Global Travel News

The Best Things to See and Do in Zambia

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The Best Things to See and Do in Zambia - TRAVELINDEX - TOURISMAFRICA.orgLivingstone, Zambia, August 26, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / While visiting popular landmarks and destinations provides a sense of belonging, it’s often those off the beaten paths that provide authentic and memorable experiences of discovery. Such a journey awaits in Zambia, a country of diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes and incredible natural wonders. From waking up to the sight of zebras to raising a glass at sunset to a picturesque waterfall backdrop, here are the best things to do and see in Zambia.

Witness the Grandeur of The Fall

Described by the Kololo tribe as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ or the smoke that thunders, Victoria Falls is Zambia’s most popular attraction and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This majestic waterfall forms the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe where columns of spray can be seen from miles away. Experience the finest views of the fall across the Knife-edge Bridge, a vantage point that overlooks the Eastern Cataract, the Main Falls, and the Boiling Pot where the river turns and heads down the Batoka Gorge.

Take It Slow and Just Breathe

Zambia’s five massive lakes and plentiful rivers boast the largest water resources in Africa. Put your mind on mute and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the mighty Zambezi River which offers excellent tiger fishing and fly fishing.

Feel the Adrenaline Rush

For those who prefer a rush of excitement, Livingstone has emerged as an extreme sports capital with some of the best things to do in Zambia, rivaling Swakopmund in Namibia and Jinja in Uganda. Experience white water rafting in one of the top destinations in the world with deep channels and high-water volumes. The rapids at Batoka Gorge are the perfect setting for jet boarding and bungee jumping.

Soar Above the Beauty Below

Being completely open air means microlights provide unparalleled experience of flying naturally. With space for one passenger and a pilot, you’re guaranteed an exhilarating and unique experience complimented by breathtaking views of Victoria Falls and the fascinating gorge that the Zambezi River has carved into the surrounding landscape.

Ground Yourself in Tranquil Nature

Whether you’re a novice or an experienced horse rider, a horseback ride takes you along the trails within the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Journey through the scenic African Bushveld with excellent bird watching and the possibility of spotting wildlife.

Let Zambia Envelop You

One of the most unique experiences in Zambia is basking in graceful safari-style only steps away from Victoria Falls and waking up to the sight of zebras roaming freely. Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara sets the stage for such coveted experiences. Located in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, the hotel provides free, unlimited access to Victoria Falls for all resort guests. Even better, guests of the hotel can relish the ultimate private dining experience in irresistible flavours against the backdrop of Victoria Falls. Savour every moment, from sunset cocktails to starry African skies.

The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara
Bask in graceful safari style only steps from one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Sweeping Zambezi River and savannah views stretch from every veranda as you relax in elegance. Wake up to the sight of zebras wandering the Livingstone hotel grounds. Raise a glass at sunset to the marvellous waterfall thundering to its depths as you recline in style. Surrender to relaxation with spa therapies under the shade of monkey trees on the banks of the river. The Royal Livingstone is located on the Zambian side of the Zambezi River in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, with free unlimited access to Victoria Falls for all resort guests.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Wilderness Safaris Pledges Commitment to Lion Recovery Fund

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Wilderness Safaris Pledges Commitment to Lion Recovery Fund - TOURISMAFRICA.org - TRAVELINDEXJohannesburg, South Africa, August 26, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / To celebrate World Lion Day 2022, and in partnership with the Lion Recovery Fund, Wilderness Safaris has pledged its ongoing support of the Lionscape Coalition – an innovative group of leading commercial, conservation tourism companies, which have joined forces to help secure a future for Africa’s lions and their landscapes.

Africa’s lion population has halved in the past 25 years, and the species is now officially classified by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as Vulnerable, with the West African subspecies Critically Endangered. Habitat loss and fragmentation, illegal wildlife trade, bushmeat poaching and human-lion conflict continue to threaten lions across Africa. Yet lions are a resilient species and a turnaround is still possible if these key issues are addressed.

As apex predators, lions are regarded by scientists as an ‘umbrella’ species; if a lion population is thriving, it means the entire ecosystem around it is functioning effectively. ‘Conserving wild lions is therefore synonymous with conserving Africa’s savannah wilderness’, commented Dr Peter Lindsey, Director of the Lion Recovery Fund (LRF). ‘With a unique ability to inspire a passionate audience of travellers about the threats facing lions and how they can help, coupled with the strong economic incentives for conservation that the industry creates, Africa’s ecotourism industry can play a pivotal role in bringing the species back’.

