Global Travel News

Maslina Resort Croatia Celebrates Its Annual Lavender Festival

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Maslina Resort Croatia Celebrates Its Annual Lavender Festival - VISITCROATIA.org - TRAVELINDEXHvar, Croatia, July 14, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / An abundance of lavender is found in vast fields on Hvar, the queen of the Croatian Dalmatian Islands and home to the five-star Maslina Resort. Situated in Stari Grad overlooking the crystal waters of Maslinica Bay, Maslina Resort, a Relais & Chateaux property that champions a philosophy of Mindful Luxury, will offer lavender-inspired activities during the two-day festival, which takes place on the 15th-16th of July. In addition to being the sunniest island in Europe, widely recognised for its healing environment, and accorded UNESCO heritage status, the aromatic lavender fields of Hvar are emblematic of the Dalmatian way of life. During the two-day celebrations, the entire island joins together to celebrate the evergreen plant’s historical and cultural importance.

There’s nothing that says summer more than smell of emanating their signature fragrance in the warm sea island air. This native European plant is a bushy, strong-scented perennial herb with lavender flower spikes rising above its grey to green foliage. It is not only a beautiful garden plant but also has significant culinary and medicinal value. Guests staying at the resort during the festival can participate in a complimentary art workshop with a locally based artist, where they can design lavender-inspired artwork to take away as a souvenir.

During the two days, in-house and walk-in guests can also try the resort’s Michelin-recommended restaurant specially curated Lavender Menu. The tasting menu starts with bite-sized lavender macarons with goat cheese and honey, followed by octopus with lavender caviar and green essence, beef fillet with a lavender and pistachio crust for the main course, and a lavender gel bonbon with lavender-infused cream, ice cream, and strawberries for dessert. The resort’s expert mixologist will also be on hand with a special vodka-based cocktail lavished with lavender syrup.

The resort’s Pharomatiq Spa, which follows a garden-to-skin concept, already uses lavender in its regular treatments, from eye covers infused with lavender flowers, essential oils used during massages, and little lavender soaps for guests after their therapies. The spa’s signature treatment, the Adriatic Rejuvenation treatment, takes you on an unforgettable journey through the world of Adriatic fragrances. A minced olive kernel and peppermint-infused exfoliation that will energise and uplift your senses are followed by oat milk and lavender soak that leaves your skin soft and velvety, and a customised aromatherapy massage that confers a sense of deep relaxation and pampering.

The annual lavender festival dovetails perfectly with the rich cultural and natural heritage of Hvar Island. Brought to life in the cultural, culinary, and therapeutic settings of Maslina Resort, the two-day celebrations expand the boundaries of the mindful luxury ethos that honours the natural world-a celebration for the body and soul.

About Maslina Resort
Maslina Resort is a contemporary, five-star resort on the Croatian Island of Hvar, located near Stari Grad, one of the oldest towns in the eastern Adriatic. Situated in the stunning Maslinica Bay, Maslina Resort is surrounded by olive groves and terraced vineyards and stretches across two hectares of lush pine forest overlooking the crystalline Adriatic Sea. Boasting 50 rooms and suites and three villas, Maslina Resort is a mindful luxury resort that holds wellness, family, culinary arts, cultural heritage, and authenticity as its core.

Getting There
Many airlines including British Airways, Easy Jet, Jet 2, and Whizz Air fly from many regional and London airports direct to Split. The flight time is approximately two hours and 30 minutes. From Split Airport, the transfer by speed boat takes 60 minutes. Dubrovnik and Brač airports are also nearby. Private car and speedboat transfers can be arranged from any of these locations.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Large London Hotel Owner Operators Joins Zero Carbon Forum

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Large London Hotel Owner Operators Joins Zero Carbon Forum - SUSTAINABLEFIRST-TRAVELINDEXLondon, United Kingdon, July 14, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / PPHE Hotel Group, an international hospitality real estate company, which operates the Park Plaza hotel brand in Europe, has taken another significant step towards achieving its net zero status by joining forces with Zero Carbon Forum.

Zero Carbon Forum is a non-profit organisation, empowering members to reach sustainability targets with greater speed, efficiency, and profit as a united effort. With defined roadmaps backed by peers, government, and leading sustainability experts — together it helps hospitality organisations, of all sizes, progress at pace to a net zero future.

Now with close to 40 members, a membership base that’s doubled in 12 months, PPHE Hotel Group is the latest, and second largest, hotel group to sign up to the forum.

