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Meliá Phuket Mai Khao Unveils YHI Spa Menu

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Phuket, Thailand, June 6, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX /  Meliá Phuket Mai Khao, a new wellness-inspired resort on eight acres of Phuket’s north-western coastline on the Andaman Sea, has introduced a spa menu with treatments ranging from hot candle massage and hot sand therapy to bath rituals and charcoal powder body scrubs.

The extensive menu from Meliá’s signature YHI Spa, that is 300sqm and home to five treatment rooms, offers signature treatments and packages, as well as an array of massages, body masks and wraps, body exfoliation, facial treatments, manicure, pedicure, and more.

The YHI Spa’s “signature pleasures” include the 120-minute “Sense Enrich”, that begins with a full body scrub freshly made with honey and organic Phuket pineapple followed by a hot candle massage that soothes the body with hot wax. The 90-minute “Rhythm of Sol and Luna” is a “four hands” massage by two spa therapists.

The 90-minute “Soul of Mai Khao Arena” that starts with the ancient remedy of warming the body with heated Mai Khao sand mixed with herbs followed by an aroma massage, and an indulgent 90-minute hot stone massage are also among the spa’s signature treatments.

Wellness journeys such as the 150-minute “Embrace Touch” and the 180-minute “Romance Touch” are based on a series of reinvigorating treatments. Embrace Touch comprises a 30-minute Ayurvedic Indian head massage, a 60-minute aroma relaxation massage, a 30-minute foot massage and a 30-minute herbal steam. Romance Touch is made up of a 30-minute herbal steam, a 60-minute body scrub, a 30-minute romantic bath ritual and a 60-minute Balinese massage.

The 30-minute bath rituals are “Milky Fleur”, a fresh milk bath with petals to hydrate the skin, and “Herbal Indulgence”, a warm bath infused with Thai herbs to stimulate blood circulation and ease tension.

YHI Spa pays homage to Thailand with massages such as “Traditional Thai” and “Thai Herbal Bliss”. Dating back some 2500 years, traditional Thai massage is based on palm strokes and thumb pressure along the body’s energy lines to alleviate conditions such as lower back pain, arthritis and headaches. The Thai herbal ball compress massage, known as “Luk Prakob”, is an ancient therapy applied to the body’s pressure points to release muscular aches and pain.

In addition to regular treatments such as deep tissue sports massage, aromatherapy massage, and Swedish massage, holistic massages such as lymphatic drainage massage, “Chi Nei Tsang” traditional Chinese massage and foot reflexology are on offer. The gentle “Mother to Be” massage is for pregnant guests and “Kids Bliss”, for children aged four to 12 years, affords a massage as well as a nail polish treatment and foot pampering.

Body masks and wraps include a HARNN contouring body mask and firming wrap designed to reduce cellulite. Body exfoliation treatments such as “White Tea and Camellia”, a concentrated scrub also made from charcoal powder, cleanse the body and gently remove dead skin cells.

Spa therapists also provide poolside and in-villa treatments. Treatments are based on organic Thai wellness brand HARNN’s products, made with natural ingredients. Aromatherapy essential oils are blended according to the “life elements” fire, air, water and earth and tailored to the birth month of the guest.

Situated on secluded Mai Khao beach, the resort opened on December 1 2021 and is the second five-star property to be launched in Thailand under Spanish hotel group Meliá Hotels International.

The resort’s 15 wellness villas each feature an outdoor bathtub, private plunge pool, open-air Vitamin C shower, ultrasonic essential oil diffuser, GermGuardian air purifier, Tempur-Pedic pillows, aromatic salts for the outdoor bathtub, a fit ball, yoga mat and Harman Kardon speaker. A highlight of staying at a wellness villa is a daily 60-minute massage.

Meliá Phuket Mai Khao’s culinary offerings include a “Balance by Meliá” menu featuring the likes of quinoa salad with tricolour quinoa, goji berries, sweet potatoes, chickpeas and bell peppers, and a poke bowl with rice berry, organic salmon tartare, avocado, spirulina and chia seeds.

The resort’s fitness center is equipped with treadmills, ellipticals, exercise bikes, and weights machines.

For more information about Meliá Phuket Mai Khao, visit www.melia.com, call +66 76 563 550 or email info@meliaphuketmaikhao.com

About Meliá Hotels & Resorts

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

 

About Meliá Hotels International

Founded in 1956 in Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International operates more than 380 hotels (portfolio and pipeline) throughout more than 40 countries, under the brands Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, Paradisus by Meliá, ME by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, INNSiDE by Meliá, Sol by Meliá and TRYP by Wyndham. The Group is one of the leading companies in resort hotels worldwide, while also leveraging its experience to consolidate the growing segment of the leisure-inspired urban market. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led the Group to become the most sustainable hotel company in Spain and Europe in 2020, according to the SAM Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA). It also has ranked seventh in the Wall Street Journal’s list of the 100 most sustainably managed companies in the world (and the leading travel company) and is the only Spanish travel company included in the list of “Europe’s Climate Leaders 2021” by Financial Times. Meliá Hotels International is also included in the IBEX 35 Spanish stock market index and it is the Spanish hotel leader in Corporate Reputation (Merco Ranking). For more information, visit www.meliahotelsinternational.com

 

About Phuket Villa Group

Founded in 1989 in Phuket (Thailand), Phuket Villa Corporation, together with its affiliates, has constructed over 7,000 houses and condominium units all over Phuket and Bangkok. As one of the first developers in Phuket to include a wide range of lifestyle facilities within its developments, such as tennis courts and swimming pools, the Group offers detached homes, townhouses and commercial buildings, catering to the growing local real estate market. In addition, the Group also has two hotels under its banner, offering more than 300 rooms to tourists and business travellers, mirroring Phuket’s steady growth as a premier tourist destination of Thailand. Over the years, Phuket Villa Corporation continues to re-invent itself to cater to an increasingly diverse customer base in a more competitive landscape. For more information, please visit: https://phuketvilla.com/ or follow us on Facebook @PhuketVillaCompany

 

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Fusion Joins Global Movement To Prioritize Health

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Ho Chi Minh Ciry, Vietnam, June 6, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / fusion, a brand synonymous with spa in Vietnam, doesn’t restrict its wellness offerings to the therapies on offer in its spa treatment rooms. It’s much broader than that, and fusion plans to demonstrate as much on Global Wellness Day this month.

