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Marriott International Reports Outstanding Second Quarter 2022 Results and Resumes Share Repurchases

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  • Second quarter 2022 comparable systemwide constant dollar RevPAR increased 70.6 percent worldwide, 66.1 percent in the U.S. & Canada, and 87.8 percent in international markets, compared to the 2021 second quarter;
  • Second quarter 2022 comparable systemwide constant dollar RevPAR declined 2.9 percent worldwide and 14.1 percent in international markets, while RevPAR increased 1.3 percent in the U.S. & Canada, compared to the 2019 second quarter;
  • Second quarter reported diluted EPS totaled $2.06, compared to reported diluted EPS of $1.28 in the year-ago quarter. Second quarter adjusted diluted EPS totaled $1.80, compared to second quarter 2021 adjusted diluted EPS of $0.79;
  • Second quarter reported net income totaled $678 million, compared to reported net income of $422 million in the year-ago quarter. Second quarter adjusted net income totaled $593 million, compared to second quarter 2021 adjusted net income of $260 million;
  • Adjusted EBITDA totaled $1,019 million in the 2022 second quarter, compared to second quarter 2021 adjusted EBITDA of $558 million;
  • The company added roughly 17,000 rooms globally during the second quarter, including approximately 9,200 rooms in international markets and nearly 4,400 conversion rooms;
  • At quarter end, Marriott’s worldwide development pipeline totaled nearly 2,950 properties and more than 495,000 rooms, including roughly 27,400 rooms approved, but not yet subject to signed contracts. Approximately 203,300 rooms in the pipeline were under construction as of the end of the 2022 second quarter;
  • Marriott resumed share repurchases in the second quarter, repurchasing 1.9 million shares of the company’s common stock for $300 million. Year-to-date through July 29, the company has repurchased 2.9 million shares for $448 million.

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) today reported second quarter 2022 results.

Anthony Capuano, Chief Executive Officer, said, “Marriott’s second quarter results highlight consumers’ love for travel. We reported outstanding results, as momentum in global lodging recovery continued. With demand increasing across all customer segments throughout the quarter, and nearly all countries easing travel restrictions, worldwide RevPAR1 surpassed 2019 levels in June. Second quarter average daily rate was robust, at 7 percent above 2019 levels, and worldwide occupancy reached 68 percent.

“In the U.S. & Canada, June RevPAR increased 3 percent compared to 2019. Among customer segments, group RevPAR saw the most meaningful acceleration in the second quarter, down just 1 percent to 2019 in June, compared to down nearly 30 percent in the first quarter. We have not seen signs of leisure travel abating, with leisure room nights in the region more than 15 percent higher than second quarter 2019, and ADR meaningfully outpacing pre-pandemic levels. Europe also experienced notably strong RevPAR recovery, in large part due to the return of international visitors, with June RevPAR exceeding 2019.

“Marriott Bonvoy hit 169 million members by quarter’s end. As our loyal guests get back on the road, penetration in the U.S. stood at 59 percent in the second quarter, topping 2019. Members are increasingly engaging with us during and outside of hotel stays. Second quarter co-brand credit card fees increased nearly 40 percent year over year, driven by continued strength in global cardholder acquisitions and cardholder spend, both of which achieved record levels in the quarter.

“On the development front, signing activity has accelerated in 2022, setting a second quarter record. We signed 23,000 rooms around the world in the second quarter, nearly 30 percent of which were conversions from competitor brands. Conversions continue to be a meaningful growth driver, comprising roughly 25 percent of room additions in the quarter.

“I am proud of the remarkable work our team has accomplished since the beginning of the pandemic. This has been the most challenging period in our company’s history, but the resiliency of our associates and our business model have never been more evident. With our robust cash flow and profits, we resumed share repurchases during the second quarter, in addition to paying a cash dividend. Looking ahead, we are optimistic about our financial outlook and strong cash generation and expect to return more than $2.2 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases in 2022.”

Second Quarter 2022 Results
Marriott’s reported operating income totaled $950 million in the 2022 second quarter, compared to 2021 second quarter reported operating income of $486 million. Reported net income totaled $678 million in the 2022 second quarter, compared to 2021 second quarter reported net income of $422 million. Reported diluted earnings per share (EPS) totaled $2.06 in the quarter, compared to reported diluted EPS of $1.28 in the year-ago quarter.

Adjusted operating income in the 2022 second quarter totaled $857 million, compared to 2021 second quarter adjusted operating income of $406 million.

Second quarter 2022 adjusted net income totaled $593 million, compared to 2021 second quarter adjusted net income of $260 million. Adjusted diluted EPS in the 2022 second quarter totaled $1.80, compared to adjusted diluted EPS of $0.79 in the year-ago quarter. The 2022 second quarter adjusted results excluded $11 million after-tax ($0.03 per share) of gains on investees’ property sales and a $2 million after-tax ($0.01 per share) gain on an asset disposition. The 2021 second quarter adjusted results excluded special tax items of $98 million ($0.30 per share).

Adjusted results also excluded cost reimbursement revenue, reimbursed expenses and restructuring, merger-related charges, and other expenses. See pages A-3 and A-12 for the calculation of adjusted results and the manner in which the adjusted measures are determined in this press release.

Base management and franchise fees totaled $938 million in the 2022 second quarter, compared to base management and franchise fees of $587 million in the year-ago quarter. The year-over-year increase in these fees is primarily attributable to RevPAR increases due to the ongoing recovery in lodging demand, as well as unit growth. Other non-RevPAR related franchise fees in the 2022 second quarter totaled $204 million, compared to $160 million in the year-ago quarter, aided by $40 million of higher credit card branding fees.

Incentive management fees totaled $135 million in the 2022 second quarter, compared to $55 million in the 2021 second quarter. More than one half of the incentive management fees recognized in the quarter were earned at hotels in the U.S. & Canada.

Owned, leased, and other revenue, net of direct expenses, totaled $83 million in the 2022 second quarter, compared to $19 million in the year-ago quarter. The $64 million increase in revenue net of expenses year over year largely reflects the ongoing recovery in lodging demand.

General, administrative, and other expenses for the 2022 second quarter totaled $231 million, compared to $187 million in the year-ago quarter. The year-over-year increase primarily reflects higher incentive compensation.

Interest expense, net, totaled $89 million in the second quarter compared to $102 million in the year-ago quarter. The decrease is largely due to lower interest expense associated with lower debt balances.

Equity in earnings/losses for the second quarter totaled $15 million of earnings, compared to an $8 million loss in the year-ago quarter. The improvement largely reflects $13 million of gains on joint ventures’ sales of hotels and improved results at joint venture properties due to the ongoing recovery in lodging demand.

Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) totaled $1,019 million in the 2022 second quarter, compared to second quarter 2021 adjusted EBITDA of $558 million. See page A-12 for the adjusted EBITDA calculation.

Selected Performance Information
The company added 97 properties (16,917 rooms) to its worldwide lodging portfolio during the 2022 second quarter, including nearly 4,400 rooms converted from competitor brands and approximately 9,200 rooms in international markets. Twenty-five properties (3,661 rooms) exited the system during the quarter. At quarter end, Marriott’s global lodging system totaled more than 8,100 properties, with over 1,500,000 rooms.