With external and internal support, including from the forum, PPHE Hotel Group will develop its net zero strategy through the course of this year. Zero Carbon Forum will share its knowledge, insights, innovation and best practices to help the hotel giant on its priority to deliver a long-term, sustainable model.

Inbar Zilberman, Chief Corporate and Legal Officer at PPHE Hotel Group said: “Joining Zero Carbon Forum is another positive move in our commitment to achieving net zero status. Last year we formed a new ESG committee to help set targets for carbon reduction, launched our Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures reporting for the first time, and made our owned and managed hotels in the UK, Netherlands and Germany wholly reliant on electricity generated from 100% renewable sources.

“Now, with guidance from the forum, we will be able to define a strategy that sets manageable targets, reduces our carbon footprint, and makes our business ever more sustainable.”

As a hospitality real estate owner and operator that develops, owns and manages many of its properties, PPHE is in a unique position when it comes to integrating sustainability into its business, from the point of development, all the way to day-to-day operations. Other recent environmental initiatives introduced or supported by the Group include Carbon Negative Meetings in partnership with Radisson Hotel Group, reducing water usage and recycling more.

Mark Chapman, CEO of Zero Carbon Forum, said: “We need to act now and at pace. It’s great to have PPHE on the forum so that together we all play a part in building a zero-carbon world. Partnerships are crucial to this mission, to strengthen our strategic approach in helping organisations reach net zero in their own operations and across their value chains, and well in advance of the Government’s 2050 target.”

The UK government’s ‘Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener’ is a strategy that sets out policies and proposals for decarbonising all sectors of the UK economy to meet a net zero target by 2050. With the hospitality industry accounting for 1% of the world’s carbon emissions, and with global emissions set to increase as the demand continues to grow, the hotel industry must reduce its carbon emissions by 66% by 2030 and 90% by 2050 to stay within the 2˚C threshold agreed at COP21.

Through collective action and tools such as its freely available net zero roadmap, Zero Carbon Forum’s mission is for the hospitality industry to meet these targets much sooner, to eliminate operational emissions by 2030 and reach net zero across supply chains by 2040.

About the Zero Carbon Forum
The Zero Carbon Forum, is a non-profit organisation which builds on 10 years of carbon reduction collaboration in the UK’s hospitality sector. It enables members to reach their decarbonisation targets faster, more efficiently and more cost effectively than acting alone.

The Zero Carbon Forum will publish a publicly available roadmap to achieve net zero carbon ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 26) in November 2021.

Members pledge to work collaboratively, by sharing carbon reduction plans and initiatives. By combining expertise and resources the Forum helps to identify all possible actions to decarbonise operations across tens of thousands of outlets and their supply chains.

The Zero Carbon Forum is endorsed by government and backed by trade associations UK Hospitality and the British Beer and Pub Association. Members include leading UK and global hospitality organisations, including Adnams, Azzurri Group, Boparan Restaurants, Brewdog, Burger King UK, Cote, Fuller’s, Greene King, InterContinental Hotels Group, JD Wetherspoon, KFC, Marston’s PLC, Mitchells & Butlers PLC (MAB), Nando’s UK and IRE, Pizza Express, Pizza Hut Restaurants UK, Revolution Bars, Shepherd-Neame Ltd, St. Austell, Stonegate, The Restaurant Group (including Wagamama), WSH, and Young & Co. Brewery, PLC.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

La Rioja Host of UNWTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism

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Vivanc La Rioja Host of UNWTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism - TOP25VINEYARDS.com - TRAVELINDEXLa Rioja, Spain, July 13, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The 7th edition of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Global Conference on Wine Tourism will be held in La Rioja in 2023. This new edition was presented at the Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture, with the participation of Concha Andreu, President of the Government of La Rioja; Reyes Maroto, Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism; and the Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization, Zurab Pololikashvili.

• Discover Rioja and the World’s Best Vineyards at TOP25Vineyards.com.

The Conference has become a leading international forum on trends, tools and opportunities to advance wine tourism. It provides an opportunity for experts and professionals, as well as consolidated and emerging destinations in this tourism segment to exchange knowledge and experiences.

During the official presentation, which was hosted at the Vivanco facilities in Briones, Pololikashvili thanked Spain and La Rioja for hosting the 2023 edition of the Conference, and highlighted the potential of wine tourism as a driver of the growth of local economies and as an engine of social change: “This is a sector that can lead a positive change,  especially in many rural communities, creating jobs and opportunities in the most depopulated areas, boosting economic growth and preserving the natural and cultural environment.”