Each of the expanding hotel group’s properties has created a day full of activities to remind guests of the key question driving the day, “How can I live a healthier and better life [on an individual and societal level]?”

Global Wellness Day, a social project that has gained momentum over the last decade, is held on the second Saturday of June every year. Below are some of the highlights of what will be happening at fusion.

Fusion Resort Phu Quoc

Fusion’s Phu Quoc property boasts the largest spa on the island. In the heart of this healing space is a flourishing pepper tree garden. Pepper is the island’s most famous export. The orchard is the backdrop for Pepperation, a workshop where guests create a pepper scrub with all natural ingredients.The program is best paired with the resort’s Natural Living Pepper massage, that uses a custom-blended heating black pepper oil only available at Maia Spa. Other highlights include two yoga sessions – sunrise yoga and sunset yoga on the beach. A mindfulness meditation session in the yoga studio, as well as Tai Chi Qigong in the Spa Garden and Aqua fitness in the Spa’s swimming pool.

Fusion Resort Cam Ranh

This beachfront resort is starting things early with an Indian head massage session held in their tropical lotus garden at 6:15am. From there you can head straight to their on-site farm to collect your own free-range eggs, straight from the coop, for breakfast. The resort is home to around 200 cage-free chickens, ducks, goats, and even peacocks, which makes the Kids Farm School, up next on the agenda, very interesting. Adults can take part in Fusion Earth Lab, where they’ll make their own natural hair conditioner and earn a Wellness Ambassador certificate, for creating products that are kind to the body and the earth.

Maia Resort Quy Nhon

Fusion’s first foodie-focused resort realizes the importance of building up an appetite. Their activities for Global Wellness Day involve some pre-breakfast sunrise yoga on the beach. Post-breakfast guests can enjoy complimentary aqua fitness with an aerobics session in the Vela Spa pool. Late afternoon it’s time to unwind with a 30-minute meditation practice at the spa, followed by sunset yoga in the garden with the Phuong Mai windmills in the background.

Alba Wellness Valley by fusion

This natural hot springs resort, on the outskirts of Hue, has many wellness horns to trumpet but this June 11th the team is opting for what’s closest to its heart, the environment and the local community. Over 150 children and Alba staff will spend the Saturday at the resort learning about personal wellness through outdoor exercise, as well as environmental wellness, through a talk on the topic as well as some tree planting followed by a sustainable lunch. Joy and laughter are integral elements in any wellness mix and Alba will ensure there’s also plenty of that with free entry to the property’s water park for all the children taking part.

Fusion Suites Saigon

Fusion Suites Saigon, located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, has developed “7 Steps to Wellness at Fusion Suites Saigon,” to help highlight the hotel’s services and facilities that foster a healthy stay. These include:

  1. Never skip breakfast: Enjoy a buffet breakfast at Fresh
  2. Hydrate: Complimentary glass bottles in room or refill your own at the refill station at Fresh
  3. Savor healthy food: poke, salads at Fresh
  4. Drink fusion’s own homemade Kombucha to improve inner beauty
  5. Work up a sweat at the gym
  6. Have a sauna
  7. Relax and rejuvenate with a spa therapy in one of the color therapy treatment rooms.

These seven steps will be a “Quest for Wellness” on Global Wellness Day, with guests being encouraged to check in with photos of all the steps and encourage friends and families to do so too.

Fusion Suites Vung Tau

Fusion Suites Vung Tau, a popular weekend getaway destination from Saigon, will kickstart Saturday with an extensive breakfast buffet, designed to promote healthy eating. Guests will find a wider selection of healthy dishes including more fresh and vibrant salads, a wide selection of steamed vegetables and a rich array of tropical fresh fruit, for the most important meal of the day. There will be new menu items, just for Global Wellness Day, including a Wellness Pizza, topped with a selection of fresh vegetables and edible flowers, and served with a detox drink. The 11th of June marks the first day of ten days of complimentary yoga classes, meditation, and Tai Chi for all guests and team members to join.

 

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Weekend Vibes at Aloft Bangkok

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Marriott International’s Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 today unveils ‘Weekend Vibes’ promotion offering guests the ultimate culinary getaway with additional 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points while staycationing at the most happening street in Bangkok.

Price starting from THB 3,449++ for one person in Aloft Bangkok’s Urban room, guest can enjoy one night stay with breakfast and the finest seafood dinner buffet at Crave restaurant on level 8 every Friday to Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. plus an additional 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points per stay. In addition, guest can also enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, Complimentary Tuk Tuk shuttle to BTS Nana, Terminal 21 shopping mall and MRT Sukhumvit and complimentary access to 24/7 Re:Charge gym and Splash rooftop pool. Guest eligible to use Rao Tiew Duay Gun to benefit from this deal while rediscovering Bangkok at this stunning Sukhumvit hotel, other terms and conditions may apply.

Valid Fridays to Saturdays through July 31, 2022, guest can make a reservations via, call 02 207 7000, email reservations.aloftbkk@alofthotels.com

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Tourism Recovery Gains Momentum as Restrictions Ease and Confidence Returns

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Madrid, Spain, June 6, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Tourism continues to recover at a strong pace. Globally, destinations welcomed almost three times as many international arrivals in the first quarter of 2022 as in the same period of 2021, with Europe leading the sector’s rebound.