At quarter end, the company’s worldwide development pipeline totaled 2,942 properties with more than 495,000 rooms, including 1,014 properties with approximately 203,300 rooms, or 41 percent of the pipeline, under construction and 197 properties with roughly 27,400 rooms approved for development, but not yet subject to signed contracts.

In the 2022 second quarter, worldwide RevPAR increased 70.6 percent (a 69.1 percent increase using actual dollars) compared to the 2021 second quarter. RevPAR in the U.S. & Canada increased 66.1 percent (a 66.0 percent increase using actual dollars), and RevPAR in international markets increased 87.8 percent (an 80.4 percent increase using actual dollars).

Balance Sheet
At quarter end, Marriott’s net debt was $8.3 billion, representing total debt of $8.8 billion less cash and cash equivalents of $0.5 billion. At year-end 2021, the company’s net debt was $8.7 billion, representing total debt of $10.1 billion less cash and cash equivalents of $1.4 billion.

Marriott Common Stock
The company repurchased 1.9 million shares of common stock in the 2022 second quarter for $300 million at an average price of $157.38 per share. Year-to-date through July 29, the company has repurchased 2.9 million shares for $448 million at an average price of $152.99 per share.

2022 Outlook

2022 Q2 Outlook

Table footnotes
[1]The increase in expected deletions compared to the company’s prior expectation is due to the company’s suspension of its operations in Russia.

[2] The change in expected expense compared to the company’s prior expectation primarily reflects an increase in incentive compensation.

[3] See pages A-13 & A-14 for the adjusted EBITDA calculation.

[4] Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EPS – diluted for third quarter and full year 2022 do not include cost reimbursement revenue, reimbursed expenses, or restructuring, merger-related charges, and other expenses, which the company cannot accurately forecast, and which may be significant, and do not reflect any asset sales that may occur during the remainder of the year. Adjusted EPS – diluted for full year 2022 excludes impairments, gains on investees’ property sales, and gains on asset dispositions reported in the first half of 2022. See page A-3 for the Adjusted EPS – diluted calculation for the first half of 2022.

[5] Assumes the level of capital return to shareholders noted above.

[6] Investment spending includes capital and technology expenditures, loan advances, contract acquisition costs, and other investing activities. The decline in expected investment spending compared to the company’s prior expectation reflects lower maintenance capital spending.

[7] Assumes the level of investment spending noted above and no asset sales that may occur during the remainder of the year.

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) will conduct its quarterly earnings review for the investment community and news media on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). The conference call will be webcast simultaneously via Marriott’s investor relations website at http://www.marriott.com/investor, click on “Events & Presentations” and click on the quarterly conference call link. A replay will be available at that same website until August 2, 2023.

The telephone dial-in number for the conference call is US Toll Free: 800-891-3968, or Global: +1 785-424-1675. The conference ID is MAR2Q22. A telephone replay of the conference call will be available from 1:00 p.m. ET, Tuesday, August 2, 2022, until 8:00 p.m. ET, Tuesday, August 9, 2022. To access the replay, call US Toll Free: 800-753-8831 or Global: +1 402-220-0687.

[1] All occupancy, Average Daily Rate (ADR) and RevPAR statistics and estimates are systemwide constant dollar and include hotels that have been temporarily closed due to COVID-19. Unless otherwise stated, all changes refer to year-over-year changes for the comparable period. Occupancy, ADR and RevPAR comparisons between 2022 and 2021 reflect properties that are comparable in both years. Occupancy, ADR and RevPAR comparisons between 2022 and 2019 reflect properties that are defined as comparable as of June 30, 2022, even if they were not open and operating for the full year 2019 or they did not meet all the other criteria for comparable in 2019. Unless otherwise stated, all comparison to pre-pandemic or 2019 are comparing to the same time period each year.

Note on forward-looking statements
All statements in this press release and the accompanying schedules are made as of August 2, 2022. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release and the accompanying schedules contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities laws, including statements related to the possible effects on our business of the COVID-19 pandemic (COVID-19); our RevPAR, rooms growth and other financial metric estimates, outlook and assumptions; travel and lodging demand trends and expectations; occupancy, ADR and RevPAR recovery trends and expectations; future performance of the company’s hotels; our development pipeline, signings, rooms growth, deletions and conversions; our investment spending and capital return expectations; and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous evolving risks and uncertainties that we may not be able to accurately predict or assess, including the risk factors that we identify in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations we express or imply in this press release.

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 8,100 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly-awarded travel program. Connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

Marriott encourages investors, the media, and others interested in the company to review and subscribe to the information Marriott posts on its investor relations website at www.marriott.com/investor or Marriott News Center, which may be material. The contents of these websites are not incorporated by reference into this press release or any report or document Marriott files with the SEC, and any references to the websites are intended to be inactive textual references only.

Media Contacts
Melissa Froehlich Flood
Corporate Relations
(301) 380-4839
newsroom@marriott.com

Jackie Burka McConagha
Investor Relations
(301) 380-5126
jackie.mcconagha@marriott.com

Betsy Dahm
Investor Relations
(301) 380-3372
betsy.dahm@marriott.com

IRPR#1

Download MAR Q2 2022 Press Release Schedules or visit www.marriott.com/investor.

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

BACK ON THE BHUTAN TRAIL: G Adventures to lead first trek

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Following two years of extensive restoration and a delayed launch due to COVID 19, the Kingdom of Bhutan is set reopen its historic and sacred Trans Bhutan Trail in September, marking the first time in 60 years that the famed, and formerly important, route will be open to travellers.

The trail will be officially reopened in a formal ceremony in Bhutan on Sept. 28, and as its exclusive launch partner, G Adventures will be the first group adventure operator to conduct a tour on the Trail when its inaugural, sold-out, departure leaves on Oct. 2.

Yves Marceau, vice president of product at G Adventures, says the operator is excited to be heading back to Bhutan (and Australia and New Zealand at the same time), which are some of the last to reopen to foreign travellers – and to be bringing tourism dollars back into local communities, specifically in Bhutan.

“We’re honoured to be working with the Bhutan Canada Foundation and the Trans Bhutan Trail to launch this newly restored route in magical Bhutan, and we’re thrilled with how popular the new trips have been, even with the delay in reopening.

“It’s a country we’ve run tours in for more than a decade and have long admired for its commitment to the happiness of its people and sustainable way of life…”

Sam Blyth, chair of the Bhutan Canada Foundation, and lead donor for the Trans Bhutan Trail, says G Adventures was an obvious partner to help relaunch the trail given the company’s long history and success running small group tours and giving back to destinations through its commitment to community tourism.

Monastery in the Paro Valley

“As well as providing income opportunities for local people – especially youth – in rural communities, the restoration of the trail is a community-based project designed to preserve an ancient cultural icon and provide a sustainable experience for travellers. Economic benefit will flow directly into the local communities as a result of community tourism, whether via homestays, the purchase of supplies locally for multi-day trips or the employment of local guides,” he says.

