Travel & Tourism Foundation
First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News
First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News
There’s nothing like Christmas in a castle, and this year, Windsor Castle outside London will see Christmas displays celebrating the 675th anniversary of the Order of the Garter, the oldest order of chivalry in Britain which was founded in Windsor in 1348.
A magnificent 8-metre-high Nordmann Fir tree in St George’s Hall, grown and felled nearby in Windsor Great Park, is the highlight of the Christmas display. Illuminated with 33,500 sparkling lights, it is topped by a specially commissioned Garter Star to commemorate the anniversary.
Another glistening Christmas tree decorated with smaller Garter Stars can be seen in the Crimson Drawing Room – one of the most elaborate rooms in the Castle. Part of the Semi-State Rooms created as private apartments for George IV, these rooms on the east side of the Castle are still used by members of the Royal Family for official entertaining and are open to visitors over the winter months.
In the Waterloo Chamber, the 49-metre-long dining table has been laid with porcelain from the Garter Service, featuring a design inspired by the Garter Star and the Order’s motto ‘Honi soit qui mal y pense (Shame on him who thinks evil of it)’. Three smaller trees feature decorations embroidered with the King’s cypher in a nod to the Coronation earlier this year.
Impressive garlands on the Grand Staircase greet visitors as they enter the State Apartments, while outside, festive wreaths and foliage adorn gates and lampposts in the Castle grounds.
On select dates in December, local school and community choirs will perform carols beneath the Christmas tree in St George’s Hall and families can participate in craft and activity workshops exploring how the Victorians celebrated Christmas. Christmas at the castle continues until Jan. 1, 2024.
First published at Travel Industry Today
First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News
Hotel Toranomon Hills Debuts as Tokyo’s First Hotel Within The Unbound Collection by Hyatt Portfolio. Situated at the heart of the dynamic Toranomon Hills global business hub, the hotel serves as an urban launchpad offering bleisure travelers comfort, convenience and cosmopolitan cuisine
Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced the opening of Hotel Toranomon Hills as the first property in Tokyo under The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand. Situated in the heart of Tokyo, the hotel is located within the new Toranomon Hills Station Tower in Toranomon Hills, the ever-evolving integrated development and global business hub by Mori Building Co., Ltd. Hotel Toranomon Hills is poised to become an urban launchpad for cosmopolitan professionals and travelers with its comfortable and purposefully designed spaces for seamless transitions between rest, work and socializing.
“We are honored to join hands once again with Mori Building Co., Ltd. and Mori Hospitality Corporation to launch a new brand – this time The Unbound Collection by Hyatt – in Tokyo. We are grateful for their trust and collaboration to be included in the transformative Toranomon Hills project from the beginning, starting with our Andaz brand nearly 10 years ago, and coming full circle with the highly anticipated opening of Hotel Toranomon Hills,” said David Udell, group president, Asia Pacific, Hyatt. “The Unbound Collection by Hyatt portfolio is a compilation of one-of-a-kind hotels that inspire stories worth collecting. We are excited to have these hotels at the center of all that Toranomon Hills has to offer as they set the stage for our guests to discover energizing experiences, including immersive culinary moments at Le Pristine Tokyo.”
“Over the years, Mori Building has collaborated with Hyatt on Grand Hyatt Tokyo, Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills, and Park Hyatt Shanghai. Through these joint projects aimed at delivering top-quality hospitality, Mori Building and Hyatt have formed a relationship of deep trust. We are now delighted to announce the opening of Hotel Toranomon Hills, featuring unique character and one-of-a-kind charm as the second hotel in Toranomon Hills. With this opening, the Toranomon Hills complex will continue to expand and evolve as an international hub and global business center, further contributing to Tokyo’s international competitiveness,” said Shingo Tsuji, President and Representative Director of Mori Building Co., Ltd.
At the crossroads of Japan’s full-fledged international hub and global business center and
conveniently located in central Tokyo with easy access to shopping and entertainment hubs such as Ginza and Roppongi, the hotel caters to the growing trend of “bleisure travel” where business travel is combined with leisure. The hotel is within walking distance of the iconic Imperial Palace, around 30 minutes by car from Haneda International Airport, and connected directly to Toranomon Hills subway station on the Hibiya Line via Toranomon Hills Station Tower. Toranomon Hills Station Tower is home to TOKYO NODE, which includes a presentation/performance hall, art galleries and other facilities on the top floors, and a commercial facility with approximately 70 stores and restaurants on the lower floors.
