Global Travel News

ROUND-UP: July 4-8, 2022

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Despite the disappearing Internet, the world of travel continued to turn last week as their world dubious delay honours for Canadian airlines and airports, Sunwing sparred with its pilots, ACTA offered to help agents explain travel delays, one airline declared bankruptcy and another was sued, and NCL altered testing protocols, among other noteworthy items.

NEWS

Sunwing pilots filed a complaint with the Canada Industrial Relations Board last week, claiming that the airline bargained in bad faith as it already knew it would be acquired by WestJet. Sunwing refuted the assertion.

ACTA developed a bilingual letter template and social media content that travel agencies and independent travel agents can share with clients to help explain airport long wait times and travel delays, schedule changes, and cancellations. Agents are free to use and edit these materials, such as placing their own logo on the social media content. No attribution to ACTA is required. Download content HERE

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has filed for bankruptcy in the United States, warning a walkout by 1,000 pilots a day earlier had put the future of the carrier at risk. The move adds to the likelihood of travel chaos across Europe as the summer vacation period begins. Meanwhile, British Airways said it will cancel hundreds more summer flights in a bid to ease travel disruptions.

Several environmental groups have launched legal action against Dutch airline KLM over advertisements that promoted flying as a sustainable form of travel. The groups claim KLM violated European consumer law by misleading customers with ads and a carbon offset program that “give a false impression over the sustainability of its flights and plans to address its climate harm.”

Effective Aug. 1, Norwegian Cruise Line is dropping a requirement that passengers test negative for COVID-19 before sailing unless it is required by local rules – destinations that still include Canada, the US, Canada, Bermuda, and Greece.
Norwegian, which has its headquarters in Miami, operates the Norwegian, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas lines.

BORDERS

South African Tourism has welcomed the end of all COVID-19 restrictions after South Africa’s cabinet recently concluded that they had served their purpose.
AIR

Lynx Air says it welcomes small dogs and cats – in-cabin! For a one-way fee of $59, travellers will be able to bring their pets in addition to a personal item. Passengers are encouraged to book their cats and small dogs at the time of booking, as the number of pets permitted on flights is limited.

Starting in 2024, Oman Air will join oneworld, further strengthening the airline alliance’s position in the Middle East.

Avianca has become the first airline in South America to launch a comprehensive, concierge-style flight shopping tool. Dubbed “SmartAlerts,” the tool enables guests to input their desired routes and preferred travel dates and receive real time fare alerts without needing to check the site every day.

BY THE NUMBERS

Canadian airlines and airports claimed top spots in flight delays over the July long weekend, notching more than nearly any other around the world. Air Canada ranked No. 1 in delays on Saturday and Sunday as two-thirds of its flights – 717 trips in total – landed late, according to tracking service FlightAware. At 67 percent on Sunday, it was more than 14 percentage points above the three carriers tied for second place, two of which are Air Canada-affiliated. WestJet and budget subsidiary Swoop placed third and fourth at 55%.

Meanwhile, on the airport front, Toronto’s Pearson claimed the No. 2 after 53% of departures were held up, below only Guangzhou’s main airport in China. Pearson beat out Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris and Frankfurt Airport in Germany. Montreal’s airport placed sixth Sunday at 43% of takeoffs delayed, on par with London’s Heathrow, according to FlightAware figures.

DEALS

The “Christmas in July” sale by Collette encourages customers to “give the gift of travel” with special offers on a host of tours, including Christmas markets, river cruising, and more. Travel must take place Sept 1 to April 30, 2023. Use the offer code JOLLYJULY for bookings made by July 18.

Clients booking a Margaritaville at Sea cruise sailing through Sept. 30 can take advantage of the cruise line’s ‘Kids Sail Free’ offer. And parents bringing the kids will no doubt appreciate receiving five complimentary drinks onboard plus a $50 spa credit.