Marceau says G will offer two new active trekking itineraries – the 11-day “Camp the Trans Bhutan Trail” and 12-day “Highlights of the Trans Bhutan Trail” – that cover highlights of the trail as hikers traverse forests and meadows and travel through rural settlements around the Dzongs. Travellers can expect an average of three to four hours of hiking each day and local meals each night, whether they are camping or staying in homestays, hotels, or local guest houses.

The two tours focus on trekking specially selected parts of the 403-km trail and connecting with local people to learn about Bhutanese life and culture, thus combining active travel and cultural immersion with the benefits of community tourism.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ROUND-UP: July 25-29, 2022

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Last week, Transat AT secured additional federal funding; JetBlue reached a deal to buy Spirit Airlines; some WestJet workers signed a ‘historic’ contract; and Switzerland Tourism named its new director for Canada.

NEWS

Transat A.T. Inc. reached an agreement with Canada Enterprise Emergency Funding Corporation, a federal Crown corporation, to obtain $100 million in additional liquidity. The company also reached an agreement with its lenders to defer its April 2023 maturities to April 2024, as well as to defer from October 2022 to October 2023 – the date by which the Corporation must meet certain financial covenants. This liquidity is in addition to initial financing secured on April 29, 2021.

Newly unionized WestJet workers in Calgary and Vancouver ratified a “historic” first contract that gives members at least a 13% wage increase, their first increase in five years.

Travellers arriving at Toronto Pearson International Airport or Vancouver International Airport, and later this month at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, can save time by using the Advance CBSA Declaration optional feature in ArriveCAN to submit their customs and immigration declaration in advance of arrival. This feature will also be expanded to other international airports in the coming months.

Based on the philosophy that “seeing the world and saving the world are not mutually exclusive,” the US Travel Association announced the launch of its new Sustainable Travel Coalition, which aims to align the travel, transportation, and technology sectors in developing and advancing strategies to enable a more sustainable future for the travel industry south of the border.

BY THE NUMBERS

As of July 18-21, CATSA says collectively 81% of passengers were screened within 15 minutes at Canada’s airports, even as passenger volumes continued to increase. Individually, YYZ was 82%, YVR 81%, and YYC 81% – all improvements on the week before. Only Montreal declined during the same period, from 78% to 68%. CATSA says less than 2% across all airports waited more than 45 minutes to be security screened for the week of July 11-17.

ACTA

ACTA has launched a new Trip and Luggage Compensation on its website that travel agents can use to understand compensation and reimbursement rules for domestic and international air travel as well as to help guide their customers through what resources are available in the event of flight delays, cancellations, baggage delays, loss, and damage. Users can input the origin and destination of the impacted flight and the tool will display potential compensation and reimbursement rules applicable to that trip. However, ACTA notes the tool is not a substitution for legal advice, and users should seek counsel from a lawyer as needed.

AIR

JetBlue Airways has agreed to buy Spirit Airlines for $3.8 billion and create the fifth-largest airline if the US if the deal can win approval from antitrust regulators.The agreement capped a months-long bidding war and arrived one day after Spirit’s attempt to merge with fellow budget carrier Frontier Airlines fell apart.

Aeroplan has extended its pause on expiry of points until May 31, 2023 – meaning that between now and May 30, 2023, any Aeroplan points which would have expired will not. Effective May 31, 2023, the normal expiration policy will once again apply, meaning points will expire if an eligible transaction has not been completed within the 18 months prior to this date.

Canada Jetlines has announced its first flight out of Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM), scheduled for Aug. 15, as one of the carrier’s first routes.

DEALS

Quark Expeditions has its Summer 2022 Promotion – a 25% discount on select Arctic and Antarctic voyages, valid through Sept. 30.

TOURS

In a bid to introduce “the unique wonders of Istanbul to the world,” Turkish Airlines is once again providing its Touristanbul program, which offers international stopover passengers the opportunity to discover Istanbul with a complimentary city tour. Through the program – available to guests with a connecting time of between six and 24 hours in Istanbul Airport – passengers will have the opportunity to discover such sites as Sultanahmet Mosque, Ayasofya Mosque, and Topkapı Palace, between their connecting flights. Passengers are picked up from Istanbul Airport by a Touristanbul vehicle, embark on a tour of Istanbul accompanied by a guide, and are transferred back to the airport for the next leg of their flight.

From Oct. 14, and continuing for a month, the Jordan Trail’s new “Thru-Hikes” will allow intrepid travellers to discover the middle eastern country on guided hiking experiences that include licensed guides, transportation, meals, accommodations and more. Travellers can enjoy any section of the hike for as little or as much as they want to – and meet Jordanians as they meander through up to 72 villages. The Jordan Trail Association is a not-for-profit organization and hikers’ contributions help fund the development of the Trail and its communities. Check out Jordantrail.org for details.

HOTELS
The Adlon Experience Anniversary Package, offered all year, celebrates the famed Berlin hotel’s 25th anniversary (actual date Aug. 23). It includes an overnight stay in a luxurious double room or suite at the Kempinski property, where a bottle of Ruinart Anniversary Champagne; a chocolate model of the Brandenburg; and a surprize gift greet guests on arrival. In the evening, a seasonal three-course menu accompanied by Robert Weil´s anniversary wine is served in the Quarré restaurant. The following morning, the acclaimed gourmet breakfast buffet is served in the gallery of the Bel Etage, and in the adjoining salons. The package starts at 630 euros p.p.

RESORTS

In a move aimed at improving the guest experience throughout the entire customer journey, Blue Diamond Resorts has unveiled a series of detailed videos that showcase the resorts through top-notch first-person view camera technology allowing the traveller to explore and assist them in making booking decisions. A series of over 40 videos – one per week over the coming months – will be published on Blue Diamond Resorts’ official channels under the name Above & Beyond.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with more than 8,900 hotels in over 95 countries, and Palladium Hotel Group, one of the largest Spanish hotel companies, have announced commercial alliance that will add more than 6,500 rooms to the Wyndham’s Registry Collection. As part of the agreement, Palladium Hotel Group’s two all-inclusive luxury brands – Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts (family all-inclusives) and TRS Hotels (adult-only all-inclusives) – will join the Registry Collection brand.

CRUISE

Starting Aug. 4, Carnival Cruise Line fully vaccinated passengers booked on cruise itineraries of five nights or less will not be subject to pre-cruise testing for COVID-19. Those cruising for six nights or longer can test three days before departure. And there will be no in-terminal testing for unvaccinated guests on day of departure, but all unvaccinated guests ages two and older must provide proof of a negative result of a lab-administered or supervised self-administered antigen COVID test taken within three days before embarkation.

Bookings are open for Disney Cruise Line 2023 fall excursions featuring Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime cruises, and the fleet’s first-ever departures from Fort Lauderdale. Cruises aboard DCL’s vessels Dream, Magic, Wish and Fantasy, will depart from Florida, California, and New York to the Caribbean, Mexico, and Bermuda, plus a special stop in Canada.