Comfort-first, minimalist spaces with purposeful design
Hotel Toranomon Hills marks the Japan debut of Space Copenhagen, a leading Danish design studio. The timeless, minimalist interiors draw inspiration from Danish and Japanese aesthetics to create relaxing spaces where guests can readily unwind, work and socialize.
Hotel Toranomon Hills offers 205 stylish rooms and suites from which guests can enjoy views of the city or the famed Tokyo Tower. All guestrooms feature NEMOHAMO-brand organic bath amenities and a built-in purified-water hydration station. The hotel’s 30 suites also come with a Japanese-style hot tub for a relaxing soak after a day of meetings or exploration. The two spacious “Toranomon Suite” duplexes, each measuring 1,722 sq. ft. (160 sq. m.), can be used for intimate meetings and private events as well as overnight stays – with a flexible area for meeting, dining and entertaining; a living room; a kitchen on the lower level; and a convertible bedroom and bathroom on the upper level.
Guests staying at the hotel – including those who arrive too early to check in or have late flights to catch – can enjoy exclusive access to The Lounge, a multi-functional space with a lofty six-meter ceiling and dramatic views of Tokyo’s cityscape centered on Tokyo Tower and Toranomon Hills. The Lounge offers flexible spaces for in-person meetings, online business and co-working, as well as practical facilities such as showers, private relaxation areas and complementary refreshments.
Le Pristine Tokyo: Groundbreaking collaboration with Michelin-starred chef
The immersive casual fine dining restaurant and café, helmed by Sergio Herman, will mark the Asian debut of the acclaimed Dutch chef-entrepreneur as part of a groundbreaking collaboration between Hyatt and the Sergio Herman Group.
Located on the street level of Toranomon Hills Station Tower and leading to the hotel’s reception area, Le Pristine Tokyo will serve contemporary European cuisine with a cosmopolitan flair, using thoughtfully sourced produce from Zeeland in the Netherlands and seasonal Japanese ingredients. Signature dishes such as Salad ‘Le Pristine’ pumpkin, grapefruit, taleggio, endive, hazelnut and Orecchiette Zeelandaise will be prepared with care and panache in the restaurant’s open kitchen. The café features a rectangular bar where guests can enjoy tasty temptations such as fresh Japanese seafoods, seasonal pastas and the signature tiramisu, as well as delightful cocktails such as Le Pristine Spritz.
Diners can expect a sophisticated and creative fusion of food, fashion, design, art and music, as well as a laidback vibe on the café’s outdoor terrace during warmer months. The interior, designed by Space Copenhagen, will feature striking art and objets d’art by Dutch and Belgian artists such as Maarten Baas, Rinus van de Velde and Rotganzen.
Sergio Herman will oversee all food and beverage offerings at the hotel including breakfast.
World of Hyatt Gives Members 500 Reasons to Stay Somewhere New
To provide World of Hyatt members even more ways to be rewarded, World of Hyatt is offering members the opportunity to earn 500 Bonus Points for qualifying nights at Hotel Toranomon Hills, from December 6, 2023 to March 31, 2024, as part of World of Hyatt’s new hotel member offer.
About The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
More than a compilation of independent, one-of-a-kind hotels, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand is a thoughtful curation of stories worth collecting. Whether it’s a modern marvel, a historic gem or a revitalizing retreat, each property provides thought-provoking environments and experiences that inspire for guests seeking elevated yet unscripted service when they travel.
About Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of September 30, 2023, the Company’s portfolio included more than 1,300 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 76 countries across six continents. The Company’s offering includes brands in the Timeless Collection, including Park Hyatt®, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Hyatt Vacation Club®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Studios, and UrCove; the Boundless Collection, including Miraval®, Alila®, Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, Dream® Hotels, Hyatt Centric®, and Caption by Hyatt®; the Independent Collection, including The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Destination by Hyatt®, and JdV by Hyatt®; and the Inclusive Collection, including Impression by Secrets, Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®, Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts, Alua Hotels & Resorts®, and Sunscape® Resorts & Spas. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Mr & Mrs Smith
, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions® technology services.
Read original article at Hyatt Newsroom
First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News
Laguna Lang Co’s vivid constellation of dining stars has just been enhanced by an upgrading of the Korean cuisine at the resort.
A skilled chef with a strong track record of creating authentic Korean food has been appointed to impart expertise. This input is sure to be appreciated by Korean golfers seeking an authentic taste of home, with numbers surging at the integrated project’s championship layout, a Sir Nick Faldo Signature Design.
