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Accor Hotels Unveils Serene Destination in Phuket

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Accor Hotels Unveils Serene Destination in Phuket - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25HOTELS-PHUKETPhuket, Thailand, August 26, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / MGallery Hotel Collection, part of the world-leading Accor group, has unveiled its latest storied offering in Thailand, with the opening of V Villas Phuket – MGallery. Inspired by the lush nature found on the southern tip of this tropical island, the boutique resort is perfect for travellers seeking an enriching escape into unparalleled privacy and bespoke indulgence.

• Discover the Phuket’s Best Luxury Hotels and Prestigious Hotel Awards in Phuket and around the Worlds at Top25Hotels.com

The 19-pool villa resort seamlessly blends a charming landscape, absolute privacy, and captivating Andaman Ocean views for the most memorable island escape

V Villas Phuket – MGallery offers the utmost privacy with a collection of 19 pool villas, offered in one-, three- and four-bedroom configurations. Each villa boasts charming interiors with a natural colour palette, floor-to-ceiling windows, and expansive wooden decks that allow for a seamless blend between indoor and outdoor living. Well-heeled travellers, families, and couples will discover a resort that allows guests to immerse in nature whilst enjoying the seclusion of their villa with spacious bedrooms, vast en suite bathrooms with twin spa baths, private infinity pools, and 24-hour butler service.

Perched on the verdant Ao Yon hillside allowing for vast ocean views, the design of the resort truly embraces the landscape of the property. Villas, restaurants and the spa hover above the trees, blend into the hills, and seamlessly connect with the outdoors. Natural materials, bespoke design and locally inspired art pieces can be admired throughout the resort, with unique stories waiting to be uncovered by engaged explorers who appreciate the original and authentic experiences for which the MGallery collection is renowned.

“The opening of our third MGallery resort in Phuket is testament to our confidence that travellers will continue to seek out more authentic and meaningful experiences. The MGallery collection now boasts more than 100 addresses globally, each one singularly captivating and unique in its own right, for a truly boutique experience. MGallery guests are inspired through their visits to these stylish, thoughtful and decidedly singular hotels, so we are delighted to unveil this new destination in Phuket for those seeking a truly serene experience overlooking the Andaman Sea. We know that the privacy and natural beauty of V Villas Phuket – MGallery will be a drawcard for many explorers as the world reopens,” said Garth Simmons, Chief Executive Officer of Accor, Southeast Asia, Japan and South Korea.

Gastronomic excellence and breath-taking ocean views make for a memorable dining experience. Yon|Ocean House offers three distinct dining spaces, the highlight being an outdoor terrace surrounded by tropical greenery. The restaurant serves Thai coastal cuisine and European-inspired dishes, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The wine cellar houses an extensive wine list with esteemed labels from around the world. Soaring 55 meters above sea level, AKOYA|Star Lounge is a stunning sunset spot, offering a relaxed rooftop bar experience with gorgeous 360-degree ocean and night sky views, ideal for intimate social gatherings.

The resort’s holistic wellness offerings will enable guests to feel truly revitalized throughout their stay. The treatments at V Villas Spa take inspiration from locally cultivated pearls and the restorative energies of sunlight and nature. Below the resort, pearls have been harvested from the azure waters of Ao Yon Bay for many years, and guests will discover various links to this precious gemstone throughout the resort. The gym features state-of-art fitness equipment, whilst swimmers and sunbathers can relax at the main infinity pool that merges with the seaside horizon. The resort also offers personalised wellness programs and in-villa yoga classes.

Three outstanding wedding venues, including the YON|Ocean House, AKOYA|Star Lounge, Hilltop Cliff and Owner’s Villa, each provide romantic luxury wedding experiences with Andaman ocean views. The resort’s wedding specialists can assist in all arrangements from the pre-wedding party to the ceremony.

• Discover the Phuket’s Best Luxury Hotels and Prestigious Hotel Awards in Phuket and around the Worlds at Top25Hotels.com

“V Villas Phuket – MGallery will offer guests a new way to experience Phuket. Every detail of the resort is in harmony with nature, sunlight, an ocean views. Its Cliffside location will make guests feel like floating above Ao Yon Bay. Our butlers are dedicated to meeting guests’ every desire and making their holiday memorable. We are truly excited to welcome guests for a singular experience rooted in nature and absolute indulgence,” said Pannaphat Lapa, Hotel Manager of V Villas Phuket – MGallery.