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS

For the first time, The Weeknd (that’s not a typo) is joining forces with Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights to inspire all-new, haunted houses for Halloween Horror Nights based on Canadian artist’s record-breaking “After Hours” album. Beginning Sept. 2 at Universal Orlando Resort and on Sept. 8 at Universal Studios Hollywood, guests will spiral into the “twisted mind of the mysterious artist” to experience “The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare.”

PEOPLE

Switzerland Tourism (ST) will welcome a new director for Canada, effective Nov. 1. Oliver Weibel takes the reigns from current Canadian director Pascal Prinz, who will assume a new role as Director, Global Accounts at ST based out of Zurich. No stranger to tourism marketing, Weibel has worked at the national tourism board’s headquarters since 2017 as marketing manager, accommodations & hospitality.

FAMS & INCENTIVES

lemur

Nov. 5-17, 2022: NĀRAT is inviting travel counsellors on an exclusive 12-day eco-education FAM to Madagascar, highlighting the destination’s incredible wildlife diversity, including famed lemurs (photo) and ecological treasures. Participants will also visit capital Antananarivo and other heritage towns and experience unique wildlife encounters and cultural activities. Cost is US$2,750 p.p. plus flight taxes (US$650) and includes airfare from Toronto and in Africa, accommodation (in deluxe hotels and game lodges), guided safari drives and wildlife walks, meals, entrances fees to conservation areas, and presentation on selling Madagascar. Agents can also add on a seven-day extension to South Africa. FAM spots are limited, and one companion may be allowed subject to availability. Connecting flights are available on request. To apply, e-mail fams@narat.org

EVENTS

Tahiti Tourisme North America will be hosting the Hybrid Tahiti Specialist Conference Sept. 13-15, in Los Angeles and virtually on its online platform. The inaugural Tahiti Specialist Conference (TSC) was held in person in September 2019. This year’s new hybrid format provides options for both in-person or virtual attendance. Anticipated topics include post-pandemic marketing and selling, targeting to Millennial and Gen Z clients, small business SEO, and more. Info and registration through the specialist program.

DESTINATIONS

Meandering mostly through green parks, meadows, and pastures with more than 100 castles and palaces along the way, Germany’s 100 Castles and Palaces bike route is arguably the country’s most impressive. Four interconnecting loops, which are predominantly flat and each cover between 210 and 310 kilometres, wind their way through the Münsterland region.

A highly anticipated new park destination, Presidio Tunnel Tops, opened in July 17 in San Francisco. The culmination of a 20-year transformation of the Presidio’s waterfront adds 5.7 hectares to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It is built on top of highway tunnels connecting San Francisco and offers scenic overlooks with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the bay and city; paths and gardens; a welcome plaza with food and visitor services; a campfire circle and picnic grounds; and the “Outpost” nature playscape and Field Station.

LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY

In 1943, Trans-Canada Air Lines, the forerunner of Air Canada, inaugurated transatlantic service.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO Sets Shared Goals and Opportunities for Tourism in Paraguay

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UNWTO Sets Shared Goals and Opportunities for Tourism in Paraguay - TRAVELINDEXAsunción, Paraguay, August 1, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The President of Paraguay Mario Abdo Benitez, welcomed this week UNWTO’s support as the county works to make tourism a central pillar of economic growth and social opportunity.

Leading an official UNWTO delegation to Paraguay, Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili met with President Abdo Benitez to discuss the biggest challenges and opportunities for tourism in Paraguay and identify ways of working together to grow and the sector in both size and relevance. Paraguay currently serves as Chair of the UNWTO Regional Commission for the Americas and is a member of its Executive Council. Such an active role in the mission of UNWTO underscores the government’s commitment to establishing the country as one of the region’s top tourist destinations and the sector as a driver of sustainable development.

The task of the National Government is to promote Paraguay as a destination

Making tourism a priority for Paraguay

Secretary-General Pololikashvili noted that Paraguay is already “on the world map as a destination”, and that, working together, UNWTO and the government can “make this beautiful country better known and make tourism a priority for creating jobs and opportunities for economic growth”.

Opening a special session on Renewable Energy and Sustainable Tourism, held against the backdrop of the UNWTO visit, President Mario Abdo Benítez, said: “The task of the National Government is to promote Paraguay as a destination as part of our strategy to generate income, strengthen our culture and give opportunity to a large number of young people who, as the UNWTO Secretary General said, have the potential to be tourism’s greatest strength.”

Alongside meeting with the President, the UNWTO delegation also met with Minister of Tourism for Paraguay Sofía Montiel de Afara, with the National Tourism Advisory Council of Paraguay, as well as with representatives from the World Bank and from across the private sector. The presence of high-level representatives from the Ministries of the Interior, of Industry and Commerce and of Education and Sciences, underlined the cross-cutting importance of tourism for Paraguay and for the wider region. The Minister of Tourism stated her desire to build on her Ministry’s existing work with UNWTO and develop a new series of capacity-building initiatives to guide tourism in sector out of the pandemic and towards a more resilient future.

Youth empowerment and rural development

Reflecting one of UNWTO’s core priorities, as illustrated by the recent inaugural Global Youth Tourism Summit, Secretary-General Pololikashvili also met with young tourism leaders and advocates from every part of Paraguay to hear their thoughts on the future of the sector and to ensure that they are part of the decision-making process. The UNWTO delegation also visited the historic community of San Cosme y San Damián, named one of UNWTO’s Best Tourism Villages in 2021 in recognition of its significance preserving the country’s unique cultural heritage and as a provider of rural development.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ZeroAvia to Develop Zero-Emission Flights for The Red Sea Development Company

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ZeroAvia to Develop Zero-Emission Flights for The Red Sea Development Company - TRAVELINDEX - NETZERO.taxHollister, CA, United States, July 30, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / ZeroAvia will explore converting Cessna Caravan Seaplanes using its hydrogen-electric propulsion technology, already flight tested in six-seat PAX airframe and with 19-seat testbed flight at Farnborough International Airshow, July 21, 2022: ZeroAvia, the leader in developing zero-emission solutions for commercial aviation, today announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to partner with The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) to test and develop zero-emission travel across a new luxury tourism destination with a focus on environmental sustainability and regeneration.

TRSDC plans to operate a fleet of around 30 seaplane variants of the Cessna Caravan to transport guests across the destination. ZeroAvia has been commissioned to explore retrofitting the planes with its powertrain technology and test its viability for offering clean, commercial travel.

Under the deal, TRSDC and ZeroAvia will work together to develop the technology, including collaborating on a roadmap for delivering the production, supply and infrastructure necessary to support hydrogen-powered air travel in Saudi Arabia.

The partnership is part of TRSDC’s ambition to offer fully sustainable connectivity across its destination, including zero-emission flights.

John Pagano, CEO of TRSDC, said:

“In order to achieve our ambitions, we’ve had to become much more than a real estate developer. We are an incubator of ideas, leveraging the most innovative concepts and technologies to help us deliver a new archetype for tourism, which pushes beyond sustainability to deliver regeneration for people and planet. Clean, green transport is fundamental to realizing that aim, which is why we’re working with forward-thinking partners such as ZeroAvia, to bring about a new way of travelling.”