The integrated project in Central Vietnam encompasses a wealth of alluring flavours across its two award-winning resorts — Banyan Tree Lang Co, and Angsana Lang Co — as well as its acclaimed golf course where another enticing accommodation option, Laguna Parkside Residences, is just steps from the 18th hole.
Cuisines on offer include Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Mediterranean, Italian, and many more. Now, with the heightened focus on Korea, golfers and other guests can sample delicious cuisine as presented by a chef with experience of working at top Korean restaurants around the globe.
“The new chef is bringing another dimension to the dining options for golfers and other guests,” said Stephen Banks, Director of Golf at Laguna Golf Lang Co. “Korea is a huge market for us. Indeed, it has become the leading source market for Vietnam as a whole. We realized that we had to up our culinary game to keep our Korean guests happy. And the fact that guests of every nationality can now enjoy truly delicious Korean food means that it is a win-win situation for everyone.”
The upgraded Korean cuisine is far from the only culinary initiative keeping golf guests well fed and happy at Laguna Golf Lang Co. The recent introduction of an “on-course” menu means that golfers can order from a range of gourmet snacks and light meals that can be delivered to them during play. Options range from filled banh mi (Vietnamese baguette) to Korean stir fried beef belly and bibimbap (a classic Korean mixed rice dish).
“Whether you are out on the course or relaxing in our clubhouse Golf Café, you are not going to go hungry!” added Banks.
The recent developments on the culinary front are enhancing Laguna Lang Co’s already strong reputation as a world-class dining destination. There are a total of ten dining and lounge outlets across the integrated property. These include the beachfront Azura, where Mediterranean cuisine and fresh seafood can be savoured to the soundtrack of gently lapping waves; The Water Court, a place to sample authentic Vietnamese cuisine; and Saffron, Banyan Tree’s signature Thai restaurant which, at Lang Co, is perched on a hilltop with stunning sea views.
Guests can also enjoy a range of customised culinary experiences, encompassing everything from romantic in-villa dining to candlelit meals on the pristine 3-kilometre-long beach alongside Laguna Lang Co.
First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News
Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion, a wellness-inspired luxury resort nestled in the foothills of the Truong Son Mountain range in central Vietnam, has scooped no less than four awards at the prestigious Luxury Lifestyle Magazine Readers’ Travel Awards 2023. Upon tallying the results, Alba Wellness by Fusion was placed in the following categories:
Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion is a strong contender to be nominated as a top hotel in the prestigious and world’s first AI-powered hotel guide at TOP25 Hotels in Vietnam and TOP25 Hotels in Asia.
A second Fusion resort, Maia Resort Quy Nhon also claimed three of the top spots, earning listings for: Best Hotel for Sustainability; Best Hotel for Romance; and Best Spa/Wellness Hotel. The Fusion Hotel Group’s flagship culinary-led resort, Maia Resort Quy Nhon is a 94-villa beachfront property located at Phuong Mai Bay, in addition to its outstanding dining options, Maia has recently become a favourite wedding and honeymoon destination.
Some 32,400 readers of the London-based luxury travel magazine voted between August and November 2023 for their favourite airlines, hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, and destinations around the world.
“It is an honour to receive this prestigious recognition, and we wish to dedicate the award to our staff, who are endlessly dedicated and ceaselessly offer warm hospitality, and to our guests who voted for us, and to the lovely community we live in,” said Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion General Manager Eugene Hendriks. “We genuinely value the guest and community participation in wellness activities and sustainability programs and embrace our recycling efforts as we appreciate Mother Earth. Apart from having been recognized as a wellness destination, Alba has always been a multi-generational resort that caters to guests of all ages.”
Built in 2018 around hot springs on the outskirts of the Imperial City of Hue, Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion commands some 50 hectares of lush grounds, and features a Japanese-style onsen with indoor and outdoor mineral-laden pools, along with rivers of healing thermal waters that wind their way through the property. The hotel also offers a diverse daily menu of wellness activities, including Tai Chi, yoga, water meditation and walking meditation, as well as hosting wellness experts for retreats and workshops.
In October 2023, Alba introduced an exclusive new Wellspring Stay promotion that includes special health-focused dining offers and multi-day retreats. The 4-day and 6-day options provide guests an all-inclusive retreat with special spa treatments, hot spring, Japanese onsen baths, yoga, meditation, and adventure activities such as hiking, biking, a highwire zipline, and a cooking class at the resort’s organic farm.
The resort also launched this year a series of 3-day, 5-day and 7-day “Detox Yourself” and “Healing Yourself” private retreats, promoting inner balance and healthy living, including physical fitness in a serene setting of landscaped gardens and fragrant eucalyptus plantations.
