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Go City Invests in Thailand with Launch of Go City Bangkok

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Go City Invests in Thailand with Launch of Go City Bangkok - VISITTHAILAND.net - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, June 3, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Go City, the world’s largest multi-attraction pass, announced today its official launch of Go City Bangkok, and a renewed investment in Thailand. The reimagined product now offers travellers to Bangkok access to 25+ of the destination’s top attractions, experiences and tours. Additionally, Go City has expanded pass options in the most popular destinations for Thai travellers including London, New York, Paris, Stockholm and Sydney.

A long-time favourite amongst our esteemed Thai customers over the years is the London Pass with 90+ attractions, taking up 49% of purchases, followed by Go City Stockholm with 40+ attractions, taking up 18% of purchases, and then the New York Pass with 115+ attractions, taking up 16% of purchases, with the rest being Paris, Sydney, Chicago, Rome, San Francisco, Amsterdam and Barcelona taking up the remaining 17% of purchases by Thai customers.

Go City Bangkok soft launched in February 2020, and was met with immediate interest by existing Go City customers, with 60% of sales coming from long haul markets such as the UK, US and Canada, before travel restrictions limited incoming tourism. Throughout the pandemic, Go City doubled down on tech and invested in long term improvements to the business, including a rebrand and reorienting the business around the customer. These actions solidified Go City as the world’s largest multi-attraction pass, and as a global tourism industry leader.

As the industry looks ahead to the full return of travel, Go City is betting big on APAC, both as a source market and destination. Thailand grew to be the company’s fifth largest source market in APAC, and demand signals for Go City Bangkok are strong.

“We’re increasingly optimistic about APAC’s bounceback,” said Jon Owen, CEO of Go City. “As soon as restrictions began lifting earlier this year, we saw sales grow 10x. Go City Bangkok’s launch is a first step, but we’re equally excited to improve the experience for Thai travellers, as they look to return to destinations including London, New York and Paris, which were the most popular cities in the Go City portfolio amongst Thai travellers in 2019. We’re confident in traveller demand into and out of the region – stay tuned for expanded product offerings in our current destinations, as well as new city launches in Seoul and Tokyo.”

“This launch has been a long time coming and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have Go City Bangkok officially available to our global customers,” said Baidi Li, the company’s new SVP of Commercial, APAC. “With restrictions lifted, Thai travellers are more than ready to get back out there, and we’re fully prepared at Go City to help them get the most out of their city vacations.”

Attractions that are now available with the Bangkok pass include the King Power Mahanakhon Skywalk, Chinatown Food Tour and Bangkok Pub Tour. Popular staples include Ayutthaya Day Tour, Chao Phraya River Dinner Cruise, Tuk Tuk Tour, and authentic Thai massage experiences. Go City is planning to add more lifestyle options into the mix, such as sky bars, F&B options and other lifestyle products

Go City’s unique passes offer the opportunity to see the best of a city, from the top sights to unique off-the-beaten-path experiences, all at a massive savings. There are two options for the Go City Bangkok pass, each designed for a different type of travel style.

Purchasing an All-Inclusive pass lets spontaneous customers maximise their visits and see as much of the city as they can for a set number of days. An Adult 2-Day All-Inclusive Pass is competitively priced at ฿2,999 (approximately US$89).

The Explorer Pass on the other hand, is designed for travellers who want to take their time to explore a set number of attractions in a flexible way across 60 days, which they can choose ahead of time or upon arrival. An Adult 3-Choice Explorer Pass is competitively priced at ฿1,899 (approximately US$57).

About Go City
Go City is the most popular multi-attraction pass in the U.S and operates in over 25 cities across the globe. Partnering with over 1,000 attractions, tours and activities worldwide, Go City allows customers to experience everything a destination has to offer, while attraction partners receive incremental visitation and revenue.

Go City enables customers to lock in savings ahead of travel, while retaining flexibility to make plans as they go. All delivered digitally, the Go City app provides contactless entry at attractions by scanning the pass straight from a smartphone device. Go City transforms the way people experience the world’s greatest destinations. They simply scan and enjoy, all at their own pace for a fraction of the retail cost.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Floating Chef’s Table Series Launched at Anantara Riverside

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Floating Chef's Table Series Launched at Anantara Riverside - TOP25RESTAURANTS.com - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, June 3, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The luxury Bangkok riverside resort announces the first installment of a monthly gastronomic experience aboard its antique rice barge. On Sunday, 19 June 2022, Anantara’s award-winning Executive Chef Phong Hinracha will team up with Chef Piyachart “Boy” Buddhivongse of Michelin-starred Saneh Jaan Restaurant to present a six-course four hands dinner for a Manohra Cruise to remember.