James Peck, VP Business Development at ZeroAvia, said:

“TRSDC recognizes the potential of zero-emission propulsion in ensuring that travel across the resort plays its part in the overall sustainability ambitions of the project. Trialing ZeroAvia’s 600kW hydrogen-electric powertrains for the Caravan means tourists could be taking these zero-emission flights to the destination by the middle of this decade.”

ZeroAvia has identified hydrogen-electric powertrains—where fuel cells use hydrogen in a chemical reaction to generate electricity which powers electric motors—as the most practical, economical, and furthest reaching solution for reducing aviation’s climate change and clean air impacts. The development of the 600kW powertrain is part of Project HyFlyer II, supported in part by an Aerospace Technology Institute grant from the UK Government.

Andreas Flourou, Executive Director, Operations – Mobility at TRSDC, said:

“As we gear up to welcome our first guests early next year, the topic of smart and sustainable mobility is a hot one. We are actively engaging with industry-leading partners to help us identify and deliver the solutions we need spanning land, sea and air transportation. ZeroAvia is a leader in supplying zero-emission aircraft and we’re excited to bring them on board as a valuable partner as we seek to create the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism destination.”

TRSDC was established to drive the development of The Red Sea Project, a luxury, regenerative tourism destination that will set new standards in sustainable development and position Saudi Arabia on the global tourism map. The company mandate has recently evolved, and the portfolio of projects being developed by the organization is expanding, most recently with the acquisition of AMAALA, further north on the Red Sea coast.

ZeroAvia is developing hydrogen-electric propulsion solutions as the most practical, economical, and furthest reaching solution for reducing aviation’s climate change and clean air impacts. This starts with a 600kW system, targeting certification to support commercial operations of 9–19 seat aircraft, including the Cessna Caravan, flying 300 nautical miles as early as 2024. The company is concurrently working on a powertrain for 40–80 seat aircraft with up to 1,000 nm range for market entry in 2026.

About ZeroAvia
ZeroAvia is a leader in zero-emission aviation, focused on hydrogen-electric aviation solutions to address a variety of markets, initially targeting a 300-mile range in 10–20 seat aircraft by 2024, and up to 1000-mile range in 40–80 seat aircraft by 2026. Based in the UK and USA, ZeroAvia has already secured experimental certificates for its two-prototype aircraft from the CAA and FAA, passed significant flight test milestones, secured a number of key partnerships with major aircraft OEMs and major global airlines, and is on track for commercial operations in 2024. The company’s expanding UK operations are supported by grants from UK’s Aerospace Technology Institute and Innovate UK, and ZeroAvia is part of the UK Government’s Jet Zero Council.

About TRSDC
The Red Sea Development Company is a closed joint-stock company wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia. TRSDC was established to drive the development of The Red Sea Project, a luxury, regenerative tourism destination that will set new standards in sustainable development and position Saudi Arabia on the global tourism map.

The project is being developed over 28,000 km2 of pristine lands and waters along Saudi Arabia’s west coast and includes a vast archipelago of more than 90 pristine islands. The destination also features sweeping desert dunes, mountain canyons, dormant volcanoes, and ancient cultural and heritage sites. It is designed to include hotels, residential properties, leisure, commercial and entertainment amenities, as well as supporting infrastructure that emphasizes renewable energy and water conservation and re-use, as well as a circular waste management system to achieve zero waste to landfill.

Activity for the first phase of development is well underway and is on track to be completed by the end of 2023. The project has surpassed significant milestones, with over 1,000 contracts signed to date, worth in excess SAR 25 bn ($6.7 bn).

The 100-hectare Landscape Nursery, which will provide more than 25 million plants for The Red Sea Project and AMAALA, is now fully operational. There are more than 20,000 workers currently on-site and 90km of new roads are now complete. The Construction Village and the Waste Management Centre are both fully operational and development is progressing well at the Coastal Village, which will be home to around 14,000 people who will eventually work at the destination.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Luxury Hotel Mandarin Oriental Palace Luzern to Open in September

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Luxury Hotel Mandarin Oriental Palace to Open in September - TOP25HOTELS.com - TRAVELINDEXLuzern, Switzerland, July 29, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Be amongst the first to experience the spectacular restoration of this iconic historic palace with enticing opening offers. Following a meticulous renovation, Lucerne’s iconic Belle Époque landmark will re-open as Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern on 24 September 2022. Enjoying a commanding location on the shores of Lake Lucerne, a stone’s throw from the old town and with spectacular views over the Swiss Alps, the hotel will set a new benchmark for contemporary elegance, legendary service and the finest Swiss hospitality.

• Discover Switzerland and the World’s Best Luxury Hotels at TOP25Hotels.com

Local architects Iwan Bühler Architekten and London-based interior designers Jestico + Whiles were the creative talents responsible for the elaborate renovation. They have delivered a contemporary design, inspired by the legendary beauty of the surrounding Swiss landscapes, while preserving the rich history and heritage of this landmark Belle Époque building. The overall stunning result is also a tribute to the Swiss entrepreneur Franz Josef Bucher who realized his dream of a Mediterranean retreat when he originally built the house in 1906.

Rooms and Suites

The hotel features 136 elegant and spacious guestrooms including 48 of the city`s largest suites. Inspired by the beauty of the surrounding Swiss landscape combined with the colour palette of the Mediterranean, the designers have succeeded in creating a unique fusion of the hotel’s original grandeur, contemporary elegance and the quality and attention to detail for which Switzerland is renowned.

Highlights include two Panoramic Rooftop Terrace Suites with magnificent 360-degree lake and mountain views, as well as the luxurious Presidential Suite which offers 133 sqm of captivating lifestyle experiences. Most of the guestrooms have private balconies or terraces and all are equipped with amenities by Diptyque, Dyson hair products as well as Bose sound systems.

Restaurants & Bars

The hotel will become an epicurean destination within the city, offering four restaurants and bars under the patronage of Michelin star experienced Executive Chef Gilad Peled, which will impress with their variety and quality. MOzern Bar & Brasserie is an ideal all-day-dining meeting point for locals and international visitors, offering Asian cuisine, all-time classics, afternoon tea and exciting cocktails. Overlooking Lake Lucerne, Quai 10 awaits visitors with al fresco dining and outstanding Mediterranean cuisine. Inspired by the beauty of the natural surroundings and focusing on local seasonal highlights, Colonnade offers modern French Haute cuisine. Finally, Mizūmi will feature exclusive and refined Japanese craftsmanship, set in an intimate six-seat dining environment. Both Colonnade and Mizūmi will open in the first quarter of 2023.

Wellness & Spa

SPA Bellefontaine creates a serene and rejuvenating sanctuary with unrivalled face and body treatments provided by this renowned beauty brand. An expansive wellness area offers sauna, steam bath, experiential showers and a relaxation room. In addition, a state of the art Fitness Salon with high-end equipment by Life Fitness is available 24 hours for hotel guests.