First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News
Embracing the true spirit of Christmas and environmental responsibility, OUTRIGGER Khao Lak Beach Resort is proudly presenting an elegant and sustainable Christmas tree in its lobby. Designed by the resort’s dedicated hosts, this innovative Christmas tree is crafted entirely from recycled plastic bottles, adorned with twinkling lights and embellished with recycled ornaments, creating a striking symbol of sustainability and holiday cheer.
“The tree symbolises our unwavering commitment to sustainability and is inspired by OUTRIGGER Zone, our global conservation initiative. It serves as a powerful reminder of the positive impact we can make by embracing eco-friendly practices in the travel and hospitality industry,” said Resort Manager, Sujittra Rongmuang.
This recycled Christmas tree has become a captivating focal point, sparking meaningful conversations among guests about the urgency of reducing waste and the significance of adopting sustainable habits in daily life.
“Our Christmas tree is a testament to the power of creativity, community, the true spirit of Christmas and, most importantly, our collective responsibility to care for the environment,” said Ms Rongmuang.
Located on the serene Bang Sak beach, OUTRIGGER Khao Lak Beach Resort, a 158-key garden resort, offers a delightful beachfront setting just a 90-minute drive north of Phuket International Airport.
The resort’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the festive season, with various eco-friendly initiatives in place to minimise its environmental footprint.
For example, the resort’s hosts clean the beach in front of the property; no plastic straws are used in the hotel; the kitchen reuses waste food for organic compost on its own herb garden; and there is automatic electricity cut out when guests leave their room.
This sustainable Christmas tree initiative showcases OUTRIGGER Khao Lak’s dedication to promoting eco-tourism and sustainable practices, providing guests with a meaningful and environmentally conscious holiday experience.
First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News
Minding the New Year in Danang
TIA Wellness Resort in Da Nang is helping guests step into the new year on the right foot with a curated selection of activities designed to nourish mind and body. Balancing revelry and reflection, offerings range from an intention-setting workshop on December 31st to a New Year’s feast rich with local seafood, and an equally decadent plant-based menu. There’s also a sunrise meditation on New Year’s Day for early risers. On December 31st there will be two ‘Reflection and Intention Setting” creative workshops at the resort’s dedicated creative space. Each 60-minute session is led by a wellness guide who will help participants celebrate or let go of what happened over the last 12 months. The six-course New Year’s Eve feast at The Dining Room is based on the property’s wellness cuisine and their eat-light feel-bright concept. TIA’s food philosophy is rooted in eating natural, real food and using healthy alternatives, for ingredients like white flour and sugar, and cooking methods that offer the most nourishment. Prices start at VND 1,400,000++ for the plant-based course, and VND 2,400,000 with wine added. The regular course starts at VND 2,200,000++ for the meal only or 3,200,000 inclusive of wine.
Resorts at Cam Ranh and Mui Ne to Count Down the New Year
The Anam Cam Ranh and The Anam Mui Ne will ring in 2024 with seafood BBQ buffets and countdown parties by the beach. The Anam Cam Ranh will celebrate with a seafood BBQ buffet at Lang Viet Restaurant & Bar with free-flow cocktails, beer and wine to a backdrop of a live Filipino band from 7-9pm on Dec. 31. The Beach Club will host a live band and countdown party on Dec. 31 from 9:15pm, with cocktails, Champagne, finger food and more on offer. The Anam Mui Ne, which debuted in January this year, will mark its first New Year’s Eve with a seafood BBQ buffet at Lang Viet Restaurant & Bar with a live band and a circus-themed BBQ buffet at Indochine. Both buffets will be staged from 7-10pm with selected free-flow beverages. Free-flow sparkling wine and Champagne are optional at the Indochine’s buffet. The countdown party will kick off at 10pm at the resort’s beachfront grass area, with highlights including games, food stations, a live band, and free-flow packages. In addition to Bloody Mary and Mimosa stations during The Anam Mui Ne’s Jan. 1, 2024 breakfast service, The Anam Spa’s therapists will conduct an express head massage class on the lawn from 4-4.30pm.