V Villas Phuket – MGallery is located above the pristine Ao Yon Beach, which can be reached by foot from the resort via a hidden pathway that winds through the hillside, among the natural landscape and local residences. The resort is located one hours’ drive from Phuket International Airport and a 15-minute drive to the culturally rich Phuket Old Town.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Saudi Tourism Authority Expands Partnership with Aviareps

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Saudi Tourism Authority Expands Partnership with Aviareps - TOURISMSAUDIARABIA.com - TRAVELINDEXMunich, Germany, August 26, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Saudi Tourism Authority has opened a commercial office in Malaysia covering the Southeast Asia region as part of its strategy to engage the tourism trade in key source markets and raise awareness of Saudi, the authentic home of Arabia, as travelers around the world dream of exploring exotic destinations once more.

The destination reopened to vaccinated international visitors at the beginning of August.

STA now has representative offices in eleven markets serving 21 countries, with an eventual goal of having a 15 offices around the world to expand the reach of the Authority’s activities.

Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority:

“STA is focused on enhancing its ability to deliver a truly global scale offering by investing resources today in the network that will drive our business for the future. We are building an integrated global team of professionals to showcase Saudi’s diverse offering of cultural adventures, world-class heritage sites, and authentic Arabian hospitality.”

The Malaysia office will be responsible for trade and consumer marketing activities, expanding the reach and relevance of Saudi’s tourism offer, and working with tour operators, travel agents, and other industry stakeholders to build awareness and drive conversion in line with STA’s strategy and mission. The Southeast Asia representative office is being set up with the support of the region’s leading aviation & destination marketing representative company, Aviareps Malaysia as its in-market representative covering the Southeast Asia region.

Kelvin Ong, Vice President, Southeast Asia for Aviareps Group:

“Southeast Asian nations have a strong affinity with Saudi as a destination and many of the region’s travelers have already experienced the country’s legendary hospitality while visiting the country on pilgrimage. We have already formed a dedicated STA team based in Malaysia to cover the region.”

Shazlin Ahmad, Country Manager for STA in Southeast Asia:

“Opening a dedicated office to serve this market creates an opportunity to expand the appeal of Saudi as a compelling leisure destination by sharing with travelers the diverse landscapes, bustling cities, abundant attractions, and storied historical sites that make Saudi unique. We are confident that Saudi’s diverse offering will be appealing to all demographics from the region. We have already begun outreach into the Southeast Asia’s tourism trade ecosystem and the response has been very positive. We are actively seeking opportunities to co-invest with partners who are keen to add Saudi as an exciting new destination in their portfolio.”

Since opening its borders to international tourism in September 2019, Saudi rapidly established itself as the fastest-growing tourism destination in the world, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. Despite the global shutdown of leisure tourism in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, STA continued to invest to prepare the destination for a return to normalcy.

In 2020 STA delivered a domestic tourism campaign that saw visitor spend across target destinations between July and September increase by more than 30% compared to the equivalent period the year before.

An international brand awareness campaign launched at the beginning of 2021 extends across 26 countries and 13 languages, with significant investment in outdoor, broadcast, and digital advertising.

Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority:

“Saudi has a wealth of iconic sites for travelers to experience when borders reopen and we are ready to welcome visitors from around the world. By investing now in brand awareness and in our network of international offices, we are seeking to expand the global reach and relevance of these sites and integrating new ways of thinking and delivering on our mandate.”

To support the international and domestic tourism trade ecosystem, STA is introducing Saudi Expert, a comprehensive digital platform that provides partner companies with data, insights, destination information, and creative assets in real-time.

The new platform is intended to ensure that DMCs, tour operators, and other stakeholders have on-demand access to the information they need to build their business.

Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority:

“Tourism businesses need to be more agile than ever to respond to sudden changes in the environment. Agility depends on a constant supply of up-to-date information, and our goal is to get that information to our partners almost as soon as we get it ourselves. We are working at pace to help our partners introduce the authentic home of Arabia to more people than ever before.”

About Aviareps
Aviareps is the world’s leading international representation, marketing and communications company for aviation, tourism, hospitality, and food and beverage brands. Founded in Germany in 1994 with the ambition to help clients to step into global markets, the company’s global network now expands around the world to six continents.

The Aviareps service portfolio includes extensive expertise in representation and sales, marketing and communications, business development, IT solutions and financial services. In addition to their well-established General Sales Agent (GSA) services and tourism marketing representation, Aviareps provides more than 250 clients with support in digital marketing, advertising, public relations, crisis communications, social media management, event coordination, sales, web design and more.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

WALL TO WALL: Art showcases the spirit of St. Martin.

