Global Travel News

Host Country Oman to Open ITB Berlin 2024

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Host Country Oman to Open ITB Berlin 2024 - TRAVELINDEX.comBerlin, Germany, February 29, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Prominent political and tourism industry figures are to attend the official opening ceremony of the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show on 4 March. A spectacular show programme featuring classical works and folk music by the Official Host Country Oman awaits the audience at the opening of ITB Berlin 2024.

The stage is set for Oman: the slogan of this year’s ITB Berlin opening ceremony is ’Beauty Has An Address’. Represented by H.E. Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism of the Sultanate of Oman, the host country will present a colourful and impressive show onstage at the CityCube Berlin on the eve of the first day of the trade show, 4 March 2024, starting at 6 p.m.. A tour of the beauty and many facets of the country in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula awaits some 3,000 guests invited to the event, among them numerous prominent political and tourism industry figures.

Political representatives Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin, and Dieter Janecek, the Federal Government’s Coordinator for Maritime Economy and Tourism, will welcome the host country and those present. The travel industry will be represented by Julia Simpson, president and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), and Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism). Dr. Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin, will represent ITB Berlin.

An impressive tour of the many facets of this country awaits the audience and is divided into three parts. The first will highlight the beauty of Oman, including its many natural attractions, traditions, and elements of the Sultanate of Oman’s cultural heritage. The second part will focus on the progress of Oman, including the modernisation of the country and preservation of its cultural identity, as well as religion, education, human rights and art. In the third part entitled ’Vision 2040’, the Sultanate of Oman will present new horizons, sustainable tourism development and its role on the world stage.

In addition, Omani singers and folk groups will present a colourful programme, accompanied by the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra, which will combine all elements of the show by presenting traditional Omani customs and melodies as well as music works from around the world. This is the first time in 17 years that the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra is visiting Germany again. As one of the few western-oriented symphony orchestras in the Arab World it occupies a special role. What is also extraordinary is that since the orchestra was founded its musicians have been exclusively from Oman.

After the opening ceremony, the host country will hold a reception at the CityCube Berlin, where culinary delights from the Sultanate of Oman will be served.

About ITB Berlin and the ITB Berlin Convention
ITB Berlin 2024 will take place from Tuesday, 5 to Thursday, 7 March. Since 1966, ITB Berlin has been the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show. As in previous years, the internationally acclaimed ITB Berlin Convention will take place parallel with the show as a live event on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds. Under the heading „Pioneer the Transition in Travel & Tourism. Together.“, leading speakers from business, science and politics will discuss the industry’s current and future challenges on 4 stages with a total of 17 themed tracks and more than 24,000 attendees.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

O.S.S. Bar Celebrates International Women’s Day with Guest Shifts from Female Bartenders

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o-s-s-bar-celebrates-international-womens-day-with-guest-shifts-from-female-bartenders.jpgBangkok, Thailand, February 28, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / In honor of International Women’s Day, The O.S.S. Bar, nestled within the heart of Bangkok’s Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter, is delighted to announce a special celebration – The O.S.S. Allies – throughout March, showcasing the talents of Asian female bartenders through special guest shifts. This event is a tribute to the remarkable contributions and achievements of women in the hospitality industry, highlighting their creativity, skill, and passion. Guests are invited to join us in this unique experience, where they can savor exclusive, specially crafted cocktails by some of the most talented female mixologists in the region. This is a golden opportunity for cocktail connoisseurs to interact with renowned mixologists.

Our dynamic roster of guest shifts showcases:

● March 1: Air Benjawan , former head bartender at Rabbit Hole, Highball Bkk and Kilik Social Club; Pumpui Wanaya, Managing Partner at Sixteen Grapes and Saimai Nantharat, Former Brand Advocate for Stranger & Sons.

● March 5: Lina Kang, award-winning mixologist, from IT Bar in South Korea.

● March 16: Alex from OTO, a Japanese-themed cocktail bar in Manila.