‘As a founding partner of the Lionscape Coalition, we are proud to be working with our conservation tourism partners to make annual philanthropic investments into the LRF. In this way, we are not only supporting lion conservation projects in our regions, but looking past our own business imperatives and collaborating with each other to help support initiatives beyond the boundaries of our direct areas of operation – especially where lions are Critically Endangered’, noted Derek de la Harpe, Wilderness Chief Risk Management and Corporate Affairs Officer.

The LRF’s stated vision is to double wild lion numbers by 2050. By engaging guests before, during and after their safaris, about the threats and opportunities for lion conservation, Lionscape Coalition members aim to generate additional funding in support of the LRF’s goals, with 100% of all donations received channelled directly to projects on the ground.

The strategy of this dedicated initiative focuses on three critical aspects: expanding conservation coverage by increasing the extent and effectiveness of the management of ‘lionscapes’ across Africa; the building of public, political, and philanthropic will, creating a collective intent across the spheres of governments, non-profit organisations, philanthropists and the general public; and the upscaling of funding available for the conservation of lions and their landscapes.

Impactful safaris in Africa are intrinsically linked to the health of the continent’s iconic wildlife populations and their captivating landscapes. As an undisputed favourite for guests, losing lions will not only have dire ecological consequences, but will jeopardise the tourism industry itself, the jobs it creates and the many national economies to which it makes such an important contribution. The Lionscape Coalition shares the LRF’s bold vision to double the number of wild lions in Africa.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

HOLY HANNAH, WHAT A DAY!

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Somewhere Mike Hannah was smiling. After all, Tuesday was a picture-perfect day for the golf tournament named in his honour – the popular long-time Canadian travel executive having died in May. But beyond the usual fun and hijinks on the links at the Royal Ontario Golf Club in Milton, Ont., nearly a hundred Skal members from the association’s Toronto and Toronto North chapters turned out for the first “Mike Hannah Memorial Golf Tournament,” in memory of the former Skal member, himself an avid golfer.

Hannah’s family was on hand for the occasion, which was marked by an emotional Paul Foster (Tripcentral.ca), who recalled his best friend – “our Mike’s” – long tenure in the travel industry as photos scrolled across a screen in the room.

Top team: Robert Cole, Allianz; Jonathan Sargeant and Connor Duffy, Royal Irish, and Rocky Racco, TTI; with Liz Akey, EMA Marketing

Canada’s queen of Skal, Sue Webb, admitted that the Toronto chapter was just getting back on its feet filling the considerable hands-on void created by Hannah’s loss.

Webb eventually moved on to the day’s other business, recognizing the day’s golf luminaries (Ladies longest drive – Audrey Tanguay Beaudette, Air Canada; and, Men’s drive, Royal Irish Tours’ Connor Duffy); drawing copious raffles prizes; and congratulating members Kimberly Hartley and Scott Barker for recent nuptials (conducted on a beach in Jamaica, no less) – and the latter making a welcome appearance, though not golfing, only six weeks after double-bypass surgery.

“Today feels like it was a really special golf tournament,” Webb enthused of the re-gathering of the Skal “family.” Not only did it honour the inestimable Hannah, but, she observed, “It feels like the industry is back!”

Mike Baginski, Sue Webb; Cari Morotta, Vox/Trees4Travel; Raina Williams, Expedia; and Stephen Fine, Snowbird Advisors Insurance.

 

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Enjoy Stylish Escapes in Southeast Asia with Centara’s Private Villas

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Enjoy Stylish Escapes in Southeast Asia with Centara's Private Villas - TOP25VILLAS.com - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, August 25, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Centara Hotels and Resorts is making it easier for families to book a luxurious last-minute summer holiday or autumn vacation this year, with the launch of a new package which is perfect for parents who want to unwind in plenty of personal space and create lifelong memories with their kids.

• Discover the Asia’s and the World’s Most Exclusive Villas at TOP25 Villas.

“The Place to Call Your Own” package lets guests discover a heavenly home-away-from-home in paradise, with a choice of spacious and stylish villas in many dream destinations across Southeast Asia and the Middle East. To make every vacation completely stress-free, travellers are offered complimentary daily breakfast and dinner throughout their stay, and up to two children can stay free-of-charge!

