Global Travel News

UN Tourism Launches Investment Guidelines for Armenia

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UN Tourism Launches Investment Guidelines for Armenia - TRAVELINDEXUN Tourism has added to its growing portfolio of investment guidelines with a new edition focused on the potential of Armenia.

“Tourism Doing Business – Investing in Armenia” guides investors and tourism professionals seeking in-depth knowledge about Armenia’s tourism sector. It allows them to make informed decisions by showcasing Armenia’s unique cultural heritage, robust economic growth, and supportive business environment.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “Armenia is a rising tourism destination. At the same time, its dedication to economic reforms, infrastructure development, and the promotion of foreign direct investment has positioned it as the fastest-growing economy in Europe. These new Guidelines underscore Armenia’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for international capital and showcase the opportunities the country’s tourism sector offers to investors everywhere.”

Armenia: An Attractive Destination

These new Guidelines underscore Armenia’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for international capital and showcase the opportunities the country’s tourism sector offers to investors everywhere

Over recent years, Armenia has enjoyed notable growth as a tourist destination.  International tourist to the country reached 2.3 million in 2023, a 22.3% increase from 2019. This growth significantly outpaces the regional average in Central and Eastern Europe. Additionally, international tourism receipts in Armenia reached USD 3 billion in 2023, a 97% increase on 2019. The Guidelines explore the factors that help make Armenia such an attractive destination for both tourists and investors, including:

  • Location: Armenia is strategically located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, serving as a gateway between these regions.
  • Accessibility: The country offers a visa-free entry policy for citizens of approximately 70 countries
  • Connectivity: Armenia provides direct flights from over 50 cities across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Its principal airports collectively handle over 4 million passengers annually.

UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona says:  “Recent years have seen Armenia exhibit remarkable economic resilience and growth. International tourist arrivals are up almost 25% on pre-pandemic levels, while the arrival of investments across all sectors further illustrates the confidence in Armenia’s tourism potential. We are proud to be working with Armenia to showcase it as an investment destination through these latest Guidelines from UN Tourism.”

Opportunities for Investors

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows totalled close to USD 1 billion in 2022, the highest on record. This trend continued into 2023, with FDI totaling USD 443 million according to UNCTAD. Furthermore, recent updates from Armenian authorities suggest that the figure for 2023 is around USD 580 million, reflecting growing international confidence in Armenia’s market.

The new Guidelines analyse the factors contributing to make Armenia, and its tourism sector, an attractive proposition for foreign investors, most notably:

  • Economic growth and stability: Armenia enjoyed GDP growth of 8.7% in 2023, the fastest in Europe, with expectation growth of 6.0% in 2024. The economy has also experienced steady expansion driven by strategic sectors such as tourism, IT, and agriculture.  The Central Bank of Armenia has successfully maintained low and stable inflation rates, while the country also boasts a highly educated workforce with a literacy rate exceeding 99%.
  • Favorable climate: The Foreign Investments Law allows unrestricted foreign capital participation, ensuring equal treatment for foreign and domestic investors. The government offers attractive tax incentives, such as VAT exemptions for tourism services and significant tax breaks for operators of tourist accommodations.
  • Strategic partnerships: Membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) provides access to a single market of approximately 185 million consumers. The EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) also strengthens ties with the European Union.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UN Tourism in Kazakhstan: Put Sustainability at Heart of Tourism Development

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UN Tourism in Kazakhstan: Put Sustainability at Heart of Tourism Development - TRAVELINDEXTashkent, Kazakhstan, September 12, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / UN Tourism has agreed to work with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan to foster the development of sustainable tourism in the country.

On an official visit, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololkiashvili met with the President of Kazakhstan, His Excellency, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to discuss avenues for closer collaboration around shared goals.

In the framework of his visit to Astana, the Secretary-General participated in a round table hosted by the President’s Affairs office which brought together country’s tourism stakeholders to discuss the current state of Kazakhstan’s tourism sector, its challenges and strategic priorities. A Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports sets out key areas for collaboration to develop tourism in an inclusive and sustainable way.

