Global Travel News

PIE IN THE SKY: St Pete-Clearwater Airport is flying high

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The first time I visited Florida was a long long time ago. Disney World was only a couple of years old and I was relatively new to the industry, working for Adventure Tours. I flew into St. Pete-Clearwater Airport (PIE) to fill in for the vacationing Eileen Forrow, who then, at the very beginning of an illustrious career, was our rep at the Fort Harrison Hotel in Clearwater which was still owned by Jack Tar (it is now the Scientology Centre). I was back at PIE last week – what a difference!

On that first trip, the passengers disembarked the Nordair 113 seat Boeing 737 via the air stairs and walked across the tarmac to what I remember as a long low building. We waited there till a baggage truck pulled up and the luggage was placed on a long low table with built in rollers and pushed along. We grabbed our luggage, boarded the waiting coach and headed for the hotel.

That was then.

PIE is now a going – and growing – concern offering 63 non-stop, low cost routes on three scheduled airlines – Allegiant, Sun Country Airlines, and Canada’s own Swoop which currently flies from Hamilton (YHM) to PIE three times a week.

Allegiant is the prime airline partner at PIE. They began flying into St.Pete-Clearwater with 12 destinations in 2006, and currently operate to 58 destinations – the most non-stop routes in the Tampa Bay area. They have been ‘a game changer’ says Michele Routh, PIE’s Public Relations Director, who gave me a tour of the facility.

And not only is the airport now an attractive, busy facility, PIE consistently ranks in the top ten of US airports for domestic average airfare. In Q3 2022, it earned the top spot for the lowest average domestic airfare of the top 100 busiest US airports.

That same year, the PIE set its all-time passenger record with 2.45 million passengers and set individual monthly records eight out of twelve months. With the 63 non-stop destinations served by Allegiant, Sun Country, and Swoop Airlines, PIE serves up an exceptional value and customer service to its passengers.

Bright and beautiful

Not only is PIE thriving from a business aspect, the airport teamed up with the PGA Tours’ Valspar Championship held at Innisbrook Golf and Spa Resort’s Copperhead Course in Palm Harbor, to unveil its latest Be Bright mural.

Ashley Cantero and her murals at PIE

Ashely Cantero’s mural from PIE, joins four Be Bright murals across the country in Clearwater, Nashville, Tampa and Ruston, Louisiana. The Be Bright mural initiative allows Valspar

to use paint to inspire hope and joy through colorful images of the community.

“I am thrilled to share the beauty of our community through colour and creativity in the Be Bright mural,” said artist Ashley Cantero. “When visitors arrive, I hope the kaleidoscope

of color and geometric shapes inspire wonder and generate excitement as they begin their journey.”

In addition to Cantero’s murals, passengers walking to and from their aircraft to the airport building pass walls of bright and beautiful tropical murals.

Art is everywhere – appropriate for St. Pete where numerous art galleries, museums and murals are to be found in abundance.

Also on hand is St Pete’s justly famous Italian restaurant/store Mazzaros, the also local, Three Daughters Brewing, along with Dunkin, and the Sand and Sky Shop, thus offering plenty of choices for shopping, snacking or sipping.

What’s different?

There are several new innovations and upgrades planned for PIE but for me the most striking part of my walk through the facility was the attitude of the airport personnel. With no exceptions they were friendly, gracious and courteous. All had a pleasant greeting, and those who stopped to exchange a few words with Routh included me with a look and a smile. I spent 18 years working at airports, I have never come across such a pleasant congenial atmosphere among airport personnel – from cleaning staff to management.

St. Pete Clearwater is definitely doing something right.

Ed note: PIE IN THE SKY is one of the catch phrases used by PIE.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

WHAT’S BREWING IN SEATTLE

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With Air Canada set to boost service to Seattle from eastern Canada on May 1, the time was right this week for tourism types to drop in on the trade in Toronto and Montreal to tout the northwestern US city.

Visit Seattle tourism manager Caitlyn Shearer told Travel Industry Today that the city is putting a greater focus on attracting easterners to the city as a natural extension to its already strong market from the west.

Indeed, Canadians know Seattle well and the city is “overrun” by Blue Jay fans when the team is in town, she jokes.

And with a new hockey team, the Kraken, more hockey fans are making their way to the city as well when Canadian teams play.

But Seattle also has plenty more besides sports to offer, she says, noting the eclectic city has “so many iconic places” to visit, not least the famous Pike Place’s fish market, where vendors still throw fish around.

More fish tales are told in Ballard, home to the local commercial fishing industry, and the international district boasts unique cultures and food.

In early 2019, Seattle began a years-long waterfront revitalization program, beginning with the removal of the Alaskan Way Viaduct and the replacement of the Elliott Bay Seawall, a project designed to connect Seattle’s downtown to a new waterfront with eight hectares of improved parks, public spaces, pedestrian walkways, and bike lanes.

Space Needle

At the same time another Seattle icon, the Space Needle, has undergone a 360-degree “spacelift” in recent years with the US$100 million renovation including dramatically enhanced views (photo) and the world’s first revolving glass floor, known as The Loupe, showcasing a never-before-seen downward view of Seattle’s iconic tower from 150 m. in the air.

Another architectural wonder, Amazon’s The Sphere’s, opened in 2018.

The aforementioned Pike Place Market also unveiled a new look a few years ago with the addition of a MarketFront, a massive public terrace and plaza that offers panoramic views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, space for close to 50 new day stall tables for farmers, crafters, and artists, as well as commercial and retail space for artisan purveyor.

