19.

Hannah Free, Travel and Tourism Analyst at GlobalData, said, “The outlook for tourism in many countries is brighter than at any time in the past two years. However, the turbulence and uncertainty of COVID-19 has created several challenges which are likely to further complicate recovery. Rising demand, coupled with mass layoffs and competition for talent with other sectors, has resulted in widespread labour shortages in several tourism economies such as the UK, the Netherlands, and Spain.”
As countries gradually lift travel restrictions and tourism restarts in many parts of the world, hygiene and safety must continue to be a priority and coordinated heath protocols that protect workers, communities, and travellers, while supporting companies and workers, need to be firmly in place to boost travel confidence.

Free says, “The global travel and tourism industry’s post-pandemic recovery is gaining traction as pent-up demand for international travel rekindles. According to GlobalData’s latest forecasts, on a global scale, international departures will reach 68% of pre-COVID levels in 2022. This is expected to improve to 82% in 2023, and 97% in 2024, before fully recovering by 2025 at 101% of 2019 levels. There is reason to be cautiously optimistic for the return of travel demand as growth in international travel is finally expected in 2022.”

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Dominican Republic President Joins UNWTO in Support of Women Entrepreneurs

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Dominican Republic President Joins UNWTO in Support of Women Entrepreneurs - TRAVELINDEXSanto Domingo, Dominican Republic, June 25, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Women entrepreneurs from across the tourism sector came together in Santo Domingo for a special workshop focused on financing, marketing, networking and innovation.

Forming part of UNWTO’s Centre Stage project and organized in partnership with the country’s Ministry of Tourism (MITUR), the one-day event saw around 200 female Dominican entrepreneurs share their experience and knowledge while also benefitting from expert insights into growing tourism businesses and making the sector a driver of gender equality and sustainable development.

Joining the entrepreneurs in a show of support, President of the Republic, Mr. Luis Abinader and the Minister of Tourism, Mr. David Collado, stressed the important role tourism is playing in the economic wellbeing of the country. The President singled out the opportunities being created in established tourism hubs like Punta Cana, as well as emerging destinations such as Pedregales.

As part of Centre Stage, MITUR has been working actively since November 2021 to implement policies that take into consideration the specific needs of women working in tourism. According to UNWTO research, women in tourism have been hit harder by the impacts of the pandemic than men working in the sector, emphasizing the need to incorporate a gender perspective into policymaking. The Centre Stage project is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Development and Cooperation (BMZ), the Germany Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and UN Women.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Dusit Hotels International Appoints New Chief Operating Officer

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Dusit Hotels International Appoints New Chief Operating Officer - HOTELWORLDS.com - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, June 24, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has appointed Mr Gilles Cretallaz as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective 10 June 2022. Replacing Mr Lim Boon Kwee, who retired from the position in May after almost nine years of service with the company, French national Mr Cretallaz brings to the role more than 30 years of experience leading luxury, renowned, and iconic hotels for the Accor group across Turkey, China, and Southeast Asia.

• For all your booking and lodging solutions worldwide book at HotelWorlds.com at best rates available.

Alongside driving brand evolution, he has a strong track record for formulating and implementing strategies to increase market share, guide sustainable development, introduce award-winning F&B concepts, and boost guest and customer satisfaction at properties under his care.

During his illustrious career, he has overseen pre-opening, rebranding, and operations for hotels under renowned Accor brands, such as Sofitel, Fairmont, and Raffles. This includes, amongst others, serving as Regional General Manager – Accor North Vietnam, and General Manager for the iconic, award-winning Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. He also conceptualised ‘So,’ Accor’s first playful luxury brand, and established the brand in Thailand as General Manager of the unique Sofitel So Bangkok.

Expanding his scope regionally, internationally, and across brand segments, he was appointed Director of Operations Sofitel Luxury Hotels – Thailand and Singapore, and later promoted to Vice President Operations Upscale and Luxury Segments for Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, and the Maldives.
In his most recent role, he was Senior Vice President Operations – Southeast Asia, responsible for leading Accor’s Bangkok Office and overseeing the operations of 150 highly-rated and prestigious hotels – including nine distinct brands – across Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar.

In his new role for Dusit International, Mr Cretallaz will be responsible for overseeing the financial and operational responsibilities of Dusit’s hotel business unit, including all Dusit Hotels and Resorts, ASAI Hotels, Elite Havens, White Label properties, and condominiums/residences under Property Management, at both corporate and property levels.