• Discover the Thailand’s and Asia’s Best Restaurants at Top25Restaurants.com

Recognised at the Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards in Malaysia and Thailand’s Ultimate Chef Challenge, Chef Phong draws on his Thai heritage and wide global travels to create innovative new and perfect classic dishes. Chef Boy of Saneh Jaan is known for precise details and stunning aesthetics combined with authentic flavours for which his restaurant won a Michelin star in 2018.

Aboard the Manohra, diners will start with an amuse-bouche, followed by three courses from each chef, including traditional Thai appetizers elevated by Chef Boy and longan charcoal-grilled ‘Benja’ baby chicken by Chef Phong, each dish paired perfectly with a glass of fine wine. The evening will be made more memorable with live entertainment.

This event, on Sunday 19 June kicks off a monthly programme of floating chef’s table events starring well-known celebrity chefs. Packages start from THB 3,500 net per person and reservations can be made by contacting no. +66 (0) 2431 9487

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

START SPREADING THE NEWS: New York is open and tourists are welcome

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New York City is welcoming tourists. Broadway is open. Restaurants are open. Museums are open, and as for people ‘masking’ – New York is very similar to Toronto in the sense that many people are still mindful about wearing masks, and while most people still tend to wear a mask indoors, and in restaurants, many places leave the choice of a mask to the individual.

We recently had an opportunity for a conversation with Reginald Charlot, Managing Director, Tourism Market Development for NYC & Company and naturally the subject was tourism and how it’s doing now that we are in sort-of-semi-post-pandemic. Tourists? We asked, “Yes,” he said, “Here they come!”

And New York is welcoming them. “We need them. They help our economy, they help with jobs, so we really need them to come back in. A lot of people appreciate and understand the value of visitors coming into New York City, because of what they can do, what they spend, and everything else.”

There are of course, certain venues that do require masks. Broadway shows, for example and public transport. Masks are mandatory at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA ) where proof of vaccination is also needed.

“So, even though restrictions have been lifted, protocols are still in place,” said Charlot, “and that gives people that sense of comfort knowing that they can come into the city, wear a mask, and not feel uncomfortable about it.”

Pride parade and High Line

Canadians are heading for NYC

While obviously the numbers went drastically down, they are coming back, slowly but surely, with NYC forecasting potentially about 700,000 Canadians by the end of this year.

Air Canada, WestJet, Porter all have multiple direct flights right now after some cutbacks during the pandemic. The flights are full. They’re running every day, back and forth, multiple times and this spring they will be joined by Swoop.

Additionally, of course, there are the US domestic carriers – Delta, United, and American that have regular flights to the city.

“It’s all just working super, super well. So we’re very excited,” said Charlot. “We’re really looking forward to having Canadians come back into the city and just revisiting it.”

The duration of the stay varies, says Charlot. It could be a long weekend or a week to 10 days, depending on the interests of the individual.

But the tendency now is for a longer stay. Instead of coming to New York City for a quick three-day visit, visitors are now extending the trip to five or seven days just to be able to reintroduce themselves to the city, to take in things they may have missed on previous quick trips.

Charlot explains that, for example, you may perhaps have visited the “Empire State Building eight million times, but you may have not realized this cafe on the corner, or this new museum Fotografiska that’s a few blocks down from Empire State Building. You realize you have three more days to visit the city as opposed to just two. So, that’s really kind of been a good battle cry, a good call for a lot of visitors coming into New York City.”

Central Park and Midtown Manhattan

Not quite business (travel) as usual

He acknowledges that business travel is not where it was pre-pandemic. “It’s a much slower process because so many people are still doing video conferencing or having that type of meeting. Or, if they are travelling, it’s a much smaller meeting or a smaller business trip, so it’s going to take a little bit more time. There is a much slower process in regards to visitors coming on the business side, but they are coming, if not as quickly as on the leisure side, but there is the potential.”

A lot of people are taking advantage of working remotely, he believes, noting that there’s definitely a big increase in people staying Monday to Thursday and avoiding weekend prices. And working remotely and exploring the city when it’s a little bit less busy – getting that local feel. New York is actually seeing an increase in people visiting midweek rather than Friday to Sunday.

Still some challenges

Like any large city that has their post-lockdown challenges with occasional acts of random violence, New York is no different says Charlot, from Toronto, Montreal, Paris, or London. But people are still taking the subways, and they are, as they should be, mindful of their surroundings.

As with many destinations – hotel prices are up.

“However, people are paying – because they have had two years of being able to put all those lovely points in their pockets and purses, and now they’re able to spend, so a lot of hotels are maintaining their rates. Some have increased their rates a little bit, as well.