Among many museums and galleries, the renowned Chihuly Garden and Glass, located beside the Space Needle, is not to be missed.

On the lighter side, Shearer says food tours and craft breweries abound, and she reminds that Seattle is the home of Starbucks.

The city also serves as a gateway to the scenic Puget Sound area and further out into Washington State, which she observes is the second largest wine producer in the country.

Bradley Sutherland of Air Canada says the passenger profile from Toronto and Montreal fairly equally falls into leisure, business and those hopping a cruise ship to Alaska categories, and people coming from the west coast can easily connect onwards to Europe.

Toronto flights will operate twice daily and Montreal once a day as of May 1.

Oh, and it doesn’t rain every day in Seattle, Shearer assures. “That,” she laughs, “is a really bad rap!”

Air Canada’s Bradley Sutherland and Visit Seattle’s Caitlyn Shearer

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Trisara’s Jara Wellness Elevated by Return of Six-Hands Royal Treatment

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Trisara's Jara Wellness Elevated by Return of Six-Hands Royal Treatment - TRAVELINDEXPhuket, Thailand, April 4, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Jara Wellness, the award-winning spa at Trisara, is reupping its wellness offerings with the reintroduction of its signature Royal Trisara six-hands treatment and unveiling of a new facial therapy and a wellbeing program.

Trisara, an exclusive hideaway in Phuket’s unspoiled northwestern corner, is regarded as one of Thailand’s most desirable addresses. And Jara Wellness, with its serene treatment rooms and expert therapists, is one of the resort’s outstanding features.

The century-old ficus tree that surrounds Jara Wellness provides inspiration for its five pillars. Those are: nourish the roots, engage with the soil, give strength to the core, be tranquil, and take care of one’s inner self. These principles inform the spa’s Root to Wellness philosophy which focuses on mindful, active, natural, restorative, and wholesome healing.

And the Zen appeal of the facility is being enhanced courtesy of its new and reintroduced therapies that provide the ultimate in spa relaxation.

“Thanks to the therapies at Jara Wellness, Trisara is regarded as one of the best spa resorts in Thailand,” says Kittisak “Kitt” Pattamasaevi, the CEO of Montara Hospitality Group, the owners of Trisara. “By adding carefully curated experiences to our wellness offerings, our reputation as a hub for holistic therapies can only be enhanced.”

Royal Trisara, a 90-minute, three-therapist, six-hand massage procedure has just been relaunched as the resort’s signature treatment and is a not-to-be missed experience.

The experience begins with a foot scrub using lemongrass essential oil. A gentle Thai massage to the feet and shoulders is followed by a series of Thai herbal hot compress pouches being applied to specific parts of the body channeling energy and relaxing muscles.

The treatment then evolves into a combination of Thai and Swedish massage using organic jojoba oil which is non-fragrant and highly nutritious to the skin with kneading, acupressure and long strokes from the therapists’ hands, forearms and elbows timed in perfect synchrony across the entire back of the body.

The experience concludes with a simultaneous warm coconut oil, scalp, head and shoulder massage, and Thai oil foot massage.

While the Royal Trisara treatment is making a welcome return following the pandemic, other therapies at Jara Wellness are completely fresh. A new facial therapy uses premium products from The Organic Pharmacy, a leading Thai skincare brand, to achieve perfectly healthy skin and cutaneous wellness.

Also new are a selection of curated wellbeing programs which combine body shape and fitness analysis with expert consultants, spa experiences at Jara Wellness and holistic and active movement sessions with options spanning Muay Thai (Thai boxing), yoga, tai chi and meditation.

Thailand’s tourism leaders are promoting wellness as a priority in the wake of the pandemic. And Kitt is confident that the world-class offerings at Jara Spa will help drive this push.

“Wellness travel is growing, and the quality of the traveller is also higher in this niche,” said Kitt. “Our traditional Thai healing practices take cues from the restorative spirit of nature and address the sensitivities of modern life and I think that is something that resonates with people currently.”

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Paradisus by Meliá Lands in Europe with Opening of Paradisus Gran Canaria

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Paradisus by Meliá Lands in Europe with Opening of Paradisus Gran Canaria - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25HOTELS.comMadrid, Spain, April 4, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The luxury Paradisus by Meliá brand made its debut in Spain this month with the grand opening of Paradisus Gran Canaria Hotel. Located on the idyllic island of Gran Canaria, it offers 297 rooms and suites, avant-garde wellness facilities with the latest technology, and nine dining areas that offer the best of world cuisine and traditional local flavours.

The hotel is the first for the luxury Paradisus by Meliá hotel brand in Europe and offers an innovative experience that reinvents the traditional “all-inclusive” service through the addition of new experiences in tune with the destination, local culture and natural environment. With the architecture, design and interiors led by the ASAH studio of the architect Álvaro Sans, Paradisus Gran Canaria has a range of accommodation options, ranging from Premium Rooms to the superior Nikté and The Reserve, the latter with private hotel areas and areas for adults only. All the rooms have a serene and relaxing ambience thanks to the surrounding natural environment, privileged sea views and a design in harmony with the beauty of its surroundings. There is also a focus on works by local artists, which are prominent in each of the areas in the room.

All bedding and amenities are 100% sustainable, recyclable and made using environmentally friendly materials. The products in the minibar are all produced by local artisans to reduce their impact on the environment.

