Global Travel News

Pegasus Airlines Appoints Ahmet Bağdat as Director of Marketing and E-commerce

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Pegasus Airlines Appoints Ahmet Bağdat as Director of Marketing and E-commerce - AIRLINEHUB.com - TRAVELINDEXIstanbul, Turkiye, August 20, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Ahmet Bağdat, who’s been serving as Group Head of Digital Channel Management and Growth Marketing at Pegasus Airlines since 2017, has been appointed as Director of Marketing and E-commerce. Ahmet Bağdat, who’s been serving as Group Head of Digital Channel Management and Growth Marketing at Pegasus Airlines since 2017, has been appointed Director of Marketing and E-commerce. Mr. Bağdat will be responsible for Pegasus Airlines’ brand management, e-commerce and digital channel management, data analytics, ancillary product development and management, loyalty management, guest experience functions, and leading the development and execution of the marketing strategy.

Ahmet Bağdat graduated from Boğaziçi University, Industrial Engineering and received his MBA from UCLA (University of California – Los Angeles) Anderson School of Management in 2011. He started his career as an MT at Demirbank/HSBC Bank in 2000. He then held positions as Management Information Systems Specialist at Alarko Tourism Group, Marketing Specialist at Turkish Airlines and Assistant Manager, Business Solutions at HSBC Bank. In 2006, he moved to Turkcell, first as Product Marketing Manager, Value Added Services then as Head of Offer and Solution Development. Between 2015-2017, he worked as Mobile Voice and Data Marketing Manager at Türk Telekom. In 2017, Ahmet Bağdat joined Pegasus Airlines as Head of Product Marketing and Ancillary Services and has been Group Head of Digital Channel Management and Growth Marketing for the last one and a half years.

About Pegasus Airlines
Pegasus Airlines was launched in 1990, and adopted a low-cost business model in 2005, upon its acquisition by ESAS Holding. As Turkey’s leading low-cost carrier, Pegasus offers its guests the opportunity to travel affordably and on young aircraft under the auspices of its low-cost airline model with the belief that “everyone has the right to fly”. Since 2018, Pegasus has adopted the motto “Turkey’s Digital Airline” and operates a network of 125 destinations in 47 countries, including 36 domestic destinations in Turkey and 89 international destinations; it operates connecting flights between Turkey and Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, Russia, and Central Asia via Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport in Turkey. With its approach that focuses on guest experience, Pegasus continues to offer digital technologies and unique innovations to enhance the travel experience. Pegasus manages its operations and activities with a “sustainable environment” approach.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Joanne Mwangi-Yelbert is New Chairperson of Kenya Tourism Board

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Joanne Mwangi-Yelbert is New Chairperson of Kenya Tourism Board - VISITKENYA.com - TRAVELINDEXNairobi, Kenya, August 20, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The Chief Executive Officer of Professional Marketing Services Ms. Joanne Mwangi-Yelbert has been named as the new Chairperson of the Kenya Tourism Board. She takes over from Jimi Kariuki whose mandate came to an end earlier this year. Her three-year mandate commenced in July 2022.

• Discover magical Kenya with the exclusive travel guide VisitKenya.com, Where the Safari was Born.

Ms. Mwangi-Yelbert has already hit the ground running meeting the management of the board to outline her vision for the organisation. The new Board Chairperson has a vast experience and expertise in marketing communication which is key to the execution of the Board’s destination marketing mandate.

Joanne Mwangi-Yelbert is the Founder and current CEO of Professional Marketing Services Limited, a company that she started about 22 years ago.

The company is the only Kenyan firm to bag three awards at the Kenya Top 100 Medium-sized awards to date – being the number on enterprise, the best in the service sector and with Joanne as the top entrepreneur in 2010.

Joanne is also the founder and chair of the Federation of Women Entrepreneur Associations (FEWA), which aims at capacity building, entrepreneurship and business development training, service delivery, creating rights awareness and mentoring especially of young women entrepreneurs. The organization empowers women who are the backbone of society and this has brought a significant change in the country. Through FEWA, she represents Kenya on the Federation of National Associations of Women in Business in Eastern and Southern Africa (FEMCOM) board.

Joanne has served as Chair of many organizations including; Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT), Eastern Africa Women Entrepreneur Exchange Network Kenya Chapter (EAWEEXN), Advertising Standards Council and is an accomplished Rotarian among many others.

• Discover magical Kenya with the exclusive travel guide VisitKenya.com, Where the Safari was Born.