TOURS

TravelBrands reports it has completed an integration to go live with NextTrip, opening immediate access to search, discover, and book vacation rentals through NextTrip’s cloud-based booking engine, ConNextions. TravelBrands’ network of over 22,000 travel agents and their customers will now be able to book from ConNextions global inventory of vacation and alternative lodging rental (ALR) properties. NextTrip’s ConNextions supports instant confirmation of ALR reservations, allowing TravelBrands’ travel agents the power to simultaneously book complete travel packages, including air, car, and tours, rather than waiting hours or even days for confirmation as is typical in the vacation rental market.

Goway reports it has hit 10,000 members on its private Facebook group for travel agents. The site offers a convenient platform for travel professionals to ask questions, discuss travel topics, and get instant feedback from Goway’s team of destination specialists as well as the broader travel community. Goway’s sales team regularly posts daily tips, insights, and travel deals, and offers real-time updates about the company and the wider travel industry. Membership is restricted to industry professionals and vetted by Goway’s sales team. Members can also get exclusive updates on FAMs, webinars, and bonus incentives, making it a great way to stay in touch with Goway and fellow travel professionals. As a thank you to members, Australia bookings made during July and August can qualify for a bonus $25 on their GowayPro Rewards Card.

HOTELS

To inspire a worldwide culture of inclusion, Marriott International in the Caribbean and Latin America have created the Pride Bazaar, which aims to bridge cultures, inspire discovery, and connect people, places, and purpose across the region. Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino is partnering with Bernardo Medina, a renowned LGBTQ+ artist in Puerto Rico, to create a Pride travel tote which will be sold at the hotel with proceeds being donated to True Self Foundation, a local non-profit organization that promotes the wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community.

A recent study by Mars Petcare and Hilton reports that over half of Canadian pet owners say that health benefits are key reasons to travel with pets: 55% find mental health benefits such as stress relief, and 53% say travelling with their pets boosts their physical activity. Meanwhile, 21% of Canadian pet owners would be more likely to take a vacation if they can bring their pet. Hilton’s lists seven pet-friendly brands in its portfolio: Canopy, Embassy Suites, Garden Inn, Hampton, Tru, Homewood Suites, and Home2 Suites.

RESORTS

Catering to increased demand for both all-inclusive family travel and wellness experiences, Club Med reports that it is deploying its new Mini Club Med + children’s programming across its resort portfolio in North America, Asia, and Europe. While the kids are busy, parents can take advantage of unique and immersive wellness experiences under Club Med’s new Wellness Fusion concept.

Now open, Royal Uno All Inclusive Resort & Spa is the latest resort from Royal Resorts. The 540 rooms and suites resort is designed to provide an “Authentic Cancun” experience with a blend of classic hospitality, contemporary chic, signature dining, and activities for all ages. The elevated all-inclusive resort features an extensive array of amenities including two oversized pools, a children’s pool with a water play area, Alea Spa, watersports, swim-up bar and beach bar, Uno Kids Club and a Family Room for video games and movies, and more. The resort also features nine restaurants and bars serving international, Mexican, Italian, and Asian cuisine, a café, and a Grab & Go counter

CRUISE
For its 150th anniversary, April 18, 2023, Holland America Line, is adding a second commemorative transatlantic crossing aboard the Rotterdam (photo) to the schedule of celebratory events. Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on April 3, 2023, the 16-night itinerary will sail to Rotterdam, retracing in reverse the company’s first voyage in the 1870s. The journey includes eight days at sea and calls in New York, and Plymouth and Dover (London), UK, before arriving April 18 — anniversary day – in the Netherlands for an overnight full of festivities. To accommodate the new departure, three voyages were cancelled, and all guests and their travel advisors were notified. Bookings open July 14. The first 150th anniversary crossing departs Rotterdam Oct. 15, exactly 150 years to the date of the departure of Rotterdam I’s maiden voyage.

A print version of AmaWaterways new 2023 Europe brochure is now available, highlighted by the debut of what the company says is the longest ever river experience, its “Seven River Journey,” which takes guess through 14 countries over the course of 45 or 46 nights. Copies can be ordered HERE.