This is a sector that can lead a positive change, especially in many rural communities, creating jobs and opportunities in the most depopulated areas, boosting economic growth and preserving the natural and cultural environment

The minister stressed that wine tourism “contributes to economic, social, environmental sustainability, adds value, de-seasonalizes product offerings and allows us to visit the rural environment”.

• Discover Rioja and the World’s Best Vineyards at TOP25Vineyards.com.

The President of La Rioja, for her part, pointed out the recognition that the holding of the Conference implies for the tourist development of the region: “La Rioja possesses a unique and diverse heritage, both material and intangible, related to wine as food and as a product, and, in turn, that heritage constitutes a leading tourism offering that can and should be further enhanced.”

The 2022 edition the UNWTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism will be held in Alba, Italy, from 19 to 21 September.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Rediscover Koh Lanta at Thailand’s Eco-Sensitive Five-Star Sanctuary

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Rediscover Koh Lanta at Thailand's Eco-Sensitive Five-Star Sanctuary - TOP25HOTELS.com - TRAVELINDEXKoh Lanta, Thailand, July 13, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / What do you dream of when you imagine escaping to a tropical Thai island? Do you long to discover unspoiled beaches and hidden coves, and swim in crystal clear seas surrounded by colourful fish? Do you desire to trek through the lush rainforest? Does your body ache for a soothing Thai massage or do your taste buds crave the country’s famous food? At Pimalai Resort & Spa, the five-star sanctuary on the serene shores of Koh Lanta, all of these activities and experiences lie in wait for European travellers.

Unlike Thailand’s busier resort destinations, Koh Lanta has retained its authentic charm. Tourists have been almost completely absent for the last two years, but this downtime gave Pimalai a unique opportunity to enhance its facilities and replenish the environment. Now, this luxury resort is ready to welcome guests back to paradise! Nestled in 100 acres of jungle, cascading down to a 900-metre-long beach, Pimalai has always strived to preserve its surroundings. Filled with exotic plants and native species such as hornbills and flying squirrels, the resort feels like a private nature reserve. A new free-of-charge walking tour lets guests uncover this eco paradise, including its cashew nut trees, and two trekking trails allow intrepid explorers to hike to Klong Chak waterfall or Lam Tanode, where Koh Lanta’s famous lighthouse awaits. A professional guide can be arranged.

For those who prefer offshore adventures, Pimalai has crafted two dreamy day trips. The “Emerald Cave & Koh Ngai Excursion” offers the chance to swim in a stunning hidden lagoon and relax on a pristine beach, surrounded by unspoiled jungle, while the “Talabeng Scenic Cruise” lets explorers uncover Koh Talabeng, which has been nicknamed “Little Halong Bay” due to its dramatic limestone karsts, cliffs and caves. Unlike the Vietnamese seascape however, this enchanting archipelago is wonderfully secluded with few tourist boats. Both excursions let guests swim in the sea, savour snacks and cool drinks aboard the boat, and end in Koh Lanta’s old town, which is filled with traditional shophouses and seafood restaurants. Alternatively, a mangrove tour lets guests head out on a gondola boat and delve deep into this environmentally rich coastal forest.

For travellers who love learning new skills, Pimalai has relaunched its popular Thai cooking classes. The resort’s chefs will escort visitors on a tour of the organic gardens to pick fresh herbs, before using them to craft a delicious dish. Non-motorised water sports, such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, are available free-of-charge, Thai boxing sessions offer invigorating workouts and yoga sessions promote mindfulness in a stunning setting, with panoramic sea and sunset views.

Alternatively, wellness seekers can soothe their senses at the award-winning Pimalai Spa, which has now unveiled four new massages that embrace ancient Thai healing wisdom. The 60-miniute “Pregnancy Massage” is full-body treatment that has been used in Thailand for centuries to cater to the unique needs of mothers-to-be, while the 90-minute “Hot Bamboo Fusion Massage” uses gently-heated bamboo to stimulate circulation. The 90-minute “Hot Stone Massage” involves placing a series of warm basalt stones to promote relaxation, and the 30-minute “Oriental Scalp Massage” is a centuries-old therapy that eases tension in the upper body.

Guests can also make a difference to the lives of local communities in Koh Lanta during their stay. The resort’s beach cleaning sessions let travellers come together with staff members and islanders to keep Koh Lanta’s coastlines free from litter, which often washes ashore and can pose a danger to marine life. It is no surprise that Pimalai was accepted into Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s (SLH) Considerate Collection, an exclusive community of only 26 socially responsible and eco-conscious five-star hotels worldwide.