Due to her exceptional leadership skills and excellent performance at PMS over the years, Joanne has gained a reputation in the local and regional market for providing exceptional service delivery by ensuring that there is mutual trust among employees and clients, resulting in the expansion of the company to cater for greater marketing needs.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Rethink Tourism – Sector Gets Ready to Celebrate World Tourism Day 2022

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Rethink Tourism - Sector Gets Ready to Celebrate World Tourism Day 2022 - VISITBALI.org - TRAVELINDEXBali, Indonesia, August 19, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The countdown to World Tourism Day 2022 is now underway, with every part of the sector invited to be an active part of the annual celebrations.

With the theme of ‘Rethinking Tourism’, the International Day of Observance will this year focus on re-imagining the sector’s growth, both in terms of size and relevance. The Republic of Indonesia will host the official day (27 September), though all UNWTO Member States, as well as non-members and stakeholders from across the private sector, are being invited to host their own celebrations as well as to promote the day and its central theme.

The potential of tourism is enormous, and we have a shared responsibility to make sure it is fully realized

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “The potential of tourism is enormous, and we have a shared responsibility to make sure it is fully realized. On World Tourism Day 2022, UNWTO calls on everyone, from tourism workers to tourists themselves, as well as small businesses, large corporations and governments to reflect and rethink what we do and how we do it.”

World Tourism Day has been held on 27 September each year since 1980. The date marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Statutes of the Organization in 1970, paving the way for the establishment of UNWTO five years later.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Opium Bar Bangkok Winner at Giffard West Cup

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Opium Bar Bangkok Winner at Giffard West Cup - TOP25BARS - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, August 19, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Globally recognized for its amazing cocktails, Opium Bar Bangkok has received the latest award, named the Winner of the Giffard West Cup ASIA SELECTION 2022 Award. Opium Bar has entered into a global competition entitled Giffard, and among countless participants, only 10 bartenders were selected across Thailand. The competition was won by one of our bartenders, Choann Benyapa (IG: @choann_tender), who was selected across Thailand to enter the Asia competition.

Giffard Liqueurs hosts bartenders from 17 countries around the globe to compete at the Giffard West Cup in France’s Loire Valley.

Opium Bar also hosted a countdown of Asia’s 50 Best Bars announcement. The bar hosted four wizard bartenders over two days of events. Starting with Eric Sabloniere from Blue Bird Paris and Isac Melander, Global Brand Ambassador of Naked Malt, shoulder to shoulder with Lim Jar Jin and Eom Do Hwan from Le Chamber Seoul.

About Opium Bar
Above a busy road in Bangkok’s Yaowaraj and on top of the exclusive POTONG restaurant, lies the secret, “Opium Bar.” At Opium Bar, we highlight a flawlessly curated mixed drink list, enlivened by the concept of “Liquid Surreality,” while instituting an intimate and vibrant bar that is soaked with the memory of the historical building. Located on the 4th and 5th floors of the POTONG building, we combine the concept of opulent New York hangout space and the spirit of late-night Chinatown Bangkok. This place is ideal for an aperitif before a meal, after-dark experiences, or late-night soirees.

Our cocktail menu emphasizes the process of crafting each component and ingredient to perfect one’s drink. We work hard to extract the exceptional soul of the drink and craft everything in-house, from the modifiers, flavorings, colorings, syrups, and garnishes. It is our utmost means to bring guests to the excursion of “Liquid Surreality” through our invented cocktails.

Opium Bar took a little different approach to all of our drinks, introducing the 6 liquid categories: apéritif, sparkle, acid, acid+, solo, and duo. Select and enjoy your path to the journey of liquid surreality. We have launched different zones for Opium Bar named: Bartender Seats, Lounge Seats, Rooftop Seats, Rooftop Garden Seats, and Black Jade.

Together with Chef Pam and her POTONG chef team, Opium Bar offers a Thai-Chinese food menu with a New American twist that pairs well with our cocktail list.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

LISTENING IN: The gospel according to Hozier

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In might be a little early to draw comparisons between Hozier and Van Morrison, but certainly the talented – and thoughtful – Irish singer songwriter has shown that he can channel Van the Man’s soulful sound with equal power and eloquence.

“Andrew John Hozier-Bryne broke through with the smash hit “Take Me to Church” in 2013 – its audacious indictment of homophobia proving to be a prelude to the artist’s future socially relevant perspective. Such as in “Nina Cries Power,” this week’s video offering from 2018.”

An homage to the legacy of protest songs and singers who were there at the beginning of the movement, the rousing anthem name checks a long list of artist-activists, from Woody Guthrie to Bob Dylan and John Lennon, and Billy Holiday to Curtis Mayfield, James Brown, and, of course, American R&B and gospel great, Mavis Staples, for whom Hozier went even further by recruiting her to pair with him on the song.