● March 21: Fah Beer Suchada , owner of Lost in Thaislation; her birthday and shift coincides with Jim Thompson’s birthday.

● March 23: Chanel Adams, Bar Manager at The Bamboo Bar, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.

● March 26: Moa Chadchayaphat, Jameson Brand Ambassador from Thailand; her shift coincides with the day Jim Thompson disappeared.

Special highlights include Fah Beer’s guest shift on March 21st, celebrating both International Women’s Day and Jim Thompson’s birthday, and Moa’s guest shift on March 26th, marking the day Jim Thompson disappeared.

The O.S.S. Bar is a haven for cocktail enthusiasts and mixology aficionados. The bar combines vintage charm with contemporary sophistication, becoming a must-visit for discerning travelers seeking a nuanced Bangkok nightlife experience.

This event is an opportunity to celebrate the month of International Women’s Day and the legacy of Jim Thompson while enjoying special cocktails in a sophisticated setting. Join us at The O.S.S. Bar in March to raise a glass to the talented women shaping the future of bartending.

The O.S.S. Bar is open every night, 6 pm–12 am (midnight).

About Jim Thompson
No brand spells heritage like Jim Thompson, the Thai Silk Company founded in 1951 by James H.W. Thompson, an architect, art collector, socialite, and entrepreneur who is recognized as the driving force behind the revival of Thailand’s silk industry. Jim Thompson’s disappearance remains one of Southeast Asia’s most intriguing unsolved mysteries. Today, Jim Thompson is the iconic global lifestyle brand from Thailand with a reputation for beautiful silks and “Beyond Silk”.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Twistic and WeavAIR startups win the UN Tourism Hospitality Challenge

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Twistic and WeavAIR startups win the UN Tourism Hospitality Challenge - TRAVELINDEX.comGran Canaria, Spain, February 26, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The second edition of the UN Tourism Tech Adventures, along with Infecar is focused on Tourism Technologies and Solutions for Hotels and New Business Models

More than 120 entrepreneurs from nearly 70 countries around the World have presented their projects in the competition for startups focused on technologies and solutions in tourism for hotels and new business models created by UN Tourism and promoted by Infecar. The challenge, which serves to identify entrepreneurs in the sector, has culminated its edition with the election of ten finalists from around the world and two winners, the startups Twistic and WeavAIR.

All of them took part in the UN Tourism Tech Adventures on 19 and 20 February, within the framework of DigiON, the Canary Islands Business Digitalization Show, a meeting in which innovation was the protagonist against the backdrop of the island of Gran Canaria, in the Canary Islands (Spain). The startups, which presented their projects in pitch format, shared the stage with leading industry professionals, including the Social Hub, Amadeus, Kerten Hospitality, the Hague School of Hospitality, Atlantis Tecnología y Sistemas, Minor Hoteles, the TUI Group and Federación de Empresarios de Hostelería y Turismo of the Canary Islands.

Through this challenge, UN Tourism and Infecar aimed to drive a revolution within the tourism sector, with sustainability and innovation as the drivers of change. Therefore, from the outset, the competition has aimed to focus on solutions that help redefine the hotel landscape and identify new business models. All of this in a sector that generated US$1.4 trillion in international tourism revenue last year alone, when there were an estimated 1286 million international tourists.

For Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism: “From a pool of 120 startups from over 70 countries, the competition received technological and AI-driven solutions that are aimed at revolutionizing hotels and forging new sustainable business models. I would like to congratulate the 10 entrepreneurs that were selected as finalists and will be accompanied for further opportunities via our UN Tourism Innovation Network. They are vital within the ever-evolving hospitality sector, redefining the tourism landscape with their disruptive approaches!”

In addition to personalized support for the startups, they have received mentoring from UN Tourism and its partners as well as the possibility to be part of the Innovation Network of the UN specialized agency for the tourism sector. Likewise, given UN Tourism’s commitment to education, the finalists have had the opportunity to benefit from scholarships to study at the Tourism Online Academy. The platform, which already has more than 25,000 students from over 150 countries, is a leading online learning center to meet the needs of those who work in or want to enter the tourism sector.