FAMS & INCENTIVES

The new Travel Agent Specialist Program by SATA Azores Airlines gives counsellors the opportunity to learn about the Portuguese carrier and the destinations it serves, as well as win great prizes. The program is divided into four lessons: SATA Azores Airlines, The Azores, Madeira, and Other Destinations, each divided into short categories that are quick and easy to complete. An introductory promotion through July 31 enters agents for a monthly draw for a $25 gift card, as well as into the grand prize draw for a ticket to the Azores from Toronto, for each unit complete. Go to sataspecialist.com.

EVENTS

A series of weekly product and supplier training is underway at Trevello (TPI). For eight weeks, advisors will have many opportunities to refresh their knowledge in prep for a busy fall season ahead, with input from partners such as Intrepid, Celebrity, Transat, G Adventures, to name a few. Summer school sessions happen weekly on Thursdays at 3 pm EDT. For more info, email pr@trevello.com.

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

After two years at the helm of ACITA (Association of Canadian Independent Travel Advisors), Judith Coates has announced that she will be stepping down. “On June 28, we celebrated our two-year anniversary, and reflected on all that has been accomplished,” said Coates. “We have a lot to be proud of and have come really far as a grass-roots organization.”

Company veteran Christian Leibl-Cote has been promoted to Executive VP, Global Business at Collette, the Rhode Island-based tour operator which has a Canadian office in Mississauga. He joins Collette’s executive team responsible for strategic global partnerships and new business development.

VoX International has announced several staff moves, including the retirement of Gerlinde Perera, VP Client Services who has been with VoX for 20 years; she will continue to pitch in on some projects including assisting with key client events. Related moves include the promotions of Erin Oddleifson to Director Marketing and Client Services, taking over many of Perera’s responsibilities, and Lana Lubon to Events Manager.

DESTINATIONS
The 10th anniversary of Miami’s popular South Beach Seafood Festival will be served up Oct. 19-22 with special programming, including a $10,000 chef prize, and popular live musical guests. The four-day festival, which also marks the start of stone crab season (photo), is a curated culinary showcase that couples South Florida’s bounty of seafood with the region’s most notable chefs and restaurants. Tickets are now available sobefoodfest.com.

The US National Park Service has nearly completed a $25-million renovation of the 100-year-old Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC, adding new services and design to enhance the visitor experience. The renovation includes the rehabilitation of the undercroft portion of the Memorial where visitors will now be able to view the foundations that anchor the memorial bedrock and see graffiti of the construction workers who built it in the early 20th century. The improved existing visitor services on the mezzanine level has improved accessibility, expanded visitor interpretation spaces and exhibits.

LAST WEEK IN HISTORY

In 1943, Trans-Canada Air Lines inaugurated transatlantic service. The airline was founded in 1937 and renamed Air Canada in 1965.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

WHO STAYS WHERE?

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New research on Airbnb rentals around the world reveals the travel destinations with the largest offerings of potential Airbnb stays, which locations offer the most expensive and most affordable Airbnb rates on average. Not much of a surprise – London, Paris and New York City lead the way. Unfortunately, no Canadian city makes the top 20.

The research reveals:
• London has as many as 34,135 active rentals on the market. With almost 10,000 more Airbnbs than any other city, London has by far the most choice for travellers and the endless list of things to do.

• Paris takes second place it a great destination for travellers who don’t want to shoulder the expense of costly hotel rooms. With so many sights to see, from the top of the Eiffel Tower to the art-filled halls of the Louvre, a trip to Paris is an incredibly photogenic experience.

• Ranking third as the city with the most Airbnbs, New York City is also the 8th city with the most expensive Airbnb rates, honoring its reputation of being one of the most expensive cities in the world.

• Miami is crowned 19th on the rankings, with around 12,000 stays, that’s a small supply compared to the 58,000 hotel rooms on the market. However, the 20% share of Airbnb units is the fourth-highest of any city, behind only New York, L.A. and San Francisco.

Further study insights:

• Since 2019, the number of active Airbnb rentals has fallen across the board, with the total number of listings for the top 10 destinations falling from 303,535 to 209,682, which equals to a 30.92% drop.

• The city with the highest density of Airbnbs is Pattaya, Thailand, where there are 79.25 active rentals on the market for every 1,000 people living there.