“It’s actually advantageous for everyone to be able to stay at the hotel that they’ve wanted to stay at for years and say, ‘Well, now I have the money, I can stay there’ and not be concerned about the pricing as much. And the hotels are now getting customers to come in and book up their hotels. So, it’s a win-win on both sides.”

Like everywhere else New York City experienced its share of closures.

“Everybody was hard-hit. Hotels were closed. Restaurants were closed. Cafes, mom-and-pop shops were closed. Some bigger stores also just closed up.” Said Charlot, “but as with anything, a lot of people have said ‘it’s the time to buy in again.’ So, some people were able to resuscitate their business, resuscitate their restaurant, hotel, because things were so much cheaper. And people were able to get investors, ironically enough, at the time to kind of help rebuild. So that’s why things are coming back in a different way.”

Like many other places there are some shortages of service personnel, but says Charlot, “Living in New York City, nothing’s really changed for us, from our perspective, going to the restaurants and cafes and bars – I don’t see anything that really changed.”

For New Yorkers, “even with the two-year gap where nobody went out, and then you come back to the world where it’s back to normal in essence, I’m seeing it as, “Oh, okay, well nothing’s really skipped a beat.” There may be an off-chance that instead of having three bartenders you have two, so the wait’s going to be a little bit longer, but people are being patient.”

The Five Boro Bike Ride and the Queensboro Bridge

Happy to be out

All of the annual events are starting. The Five Boro Bike Ride took place in May, Tribeca Film Festival’s coming up this month as is the Pride Parade. There’s going to be the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks again and The US Open is coming. Also, Restaurant Week will celebrate its 30th anniversary in July with restaurants offering discounts.

“Let’s be clear,” says Charlot, “The reality is that most people understand that there are shortages. There are certain things that aren’t the way they were before. But overall, I think people are just happy to get out, to be out and about and kind of engage and see people and do things and feel like it was in 2019. And a lot of that is happening again in New York City.”

https://business.nycgo.com/

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

LISTENING IN: Clanadonia, banging a drum for Scotland

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Visit Scotland visited Toronto this week and it got us thinking about favourite Scottish musicians/bands of (relatively) recent vintage, among them Rod Stewart, Annie Lennox, Nazareth, Simple Minds, the Bay City Rollers, The Proclaimers, and (especially) the Jesus and Mary Chain. But none of them are anything like this.

Clanadonia (a play on Caledonia, the original Roman name for northern Great Britain) isn’t a pop band to be sure, rather a self-described Celtic “drum and pipe band with a difference,” namely one that delivers “the authentic tribal sound of Scotland.”

“Our music, our passion, our culture, our history, our people and our ancestral bloodlines are all bonded within our music,” they declare.

And that music is typically proffered on the streets of Scotland’s cities, as can be seen on many a YouTube video, but also at various events and festivals, like the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Led by the colourful character Tu-Bardh (“Gandalf on the drums”), the band also boasts numerous stage and screen credits, including Outlander.

With a mission “to spread bagpipe and drum fuelled havoc amongst the general public throughout the known world…” count us among the converted.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

The Ritz-Carlton Debuts in Jordan Bringing Modern Design and Unparalleled Experiences to Amman

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The Ritz-Carlton, Amman Room
The Ritz-Carlton, Amman Room

The Ritz-Carlton, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announced the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Amman, ushering in a new standard of refined hospitality in the heart of Jordan’s vibrant capital. Rising elegantly above the West Amman skyline, and centrally situated on the prestigious Fifth Circle, The Ritz-Carlton, Amman welcomes guests to enjoy thoughtfully tailored experiences that capture the spirit of Jordan’s beauty and hospitality.

“We are thrilled to bring The Ritz-Carlton brand to Amman, embodying our commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences and creating meaningful memories in the world’s most exciting markets,” said Donna McNamara, Vice President and Global Brand Leader for The Ritz-Carlton. “From exquisite culinary craftmanship to treasured family moments, The Ritz-Carlton, Amman will embrace guests with its legendary service, and offer a unique lens on this charming capital city.”

Soaring 20-stories high, The Ritz-Carlton, Amman features 228 guest rooms – the most spacious of any hotel accommodations in Jordan – including 34 opulent suites, spread across seven different categories. All guestrooms and suites have been intricately designed and elegantly furnished, with a sophisticated ambiance felt throughout the property.

Led by Wimberly Interiors London, the hotel’s design is inspired by the culture and history of Jordan, which is reflected in the hotel’s bold interior architecture, tailored lighting, Art Deco touches and contemporary artistry. Artistic elements within the hotel draw inspiration from the landscape of the Kingdom, from natural rifts of the sea and saturated colors of the earth to the deep crevices of caves and mountains. The breathtaking structures of Petra are reflected in a series of vignettes, while Roman and Nabatean architectural features are given modern reinterpretations throughout the hotel. The floor finishes in the guest corridors pay homage to Jordan’s desert landscape, and the guestrooms take inspiration from the destination’s natural elements, sand and sea.