In fact, the title was copped from a line in Staples’ recording of the African-American spiritual “Sinner Man,” which referenced Nina Simone, who had famously recorded a version of the song herself in 1965.

It’s a lot of layers for a Hozier song that ultimately is very simple and powerful, and as relevant now as it was during the social turmoil of the 1960s.

As Mavis thunders, “And I could cry power/ Power has been cried by those stronger than me/ Straight into the face that tells you/ To rattle your chains if you love being free.”

And as Hozier himself proclaims: “It’s not the waking, it’s the rising.”

Lyrics

It’s not the waking, it’s the rising
It is the grounding of a foot uncompromising
It’s not forgoing of the lie
It’s not the opening of eyes
It’s not the waking, it’s the rising

It’s not the shade, we should be past it
It’s the light, and it’s the obstacle that casts it
It’s the heat that drives the light
It’s the fire it ignites
It’s not the waking, it’s the rising

It’s not the song, it is the singing
It’s the heaven of a human spirit ringing
It is the bringing of the line
It is the bearing of the rhyme
It’s not the waking, it’s the rising

[Hozier & Mavis Staples:]
And I could cry power (Power), power (Power)
Power, Lord
Nina cried power
Billie cried power
Mavis cried power
And I could cry (Power) power, (Power) power
Hey, power
Curtis cried power
Patti cried power
Nina cried power

[Hozier:]
It’s not the wall, but what’s behind it
Oh, the fear of fellow man, it’s mere assignment
And everything that we’re denied
By keeping the divide
It’s not the waking, it’s the rising

[Hozier & Mavis Staples:]
And I could cry power (Power), power (Power)
Oh, power
Nina cried power
Lennon cried power
James Brown cried power
And I could cry (Power) power, (Power) power
Hey, power
B.B. cried power
Joni cried power
Nina cried power

[Mavis Staples:]
And I could cry power
Power has been cried by those stronger than me
Straight into the face that tells you
To rattle your chains if you love being free

[Hozier & Mavis Staples:]
But I could cry power (Power)
‘Cause power is my love when my love reaches to me
James Brown cried power
Seeger cried power
Marvin cried power
Yeah ah, power
James cried power
Lennon cried power
Patti cried power
Billie, power
Dylan, power
Woody, power
Nina cried power

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Unbound Collection by Hyatt Opens Magma Resort Santorini

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Unbound Collection by Hyatt Opens Magma Resort Santorini - TOP25HOTELS.com - TRAVELINDEXSantorini, Greece, August 18, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The highly anticipated luxury resort celebrates the authentic spirit of Santorini, marking the first resort in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt in the Greek Islands. Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced the opening of Magma Resort Santorini, the first property in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand in the Greek Islands. The opening signals Hyatt’s continued focus on growing its brands within the Independent Collection in key, desirable global destinations for guests. The 59-room hotel delivers the tranquil and soulful essence of Santorini, inviting guests to find inspiration in the island’s rich history and spirit.

• Discover Santorini and the World’s Best Luxury Hotels with Prestigious Hotel Awards at Top25Hotels.com

“We are delighted to open Magma Resort Santorini and introduce The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand to the many independently minded, luxury travelers looking for an authentic experience of our iconic island,” said Stelios Koutsivitis, president and one of the major shareholders of SWOT Hospitality, management company of Magma Resort Santorini. “We have a deep understanding of the soul of Santorini and what makes it such an extraordinary destination. The Unbound Collection by Hyatt ethos is all about inspiring, thought-provoking experiences and we invite guests to be inspired by a new side of Santorini, uncovering its true spirit with us.”

Sustainable and Natural Design

Inspired by the traditional Cycladic architecture that Santorini is known for, PEOPLE and ELASTIC Architects’ eco-conscious design honors the natural elements of the hotel’s landscape. Wood, stone, and volcanic, magma-black tones blend with minimal and sophisticated interiors, meanwhile the hotel architecture follows the curved formations of the lava-made slopes that surround it

Magma Resort Santorini offers 59 luxurious rooms, including 24 suites, finished with cozy verandas, walk-in showers, relaxed living and dining spaces, as well as private pools, all of which provide desirable, unrestricted views of the island’s horizon. For the ultimate luxury experience, guests can retreat into the elegant Magma Suite, where they’ll find 828 square feet (77 square meters) of space encompassing an expansive living area, king size bedroom, a private terrace and a pool that overlooks the beautiful azure waters of the ocean.