UN Tourism is proud to work with the Republic of Kazakhstan to harness the unparalleled power of sustainable tourism to drive growth and support development

Secretary-General Pololikashvili said: “UN Tourism is proud to work with the Republic of Kazakhstan to harness the unparalleled power of sustainable tourism to drive growth and support development. By working together to promote innovation and drive investments into the sector, we can create many new jobs, support businesses of all sizes and preserve and promote at the same time Kazakhstan’s rich heritage, environment and culture.”

Collaboration in innovation and investments

Alongside the meeting with President Tokayev, the UN Tourism delegation also held high-level talks with both the Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerbol Myrzabossynov, and the Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry, Zhaslan Madiyev. Discussions focused on the implementation of the MoU signed between the two parties, recognizing the importance of strengthening the tourism sector across the Republic.

Under the terms of the MoU, UN Tourism will cooperate with the Ministry in the following areas:

  • Sustainable development of destinations: To support the sustainable development of various destinations across the Republic of Kazakhstan, including promotional efforts to attract international visitors and diversifying the social and economic benefits the sector delivers.
  • Digitalization in Tourism: To develop and implement digital tools and platforms to enhance the tourist experience, to foster the use of innovative technologies, and to support smart travel development through joint efforts towards a first global hub for Digitalization in Tourism in Astana.
  • Education and Training: To develop training programs and exchange programs and scholarships for students and professionals to gain international exposure, as well as supporting the creation of research centres, including the possibility of a new International Academy in the country.
  • Innovation in tourism: To promote innovation in tourism by fostering creative solutions, and to develop and support a tourism innovation ecosystem that nurtures talent and entrepreneurs, driving growth and sustainability.
  • Investment promotion in tourism: To share knowledge of the promotion of investment for the tourism sector, to foster collaboration, and to conduct joint research projects to gather data and insights on tourism trends, impacts, and investment opportunities in the Republic of Kazakhstan and its regions.

Celebrating Nomad Culture and Tourism

On the occasion of the official visit to Kazakhstan, the UN Tourism leadership was invited to the opening of the 5th World Nomad Games. The international competition aims to uphold nomad traditions and serves as a tourist attraction but also a means of preserving unique cultural heritage. The World Nomad Games are included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

BWH Hotels Reaches Major Milestone in Thailand with Opening in Samui

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BWH Hotels Reaches Major Milestone in Thailand with Opening in Samui - TRAVELINDEXSamui, Thailand, September 12, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / BWH Hotels, the global hospitality enterprise comprising WorldHotels™, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay® Hotels, is celebrating a major milestone in its expansion strategy in Thailand with the opening of the Best Western Chaweng Samui, the brand’s inaugural property on this popular Thai resort island.

Nestled in the center of Chaweng, Koh Samui’s liveliest tourist district, surrounded by shops and restaurants and a short walk from the soft sands of Chaweng Beach, the Best Western Chaweng Samui is perfect for families, couples, and adventure seekers who want to immerse themselves in the upbeat atmosphere of this vibrant destination.

Featuring 67 contemporary rooms and suites with modern amenities, guests can unwind in the hotel’s indoor swimming pool, and savor international cuisine at the all-day dining restaurant. The property’s central location also puts travelers on the doorstep of Chaweng’s many attractions and activities, from daytime relaxation on Chaweng Beach to sensational shopping, world-class wellness options, cultural discoveries, and Koh Samui’s famous nightlife. Samui International Airport is a 10-minute drive away and transfers can be arranged with the hotel.

“We are delighted to announce the opening of the Best Western Chaweng Samui, which puts guests in the heart of this popular tourist island. Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s most iconic destinations – a tropical jewel that blends laidback beachfront charm with an upbeat vibe. This new opening reflects our commitment to bringing our brand’s quality standards and service to guests across Asia,” said Olivier Berrivin, Vice President – APAC, BWH Hotels.