According to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, international tourism saw a 182% year-on-year increase in January-March 2022, with destinations worldwide welcoming an estimated 117 million international arrivals compared to 41 million in Q1 2021. Of the extra 76 million international arrivals for the first three months, about 47 million were recorded in March, showing that the recovery is gathering pace.

Europe and Americas lead the recovery

UNWTO data shows that during the first quarter of 2022, Europe welcomed almost four times as many international arrivals (+280%) as in Q1 of 2021, with results driven by strong intra-regional demand. In the Americas arrivals more than doubled (+117%) in the same three months. However, arrivals in Europe and the Americas were still 43% and 46% below 2019 levels respectively.

The Middle East (+132%) and Africa (+96%) also saw strong growth in Q1 2022 compared to 2021, but arrivals remained 59% and 61% below 2019 levels respectively. Asia and the Pacific recorded a 64% increase over 2021 but again, levels were 93% below 2019 numbers as several destinations remained closed to non-essential travel.

By subregion, the Caribbean and Southern Mediterranean Europe continue to show the fastest rates of recovery. In both, arrivals recovered to nearly 75% of 2019 levels, with some destinations reaching or exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

Destinations opening up

Although international tourism remains 61% below 2019 levels, the gradual recovery is expected to continue throughout 2022, as more destinations ease or lift travel restrictions and pent-up demand is unleashed. As of 2 June, 45 destinations (of which 31 are in Europe) had no COVID-19 related restrictions in place. In Asia, an increasing number of destinations have started to ease those restrictions.

Despite these positive prospects, a challenging economic environment coupled with the military offensive of the Russian Federation in Ukraine pose a downside risk to the ongoing recovery of international tourism. The Russian offensive on Ukraine seems to have had a limited direct impact on overall results so far, although it is disrupting travel in Eastern Europe. However, the conflict is having major economic repercussions globally, exacerbating already high oil prices and overall inflation and disrupting international supply chains, which results in higher transport and accommodation costs for the tourism sector.

Export revenues to recover faster as spending rises

The latest issue of the UNWTO Tourism Barometer also shows that US$ 1 billion were lost in export revenues from international tourism in 2021, adding to the $1 billion lost in the first year of the pandemic. Total export revenues from tourism (including passenger transport receipts) reached an estimated US$ 713 billion in 2021, a 4% increase in real terms from 2020 but still 61% below 2019 levels. International tourism receipts reached US$ 602 billion, also 4% higher in real terms than in 2020. Europe and the Middle East recorded the best results, with earnings climbing to about 50% of pre-pandemic levels in both regions.

However, the amount being spent per trip is on the rise – from an average US$ 1,000 in 2019 to US$ 1,400 in 2021.

Stronger than expected recovery ahead

The latest UNWTO Confidence Index showed a marked uptick. For the first time since the start of the pandemic, the index returned to levels of 2019, reflecting rising optimism among tourism experts worldwide, building on strong pent-up demand, in particular intra-European travel and US travel to Europe.

According to the latest UNWTO Panel of Experts survey, an overwhelming majority of tourism professionals (83%) see better prospects for 2022 compared to 2021, as long as the virus is contained and destinations continue to ease or lift travel restrictions. However, the ongoing closure of some major outbound markets, mostly in Asia and the Pacific, as well as the uncertainty derived from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, could delay the effective recovery of international tourism.

A higher number of experts (48%) now see a potential return of international arrivals to 2019 levels in 2023 (from 32% in the January survey), while the percentage indicating this could happen in 2024 or later (44%) has diminished compared to the January survey (64%). Meanwhile by end April, international air capacity across the Americas, Africa, Europe, North Atlantic and the Middle East has reached or is close to 80% of pre-crisis levels and demand is following.

UNWTO has revised its outlook for 2022 due to stronger-than-expected results in the first quarter of 2022, a significant increase in flight reservations, and prospects from the UNWTO Confidence Index. International tourist arrivals are now expected to reach 55% to 70% of 2019 levels in 2022, depending on several circumstances including the rate at which destinations continue to lift travel restrictions, the evolution of the war in Ukraine, possible new outbreaks of coronavirus and global economic conditions, particularly inflation and energy prices.

UNWTO Tourism Data Dashboard

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

The Duke’s Golf Course in St Andrews with Major Investment

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The Duke's Golf Course in St Andrews with Major Investment - TOP25GOLFCOURSES.com - TRAVELINDEXSt Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom, June 6, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / One of the most prestigious golf courses in St Andrews is preparing to mark a significant milestone. The recognition surrounds a key member of staff at The Duke’s who has spent the last two decades providing a world-class experience at the only heathland course at the Home of Golf. It also accompanies a tranche of investments at the well-regarded venue.

A lot can happen in 20 years, as anyone visiting the five-star Old Course Hotel Golf Resort & Spa will confirm. The Duke’s, for instance, has matured gracefully since opening 26 years ago, undergoing a detailed revamp in 2006 that included upgraded drainage and bunker changes alongside the unveiling of three stunning closing holes.

Overseeing that evolution has been Ayden Roberts-Jones, who started at the resort as senior PGA assistant in 2002. Now manager of The Duke’s, he has been integral to the continued development of the golf operations and more recently supervising the introduction of a new fleet of buggies.

“The Duke’s was my introduction to Scottish heathland golf and I was captivated by it,” he said, recalling his debut at the resort. “We went through a lot of changes during those early days which were dramatic but certainly enhanced the course and its playability. We’ve now engaged in a programme of improvements that will take The Duke’s, once again, to another level in terms of delivering a world-class golfing experience.”