With just 121 stylish rooms, spacious suites and breath-taking villas with up to three bedrooms and private pools, every visitor can unwind in blissful seclusion at Pimalai. Named as the best hotel in Thailand in the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards in 2022, this heavenly hideaway also features world-class restaurants, a superb Sports Centre with tennis, badminton and basketball courts, a running track and cycling trails, and two infinity pools that appear suspended in the forest canopy, overlooking the ocean. Children will be inspired, educated and entertained at the Kid’s Corner.

“Ever since Pimalai was founded, our goal has been to highlight the best experiences Koh Lanta has to offer and let guests enjoy them sensitively, without any of the negative side-effects of tourism. The last two years have allowed us to take a step back and re-examine our operations. As a result, we have devised a new 10-year plan for preserving the environment and designed a series of new activities and excursions that highlight the beauty of Koh Lanta. We can’t wait to welcome our cherished international clientele back to Pimalai for their dream tropical Thai vacation,” said Charintip Tiyaphorn, Pimalai’s Owner Representative.

Pimalai is now inviting European guests to book early and benefit from significant savings for their next vacation. Under the “Early Bird Promotion”, discounts of 10-30% are available for bookings made in advance. Rates start from THB 5,820 net. Alternatively, the “Long Stay Promotion” starts from THB 8,315 net and includes up to seven free nights if guests stay for seven or more nights. Both offers are valid from now until 31st October 2024.

About Pimalai Resort & Spa
Koh Lanta’s first five-star resort, Pimalai Resort & Spa has been redefining luxury hospitality on this idyllic Andaman island since it launched almost two decades ago. This property cascades through 100 acres of tropical jungles easing its way towards one of Thailand’s best beaches: Kantiang Bay. It’s here that guests while the days away lounging on what often feels like a private beach or spend action-packed afternoons out in the cerulean sea scuba diving, snorkelling or simply relaxing on a sunset cruise. A smattering of local bars and restaurants line the beach, but its Pimalai’s onsite eateries that tend to steal the show.

The legendary Rak Talay beachfront bar and restaurant is as loved for the sumptuous Thai-style seafood as it is its sunset setting, while nestled in the resort’s jungle interior, Seven Seas serves up Michelin-chef-conceived menus throughout the evening. Guests can also indulge in an array of onsite wellness experiences, ranging from traditional Muay Thai classes to early evening tennis matches and pampered afternoons at the signature Pimalai Spa. With no immediate neighbours, the 121-room resort is a serene sanctuary where guests can feel completely at peace in their private surroundings. From Hillside Ocean Pool Villas that command vistas of the stunning scenery through to the Beachside Villas, situated only a few short steps away from the shoreline, rooms at Pimalai cater to all tastes with spacious layouts and designs that seamlessly integrate with the natural surroundings.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Sabre Accelerates NDC Rollout with Qatar Airways

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AIRLINEHUB.com - Sabre Accelerates NDC Rollout with Qatar Airways - TRAVELINDEXDoha, Qatar, July 13, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Travel agencies to shop, book and service NDC offers through Sabre Red 360 as well as the technology provider’s Offer and Order APIs. Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR), a leading software and technology company powering the global travel industry, has successfully integrated IATA New Distribution Capability (NDC) content from Qatar Airways (QR) to its global distribution system (GDS). After a pilot phase with agency customers in Australia and Sweden, the offers of Qatar’s flag carrier will now be rolled out successively to travel agencies across the globe starting on July 7, 2022.

Travel agencies will be able to shop, book, and manage NDC offers from Qatar Airways. Access to Qatar’s content will be available through Sabre Red 360, Sabre’s agency point-of-sale tool, as well as its NDC-enabled Offer and Order Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).

“We’ve been actively engaged in Sabre’s Beyond NDC program for several years and we’re proud to be the first carrier based in EMEA to make our products and offers available to the global travel agency community through Sabre’s marketplace,” said Matt Raos, Senior Vice President Global Sales at Qatar Airways. “With NDC as a part of our strategy to evolve our offering and enhance ancillary sales, we believe effective distribution in the indirect channel will become more important in the future.”

With Qatar Airways’ extensive network of destinations, access to the carrier’s unique NDC content is expected to be relevant to travel buyers across the globe in the post-COVID-19 recovery period and beyond.

“As the corporate travel sector continues to recover, customers are looking for enhanced shopping experiences and improved content in their marketplace,” said John Bukowski, Vice President of Distribution, Content and Sourcing at American Express Global Business Travel. “Our objective is to ensure that our customers and travelers have access to the broadest content and an unrivaled travel experience. We are excited about collaborating with Qatar Airways and Sabre to continue to evolve our customers access to content while delivering the servicing and experience they expect from American Express GBT.”