With seamless indoor and outdoor living areas, modern amenities, views of lush tropical gardens or sparkling seas, and even private swimming pools in many properties, families can chill out together and revel in the joy of freedom and seclusion.

This enticing offer is available at participating hotels and resorts in many highly desirable locations across Thailand, including Hua Hin, Pattaya, Phuket, Krabi, Udon Thani and Chiang Mai in Thailand, plus Mui Ne in Vietnam and Muscat in Oman. So, whether families are longing for a blissful beachfront vacation or an enchanting upcountry escape, everyone can find a “Place to Call Your Own” with Centara this summer.

This attractive package is valid from now until 31st December 2022, and rates start from just THB 3,315++ per night! At properties where villas are not available, the promotion applies to suites.

Every guest will enjoy complete peace-of-mind when staying with Centara Hotels & Resorts. Under the Centara Complete Care programme, the company adheres to the strictest health and hygiene protocols, to keep every family safe and secure.

• Discover the Asia’s and the World’s Most Exclusive Villas at TOP25 Villas.

About Centara
Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 91 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, China, Japan, Oman, Qatar, Cambodia, Turkey, Indonesia and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands – Centara Reserve, Centara Grand Hotels & Resorts, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centara Boutique Collection, Centra by Centara and COSI Hotels – ranging from luxurious island retreats to family resorts and affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology. It also operates state-of-the-art convention centres and has its own award-winning spa brand, Cenvaree. Throughout the collection, Centara delivers and celebrates the hospitality and values Thailand is famous for including gracious service, exceptional food, pampering spas and the importance of families. Centara’s distinctive culture and diversity of formats allow it to serve and satisfy travellers of nearly every age and lifestyle.

Over the next five years Centara aims to become a top 100 global hotel group, while spreading its footprint into new continents and market niches. As Centara continues to expand, a growing base of loyal customers will find the company’s unique style of hospitality in more locations. Centara’s global loyalty programme, Centara The1, reinforces their loyalty with rewards, privileges and special member pricing.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Solare Hotels Selects Sabre to Optimize its Distribution Strategy

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Solare Hotels Selects Sabre to Optimize its Distribution Strategy - TRAVELINDEXTokyo, Japan, August 25, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / New deal will further strengthen Sabre’s position in the Japanese marketplace while enabling Solare Hotels to broaden its geographic reach. Sabre Corporation announced a new agreement with Solare Hotels and Resorts Co.,Ltd. The deal will enable the chain to put its inventory in front of hundreds of thousands of travel agents globally across all major Global Distribution Systems (GDSs) through Sabre Hospitality’s innovative SynXis platform. Solare Hotels and Resorts will be able to significantly increase its distribution reach and potential revenue opportunities, while providing travel agents globally with access to content from the hotel chain.

“It’s very important to us to work with a technology provider who understands the unique perspectives of the Japanese tourism market while enabling us to effectively tell the world about Solare Hotels and Resorts, and what our properties and locations have to offer,” said Katsuyuki Yoshida, Exclusive Officer of Sales & Revenue Management Division of Solare Hotels and Resorts. “Distributing our content via the SynXis platform will enhance visibility for our hotels, helping us to increase bookings and fulfil our aim of making the guest experience more enjoyable and fulfilling for more travellers. We aim to create hotels with deep connections to their locations and this new agreement will ensure that we can showcase those hotels and those connections to a wide global audience.”

The distribution agreement comes at an important moment for the Japanese travel industry, and is one of a number of key deals Sabre has announced in Japan in recent months. Japan has now opened up to selected tour groups, and is preparing for further relaxing of border restrictions for tourists in the future.

“We’re thrilled that Solare Hotels has selected Sabre as it adds the GDS channel to its distribution strategy for the first time,” said Frank Trampert, Senior Vice President and Global Managing Director of Community Sales for Sabre Hospitality. “It’s important that hotels are ready to capture recovery and drive their own demand as more global markets open up and we’re looking forward to working with Solare Hotels to enable the chain to grow bookings, increase future revenue opportunities and put their hotels and offers in front of the world.”

About Sabre Corporation
Sabre Corporation is a leading software and technology company that powers the global travel industry, serving a wide range of travel companies including airlines, hoteliers, travel agencies and other suppliers. The company provides retailing, distribution and fulfilment solutions that help its customers operate more efficiently, drive revenue and offer personalized traveller experiences. Through its leading travel marketplace, Sabre connects travel suppliers with buyers from around the globe. Sabre’s technology platform manages more than $260B worth of global travel spend annually. Headquartered in Southlake, Texas, USA, Sabre serves customers in more than 160 countries around the world.