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As the smallest land mass shared by two countries (just 37 square miles), Saint Martin is home to both the Dutch and their capital of Philipsburg and the French with their capital of Marigot. In 2017 Saint Martin, along with much of the northeastern Caribbean, was hit hard by Hurricane Irma. During this challenging period of physical and economic devastation the St. Martin Wall Art Association was founded to revive the soul of the island and demonstrate the creativity and resilience of the people.

For those fascinated by street art, the artworks created by the Association provide a compelling glimpse of paradise. Located in Marigot, this collection of wall art showcases the creative spirit of the island as well as the startling breadth of the populace’s artistic talent. The large paintings and frescoes use vibrant colours and imagery to inspire viewers. As the artwork is all outside, taking a walking tour of the area constitutes an ideal ‘socially-distanced’ activity.

On the French side of the island, the Hommage Hotel & Residences is one of the most recent canvases for wall art in St. Martin. Its five white towers are the canvas to fantastic wall art found on the grounds of Hommage Hotel & Residences! (Do ask the owner about his Canadian family!)

While appreciating its artistic traditions, visitors to St. Martin will of course also enjoy its beautiful beaches, its vibrant culture and nightlife, the excellent cuisine and shopping.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Check in, Ring Free W Hotels Reveals Highly Anticipated Debut of W Philadelphia

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W Philadelphia - Drone Image.jpg
W Philadelphia

W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International, today announces the opening of W Philadelphia. Located in the heart of downtown, the 51-story skyscraper is a celebration of the city’s street art, musical legacy and historic embrace of originality – as seen through the provocative lens of the W brand. Embracing the same drive, grit and irreverence that sparked our nation’s revolution, W Philadelphia liberates the city’s traditional rules of luxury through its design as well as a lineup of local creative partners who authenticate and elevate every stay.

“Philadelphia is the quintessential city for a W hotel – rebellious, unexpected and original,” said Tom Jarrold, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide. “Its diverse neighborhoods and rich history attract travelers from around the country and the world and we are excited to put our unique stamp on its luxury hotel scene.”

Rebellious Design
From The Sound of Philadelphia and the city’s legendary 1970s nightlife scene to its famed urban grid richly juxtaposed with vibrant greenspaces, the design of W Philadelphia is as rich and diverse as the city itself. Punctuated throughout the hotel is an extensive artwork collection, much of it exclusively commissioned by the hotel using the talent of local artists. From abstract murals celebrating urban gardens to oil and digital print portraits of the city’s most famous musicians of the past and present, the art of W Philadelphia is as thoughtful as it is thought-provoking.

W Philadelphia features 295 guest rooms including 39 suites, which feature floor-to-ceiling windows and breathtaking, panoramic city views. Nods to traditional Pennsylvania craftsmanship can be seen in entry way and bathroom tile patterns as well as Shaker-style chairs at each workspace. Illuminated in the guestrooms are the words of the Declaration of Independence, etched in graffiti font on a custom light fixture. The signature W Bed is made with a bespoke bedspread print – “Philly Toile” – featuring both modern and historical city icons. A throw pillow features the iconic Robert Indiana LOVE statue on one side and, for a playful twist, the word LUST on the opposite side.

The hotel’s six suite categories feature oversized soaking tubs and ornate details including Danby marble and Chesterfield-style furnishings, as well as the only private guest balconies of any luxury hotel in the city. Local artwork imagined under the theme of “Collective Independence” is displayed in salon groupings inspired by the impressionist and modern art collections housed at the nearby Barnes Foundation. The WOW and Extreme WOW Suites push the unexpected even further with custom foosball and billiard tables as well as in-room DJ booths.

Equally important to the design of a W is each hotel’s sonic identity. Shaping the sounds of W Philadelphia’s music activations is Joshua Lang, a multi-faceted artist with a background in design and music. In addition to spinning regular sets on property as resident DJ, Lang will book DJ talent with his distinct approach to curating the sound and vibe specific to the hotel’s social outlets: think soulful and loungey in the Living Room with funk and soul and high-energy and vibrant house and global dance music on the WET Deck.