Fireworks to Light Up Chiang Mai’s Skies on New Year’s Eve
A sky-high party, lively buffet, intimate four-course dinner, and afternoon tea for two are among Meliá Chiang Mai’s celebrations to usher in 2024. Laan Na Kitchen’s ‘New Year’s Eve Buffet’ will make for a culinary journey around the globe from 6.30-10.30pm, as a live band entertains. Highlights include roasted prime ribs, seafood on ice, charcuterie board, salmon tiradito, a live cooking foie and truffle cream pasta station, Spanish-inspired Roscón de Reyes pastries, strawberry trees, and more, with optional two-hour free-flow drinks. All kids have free access to KIDSDOM. Mai The Sky Bar, the city’s highest rooftop bar, will ring in 2024 with a bang as fireworks light up the sky during the ‘In the Sky New Year’s Eve Countdown Party’ from 7pm-1am. Young Brother band and DJ Fufu will entertain, with prizes on offer. Mai Restaurant & Bar, that also affords incredible vistas of the city, will start 2024 on a delectable note with its ‘New Year’s Day Dinner’ from 6-10pm. The four-course Thai set dinner begins with appetizers followed by Tom Kha soup with crabmeat, young coconut, and fresh turmeric. After a choice of grilled sirloin steak or grilled Andaman yellow curry tiger prawns with crab roe brown rice for the main course, a New Year’s treasure box of desserts rounds out the dinner.
Plenty of Food and an Arts and Craft Market to Usher in 2024 in Cam Ranh
Alma Resort will host a champagne breakfast on a floating tray, an exquisite five-course dinner, buffet feast, a countdown party, and an arts and craft market to welcome the new year. In addition to Alma Garden’s special breakfast buffets to mark New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, a picture-perfect champagne breakfast on a floating tray will be available in the guests’ private pavilion pools and at swimming pools that cascade down to Long Beach. Accompanied by the resident pianist, La Casa will host the five-course dinner on New Year’s Eve featuring the likes of ‘Seared Japanese scallops, cream of broccoli, sea urchin and Iranian saffron sauce’. Alma Garden’s New Year’s Eve buffet dinner will brim with options such as baked tiger prawns in garlic butter, braised Australian leg of lamb with red wine sauce, and Oysters Kilpatrick. Alma will ring in 2024 at Alma Lounge, with a countdown party to feature live entertainment, games and special prizes. Guests are encouraged to wear “a touch of white, black and gold”. The lobby will be home to an arts and craft market on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
New Hotel Rings in the New Year in Bangkok
INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, which debuted in July this year with a sky-high transparent infinity pool, an authentic Spanish tapas bar and integrated co-working spaces, will mark the new year with a delectable set menu, a buffet dinner, sky-high countdown party and a buffet brunch. LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar’s New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day five-course menu begins with starters such as ‘creamy lobster croquette with caviar’, with highlights including ‘turbot with saffron sauce and asparagus’, and ‘slow-cooked beef short ribs, truffle mash potatoes and homemade gravy’. With its soaring windows affording spectacular views, all-day dining restaurant The Kites Eatery will serve a New Year’s Eve buffet from 6-11pm, as well as a buffet brunch from 12-3pm on New Year’s Day. Revelers will say goodbye to 2023 and count down the new year at the pool bar for a night of rooftop fun and music from live DJs, from 6pm on Dec. 1 until 1am on Jan. 1.
Dinner Cruise Marks New Year’s Eve in Halong Bay
Ambassador Cruise, the luxury line behind UNESCO World Heritage site Halong Bay’s most compelling cruise experiences, will celebrate New Year’s Eve with an exquisite dinner cruise. Ambassador Cruise II, which debuted in February this year and offers an eight-hour day cruise followed by a four-hour dinner cruise, will toast its first New Year’s Eve with the special cruise. Passengers will soak up a sunset show by the Ambassador live band on the vessel’s spacious sundecks across two floors affording 360-degree vistas. Instead of plying the usual cruise route within the Halong Bay area, the dinner cruise will sail along the bay adjacent to the mainland to witness the glittering lights of Halong City and Bai Chay Bridge by night from 6.30 – 10pm. A lavish New Year’s Eve feast featuring Asian and European delicacies ranging from roast meat and fresh seafood to sashimi and sushi will be served at the ship’s two restaurants. A spectacular music show by the band, featuring popular New Year tunes, will be staged at the vessel’s entertainment area, followed by a cabaret show with Thai performers. The cruise will be rounded off with a DJ party underscored by a bikini show and “hot” dancers before passengers disembark at Halong International Cruise Port.
Koh Samui Resort Invites Guests to Beachfront Champagne Party
Visitors to the effervescent island of Koh Samui are invited to join a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner Buffet, starting at 7pm on Dec 31st, at any one of the resort’s three restaurants: Saffron, the resort’s signature Thai restaurant; The Edge, an international restaurant with a beautiful sea view; or Sands, a beachfront venue with sea breezes and romance in the air.