The Ritz-Carlton, Amman offers an expansive array of distinctive dining options. Rising over the Amman skyline on the hotel’s 20th floor is the property’s signature restaurant, Roberto’s. Already a much-loved fixture on Dubai’s culinary scene, the arrival of Roberto’s will redefine the concept of authentic Italian fine dining in Jordan, with the venue set to become one of the capital’s most exciting new lifestyle hotspots for residents and visitors alike.

Along with the lively, elevated atmosphere at Roberto’s, guests of The Ritz-Carlton, Amman can indulge at Ambros, the property’s relaxed dining option in the lobby serving unique seasonal produce and reimagined classics. Located in the hotel lobby, Iris is a stylish tea lounge and pâtisserie featuring a selection of signature eclairs, and high tea experiences. At Sarab Garden, visitors can enjoy a sophisticated shisha lounge featuring upscale regional cuisine. For cigar connoisseurs, The Founders Room is a timeless cigar and whiskey lounge delivering a highly exclusive atmosphere and an elevated menu offering sophisticated bites. Opening this summer, Soleil will appeal to guests looking for healthy dining with its focus on vegetarian dishes and a distinctive coffee roastery. Legends, a distinctive sports lounge with American-style culinary fare, is set to open later this year.

The Ritz-Carlton, Amman is home to a wide array of facilities for corporate and leisure guests, including a 1,050 square-meter Grand Ballroom, five meeting rooms, one boardroom, and a luxurious Club Lounge, all delivered with unparalleled service and genuine care. The Ritz-Carlton Spa is a full-service spa and wellness center offering ESPA products, indoor and outdoor temperature-controlled pools, six treatment rooms, a relaxation lounge and the largest jacuzzi in Amman.

“The opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Amman marks an incredible milestone for the entire Kingdom,” said Tareq Derbas, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Amman. “The property delivers an exceptional standard of luxury and refinement – one that redefines elegance and hospitality in Jordan and the wider region. We are thrilled to unveil this stunning property and look forward to welcoming guests with a level of care and passion that will be sure to delight and exceed expectations.”

For more information, or to book your stay, please visit the hotel’s website here.

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. currently operates more than 110 hotels in 34 countries and territories. For more information or reservations, visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com, for the latest company updates, visit news.marriott.com and to join the live conversation, use #RCMemories and follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR). The Ritz-Carlton is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

Press Contact:

Georgie Noble
Director, Consumer PR, EMEA
Georgie.Noble@Marriott.com

Shahd Bargouthy
Senior Manager, Consumer PR, MEA
shahd.bargouthy@marriott.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Ultra-Luxury Rosewood Red Sea Set to Open in Saudi Arabia

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Ultra-Luxury Rosewood Red Sea Set to Open in Saudi Arabia - TOURISMSAUDIARABIA.com -TRAVELINDEXShura Island, Red Sea, Saudi Arabia, June 2, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Rosewood Red Sea has been appointed by The Red Sea Development Company to manage Rosewood Red Sea, opening as part of phase one of the multi-complex The Red Sea development. Located along Saudi Arabia’s west coast on Shura Island, the new Rosewood® hotel will be part of The Red Sea destination, which is comprised of a stunning marina offering a yacht club, commercial retail and dining options, as well as an 18-hole championship golf course. This new development is poised to be one of Saudi Arabia’s top cultural and lifestyle destinations, appealing to international visitors and local citizens through a mix of leisure elements.

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

“It is our great pleasure to announce our expansion in the Middle East, adding Rosewood Red Sea to Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning cultural movement,” said Sonia Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of Rosewood Hotel Group. “Rosewood’s presence in The Red Sea destination will mark a transformational time for the brand as the project looks to set new standards in  and support Saudi Arabia emerge as a top global tourism destination.”

“We are delighted to partner with Rosewood to establish its ultra-luxury brand on our hub island, Shura, at The Red Sea destination,” said John Pagano, CEO at The Red Sea Development Company. “Rosewood’s philosophy to reflect the local culture and spirit of a destination in its offering will tempt visitors to explore the rich heritage and unsurpassed natural beauty of this undiscovered, unique region. Rosewood Red Sea is set to meet the increasing demand for exclusive, personalized experiences that dovetail with the natural environment, and we look forward to welcoming guests to the resort.”

Rosewood Red Sea will boast 149 guest rooms and suites. Elevated food and beverage offerings will include three restaurants, two lounges, a signature Manor Club and a central hub featuring authentic eateries. Additional recreational spaces will include event pavilions and Asaya™, Rosewood’s integrative well-being concept consisting of seven treatment rooms, a gym, two movement studios and a yoga pavilion.