DESTINATION INCLUSIVE® EXPERIENCES: A NEW WAY TO TRAVEL

With the brand concept of “Embrace Your Nature”, Meliá Hotels International now offers the chance for guests to immerse themselves in the culture of each of the destinations in which the hotels are located. Guests have all the Destination Inclusive experiences® included in the price of their stay

“Every one of our hotels has a strong bond with the place where they are located. That’s why we are convinced that the combination of the new luxury services provided by Paradisus by Meliá and all the attractions of local culture and nature are the perfect way to provide our guests with truly unique experiences,” said André Gerondeau, Chief Operating Officer of Meliá Hotels International.

At Paradisus by Meliá the destination plays a key role in creating a genuine adventure and allowing guests the opportunity to “discover the infinite pleasures of a holiday like nothing they have ever known before. A chance to discover secret corners, enjoy authentic cuisine, meet local artists, explore their towns and understand their people,” explained Susanna Mander, Global Director of Brand Marketing for Paradisus by Meliá.

The entire experience is imbued with local charm, from cooking workshops to excursions to the most secluded or iconic locations on what are known as the “Fortunate Islands.” The experiences on offer appeal to both adventure lovers, such as hiking in the “Sacred Mountains,” and to travellers who want to find out more about local products and the traditions behind them. Paradisus Gran Canaria opens a door to picturesque coffee plantations, distilleries and wineries such as the Finca La Laja, the Arehucas rum distillery or Los Berrazales.

Apart from the fascinating opportunities to learn more about local cuisine and products included in the Destination Inclusive® concept, guests can also enjoy nine different dining experiences in the hotel with the finest and most authentic international and local cuisine. From spaces for a relaxing, informal meal, to elegant signature restaurants serving the finest contemporary cuisine. There are also cocktail bar experiences, tapas and plenty of fun by the pool or alongside the sea available at all times.

“Our dining options are sustainable and also showcase the rich culinary traditions of these unique Atlantic islands. To achieve that we are lucky to have top chefs who can enhance the dining experience, such as Germán Ortega, who takes Canary Islands fine dining to another level in the Spanish restaurant Peseta and in Kanna Night,” said Mander.

To get a better understanding of the amazing dishes available in the Peseta or Kanna Night restaurants, guests can also visit the famous La Acuarela Restaurant in Mogan, in which Germán Ortega has earned considerable fame over many years. Awarded a Michelin star and two Repsol Guide Sols, his restaurant is one of the most famous and revered on the island. Ortega trained at the Vassa Eggen Restaurant in Stockholm, the 2-Michelin-star The Latonnie in England and the Hacienda Benazuza.

These influences and his vast experience are behind his design of the menus for both restaurants and the creation of a three-course tasting menu for Peseta which will change with the seasons of the year.

The Paradisus Salinas Hotel in Lanzarote, designed by the architect Fernando Higueras, will also work with Germán Ortega and pay tribute to the products from La Graciosa.

Gran Canaria, the third largest island in the Canary Islands, is considered a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. The long coastline and endless beaches of white and golden sands, a lunar landscape, and fantastic weather, with an average annual temperature of 24ºC, make the island one of the most popular travel destinations in Spain.

About Meliá Hotels International
Founded in 1956 in Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International has a portfolio of more than 400 hotels (portfolio and pipeline), throughout more than 40 countries, and 10 brands: Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ME by Meliá, The Meliá Collection, Paradisus by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ZEL, INNSiDE by Meliá, Falcon’s Resorts by Meliá, Sol by Meliá and Affiliated by Meliá. The Group is one of the leading companies in resort hotels worldwide, while also leveraging its experience to consolidate the growing segment of the leisure-inspired urban market. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led the Group to become the most sustainable hotel company worldwide, according to the last S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment, and it is also a “Top Employer 2023” brand in Spain, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Italy and Germany. Meliá Hotels International is also included in the IBEX 35 Spanish stock market.

About Paradisus by Meliá
Paradisus by Meliá Destination inclusive® Luxury Resorts is a brand operated by Meliá Hotels International, one of the most successful family hotel companies in the world. Paradisus hotels are located in both emerging destinations and some of the most exclusive destinations in the world, offering a superior experience to their guests. The luxury hotel brand currently offers hotels in the Dominican Republic: Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort; in Mexico: Paradisus Cancun, Paradisus Playa del Carmen, Paradisus La Perla (adults only) and Paradisus Los Cabos (BCS, Mexico); and in Spain: Paradisus Gran Canaria and opening soon Paradisus Salinas Lanzarote. Each of the properties is set in beautiful gardens with views of the beach and reflect the natural beauty of their locations. Focused on health, wellness and the natural environment, each resort offers a range of personalised life-enriching experiences, which include yoga, YHI Spa treatments, water sports and cooking classes. Paradisus by Meliá offers a selection of exceptional room types and even more luxurious options such as The Reserve (for adults only) and Nikté (for families), which offer premium-quality accommodation, the highest brand service standards, exclusive amenities and VIP services that are ideal for a wide range of guests: couples, family holidays, weddings and business trips. One of the new experiences included in the stay for VIP guests are Destination Inclusive®, activities that take place outside the hotel and invite our guests to delve deeper into the local culture and experience it in person in every Paradisus destination.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Coral Reef Penthouse Suite at Outrigger Reef Sets New Standard

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Coral Reef Penthouse Suite at Outrigger Reef Sets New Standard - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25HOTELS.comWaikiki, Hawaii, United States, April 4, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The beachfront accommodation has Waikiki’s largest oceanfront balcony with 4,000 square feet of living space. Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, the flagship of Outrigger’s global beachfront portfolio, recently completed the latest phase of its US$80 million transformation with an unveiling of the Coral Reef Penthouse Suite in the all-new Diamond Head Tower.