The Edge will feature a galaxy of sumptuous choices from land and sea, including caviar, yellowfin tuna, tasmanian salmon, foie gras, a carving station, a vegetarian selection, and an assortment of desserts. Saffron offers diners a magnificent 7-course set menu, with either vegetarian or non-vegetarian options. And diners from both venues will be escorted by buggy to the beach around 10pm where the evening’s entertainment continues well into the night at Sands Restaurant with dancing and Champagne by the beach to ring in the new year at midnight.
New Year Revelers to Light Up the night in Krabi
This New Year’s Gala Dinner and Countdown Party at Banyan Tree Krabi includes live entertainment, free-flow drinks and fireworks. The evening’s fun begins at 7pm at The Naga Kitchen restaurant, just a stone’s throw from the beachfront lawn. Diners can choose from a selection of cheeses and cold cuts, a salad bar, as well as live stations, including an oyster bar, a carvery, barbecue, and a Japanese buffet. There’s also a kids’ menu available. Guests will be invited to enjoy drinks by the resort’s secluded beach as the midnight celebrations begin.
Exclusive Phuket Resort Welcomes 2024 In Exquisite Fashion
Trisara’s glittering New Year’s Eve Gala unfolds against the stunning backdrop of the Andaman Sea. The air will be filled with excitement as guests immerse themselves in the lavish festivities that promise to bring 2023 to a close in unparalleled style. The extravagant buffet feast offers a culinary journey, featuring exquisite flavors and international delights that cater to every palate.
Adding cultural flair to the evening, a Khon Thai traditional show captivates attendees with its rich heritage and vibrant storytelling. The live jazz band sets the perfect tone, creating a melodious ambiance that resonates throughout the venue. The sophisticated cabaret performance and the skillful DJ seamlessly blend entertainment genres, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience for all. As the night progresses, the anticipation builds towards the grand crescendo—an awe-inspiring midnight fireworks display that paints the night sky in a kaleidoscope of colors, marking the beginning of a new year filled with promise and excitement.
Countdown in Central Vietnam Enlivened By Balloon Drop
Laguna Lang Co, one of Asia’s most ambitious integrated resorts, welcomes 2024 in grand style with an extravagant soiree. The New Year’s Eve countdown party promises to be an exhilarating climax, a jubilant affair marking the transition into a new chapter. As the final seconds of the year tick away, anticipation heightens, and all eyes are drawn to the mesmerizing balloon drop. The release of countless balloons, suspended in mid-air, symbolizes the collective hopes and dreams of those gathered. It’s a spectacle that captures the essence of new beginnings, a visual representation of the boundless possibilities that await in the upcoming year. The air is filled with the colorful cascade of balloons, a visual spectacle that marks not only the changing of the year but also the collective spirit of joy and anticipation that defines the essence of the New Year’s Eve countdown party.
Celebrating New Year’s Eve in the Vietnamese Capital
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Vietnam’s most storied hotel, will host exclusive New Year’s Eve celebrations at the award-winning modern French fine dining restaurant Le Beaulieu, and at Le Club Bar, angelina (cocktail bar, whisky lounge and rustic New World restaurant) and the newly renovated modern Vietnamese restaurant Spice Garden. With prices ranging from VND 3.3 million to 5.9 million, gala dinners and countdown parties will be the order of the evening. Revelers can choose from an extraordinary 9-course New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner at Le Beaulieu or a 7-course New Year’s Eve Dinner at angelina, along with special dinner buffets at Le Club Bar and Spice Garden. The elegant poolside Bamboo Bar and upscale angelina will both host New Year’s Eve countdown parties that promise to be among the most exciting places in Hanoi to welcome 2024.
Welcome, 2024: Where to Count Down in Cambodia
Ring in the New Year at one of Cambodia’s most iconic hotels: Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh or Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap. A gala “New Year’s Eve in the Tropics” evening at Raffles Hotel Le Royal includes dinner, dancing and a party at Le Phnom 1929 and outside on the terrace. The festivities kick off with a grand buffet featuring BBQ stations and Cuban culinary classics, before a live Cuban band ushers in the New Year. Or step into a world of magic and grandeur at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor’s Poolside Terrace as the iconic Grand Dame sets the stage for the most anticipated event on the holiday calendar. “The Grand Circus New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner” will usher in the New Year on Dec. 31 in true style, with a lavish dinner buffet, music and mesmerizing circus acts from Phare Circus, which has been thrilling Siem Reap for over 10 years.