About Solare Hotels and Resorts Co.,Ltd.
Solare Hotel and Resorts is a large Japanese hotel chain that has 17 hotel brands such as “UAN Kanazawa,” “the square hotel,” “hotel androoms,” “LOISIR,” “ROYAL PINES HOTEL ” and “Chisun”. The company operates hotel management and franchise operation in 65 locations in Japan and 1 location oversea (total of 9,906 rooms)*. Their management also covers retail outlets, food & beverage outlets, public baths, spas, and franchise operations. (*As of August 2022)

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Cooling Tower Celebrates Two Years

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Cooling Tower Rooftop Bar at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit marks their second anniversary and invites guests and friends for a night of celebration.

Enjoy a wide range of entertainment including

• Live music from Suay Sarocha from the Voice Thailand season 1
• R&B and house DJ from DJ Riviere and DJ Lemoncat
• Buy 1 Free 1 promotions throughout the night for special cocktails
• Special 2nd Anniversary food creations
• Lucky draws and more!

Sip and savour specially crafted cocktails by guest mixologist Khun Mac, World Class Bartender of the year 2022.

The Grand Prize for the lucky draw is “One-night accommodation in Deluxe Room with a bottle of Cape Mentelle Wine”, valued at THB 11,900++

For more information or reservations, please contact us at 02 090 7888

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Agritourism Sector Reconvenes to Build on Global Synergy

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Agritourism Sector Reconvenes to Build on Global Synergy - Photo: Dennis CurranBurlington, Vermont, the United State, August 23, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The International Workshop on Agritourism will be held August 30 – September 1, 2022, in Burlington, Vermont, USA. The first World Congress on Agritourism was held in Bolzano, South Tyrol, Italy in 2018. To build on the success and momentum, the organizer, Eurac Research*, partnered with the University of Vermont Extension, the bid-winner, to host the second edition. The conference was initially planned for 2020 but postponed twice due to the global pandemic.

The conference is expected to welcome 430 participants from 50 countries in North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. While the nationals of numerous countries couldn’t obtain visas to the U.S., participants from 35 countries will be gathering in Burlington, with 25% of attendees joining online.

The conference is packed with more than 150 speakers, interactive workshops, and poster presentations. A broad spectrum of topics comprises Agritourism Best Practices, agritourism entrepreneurship, food/wine oriented agritourism, marketing strategies in the social media era, sustainability/diversity/inclusivity issues, research reports on multifaceted agritourism aspects, agritourism education, the future of agritourism, etc.

Additional activities include a farm-to-table dinner and pre/post conference study tours to farms and other agricultural enterprises. Attendees will have ample opportunities to explore Vermont-specific agritourism practices and to exchange ideas with counterparts from all over the world.

Vermont has a rich agricultural heritage where the agricultural and agritourism working landscape is central to its identity. Vermont Governor Phil Scott embraced the conference and declared August Agritourism Month. “Agriculture is part of our culture, our brand, and a critical part of our economy,” said Governor Scott. “That’s why it’s so important we find ways to continue supporting this sector, through strategic investments, and also by supporting creative new opportunities, like agritourism.”

Dr. Lisa Chase, Conference Chair and University of Vermont Extension professor, warmly welcomes participants to Vermont. “We are rolling out the red carpet for agritourism leaders traveling from all over the globe and joining us online for this event. We are excited to share our amazing farms and food in the Green Mountain State, and we look forward to learning about agritourism in other parts of the world,” says Chase.

For program details and the conference registration link, visit www.agritourismworkshop.com.

* Eurac Research is a 30-year-old private entity in Italy with 600 staff members and 48 million euros in budget.

Haybina Hao reporting for Travelindex on travel, agritourism, adventure travel and destinations.