Emulating a quintessential beach house, the Coral Reef Penthouse Suite is a two-bedroom pied-à-terre within the resort which is rooted in Hawaiian culture and encapsulates the elegance of oceanfront living. Designed with calming coastal hues and premium finishes, the penthouse suite epitomises barefoot luxury through a sleek and functional indoor/outdoor design – providing nearly 4,000 square feet (372 sqm) of living space, inclusive of the largest oceanfront patio in Waikiki.

Accessed via private elevator, the suite sleeps up to eight adults, with three artfully appointed primary bedrooms and three oversized bathrooms, plus a sleeper sofa. The third bedroom and bath is located on the suite’s first floor and is ideal for multi-generational travellers and families seeking additional space.

The light-filled kitchen and living room are chic and comfortable with a full-sized refrigerator to hold beverages and bites alongside a white-washed wooden dining table for memorable meals. The outdoor lanai — patio — is furnished with plush chaise lounges, day beds and dining table – offering impeccable views of Diamond Head and the world-famous Waikiki surf and its surfers.

“The Coral Reef Penthouse name is a tribute to Outrigger’s long-standing commitment to preserving, protecting and planting coral reefs through our global conservation programme – The Outrigger Zone (OZONE); for each direct booking at this premium penthouse, a portion of the proceeds will go toward coral reef conservation,” said Sean Dee, EVP and Chief Commercial Officer.

The privacy and splendour of the Coral Reef Penthouse Suite make the venue ideal for travellers seeking spacious accommodation on the water in Waikiki that’s both set apart from other rooms while still being connected to the resort amenities and offerings. Some of the first to enjoy a preview stay at the penthouse include celebrity chefs such as Marcel Vigneron to professional athletes, like surf star Billy Kemper and Japanese tennis sensation, Kei Nishikori.

“With the transformation of Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, our intention is to continually elevate and enhance the Waikīkī experience for each guest – whether they hail from Austin or Zurich,” said Markus Krebs, the resort General Manager. “The Coral Reef Penthouse Suite is the crown jewel of this resort and part of the all-new Wellness Wing, which has 23 additional deluxe rooms as well as a fitness centre and Coral Kids Club.”

A stay at the Coral Reef Penthouse Suite includes entry to the resort’s exclusive Voyager 47 Club Lounge; the name honours the navigators who voyaged the unknown oceans via sailing canoe and 47 is a reference to Outrigger Hospitality Group’s founding in 1947 – 75 years ago. Club access offers complimentary breakfast and evening appetisers, alongside chilled craft beers and cocktails, all with special local twists and endless ocean views.

Every guest to the transformed Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort can enjoy a chic poolside experience with complimentary reef-safe sunscreen as well as original artwork from Herb Kāne, Kamea Hadar, Marques Marzan, Ethan Estess and Kari Noe – as well as treasures from Bishop Museum and the new A‘o Cultural Center.

Live Hawaiian music is heard nightly at the fully reimagined Kani Ka Pila Grille, which is now celebrating its 15th anniversary. Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman, led by culinary pioneer Peter Merriman will be the resort’s signature beachfront dining experience starting this summer. The chef-driven concept has a commitment to high-quality local fare highlighting Hawaii’s bounty with socially conscious ingredients and distinctive pairings of upmarket items with upcountry favourites.

Double D$ for the Coral Reef Penthouse Suite
To celebrate the introduction of the most premium penthouse suite in Waikiki, GHA DISCOVERY/Outrigger DISCOVERY members can earn double DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) for stays from 1 April through 30 June, 2023. Membership is free and D$ can be used at over 800 hotels, spread over 100 countries with the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA). Additionally, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort is now certified by Green Seal and part of the newly launched GHA Green Collection, featuring only properties that are mindful of the environment and their respective ecosystems and take action through initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Mauritius Tourism Expert Advocates Vanilla Islands Marketing Concept

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Mauritius Tourism Expert Advocates Vanilla Islands Marketing Concept - TRAVELINDEX - VANILLAISLANDS.comPort Louis, Mauritius, April 3, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Dr Vanessa Gaitree Bheekhoo Gowreessunkar, a tourism expert on the tourism island of Mauritius has come out strongly to advocate the need for the island to relook at the Vanilla Islands concept for their marketing. The Doctor and tourism expert published a comprehensive study alongside Maximiliano Korstanje (Argentian) and Shem Wambugu Maingi (Kenyan) which stated that Mauritius forms part of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Island Group alongside Seychelles, Reunion, Madagascar, Comoros and Mayotte Islands and that this concept needed to be embraced. It is known that ever since the change from Alain St.Ange, as the Minister of Tourism of Seychelles, who was the driving force behind the regional organisation, this Indian Ocean Islands grouping has been operating in a low-key approach and reduced speed.

Dr Vanessa Gaitree Bheekhoo Gowreessunkar, the tourism expert of Mauritius has said that as the island is small with not much to offer apart from the beach and some cultural attractions it needs to work with its neighbours to be more attractive for potential visitors. The Tourism Expert in her document “Tourism in Crisis” stated that Mauritius also needed to push forward the concept of good governance saying that too often tourism enterprises were subject to a cartel of important personalities. She cited the issue of production of fruits and vegetables seeking consultants as examples where it was always the same personalities who benefited.