Roberts-Jones confirmed the completion of a detailed winter maintenance schedule by The Duke’s greenkeeping team, whose numbers have increased by 50% in less than a year. The programme of works, he explained, also included changes to the stunning par 4 10th. This, along with a new portfolio of photography, means the carefully maintained course, which is also part of the prestigious collection of Kohler championship courses, is set for a summer to remember.

“As well as completing an extensive winter programme of upgrades, the greenkeeping team has also finished tweaking the right-hand side of the fairway of #10 creating a new landing area which provides different options off the tee. It’s exciting – we’re pushing forward with our service delivery and marketing initiatives which include new imagery of the course. It highlights the ambition of the team at The Duke’s to deliver the most manicured golf experience in St Andrews.”

He continued: “The expansion of the greenkeeping team means the consistency and playability of the course has gone up a notch. It means we can maintain each hole more frequently and provide the attention to detail that our guests expect from a five-star resort.”

In the latest round of golf course ratings, The Duke’s has been ranked #15 in Golf World’s Top 100 Best Golf Resorts in Great Britain and Ireland (May 2021). Also, at the annual Scottish Golf Tourism Awards, the team at the Old Course Hotel were winners of the Best Large Hotel category.

The Duke’s will play a central role in the recently announced Old Course Hotel Pro Am which will bring together championship courses at The Home of Golf in an exciting format for both amateurs and professionals. The inaugural Old Course Hotel Pro Am will take place between 21-23 September 2022.

“The changes we’ve brought in recently are part of a much wider plan to deliver continued improvements across all departments at The Duke’s,” said Roberts-Jones. “Being part of a team with such a dedicated approach to securing enhanced service levels year on year makes me extremely proud.”

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Gary Hurley Named Golf Ambassador at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

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Gary Hurley Named Golf Ambassador at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club - TOP25GOLFCLUBS.com - TRAVELINDEXAbu Dhabi, Unite Arab Emirates, June 4, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, the Arabian Gulf’s first beachfront course, has today announced Gary Hurley as their new Club Ambassador. Gary Hurley will proudly display the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club logo on his golf bag, as he competes around the world this year, looking to continue his rise up the ranks.

Hurley, who enjoyed a stellar 2021 season has strongly continued this year, finishing a solo 4th at April’s Abruzzo Alps Open. This followed his T4 finish at the New Giza Open in March and his T7 result at the Ein Bay Open. Through this partnership, Hurley has high hopes for golf in the Middle East and he wants to work closely with Saadiyat Beach Golf Club in order to boost and showcase the course and its facilities to those living in the UAE, as well as to potential tourists in the region.

Commenting on the partnership, Hurley’s excitement to be working with the club was evident as he thoroughly enjoys spending time at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club practicing and preparing for upcoming tournaments:

“I am really excited to be coming onboard as an Ambassador for Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. I’d like to thank them for placing their trust in me and I look forward to showcasing the great course and amazing facilities the club has to offer.

Hurley continued: “The place has everything, phenomenal practice facilities, a sensational Championship golf course, beautiful food, stunning views and above all else, the most welcoming staff. I’m extremely excited to start working together.”

Hurley secured a full Alps Tour card for 2022, thanks to some impressive displays of golf throughout the 2021 season, most notably finishing tied 3rd at the Roma Alps Open and tied 10th at the Antognolla Alps Open.

In regard to 2022 ambitions, Hurley’s priority is to keep on progressing through the golfing ranks and on to the main tours in European golf.

Commenting on Hurley’s appointment, Matthew Waters, Group Director of Golf, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Yas Links Abu Dhabi said: “We are delighted to have Gary Hurley represent us as an official Saadiyat Beach Golf Club ambassador. Gary is someone we’ve all had our eye on recently and is no doubt an up-and-coming talent, a player we’ve all sat up and taken notice of. I am sure Gary will be a long-term supporter of our goals and we will take a keen interest in his progress. We are lucky to have him onboard to support our ongoing development. I hope we can continue to develop a strong working partnership with Gary and be able to use his expertise to attract more residents and international visitors to the club.”

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club won the “Best Golf Course in Abu Dhabi” award in both 2021 and 2019, cementin its reputation as a globally recognised golfing destination. The breath-taking Par 72 course was designed by golfing legend, Gary Player and not only is it a stunning ocean course, but it also boasts top of the range practice facilities, creating an unparalleled golfing experience for those who visit.

Known as a meandering and eco-conscious course, the three saltwater lakes, a restored beach and sand dunes provide tricky on-course hazards, while more than 60 bunkers force even the best of players to think about their next shot.

About Troon
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf management company providing services at 590-plus locations around the globe, including managing 640-plus 18-hole equivalent golf courses. In addition to golf, Troon specializes in homeowner association management, private residence clubs, estate management and associated hospitality venues. Troon’s award-winning food and beverage division operates and manages 610-plus food and beverage operations located at golf resorts, private clubs, daily fee golf courses and recreational facilities. With properties located in 45-plus states and 30-plus countries, Troon’s family of brands includes Troon Golf, Troon Privé, Troon International, Honours Golf, OB Sports, Indigo Golf Partners, CADDIEMASTER, True Club Solutions, Cliff Drysdale Tennis and RealFood Hospitality, Strategy and Design. Troon-affiliated properties include Indian Wells Golf Resort in Indian Wells, California; Yas Links Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates; The Club at Savannah Harbor in Savannah, Georgia; and Lake of Isles in North Stonington, Connecticut.

About Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
The Troon-managed Saadiyat Beach Golf Club was designed with both amateurs and professionals in mind, the course starts at 5,290 yards and can be extended to an impressive 7,784 yards for those in the paid ranks. The clubhouse is known as a real dining treat and its beautiful terrace is ideal for prize-giving ceremonies and outdoor socialising, giving a real club atmosphere. It was the Host venue for the first Ladies European Tour event in Abu Dhabi and has won numerous awards, really putting the Troon destination on the map.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

BUCKLE UP: There’s more to Texas than cattle and cowboys

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Located between Dallas and Fort Worth (each about 30 minutes away), the city is part of the “DFW metroplex,” and also known as the “Home of the Cowboys,” as in football team. And home of the Texas Rangers baseball franchise too. The former offers popular tours of state-of-the-art AT&T Stadium (photo), while Globe Life Field is a great place to catch a ball game. The original Six Flags also calls Arlington home. Scott Poland, director of tourism development, explains that Arlington is a great hub-and-spoke destination for the area (plus it’s only 10 minutes from DFW airport) and all major hotels offer a trolley service to attractions for guests. An 888-room Loews hotel is on the horizon for 2024.

AUSTIN
Austin may be state capital, but Canadians will be more interested it’s the city’s status as “Live Music Capital of the World,” with no shortage of places to experience different styles of music (including at concerts performed for the legendary TV show “Austin City Limits”). Also new on the scene is Moody Centre, a state-of-the-art 15,000-seat performance venue, and Armadillo Den, a two-storey neighbourhood bar and entertainment destination that spans 1.2 hectares and boasts two bars, indoor stage, outdoor entertainment area, and fare from Austin food trucks. Live music is featured seven nights a week. In addition to existing non-stop service from Toronto, Air Canada has just launched service from Vancouver four times a week.

CONROE

A northern suburb of (and great base for) Houston, Conroe is a “charming old Texas town,” located just off the I95, according to Visit Conroe director Shannon Overby. With a revitalized historic downtown that boasts an iconic courthouse and public square, there is plenty of shopping, craft breweries, and music. It’s also bordered by Lake Conroe and national and state forests, presenting endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, on land or water. The fastest-growing city in Texas will welcome a Margaritaville resort this month (June).

DALLAS

A prime example of a Texas destination that belies the image of cattle and cowboys, Dallas is home to the largest arts district in the US, prompting Visit Dallas sr. director of tourism Lilliana Riviera to observe, “That’s the biggest surprise – you don’t expect Dallas to be an arts city!” But there’s also sports (the Cowboys, Rangers, and Stars), live music in Deep Ellum, barbecue (Terry Black’s BBQ), three microbreweries, JFK (assassination) tours, a symphony, and many other cultural institutions. And if you’re still muddling “who shot JR,” the “Dallas” TV show’s Southfork ranch can be visited 45 minutes away.

EL PASO

Where to start in El Paso? “It’s more urban than you’d expect,” says Destination El Paso’s Trinity Smith, but also a gateway to Big Bend country and a host of outdoor activities. The city of a million people is on the Mexican and New Mexican borders, adjacent to colourful Juarez in the former and close to renowned White Sands National Park in the latter. Known as the “Boot Capital of the World,” there is plenty of western culture to be found, including connections to Billy the Kidd and other gunslingers (buried at Concordia Cemetery). There’s also a mountain within the city limits and Hueco Tanks State Park, known for its bouldering (plus hiking, biking etc.) Where to stop about El Paso?

FORT WORTH

Fort Worth

The other bookend of the DFW metro area, Fort Worth is America’s 12th largest city but feels smaller, thanks in part to its walkable downtown. Dubbed “the modern west,” it’s a destination full of history and characters, particularly in the Stockyards National District (photo), where real cowboys conduct a twice-daily cattle drive and visitors can see rodeo year-round (Fridays and Saturdays), shop for western wear, savour traditional Texas fare, and listen to country music. The National Cowgirl Hall of Fame adds to the vibe, as does Billy Bob’s Texas entertainment, food, and concert complex, which calls itself “the world’s largest honky tonk.”

But Forth Worth also has five world-class museums, an arts district, and the Trinity River Trails, for hiking, cycling, horseback riding and water activities, right in the city. Director of Tourism Estella Martinez-Stuart touts the ale trail with 19 craft breweries, and the unique Whiskey Ranch distillery. But, “If you want the real Texas,” she admits, “come here.”

FREDERICKSBURG

“A lot of people haven’t heard of us, but we’re quintessential small-town America,” says Karen Mayo, director of tourism at the CVB. And while Mayo certainly isn’t wrong, her town also wears its founding by German immigrants proudly, with multiple ethnic restaurants and beer gardens sprinkled along the 10-block-long main drag. Located in Texas hill country, about an hour’s drive north of San Antonio (and about the same distance west of Austin) Fredericksburg is also in the heart of wine country, boasting over 50 local wineries, some of which offer tours and/or tasting shops on Main Street. Out of town there’s hiking and renowned wildflowers, while back in town there’s an excellent, if unexpected, Smithsonian Museum of the Pacific War. In sum, it is said that Fredericksburg has a “Texas heart and German soul.”

GALVESTON

Exuding a vibe more reminiscent of Charleston or Savannah than typical Texas, Galveston is a great getaway for a couple of days, or day trip from nearby Houston for shopping or the beach. (Stop at NASA’s Space Centre Houston on the way). It’s also a notable cruise gateway. Visitors will discover a fresh-look Historic Seaport that includes Ship Shore, a new interactive attraction that allows visitors to follow in the footsteps of early immigrants who travelled to Galveston in the 1880s.

GRAPEVINE

Another town – with its own unique personality – that’s part the Dallas-Fort Worth metro region. Close to Arlington and the airport, Grapevine might be where you stay, with 20 hotels in town, including the Gaylord Texan Resort and a Great Wolf Lodge. “We’re a great hub,” says Heather Egan, Grapevine CVB’s director of leisure and international sales. Not surprisingly, Egan says the town is “all about wine” and boasts an urban wine trail. Other attributes: a historic main street, claims of being the “Christmas Capital of Texas,” a great live music scene, artisan shopping, restaurants and cafés, and a vintage excursion train to the Fort Worth Stockyards. And after exploring the DFW area, the town, Egan says, is simply “a great place to end the day.”