Encompassing 22 islands and five inland sites by the time it completes in 2030, The Red Sea destination will be home to a luxury and upper-upscale segment composed of mono-island resorts, beach resorts, centralized island-hubs, and inland resorts in the desert and mountains. The destination is located 550 km north of Jeddah. For travellers near and far, the new Red Sea International Airport will provide access and airlift to the destination. It is set to welcome its first flight by the end of 2022.

About Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts manages a global collection of 29 one-of-a-kind luxury hotels, resorts and residences in 17 countries. Each Rosewood property embraces the brand’s A Sense of Place™ philosophy to reflect the individual location’s history, culture and sensibilities. The Rosewood collection includes some of the world’s most legendary hotels and resorts, including The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel in New York, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas and Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel in Paris, as well as new classics such as Rosewood Hong Kong and Rosewood São Paulo. For those who wish to stay a little longer, Rosewood Residences offerings provide a distinct opportunity for the ownership or rental of properties co-located with a Rosewood hotel or resort and of standalone for-sale residences. Rosewood Residences are defined by the brand’s commitment to Enriched Living through thoughtful details and experiences that enhance the quality of life while evoking a sense of discovery and inspiration.

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

About The Red Sea Development Company
The Red Sea Development Company is a closed joint-stock company wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia. TRSDC was established to drive the development of The Red Sea Project, a luxury, regenerative tourism destination that will set new standards in sustainable development and position Saudi Arabia on the global tourism map.  The project is being developed over 28,000 km2 of pristine lands and waters along Saudi Arabia’s west coast and includes a vast archipelago of more than 90 pristine islands. The destination also features sweeping desert dunes, mountain canyons, dormant volcanoes, and ancient cultural and heritage sites. It is designed to include hotels, residential properties, leisure, commercial and entertainment amenities, as well as supporting infrastructure that emphasizes renewable energy and water conservation and re-use, as well as a circular waste management system to achieve zero waste to landfill.  Activity for the first phase of development is well underway and is on track to be completed by the end of 2023. The project has surpassed significant milestones, with over 800 contracts signed to date, worth in excess of SAR 20 bn ($5.33bn).  The 100-hectare Landscape Nursery, which will provide more than 25 million plants for The Red Sea Project and AMAALA, is now fully operational. There are more than 15,000 workers currently on-site and 80km of new roads are now complete. The Construction Village and the Waste Management Centre are both fully operational and development is progressing well at the Coastal Village, which will be home to around 14,000 people who will eventually work at the destination.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

South Africa to Host Concours Mondial du Sauvignon

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South Africa to Host Concours Mondial du Sauvignon - TOP25Vineyards.com - TRAVELINDEXFranschhoek, Cape Winelands, South Africa, June 2, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / For the first time in the 14-year history of the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon, South Africa will be the host country of this prestigious competition dedicated to world-class Sauvignon Blanc, making it the first country outside of Europe to host this competition.

• Discover South Africa’s and the World’s Best Vineyards at TOP25Vineyards.com.

The 2023 Concours Mondial du Sauvignon will take place from Monday 13 March to Friday 17 March in Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands. The competition is hosted by the cultivar association Sauvignon Blanc South Africa in partnership with local, as well as international partners.

Over the past decade the competition has taken place in winegrowing regions all over Europe including Bordeaux, Touraine, Styria, Rueda, Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Torres Vedras. Sauvignon Blanc has in recent years become an extremely popular varietal in the international marketplace.

“Sauvignon Blanc is South Africa’s top selling cultivar and our most exported varietal,” says Sauvignon Blanc SA Chairman, RJ Botha. “South African Sauvignon Blanc is a unique asset which help build and maintain a strong brand reputation for the country. It makes perfect sense to host this competition, the largest and most significant international competition entirely dedicated to Sauvignon Blanc, in the Cape Winelands. To be the first host ever outside of Europe is an amazing accomplishment for our country and our wine industry.”

“We are excited to work closely with our platinum partners: WESGRO, Concours Mondial du Bruxelles and Vinventions, as well as our bronze partners: Boutes South Africa, Tonnellerie Sylvain and Enartis to bring together hand-picked specialists from around the world to taste and evaluate some of the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc wines.”

“The Concours Mondial du Sauvignon is more than just a competition between producers and appellations. It is aimed at fostering dialogue and creating a meeting point for industry specialists. In 2022, a total of 1 120 entries from 23 producer countries were evaluated by over 70 judges representing 20 nationalities, guaranteeing the outstanding diversity that sets the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon apart from other wine competitions.”