Signature Dining

Discover a new level of culinary sophistication at Magma by Spondi, the hotel’s exclusive dining concept curated by the two-Michelin-starred chef, Arnaud Bignon. Awarded his stars while working as Head Chef of Spondi Athens, Arnaud is one of the youngest chefs to ever hold this distinction. He brings his rare interpretation of local and seasonal ingredients to Magma Resort Santorini, with a signature menu that spotlights the culinary traditions and heritage of the Greek Islands.

Holistic Wellness

Guests can experience holistic and spiritual wellness at the hotel’s state-of-the-art Lava Spa and Wellness Center. Descend into the subterranean 4,628-square-foot (430-square-meter) spa, the largest on the island, and uncover its calming, indoor pool and signature treatments designed to revitalize and indulge the senses.

For those looking for more intentional movement, the hotel offers a fully equipped, professional fitness center, as well as a range of activities intended to connect guests to the island’s lush natural environment, including hiking, snorkeling, and sun-drenched yoga classes on the terrace.

Inspiring Meeting and Events

For an exceptional private event space, Magma Resort Santorini presents Magma Hall, a 2,454-square-foot (228-square-meter) venue featuring modern design notes and the latest high-spec technology. Suitable for any event, from intimate social gatherings and romantic weddings to inspiring business receptions, the event space at the hotel can welcome up to 250 guests to create story-worthy experiences in a venue like no other.

Once open, Magma Resort Santorini will join the collection of independent properties within The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand in Europe, including The Wellem in Dusseldorf, Hotel SOFIA Barcelona, Hôtel Reisen in Stockholm, Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest, Great Scotland Yard Hotel in London, Hôtel du Louvre in Paris, the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes and Hôtel du Palais Biarritz as well as three additional properties in the pipeline: Grand Hansa Hotel Helsinki, La Zambra in Mijas, Spain and Hotel Rhodania Crans Montana in Switzerland.

• Discover Santorini and the World’s Best Luxury Hotels with Prestigious Hotel Awards at Top25Hotels.com

The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
More than a compilation of independent, one-of-a-kind hotels, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand is a thoughtful curation of stories worth collecting. Whether it’s a modern marvel, a historic gem or a revitalizing retreat, each property provides thought-provoking environments and experiences that inspire for guests seeking elevated yet unscripted service when they travel. For a full list of hotels in the collection, visit unboundcollection.hyatt.com.

About SWOT Hospitality
Established in May 2013, is a leading hotel management company based in Athens, Greece specializing in hotel management, asset management and development, investment management, sales & marketing and advisory services. SWOT’s experience, professionalism, and ability to effectively respond to the rising demands of the global hospitality industry has led top investors and developers to entrust the company with realizing their vision to excellence. The Firm’s principals have maintained a consistent track record of strong performance and value creation. They have acquired, developed, and managed some of the most high-profile hotels in the region, with more than 3,500 rooms and a value in excess of €1 billion. The Firm’s Advisory team has underwritten large hotel portfolios of more than 2 billion on behalf of systematic banks and institutional investors.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

First Andaz Hotel by Hyatt in Thailand to Open in Jomtien Pattaya

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First Andaz Hotel by Hyatt in Thailand to Open in Jomtien Pattaya - TOP25HOTELS.com - TRAVELINDEXPattaya, Thailand, August 18, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / When Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach, Hyatt’s first-ever Andaz hotel in Thailand, opens its doors in Q4 2022, it will not only represent a major milestone in Thailand’s luxury and lifestyle hotel sector; it will also mark the latest step in the business journey for a highly successful father and son team who are keen to build upon their proud family heritage.

• Discover Pattaya’s and the World’s Best Luxury Hotels with Prestigious Hotel Awards at Top25Hotels.com

Mr. Narit Chia-Apar, the owner of Andaz Pattaya, and his son, Mr. Chintat Chia-Apar, are overseeing the transformation of their family estate – a serene 6.4-hectare plot of land at Tawanron Beach, between the popular holiday hub of Jomtien and the charming fishing village of Bang Saray. This USD 150 million project, which is being led by award-winning architecture firm A49, is aiming to weave a world-class, internationally-branded luxury lifestyle resort into a beautiful beachfront setting, blessed with mature trees and traditional Thai houses. The aim is to showcase the authentic soul of the destination and bring a sense of “Thainess” to a new generation of global explorers.

“I have a passion for this beautiful piece of land and the trees protecting it. It was always my dream to use this special place to showcase the natural beauty of the Na Jomtien area, and I am delighted to be able to achieve this with Andaz Pattaya. With Thailand having fully reopened to international travel, now is the perfect time to promote this enchanting, underexplored part of Thailand to the world,” Mr. Narit commented.