HOUSTON

Visit Houston’s Celia Morales says her city – fourth largest in the US – is also the most diverse, including, for example, more than 10,000 restaurants serving cuisine from around the globe. Close to the Gulf of Mexico, the city is also home to an amazing cultural district with 18 museums. There’s also the Houston Zoo, Space Center Houston, award-winning performing arts groups, professional sports teams, and more than 12 shopping districts throughout the city. A tapestry of culture, Houston’s diversity is celebrated throughout the city in the arts, culture, and gastronomy.

LUBBOCK

Buddy Holly statue

Located in the West Texas “panhandle” about a five-hour drive west of Dallas, revitalized Lubbock boasts new hotels, an eclectic food and beverage scene (including craft breweries), and a growing cultural and entertainment community. The latter is centred on The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences, named after the rock and roll pioneer and city’s favourite son. Broadway productions like “Hamilton” and “Dear Evan Hansen” will take the stage during the 2022-23 season in the 2,300-seat main theatre, along with dance, comedy, and concerts in the Holly Hall.

SAN ANGELO

“A little oasis in West Texas,” unique San Angelo is not a city you would see anywhere else in the state, says the CVB’S sales manager Suzanna Valezuela. A mix of arts and culture, with a diversity ranging from symphony to C&W music, San Angelo’s treasures include artistic alleys, historic murals, internationally acclaimed waterlilies, and Concho pearls from freshwater mussels.

SAN ANTONIO

This south Texas city is known for The Alamo (it’s called “The Alamo City” after all), which is smack dab in the centre of town and a must-see stop for photos (see banner photo) of the famous white church, as well as with a bronze statue of Davey Crockett. But there are five UNESCO Spanish missions in total around San Antonio, which tell the story of the origins of the city and the state of Texas, of which the Mexican siege of The Alamo in 1836, of course, was an integral contributor.

But San Antonio’s best feature is River Walk, an amazing, 25-km long leafy path, that winds its way along the banks of the San Antonio past hotels and neighbourhoods and is adorned with clever art displays. The exception to the serenity is in the central bar/restaurant area, the modern mecca of the city. Boasting a distinct Mexican flavour (it’s two hours from the border), including its own annual fiesta, San Antonio also has its own SeaWorld on the outskirts, plus the incredible Natural Bridge Caverns, the state’s largest network of caves (with requisite rides and ziplines).

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ROUND-UP: May 30-June1, 2022

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Last week in travel: Hurricane Agatha made unwanted history; new Sandals and Club Med resorts opened their doors; thumbs up for Flair; and, Canada pushed border measure back at least another month.

NEWS

COVID-19 restrictions are going to remain in place at the border for at least another month. They include vaccine mandates, random COVID-19 tests, and a requirement that international travellers answer pandemic-related questions on the ArriveCan app. The Canadian Airports Council wants the government to end all restrictions, saying they are causing massive customs delays across
the country.

Hurricane Agatha made history as the strongest hurricane ever recorded to come ashore in May during the eastern Pacific hurricane season, making landfall on a sparsely populated stretch of small beach towns and fishing villages in southern Mexico. The storm hit Oaxaca state on May 30 as a strong Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds 165 kph, then quickly lost power as it moved inland over the mountainous interior.

New research from the Mastercard Economic Institute has revealed global leisure and business flight bookings have surpassed pre-pandemic levels, while spending on cruise lines, buses, and trains have also seen sharp improvements this year as COVID restrictions loosen. The report says if flight booking trends continue at the current pace, an estimated 1.5 billion more passengers globally will fly in 2022 compared to last year.

BORDERS

Canada’s northernmost border opened June 1 for the first time since before the pandemic began. The Little GoldPoker Creek border crossing is only opened during the summer months, and because of COVID-19, it hasn’t been in operation since Sept. 22, 2019. Located on the Top of the World Highway, the border crossing separates Yukon from Alaska and is the main tourist route for those visiting Dawson City, the small mining and tourism town along the Yukon River, about 533 km north of Whitehorse.

Also, effective June 1, travellers to Cyprus are no longer be required to show either a valid COVID-19 vaccination or a recovery certificate and won’t need to produce a negative recent COVID-19 test.

BY THE NUMBERS

The Canada Border Services Agency reports that more than 295,000 Nexus applications have yet to be processed due to ongoing office closures prompted by COVID-19. Unlike passports, the delay comes despite a sharp downturn in applicants during the pandemic.

TRAVEL AGENTS

The Travel Agent Next Door has signed a new partnership with E-Travel Technologies, a company that specializes in risk management solutions, offering travel advisories to travel professionals with real time alerts to keep clients informed of world events immediately. TTAND has secured exclusive pricing for its independent agents who wish to utilize the service.

AIR

KLM premium comfort class

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has unveiled its new Premium Comfort Class, an intermediate cabin offering more space, luxury, service options, comfort, and privacy than Economy Class (photo), at lower prices than World Business Class. The inflight class features its own cabin, offering a new type of seats as well as distinctive service and catering concepts. Depending on the aircraft type, capacity will vary from 21 to 28 seats, which will be wider than standard seats, offering more legroom, a larger screen, and a footrest. Seats can also recline further than Economy Class seats. The reconfiguration of aircraft cabins is underway.

Having launched its inaugural flight to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) on May 30, Swoop will fly twice a week between the two cities, becoming four times weekly effective June 20.