• Ankara, Turkey, has the cheapest average daily rate for Airbnbs, with travellers paying as little as $26.67 per night

• Las Vegas is the most expensive place in our study to stay in an Airbnb, with average daily rates of $290

Get all the details  HERE

 

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

LISTENING IN: The Dead South, a Saskatchewan sensation

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Every once in a while one discovers a band/video that literally stops you in your tracks and declare, “What the fudge, how did I not know about this?” Such is the case of with The Dead South, a simply irrepressible folk-bluegrass outfit from the unlikely shores of Saskatchewan (Regina to be precise) that has been kicking around now (unbeknownst to most I suspect) for a full decade.

The two-time Juno award winner in the roots category describes itself as “a rock band without a drummer, a bluegrass band without a fiddler… (that) speeds like a train past polite definitions of acoustic music into the grittier, rowdier spaces of the bluegrass world.”

The four-piece string band is built on a taut configuration of cello, mandolin, banjo, and guitar, with songs uniquely ranging from a “dark and foreboding” treatment of “You Are My Sunshine” to The Doors’ “People Are Strange,” plus their own compositions, which have prompted comparisons to Mumford and Sons.

Beyond the music, the band produces truly remarkable videos, like the one we’re including here for “In Hell We’ll Be In Good Company.”

Not sure how they do it, but consider our socks knocked off.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Accor Expands in Indonesia with Signing of Mövenpick Jakarta Airport

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Accor Expands in Indonesia with Signing of Mövenpick Jakarta Airport - VISITINDONESIA.org - TRAVELINDEXJakarta, Indonesia, July 8, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Accor, one of the largest international hotel operators in Southeast Asia, continues its expansion in Indonesia with the signing of Mövenpick Jakarta International Airport. The new-build airport hotel is expected to open in late 2026, bringing Swiss heritage and a rich culinary legacy to Indonesia’s hospitality scene.

Strategically located just a few kilometers away from Jakarta’s Soekarno–Hatta International Airport, Mövenpick Jakarta International Airport will welcome all types of travellers, crews, and local residents with heartfelt services and Swiss-inspired gastronomy. The hotel is situated in Tangerang City, the third-largest urban center on the western border of the Greater Jakarta metropolitan. Apart from being the main gateway to Indonesia, the city is also home to Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE), the country’s largest convention center.

“Accor expects to open a further 38 hotels in the Southeast Asia region this year, 11 of which will be in Indonesia. As a rapidly booming destination, the country continues to be a robust growth market for us, where we actively explore opportunities to expand our network to provide travellers and locals with wider and more attractive options. The signing of Mövenpick Jakarta International Airport reflects our confidence in the future of Indonesia’s tourism industry. When the hotel opens, we believe that it will be a convenient base for those visiting the country,” said Garth Simmons, Chief Executive Officer, Accor, Southeast Asia, Japan and South Korea.

Featuring 310 rooms and suites in a 12-storey building, Mövenpick Jakarta International Airport is perfect for travellers seeking a warm and relaxed hotel experience. The wide range of facilities includes an all-day dining outlet, lobby bar, spa, fitness center, swimming pool, and kid’s pool. The hotel will also be equipped with 10 meeting rooms and a business center.

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts believe in making memorable moments, recognising that small gestures and attention to detail make all the difference. Founded in 1948, this premium international hotel brand is renowned for its genuine service, culinary innovation, and the signature Chocolate Hour. The Mövenpick network consists of over 100 hotels and resorts around the world.

Accor is the leading international hotel operator in Indonesia and has a growing network of 128 operating hotels and resorts across 15 brands. The Group has a strong development pipeline of 52 committed projects across the country in the next five years.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Empowering Youth as a Key to a More Sustainable Tourism

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Empowering Youth as a Key to a More Sustainable Tourism - SUSTAINABLEFIRST.com - TRAVELINDEXSorrento, Italy, July 8, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The first Global Youth Tourism Summit concluded with a simulation of the UNWTO General Assembly where 120 participants from 57 countries and aged between 12 and 18 took part, and where voting on a “Sorrento Call to Action” took place.

This bold and ground-breaking vision for young people to be active participants in tourism’s restart and growth, as a pillar of sustainable and inclusive development was adopted with a majority of favourable opinions by the students taking part.