NDC is one aspect of Sabre’s strategic goal to create a new marketplace for personalized travel, with some key developments expected for 2022. Dynamic air pricing for NDC offers is anticipated to become available with the recently launched Air Price IQ ™ product within the Sabre Retail Intelligence suite, which will enable airlines to optimize offers in real-time with machine learning and data analytics capabilities based on airlines’ unique strategies and needs. As an NDC aggregator and airline IT provider, Sabre is now included in the Airline Retailing Maturity (ARM) index from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Radixx, which provides solutions for low-cost carrier airlines, is also expected to become certified under the ARM index later this year as an airline IT provider.

“We’ve always said that NDC is a marathon, not a sprint,” said Kathy Morgan, vice president, Channel Delivery, Sabre Travel Solutions. “We believe that realizing the potential of NDC is a collaborative effort, and we are excited about the progress we are making with carriers like Qatar Airways. Alongside strategic efforts like Sabre Travel AI ™, as well as the launch of our Retail Intelligence suite of products, these NDC achievements expand and progress our opportunities to advance personalized retailing.”

About Sabre Corporation
Sabre Corporation is a leading technology provider to the global travel industry. Sabre’s software, data, mobile and distribution solutions are used by hundreds of airlines and thousands of hotel properties to manage critical operations, including passenger and guest reservations, revenue management, flight, network and crew management. Sabre also operates a leading global travel marketplace, which processes more than US$120 billion of global travel spend annually by connecting travel buyers and suppliers. Headquartered in Southlake, Texas, USA, Sabre serves customers in more than 160 countries around the world.

About Qatar Airways
A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was announced as the ‘Airline of the Year’ at the 2021 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organization. It was also named ‘World’s Best Business Class’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline Seat’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Onboard Catering’ and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Advancing Safe Mobility for Stronger Recovery

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UNWTO - Advancing Safe Mobility for Stronger Recovery - TRAVELINDEXIbiza, Spain, July 12, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO joined the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and Spain in the recent High-Level Meeting on Safe International Travel held in Ibiza on 7-8 July.

The High-Level Meeting focused on the lessons learned from the impact of the pandemic on international mobility and tourism, to build resilience to face future crises.

“The progress during these past two years, alongside increased coordination among governments, have prompted the basis for a strong recovery”, said Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili. Underscoring that “vaccine equity remains a big challenge”, he stressed that “implementing what we have learned is critical for how we deal with future pandemics, as we work to consolidating how we grow back better”.

Participants recognized that the recovery of cross-border travel requires easing and lifting COVID-related travel restrictions as far as possible, while ensuring public health considerations

The progress during these past two years, alongside increased coordination among governments, have prompted the basis for a strong recovery

Chaired by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism of Spain, Reyes Maroto, the meeting gathered health and the tourism sector representatives of over 30 countries, the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and other UN agencies such as the International Organizational for Migration (IMO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The High-Level Meeting on Safe International Travel was held in support of the G20 Indonesian Presidency of 2022.  Backed by key stakeholders such as OECD, WHO, ICAO and UNWTO, participants encouraged the Indonesian chair to incorporate the main points into the relevant initiatives of the G20 process,, namely the G20 Health Working Group’s priority on Harmonizing global health standards focused on the Harmonization of COVID-19 and other Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPD) Certificate Recognition at the Point of Entry.

On the occasion, UNWTO and OECD released an impact assessment of the pandemic on tourism showcasing how the sector was among the most affected.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

IN THE PINK: Atlantis undergoing ‘massive’ renovation

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Atlantis Paradise Island, The Bahamas’ iconic “pink” resort, is going “bigger and bolder” with a multimillion-dollar renovation and a host of new partnerships. The latest chapter in the life of the nearly 25-year-old resort will include “massive upgrades and striking enhancements” designed to continue its legacy of “exuding Bahamian culture (and) serving as a marvel and custodian of marine life,” says the Nassau resort.

Known for its famous pink hue and 80 km of white sand beaches on Paradise Island, the resort will notably redevelop Beach Tower and all Royal Tower guestrooms and suites, reimagine the Atlantis Casino, and add another Michelin-starred chef to its dining roster.