A federal regulator ruled that Flair Airlines is Canadian. The decision by the Canadian Transportation Agency means that Edmonton-based Flair can keep its operating licence, bringing an end to Flair’s months-long battle to clarify its ownership and governance structure or lose its right to fly in this country.

DEALS

Holland America Line is celebrating having a full fleet back in service as of June 12 with a “Celebration Sale” offering cruise fare discounts, onboard spending credit and reduced deposits on most 2022 and 2023 departures. Bookings must be made by June 30 to take advantage of the promotion, which includes up to 50% off cruise fares from this summer through available 2023 sailings, plus $50 onboard spending money per guest and 50% reduced deposits.

TOURS

With Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the throne, at hand, Evan Evans Tours notes that it is offering a collection of royal tours and special exhibits in celebration of the anniversary. Tour activities range from afternoon tea overlooking Buckingham Palace, to visiting the palace itself, as well as Windsor Castle and a royal-themed walking tour of London with a Blue Badge guide.

“Over the Rainbow in the Castro” is a new self-guided audio tour from the San Francisco Chronicle. This stroll through San Francisco’s preeminent gaybourhood is reported and narrated by Chronicle arts & culture writer Tony Bravo. From the plate-glass windows that made history to the queer icons engraved in the sidewalk, Bravo guides users through the Castro’s story and its streets, spilling tea on local secrets and celebrating the spirit of defiance that still endures today. The GPS-based audio walking tour is hosted on the VoiceMap app.

HOTELS

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of its second voco hotel in Italy, voco Venice Mestre – The Quid. Located close to the bypass that connects Mestre to Venice Marco Polo airport and the areas main train station, the property combines the reassurance of a big brand with the informality and charm of a boutique hotel. As IHG Hotels & Resorts’ fastest growing brand since launching in 2018, voco now has 35 open hotels around the world, with a further 36 hotels in the pipeline, due to open in the next three to five years.

Opened May 24, The Slate Denver, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, is located across the street from the convention centre at the former site of the historic Emily Griffith Opportunity School, featuring 251 upscale guest rooms, literal old school-designed hallways, inspired meeting spaces, and a restaurant, bar, and lounge. It also feature a new outdoor retail block, Emily’s Alley, which will host several seasonal activities, including music performances, artisan showcases, farmers’ markets and more.

RESORTS

Sandals Royal Curaçao welcomed its first guests on June 1. It is the 16th resort in the Sandals portfolio. Located within the exclusive 1,200-hectare Santa Barbara estate, 25 km from the Airport, the resort includes a number of first, including a “island-inclusive” dining program and complimentary MINI Coopers. (Stay tuned, TIT will be visiting the resort later this month).

Club Med’s newest resort, Club Med Magna Marbella, welcomed its first guests on May 20, marking the all-inclusive brand’s return to Spain, where the first Club Med resort was founded on the Balearic Islands in 1950. The 485-room four-star family-friendly property features 14 hectares of colourful gardens and terraces offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea, and Sierra Blanca at every corner.

CRUISE

Carnival Cruise Line announced says it is taking reservations again for weddings and vow renewals (photo) on sailings starting in September. The program had been suspended since March 2020, before the line’s pause in guest operations. The wedding program, while available across the fleet, will initially be limited to ships sailing from the US.

River cruise line AmaWaterways is extending its Portugal river cruising season through December with 14 additional sailings round trip from Porto on board AmaDouro. Discounts are effect through June 30.

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, “Fantasmic!” – Disney’s longest-running nighttime spectacular – is once again igniting the night at Disneyland. In this beloved show, Mickey Mouse dreams he is the Sorcerer’s Apprentice and faces dastardly villains, including a 14-m., fire-breathing Maleficent dragon. Central to the magic of “Fantasmic!” are three mist screens, each 18 by 9 m. tall, which bring moments from Disney stories to life on the Rivers of America.

FAMS & INCENTIVES

Canadian travel agents are eligible for 10% bonus commission on all new MSC Cruises’ bookings (on qualifying sailings), including the cruise portion of Fly & Cruise packages, made by July 31 for sailings departing through May 31. 2023.

EVENTS

Registration is open for ACTA’s Ontario Golf Tournament, July 14 at Royal Ontario Golf Club in Milton. The 32nd annual event will be sponsored by Air Canada, along with Manulife and Globus Family of Brands joining as major sponsors. Antigua and Barbuda will be featured golf destination sponsor. The event starts at 10 a.m.; registration fee is $225 for ACTA members and $265 for non-members and includes golf, cart, lunch, networking reception, dinner with wine and prizes. The cost for the networking reception and dinner only is $125. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Register HERE.

The Annual General Meeting for the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) will be held online at 5 p.m. on June 28. Members in good standing are entitled to participate in and vote at the meeting while members of the public are also invited to attend. Anyone wishing to access the webcast is required to register at https://live.webcastplatform.com/go/TICOAGM2022. Registration will close on June 24, at 5 p.m.

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

Air Canada Vacations has announced the appointment of Marco Gagnon to the role of General Manager, Sales – Eastern Canada. He takes the place Guy Marchand, who is retiring at the end of June. Gagnon has been an area sales manager and groups supervisor at ACV; in his new role, he will be responsible for the implementation of sales strategy in the Quebec and Atlantic markets.

Discover the World has appointed two new national sales manager. Kim Barbisan boasts four decades of travel industry experience, including having worked at Travelsavers, Ensemble, WestJet, and Cruise Strategies. She will head up sales and marketing for Tradewinds Voyages and Hebridean Island Cruises. Meanwhile, Kevin Pohlmann will take the lead for Singapore Airlines in Western Canada. In his career, he has worked for Cathay Pacific and mostly recently as a BDM for WestJet.