Distinct Dining + Cocktail Culture
W Philadelphia features an eclectic selection of spaces for guests and locals to socialize as they unwind and indulge. First is the Living Room, with design inspired by the historic sunken gardens of Fairmount Park. By day, coffee from local artisan roaster Rival Bros. will be served in custom ceramics from Philadelphia-based houseware and design studio, Centerpeak, and, by night, craft cocktails curated by famed local mixologist Resa Mueller will flow. The focal point of the Living Room is a wall of hand-painted, custom ceramic skulls which draw inspiration from the Hyrtl Skull Collection at the nearby Mutter Museum and feature references to hip-hop, fashion and garden icons.

Tucked away behind the skulls and a two-way mirror, guests will find “Stevens’ Prophecy,” a salon adorned with artwork celebrating Hollywood and Philadelphia royalty, Grace Kelly. The name is a reference to the story of Grace Kelly’s high school yearbook superlative in which it was predicted she would become “a famous star of stage and screen.” The salon will soon feature its own specialty menu including small-batch as well as limited-run spirits.

On the 7th floor, the WET Deck features a heated, year-round pool with intricate, green and blue custom tile work inspired by French parterre pattern, while the WET Deck Bar is adorned with a large-scale, pixelated floral motif from floor to ceiling. All WET Deck Talent will wear custom uniforms from Philadelphia’s own Grant BLVD, a Black-owned sustainable fashion brand that upcycles vintage clothing. Around the corner, guests will discover a lush greenspace known as the Secret Garden, where Illuminated busts of Benjamin Franklin and Marie Antoinette are tucked amongst the greenery for a modern twist on traditional garden design. The urban retreat will play host to local pop-ups and host live music performances where guests and locals can discover up-and-coming talent of the musically-driven city.

Soon to be the power spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Center City Philadelphia, Dolce, a signature concept of LDV Hospitality, is W Philadelphia’s destination restaurant. The timeless spirit of Fellini’s 1960s Rome is brought to Center City with a menu of fresh, regional Italian dishes.

FUEL Your Stay
W Philadelphia is home to the brand’s signature AWAY Spa which, unlike other spa concepts, embraces socialization with a lounge, beauty bar and DJ set-up for private events. Located on the 7th floor, AWAY features five treatment rooms inspired by the color palette and joie de vivre of Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette as well as two large-scale wallpaper prints of Marilyn Minter’s provocative take on beauty and pleasure – Kicksilver and Goldkicker. AWAY embodies the brand’s “Detox. Retox. Repeat.” philosophy with a custom detox menu (including a Detox Massage, Detox Body peel and wrap and a Detox Facial) in addition to traditional luxury spa services. AWAY is stocked with clean products from The Davines Group as well as local favorite, Franklin & Whitman. Furthering this Detox philosophy, the hotel features FIT, a 24/7 fitness center and will feature a regular lineup of FUEL programming where guests and locals can take intimate classes with top local fitness pros.

Meet You at the W
Spanning three floors, W Philadelphia has over 45,000 square feet of event space inspired by the brand’s long-standing passion for music. It begins with pre-function space connected by a monumental grand staircase with a dramatic floating chandelier made of 10,000 gold coins as a nod to Philadelphia’s banking history. Alcove seating under the stairs shares space with a locally-produced skull sculpture, another reference to the famed Hyrtl Skull Collection and a signature iconography of rock n’ roll. Each of the 37 meeting rooms flow with natural light and high-design lighting concepts that create the feeling of private recording studios. Lastly, the sun-drenched-by-day Great Room features floor-to-ceiling windows, abstract floral carpeting as well as circular lighting fixtures and shimmering wall finishes that resemble the night sky during evening events.

“Philadelphia is ready to ring free and we are excited to open our doors and change the city’s social scene as only W can,” said Edward Baten, General Manager, W Philadelphia. “This hotel is an homage to the city and the people who define it. By embracing its history through art and design to celebrating its present through local talent and brands that can’t be found anywhere else, W Philadelphia delivers an inspired local experience for the global guest.”

For more information or to make a reservation, visit WPhiladelphia.com or get social with W Philadelphia on Instagram and Facebook.

About W Hotels Worldwide
Born from the bold attitude and 24/7 culture of New York City, W Hotels, part of Marriott International, Inc., has disrupted and redefined the hospitality scene for over two decades. Trailblazing its way around the globe, with nearly 60 hotels, W is defying expectations and breaking the norms of traditional luxury wherever the iconic W sign lands. With a mission to fuel guests’ lust for life, W ignites an obsessive desire to soak it in, live it up and hit repeat. The brand’s provocative design, iconic Whatever/Whenever service and buzzing Living Rooms create an experience that is often copied but never matched. Innovative, inspiring and infectious, the brand’s super-charged energy celebrates guests’ endless appetite to discover what’s new/next in each destination, to see more, feel more, go longer, stay later. 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.marriott.com.