Mr. Chintat, who is passionate about travel and keeps his finger on the pulse of the latest industry trends, added that being the first Andaz branded hotel in Thailand would enable the resort to cater for the rising demand for original lifestyle experiences and meet the expectations of modern travellers.

“Andaz Pattaya will be a unique addition to Thailand’s hospitality scene. Today’s travellers want to be connected with the spirit of their destination, so the Andaz brand promise ‘to stimulate the senses through distinctively local experiences’ will be at the forefront of our resort. We want to highlight the rich heritage of this amazing destination, while also providing fantastic facilities and inspiring activities for every guest, from couples and friends to families to groups. My family and I are excited to see our vision become a reality,” he said.

Mr. Narit continued: “With Pattaya City already having an established a reputation as a more bustling, mature destination, we believe that Na Jomtien can differentiate itself as a fresh and authentic option for nature seekers and a playground for discovery and rejuvenation.”

The Chia-Apar Family have achieved great success with Seafresh Industry PCL, which was founded in 1982 and specialises in the processing and export of frozen shrimp products from Thailand. Since it was established 40 years ago, this business has grown from strength to strength and now employs over 3,000 people. Throughout this journey, Seafresh has never lost sight of its core values of social responsibility, putting people first and promoting Thailand on a global stage. With the launch of Andaz Pattaya, Mr. Narit and Mr. Chintat will continue this proud tradition and bring their family values to the Thai hospitality industry.

“There is no secret in running a successful business except diligence, perseverance and the desire and motivation to keep learning. My personal management philosophy is to pay attention to your people. Without good people, it is hard to be successful and sustainable,” Mr. Narit revealed.

Andaz Pattaya is set to become a one-of-a-kind resort that enhances Thailand’s hotel sector. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into the Rain Tree Court, which is centred around an awe-inspiring native tree. The Village Square is a barrier-free space where people can interact and unwind, with free-flowing public areas including the resort centre, lobby and Teak Lounge, plus three further restaurants: Wok Wok, which specialises in Thai and Asian wok dishes, La Cucina, an authentic Italian trattoria, and Village Butcher, a steakhouse where premium meats are cooked on a charcoal grill. Fish Club is a casual seafood restaurant, beach bar and infinity pool which provides the perfect place to chill out and watch the sunset, or even host pool parties and festivals. Two further swimming pools offer diverse relaxation, including one quiet lap pool and a freeform pool next to the kids’ club.

The traditional teak house has been preserved and restored as a teahouse or a venue for intimate events, and two other two exquisite heritage houses have been transformed into the resort’s most highly prized accommodation: a duplex four-bedroom Manor House and a breath-taking six-bedroom Presidential Heritage House. The overall aim is to let travellers embark on an experiential journey and discover Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard not as a tourist, but through the eyes of the family who have lived here for generations.

• Discover Pattaya’s and the World’s Best Luxury Hotels with Prestigious Hotel Awards at Top25Hotels.com

Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach, A Concept by Hyatt
Nestled on a serene stretch of beach on Thailand’s sunset coast, Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach is a luxury and lifestyle resort that seamlessly weaves world-class hospitality with authentic Thai heritage. A former private seafront estate with mature gardens, shady trees and heritage houses has been sensitively reimagined as a 204-room and villa resort, including six restaurants and bars, three swimming pools, inspiring event spaces, a kids’ club and more. Global explorers, including experience-seeking couples and families, can reconnect with nature, discover Thai culture and enjoy myriad activities, all just a short drive from Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

About Andaz
Global in scale while local in perspective, the Andaz brand of luxury lifestyle hotels weaves the sights, sounds, and tastes of each property’s surroundings for a distinctively local experience. Through thoughtful, unscripted service tailored for travelers, Andaz hotels enable guests to go beyond the familiar and satiate their curiosity while immersing them in the spirit of the eclectic culture around them. There are currently 25 Andaz hotels: Andaz 5th Avenue and Andaz Wall Street in New York, Andaz San Diego, Andaz West Hollywood, Andaz Napa, Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows, Andaz Savannah, Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market, Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya, Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo, Andaz London Liverpool Street, Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht, Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor, Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere, Andaz Singapore, Andaz Delhi, Andaz Xintiandi in Shanghai, Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills, Andaz Seoul Gangnam, Andaz Xiamen, Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi, Andaz Dubai The Palm, Andaz Shenzhen Bay, and Andaz Bali. For more information, please visit andaz.com. Follow @Andaz on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and tag photos with #WhenInAndaz.