Dr Vanessa Gaitree Bheekhoo Gowreessunkar, said that Mauritius could also seek the assistance of the UNWTO as has been done by several other countries as she stated that the tourism crisis across the word was not finished and that the world was experiencing a mutation of the tourism industry.

The words by the editors of this tourism document that was published by Nova Science Publishers in the United States on the merit of the Indian Ocean Vanilla islands are the exact same words echoed by Alain St.Ange, the former Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine of the Seychelles at the launch of the regional body that brought together Mauritius, Seychelles, Reunion, Madagascar, Comoros and Mayotte. The organisation was formed in Reunion in 2010 and in 2012 its first President Alain St.Ange was elected at a tourism Minister’s Meeting held in Seychelles. St.Ange was President of the Vanilla Islands for two consecutive years before passing the presidency to President Didier Robert of Reunion in 2014 and the Mauritius Deputy Prime Minister Duval in 2015.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Hyatt Regency Bangkok and Chef Wai Yin Man Launch Chinese Menus for Weddings

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Hyatt Regency Bangkok and Chef Wai Yin Man Launch Chinese Menus for Weddings - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, April 3, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit invites couples to take their next big step in life at their hotel for a seamless experience. In addition to its attractive ambience, the hotel has recently partnered with Chef Wai Yin Man aka Chef Man, a Hong Kong culinary expert with over 30 years of experience, to offer exclusive Chinese set menus for wedding banquets. Chef Man has long been renowned for his exceptional Chinese cuisine and the outstanding quality of ingredients he uses in his culinary creations. The set menus, the first of their kind, are designed to offer the bridal couple and their guests the opportunity to celebrate with exquisitely prepared traditional Chinese food.

To provide couples with an even more delightful experience, the hotel has unveiled its All-Inclusive Wedding Package. Designed to add more excitement, this package is thoughtfully crafted to cover all essential elements of a dream wedding celebration.

Mr. Sammy Carolus, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit, said, “Finding the ideal venue with exceptional food and service is crucial to making the couple happy and leaving a lasting impression on their guests. At Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit, we aim to be the preferred wedding destination in Bangkok that meets the couples’ memorable aspiration for their lifetime love celebration. In collaboration with Chef Man, we offer a variety of delectable Chinese menu set banquet options that will delight the taste buds. Chef Man’s approach to Chinese cuisine is simple – using only the freshest, high-quality ingredients to guarantee an outstanding dining experience for our guests. Moreover, our seasoned events team knows how to make dream weddings come true and will do so for every couple.”

Chef Wai Yin Man is delighted at being able to create these memorable experiences. He said, “It’s an honor to be part of the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit’s memorable wedding celebrations and we thank the hotel and the couples who trust us to craft a unique Chinese culinary experience. The wedding banquet is traditionally a way for the couple’s families to demonstrate their prosperity and generosity, and the menus must reflect this. Designing a Chinese course menu for wedding banquets is always a challenge, but it’s one that I embrace with passion. We use superior quality, mouthwatering ingredients from various locations in our dishes, such as premium dried abalone, fresh fish, and carefully sorted shrimp. My goal is to create flavorful dishes that satisfy the guests and convey blessings of prosperity, longevity, and fertility to the newlyweds. Collaborating with the five-star Hyatt Regency Sukhumvit Bangkok is a good opportunity to showcase and combine our culinary artistry with the hotel’s excellent service to make each wedding banquet a marvelous experience.”

The three sophisticated Chinese set menus created by Chef Man, Silver, Gold and Platinum, are priced between THB 20,000 to THB 28,000 per table of 10 persons. The specially designed menus feature dishes that represent happiness, good luck, prosperity, fertility, and longevity through the food’s names, colors, and flavors. The significance of certain dishes in Chinese cuisine goes beyond taste and presentation, especially in wedding banquets. Fish and Pork dishes are integral to the meal as they symbolize wealth and prosperity. Seafood dishes, such as abalone and scallops, are chosen for their auspicious names and serve as blessings for the couple’s future. The long strands of noodles represent longevity, and rice represents fullness implying the blessing that the couple will always have plenty. Desserts like Sweetened Ginkgo Nuts in Syrup and Sweetened Red Beans Soup with Ginkgo Nuts are served to symbolize the sweet relationship of the couple and the happiness that they share with their guests.

As weddings come back in full force after two years of downsized or delayed nuptials, couples are looking for inclusive wedding plans that manage their budget while ensuring their family and guests are treated well. Ms. Parichart Puangniyom, Associate Director of Events at Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit says, “Couples prioritize three important factors at weddings: professional venue arrangements, hospitality service staff, and food. In response to these trends, Hyatt Regency Sukhumvit Bangkok has also launched the All-Inclusive Wedding Package valued at 1 million baht, which includes an engagement ceremony, wedding reception, and after-party package, a two-night stay in a Presidential Suite, a honeymoon package as well as other special privileges from co-partners.”

“Couples nowadays are not solely focused on following the latest wedding trends. Rather, they are seeking all-inclusive wedding packages that provide value for money while ensuring that their family and guests are treated well. This allows them to manage their wedding budget wisely without compromising on the overall wedding experience. At Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit, we’re not just offering a wedding package but will cater to all their needs to create the best memories on their big day. We want to ensure the Bridal couple has everything they need at one venue,” Ms. Parichart concludes.