With the opening of the Best Western Chaweng Samui, BWH Hotels now offers 21 hotels and resorts across Thailand, with locations in key cities such as Bangkok to resort destinations like Koh Samui, Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and emerging areas including Buriram and Prachinburi.

To book your stay with BWH Hotels in Asia, please visit bestwesternasia.com.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Raffles Hotel Le Royal Appoints Dagmar Lyons as General Manager

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Raffles Hotel Le Royal Appoints Dagmar Lyons as General Manager - TRAVELINDEXPhnom Penh, Cambodia, September 11, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX /Raffles Hotel Le Royal, the 95-year-old luxury heritage hotel in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, has appointed Dagmar Lyons as its new General Manager.

The veteran hotelier joins Raffles from the luxury Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver, Canada, where she served as Hotel Manager for the past two years. Prior to that, Dagmar was Hotel Manager at Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai, China, and Deputy General Manager at The St. Regis Doha in Qatar.

Her hospitality career has included successful postings at numerous luxury hotels and resorts around the world, including in North America, Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Dagmar led Fairmont Pacific Rim to a Forbes Five-Star rating – the highest level of distinction – for two consecutive years in 2023 and 2024 for both the hotel and spa.

“I am delighted to be at Raffles Hotel Le Royal, which is a true icon of luxury hospitality in Southeast Asia. The hotel has an incredibly rich history, extraordinary culinary offerings at the Khmer fine dining venue Restaurant Le Royal and French-style brasserie Le Phnom 1929, a celebrated cocktail bar at Elephant Bar, an award-winning spa and so much more,” Dagmar said.

Dagmar joins Raffles Hotel Le Royal as the landmark historic hotel continues to garner accolades and awards from many of the world’s leading travel authorities. This year alone, Travel + Leisure magazine declared it the best city hotel in Cambodia and the UK-based Luxury Lifestyle Magazine named it one of the world’s best city hotels (No. 24 overall).

Raffles Hotel Le Royal, which originally opened in 1929, features 175 spacious rooms and suites that underwent a full refurbishment as part of a meticulous one-year restoration project in 2019. The hotel’s elegant past has been reinterpreted in a bold, contemporary style that is inspired by French colonial, Khmer and Art Deco influences.

ABOUT RAFFLES

Raffles Hotels & Resorts boasts an illustrious history and some of the most prestigious hotel addresses worldwide. In 1887, Raffles Singapore set the standard for luxury hospitality, introducing the world to private butlers, the Singapore Sling and its enduring, legendary service. Today, Raffles continues this tradition in leading cities and lavish resort locales, enchanting travellers with meaningful experiences and service that is both gracious and intuitive. Connoisseurs of life choose Raffles, not merely for its aura of culture, beauty and gentility, but for the extraordinary way they feel when in residence with Raffles. Each Raffles, be it Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Warsaw, Jakarta or the Seychelles, serves as a venerated oasis where travellers arrive as guests, leave as friends and return as family. Raffles is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

CLARA Restaurant Announces New Collaboration Dinner

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CLARA Restaurant Announces New Collaboration Dinner - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, September 10, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / CLARA Restaurant is thrilled to announce a special one-night-only collaboration dinner on Friday, September 20th. This exclusive event will feature a unique gastronomic fusion, blending the culinary world of two distinguished chefs: Chef Christian Herrgesell from Lae Lay, Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and Chef Christian Martena from CLARA Restaurant.

Chef Christian Herrgesell, celebrated for his contemporary Asian cuisine infused with French cooking techniques, will join forces with Chef Martena, known for his innovative approach to contemporary Italian cuisine.

Chef Christian Herrgesell is a German chef, culinary director and concept creator who has more than 20 years of experience in gastronomy. Before being appointed as Executive Chef of Phulay Bay, Chef Christian Herrgesell has worked 10 years as Executive Chef & Culinary Director for the restaurant Tim Raue which is ranked in the The World’s 50 Best list continuously since 2014 and rated with 2 michelin-stars.