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 March 31, 2022, the Company’s portfolio included more than 1,150 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 71 countries across six continents. The Company’s offering includes the Park Hyatt®, Miraval®, Grand Hyatt®, Alila®, Andaz®, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Destination by Hyatt™, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Hyatt Ziva™, Hyatt Zilara™, Thompson Hotels®, Hyatt Centric®, Caption by Hyatt, JdV by Hyatt™, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Place®, UrCove, and Hyatt Residence Club® brands, as well as resort and hotel brands under the AMR™ Collection, including Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Vivid Hotels & Resorts®, Alua Hotels & Resorts®, and Sunscape® Resorts & Spas. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions® technology services.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Gaylord Hotels Celebrates the Triumphant Return of ICE!

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ICE! returns to Gaylord Hotels for the 2022 season
ICE! returns to Gaylord Hotels for the 2022 season, showcasing a winter wonderland of awe-inspiring ice sculptures and slides made entirely of ice.

Gaylord Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, is thrilled to announce the long-awaited return of ICE!, the brand’s legendary Christmas marquee experience, that will once again anchor Christmas at all five Gaylord Hotels this upcoming festive season. After a two-year hiatus, ICE! will once again bring to life its mammoth holiday-themed, immersive ice displays at Gaylord Opryland in Tennessee, Gaylord Texan in Texas, Gaylord Palms in Florida, Gaylord Rockies in Colorado, and Gaylord National in Maryland. As part of the brand’s beloved Christmas at Gaylord Hotels celebration, this signature experience will also be joined by an exciting and original live entertainment experience, CIRQUE: Spirit of Christmas, at select resorts, as well as the brand’s abundance of festive holiday programming.

ICE! Returns to Gaylord Hotels
A longtime tradition first presented more than two decades ago, Gaylord Hotels’ signature, larger-than-life ice installations will take shape at each resort this festive season. This one-of-a-kind holiday showcase will be created from more than 33,500 massive blocks of ice weighing over 10 million pounds – or 5,000 tons – across the five resorts. Kept at a chilly 9 degrees, each ICE! attraction will bring beloved scenes and characters from classic Christmas films to life with magnificent sculptures and slides. Ice carvings range in size from details as tiny as a coin to soaring scenes more than 30 feet tall. Over six weeks, 40 specialized ice artisans, using skills passed down from generation to generation and following a 300-page design book, will create the magnificent spectacle.

Once again, guests will be able to step into nearly 20,000-square-foot, 3D worlds of their favorite holiday films, with each resort presenting a different theme to discover. This year’s experiences will offer:

  • ICE! Featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Gaylord Opryland – Guests will enjoy favorite scenes from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, brought to life in this colorful winter wonderland.
  • ICE! Featuring The Polar Express™ at Gaylord Texan – Families are invited to take a journey of imagination through this heartwarming story as a young child embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole while learning about friendship, bravery, and the true spirit of Christmas.
  • ICE! Featuring “How The Grinch Stole Christmas!™” at Gaylord Palms – Showcasing the 1957 Dr. Seuss classic, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, families are invited to experience iconic scenes such as the Grinch lurking through the chimneys of the Who-ville homes, the Grinch’s heart growing three sizes after realizing Christmas means a little bit more and sitting down at the Whos’ feast where the Grinch carves the roast beast.
  • ICE! Featuring “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at Gaylord Rockies – Guests will follow along with the lovable Charlie Brown as he rediscovers the meaning of Christmas as the cherished story unfolds.
  • ICE! Featuring A Christmas Story™ at Gaylord National – Fans of this humorous holiday classic will rejoice in experiencing their favorite characters and scenes in this magical ice showcase.

Each theme is brought to life in vivid, colorful fashion with the help of an expert chemist who prepares a proprietary formula of special coloring used in the ice sculptures, which keep them bright and festive all season long. At Gaylord Hotels, many of the same artisans who create the incredible ice displays at the world-renowned Harbin Ice Festival will carve 300-pound blocks of ice into the larger-than-life, whimsical scenes.

Original Production: CIRQUE: Spirit of Christmas
A highlight the 2022 festive season, Gaylord Hotels presents an original production of CIRQUE: Spirit of Christmas at Gaylord Rockies, Gaylord Palms, and Gaylord National. This unique, Cirque-styled live show will feature dazzling acrobatics, feats of flexibility, and high-flying stunts. The Broadway-style spectacle tells the story of Noel, a child dismayed and distressed by the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Trying to recapture her lost love of the season, the child is visited by spirits who bring back the true meaning of the season in energetic, dreamlike chapters.

CIRQUE: Spirit of Christmas will be presented as a 75-minute show at Gaylord Rockies, while Gaylord Palms and Gaylord National will offer a 35-minute show. An exciting lineup of additional signature live performances will also be showcased across the five resorts, with more details to be announced soon.