• Discover South Africa’s and the World’s Best Vineyards at TOP25Vineyards.com.

“We look forward to hosting these international members of the wine industry, journalists, and wine writers on local soil. We are excited to introduce them to our country, our people, and our unique South African hospitality,” Botha concluded.

About the competition

The competition was launched in 2010 to promote white wines and showcase one of the world’s most popular white grape varieties. Since then, the event has become an international competition, with the number of producer countries taking part increasing year-on-year. Technical management of the tastings is handled by the organisers of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles who boast over 20 years’ experience in organising world-class wine competitions. The Concours Mondial du Sauvignon is open to all wines made from a majority percentage (51% min.) of Sauvignon blanc and/or Sauvignon gris, irrespective of their producer, origin or category. Since 2017, a new category has allowed Sauvignon-based sparkling wines to take part.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

India’s Tourism Could Surpass Pre-Pandemic Levels by End of 2022

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India's Tourism Could Surpass Pre-Pandemic Levels by End of 2022 - TRAVELINDEXNew Delhi, India, June 2, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Travel and Tourism’s GDP expected to outpace India’s economy over the next 10 years. More than 2.4 million jobs could be created every year. Research conducted by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed the Travel & Tourism sector’s contribution to the Indian economy could surpass pre-pandemic levels this year, with a year-on-year growth of 20.7%.

The forecast from the WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Report (EIR), shows the sector’s contribution to the nation’s economy could reach almost ₹15.9 trillion (U.S. $215 billion) in 2022, 1% above 2019 levels.

Employment levels are set to grow to almost 35 million Travel & Tourism jobs, with an 8.3% growth this year.

Over the next decade, India’s Travel & Tourism’s GDP is expected to grow at an average of 7.8% annually, compared to 6.7% of the India’s overall economy, to reach almost ₹33.8 trillion (U.S. $457 billion) – representing 7.2% of the total economy.

The forecast also reveals the sector is expected to create over 24 million jobs over the next decade, averaging more than 2.4 million new jobs every year.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “After the pain suffered by India’s Travel & Tourism sector, the future looks bright with Travel & Tourism to and from India set to exceed 2019 levels.

“The outlook for the next decade is looking very positive with India accounting for one in five of all new Travel & Tourism jobs globally.”

Before the pandemic, India’s Travel & Tourism sector’s contribution to GDP was 7% (₹15.7 trillion, U.S. $212 billion) in 2019, falling to just 4.3% (₹9.2 trillion, U.S. $124 billion) in 2020, which represented a shocking 41.7% loss.

The sector also supported more than 40 million jobs in 2019, falling to just over 29 million in 2020, when the pandemic devastated the sector.

Following the significant decline in 2020, the global tourism body’s latest EIR report reveals that 2021 saw the beginning of the recovery for the country’s Travel & Tourism sector.

Last year, its contribution to GDP climbed 43.6% year on year, to reach ₹13.2 trillion (U.S $178 billion).

While the sector also saw a recovery of just under three million Travel & Tourism jobs, representing a positive rise of 10.2% to more than 32 million, this is still eight million fewer jobs than in 2019.

The sector’s contribution to the economy and employment could have been higher if it were not for the impact of the Omicron variant, which led to the recovery faltering around the world, with many countries reinstating severe travel restrictions.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Accor Unlocks a World of Limitless Experiences with New Credit Cards

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Accor Unlocks a World of Limitless Experiences with New Credit Cards - TRAVELINDEX - TOURISMDUBAI.orgDubai, United Arab Emirates, June 2, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / ALL- ADCB Infinite and Signature credit card holders can step into a realm of boundless privilege at more than 30 Accor hotels and resorts across the UAE, and over 4,600 properties globally

A realm of luxury is now within reach with the launch of the ALL – ADCB Credit Card in the UAE. The debut collaboration between global hospitality group, Accor, and premier commercial bank, ADCB, marks a milestone for the two entities.

The co-branded Visa credit cards are set to offer members exclusive privileges at Accor properties locally and internationally, granting them experiences with grand benefits. Abundant perks await cardholders including: room upgrades, swimming pool and beach access, dining offers, discounted room rates, golf access, airport lounge access and much more.

Accor’s global partnership with Visa brings enhanced payment experiences to users through the ALL – ADCB Credit Card. The exclusive Infinite and Signature credit cards are the gateway to an endless world of privileges and benefits, specially designed for members in the UAE to elevate their lifestyle. With an unrivalled portfolio of hotels, it allows guests to maximize the pleasure of every stay. Integrating a powerful network of properties, the ALL – ADCB Credit Cards invites guests to experience luxury with unsurpassed benefits at over 30 Accor properties in the UAE, including Raffles the Palm, Fairmont Fujairah, SLS Dubai, Rixos Dubai The Palm, and many more. The luxury portfolio of Accor in the country also includes Sofitel hotels, while premium properties include Pullman, Swissotel, Movenpick, Grand Mercure and more. Unique deluxe leisure and travel privileges with Accor partners globally also await the cardholders.