Among the changes:

CUISINE

• Chef Michael White, the multi-starred New York Times and Michelin recognized Italian chef, and former chef/owner of prominent dining destinations Convivio, Alto, Ai Fiori and Marea in New York City, is joining Nobu Matsuhisa and José Andrés, making Atlantis the only resort in the region to boast three Michelin star-rated chefs. The four-time James Beard Award nominee will serve modern coastal Italian cuisine at his latest outpost, Paranza at The Cove, expected to open this year.

• Pita, a Mediterranean-style beachside concession situated near Atlantis’ renowned Aquaventure, offers homemade shawarma, falafel, chilled bites, dips, salads, and desserts to satisfy all-day cravings.


ACCOMMODATION

• Renovation of all guestrooms and suites in The Royal East Tower will be complete this summer, closely followed by newly renovated rooms and suites in The Royal West Tower. Design elements celebrate the natural seascape of aquamarine waters, white-sand beaches, and coral reefs to inspire a soothing environment where guests can relax and unwind.

• The Royal’s renowned Bridge Suite is on track for total renovation and completion in 2023. The epitome of relaxed luxury on a grand scale, the design elements will include bold, organic, rich, and opulent textures and details that reflect the legend of Atlantis and its oceanic design motif found throughout the resort. Gold finishes will remind guests of found treasures of the lost city of Atlantis.

• Atlantis will open a brand-new “oasis within an oasis,” resort dubbed Somewhere Else. Replacing the current site of The Beach Tower, this unique oceanfront escape, opening in 2024, will offer 400 guestrooms and suites alongside top-tier dining venues, lushly landscaped grounds, multiple pools, recreation areas, upscale amenities, and live performances – all within easy reach of the myriad of dining and entertainment options synonymous with Atlantis.

ENTERTAINMENT

• The Atlantis Casino will undergo a refresh that will include modern finishes, and flowing lines echoing the refractions of the sea. Other updates will include the expansion of the Atlantis Casino’s two on-site lounges, an exciting high-limit slots lounge, and an expansion of the exclusive gaming salon.

• The Cove, the resort’s luxury all-suite hotel, recently debuted the Lapis Club Lounge offering daily breakfast, hors d’oeuvres, and a full-service bar along with views of Paradise Island. The hotel also introduced Sapphire Services, new bespoke concierge offerings, including bookable experiences such as intimate beach dinners, exclusive programming at the resort’s 5.7- hectare marine mammal habitat, Dolphin Cay, and private cabanas. The adults-only Cove Pool will also undergo a refresh.

• Splashers, the pool and water playground for Atlantis’s youngest guests, will be adding thrill slides, climbing areas, and more later this year.

Meanwhile, Atlantis Blue Project Foundation (ABPF), the resort’s non-profit and conservation organization, celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. Since its inception in 2007, the foundation has been an environmental leader in The Bahamas, creating coral nurseries to propagate corals, cultivating, and donating hundreds of mangroves each year to help restore wetlands around The Bahamas, and educatethe local community about ocean conservation.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Let’s Play! Augmented Reality Takes Off at Moxy Hotels with the “Moxy Universe, Play Beyond” Asia Pacific Campaign

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Moxy Universe Play Beyond
Moxy Universe Play Beyond

Moxy® Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, announced today the launch of the “Moxy Universe, Play Beyond” augmented reality experience in Asia Pacific. Designed for the young-at-heart, Moxy boldly breaks the rules of a conventional hotel stay, bringing its “Play On” experiences from the hotel to the virtual world through the Moxy Universe. The campaign video is available on YouTube.

From Shanghai to Tokyo, guests are invited to explore the Moxy Universe with their own avatar in 12 Moxy hotels across Asia Pacific from July 12 through December 31, 2022. Before arriving in-person to each hotel, guests can access the Moxy Universe via mobile devices to customize their own avatar, with a selection of hairstyles, outfits, and accessories. Upon checking in at the hotel’s signature Bar Moxy, guests will instantly enter the Moxy Universe by scanning a designated QR marker to unlock a minimum of five challenges throughout the hotel’s guestroom and public spaces to win great prizes.

“We are very excited to launch the ‘Moxy Universe, Play Beyond’ experience across all Moxy hotels in the Asia Pacific region,” said Jennie Toh, Vice President, Brand Marketing and Brand Management Asia Pacific, Marriott International. “Moxy has always challenged the status quo by inviting guests to live in the moment. With the campaign, we are bringing Moxy’s ‘Play On’ spirit to another dimension through fun, immersive experiences while creating greater connections with our guests.”