“I am honoured and delighted to join the talented team at Dusit International and contribute to the company’s vision to uniquely deliver Thai-inspired, gracious hospitality to the world,” said Mr Cretallaz.

“Drawing on my extensive experience in overseeing hotel operations, brand evolution, property development, and sales and marketing, I very much look forward to helping drive sustainable expansion of our operations in existing and emerging markets, establishing new group-wide synergies to maximise growth potential, and introducing new products, services, and experiences to enrich the guest and customer experience and deliver enduring value for all stakeholders.”

Fluent in French and English, Mr Cretallaz holds an Advanced Certificate in Hotel Management from the Hotel Management School of Lausanne, Switzerland; a BTS Diploma from the Hotel Management School of Toulouse, France; and a Baccalauréat Technologique Diploma from the Hotel Management School of Thonon-Les-Bains, France.

During his time at Accor, Mr Cretallaz was honoured to be nominated for, and receive, numerous awards for his work. Among them: the ‘Bernache Imagine’ Award – the highest accolade within Accor – and the ‘Asian Businessman Award,’ from the ASEAN Capitals Business Forum.

• For all your booking and lodging solutions worldwide book at HotelWorlds.com at best rates available.

About Dusit International
Established in 1948, Dusit International or Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT) is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its operations comprise five distinct yet complementary business units: hotels and resorts, hospitality education, food, property development, and hospitality-related services.

The group’s portfolio of hotels, resorts and luxury villas includes more than 300 properties operating under a total of six brands (Dusit Thani, Dusit Devarana, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, ASAI Hotels, and Elite Havens) across 16 countries worldwide. The group also operates culinary schools and hospitality colleges in Thailand, plus catering companies for the education sector in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Dusit International’s diversified investments in real estate development, hospitality-related services, and the food sector are part of its long-term strategy for sustainable growth, which focuses on three key areas: balance, expansion and diversification.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

WTTC Report Analyses Critical Factors for Hotel Investment Post Pandemic

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WTTC Report Analyses Critical Factors for Hotel Investment Post Pandemic - HOTELWORLDS.com - TRAVELINDEXSan Juan, Puerto Rico, June 24, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) published ‘Critical Factors to Attract Hotel Investment’, a new report highlighting the importance of attracting capital investment to enable the Travel & Tourism sector’s full growth potential post COVID-19, following a 25% drop in 2020.

• Read all the latest WTTC News and Updates here.

The report, launched today at the Sustainability and Investment Summit taking place in San Juan, Puerto Rico, looks at key enabling factors for hotel investment, and success stories of destinations that have employed such factors and shown strong growth in investment.

In 2020, when international travel came to an almost standstill, the Travel & Tourism sector saw 62 million job losses and its GDP contribution halved, representing a painful loss of nearly USD 4.9 trillion.

According to the paper, capital investment in the sector also fell substantially during the height of the pandemic, from nearly USD 1.1 trillion in 2019, to only USD 805 billion in 2020, representing an almost 25% drop.

Investment in the sector continued to decline last year with a further 6.9% decline to USD 750 billion.

The report does however provide grounds for optimism as it forecast a strong growth in Travel & Tourism investment over the next decade. However, the global tourism body warns that to achieve this, governments around the world must create a favourable enabling environment.

In addition to political stability and liquidity, considered essential for investment, a clear, open, and consistent government action and support, favourable tax incentives, and safety and security, amongst others, remain prerequisites to attract hotel investments.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Hotel investment is absolutely key for the recovery and growth of the Travel & Tourism sector. Destinations must have a clear commitment and take a holistic approach to become resilient and competitive.

“As we recover from the pandemic and we build back better, investments not only need to benefit destinations economically, but more importantly, socially and environmentally.”

According to the innovative report, the key enabling factors for hotel investment include governance and rule of law, a key enabler for investors, as it determines how easily and successfully a business operates, physical infrastructure, air and ground connectivity, and workforce.

The report analysed a number of popular destinations which benefitted from implementing these elements. For instance, the Netherlands provides an enabling environment for foreign investment with less restrictive regulations and strict laws to penalise corruption.

Physical infrastructure, air and ground connectivity is also crucial to investment as well-connected hubs support wider regional development and provide access to lesser-known destinations that offer tourism opportunities.

South Korea, for example, ranks as one of the best-connected countries in the world. The announcement of the country as the 2018 Winter Olympics host, incentivised investment in transport infrastructure, which resulted in hotel room supply soaring by almost 15%, outstripping the healthy overall Travel & Tourism capital investment growth of 8.7% in 2017.