Gaylord Texan will also showcase a dedicated Cirque: Winter Wonderland performance. This action-packed fusion of theatre and cirque features high-flying stunts, acrobatic feats, jaw-dropping juggling, stunning contortion, and so much more.

Wintertime Activities for All Ages
Families and guests of Gaylord Hotels can look forward to the tradition of the beloved Christmas at Gaylord Hotels celebration, featuring an abundance of festive activities, events, holiday meals, attractions, and dazzling decorations throughout each of the expansive resorts. During the holidays, each of the five resorts and their expansive atriums transform into breathtaking winter wonderland environments with millions of lights, elaborately themed Christmas trees, thousands of ornaments, and miles of garland.

Guests can look forward to the brand’s notable abundance of festive holiday programming from tried-and-true favorites including snow tubing, ice skating, caroling, gingerbread decorating, and adventurous scavenger hunts, to captivating atrium light shows, character dining, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and so much more. Highlights will include the Christmas Tree Trail at Gaylord Palms to discover and take an “elfie” with eight elaborately decorated holiday trees throughout the atrium and Carriage Rides at Gaylord Opryland, featuring a private horse-drawn ride through the resort’s decorations and lights. Additional experiences will include the Christmas Carousel at Gaylord Texan, a timeless, family-friendly ride offering endless spins and fun; a festive Campfire & S’mores experience at Gaylord Rockies; and live performances including The Greatest Story Stage Show at Gaylord National and Gaylord Palms, a musical stage show and multicultural celebration of six international storytellers highlighting the birth of Jesus Christ.

Tickets and Packages
Tickets for ICE! and Christmas at Gaylord Hotels are available now and can be purchased at www.ChristmasatGaylordHotels.com. Advance online reservations are required for all ticketed events. Families can also take advantage of special packages that will include entrance to the ICE! experience and other fan-favorite holiday activities.

Christmas at Gaylord Hotels will be presented over the following dates:

  • Gaylord Opryland: November 11, 2022 – January 1, 2023
  • Gaylord Texan: November 11, 2022 – January 1, 2023
  • Gaylord Palms: November 18, 2022 – January 1, 2023
  • Gaylord Rockies: November 18, 2022 – January 1, 2023
  • Gaylord National: November 25 – December 31, 2022

For a full lineup of Christmas at Gaylord Hotels programming at each resort as the festive season approaches, please visit www.ChristmasatGaylordHotels.com.

Gaylord Hotels participates in Marriott Bonvoy – the award-winning travel program from Marriott International – allowing members to earn and redeem points for their stay, and at other hotels and resorts across Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of brands. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and a contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind.

Note for Media: For a preview of what to expect this upcoming holiday season, a selection of imagery and video b-roll depicting ICE! showcases and Christmas at Gaylord Hotels programming can be viewed in the image library.

About Gaylord Hotels
Gaylord Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, welcomes guests to more, with extraordinary environments, diverse dining options, full-service spas, pools, top-notch entertainment, shopping and more. Locations include Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee; Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, Florida; Gaylord Texan on Lake Grapevine, Texas; Gaylord National on the Potomac in National Harbor, Maryland; and Gaylord Rockies in Aurora, CO.

Media Contact
The Brandman Agency
Michael Gartenlaub & Mallory Pound
GaylordHotels@brandmanagency.com
+1 (212) 683-2442

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

STILL FILLING THE HOUSE: Elvis death anniversary increases tourism at his birthplace

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The Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum in Tupelo, Mississippi, has welcomed an increasing number of visitors as fans commemorate the 45th anniversary of Presley’s death and a new movie reawakens international interest in the singer.

Roy Turner was named executive director of the Birthplace last fall after longtime leader Dick Guyton retired.

The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal reported Turner’s biggest challenge is getting visitors to return to Tupelo’s top attraction amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Birthplace has seen more visitors this year than in the past two.

“It really picked up the first of April with steady increases, and then when the film came out it really picked up,’ he said.

The birthplace and Gladys, Elvis and Vernon Presley

The Baz Luhrmann-directed “Elvis” movie has been a global hit. With international tourists typically making up 60% of Birthplace visitors, the movie about the king of rock ‘n’ roll couldn’t have been released at a better time.

Fans make a pilgrimage every year to Memphis, Tennessee, to attend events during “Elvis Week,” the annual celebration of his life and career in the days surrounding his death anniversary. The highlight is a candlelight vigil at Presley’s white-columned Graceland mansion, where he died on Aug. 16, 1977.