Wellness-Inspired Resort Brand in Vietnam Announces NYE Festivities
Fusion, the wellness-inspired resort brand with multiple properties across Vietnam, will ring in 2024 in style. Fusion Resort Cam Ranh, on the country’s south-central coast, will host a New Year’s Eve Buffet followed by a Masquerade Ball. Up the coast, Maia Quy Nhon will present an extraordinary New Year’s Gala Dinner with live food stations and a selection of artisanal champagnes. In Ho Chi Minh City, Fusion Original Saigon Centre’s Miss Thu will host a fabulous New Year’s Eve Dinner featuring a 6-course degustation menu. Across town, Fusion Suites Saigon will offer festivities including live music and a countdown party. Fusion Suites Vung Tau on the southern coast will feature a gourmet buffet with live saxophone performance and lucky draw before a fantastic Countdown Party with fireworks at the rooftop bar. And Ixora Ho Tram by Fusion will host lunch and dinner set menus, and the on-site Roxy Nightclub will take guests through till 2am with a fun-filled New Year’s Eve party atmosphere.
First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News
TRAVELSAVERS members enjoyed an elite retreat, while in other round-up news, Trevello was cruising to success, Flight Centre embraced AI, while TDC said ‘bravo’ to 25 top agencies, and Direct Travel hosted its first-ever leisure conference.
TRAVELSAVERS
Fifty top TRAVELSAVERS’ 50 advisors were whisked away recently on an Elite Retreat with Avalon Waterways, cruising the Danube from Budapest to Vienna. The trip gave participants a chance to check out a trending destination and a popular travel style (river cruising) that is showing increasing sales.
Highlights of the trip included visiting celebrated Christmas markets, decorating their own creations at a glass factory, learning creative techniques in a painting workshop, and a Champagne reception and an exclusive evening tour of the magnificent Baroque Belvedere Palace in Vienna.
“The TRAVELSAVERS Elite Retreat is our chance to celebrate our outstanding advisors and their sales achievements,” said Jane Clementino, Sr. VP. and GM of TRAVELSAVERS Canada. “During the event, consultants gain firsthand knowledge of these destinations and travel styles, helping them continue to deliver next-level travel experiences for their clients. Our top advisors are dedicated to providing the same distinctive experiences they enjoyed on this reward trip.”
Trevello
Trevello Travel Group has introduced a new platform for advisors, Cruise Central, culminating a successful year of cruise sales, along with initiatives such as regular cruise chats, targeted marketing efforts, and specialized cruise training.
Caroline Hay, General Manager of Cruise at Trevello, says, “The roll-out of Cruise Central is a milestone event for us. It’s more than just a booking tool – it symbolizes our deep commitment to our advisors and our ambition to expand our cruise segment. This platform is customized to refine booking processes, boost cruise sales, and arm our advisors with the necessary resources to excel.”
Hay touts the platform’s user-friendly design and cutting-edge features, which integrates the offerings of over 35 cruise lines into one seamless interface. There are features for both B2B and B2C needs, customizable branding for advisors, and comprehensive management tools for team leaders, including unique functions like secondary phone fields. It’s also equipped to handle bookings for Consortia, Headquarters, and Advisor groups.
“The platform’s versatility and tailor-made options are exactly what our advisors need,” adds Hay, who notes the new tech has arrived just in time for Wave Season.
TDC
Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) has recognized 25 Marlin Travel, Affiliate, Club Voyages and Voyages en Liberté agencies with a spot on its Bravo Club Excellence list. The agencies, which have distinguished themselves by their outstanding sales performance during the 2022-23 fiscal year, will see a few of their owners take part in a celebratory cruise aboard the Seabourn Encore in the Eastern Mediterranean in June.
“Looking closely at this group of 25 deserving agencies, it’s impressive to see that the vast majority of owners are long-standing members of the TDC network, with 10, 20, 25 years, even up to 30 and 35 years of loyalty. Year after year, many of these owners find themselves in this select group,” says Karine Gagnon, General Manager of TDC. “What’s even more gratifying,” she adds, “is that new members who have joined us in the last two or three years have also earned their place in this prestigious group, testifying to the dynamism and constant renewal of our network.”
Flight Centre
The ‘AI Center of Excellence’ has been launched as a new global division of Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), focussing on promoting, adopting, and integrating artificial intelligence technologies into the company’s corporate divisions.
The company says the Centre will strategically harness the power of AI to revolutionize FCTG’s flagship business travel divisions, Corporate Traveller and FCM, by enriching customer experiences, boosting employee productivity and more.