The evening promises an special menu designed to highlight the gastronomic vision of both chefs, offering guests a rare opportunity to savor a creative and harmonious blend of culinary traditions. Each dish will reflect the unique styles and expertise of both chefs, creating a dining experience that is sure to captivate the palate.

The 7-course menu is priced at THB 4,880++ per person.
Limited seats available, reservation required.

For more information & reservations visit www.clarabangkok.com or call 083-496-3663.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Vietnam Golf Coast Sets Its Sights on Australia

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Vietnam Golf Coast Sets Its Sights on Australia - TRAVELINDEXDanang, Vietnam, September 10, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Laguna Golf Lang Co is gearing up to showcase Central Vietnam’s acclaimed golf offerings in Australia this month at separate roadshow events in Melbourne and Sydney.

These events, which will take place on 11 September (Melbourne) and 13 September (Sydney) aim to broadcast the exceptional golf experiences offered in Central Vietnam to Australian golfers and travellers alike.

Central Vietnam has established itself as a world-class destination for play featuring courses designed by legendary figures such as Sir Nick Faldo (Laguna Golf Lang Co), Luke Donald (Ba Na Hills Golf Club), and Colin Montgomerie (Montgomerie Links), alongside iconic names like Greg Norman and Robert Trent Jones Jr.

The region’s growing acclaim on the global stage was underscored in 2023 when it set a record for the number of rounds played. Laguna Golf Lang Co, a cornerstone member of the Vietnam Golf Coast—a destination marketing alliance promoting Central Vietnam’s signature courses—is set to introduce the region to Australian media and tour operators.

In Melbourne, Laguna Golf Lang Co will host an exclusive information session for local media and tour operators interested in discovering why Danang has emerged as a central hub for golf tourism. Attendees will learn about the unique qualities of Central Vietnam’s golf courses, luxurious hotels, and diverse tourism offerings. Representatives from the Danang Tourism Promotion Center, under the direction of the Danang Tourism Department, will also be on hand to provide insights and answer questions.

The roadshow will move to Sydney where a similar program will highlight Central Vietnam’s unparalleled golf experiences.

“This roadshow highlights our commitment to positioning Central Vietnam as a leading golf destination for Australians,” said Stephen Banks, director of golf at Laguna Golf Lang Co. “By fostering connections with key stakeholders in Australia, we aim to build lasting partnerships and promote tourism growth.

“Central Vietnam is one of Asia’s most complete golf destinations, offering spectacular year-round play, incredible cuisine, cultural richness, and top-tier accommodations. We’re eager to introduce more Australians to the unique experiences our region offers and welcome them to discover everything we have in store.”

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Joyned Appoints Antonella Vecchio to Spearhead Strategic Partnerships in Europe

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Joyned Appoints Antonella Vecchio to Spearhead Strategic Partnerships in Europe - TRAVELINDEXAward-winning social revenue pioneer Joyned has announced the appointment of industry expert Antonella Vecchio to spearhead its strategic partnerships in Europe. Antonella will also serve as Advisor to the Founders – CEO Michael Levinson and CBO Jonathan Abraham. Drawing on over 20 years of experience in travel and hospitality, Antonella’s appointment offers Joyned the resources needed to scale its innovative social revenue platform through further business development.

Joyned enables users on vendor websites to invite friends and family to discuss and make plans in a private and secure online space. Elevating the social experience for users, it simultaneously equips vendors with previously unavailable insight into the decision-making process based on group dynamics, conversations, and intent.

Antonella Vecchio has excelled in various leadership roles, including as Vice President, Board Member, and Managing Director. Her extensive experience spans multiple industries, most notably technology, retail, travel, and tourism, showcasing her versatility and influence across several key sectors.

Commenting on her appointment to Joyned, Antonella said: “I’m delighted to come on board and provide business development expertise during Joyned’s next phase of growth. Having already overseen, guided, and directed the design and implementation of a number of business development projects, I’m confident that Joyned’s social revenue platform will continue to attract vendors given the results that have already been seen by its clients.” 