The document was drawn up based on the discussions of a series of workshops held at the Summit during the course of a week, where the young participants learned and shared their thoughts on some of the key issues facing tourism right now, among them innovation and digitalization, plastic pollution and the growing relevance of sport, culture and gastronomy for destinations.

For a lot of them this was the first time they travelled outside of their country, first time they travelled by plane eve, like for Saltanat Pazylbekova, 15 years old from Kyrgyzstan “This is my first time abroad, I travelled for 12 hours to get to Sorrento and it was worth every minute. I made friends from all over the world, what a great experience. I rarely get to speak English when back home so to come here and be able to share our views with like minded individuals and learn so much about themes that are so important to me is an experience I will never forget.”

Most of the workshops were interactive and one of the sessions that had greater impact on the young attendants was the plastic reduction workshop led by the sister duo Amy and Ella Meek, founders of Kids Against Plastic from the UK. “One of the most amazing realisations I had was at the end of the plastic reduction workshop. Plastic does not dissolve completely, it just breaks into small pieces, particles, and it stays in our ecosystem. Forever. This makes me feel frightened of what we are becoming, of what we are evolving into. I do have hope that we will find a solution, we have to!” said Dinara Zamantayeva, 15years old who travelled in from Kazakhstan.

A lot of the attendants took part in local competitions to be selected to come and represent their country. “I am so proud of myself for being chosen to come to the Summit. I learned so much during this week, I was particularly inspired by Salam Hamzeh Ghaith the CEO of Smallword Foundation and all the work she does with children.” said Nhelma Jacques, 16 years old from the Seychelles.

No matter how young these teenagers were, their sense of responsibility to make the world a better place was a common thread amongst all “I travelled from Austria on a night train, I worry about the impact of travelling on the planet and my carbon footprint. I think about my impact all the time, it is so hard to change the way we live. It would be much easier to just continue to live the way we do but that’s not an option. The climate change workshop we did is the one that marked me the most, I loved how it was all explained in a simple manner, by people of our generation. It made it so much more relatable – everyone understood the message. It’s in our own hands to change the future.” stated Elana Bertalan, 15 years old from Austria.

The “Sorrento Call to Action” goes beyond recognizing that the voice of youth must be consulted in policymaking and instead states that young people now need to active participants in every stage of the decision-making process across the whole of the tourism sector.

The General Assembly simulation opened with high-level interventions both in person and via video messages from His Holiness Pope Francis, Italian Minister for Tourism Massimo Garavaglia, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Luigi Di Maio, Italian Minister for Youth Policies Fabiana Dadone, and the UN Envoy for Youth Jayathma Wickramanayake.

Zurab Pololikashvili, mentioned that “The Global Youth Tourism Summit is a hugely
important first, for UNWTO and for our sector, and that young talent from every region
will be supported to give them a stage to voice their ideas about tourism’s future.”

Massimo Garavaglia emphasized Italy as being the proud hosts of this first ever event
and encouraged the young people present to become the responsible travelers of
tomorrow and to keep their optimism for making their dreams a reality.

Jayathma Wickramanayake highlighted the importance of promoting the active
engagement of young people as agents of transformational change, challenging the
status quo, and realizing the Agenda 2030.

People, planet and prosperity
Three pillars are enshrined in the Sorrento Call to Action: People, Planet, and Prosperity.
For people, for example, the young signatories call for the safeguarding of human rights,
especially of persons with disabilities through adequate tourism strategies and policies.
For the planet, the issues of food waste, plastic pollution, climate change mitigation,
and biodiversity preservation are flagged up. Finally, for prosperity, poverty reduction,
upgrading digital skills, and creating more employment opportunities are voiced by the
young participants.

The Call to Action states that “decision-makers must empower the youth, providing them
with opportunities to voice their concerns” while also working to it “stimulate education
to ensure responsible travelers and professionals.” At the same time, it recognizes the
historic significance of the first Global Youth Tourism Summit and calls on UNWTO to
hold annual summits and to work with its Member States on national events.