Unlock Challenges in Every Corner of the Moxy Universe

Bar Moxy in the Moxy Universe
Bar Moxy in the Moxy Universe

Whether as a guest or avatar, visitors can fully immerse into the always-buzzing world of Moxy at the hotel and unlock challenges in the Moxy Universe simultaneously. Step into Bar Moxy – the social heart of the hotel, which doubles up as the hotel’s front desk and offers guests a “Got Moxy” cocktail upon check-in. After getting their room keys, guests can scan the QR marker at the bar to view holographic projections and take photos with life-sized avatars as they sip curated cocktails.

At Moxy’s 24/7 Grab & Go self-service concept, guests can access what they want, whenever they want with snacks and beverages to satisfy any late-night cravings. At the Grab & Go area, guests can also unlock a challenge by taking a photo with their avatar and hashtagging #moxyuniverse.

Exercise can be even more fun with an avatar that doubles up as a workout buddy. Guests can take the challenge and sweat it out with their avatar at the hotel’s 24-hour Fitness Center decked out with a boxing bag, signature racing bike, and other equipment.

Moxy’s stylish and smart bedrooms intermix edgy details with functionality and are cleverly designed to maximize space, allowing guests the flexibility to adapt the room to their needs. Enjoy the smart features of a fun-sized work surface and peg walls instead of closets, as the avatar will need all the space when they start busting dance moves on the bed for the challenge.

The fun and playful energy of Moxy can be found across vibrant destinations in Asia Pacific, such as the Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda, just around the corner from Osaka’s buzzing shopping and entertainment districts. The brand’s spirited lifestyle touches include the signature Bar Moxy, high-energy spaces such as The Terrace, and graffiti-emblazoned Lounge where guests can sip on cocktails and socialize. Located in the heart of Seoul, Moxy Seoul Insadong makes the perfect basecamp for the young-at-heart to let loose in the city. Before hitting the town, guests can enjoy the panoramic city views from its off-the-wall rooftop bar, Seoul at Moxy. Moxy Shanghai Hongqiao NECC, the first Moxy hotel in Mainland China, also takes play seriously. The hotel’s spirited Crew members are always on to connect with travelers in a playful way over boardgames and fun events.

To learn more about the Moxy Hotels, visit moxy-hotels.marriott.com and join the conversation @moxyhotels.

Moxy Hotels participates in Marriott Bonvoy®, the award-winning travel program from Marriott International. Marriott Bonvoy members earn points for their stay, and at other hotels and resorts across Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences, including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and a contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind.

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About Moxy® Hotels
Moxy offers a playful hotel experience for the young at heart. With 110 properties open across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, Moxy boldly breaks the rules of a conventional hotel stay across the globe. The nontraditional experience starts with check-in at Bar Moxy and comes to life throughout its social public spaces, like the Lounge and Library, and the small but smart bedrooms. Moxy provides stylish, industrial design and sociable service at an attractive price point, so that guests can splurge on the experiences that matter most to them during their travels. Moxy celebrates nonconformity, open-mindedness, and originality above all – forever giving its guests permission to Play On #atthemoxy. For more information, visit www.moxyhotels.com and join the fun #atthemoxy on Instagram. Moxy is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, and unparalleled benefits, including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

Media Contact
Cynthia Lai
Marriott International
Cynthia.hc.lai@marriott.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

THE WORLD’S BEST CITIES: Two Canadian cities make the list

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Scotland scores big in Time Out’s ranking of the world’s best 53 cities in 2022. Edinburgh takes the No.1 spot, followed by Chicago, Medellin in Colombia and Glasgow as number 4. Amsterdam rounds out the top 5.

The 2022 Best Cities Index was drawn up via a survey of 20,000 city dwellers around the world. Time Out says that the guide points ‘people in the direction of the places that locals are raving about’ and putting an emphasis on ‘the things that make cities great places to visit as well as to live’.

Edinburgh has been praised as the most beautiful and walkable city in the world by those polled.

1. Edinburgh
First-place Edinburgh is ‘the most beautiful city in the world’ and where ‘self-expression is encouraged.’

95 percent of residents say this year’s gold medal winner ‘is the most beautiful city in the world, and 93 percent claim it is also the most walkable city’ ideal for visitors who are looking to explore historic landmarks, architecture and scenic hotspots on foot.

2. Chicago
Chicago earned the second place spot with the second-highest food-and-drink-scene rating in the world, with 96 percent saying there is ‘great choice’, Time Out reveals.

Ninety-five percent of those polled say there is always something to do in the art and culture scene too, we’re told.

3. Medellin
Third in the ranking, Medellin was once the home of notorious drug baron and ‘King of Cocaine’ Pablo Escobar. But in 2022, new entry Medellin in Colombia is ‘the place to visit for those looking for a good time’.