Events & Celebrations

With its stunning lakeside location, Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern is the ideal venue for meetings, private celebrations and unforgettable social events. Each of the four newly renovated venues is flooded with natural light and provides the latest technology.

Of note is the Salon Alpine, a hidden historical gem with original Belle Époque décor dating back to 1906 and the Edelweiss Ballroom which offers unparalleled lake and garden views.

“Nearly three years after announcing Mandarin Oriental’s arrival in Lucerne, we are getting ready to welcome our first guests to this historic, local monument that has now been transformed,” said General Manager Christian Wildhaber. “The Palace has been deeply rooted in the local community since 1906 and we look forward to welcoming the local community back to their home on the lake. My team and I are looking forward to delighting locals and visitors from all over the world with Mandarin Oriental’s renowned service.”

Opening Offers

To celebrate the opening, the hotel is offering two bespoke welcome packages for guests to enjoy, Be the First To Stay and The Ultimate Suite Experience, starting at CHF 700 per night.

Both offers include guaranteed lake vistas from elegantly renovated rooms or the city`s largest suites as well as a rich daily breakfast for two and a CHF 100 (CHF 150 for suites) dining credit. Both provide complimentary access to the nearby “Museum Sammlung Rosengart”, known for impressive works by a variety of European artists including Pablo Picasso and Paul Klee. Suite guests additionally benefit from a Champagne welcome, complimentary valet parking and a momento to take home, reflecting the beauty of Lucerne and the historic hotel. Offers are bookable from now and are subject to availability.

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Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences. Having grown from its Asian roots into a global brand, the Group now operates 36 hotels and seven residences in 24 countries and territories, with each property reflecting the Group’s oriental heritage and unique sense of place. Mandarin Oriental has a strong pipeline of hotels and residences under development and is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.

Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern
Ideally located on the shores of Lake Lucerne, with breathtaking views over the Swiss Alps, Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern provides contemporary elegance, legendary service and the finest Swiss hospitality in the city’s beautifully restored Belle Époque landmark. The building, which dates back to 1906, presents 136 elegant and contemporary rooms and suites, most of which have private balconies or terraces. Set to become an epicurean destination, the hotel will feature a wide range of culinary offerings from MOzern Brasserie & Bar for all-day dining, afternoon tea and innovative cocktails; al-fresco dining on the lake terrace at Quai 10; contemporary French haute cuisine at Colonnade and traditional Japanese omakase style dining at the six-seat Mizūmi (Colonnade and Mizūmi will open in Q1 2023). An expansive wellness and fitness area provide well-being opportunities for guests, while SPA Bellefontaine creates a serene and rejuvenating sanctuary with unrivalled treatments. Private and professional events will benefit from the creative settings of four unique rooms, including Salon Alpine with original décor elements from the hotel’s historic past.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Radisson Hotel Group to Expand Exponentially in APAC

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Radisson Hotel Group to Expand Exponentially its APAC Footprint - TRAVELINDEXShanghai, China, July 28, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / APAC Expansion Plan will see RHG target multi-brand expansion from over 400 properties across the region, to over 2,000 hotels and resorts by 2025. Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) has announced its APAC Expansion Plan – a major initiative that will unleash the power of its diverse brands and partnerships to drive 400% growth across the Asia Pacific region by 2025.

The APAC Expansion Plan will enable Radisson Hotel Group to increase its regional footprint in Asia Pacific. By 2025, it will add 1,700 hotels and resorts to its current portfolio of over 400 properties. It will aim to achieve this through a combination of organic growth, mergers and acquisitions, master license agreements, and leases in key locations.

Focused on five strategic growth markets, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, and New Zealand, the plan builds on existing initiatives to harness the vast potential of China with Jin Jiang and its subsidiaries, both as a destination and an important source of outbound business. In India, Radisson Hotel Group is one of the most recognized and respected hospitality companies, with a portfolio of 100+ properties in operation across more than 60 locations nationwide. To further propel its holding in the Indian market, the Group will leverage its deep existing relationships and seek new strategic partnerships to strengthen its status as the hotel provider of choice in the country.

In Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Australasia, the establishment of new dedicated Business Units in Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, and Sydney will see the Group build local development and operations teams that offer local language and expert support capabilities in core markets, strengthening Radisson Hotel Group’s commitment to the Expansion Plan.

As a result of bolstering its on-the-ground presence in these markets, owners will have access to an expanded collection of brands. The Group has a portfolio of nine distinct brands, and a recently announced brand extension, Radisson Individuals Retreats for the Indian market.

In select markets across Asia Pacific, the Group has rights to develop and manage the 7 Days and Metropolo brands, through individual master license agreements with affiliates of Jin Jiang. Targeting its upscale and mid-scale growth segments, in Australasia and select markets in Southeast Asia the Group has also retained exclusive license rights to develop and manage the Golden Tulip brand from Louvre Hotels Group and additional (non-exclusive) rights to the Kyriad and Campanile brands. India, Indonesia and Korea remain under the direct management of Louvre Hotels Group.

With new or revitalized brands in the portfolio ranging from economy to luxury, Radisson Hotel Group will now be able to customize its development strategy to partner with owners and investors in every market segment and location.

On the APAC Expansion Plan, Katerina Giannouka, President, Asia Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group commented, “Our plans for the APAC region represent one of the most important milestones in our company’s history. Focusing on Asia Pacific’s most dynamic destinations and introducing multiple new brand options will present outstanding opportunities for expansion. Asia is home to many of the world’s largest populations and fastest-growing economies; as the world reopens, travelers from across Asia will play a pivotal role in the global recovery. We look forward to working with our parent company, Jin Jiang International, and all of our partners around the region as we usher in an exciting new era of hospitality.”

The APAC Expansion Plan represents the latest phase of Radisson Hotel Group’s five-year transformation strategy. The company has already undertaken significant investments and rolled out new brand architecture, state-of-the-art IT systems and more personalized guest experiences, as it strives to become one of the top three hotel companies to owners, guests, and talent.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Dart Acquires Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla

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Dart Acquires Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla - TRAVELINDEXBarnes Bay, Anguilla, July 27, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Dart today announced the addition of the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla to its luxury hotel portfolio. Dart acquired the property from an affiliate of Starwood Capital Group. Located on 35 elevated acres spanning the beaches of Meads Bay and Barnes Bay, the resort is known for its sea views at every turn and 181 generously sized and diverse accommodations from clifftop guest rooms to expansive oceanfront villas.

“Dart has a longstanding conviction in the strength of the Four Seasons brand, its ability to create enduring value throughout its luxury hotels and resorts and focus on its people and the delivery of exceptional guest experiences,” said Mark VanDevelde, Dart’s Chief Executive. “We look forward to collaborating with Four Seasons and the exceptional management and staff of this resort to continue to enhance the world class experiences of guests and residence owners and, alongside the government of Anguilla, contribute to the prosperity of the Anguillan community.”

Dart’s growing hospitality portfolio centres on five-star resorts including The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman and Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa in Grand Cayman as well as the Conrad Orlando at Evermore, an 1,100-acre resort community developed by U.S.-based Dart Interests and opening in 2023.