Antonella has a proven track record in e-commerce, B2B, SaaS technology, and digital transformation, having held key roles at Sabre Corporation and Alitalia Airlines, where she spearheaded significant business transformations. As the founder of High Flyer Consulting, Antonella continues to drive innovation and growth. An advocate for diversity and inclusion, Antonella has served as a founding member of CHIEF UK and has actively participated in related initiatives, in addition to her membership of Women in Leadership and the Institute of Directors UK.

Commenting on the appointment, Joyned CEO and Co-Founder Michael Levinson, said: “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Antonella to the Joyned team. Antonella’s expertise and passion for the travel industry align perfectly with our vision for growth and we are highly confident that the support she will provide will  further accelerate our expansion and help us deliver exceptional value for forward-thinking travel and hospitality vendors.”

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Raffles Hotel Le Royal Launches Art Collaboration

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Raffles Hotel Le Royal Launches Art Collaboration - TRAVELINDEXPhnom Penh, Cambodia, September 6, 2024 & TRAVELINDEX / Restaurant Le Royal, the Khmer fine-dining venue at the historic Raffles Hotel Le Royal, has announced an exclusive collaboration with a local art gallery to spotlight the very best of both contemporary Cambodian cuisine and artistic creation.

The Khmer painter Chhim Sothy’s distinctive works will be on display for the next three months. They reflect Phnom Penh’s evolving landscape through a compelling blend of traditional Cambodian themes infused with techniques reminiscent of modern European artistry. He will attend an opening celebration at Raffles Hotel Le Royal to kick off the exhibition on Sept. 9.

To mark the occasion, Raffles Hotel Le Royal’s culinary team has launched a special new modern Khmer menu, available until November, featuring Pomelo and River Lobster Terrine, with sweet chili sauce, roasted grated coconut and mint leaves; Seafood Consommé, with galangal, scallops, mussels, prawns, clams and vegetable brunoise; Slow-Cooked Goose, with eggplant puree, oyster sauce, dried chili and hot basil; and Braised Australian Beef, with red curry paste, chili oil, dried chili flakes, coconut milk, roasted peanuts and crispy bread.

For dessert, diners will be treated to a delectable Pear Caramel Mousse Cake, with passion sauce and vanilla ice cream.

Chhim Sothy’s unique fluency of style resonates strongly with the complex cultural tensions of Phnom Penh and the changes it has seen in his lifetime: from ‘Year Zero’ of the Khmer Rouge until today. He has exhibited widely in Cambodia and was represented at the 2008 Chinese International Art Biennale, and at exhibitions across Southeast Asia and in Paris and the U.S.

The artworks are presented in partnership with The Gallerist, a fine art gallery in Phnom Penh known for partnering with top artists from Cambodia and around the region. Its curator carefully selects pieces to build a visual conversation between the artists, enabling visitors to explore the abstract and figurative interpretations of nature, society and the human soul.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal, which originally opened in 1929, features 175 spacious rooms and suites that underwent a full refurbishment as part of a meticulous one-year restoration project in 2019. The hotel’s elegant past has been reinterpreted in a bold, contemporary style that is inspired by French colonial, Khmer and Art Deco influences.

This year, the luxury heritage hotel has earned a prestigious Four-Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide, Travel + Leisure magazine declared it the best city hotel in Cambodia, and the UK-based Luxury Lifestyle Magazine named it one of the world’s best city hotels (No. 24).