According to the guide, Medellin tops the charts for its food and drink (97 percent) and nightlife and partying (90 percent) scenes, as well as ranking first for community spirit (94 percent).

Time Out also notes that there are plenty of ‘design-forward boutique hotels popping up all over the city, showcasing impressive Colombian craftsmanship’.

4. Glasgow
Glasgow, which ranks fourth, ‘excels at being outgoing and at going out’, according to Time Out. The second Scottish city to make the top five, Glasgow is described by 78 percent of the locals as the ‘friendliest city in the world this year’.

Time Out notes: ‘It’s also the second-most affordable city, with 87 percent saying it wasn’t expensive, making 2022 is the perfect time to visit and explore and meet the locals. It’s a city that excels at being outgoing and at going out.’

The guide recommends checking out the city’s ‘burgeoning dining scene’ and SWG3 – the ‘world’s first body-heated club’, where ‘dancing literally helps keep the lights on’.

5. Amsterdam
Fifth-place Amsterdam is considered “a city where (people) can be themselves … the easiest city in the world to express who you are (according to 89 percent of residents) and the second-most progressive in the world,” says Time Out.

Unsurprisingly, 100 percent of residents agree that their famously cycling-centric city is easy to cycle around.

Details on the entire list HERE

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

PATA and GBTA to Host APAC Travel Summit in Bangkok

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PATA and GBTA to Host APAC Travel Summit in Bangkok - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, July 11, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) in partnership with the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) will host their inaugural PATA & GBTA APAC Travel Summit at the new, state-of-the-art Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok, Thailand from December 8-9, 2022. The two-day, first-of-its-kind joint event in Asia will address sustainability and best practices in the tourism, MICE, and corporate travel spheres.

The joint event in Asia will address sustainability and best practices in the tourism, MICE, and corporate travel spheres. The two-day educational and tradeshow event, under the theme “Defining a Responsible, Sustainable Future for Business, Tourism and MICE,” will highlight the challenges and solutions for CO2 emissions, destination sustainability options, and procurement-oriented approaches in the context of the global and Asia-Pacific region’s pandemic recovery. Targeted attendees and sponsors are regional and global travel suppliers including top airlines, hotel and ground/car rental brands – as well as MICE and corporate travel decision-makers from the world’s largest travel companies and travel management companies.

“We are delighted to be working with GBTA in bringing together both of our industry networks to share insights and discuss opportunities and best practices for the responsible and sustainable growth of the travel and tourism industry,” said PATA CEO Liz Ortiguera. “At PATA, we support the industry recovery, pursuit of emerging travel opportunities and sustainable travel practices for the region. Therefore, I invite all of our members, partners and industry colleagues to join us and engage in this travel forum to reconnect, get informed and collaborate.”

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is the world’s premier business travel and meetings trade organization, with a growing global network of more than 28,000 travel professionals and 125,000 active contacts. Headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area with operations on six continents, GBTA’s members manage more than US$345 billion of global business travel and meetings expenditures annually.

“The path to recovery for the global travel industry continues for both tourism and business travel. However, there’s also the opportunity and need to create a better, more sustainable way forward to serve the industry and the planet as well. We are pleased to join forces with PATA to bring to event attendees the important insights, learnings and discussions on what a sustainable future might look like and the actions that we can take in the region as well as across the globe to get there,” said Suzanne Neufang, CEO, GBTA.

About PATA
Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for-profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. The Association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research and innovative events to its member organisations, which including government, state and city tourism bodies; international airlines and airports; hospitality organisations, and educational institutions, as well as thousands of young tourism professional (YTP) members across the world. The PATA network also embraces the grassroots activism the PATA Chapters and Student Chapters, who organise numerous travel industry training programmes and business development events across the world. Thousands of travel professionals belong to the 32 local PATA Chapters worldwide, while hundreds of students are members of the 28 PATA Student Chapters globally. The PATAmPOWER platform delivers unrivalled data, forecasts and insights from the PATA Strategic Intelligence Centre to members’ desktops and mobile devices anywhere in the world. PATA’s Head Office has been in Bangkok since 1998. The Association also has official offices or representation in Beijing, India and London.

About GBTA
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is the world’s largest business travel and meetings trade organization headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area with operations across six continents. GBTA’s members manage more than $345 billion of global business travel and meetings expenditures annually. GBTA delivers world-class education, events, research, advocacy and media to a growing global network of more than 28,000 travel professionals and 125,000 active contacts.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News