During the vigil, devotees carry candles as they walk solemnly through the Meditation Garden, where Presley is buried alongside relatives. This year, thousands of fans attended the vigil that started Monday night and ended Tuesday morning.

The Birthplace in Tupelo is about 94 miles (151 kilometers) southeast of Graceland. Turner said it was only last November that a busload of visitors became the first international tour group at the site since January 2020.

“They’re coming from all over the world,” Turner said.

He said about 20 people from Belgium visited the Birthplace on Aug. 9, spending most of the day there. About 35 bus tours were expected in just over two weeks. Turner said those numbers are approaching pre-COVID levels.

Before the pandemic, the Birthplace saw about 60,000 visitors a year.

Turner said tourism at the Birthplace typically increases “in those five-year increments” of the anniversary of the death.

Turner said he’s happy to see more visitors, including younger ones.

“We’ve seen a lot of young people show an interest in Elvis,” he said. “Another interesting thing is that there are more African American visitors as well, because the movie told more of Elvis’ connection to the African American community.”

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Melia Takes a Local Touch with Wellness Throughout Asia

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Melia in Asia - TRAVELINDEXAs Meliá broadens its reach throughout Asia, Spain’s leading hotel brand is embracing local culture and unique experiences in the broad range of health-related offerings available to guests. From purification rituals in Bali to forest bathing in a national park in Vietnam, we’ve highlighted several novel wellness experiences at Meliá properties that are inspired by their locations.

Eat, Pray, Love in Bali at Meliá Bali

Elizabeth Gilbert’s captivating memoir, “Eat, Pray, Love,” and Julia Roberts portrayal of her life on the silver screen, introduced the mystical island to the masses. Years later Gilbert’s journey back to herself still looms large and the quest inspired Meliá Bali’s one day wellness retreat program, that shares the same name as the book. This full day journey was designed to cleanse body, soul and mind. The day combines a meditation and yoga practice, a healthy breakfast using the ingredients and spices produced at the resort’s own organic garden, a water purification ceremony at Tirta Empul, in what is believed to be the island’s holiest waters, and a private session with a traditional Balinese healer or palm reader.

The ultimate coconut experience in Koh Samui 

This tropical island in the Gulf of Thailand is synonymous with coconut palms swaying in the warm ocean breeze. It is this local fruit that is the star ingredient in Meliá Koh Samui’s new “Samui Paradise Experience,” the ultimate 2.5 hours pampering session. The decadent therapy begins with a 15-minute steam and/or sauna to prepare the skin for a fresh coconut body scrub, followed by a virgin coconut oil massage. The treatment ends with a relaxing aromatic bath with a blend of natural essential oils to release stress and restore energy. The Samui Paradise Experience is available until December 2022.

Forest bathing at a nature preserve in Vietnam

Set within 108-square-kilometers of protected natural forest, Meliá Ba Vi Mountain Retreat is an ideal place to offer the practice of shinrin yoku (forest bathing). The picturesque resort inside Ba Vi National Park is one of the first properties in Vietnam to offer this mood-boosting, stress-releasing practice. The guided experience involves walking with intention through the resort’s surrounding tropical forest to a hidden stream. Guests are encouraged to tune into all their senses, noticing everything from the beautiful bird songs to the feeling of the rough bark of trees. Although spending time in the forest is nothing new, the act of slowing down and connecting with nature, in a world where we’re normally digitally distracted, has a myriad of health benefits, from reducing blood pressure to boosting the immune system. The whole experience lasts around two hours and is roughly five kilometers.

Tapping with Tok Sen in Chiang Mai

Meliá’s newest property in Asia, Meliá Chiang Mai, opened this year in the ancient city in Northern Thailand. Embracing both the local culture and the brand’s Spanish roots the property has launched a signature treatment, Tok Sen, at its YHI Spa. The traditional form of Thai massage, that originated in Northern Thailand, traces its roots back more than 2,500 years. A special wooden stick made from the bark of a tamarind tree is used in the 90-minute therapy, and is rhythmically tapped to relax the muscles and stimulate energy points throughout the body. This distinct massage type is combined with unique Spanish massage techniques to relax muscles, relieve fatigue, and eliminate tension throughout the body.

Vietnamese coffee coats the body in Ho Tram

The Vietnamese may serve their coffee with a generous dose of condensed milk, but luckily you don’t need to worry about the sweet liquid making its way into your spa therapy at Meliá Ho Tram. The beachfront resort is however using the grounds in their cellulite-reducing 45-minute Coffee Treatment that’s available through the end of September at the property. The caffeine content in the thick aromatic coffee scrub helps dilate blood vessels, tightening the skin and reducing the appearance of skin dimples, while also improving circulation.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News