Meet the winning startups

The winner in the category of Innovations in Digital Hospitality and New Business Models was Twistic, a Spanish company that seeks to change the user experience through mobile applications, digital signature or electronic tags. It was joined as finalists by Czech startup Schulering, which has created a professional platform that connects hospitality through learning. The American startup Everhost, which works to make visitors feel like locals when they arrive at a destination. Also the Emirati Sparkle Haze and its commitment to big data and the use of Artificial Intelligence applied to user experience and guest security and the Tunisian startup Ostel Flow that offers new generation solutions based on the cloud.

In the Sustainability Impact category, the work of the Canadian company WeavAIR, which is dedicated to business intelligence solutions and remote auditing based on satellite networks and IOT, stood out and the finalists were Senange Eco, a sustainability consultancy dedicated to helping companies on their way to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals; the Dutch company Hotels for Trees, which is committed to planting a tree every time a guest decides to skip the daily cleaning of the room; the Spanish company Effiwaste, which works to eliminate organic waste from the HORECA channel by measuring via SAAS; and Purple Elephant ventures is a venture firm based in Nairobi, Kenya. They design smart travel technology start-ups from scratch with a focus on innovation in sustainable tourism.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

From London with Love, Café Wolseley Here to Stay in Bangkok

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From London with Love, Café Wolseley Here to Stay in Bangkok - TOP25RESTAURANTS.comBangkok, Thailand, February 25, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Café Wolseley, the esteemed Bangkok eatery from London, is proud to announce the transition of its celebrated pop-up at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel into a permanent fixture, following a successful one-year residency. This marks a new chapter in international expansion for The Wolseley Hospitality Group, renowned for its iconic London venues such as The Wolseley and The Delaunay.

Embracing the grand café culture of Europe, Café Wolseley Bangkok marries British elegance with continental flair, presenting a menu that features Wolseley favourites alongside innovative creations. The ambience of the ground-floor restaurant is a thoughtful orchestration of old-world charm and contemporary touches, creating the perfect backdrop to enjoy such signature dishes as the “Prawn & Avocado Cocktail”, king prawns and avocadoes served on shredded gem lettuce, dressed with sauce ‘marie rose’; “The Wolseley Coq au Vin”, marinated chicken braised in red wine and served with pancetta and button mushrooms; “Black Forest Gateaux”, griotte cherry, kirsch & chocolate.

The restaurant’s refreshed a la carte menu opens with a premium seafood selection in which dressed Dorset Crab sits alongside Antonius Oscietra Caviar and an assortment of Fines de Claire and Krystale Oysters. Some starters cater to meat enthusiasts with European staples like Steak Tartare with a spicy relish and Classic Eggs Benedict with York ham, whilst the French brasserie is evoked through Classic Onion Soup and Escargots finished with a dash of Pernod. For lighter fare, guests can try the excellent Yellow-Fin Tuna tartare, Smoked Salmon or Sea Bream Ceviche.

The menu retains many of Café Wolseley’s hero dishes including the twice-cooked Soufflé Suisse with parmesan and classic grill delights ranging from Wagyu rib-eye and cannon of lamb to pork chops. The vegetarian selection has been expanded to include a Wild Mushroom Stroganoff and a rich Cauliflower and Chickpea makhani curry served with mango chutney and chapatis.

When time is of the essence, the ever-changing prix fixe lunch menu (THB 900++ for two courses or THB 1,250++ with dessert) currently presents a refined yet filling selection of Pea Soup with mint and crème fraîche or Smoked Duck Breast Salad, followed by options like grilled Pork Chop or pan-seared Sea Bream, and sweet finishes of Coconut & Lime Sorbet or Chocolate Éclair. Meanwhile, the recently launched Wolseley Afternoon Tea is a classic traditional affair starring a variety of finger sandwiches, homemade scones and cakes, with the option to elevate the experience with a glass of Laurent Perrier Champagne. Available daily from 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm, the experience is priced at THB 1,950++ for two, while the Champagne set is THB 4,150++ for two.