“Anguilla is a strongly positioned destination poised for continued success, and the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla has proven itself as a brand and market leader in performance and guest experience,” said Jackie Doak, Director within Dart. “The global hospitality industry has been through challenging times recently; however, as a result of the hard work and dedication of the Four Seasons management and staff, they have established the resort as a perennial favourite among luxury travellers to the Caribbean.”

Executives from Dart, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Starwood Capital Group celebrated the transaction with honoured guests from the government of Anguilla at a reception held in one of the resort’s beachfront villas.

“On behalf of the people of Anguilla, we extend a warm welcome to Dart and its investment in our luxury tourism market,” said the Honourable Premier Ellis Webster. “Attracting an innovative investor such as Dart is a testament to confidence in Anguilla’s economy and the extraordinary product created by Four Seasons, Starwood Capital Group and the Anguillan staff responsible for the stellar experiences that keep guests returning to our island year after year.”

The Honourable Minister of Tourism, Mr. Haydn Hughes shared in the welcoming of Dart by noting, “We are excited about this revolutionary step to realising a reimagined Anguilla and its overall tourism product. We have seen much positive contributions to our positioning by Starwood Capital Group and the Four Seasons brand that will only take on greater heights with our relationship with Dart. It’s a new and great day for Anguilla and all who love our island home.”

About Dart
Dart is a privately held global investment and development organisation. Dart’s real estate interests encompass hospitality, commercial office, retail, entertainment and infrastructure. Properties in the Cayman Islands include the 685-acre town of Camana Bay, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Resort and Residences, The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, The Residences at Seafire, the North Sound Golf Club and the Cayman Islands Yacht Club. Over 20 years ago the company’s first investment in the Cayman Islands was a 26-acre nursery that cultivates native plants and trees for its properties, signifying Dart’s belief that landscape and open spaces are as important to human connectivity as are the built environments. Beyond Cayman, Dart owns and develops properties in 12 U.S. markets including the 1,100 acre Evermore Resort in Orlando. For 25 years Dart has been preserving hundreds of thousands of acres of land for conservation in areas of the Patagonia region in South America, New Zealand, Portugal, British Columbia, Central Florida forest habitats, the Jamaican Blue Mountains and the Cayman Islands. Though its long-term vision, Dart creates a legacy of generational value and opportunities for shared prosperity in communities around the world. For more information visit dart.ky.

About Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla
Encircled by sugar-sand Barnes Bay and Meads Bay beaches with clear turquoise sea, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla is located along the northwestern shore of the island offering 3,200 feet of pristine beachfront and sweeping views of the breaking surf. The 35-acre resort features 181 private accommodations to include expansive villas (up to 6,185 square feet), townhomes, penthouses, residences, suites, and guestrooms. With an average guest room size of 2,200 square feet including private pools, hot tubs, and direct access to the beach, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla continues to be recognized as one of the Caribbean’s premier resorts. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, a full-service spa, fitness center, tennis courts, complimentary water activities, 3 resort pools and more than 100 private pools.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

THE WORLD’S GREATEST PLACES: How does Canada rate?

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TIME magazine has revealed its fourth annual list of the World’s Greatest Places, highlighting 50 extraordinary travel destinations around the globe. Spoiler alert: Two of them are Canadian.

The list, which is detailed in this week’s double edition of the magazine (cover date July 25/Aug. 1) does not rank the destinations, however the cover/cover story honour was given to Dolni Morava, Czech Republic, which boasts the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge, Sky Bridge 721, plus another curiously configured structure (like a twisty roller coaster ride), Sky Walk, on a hill in the Czech countryside, about 200 km east of Prague.

Of the 2022 list, TIME editors write: “As persistent as the challenges of life in 2022 is the hope that understanding and human connection can be found through travel. So, with much of the global population now vaccinated against COVID-19, world travellers are again hitting the road – and the skies. The hospitality industry is reopening and excited to safely welcome them and revitalize local communities.”

To compile this year’s collection of top spots, the magazine solicited nominations of places from its international network of correspondents and contributors, with an eye toward those offering new and exciting experiences.

The result: 50 far-flung and familiar spots, from the Great Barrier Reef, where visitors can see undersea wonders while participating in conservation efforts, to the ultra-high-tech city of Seoul. Many of the destinations are charting a path to economic recovery, such as The Philippines’ Boracay Island, which had been closed for years due to over tourism and then the COVID-19 pandemic

Here are some of the highlights:

Dolni Morava, Czech Republic – “After a few years of grounded travel, take it up a notch by walking the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge, a new sky-high architectural marvel in the Czech Republic. Sky Bridge 721, which opened in May after two years of construction, is a new attraction named for the 721 m. it spans in the foothills of the Jeseniky Mountains. Hanging more than 95 m. above the cloud-shrouded valley and the Mlynsky Stream, it offers panoramic views on a heart-pumping walkway that is less than 4 ft. wide. No climbing or skiing skills are needed to get your mountain high here. Bragging rights will only require a dose of courage to walk across the bridge.”

Miami, Fla. – “Miami is emerging as the US’s capital of cool. The inaugural Miami Grand Prix in May drew a spectacular cross section of VIPs and celebrities to witness Formula One stateside…To soak up the sun, the Underline is a new outdoor park on the city’s Riverfront, opening in phases through 2025. The first section is Brickell Backyard, a half-mile stretch of bike paths and public spaces (think yoga and live music) underneath the Miami Metrorail, which just won Architizer’s A+ Award for Architecture and Urban Transformation.”

Bali, Indonesia

Bali, Indonesia – “Bali is bringing the heat this year with numerous openings, including the kind of big-¬ticket luxury resorts and wellness experiences that make it the ideal escape for those looking to reconnect with nature and themselves. The long-¬anticipated Raffles Bali opened late last year in Jimbaran Bay, where guests enjoy the attention of a “well-being butler,” who does everything from drawing a bath with rose petals to providing aloe for over–sunned skin. Watch the sunset on the spectacular outdoor terrace of the Writers Bar, Bali Sling in hand.”

Rapa Nui, Chile – “The storied island of Rapa Nui finally reopens to tourists after more than two years on Aug. 1. Famous for the iconic massive and mysterious Moai sculptures crafted by its first inhabitants, Rapa Nui, located roughly halfway between Santiago and Tahiti, has been a Chilean territory since 1888… The closure of Rapa Nui to tourism because of COVID-19 affected both its economy and the frequency of food deliveries, so islanders have seized the opportunity to expand traditional and sustainable agricultural practices, especially for taro and guava. Once Rapa Nui reopens, don’t miss idyllic Anakena Beach – where Rapa Nui’s first King landed – and keep your eye out for hawksbill and green turtles… Tourism will restart slowly; some of the first to see Rapa Nui’s sculptures will be passengers aboard Silversea’s Silver Explorer and Silver Whisper, which stop in Rapa Nui in November and December on cruises between Chile and the South Pacific”

Skelleftea, Sweden – “Exciting new offerings have pushed this quaint Swedish city into must-see territory. Though it lies just 125 miles south of the Arctic Circle, Skelleftea emanates undeniable warmth. A parade of timbered buildings line the main promenade, punctuated by the newly opened Wood Hotel – one of the largest structures in the world built entirely of its eponymous material. At the restaurant Bryggargatan, Michelin-caliber Nordic cuisine is plated without pretension. Sometimes the warmth is literal: downtown now boasts heated sidewalks during the frigid Scandinavian winter.”