ALL- ADCB Infinite Credit Card
The ALL – ADCB Infinite Credit Card automatically entitles members to a platinum status, which allows them an instant fast track after the first eligible one night stay with Accor. A welcome bonus of up to 50,000 reward points, equal to a value of EUR € 1,000, welcomes the cardholders and grants up to three reward points for every USD 1 spent.

In-Hotel Benefits
Endless privileges can be enjoyed at participating Accor properties. Cardholders are entitled to unlimited beach, pool, and gym access, along with 25% off on dining and spa treatments at participating Accor luxury, lifestyle, and premium hotels. In addition, to celebrate the cardholders’ anniversary, one free night in any UAE luxury hotel including Fairmont, Sofitel, Rixos, and many more can be availed. For international travelers,
€50 or $ 50 equivalent to dining credit per stay, VIP guests status, room upgrade, late check-out, and complimentary WiFi, along with complimentary breakfast (at luxury hotels) are applicable worldwide at premium and luxury Accor properties.

Leisure and Travel Benefits
Jetsetters can take advantage of unlimited access to over 1,000 airport lounges across the globe with one additional guest. Cardholders are also automatically entitled to travel insurance worth USD 500,000. Local satisfaction also guarantees four complimentary airport transfers every year through Careem, unlimited buy 1, get 1 free on coffee at Caribou Coffee, and exclusive complimentary golf access at Yas Links, Arabian Ranches, and Meydan.

ALL- ADCB Signature Credit Card
The ALL – ADCB Signature Credit Card automatically entitles members to a gold status, which allows them an instant fast track after the first eligible 1 night stay with Accor. A bonus of 25,000 reward points, at a value of EUR € 500, welcomes the cardholders and grants up to two reward points for every USD 1 spent.

In-Hotel Benefits
Unlimited privileges can be enjoyed at participating Accor properties. Cardholders are entitled to 50% off on beach, pool, and gym access, and spa treatments at participating Accor luxury, lifestyle, and premium hotels. They can also dive into delectable meals at participating dining outlets at select Accor properties such as Le Jardin, Matagi, and Blüthner Hall at Raffles the Palm, Ernst Biergarten at 25Hours Hotel Dubai, Taiko Dubai and The Nine at Sofitel The Obelisk, and countless other outlets with a 25% off privilege. In addition, to celebrate the cardholders’ anniversary, one free night in any UAE premium hotel, including Pullman, Swissotel, Movenpick, and more, can be availed. For international travellers, € 50 or $ 50 equivalent to dining credit per stay, VIP guests status, room upgrade, late check-out, and complimentary WiFi are applicable worldwide at premium and luxury Accor Hotels.

The ALL – ADCB credit card is the key to unlocking a luxurious experience for members allowing them exclusive and personalized in-hotel access to over 30 hotels in the UAE from luxury, premium, and mid-scale properties with plenty of travel and leisure benefits to delight in.

With over 68 million members globally, ALL – Accor Live Limitless, Accor’s loyalty programme, is one of the most popular reward schemes in the region.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

W Hotels Makes Waves with the Opening of W Algarve

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W Algarve - W Lounge.jpg
W Algarve – W Lounge

W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announces the highly anticipated opening of W Algarve. Perched atop Southern Portugal’s iconic cliffs, the latest hotel to join the brand’s family of W Escapes brings a vibrant, unexpected new energy to the coastal town, offering a juxtaposed blend of seaside relaxation, with exuberant, social energy.

“W Algarve marks the first W Hotel to open in Portugal, bringing a unique, modern luxury experience that is focused on socialising, to the Algarve’s hospitality scene,” said Candice D’ Cruz, Vice President – Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “From the hotel’s design that is rooted in Portuguese history and culture, to the W brand’ signature music programming to exciting new dining experiences, W Algarve is a destination where international jet setters and local tastemakers can discover an unexpected side of the destination.”

DESTINATION BY DESIGN

W Algarve welcomes visitors with 134 west-facing guest rooms and suites, alongside 83 W-branded Residences, which incorporate natural hues and tactile finishes. Guests can discover large, private balconies with stunning ocean views and duplex-style layouts, and unearth the local culture through curated artwork, custom-made furnishings, and Portuguese-influenced such as bedside lanterns, dramatic headboards, and authentic Algarve tiles. Premium rooms include 10 aptly named WOW Suites, all featuring a private rooftop terrace, and the ultimate seaside retreat, the E WOW Suite.