Café Wolseley is located in the Parichart Court at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel and is open from Monday to Saturday for lunch from 12.00pm to 2.30pm and Monday to Sunday for dinner from 6.00pm to 10.30pm. A private dining room that can accommodate up to 20 guests can be booked in advance for special occasions.

For more information or to make a reservation, please contact Anantara Siam Bangkok on telephone 0-2126-8866

About The Wolseley Hospitality Group
The Wolseley Hospitality Group was founded in 2003 and encompasses some of London’s best-loved restaurants; The Wolseley, The Delaunay, Brasserie Zédel, Colbert, Fischer’s, Bellanger and Soutine, with Manzi’s in Soho and The Wolseley City set to open in London in 2023. Immaculate presentation, seamless and personalised service, charming interiors, and an all-day dining offering are some of the ingredients that make the group stand out from the competition.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Trisara Entices Remote Workers with Long-Stay Rates

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Trisara, one of Thailand’s finest resorts, is capitalizing on Phuket’s reputation as a hub for remote working courtesy of special long-stay rates on its signature residences.

Its “Stay Longer, Save More” deal entitles guests to an exclusive discounted rate with extra benefits if they stay a minimum of four or seven nights. The additional benefits include daily breakfast, return airport transfer, complimentary use of non-motorized water sports equipment, complimentary daily outdoor activities as part of Trisara’s “Move in Nature” wellness program, and THB 2,500 in Wellbeing credits per bedroom each night, redeemable for activities including massage and beauty therapies, personal training, and yoga and meditation.

“Trisara offers the quintessential workation experience, seamlessly blending serene luxury with productive tranquility,” said Kittisak “Kitt” Pattamasaevi, the CEO of Montara Hospitality Group, the owners of Trisara. “It provides the perfect backdrop for focused work and rejuvenating relaxation. Our residences’ seamless integration of modern amenities and natural beauty ensures that every moment of your workation is both productive and fulfilling.”

Thailand has emerged as one of the world’s top countries for remote working in recent years thanks to its high-speed internet connection, excellent quality of life and diverse and rich culture. Indeed, it ranked as the third-best destination on the planet for attracting digital nomads according to a survey conducted last year by online resume builder Resume.io.

With its range of paradisical qualities including show-stopping beaches, MICHELIN-worthy restaurants like PRU and its sister restaurant JAMPA, other dining venues like Cielo and Seafood at Trisara, and a warm, welcoming climate, Phuket is near the top of the list as a choice for remote workers in Thailand.

And Trisara is staking its claim as a workation option for well-heeled professionals courtesy of its new deal allied to attributes such as exclusive lifestyle services including private chef and butlers.

Perched directly over the property’s private bay, Trisara’s collection of residences – which range in size from two-bed units to multi-bedroom configurations—rank among the most spectacular in Thailand.

Expansive suites, sea-facing verandahs, and extensive swimming pools are prominent in the residences’ blend of indoor and outdoor spaces that lend themselves to intimate gatherings.

Each residential villa is cared for by a dedicated maid and chef who prepare home-cooked Thai and Western dishes on demand and by request.

Its signature two-bedroom villas, for example, offer exclusive access to an 18-metre infinity pool.

The largest of the residences is Villa Sawan, an eight-bedroom “resort within a resort”. Home to ocean-facing views, lush gardens, and use of a cove with a private beach at the foot of the property, Villa Sawan is the ultimate exclusive escape. Take a dip in the Andaman Sea or unwind by swimming laps in the 25-metre swimming pool. Staff are available and on-call throughout the stay. The villa also features a home cinema, a well-equipped gym, and spa facilities.

With privacy guaranteed, the residences are also perfect for special occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays, marriage proposals or celebrations with extended family or with groups of friends.