Beyond its central location in the heart of Bangkok, an elegant design and five-star service, Hyatt Regency Bangkok has a wide range of event venues that make it a fitting choice for a celebration of any size. Overall, the hotel offers 1,359 square meters of versatile event space. The largest of all the venues is the 617 square meter Regency Ballroom, which can be adjusted to cater to intimate ceremonies and grand parties of up to 700 people. In addition to six-meter-high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows that allow plenty of natural light to stream in, a contemporary design rich in copper and rose gold tones, and diamond patterns dressing the ceilings and floors, the ballroom has been fitted with all of the latest audio-visual technology that can add even more color to the event.

Couples interested in booking the wedding package can contact Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit for more information or reservations us at +662 098 1234

About Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit
Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit is a modern Thai house designed to foster connection – a place where guests can share, socialize and collaborate. The 273-room hotel features 21 suites and recreation facilities such as outdoor swimming pool surrounded by lush vegetation and 24-hour fitness center as well as 14,628 square feet (1,359 square meters) of meeting and event space to host business conferences and social gatherings.

The hotel is located near the Nana neighborhood – meaning “meeting place” – which has traditionally been a multicultural marketplace where people from around the world connect and exchange ideas. Today it offers travelers an immersive experience of Bangkok’s vibrant street markets. The hotel is also easily accessible, as it is only 15.5 miles (25 kilometers) from Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport and 20.5 miles (33 kilometers) from the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Wynn the Only Resort Operator in Macao to Rank on Best Restaurants List

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Wynn the Only Resort Operator in Macao to Rank on Best Restaurants List - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25RESTAURANTS.comMacau, Macao SAR, April 3, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Wing Lei Palace wins “Best Restaurant in Macau” award for the first time and Sichuan Moon earns a place on the list again. Golden Flower once again ranks on the extended list. Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023 revealed its latest list of the 50 most influential restaurants in Asia at its awards ceremony in Singapore today (March 28). Once again, Wynn is the only integrated resort operator in Macau to rank on the coveted list, as two Chinese restaurants at Wynn Palace – Sichuan Moon and Wing Lei Palace earn recognition from Asia’s 50 Best this year. Earning a spot on the list for a fifth consecutive year, Wing Lei Palace received the “Best Restaurant in Macau” honor for the first time this year, and elevated its ranking to #39. Sichuan Moon has also returned to the Asia’s 50 Best list, ranking #43 this year. Prior to the awards ceremony, Asia’s 50 Best announced that Golden Flower, the Chinese restaurant at Wynn Macau has made the 51-100 extended list for a second consecutive year.

Celebrating the success of this year’s Asia’s 50 Best winners, Wynn is hosting a cocktail event on March 29 in Singapore after the awards ceremony. Head chefs from three award-winning Wynn restaurants – Wing Lei Palace Executive Chef Tam Kwok Fung, Sichuan Moon Culinary Director André Chiang and Executive Chef Wilson Fam as well as Golden Flower Executive Chef Henry Zhang Zhi Cheng – are uniting to create canapés inspired by their signature dishes for the event. Their delicious delicacies will showcase the diversity of the dining experience at Wynn, giving culinary leaders and media from around the world an opportunity to connect after the event.

Kristoffer Luczak, Executive Vice President of Food & Beverage for Wynn Macau, Limited said: “We are very pleased that our Chinese restaurants have once again been recognized on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The rankings are a tremendous encouragement for our Wynn culinary teams who consistently provide services of the highest standard each and every day. These accolades especially recognize the efforts Wynn has made toward promoting the culture of Chinese cuisine and showcasing Chinese culinary on the global stage, further building on Macau’s international reputation as a ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’.”

For five consecutive years since 2019, Wing Lei Palace has earned a place on the coveted Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The award-winning Cantonese restaurant is also the recipient of one Michelin star, two Black Pearl Diamonds and five stars from Forbes Travel Guide. Wing Lei Palace Executive Chef Tam Kwok Fung, recipient of the “Best Chef of the Year” honor from the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide earlier this year, creates beautiful works of art on a plate that are boldly innovative, yet honor the traditions of Cantonese cooking. He is committed to carrying on the tradition of Cantonese cuisine, giving guests the opportunity to experience both the traditional and contemporary flavors of Cantonese cuisine in Macau.

The award-winning Sichuan Moon, recipient of two Michelin stars and the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Restaurant honor, embodies the essence of Sichuan cuisine in a refined and artful way. Globally renowned celebrity Chef André Chiang who received the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2018, serves as the restaurant’s Culinary Director. Wilson Fam, the Executive Chef of Sichuan Moon, and Chef André have put their creative minds together to design artfully presented dishes and cook each of their dishes with perfection to express the profound complexity of Sichuan cuisine. Shortly after its opening, Sichuan Moon received the “Highest New Entry” award in 2020 from Asia’s 50 Best. This year, Sichuan Moon ranks on the list once again.

Golden Flower debuted on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 51-100 list last year, and is back on the list for a second year in a row. At the helm of Golden Flower is the famed young Executive Chef Henry Zhang Zhi Cheng, who presents modern Imperial cuisine in innovative ways for guests to experience the flavors of China’s rich historical and cultural heritage.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

GLOBAL TOURISM FILM FESTIVAL: Special Ukraine presentation to highlight GTFF

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The Global Tourism Film Festival (GTFF), set to take place in North Bay, Ont., April 28-30, has announced a special presentation by the Ukraine Government Agency responsible for the country’s tourism development, joining a full roster of Canadian and international presentations and professional development for travel counsellors.

The featured presentation will provide a status update on Ukraine’s tourism industry, destination attractiveness, the current situation during the war, and the vision of the Ukraine Government for recovery with the aim of fostering pent-up travel demand for Ukraine.