Spanning 2,100 square-feet, W redefines the classic presidential suite with its signature E WOW Suite. The sanctuary offers two floors of breezy, oceanside living space with a vibrant, clever design reflective of the surrounding villages and scenic landscape. The spacious room features an ultramodern Bang & Olufsen® sound system and a panoramic rooftop terrace where lush gardens accent head-turning coastal views, a zero-edge lap pool, DJ mixing booth, and dining space.

W Residences Algarve deliver the same best-in-class amenities via one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom units that highlight the same clean design, mirroring the shapes, colors and textures of the beachside town.

“W Algarve redefines the luxury lifestyle hospitality landscape on the Algarve coast setting a new social scene for locals and visitors alike, with high energy programming and relaxing moments to suit all moods,” says General Manager Cajetan Araujo. “It feels like the perfect moment to be opening our doors with summer 2022 set to be huge for travel to Portugal, and we can’t wait for guests to discover a new W Escape in one of the most beautiful regions in the world.”

A NEW DESTINATION FOR TASTEMAKERS

From sun-kissed cocktails to southern Portuguese cuisine with a twist, W Algarve invites guests to discover six tantalizing dining destinations, each offering one-of-a-kind masterpieces and surprising spirits. Overseeing dining throughout the hotel is legendary Portuguese chef Nuno Goncalves, who just made his return to Algarve after 13 years spent at some of London’s most iconic restaurants including Quaglino’s, Aqua Shard, Galvin La Chapelle and The Wolseley.

Market Kitchen presents local cuisine reimagined to create modern interpretations of globally inspired classics, fresh from the land and sea. Cabanas await at WET Deck with a double-level infinity pool perfect for soaking up sun, sounds and summer cocktails, while SIP @ WET serves nutritious dishes and cooling quick bites.

Sitting atop the hotel with a spectacular terrace, Paper Moon offers panoramic views of the grounds, Atlantic Ocean, and beyond. The Mediterranean sister to the original Milanese restaurant – Paper Moon Giardino – serves award-winning, authentic Italian cuisine. Next door, Sea Sky is the perfect place to sip and mingle with a pre- or post-dinner cocktail, taking in the golden bay of Armação de Pera below, where rugged cliffs meet the ocean’s horizon. Meanwhile, W Lounge is the perfect place to start or end the night, with fresh petiscos and an eclectic drink menu ranging from single-origin Portuguese coffee to libations artfully crafted using wines from Portugal’s leading female winemakers.

RELAXATION WITH A W-STYLE TWIST

Designed to be the ideal combination of soothing and revitalizing, AWAY® Spa features six treatment rooms including one couple’s room, a hair salon, mani-pedi bar, where travellers can find balance in facial LED mask treatments and pre-dinner touch-ups at the Express Booths. The spa also incorporates a wet area with sauna, steam room, whirlpool and a tented outdoor relaxation lounge overlooking the pristine property gardens. Retreat to the socially charged Beauty Bar with a cocktail in hand before test-driving bespoke jet-set treatments featuring Comfort Zone skincare.

High-intensity workouts and boot camps offered at FIT embody the W brand’s social and energetic take on wellness. Located on the ​​2nd floor, FIT boasts 1,440 square-feet of indoor space and more than 3,445 square-feet of outdoor space, fully equipped with the latest TechnoGym® equipment and an Olympic Power Rack for every type of fitness-forward traveller. Sunrise yoga or a dip at the WET Deck means that there is every opportunity to refuel and leave W Algarve balanced and glowing.

For more information or to reserve, please visit https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/faowh-w-algarve/.

For high-resolution images, please click here.

Credit: Marriott International, Inc.

Media contacts:
Georgie Noble, Director, Consumer PR, EMEA
Marriott International
georgie.noble@marriott.com

Lara Busch, Manager, Consumer PR, EMEA
Marriott International
lara.busch@marriott.com

W Communications
walgarve@wcommunications.co.uk

About W Hotels Worldwide
Born from the bold, 24/7 culture of New York City, W Hotels has redefined hospitality for over two decades, breaking the norms of traditional luxury wherever the iconic W sign lands. With nearly 60 hotels around the globe, the detail-driven design, iconic Whatever/Whenever service and buzzing, signature Living Rooms create an experience that is often imitated but never matched. Dynamic and invigorating, the brand celebrates each traveller’s desire to uncover the destination through a lens that is distinctly W. For more information on W Hotels, visit whotels.com/theangle or follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. W Hotels Worldwide is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.com.

About Marriott Bonvoy®
Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. From The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis to W Hotels and more, Marriott Bonvoy has more luxury offerings than any other travel program. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and 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. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News