“Working at Trisara is more than just a change of scenery; it’s an invitation to be inspired,” added Pattamasaevi. “For remote workers, productivity flourishes as effortlessly as the palm trees sway in the tropical breeze. Meanwhile, our residences allow larger groups to connect in unique residences with harmony with nature, allowing for a sense of reconnection, privacy, and the ultimate in luxury relaxation.”

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

First Hyatt Place Now Open in Makassar, Indonesia

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First Hyatt Place Now Open in Makassar, Indonesia - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comHyatt Place Makassar, the first Hyatt Place hotel in Indonesia is officially open today, expanding the Hyatt Place brand’s footprint globally in markets that matter most to guests and World of Hyatt members. The new hotel features the Hyatt Place brand’s intuitive design, casual atmosphere and practical amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and 24-hour food offerings.

Because Hyatt’s efforts are grounded in listening and fueled by care, Hyatt Place hotels combine style, innovation and 24/7 conveniences to create an easy to navigate experience for today’s multi-tasking traveler. Strategically located in Sudirman street, this mixed-use building is integrated with high end apartments 31 Sudirman Suite. The hotel is near the bustling business district and surrounded by renowned tourist attractions, local culinary and shopping districts. It offers a refined retreat for both business and leisure travelers alike.

“As Makassar continues to grow and thrive economically, we are excited to add to the momentum by welcoming the first Hyatt Place hotel to Makassar,” said General Manager, Yanita Supardjan. “With our smartly designed social spaces and guestrooms with separate work and sleep areas, our multitasking guests can easily accomplish what they need to do whether it’s for business or leisure.”

Hyatt Place Makassar offers:

  • 145 spacious guestrooms with separate spaces to sleep, work and play, as well as a Cozy Corner sofa-sleeper
  • Breakfast for guests featuring a variety of hot and cold breakfast items to suit all guests’ needs
  • The Market, serving freshly prepared grab-and-go meals 24 hours a day
  • The Placery featuring specialty coffees, premium beers, wines and cocktails
  • Necessities program for forgotten items that guests can buy, borrow or enjoy for free
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout hotel and guestrooms
  • Event Spaces offer 360 square feet meters of flexible, high-tech meeting/function space
  • 24 Hour Fitness Center featuring cardio equipment with LCD touchscreens

Hyatt Place Makassar is owned by PT Indonesia Paradise Property along with PT Rifai Maju Properti, which also owns several well-known hotels, apartments and luxury malls in Indonesia including Grand Hyatt Jakarta, Sudirman 31, Plaza Indonesia, and many more.

“Makassar is a vibrant city, filled with friendly people, great neighborhoods, and an ever-expanding list of great places to visit and things to do or see, and Hyatt Place Makassar is central to all of them. We are confident that the Hyatt Place Makassar will exceed guest expectations and provide them with everything they need while visiting Makassar city,” said Supardjan.

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 Hyatt Place Makassar, from March 1- May 31, 2024, as part of World of Hyatt’s new hotel member offer.

HYATT PLACE MAKASSAR LEADERSHIP

Hyatt Place Makassar is under the leadership of General Manager Yanita Supardjan and Director of Sales Asdin Juniardi (Ardi). In her role, Supardjan is directly responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the hotel, including overseeing the hotel’s associates and ensuring guests encounter the thoughtful service for which the Hyatt Place brand is known. Ardi is responsible for providing sales service and support to travelers and meeting planners frequenting the Makassar area.


About Hyatt Place
Hyatt Place hotels combine style, innovation and 24/7 conveniences to create an easy to navigate experience for today’s multi-tasking traveler. Guests can enjoy thoughtfully designed guestrooms featuring distinct zones for sleep, work and play, and free flowing social spaces that offer seamless transitions from work to relaxation. With more than 395 locations globally, Hyatt Place hotels offer freshly prepared food around the clock, efficient service and differentiated experiences for World of Hyatt members.