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of roughly 7,800 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 138 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy™, its highly-awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Orizonte Investment Elevates Aroeira Golfing Experience

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Orizonte Investment Elevates Aroeira Golfing Experience

Lisbon, Portugal, August 25, 2021  / TRAVELINDEX / Orizonte at Aroeira Golf Resort – a two-time host of the Portuguese Open. Fresh from the rebranding this spring of its two 18-hole championship courses – Aroeira Pines Classic and Aroeira Challenge – Portugal’s leading golf management company has continued its spending by upgrading the golf leisure facilities at the resort.

• Discover the World’s Best Golf Courses at Top 25 Golf Courses.

Among the renovations made, the clubhouse for Aroeira Pines Classic, host venue of the 1996 and 1997 Portuguese Open, has been given a fresh new look with a modern contemporary décor inside and outside the restaurant, new kitchen facilities and refurbished changing rooms.

In addition, the resort’s swimming pool area has been refurbished with a new bar and décor while the Kids’ Club has also received a makeover, making it the ideal place for parents to leave their children while they’re playing golf or enjoying a relaxing meal in the clubhouse restaurant.

Nestled amid tranquil natural pine forest, Aroeira Golf Resort – 25km south of Lisbon – is rated among Europe’s top 50 golf resorts and has been dubbed the ‘Wentworth of Lisbon’ by many observers.

Among the many attractions on the stunning Aroeira estate is the Aroeira Lisbon Hotel. Providing the ultimate in chic modern design, the hotel includes 68 bedrooms and suites, an outdoor pool, a spa and a choice of five bars and restaurants, and offers easy access to the many golden sandy beaches in the Costa Azul region.

Alternatively, golfers can enjoy a staycation break in one of Aroeira’s choice of villas and apartments with stay-and-play packages, while a short drive from Aroeira, Ribagolfe boasts two of the finest layouts in the Lisbon region – Ribagolfe I and II.

• Discover the World’s Best Golf Courses at Top 25 Golf Courses.

As part of ORIZONTE’s golf maintenance programme, both courses were the subject of an upgrade at the start of the golf season while a new hotel partner for 2021, the Four Points by Sheraton Sesimbra, offers the ideal base to play the club known as the ‘Valderrama of Portugal’.

ORIZONTE provides golfers with the opportunity to play four of the leading courses in close proximity to Lisbon in the stunning Costa Azul, together with exceptional value for money on a wide range of accommodation options.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Welcomes Renowned Thai Film Director

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Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Welcomes Renowned Thai Film Director

Phuket, Thailand, August 25, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Cape Panwa Hotel, Phuket, led by Andres Rubio, General Manager of the hotel together with Boonsong Suratod, Front Office Manager of the hotel, recently welcomed Apichatpong Weerasethakul, the famous Thai film director, during his stay under the Phuket Sandbox campaign at Cape Panwa Hotel.

Cape Panwa Hotel is one of the luxury hotels in Phuket that passed the Safe Travel Standard (SHA Plus+) under the supervision of the TAT and have been certified as safe travel by the World Travel and Tourism Council.

Image caption: Andres Rubio, General Manager (right), Boonsong Suratod, Front Office Manager (left), Apichatpong Weerasethakul(centre).

For more information, please contact Public Relations Department: Tel 02 253 3791-7 Ext. 144, 215
Website: www.capekantaryhotels.com

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

WESTERN MOVEMENT: British Columbians get the urge to travel

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With the current easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions and growing vaccination rates across the province, a new BCAA Travel Confidence Survey reveals confidence in international travel is starting to return, with 58 percent of British Columbians saying they feel ready to travel either this year or next.

While 41% say the soonest they’ll travel is 2022, the survey conducted for BCAA by Insights West, found that British Columbians aged 55+ are most likely to feel ready to travel again sooner. More than one-in-five (21%) of them are confident about travelling later this year, which BCAA believes could indicate the return of the ‘snowbird’ travellers and reflect their high rate of full vaccination. Younger age groups are more cautious, with 26% of 18-34-year-olds saying the soonest they’ll travel is the second half of 2022.

Potential travellers still have significant concerns about COVID, but while 80% worry that pandemic restrictions will take away from enjoyment of their trip, and 76% worry about being exposed to COVID while away, 81% feel confident in their ability to keep themselves/family safe during their trip. Reassuringly, 86% say that they’ll plan and prepare with information like vaccination rates, local case numbers and government restrictions for their chosen destination. And 87% will protect their trip by buying travel insurance for trips outside of Canada.