Haybina is an international travel industry reporter and has been reporting in both Chinese and English. Linkedin

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Accor Signs Landmark Agreement for Luxury Integrated Resort in Clark

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Accor Signs Landmark Agreement for Luxury Integrated Resort in Clark - VISITPHILIPPINES.org - TRAVELINDEXClark City, Philippines, August 23, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The signing of Sofitel Clark and Emblems Clark will expand the well-established partnership between Hann and Accor to six hotels. Accor is expanding its presence in the Philippines with the signing of two new properties in Clark City. Located within a luxury integrated resort, Hann Lux, Sofitel Clark and Emblems Clark will offer convenient access to high-end fashion stores, French inspired cafes and convention facilities. Sofitel Clark will comprise 300 guest rooms while the Emblems Clark will feature 200 guest rooms. The landmark multi-agreement signing will see the expansion of a well-established partnership between Hann and Accor to six hotels in Clark, Philippines.

Sofitel Clark will welcome guests with a ‘magnifique’ array of elegant experiences which embrace local culture, the best of gastronomy and wellbeing. Sofitel Hotels & Resorts, a brand known for its French origins, artfully blends the essence of each destination with French art de vivre, creating chic experiences for modern voyageurs to indulge in and celebrate life’s pleasures. The Sofitel family today counts over 120 hotels across 47 countries with more than 20 hotels in the pipeline.

Emblems Clark will join an up-and-coming collection of emblematic hotels within Accor’s luxury portfolio. The Emblems Collection, launched in 2021, was created to bring together truly iconic hotels that are a symbol of luxury. No matter the destination, guests staying at an Emblems Collection location will experience the feel of being part of an exclusive and select club. Accor aims to open 60 Emblems properties around the world by 2030.

Both Sofitel Clark and Emblems Clark will feature all-day dining and speciality restaurants, as well as swimming pools, spas, fitness centres, meetings and conferencing spaces, and executive lounges.

“We are proud to expand our strategic relationship with Hann in this landmark multi-agreement signing. This reaffirms the trust and confidence owners place in Accor, our relationship driven-approach towards partners, and the popularity of our brands powered by strong distribution and lifestyle loyalty platforms. We are also thrilled and extremely proud to introduce two very special properties to vibrant Clark. Sofitel Clark and Emblems Clark will both bring an iconic sense of luxury to Hann Lux, and we are delighted to be working with our valued partners, Hann Philippines, to bring their unique vision to life,” said Garth Simmons, Chief Executive Officer, Accor, Southeast Asia, Japan and South Korea.

The Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ) is located in the Central Luzon region of the Philippines, with an array of golf courses, MICE offerings and casinos. The city is easily accessible by way of Clark International Airport or by car from Metro Manila, located less than 2 hours’ drive away.

“We are excited to expand our partnership further with Accor, a global leader in the hospitality industry. Having Sofitel Clark and Emblems Clark in Hann Lux will surely make it a celebrated destination, attracting tourists not only from all over the Philippines but also from around the world,” said Daesik Han, Chairman and CEO, Hann Philippines Inc. (HPI).

In 2019, Accor and Hann signed multi-agreements for Banyan Tree Clark, Angsana Clark, Mercure Clark and Swissôtel Clark. The first phase of Swissôtel Clark launched in February 2022, with the broader hotel complex set to debut later this year, featuring 372 rooms and five vibrant restaurants and bars.

Accor is one of the leading international operators in the Philippines with 10 hotels across three regions and a strong pipeline of 14 committed projects across the country.

About Accor
Accor is a world leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,000 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. The group has one of the industry’s most diverse and fully-integrated hospitality ecosystems encompassing luxury and premium brands, midscale and economy offerings, unique lifestyle concepts, entertainment and nightlife venues, restaurants and bars, branded private residences, shared accommodation properties, concierge services, co-working spaces and more. Accor also boasts an unrivalled portfolio of distinctive brands and approximately 300,000 team members worldwide. Over 65 million members benefit from the company’s comprehensive loyalty program ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a daily lifestyle companion that provides access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences. Through its Planet 21 – Acting Here, Accor Solidarity, RiiSE and ALL Heartist Fund initiatives, the group is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity and inclusivity. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACRFY) in the United States.

About Sofitel
Sofitel Hotels & Resorts is an ambassador of modern French style, culture and art-de-vivre around the world. Established in 1964, Sofitel is the first international luxury hotel brand to originate from France with more than 120 chic and remarkable hotels in the world’s most sought after destinations. Sofitel exudes a refined and understated sense of modern luxury, always blending a touch of French decadence with the very best of the locale. The Sofitel collection includes such notable hotels as Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg, Sofitel London St James, Sofitel Munich Bayerpost, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, Sofitel Mexico City Reforma, Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour and Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort. Sofitel is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,300 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.