Calabria, Italy – “Calabria is one of the most overlooked Italian destinations –underdeveloped and unfairly dogged by a louche reputation. (Easy Jet was forced to apologize after a 2020 ad cheekily promoted it as a land of “Mafia activity.”) The province, spanning the toe of the Italian boot, is home to breathtaking beaches, stunning mountain vistas, ancient hilltop villages, and unique, spicy cuisine. Last year a group of enterprising and passionate hiking guides knitted the landscape into a three-day cross-¬country trek, starting in the beach paradise of Soverato on the Ionian coast and ending about 34 miles west, in the 14th century fortress town of Pizzo on the Tyrrhenian Sea.”

San Francisco, Ca. – “San Francisco’s incredible scenery, cultural institutions, and diverse culinary offerings are all making major strides this year. This July, the Presidio of San Francisco, located in Golden Gate national park, debuted Presidio Tunnel Tops, a 5.7-hectare outdoor park expansion built on top of old highway tunnels with unfettered views of the Golden Gate Bridge.”

Seoul, Korea – “Seoul is considered one of the world’s leading ‘smart’ cities, and now is the first city government to integrate with the Metaverse, earmarking $3.3 million of South Korea’s $187 million investment for the development of a virtual communication ecosystem tentatively called Metaverse Seoul….It is also working toward launching a Virtual Tourist Zone, which will allow registered users with VR headsets to view the city’s top attractions, such as the Deoksugung Palace, Gwanghwamun Plaza, and Namdaemun Market.”

Park City, Utah – “The charming ski town rose to fame hosting the annual Sundance Film Festival, a star-studded celebs-in-snow-boots event, but is now growing into a major winter and summer destination on par with Aspen… But it’s not all upscale accommodations, new restaurants, and ski-in ski-out at this beloved winter escape: the city is enticing summer visitors with golfing, hiking, fly-¬fishing, and mountain-biking opportunities set on a mesmerizing backdrop.”

Portland, Oregon – “Portland continues to expand on its commitment to planet earth, with new infrastructure for bikers and walkers. The Earl Blumenauer Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge opens July 31 and will connect the Central Eastside and Lloyd neighborhoods; the new, earthquake-¬resilient Ned Flanders Crossing pedestrian bridge (The Simpsons creator Matt Groening was raised in Portland) connects the Northwest and Pearl districts; and Tilikum Crossing carries trains, buses, streetcars, cyclists, and pedestrians over the Willamette River.”

Marseille, France

Marseilles, France – “France’s second largest city is fast becoming one of southern Europe’s leading cultural destinations, with the June opening of the Cosquer Méditerranée… The attraction houses a full-scale replica of the famous Grotte Cosquer, a cave in the city’s scenic Calanques National Park that prehistoric people etched with artwork before it was eventually submerged underwater…Any trip to France is incomplete without sufficient gastronomy, and Marseilles’ food scene is carving out its own identity. Europe’s first 100% solar-¬powered restaurant, Le Présage, has taken root in a leafy corner of the Technopôle de Château Gombert.”

Portree, Scotland – “The Isle of Skye has a stunning Scottish landscape characterized by coastal cliffs, craggy hills, and medieval castles, and its and its capital of Portree (pop. 2,300) is just as inviting as it is rugged. For generations, city-weary Glaswegians have been escaping here on weekends, drawn by idyllic scenery and relative proximity. Now it’s casting a wider net, welcoming a post pandemic influx of American visitors.”

And here’s what TIME has to say about its Canadian entrees:

Toronto – “The capital of Ontario – a multi-dimensional, forward-thinking, diverse city – is experiencing a growth spurt, thanks to a slate of new hotel openings, including W Toronto. But even beyond hospitality, Toronto is a city begging to be discovered and appreciated. On deck this year: the Frida Immersive Dream, from the creators of the immersive Van Gogh exhibit; ArtworxTO, a year-long initiative showcasing Toronto’s diversity as it supports its local artists; and the Toronto Biennial of Art, featuring citywide programming intended to inspire global conversations. And just in time for summer, the Lake Shore Inflatable Water Park debuted, adding a family-friendly attraction right off the shore of Ontario Place. In between excursions, lounge in CIBC Square Park, an elevated park—the city’s first, in an ongoing effort to create green spaces amid skyscrapers – complete with public wi-fi and spectacular city views.”

Tofino, BC – “On the windswept west coast of British Columbia’s Vancouver Island lies tiny Tofino, a former fishing village and the traditional home of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation of the Nuu-chah-nulth people, now a bustling community surrounded by the UNESCO Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve. Wildlife tours, forest hiking, and walks along wide sandy beaches reconnect people with nature. Powerful winter storms produce ocean swells, creating epic storm-¬watching opportunities and a thriving cold-water surfing scene.”

See the full list .

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

PUBS, PATIOS & BARS: Laying low in Phnom Penh

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Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh has dug deep to add a new facet to the destination’s vibrant bar scene with Metropole Underground: the first subterranean bar in the Cambodian capital. Inspired by the louche, chic vibe of early 20th Century Paris, Metropole Underground is a unique addition to the Phnom Penh’s famously lively bar scene.

Discreetly located in the basement of the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh, the city’s newest international branded luxury hotel, the sophisticated space offers premium drinks, light gourmet bites, and nightly live entertainment spanning bands and DJ beats.

The bar is inspired by the glory days of Parisian art-deco and the French capital’s metro system, with replicas of cast iron detailing from the original Paris Metro integrated into the space and transformed into sculptural and decorative elements.

The result is a compelling blend of European and Khmer influences.

Metropole Underground is the first subterranean bar in Cambodia’s capital

“Phnom Penh is widely known for the vibrancy of its bar scene. Therefore, we are proud that we can add something new to the mix with Metropole Underground,” said Herman Kemp, GM of the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh. “When you step down into the basement it’s really like entering a different world.”

The new Metropole Underground completes a varied lineup of options for revelry, or relaxation at the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh.

As conceptually intriguing as Metropole Underground is The Attic, an old-world speakeasy-style bar tucked away in the eaves of the Colonial House – a lemon-coloured royal villa dating back to 1900 that is a centrepiece of the property. The bar specializes in handcrafted cocktails and grand cru wines.

Another social hotspot is FiveFive Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, spanning the rooftop on level 14, where guests are treated to grilled seafood and meats, refreshing cocktails, and energizing DJ performances whilst soaking up inspiring views of the Royal Palace, the Mekong River, and the city skyline.

The interior design of Metropole Underground is inspired by the louche, chic vibe of early 20th Century Paris

With glass purposefully in hand, we at Travel Industry Today continue our series on some of the planet’s best bars, patios and rooftop venues. For more articles in the series, click here:

PREVIOUS ARTICLES: https://travelindustrytoday.com/pub-patio/

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News