“Travel confidence comes from planning and ensuring your safety and the safety of others. It’s encouraging to see people taking their time to think through their travel and factor COVID-19 safety into their plans while also protecting themselves with travel insurance that includes COVID coverage,” said Namita Kearns, BCAA’s Director of Insurance Products. “We’re seeing travel insurance sales increasing significantly month over month as people look to international destinations again.”

According to the survey, British Columbians are taking their time to think about and plan trips. Just thirteen percent of those thinking of a trip before the end of 2022 have already booked, while 30% are currently planning. And over half (58%) haven’t started formal planning but are thinking seriously about their trip.

BCAA recommends that people do their research and look to protect themselves as they book upcoming travel options. “Do your research beforehand, and plan ahead to make sure you won’t be at risk of a costly mistake,” said Namita Kearns. “Check your insurance coverage, ask questions, and stay safe.”

BCAA advises travellers to check how much COVID coverage their insurance provides for their vaccination status, and whether their policy includes access to virtual medical care.

The MacDonalds

Editor’s Note: The Headline to this article was inspired by an often misheard/mis-sung lyric by Neil Diamond

In his song, “Cherry Cherry” the original lyric
“She’s got the way to move me Cherry”

Is for some reason frequently remembered/heard/sung out as
“She’s got the Western movement yeah”

 

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Saudi Arabia Reveals Stunning Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai

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Saudi Arabia Reveals Stunning Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, August 24, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / With less than two months to go, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is preparing to welcome the world to its state-of-the-art pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. At the Saudi Pavilion, the second largest after the UAE’s, visitors will experience the Kingdom’s rich past, vibrant present, and promising future.

A 68 square-meter, curved LED screen greets visitors as they embark on a technology-enabled journey through five ecosystems, hinting at the Kingdom’s natural spaces, beautiful coasts, vast deserts, surrounding seas, and high mountains. The journey will walk through the flora of Al Bardani Valley in Asir Region to the mighty mountains of Tabuk, and from the dunes of the Empty Quarter in southeastern Saudi to the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea.

Visitors to the Saudi Pavilion will then experience 14 cultural landmarks along a stunning escalator ride. These include acclaimed UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as At-Turaif District in Ad-Diriyah, Hegra Archaeological Site in AlUla, Historic Jeddah, Rock Art in the Hail Region, and Al-Ahsa Oasis.

Through an audiovisual guide, guests can explore 23 other destinations, including world-leading giga-projects which are rewriting the possibilities of sustainable development such as Qiddiya, Diriyah Gate, and King Salman Park.

Following this, visitors will enter ‘Vision,’ a one-of-a-kind art exhibition curated by celebrated Saudi artists. Highlights include a 30m floating virtual sphere and a bespoke interactive floor.

Finally, the pavilion will take visitors through the ‘Discovery Center’, where an innovative platform will connect leaders from around the world to forge exciting partnerships and discuss investment opportunities, visualized through an interactive digital map of Saudi Arabia.

People, opportunity, nature, and heritage are the four pillars that anchor the visitor experience of the Kingdom’s 13,000 square-meter pavilion; an adventure woven into one of the most sustainable structures at Expo 2020 Dubai. It has been awarded the LEED Platinum certification by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), the highest internationally recognized sustainability rating in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

In addition, the pavilion holds three Guinness World Records: the largest interactive lighting floor with around 8,000 LED lights, the longest interactive water feature at more than 32 meters, and the largest LED interactive digital mirror screen at 1302.5 square meters.

Expo 2020 Dubai is an opportunity to reconnect, meet new people, and discover new horizons. The people of Saudi Arabia are excited to open the doors and for visitors to experience their renowned hospitality first-hand.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Connecting Global Participants at Sixth Belt and Road Summit in September

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Connecting Global Participants at Sixth Belt and Road Summit in September

Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, August 24, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Jointly organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the sixth Belt and Road Summit will be held online on 1-2 September (Wednesday and Thursday) with the theme “Driving Growth through Fostering Regional and International Trade”. The summit will explore how the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) can be leveraged together with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) development and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to forge multilateral collaboration and drive post-pandemic economic recovery as well as investment and business cooperation in various sectors.