About Emblems Collection
Emblems Collection is a captivating global portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts. Featuring rare properties that are ‘emblematic’ of their designers, demographics or destinations, hotels within the Emblems Collection stand apart as revered landmarks with character, history and aura. Signature elements include sumptuous surroundings, charismatic service and exclusive bars. With its first property – Guiyang Art Centre Hotel, Emblems Collection in China’s Guizhou province – slated to open in 2023, the luxury brand is expected to grow to 60 select locations around the world by 2030. Emblems Collection is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,300 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Discover the Splendour of Shoalhaven and Pristine Sands of Seven Mile Beach

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Discover the Splendour of Shoalhaven and Pristine Sands of Seven Mile Beach - TRAVELINDEX - DESTINATIONAUSTRALIA.orgShoalhaven, Australia, August 23, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Relax on postcard-perfect beaches, sip wine overlooking thriving vineyards, sleep in luxury by the sea…sound good so far? Discover an idyllic coastal getaway in the Shoalhaven region on the New South Wales South Coast, just two-and-a-half hours’ drive south from Sydney. Create your perfect itinerary with these highlights.

Dine with all your senses

Clear your schedule for the afternoon, take a seat on the sun-drenched terrace at Mollymook’s Rick Stein restaurant, and prepare for a seafood meal you won’t soon forget. The international chef, restaurateur and TV presenter’s restaurant at Bannisters by the Sea hotel offers superb fresh local seafood in coastal-chic setting made for lingering.

Feel nourished in a whole new way at Milk Haus, just west of Mollymook. Situated in a former cheese factory, this wholefoods café aims to deliver fresh, honest, simple fare free of toxins, preservatives and anything artificial. Then discover how memorable food has deliciousness and simplicity at its heart at neighbourhood bistro Small Town Food and Wine in the nearby heritage town of Milton.

Revel in the freshness of the Shoalhaven region’s oysters as you slurp plump Sydney rock oysters or Pacific oysters beside the Crookhaven River at Jim Wild’s Oysters at Greenwell Point, a one-hour drive north of Milton. Also in Greenwell Point is Pelican Rocks Cafe, where you can tuck into oysters and other hearty seafood dishes beside the river as local pelicans watch on enviously. Or combine casual coastal dining vibes with a lush rural outlook at The Growers, near Nowra, where you can just pop in for a local wine, or pair your drink with local-produce-inspired dishes, from a South Coast prawns pizza to a seasonal gnocchi.

Get a taste for local wine

Retreat to the Shoalhaven hinterland to uncover one of Australia’s most exciting emerging wine regions, where the sultry climate and fertile soils produce some seriously drinkable chardonnay, chambourcin, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon, among other top drops.

Embrace farm life at Silos Estate near Berry, a working vineyard and alpaca farm where you can enjoy a refreshing stroll through the vines and the onsite art gallery before settling in for a tasting. Uncover a clutch of similarly wonderful wineries all located within 20 minutes’ drive to the south. Make a day of traipsing between Cambewarra Estate, Coolangatta Estate, Mountain Ridge Wines and Two Figs Winery at your own pace, perhaps treating yourself to decadent weekend lunch at Cambewarra Estate between stops. Or try something different and treat yourself to high tea seated inside a giant pink teacup among the estate’s chardonnay vines.

Gaze out over the vines from the popular restaurant at Cupitt’s Estate, a family-operated boutique winery, cellar door, restaurant, bar, microbrewery and fromagerie all conveniently located at the one beautiful coastal countryside setting between Ulladulla and Milton. Then soak up the rural ambience of Bawley Vale Estate near Bawley Point, where you can relax with a glass of wine by a duck-filled pond outside the sleek, modern-industrial tasting room.

Discover nature’s playground

If getting up close to marine life makes you smile, talk to the skilful crew at Jervis Bay Wild, based in Huskisson, to arrange a whale-watching or dolphin-spotting trip. Or get wet and wild with Kangaroo Valley Kayaks, which offers self-guided trips down the serene Kangaroo River. If you’re lucky, you might even experience the unforgettable thrill of spotting a platypus.

On land, immerse yourself in nature on the gorgeous White Sands Walk. Winding through the coastal forest of Jervis Bay National Park and past some of the purest sands in the world, the 90-minute return walk begins at Greenfield Beach picnic area in Vincentia and passes Chinamans Beach, before arriving at Hyams Beach. Enjoy the scenery for longer by starting at Plantation Point instead; the extended route also takes in beautiful Blenheim Beach.