As part of the launch, Adrian Lopez will step into a newly created role as Head of AI for Corporate, where he will lead a dedicated team of technical experts responsible for laying out the shared corporate vision for AI within the organization. He most recently served as Global Chief Technology Officer for FCM Digital.
“In today’s ever-changing digital world, we recognize the tremendous potential with AI and ways it can transform our work,” said John Morhous, Global Chief Experience Officer of FCTG’s Corporate Brands, adding that FCTG will aim to strengthen the relationship between the human workforce and hands-on AI applications.
Direct Travel
Direct Travel advisors, management and the majority of its strategic suppliers convened in November at the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile to network, learn and foster relationships. This was the first North American leisure conference for Direct Travel and the event saw over 300 attendees, with fully half from Canada.
“This has been a huge success and a real win for both our team and our suppliers,” said Stephen Smith, Sr. VP, Leisure Strategy & Marketing, adding that top partners present included Oceania, Silversea, and Allianz. “Human connection is a big part of our business, and it was great to get everyone in one place, with over 3,500 face-to-face meetings facilitated over the span of two days.” There were also professional development sessions focused on simplification, efficiency, and growth as travel advisors.
At the Awards Gala on Wednesday night, Direct Travel launched its expanded GEM recognition program which distinguishes top leisure producers. “Of the nearly 1,000 Direct advisors across North America, 130 were awarded GEM status for 2022-23 – an impressive achievement,” said Gerard Bellino, EVP Leisure at Direct Travel.
The conference wrapped with a Give Back event at Project C.U.R.E to help fill a shipping container with supplies for a medical facility in Africa. “We were so delighted to partner with A&K Philanthropy to facilitate this opportunity to help those in need. Project C.U.R.E. does some incredible work and it was so great to see everyone contributing and working together,” said Rene Schneeberger, SVP, Supplier Relations at Direct Travel, who also sits on the DEI committee.
First published at Travel Industry Today
First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News
Brazil’s Embratur has joined the Canadian association of tour operators (CATO), an unusual arrangement for a tourist board, but one that reflects the South American country’s keen interest in the Canadian tourism market.
And vice versa, says Embratur’s head of international marketing, Carolina Stolf, who told Travel Industry Today in a recent interview at WTM London that the number of Canadian visitors to Brazil is continuing to grow, and has already surpassed pre-pandemic levels this year.
The high watermark was 78,000 arrivals in 2014, with this year’s arrivals expected to be just short of 77,000.
And while Canadians will be subject to new visa requirements to visit Brazil starting Jan. 10, Stolf assures that the process will be available online and easy to obtain, removing difficulty in getting documents as a deterrent to interest.
Stolf says Canadian visitors to Brazil are both corporate and leisure travellers, who benefit from 10 weekly Air Canada flights from Toronto and Montreal to Sao Paulo, as well as connections through Miami. Onward flights to other cities are plentiful due to the country’s extensive domestic air network with LATAM, Gol and Azul airlines (driving in most cases is not recommended and, in some cases, not possible.)
Top destinations for Canadians, according to Stolf, are Sao Paulo (the New York of South America), Rio de Janeiro, and Manaus, capital of the country’s Amazon region.
But Stolf says Embratur is eager to promote the other areas of the country, including Salvador and the northwest, known for great beaches but also Afro Brazilian culture, including axe music.
Promoting “Afro tourism” and other aspects of Brazilian culture are part of Embratur’s “new perspective,” says Stolf, noting its synergies with community-based tourism approach, which includes the native indigenous population of the Amazon, and a focus on sustainability.
“We want to offer more than sun and beaches,” she says.
Such as the Pantanal, a natural area of wetlands and wildlife less known than the Amazon; and the “Route of Emotions” – a breathtaking 500-km tourist route that encompasses beautiful beaches of the state of Ceará, through the unique landscapes of the Lençóis Maranhenses national park (including sand dunes), and the Parnaíba river delta.
Activities along the route include kite surfing, which illustrates the opportunity for travellers to combine unique activities and experiences with the destinations they visit, says Stolf.
Travel advisors
Part of Embratur’s motive for joining CATO Is to help engage the Canadian travel trade. It follows the election of a new government in Brazil in 2023, which has led to a “new approach” to tourism, says Stolf.
“We rely on travel agents,” she says, “and we really want to keep in touch. Our message to travel agents is, ‘We want to reconnect.”
Besides its membership in CATO, Embratur will also launch a Brazil Travel Academy (available online and by app) in January.
Stolf also invites trade inquiries directly at Carolina.stolf@embratur.com.
First published at Travel Industry Today
First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News