This year’s summit will be held virtually, connecting global participants across different geographic boundaries and time zones. It will comprise a range of sessions and events, including the Opening Session, Policy Dialogue session, two Business Plenaries, a panel discussion and thematic breakout sessions, investment project pitching sessions as well as an exhibition and one-to-one business matching meetings. The event will bring together more than 80 government officials and business elites from Belt and Road countries and regions, as well as project owners, investors and services providers from all over the world, to explore BRI opportunities. In addition to benefiting from the inspiring sharing by renowned speakers, participants will also be able to learn about the current investment climate and opportunities in different regions and sectors, and build contacts with business potential counterparts on the spot.

Comprehensive analysis of policy trends and investment opportunities

The BRI facilitates global investment and trade, providing potential investment opportunities for investors and collaboration opportunities for different professional services sectors. HKSAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam and HKTDC Chairman Dr Peter K N Lam will host the opening session, where a keynote address will be delivered by Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum. At the Policy Dialogue session (on 1 September morning), chaired by HKSAR Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Edward Yau, officials from Belt and Road countries and regions will analyse the latest economic policy trends. Panelists include Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew Bin Abdullah, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II, Brunei; HE Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, United Arab Emirates; HE Dato Lim Jock Hoi, Secretary-General of the ASEAN Secretariat; HE Pan Sorasak, Minister of Commerce, Cambodia; Muhammad Lutfi, Minister of Trade, Indonesia; Ramon Lopez, Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry, the Philippines; Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry, Singapore; and Sansern Samalapa, Vice Minister for Commerce, Thailand.

HKSAR Financial Secretary Paul Chan will address the day’s Business Plenary Session, themed “Belt and Road and RCEP: Enhancing Regional Business Connectivity”, which will also feature business leaders from Hong Kong, Mainland China and RCEP markets. Speakers include Victor Chu, Chairman and CEO, First Eastern Investment Group; Sean Chiao, Global Business Line Chief Executive, Buildings and Places, AECOM; Huang Zhaohui, CEO and Chairman of Management Committee, China International Capital Corporation Limited; Suroj Lamsam, CEO and President of Loxley Public Company Limited in Thailand; Michael Tan, President and Chief Operating Officer of LT Group in the Philippines; and Wang Cuijun, Director, China Merchants Group Limited. The session will examine how the RCEP will inject new impetus into the region and how Belt and Road countries and regions can strengthen connectivity to seize the new opportunities.

Exploring Greater Bay Area opportunities

This year’s summit features the new Greater Bay Area series focusing on opportunities in the region. It includes a Business Plenary, a panel discussion, thematic breakout sessions and an exhibition. The Business Plenary (on 2 September), titled “Connecting the Belt and Road & Greater Bay Area through Hong Kong”, will be chaired by Victor Fung, Chairman of the Fung Group, and feature Dato’ Seri Cheah Cheng Hye, Co-Chairman and Co-Chief Investment Officer of Value Partners Group; Jack So, Chairman of Airport Authority Hong Kong; Sun Yu, Vice Chairman, Executive Director and Chief Executive of Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited; and Wang Shi, Chairman of Shenzhen Foundation for International Exchange and Cooperation and Founder and Honorary Chairman of Vanke Co., Ltd. The panel will share their insights on how Hong Kong should leverage its advantages to connect the Belt and Road and the GBA and seize relevant opportunities under the new era of cross-boundary collaboration. A panel discussion and thematic breakout sessions will cover topics such as fundraising, financing, green finance, digital technology and start-ups.

BRI opportunities for various professional services, including legal and dispute resolution, captive insurance and reinsurance, and infrastructure, as well for small and medium-sized enterprises will be discussed at thematic breakout sessions co-organised with various partners including the Department of Justice, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s Infrastructure Financing Facilitation Office, the Hong Kong Insurance Authority, Hong Kong Cyberport, Invest Hong Kong, the China International Contractors Association and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. The sessions will also cover international cooperation in infrastructure development, as well as cultural and business collaboration.

Online project pitching and business matching

The summit will once again feature the popular Investment and Business Matching Session, providing a platform for project owners, investors and services providers to connect and explore cooperation opportunities. The session includes one-to-one business matching meetings, to be arranged according to participants’ business and investment needs, and project pitching sessions which focus on four main areas: (1) energy, natural resources and public utilities, (2) innovation and technology, (3) urban development, and (4) transport and logistics infrastructure. The matching sessions are expected to involve more than 100 investment projects.