For more information on Raffles Hotel Le Royal, or to make a booking, please contact +855 23 981 888

ABOUT RAFFLES

Raffles Hotels & Resorts boasts an illustrious history and some of the most prestigious hotel addresses worldwide. In 1887, Raffles Singapore set the standard for luxury hospitality, introducing the world to private butlers, the Singapore Sling and its enduring, legendary service. Today, Raffles continues this tradition in leading cities and lavish resort locales, enchanting travellers with meaningful experiences and service that is both gracious and intuitive. Connoisseurs of life choose Raffles, not merely for its aura of culture, beauty and gentility, but for the extraordinary way they feel when in residence with Raffles. Each Raffles, be it Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Warsaw, Jakarta or the Seychelles, serves as a venerated oasis where travellers arrive as guests, leave as friends and return as family. Raffles is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

First published at Travel News Hub

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Meliá Hotels Recognized Globally for Environmental Efforts

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Meliá Hotels Recognized Globally for Environmental Efforts - TRAVELINDEXPalma de Mallorca, Spain, September 5, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / TIME magazine is hailing Meliá Hotels International as the most sustainable company in the tourism sector, designating the Spanish hotel group a number-one pick in the ‘World’s Most Sustainable Companies of 2024’.

The inaugural list includes 500 leading companies from more than 30 countries. Meliá Hotels International obtained the highest score in the tourism sector worldwide and occupies 114th place in the global ranking among all industries. The hotel group has also positioned itself in eighth place among the 25 Spanish companies that appear in the ranking.

The TIME announcement comes at the same time that Meliá secured its commitment to sustainability through Ecostars, an internationally recognised certification that evaluates and rewards sustainable practices in the hotel industry.

Twenty-seven hotels in Asia have already achieved ratings ranging from certified to Silver level. The highest-ranked hotels within the region are Meliá Bali and Meliá Purosani Yogyakarta, both in Indonesia. Meliá Makassar and INNSiDE Yogyakarta, also in Indonesia, achieved a Bronze rating, along with Meliá Vinpearl Hue and Meliá Vinpearl Phu Ly in Vietnam and Meliá Koh Samui in Thailand.

The globally-recognized Ecostars standard evaluates the sustainability of hotels, considering factors related to environmental management and energy efficiency, such as energy consumption, use of green energy, water management, waste management, carbon emissions and sustainable purchasing.

“Having an assessment as solid as Ecostars across our entire portfolio in ownership, rental and management, not only strengthens our reputation, but also directly enhances our business results, since, as a recent study conducted by Booking.com shows, a visible positioning in sustainability is valued by customers and translates into an increase in bookings,” said Gabriel Escarrer, president and CEO of Meliá Hotels International.

For Meliá Hotels International, another strong point of the Ecostars certification is its global nature, as it is used and recognised all over the world. The portfolio assessed by Ecostars is distributed geographically as follows: 160 hotels in Europe, 60 in the Americas, 40 in Asia and 10 in Africa.

Earlier this year the group was recognized as one of the top-performing hotel companies globally according to the latest Sustainability Yearbook by S&P Global. The leading financial ratings and market analysis provider ranked Meliá in third place and the first European-origin hotel company in the ranking. The Sustainability Yearbook 2024 was based on the 2023 Corporate Sustainability Assessment, an annual evaluation of companies’ sustainability practices, which covers over 9,400 companies from around the world.

First published at Travel News Hub

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Casa de las Artes Opens its Doors in the Heart of Madrid

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Casa de las Artes Opens its Doors in the Heart of MadridThe new Casa de las Artes, Member of Melia Collection has made its debut in Madrid’s literary heart, Barrio de las Letras. A must-visit destination for those seeking a unique and exclusive stay in the city centre, the new hotel holds a deep connection to Madrid’s vibrant cultural spirit. Its intriguing name embodies a singular concept: a tribute to the seven fine arts from Madrid’s literary heart. This modern tribute to art is a way to continue time-honoured legacies while reimagining new possibilities, creating a space where the contemporary and timeless can coexist. This opening marks the arrival of The Melia Collection brand to the Iberian Peninsula, joining other distinctive hotels in Spain, such as Hacienda del Conde in Tenerife, or Ratxó Retreat Hotel and Summum Boutique Hotel in Mallorca.