The first-of-its-kind seminar on the country’s vital tourism sector, a key segment of the Ukrainian economy, will be delivered by Mariana Oleskiv, Chairperson and head of the State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine (SATD). The presentation will be delivered virtually only during GTFF on April 28 and will precede a short film on the country’s tourism regions, and current environment.

Hosted this year by the City of North Bay, GTFF features a blockbuster line-up films, documentaries, and shorts coupled with destination seminars and workshops by a variety of Ontario and international tourism boards.

Films from North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Middle East, Central and South America will complete for the prestigious Global Cine Awards.

With a mandate to present a multi-activity slate of film and events that “have the power to raise awareness and celebrate destination diversity, for inspired travel, partners include tourism boards and ministries from Canada, Jamaica, Bahamas, Australia, Korea, Japan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Bhutan, Tanzania, Sudan, Colombia, and Jordan, among others to be announced.

Seminars allow travel professionals to discover the unique cultural and historic attributes on participating destinations, as well gain expert insight on how to successfully market the destinations. Attendees may also receive updates and announcements of important future tourism developments from select seminars.

GTFF 2023, held in Canada this year, will also spotlight host province Ontario and include a keynote delivered by Tourism North Bay promoting the city as ‘Gateway to the North’.

Meanwhile, an indigenous programming segment of GTFF 2023 includes a live indigenous ceremony, a seminar on global indigenous tourism, and a screening of the multi-award-winning feature “Monkey Beach” by Canadian filmmaker Loretta Sarah Todd.

Writer-director Loretta Todd, lead actress Grace Dove, and author Eden Robinson

Travel professionals

Travel professionals attending GTFF 2023 live events will be hosted on a free exclusive familiarization program of North Bay, receiving an overview of the city’s tourism attractions and region.

Attendees will be able to participate in seminars at various venues and view screenings at Canadore College, a partner of the city’s growth into a prominent landmark for Canadian film production.

And travel professionals in attendance will also have the opportunity to learn about and register for various international familiarization programs announced at the event.

Those unable to attend the live event can register for virtual participation and attend select tourism seminars on April 28.

Participation at GTFF 2023 seminars and workshops are free of charge for travel industry professionals. Attendees for GTFF 2023 can also reserve accommodations at special rates with the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott North Bay and book flights to the city with Air Canada, both event partners, through the Global Tourism Film Festival, subject to space availability.

For fam information, click HERE. Use the promo code GTFFAgent.

And for more event information, click HERE.

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ROUND-UP: March 27-31, 2023

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A federal budget and US travel tidbits (borders crossings, vaccine mandates) lead this week’s round-up of last week’s travel news, along with the naming of a new Ontario registrar, a Disney Cruise Line milestone, and the announcement of new Dubai reps in Canada.

NEWS

The federal budget came and went last week with little obvious relief for the travel and tourism sector. ACTA said simply it was “discouraged but not surprised” but would continue to “lay the groundwork for debt relief and ramp up grassroots advocacy efforts at the appropriate time” and that it is conducting a thorough review of the budget to identify any other items that could provide help or opportunity for travel agencies.

Canadians looking to take a flight next year will face an increase in the air travellers security charge paid by those flying in Canada starting on May 1, 2024. The charge for a domestic round trip will rise to $19.87, from its current rate of $14.96. The charge for a transborder flight to the US will rise to $16.89 from $12.71, while for departing international flights travellers will pay $34.42, up from $25.91. The charges, which help pay for the air travel security system, were last increased in 2010.

BORDERS

The US Travel Association says the US Senate’s passage of a bill to terminate the government’s COVID-19 emergency declaration – and repeal vaccine requirements for visitors – will provide a much-needed boost for travel for the country. The protocols were scheduled to expire on May 11.

Opening hours are being extended at 39 border crossings with the United States and at several airports across the country as the Canada Border Services Agency returns to pre-pandemic hours. The changes went into effect on March 31. The border agency first restricted hours at land border crossings in April 2020, closing many points of entry early and stopping 24-hour service at seven crossings.

The Turks and Caicos Islands no longer require travellers to submit proof of vaccination against COVID-19 before arriving in the destination.

AIR

Three new routes between Ottawa International Airport and Boston, New York-Newark, and Thunder Bay were launched by Porter Airlines last week. Porter is the only airline providing year-round daily direct flights to Boston and Thunder Bay from Ottawa. Newark and Thunder Bay flights are twice daily.

Emirates and United Airlines have activated their codeshare agreement, allowing travellers to have access to a larger network of flights across the US, as well as Canada, the Caribbean, and South America.

Frontier Airlines has undertaken measures to further enhance its system to ensure children are seated with at least one responsible adult in their party. At least one parent will automatically be seated with any children within their family group who are under the age of 14. At no additional charge, the airline automatically assigns seats based on family members’ ages before the check-in window opens.

BY THE NUMBERS

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority reports passenger activity increased by 22.9 million or 180.8% to 35.6 million during 2022, when compared to 2021. The significant boost is attributed to the easing of pandemic-related travel restrictions and pent-up travel demand compared to 2021.

DEALS

Guests heading to Atlantis Paradise Island resort in Nassau, Bahamas, can save up to $300 when bundling their flights and hotel reservations. The booking window is now through Feb. 28, 2024, for travel until Feb. 28, 2024. Check out the special offers section of the resort website.

The new 2023 Travel Professionals Guide from Elite Island Resorts is now available offering a comprehensive set of tools to help sell the all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Panama HERE.