A larger-scale exhibition will again be held online, featuring more than 60 exhibitors from around the world. Adding to the returning Global Investment Zone and Hong Kong Zone, the new GBA Zone will showcase the latest technology and related investment opportunities in the Greater Bay Area.

Hong Kong-Kazakhstan medical cooperation MOU

During the summit, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) will be signed online to promote cooperation between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan over advanced medical equipment, including the application of medical metal 3D printing technology in orthopaedic oncology and related training. The MOU will be signed by Edmond Yau, Founder and CEO of Hong Kong firm Koln 3D Technology (Medical) Limited, and Shinbolatova Aigul Serikovna, Head of the International Cooperation Department of the Kazakh Institute of Oncology and Radiology (KazIOR).

China International Capital Corporation Ltd serves as the Strategic Partner; Bank of China (Hong Kong) Ltd as the Regional Banking Partner; China Merchants Group as the Sapphire Sponsor; China Taiping Insurance Group as the Affiliated Insurance Partner; and China Mobile International Limited as the Platinum Sponsor of the sixth Belt and Road Summit.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Centara Hotels to Open Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai

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Centara Hotels to Open Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, August 24, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, welcomes travellers to discover a new world of wonder at Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai, opening on the Deira Islands in the UAE in October 2021. The beachfront family resort is Centara’s joint venture with UAE’s master developer Nakheel as a step towards company’s expansion plans into the Middle East hospitality sector.

Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai will be the group’s first property in the UAE, in a joint venture with and the third Centara Mirage address in the world after Thailand and Vietnam.

Inspired by mythical Thai and Arabian adventures, the waterfront hotel offers a choice of 607 guest rooms and suites, each with a balcony from which to enjoy city or sea views. The themed destination resort is an entertainment wonderland for guests of all ages, and features a water park with lazy river, beachfront swimming pool, and other family friendly facilities including a Mirage Family Lounge for club level guests, dedicated kids’ spa, outdoor playground, and three Kids’ Clubs.

Guests enjoy a choice of nine dining experiences, including a rooftop shisha lounge and a beach club, as well as a fitness centre, water sports facilities, and prayer rooms.

The Centara Mirage themed family resort concept was first introduced in Thailand with the world-renowned Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, which opened in 2009 and has since become Thailand’s number one family destination hotel.

To celebrate its opening, Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai is offering an limited-time preview sale exclusively for CentaraThe1 members, with privileges including 25% off publicly available rates, triple points, plus a 50% points value boost. Member preview rates start from AED 469.60++ per night inclusive of breakfast, and up to two children stay and dine for free when choosing from the children’s menu. CentaraThe1 membership is free to sign up, and travellers have from now until 30th August 2021 to book a stay between 1st October 2021 to 30th September 2022.

Located on a prime stretch of the Deira Islands waterfront, Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai is a themed destination resort inspired by mythical Thai and Arabian adventures. The family resort concept of the group’s Mirage brand immerses guests in a world of wonder with fantastic child-friendly facilities, including world-class water parks and fun activities, along with diverse dining and soothing spas.

Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai offers a choice of 607 rooms and suites, including rooms that are interconnecting or featuring bunk beds, as well as larger two-bedroom suites. Guests are invited to explore a world of dining discoveries including Thai flavours at Suan Bua, authentic Argentinian grilling traditions at UNO MAS, or enjoy a taste of the local culture at Sheesh rooftop shisha lounge. Diners can also enjoy casual dining at Sands Beach Club, Waves Pool Bar, Vistas, the Lobby Bar, or Zing deli and café for refreshments throughout the day. Exclusively for club level guests, the Mirage Family Lounge offers snacks and helpful concierge services, including Lifestyle Hosts and activities for younger guests.

The entertainment and activity wonderland in Dubai offers facilities for the whole family, including a water park complete with a lazy river, kids’ water play area, waterslides and cliff jumping points. The resort is also home to a kids’ spa dedicated to junior spa-goers, family friendly check-in counters at the Mirage Family Lounge, and three Kids’ Clubs for younger guests. Other facilities include a fitness centre, water sports facilities, outdoor playground, and prayer rooms.

For high-impact meetings, memorable celebrations and other occasions, the fully integrated destination resort features three well-equipped meeting rooms, a unique beachfront venue and outdoor terraces overlooking the Burj Khalifa and the city skyline or the sea.

Centara Mirage has become hugely popular in Thailand following the success of Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, which opened in the beach resort town in 2009 and is still widely regarded as the Kingdom’s top family resort today. Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai is the group’s third Centara Mirage property after Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne in Vietnam.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News