Unique Décor Inspired by Classic Spanish Literature

The interior design and décor of Casa de las Artes were masterfully crafted by architect Álvaro Sans and interior designer Adriana Sans from the ASAH studio, in collaboration with Melia Hotels International. Their work sought inspiration from a singular figure who shaped the aesthetic vision of this hidden gem nestled in the charming streets of Barrio de las Letras: Miguel de Cervantes. Revered as Spain’s greatest novelist, poet, and playwright, Cervantes, the neighbourhood’s most illustrious resident, serves as the guiding force behind Casa de las Artes. As a key figure of modern literature, Cervantes’ legacy inspired the mission of Cas de las Artes and no other artist could hold this place of honour like the “prince of wits.”

Casa de las Artes: An Immersive Cultural Experience

Nestled between Calle Atocha and Calle Moratín, Casa de las Artes offers a captivating experience for its guests, with a rich program of activities and events designed to immerse travellers within the seven fine arts. Guests can engage with culture through an array of workshops, temporary exhibitions, film series, and more.

Among its cultural spaces, the private cinema room is a standout. Inspired by the classic Hollywood screening rooms of the 1950s, it provides a nostalgic connection with the seventh art. Literary lovers can retreat to the library to unwind amidst the bookshelves in a cozy and peaceful atmosphere. The hotel also boasts a number of leisure spaces including a thermal pool and a fitness centre, ensuring both mind and body stay invigorated. Notably, the fitness centre features a unique space with a ballet barre, paying homage to the elegant art of dance.

A High-End Culinary Proposal

A key cornerstone of The Melia Collection, gastronomy plays a leading role in the hotel. MACHÉ, a restaurant whose name draws inspiration from the visual arts, has been selected to enhance this rich cultural journey with exceptional cuisine. Situated in the historic Spanish Railways Association building, the restaurant offers a unique fusion of culinary delights and live entertainment, transforming dinners into unforgettable evenings. Stained-glass windows and lofty ceilings create a breathtaking backdrop for a theatrical dining experience.

This remarkable opening is poised to become the must-visit destination for culture enthusiasts in Madrid, seeking inspiring experiences that allow visitors to fully immerse themselves in the city’s rich historical tapestry.

About The Meliá Collection
The Melia Collection is a carefully curated selection of singular hotels with endless charm and an unmistakable sense of home. This new addition to Melia Hotels International’s portfolio of brands unfolds a new definition of experiential luxury travel through an exceptional selection of hotels that boast cultural legacy and unique stories in iconic locations: Maison Colbert and Villa Marquis, both in Paris, Tenuta di Artimino in Tuscany, Melia Serengeti Lodge and Ngorongoro Lodge in Tanzania, Melia London Kensington in London, Melia Desert Palm in Dubai, Hacienda del Conde in Tenerife, Summum Boutique Hotel in Palma de Mallorca, Ratxó Retreat Hotel in Puigpunyent, Mallorca and Casa de las Artes in Madrid. This new collection of hotels represents a further step in Melia’s differentiation strategy and its commitment to conscious and purposeful travelling, promoting the discovery and authenticity of destinations, whether it is the essence of a city, an exclusive beachfront location or a remote and exotic place in a natural environment. The Melia Collection will soon add new openings in Milan, Palassa Beach (Albania), Cadiz, Arxan -Inner Mongolia (China), Vietnam and La Habana, Cuba

About Melia Hotels International
Founded in 1956 in Palma de Mallorca (Spain), Melia Hotels International has more than 400 hotels open or in the process of opening, in more than 40 countries, and a portfolio of nine brands: Gran Melia Hotels & Resorts, ME by Melia, The Melia Collection, Paradisus by Melia, Melia Hotels & Resorts, ZEL, INNSiDE by Melia, Sol by Melia, and Affiliated by Melia. The Company is one of the world’s leading hotel chains in the leisure segment and its experience in this area has allowed it to consolidate itself in the growing market of urban hotels inspired by leisure. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led it to be recognised as the most sustainable European hotel company in the world (chosen as “Sustainability Yearbook Member” in 2024 by S&P Global), as well as being a “Top Employer 2024” brand in Spain, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Italy, Germany, France and Vietnam.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News