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 December 31, 2023, the Company’s portfolio included more than 1,300 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 77 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

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Sustainable Tourism and AI Powered by Weeva

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Multiple award winning sustainability platform Weeva will be exhibiting at ITB Berlin  from 5th – 7th March 2024. ITB is the world’s largest travel show, gathering key decision makers across the global travel industry as well as showcasing trends and providing unrivalled opportunities for networking and knowledge sharing.

Weeva will be exhibiting in Hall 6.1, on stand 505 near the eTravel stage-  the hottest spot for conversations around all things travel tech.

Weeva’s Chief Technology Officer, James Lever, will be speaking on the eTravel Stage on 5th March at 16h40, sharing some exciting announcements including the highly-anticipated integration of generative AI into the award-winning sustainability data management tool – leading the charge for hotel tech in this niche.

Also joining James in Berlin will be Weeva’s Head of Sales, Gulam Sawant, Trade Ambassador, Melony van der Merwe and on the media side, Claire Roadley, representing the PR & Marketing team.

Harnessing the power of tech and AI to manage sustainability doesn’t just save hotels manpower and resources – but helps ensure that tourism ultimately has a more positive impact on people, planet and profit.

About Weeva
Weeva is a pioneering Software-as-a-Service platform designed to democratise access to cutting-edge sustainability management tools for the travel and tourism industry. A ‘GSTC-Recognized system’, the platform helps hotels of all sizes access best-practice, science-based, and data-driven sustainability solutions. Weeva has developed partnerships with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, Design Hotels, Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s Considerate Collection, and ATTA. In 2023, Weeva received the global Responsible Tourism Award for ‘Best for Addressing Climate Change’.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Welcomes New Culinary Director

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Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Welcomes New Culinary Director - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comSofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has appointed a new Director of Culinary, Remi Van Peteghem, who brings three decades of culinary experience including with numerous Michelin-starred restaurants around the world. Van Peteghem is a member of the Association of Maîtres Cuisinier de France.

Van Peteghem arrives in Hanoi from Singapore, where he most recently served as Culinary Director and Assistant Vice President of food and beverage for Resorts World Sentosa, overseeing its overall culinary operations, including at Michelin-starred Table65.

Prior to that, he was Executive Chef at InterContinental Doha The City, Executive Chef at Royal Monceau Paris (home to the Michelin-starred Il Carpaccio) and Executive Sous Chef at Peninsula New York. During his tenure at Peninsula Hong Kong, he oversaw the management of the historic and iconic French fine dining restaurant Gaddi’s for four years.

Other Michelin-starred restaurants Van Peteghem has worked with include Le Sensing (1 star), in his first position as Chef de Cuisine in 2011; Lasserre (2 stars); Pavillon Le Doyen (3 stars); L’Arpège (3 stars); Grand Véfour (3 stars); Il Cortile (1 star); Montparnasse 25 (1 star); and Carré des Feuillants (2 stars).

His culinary approach involves sourcing the highest-quality and freshest produce, both locally and imported, with a strong focus on seasonality, while he is very creative and open-minded in his creation of distinctive menus.

“Remi Van Peteghem’s extraordinary culinary and management talents are a perfect fit for Metropole Hanoi. Our renowned dining experiences are unparalleled across Vietnam, from our modern, award-winning French fine dining restaurant Le Beaulieu to authentic Vietnamese outlet Spice Garden and several other outlets,” said General Manager George Koumendakos.

Van Peteghem, a French national, joins Metropole Hanoi as the iconic, 123-year-old luxury hotel relaunches its historic Metropole Heritage Wing following an extensive and inspired renovation and restoration.

His arrival also follows that of a new Chef de Cuisine at Le Beaulieu, Charles Degrendele, who joined the hotel’s signature restaurant after its relaunch in 2022 following an extensive refurbishment that resulted in an elegant and sophisticated new design, alongside renowned French gastronomy and Hanoi’s most impressive selection of wines.