The paper also highlights the importance of re-skilling and up-skilling the workforce. Leading the way in this area is Portugal, which focussed on strategies to help reskill the sector, such as the Tourism Training Talent (TTT) programme, committed to improving the quality of tourism’s training services.

Some additional factors and success stories in the report include liquidity in Maldives, government aid in Saudi Arabia, taxation in Colombia, destination planning and sustainability in Singapore and Rwanda, service culture in the Philippines, and travel facilitation in Aruba.

• Read all the latest WTTC News and Updates here.

With contributions from STR, KSL Capital Partners, and JLL, the report, draws from experience to inspire both the public and private sector, as they develop and implement Travel & Tourism investment policies that will boost the long-term recovery of the sector.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Japanese Fine Dining Restaurant Kyo-Tei Celebrates First Anniversary

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Japanese Fine Dining Restaurant Kyo-Tei Celebrates First Anniversary - TOP25RESTAURANTS.com - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, June 23, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Aquarius International celebrates the first anniversary of Kyo-Tei, a Japanese fine dining restaurant in Thong Lor. A new seasonal menu “Early Summer in Kyoto Kamogawa” is introduced to mark the occasion. Kyo-Tei opened its doors in June 2021, delighting guests with its original, eye-catching cuisine. The restaurant presents a contemporary atmosphere that immerses visitors in natural elements of wood and stone. There is a backyard ‘Ryokan’, a traditional Japanese inn that invites diners to experience authentic Kaiseki cuisine.

The name Kyo-Tei comes from the word “Kyo” 京 from Kyoto, Japan’s imperial capital where Kaiseki cuisine was created in the 9th century, and “Tei” 亭 which represents a culinary destination.

Kyo-Tei is located on Sukhumvit Soi 38 in Bangkok’s trendy Thong Lor district. The restaurant is divided into a series of distinct areas, including the Sushi Counter where guests can watch the chefs expertly crafting pieces of sushi and sashimi, alongside a bar where talented mixologists shake and stir Asian-inspired cocktails. On the upper level, the Exquisite Bar houses premium whiskies and sakes. A private Kaiseki Omakase Room with only eight seats is ideal for special occasions. An intimate Teppanyaki Room features only six seats surrounding a spectacular teppanyaki grill.

Led by Chef Nishioka Masaki, a Japanese culinary master with three decades of experience, this elegant destination showcases elevated kaiseki, teppanyaki and omakase cuisine under one roof. Blending traditional and modern techniques, it optimises fresh ingredients that change with the seasons to deliver truly extraordinary epicurean journeys.

For the 1st year anniversary, the chef unveils his new seasonal menu, “Early Summer in Kyoto Kamogawa”, which focuses on the finest produce from the land and sea, highlighting Motobu Wagyu A5 beef from Okinawa, premium scampi from New Zealand, and sublime Japanese seafood such as sea urchin, abalone and blue crab. Treated with exceptional care and precision, these exquisite ingredients are used to craft a selection of delicacies that will pay homage to Kyoto.

“We are delighted to invite diners to celebrate the first anniversary of Kyo-Tei. Since opening last year, we are fast becoming one of Bangkok’s most exciting places to dine. The local community has really embraced our concept, so we want to thank them for their support by offering the opportunity to come together with us and discover our new menu. As the world starts to open up again, we look forward to welcoming even more local and international diners to Kyo-Tei in 2022, and for many years to come,” said Edward Chi, Founder of Aquarius International.

Kyo-Tei is the flagship of AQ Gourmet & Dine, the F&B arm of Aquarius International,owned by Norcal Thailand, a division of Hong Kong-based Norcal Venture Capital Group Limited (NVC), which has global assets in excess of US$1 billion. The company portfolio encompasses five-star resorts, residences, yacht charters, fine-dining and membership services, all woven together by AQBooking.com, its premium, personalized booking platform.

AQBooking .com is an exclusive club that enables its members to explore a curated A-list of high-quality tourism brands, from the finest hotels and resorts to world-class dining, yacht charters, premium flights and more. Every aspect of their journey will be supported by bespoke concierge services and club benefits, all available at the touch of a button.

Make a reservation at Kyo-Tei restaurant, call 063 306 3636. Open from Sunday-Wednesday from 11:00am – 9:00pm and Friday-Saturday from 11:00am – 10:00pm (Lunch at 11:00 am – 2:30pm / Dinner from 5:30 pm).

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News