Mafalda Borea is the Editor-at-Large of TravelIndex Group media and Founder & Chair of SustainableFirst.com Linkedin

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Best Western Plus Nexen Re-Opens Bringing Midscale Style Back to Pattaya

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Best Western Plus Nexen Re-Opens Bringing Midscale Back Style to Pattaya - HOTELWORLDS.com - TRAVELINDEXPattaya, Thailand, July 8, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Best Western Hotels and Resorts is excited to announce the re-opening of Best Western Plus Nexen on August 1st, 2022, in the vibrant seafront city of Pattaya, Thailand.

Nestled in North Pattaya, within walking distance of the beach, major shopping malls, restaurants and nightlife, and just a short distance from local business parks, championship golf courses and world-class water parks, this stylish midscale hotel is ideally situated for business and leisure travelers alike. Best Western Plus Nexen is also only two hours’ drive from Bangkok and 1.5 hours from Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The hotel’s 164 contemporary rooms and suites are fully equipped with comfortable beds, spacious bathrooms with power showers, flat-screen smart TVs, mini-bars, working desks with universal power sockets, and USB ports. The sparkling outdoor pool, children’s pool and fitness center allow guests to unwind, while business services are available in the lobby.

XSO Kitchen, the bright and inviting onsite restaurant, serves delicious Thai and international cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, while Exe Bar promises refreshing drinks and light bites throughout the day and after dark – perfect for catching up with friends, family and colleagues.

Thailand is an important strategic market for Best Western Hotels & Resorts. The company currently operates 13 hotels and resorts in key destinations across the kingdom, in key destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya, as well as emerging locations such as Buriram and Prachinburi. With many more hotels and resorts in the pipeline, every guest can rediscover the wonders of Thailand with Best Western.

About Best Western Hotels and Resorts
Best Western Hotels and Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a privately held hotel brand within the BWH Hotel Group® global network. With 18 brands and approximately 4,500 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*, BWH Hotel Group suits the needs of developers and guests in every market. Brands include Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, Executive Residency by Best Western®, Vīb®, GLō®, Aiden®, Sadie®, BW Premier Collection® and BW Signature Collection®. Through acquisition, WorldHotelsTM Luxury, WorldHotels Elite, WorldHotels Distinctive and WorldHotels Crafted collections are also offered. Completing the portfolio are SureStay®, SureStay Plus®, SureStay Collection®, and SureStay Studio® franchises**.

* Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.
**All Best Western, WorldHotels and SureStay branded hotels are independently owned and operated.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Marriott Bonvoy Encourages Travelers to Switch into Vacation Mode with New Summer Openings Worth Logging Off For

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Indoor Pool at The Westin Yokohama
Fantastic Guestroom at W Dubai – Mina Seyahi
Pool at AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank

In celebration of summer, Marriott Bonvoy® – Marriott International’s extraordinary portfolio of 30 hotel brands, award-winning loyalty program, and endless experiences – inspires all to swap their desks for daiquiris and take some well-deserved time off to enjoy the sunshine. From sophisticated stays in exotic locales to romantic beachside getaways, Marriott Bonvoy® encourages all types of travelers to switch into vacation mode at these exciting new openings around the world.

For The Elevated Vacationer
With a healthy dose of vitamin D and vitamin Sea on the horizon, travelers are ready for reinvigoration and time off to enjoy an upscale summer vacation. A recent social listening research conducted on behalf of Marriott International saw a significant year-over-year uptick in searches for “go big” + travel: +64% (59 → 97), elaborate + vacation: +285% (450 → 1734), “opt out” + work + explore: +0% (19 → 19), “grown up” + travel: +8% (12 → 13.) It’s safe to say that this new class of “Elevated Vacationers” will be on the move all summer long and take advantage of new openings across the Marriott Bonvoy® portfolio.

Located in the southwest of Tokyo and set to be the city’s haven of well-being, The Westin Yokohama delivers the brand’s industry-leading wellness experiences – designed to empower summer revellers to relax and rejuvenate in a tranquil urban oasis. Making a grand entrance into seasonally inspired itineraries is the sophisticated JW Marriott Hotel Guadalajara, a hotel beaming with luxury in one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in the city. Adventure seeking escapers eager to get far away from their desks can experience once-in-a-lifetime trekking experiences can enjoy a stop-over stay at Four Points by Sheraton Kigali in Rwanda’s capital before exploring the country’s incredible landscape.