Stephane Prost, a French national, also recently joined Metropole Hanoi’s culinary team as Executive Pastry Chef. Prost, who specializes in fine chocolates and more, is a 30-year veteran of the culinary industry and has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants at 5-star hotels, as well as in resorts, palaces and luxury pastry shops around the world.

For more information on Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi or to make a booking, please call 0243 826 6919 (ext. 8500)

ABOUT SOFITEL LEGEND METROPOLE HANOI
A prominent fixture in the heart of Hanoi since 1901, the Hotel Metropole Hanoi has a long tradition as a luxury venue for prestigious events and a popular rendezvous for business and leisure travelers such as playwrights, ambassadors and heads of state. The recipient of numerous international awards for its fine service, this legendary landmark has contributed to the richness of local heritage.

The hotel includes 358 rooms that are divided into two wings – the historical Heritage Wing and the neo-classical Opera Wing. There are three legendary suites that are named after famous residents and visitors to the hotel (Graham Greene, Charlie Chaplin, Somerset Maugham).

The Metropole restaurants and bars are all famous dining venues, each offering a different exotic experience: Le Beaulieu has the best French fare in this corner of the world; Spice Garden offers elevated Vietnamese cuisine with a contemporary twist; angelina is Hanoi’s bespoke bar-lounge-restaurant; La Terrasse brings Parisian-style to the sidewalks of Hanoi; Le Club Bar treats guests to its famous afternoon high tea and cool jazz performances; and, finally, Bamboo Bar brings poolside lounging to the next level.

ABOUT SOFITEL LEGEND
Sofitel Legend is an illustrious selection of heritage luxury hotels where the best of past and present converge. Set within beautiful and culturally-rich destinations with such notable hotels as the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena, Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan and Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam, each legendary retreat is both timeless and elegant, delivering lavish settings, renowned restaurants and modern comforts matched with impeccable service for the ultimate luxury experience. Noble, rare and soulful, Sofitel Legend hotels entice worldly travelers who are all drawn to these beloved places of grandeur for their storied past, architectural beauty, sweeping vistas and enchanting ambience. Sofitel Legend is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,400 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Alma Resort Launches Wellness Retreats

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Alma Resort Launches Wellness Retreats - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comAlma, situated on Vietnam’s scenic Cam Ranh peninsula, has unveiled a series of wellness retreats featuring the likes of singing bowl meditation, hot stone therapy, yoga and detox and slimming treatments.

The resort’s Le Spa, which has 13 treatment rooms sprinkled onto the beachfront, has this month rolled out its ‘Le Spa Wellness Journey’, ‘Le Spa Half Day Retreat’ and ‘Detox and Slimming Program’ designed to inspire participants to kick-start a healthier lifestyle and lay the foundations for a longer life.

A three-day program, the Le Spa Wellness Journey’s first day starts out with a 60-minute power yoga session, followed by a 30-minute body exfoliation and a 60-minute back-stone treatment.

The second day comprises 60 minutes of singing bowl meditation or yoga, a 90-minute ‘Detox and Slimming Treatment’ and 30 minutes of foot stone therapy. The Detox and Slimming Treatment is underpinned by a massage technique using a wooden Gua Sha instrument designed to improve microcirculation and lipolytic action, release the storage of toxins and tackle cellulite to help transform the upper and lower body.

The final day of the three-day retreat begins with 60 minutes of Hatha yoga before a 90-minute energizing intensive facial treatment and 30 minutes of ‘Healing Hands’ therapy that focuses on acupressure points to release blockages and prompt healing.

The Le Spa Half Day Retreat and Detox and Slimming Program each start with a private 60-minute yoga and meditation class followed by a steam and sauna with fresh herbal aroma.

The half day retreat also features a 30-minute body exfoliation and a 90-minute ‘Le Spa Signature Treatment’ underscored by Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi, Shiatsu, and Thai stretching techniques that target pressure points and mirror the calming motion of gentle sea waves.