DESTINATIONS

With 44 varieties of mango grown on the island, the flavourful fruit is celebrated annually at the Nevis Mango Festival, taking place July 1-3 this year. It’s an entire weekend totally dedicated to the humble mango, as some of the island’s (and the Caribbean’s) best chefs make some deliciously creative cuisine with the fruit. Other activities include mango-eating competition mango-inspired cocktail competition. Meanwhile, Nevis Culturama, the annual Carnival, takes place July 21-Aug. 02 celebrating all aspects of Nevisian arts and culture, including a spectacular parade.

The tourism sector of Jamaica is set to invest US$200 million into infrastructure upgrades and new product development in the burgeoning parish of St. Thomas, located on the southeast coast of the island. Tourism officials recently announced for a large-scale revitalization project intended to position the parish as a new prime tourism destination. Plans for enhancing the region’s lifestyle tourism attractions include developing Rocky Point Beach and heritage sites such as Fort Rocky and the Morant Bay Monument, establishing way-finding stations in Yallahs and rehabilitating the road to the Bath Fountain Hotel and Spa – a popular wellness resort renowned for its healing mineral waters.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO Champions Tourism For Healthy Planet at Stockholm+50

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UNWTO Champions Tourism For Healthy Planet at Stockholm+50 - SUSTAINABLEFIRST..com - TRAVELINDEXStockholm, Sweden, June 3, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO joined high level representatives from Environment Ministries, International Organizations and UN Agencies to consolidate tourism’s commitment and position as a high impact sector for accelerating sustainability.

The special One Planet Forum was hosted by the One Planet Secretariat (UNEP) in association with the Stockholm +50 International Conference, to mark 50 years of global environmental action. Important commitments were made to shift business behaviour and promote circular economy and investments in sustainable consumption and production during plenary discussions on “Investments in people and nature”.

The catalytic role of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism was highlighted – reaching 600 signatories in 6 months – by UNWTO Executive Director, Ms. Zoritsa Urosevic. Visit Finland announced its signature to the Glasgow Declaration and Mastercard reiterated its support to help make tourism destinations more sustainable and inclusive by co-developing new digital solutions.

“Finland’s tourism product is sensitive to the effects of the warming climate. It is important to secure the business opportunities and jobs within the industry. ​The development of low-carbon travel options, experiences and destinations must be secured. The Finnish tourism industry is committed to a common goal and has joined forces. Today, 60 travel organizations from Finland have signed the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism.,” said Kristiina Hietasaari, Senior Director, Visit Finland.

In 1972, there were 189 million international tourism arrivals, and this grew almost tenfold up to the start of the pandemic. Today, international tourism arrivals are at the levels of 1992– precisely the time where the Rio Conventions on Climate Change and Biodiversity Protection were adopted, guiding our sector’s environmental action.
Tourism’s contribution to sustainable development has been recognized in the Sustainable Development Goals. As the sector recovers from the pandemic, there is a growing uptake by tourism stakeholders to scale-up environmental action and inclusiveness.

But how will the new consumers trends stimulate change? During the workshop on “Green nudges for increasing the circularity of plastics”, organized jointly by the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme and the Sustainable Lifestyles Programme in collaboration with the government of France and UNEP, tourism stakeholders explored the application of behavioural science to implement environmental policies at destination level. The report “A Life Cycle Approach – Key messages for tourism businesses to address single-use plastics”, produced within the framework of the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative, was also released in all UN Languages.

UNWTO Secretary-General, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili will address the plenary of Stockholm+50 on Friday, to be opened by UN Secretary-General, Mr. Antonio Guterres, on 3rd June.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Wilderness and Wayo Africa Enter Partnership for Positive Tourism Impact in Tanzania

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Wilderness and Wayo Africa Enter Partnership for Positive Tourism Impact in Tanzania - VISITTANZANIA.org - TRAVELINDEXKilimanjaro, Tanzania, June 3, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / As leaders in conservation and hospitality, Wilderness Safaris is delighted to welcome Wayo Africa into its Wilderness Brand Family, and to join forces to help increase their collective conservation footprint and positive impact in Tanzania, sharing the country’s extraordinary rich natural and cultural heritage with its guests.

“Tanzania is a remarkable wildlife destination, offering a range of rich and diverse wilderness experiences. We are therefore thrilled to be joining forces with the like-minded team at Wayo Africa, to grow our positive conservation footprint in the region, and to craft extraordinary experiences for our guests in some of the country’s most exclusive wilderness areas”, noted Wilderness Safaris CEO, Keith Vincent.

In addition to being one of Tanzania’s most respected safari brands, Wayo Africa’s small and immersive camps are located in remote locations, such as the southern section of Lake Manyara National Park at the base of a waterfall, and walking camps in the northern Serengeti. Their offering is unique and impactful, such as specialist-guided multi-day walking safaris in all the remote Serengeti Wilderness Zones, ensuring intimate wildlife encounters led by expertly trained guides.

Wayo Africa Founder, Jean du Plessis, and Co-owner and Director, Catherine Millington, have extensive experience in Tanzania, having initiated many of the country’s finest on-the-ground, off-the-vehicle activities and excursions. They have led the way in creating sustainable camps, and developing many talented youths into Africa’s most professional safari guides and rangers.

According to Jean, “We are so pleased to join forces with Wilderness, and feel that our combined passion for wild-places and the protection of wilderness for our children and beyond is what’s at the heart of both organisations. This partnership will give Tanzania, its wonderful people, and the entire industry even more of the great experiences we have developed over the past 25 years”.

“We are looking forward to this exciting new chapter for both Wilderness and Wayo, and working together to help support and train our staff, and ensure that our travel trade and all stakeholder relationships continue to be nurtured and grown – all the while focusing on how to maximise our positive impact and empower local communities”, concluded Keith.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News