TECHNOLOGY

Since 1988, e-Travel Technologies has been providing “know before you go” destination information in the form of its Travel Advisories, Real-Time Alerts, Travel Tracker and providing Duty of Care tools for their travel partners to resell to their corporate clients. Now eTT has launched a virtual app to complement the services and help keep travellers abreast of events that may impact their travel plans from the home screen of their smartphone. Visit the web site for more details.

TOURS

Swoop flights are now available as part of WestJet Vacations package options from Toronto to Varadero, Cuba.  Low-cast Swoop began the route in January, flying three time a week from Pearson. A sample rate starts at $866 p.p. for a week at the Allegro Palma Real in May.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is leveraging the power of The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) family of brands with the introduction of pre- and post- cruise customizable journeys in partnership with Adventure World. Adding to their existing collection of pre- and post-cruise land and rail extensions, the new offerings introduce customized experiences that can be paired with Uniworld itineraries across South America, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

HOTELS

Hôtel Nomad Québec reports that it has obtained Biosphere Hotel Certification, an international recognition of commitment to sustainable tourism. The hotel is the first hotel in Quebec City to receive this certification.

Few travellers to Utah’s Monument Valley visit the area without taking a tour of or staying overnight at Goulding’s Lodge – celebrating its 100th year in 2023. In the early 1920s, Harry Goulding and his wife Leone set up a trading post to conduct business with the local Navajo people. When the Great Depression hit, the Gouldings courted Hollywood to film in the region, bringing much-needed revenue. That legacy lives on at the lodge, which continues to host visitors and film crews from all over the world who, who come to experience the power of the landscape and history through Navajo-led tours of Monument Valley.

RESORTS

Coinciding with Autism Acceptance Month in April, Beaches Resorts has expanded its autism program with the release of new Sensory Guides. Developed by experts, the program enables caregivers and guests with cognitive disabilities to more comfortably navigate the on-resort experience based on specific sensory sensitivities. The guides comprise extensive resort maps with public areas – such as the resorts’ many pools, dining spaces, and sports hubs – rated on a 1-10 scale of sensory stimulation.

CRUISE

Disney Cruise Line reached a significant milestone in the construction of its next ship, the Disney Treasure, with the keel laying ceremony at Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. During the ceremony, a time-honoured maritime tradition, a newly minted coin (photo) was placed under the keel of the ship for good fortune.

A new training program from Viking is designed to provide travel advisors with the tools to promote Viking and the opportunity to earn exclusive benefits. The four-module academy allows advisors to become a Viking Certified Expert and learn the sales and marketing tips that have proven successful to sell the cruise line’s Viking’s river, ocean, and expedition voyages. For more, and to register, go to the Viking Travel Advisor Portal HERE.

FAMS & INCENTIVES

Ensemble has announced a new familiarization (FAM) program for members. ‘Further Your World; Exclusive Educational Trips’ is designed to provide members with firsthand in-destination experiences to build greater knowledge of and relationships with the consortium’s partners. The program debuts with five trips in throughout 2023 including: Silversea (July) – A cruise aboard the Silver Moon to Reykjavik; AMA Waterways (Sept.) – Features a cruise along the Mekong River through Cambodia and Vietnam; Egypt & Beyond (Sept.) – An immersive experience to learn about ancient Egypt; G Adventures (Oct.) – An exploration of the culture, nature, and people of Ecuador; and Intrepid (Dec.) – An Antarctica Adventure.

EVENTS

Granite Travel Trade Expos has opened the registration platform to travel agents for upcoming trade shows occurring in the following Ontario markets: Kitchener-Waterloo – April 17; Hamilton – April 18; Mississauga – April 19; and Barrie – April 20. Attending agents can meet industry partners and learn revenue generating tips. On-site registration starts at 3:30 p.m., followed by presentations at 4 and trade show at 6. Continuing until 8:30, show will also include a light dinner and prizes. Attendance is limited and the first 75 arrivals at each event will be eligible for a $20 Gas Card while supplies last. For more details and registration, go to https://granitetravelexpos.com/agents/ .

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) has announced the appointment of Dorian Werda as Registrar overseeing all regulatory functions for Ontario’s travel agencies, booking websites and tour operators. Werda has been with TICO since its inception in 1997 and is a member of TICO’s leadership team. Richard Smart, who has served the dual role of President/CEO and Registrar since 2014, will continue as President/CEO with a focus on overall strategic direction and stakeholder relationship management.

US-based Lou Hammond Group (LHG) has been selected by Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) as public relations agency of record. As part of the partnership, Toronto-based Reach Global Marketing will lead the effort in Canada. “We have big ambitions to grow tourism business in Dubai,” says Reach CEO Charmaine Singh. “By working with DET and LHG, we’ll be able to leverage the travel demands and work together to grow the visitor economy and ensure a positive outlook for the years ahead.”

DESTINATIONS

Pantheon

Rome’s most visited cultural site will soon start charging tourists an entrance fee. Visitors, but not residents, will have to pay five euros ($7.30), to enter the Pantheon. The monumental domed structure, originally an ancient Roman temple, draws millions of visitors each year.

Black Golfers Week returns to Bermuda from April 27-May 1. The event celebrates the golf community’s continued progress toward diversity and inclusion while also celebrating the island’s rich history, which includes St. George’s native Louis Rafael “Kid” Corbin being the first black golfer to compete in prestigious tournaments like the Canadian Open. The event is open to all visitors; for info on the event and available packages, visit GoToBermuda.com.

LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY

In 1513, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon sighted present-day Florida.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News