Sleep in style by the sea

Check in and chill out at Bangalay Luxury Villas, just steps from Seven Mile Beach at Shoalhaven Heads, where each of its 16 stylish private fully self-contained one- and two-bedroom villas (and a four-bedroom holiday house) has golf course or garden views. Feast on fine local produce at the onsite Bangalay Dining restaurant, which also boasts a verdant outlook.

Soak up more seaside luxury at Bannisters by the Sea in Mollymook, with 34 stylish rooms and a clifftop day spa. Just down the road, the 35 beach-chic rooms and suites at sister hotel Bannisters Pavilion are an easy short wander from Mollymook Beach; rise early to start your day with an invigorating dip.

Connect more deeply with nature on a chic safari-style stay at Paperbark Camp, nestled in a peaceful bush setting just minutes from the coastal village of Huskisson. Relax under the paperbark trees on your elevated deck before savouring yet another delicious taste of the Shoalhaven region at its excellent restaurant, The Gunyah.

And if you loved wining and dining at Cupitt’s Estate, you can now opt to spend the night in one of 10 architecturally designed Luxury Pods looking out to the estate’s rolling green hills. Choose a King Bath Pod and luxuriate in the views from your balcony as you take a restorative outdoor soak at the end of a day’s exploring.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Female-led Gelato Brand Nakhati Launched in Saudi Arabia

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Female-led Gelato Brand Nakhati Launched in Saudi Arabia - TOURISMSAUDIARABIA.com - TRAVELINDEXRiyadh, Saudi Arabia, August 24, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Kerten Hospitality is launching their first female-led global gelato brand — Nakhati — as part of the company’s focus on ESG-based business practices. With a flagship store launching in Riyadh, Nakhati is a purpose-led gelato brand, which in Saudi Arabia will be driven by Saudi female foodpreneur Eman Fallatah. The franchise-able brand is planned to expand globally led by a local female foodpreneur in each location.

Not only does Nakhati make tasty, premium handcrafted gelato, it also empowers entrepreneurship. By offering a comprehensive suite of high-quality tools developed to encourage growth and empowerment, Nakhati supports the increasing number of women in the region keen to own their franchise and to launch their own careers in business. The plan is to establish 200 outlets by 2024.

The main force behind Nakhati’s Riyadh store, Fallatah has supported the launch and growth of multiple F&B businesses and projects in Saudi Arabia, including those led by the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Higher Education, Almarai, and the Diriyah Gate Biennale. She also mentors young cooks and chefs, and has worked as a food stylist supporting local and international brands entering the Saudi market.

“Sweets and desserts have always been popular with consumers in the region, but typically they were lower quality, imported products,” said Fallatah. “Regional demand is increasing for higher quality, premium products versus low-quality commoditized items, and this is where Nakhati comes in.”

Flavors will include traditional popular gelato varieties given a Nakhati twist, such as organic roast pistachio, mascarpone with local honey and walnuts, and hazelnut with chocolate rocks, as well as those inspired by Saudi traditions and regions, such as the popular karak tea drink, traditional desserts from the Najd region, and roses from Taif. All combined with traditional Italian techniques, true Italian gelato bases, and only produced with the most state-of-the-art Italian equipment, to produce the best of both worlds.

Commenting on some of the signature serves, Fallatah said: “We have been working hard with our key equipment partners to bring some fantastic innovations and firsts for the region. Imagine if you could keep your hands warm while eating gelato … hot gelato buns is all we will give away at this stage.” She also highlighted a beverage program using Nakhati’s exclusive recipes with all products made on site, such as the Vegan Iced Mocha, crafted and packaged in-house using signature vegan dark chocolate gelato.

With consumers these days being savvier about the quality of products, there is also more focus on a healthier lifestyle, and Nakhati’s 50 percent lower fat content than similar products will appeal to health-conscious consumers.

“As a female Saudi foodpreneur, I’m excited to be launching Nakhati, a brand that builds collaborations and offers opportunities to help women embark on their own entrepreneurship journeys,” added Fallatah.

With more than 40 projects in development across 12 lifestyle-driven concepts on three continents, Kerten Hospitality’s latest launch is another example of the brand’s strong commitment to environmental, social and governance values and responsible community-based business practices.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News