For The Memory Makers
As schools let out for summer, hard-working parents are ready to make new family memories and reintroduce the power of travel to the next generation. This year, parents will want to make family summer vacations extra special with opportunities for more meaningful connections sparked by stepping out and exploring the world.

The low-country shorelines of South Carolina’s beaches are a perfect playground for the whole family at the all-new SpringHill Suites by Marriott Myrtle Beach Oceanfront. Families can jumpstart their day with complimentary, fresh, hot breakfast and coffee before enjoying resort-style amenities, including an outdoor pool with sun deck, and an indoor/outdoor lazy river – for splashy memories to last a lifetime. For an expedition down under, the new AC Hotel by Marriott Melbourne Southbank is equipped with the brand’s signature modern and purposeful design, along with an infinity pool with sweeping city views to unwind after a long trip. As the perfect stop on a family road trip, The National, Autograph Collection breathes new life into the historic 32-story First National Bank Building – one of the biggest renovations in the state’s history – with opulent design details reflecting Oklahoma’s rich history.

For The Honeymoon Takers
They survived an abundance of quarantine time and decided to tie the knot – the next big decision is where to take a deep dive into newlywed bliss.

Fusing the charm of both city and sea, Split, Croatia’s quaint metropolis along the Dalmatian coast boasts beauty and culture at the recently renovated Le Méridien Lav, Split. Featuring the brand’s celebrated, mid-century modern design, the guest rooms and suites also open to large balconies with romantic views across the city and surrounding islands. Also expected to make an elegant market entrance into Croatia this fall, AC Hotel by Marriott Split – located in the tallest building in the country – is bisected by an exposed Roman aqueduct dating back 17 centuries. For a passionate getaway with a high-energy twist, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi’s Extreme WOW Suite is perfect for a fun-loving pair, featuring two bedrooms, lounge, a dining area, and a sweeping balcony.

For The Solo Escapers
Whether working remotely as a digital nomad or tacking days onto a business trip, solo travelers are trading their blue light glasses for sunny polarized shades. Recent social listening research conducted on behalf of Marriott International saw a significant year-over-year uptick in searches for “Work schedule” + flexibility: +10% (41 → 45), Work + resign + traveling: +18% (17 → 20.) As a result, opportunities for a nomadic lifestyle have become more sustainable for a globetrotting solo escaper.

At the foothills of the beautiful Rocky Mountains, Calgary is Alberta’s gateway to the great outdoors, Courtyard Calgary Downtown’s modern, state-of-the-art lobby is perfect for the remote worker looking for a flexible space to be productive. A trip to the city famed for world fashion, art, and diamonds leads to the newly opened Sapphire House Antwerp, Autograph Collection, representing a contemporary lifestyle that reflects Antwerp’s glamorous way of living. On the shores of San Juan, Residence Inn by Marriott San Juan Isla Verde offers a longer stay option in Puerto Rico for beach lovers with well-designed rooms and sprawling spaces to relax.

Marriott Bonvoy® members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts across Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy® Boutiques.

For more information on these new openings and Marriott Bonvoy®, enroll in the program for free, or to book directly, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

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Note on Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of United States federal securities laws, including statements related to unit and rooms growth; our growth pipeline; expected hotel and other project openings and brand debuts in certain markets; growth and demand trends and expectations for certain product types and in certain markets; 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 U.S. 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. We make these forward-looking statements as of the date of this press release and undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Marriott Bonvoy®
Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy® Boutiques. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy®, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

Media Contact
Shannon Bodo
Marriott International
Shannon.Bodo@marriott.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Aloft Bangkok Reopens its Hip and Happening W XYZ Bar

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Aloft Bangkok Reopens its Hip and Happening W XYZ Bar - TRAVELINDEXMarriott International’s Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 today reopens its iconic W XYZ® bar offering guests the perfect place to meet up with an old friend or make a new one at the most happening street in Bangkok.