Meanwhile, the Detox and Slimming Program is rounded out with the 90-minute Detox and Slimming Treatment and the 60-minute ‘Fundamental Treatment’; a facial treatment that is customized to the skin’s individual needs.

All three retreats are complemented with healthy drinks and post-treatment snacks.

Le Spa’s manager Hoang Nguyen Minh Anh said although the retreats only ranged from half a day to three days, they were designed to inspire guests to appreciate the importance of learning how to relax and calm the body and mind, as well as learn of ways to release muscle tension and ease toxin blockages, in the hope “we can influence their everyday life once they’re back to reality”.

“Each retreat makes for a unique wellness journey that starts out with yoga, that emphasises the importance of breathing and stretching, before deploying restorative treatments and ending with a healthy drink and snack,” she said. “We think of each wellness retreat as a potent reminder of the need to learn how to relax, which can be very hard amid all sorts of demands including work, family, and life generally,” she said.

Bold, spacious and emblematic of Vietnam’s maturation as a destination, the independently owned and operated Alma features an array of food and beverage outlets and a cascade of 12 beachfront swimming pools. Other highlights include a 6000 sqm water park, a science museum, 18-hole putting green, kids club, youth club, sports courts, cinema, amphitheater, convention centre, gymnasium and yoga room. The resort also runs complimentary guided garden tours of its nursery garden, herb garden and chicken farm to equip guests with handy tips on how to nurture their own veggie patch and look after chickens.

About Alma
Situated on Vietnam’s emerging Cam Ranh peninsula fronting Long Beach, Alma resort commands some 30 hectares of inspiring ground. Emblematic of Vietnam’s maturation as a destination, the bold and spacious integrated resort offers 580 oversized suites and pavilions that all afford sweeping vistas of the ocean, including contemporary three bedroom oceanfront pavilions each totalling 224sqm with a living room, four bathrooms and a private pool. Alma features a broad spectrum of restaurants helmed by top chefs, a food court with an array of local and international cuisine, as well as a sports bar, pool bar and beach bar. Other highlights include 12 swimming pools cascading down to the beach and a waterpark with a lazy river, slides, wave pool and kids pool. Other highlights include a 13-treatment room spa, 75-seat cinema, convention centre, amphitheater, science museum, gymnasium and yoga room, 18-hole mini golf course, a youth centre with virtual reality games, a kid’s club, water sports centre and even an ‘Alma Mart’ mini supermarket.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Sustainable Tourism and AI – Weeva heads for ITB Berlin 2024

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Multiple award winning sustainability platform Weeva will be exhibiting at ITB Berlin  from 5th – 7th March 2024. ITB is the world’s largest travel show, gathering key decision makers across the global travel industry as well as showcasing trends and providing unrivalled opportunities for networking and knowledge sharing.

Weeva will be exhibiting in Hall 6.1, on stand 505 near the eTravel stage-  the hottest spot for conversations around all things travel tech.

 

Weeva’s Chief Technology Officer, James Lever, will be speaking on the eTravel Stage on 5th March at 16h40, sharing some exciting announcements including the highly-anticipated integration of generative AI into the award-winning sustainability data management tool – leading the charge for hotel tech in this niche.

Also joining James in Berlin will be Weeva’s Head of Sales, Gulam Sawant, Trade Ambassador, Melony van der Merwe and on the media side, Claire Roadley, representing the PR & Marketing team.

Harnessing the power of tech and AI to manage sustainability doesn’t just save hotels manpower and resources – but helps ensure that tourism ultimately has a more positive impact on people, planet and profit.

About Weeva
Weeva is a pioneering Software-as-a-Service platform designed to democratise access to cutting-edge sustainability management tools for the travel and tourism industry. A ‘GSTC-Recognized system’, the platform helps hotels of all sizes access best-practice, science-based, and data-driven sustainability solutions. Weeva has developed partnerships with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, Design Hotels, Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s Considerate Collection, and ATTA. In 2023, Weeva received the global Responsible Tourism Award for ‘Best for Addressing Climate Change’.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News