Located on level 1 at Aloft Bangkok, guests can mix and mingle over mood music, signature sips, a snack-attack menu and can’t-miss events at this always hopping bar where the fun flows freely all night long.

Opening on every Thursday to Monday from 4 PM till late, guests can punctuate a satisfying day of sightseeing in Bangkok at our lively W XYZ® bar in the heart of Sukhumvit soi 11.

SIPS & SPINS
Classic & crafted cocktails price starting from THB 99++, guests can also enjoy the buy 1 get 1 delicious cocktails from 4-9 PM on every Thursday – Monday at this W XYZ® bar.

For more information or reservations, please call 02 207 7000, email BKKALFB@marriott.com or chat via LINE https://lin.ee/ZE9eT (@AloftBangkok)

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Melia Bali Helps Restore Coral Reefs

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Melia Bali Helps Restore Coral Reefs - TRAVELINDEXBali, Indonesia, July 7, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Meliá Bali, an oceanfront resort situated along some of Bali’s most idyllic coastline, is making sure visitors can enjoy the sea for years to come through a hands-on collaboration with local non-profit, Nusa Dua Reef Foundation.

The resort is taking an active role in Bali’s coral reef recovery effort, and inviting guests to do the same. Through the joint project Meliá staff have undergone training on how to establish and protect coral, have learned how coral is grown, and have started to plant coral on a nearby reef, just ten minutes from the property.

Guests can show support for the initiative by purchasing coral through the resort, which will be used by Meliá Bali on their reef project. For each coral purchase, the guest will receive a certificate acknowledging their contribution. Upon special request the resort is able to arrange coral plantation activities for 10 or more participants, who would like to plant the coral themselves and learn about local marine life.

According to the Nusa Dua Reef Foundation in 2016 more than half of the coral reefs of Nusa Dua suffered from coral bleaching, where coral under stress turns completely white and becomes susceptible to a heightened risk of death. The foundation has been working to protect reefs around Bali since 2010 with the creation of artificial reefs and transplantation.

Meliá Bali started working together with Nusa Dua Reef Foundation to plant corals in March this year, and have so far planted three pieces of coral, ranging in size. The resort will support the reef’s expansion by adding two corals each month. So far the Nusa Dua Reef foundation has placed 62 artificial reef sculptures and 117 artificial reef structures at six locations underwater off Nusa Dua and Tanjung Benoa beaches.

Protecting the environment is an essential pillar of the growing global hotel group, Meliá Hotels International. The company was recently named the second most sustainable hotel company in the world in S&P Global’s Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA), the world’ most comprehensive sustainability assessment, which ranks more than 10,000 companies across all industries. In 2019 and 2020, Meliá ranked first in the global hotel industry, and in 2021 maintained its leadership in Europe and Spain.

About Meliá Hotels International
Founded in 1956 in Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International operates more than 380 hotels (portfolio and pipeline) throughout more than 40 countries, under the brands Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, Paradisus by Meliá, ME by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, INNSiDE by Meliá, plus a wide portfolio of affiliated hotels under the “Affiliated by Meliá” seal. The Group is one of the leading companies in resort hotels worldwide, while also leveraging its experience to consolidate the growing segment of the leisure-inspired urban market. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led the Group to become the most sustainable hotel company in Spain and Europe in 2020, according to the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA). It also has ranked seventh in the Wall Street Journal’s list of the 100 most sustainably managed companies in the world (and the leading travel company) and is the only Spanish travel company included in the list of “Europe’s Climate Leaders 2021” by Financial Times. Meliá Hotels International is also included in the IBEX 35 Spanish stock market index and it is the Spanish hotel leader in Corporate Reputation (Merco Ranking).

About Meliá Hotels & Resorts
Meliá Hotels & Resorts is the most well-known brand within Meliá Hotels International; it has more than 100 city and resort hotels in the main leisure and business destinations of Europe, Asia, Africa and America. Meliá Hotels & Resorts instinctively understands the guests’ needs and lifestyle expectations and caters to every aspect of guests’ wellbeing. It offers exemplary meetings and events facilities in all key business cities and exotic locations, serving the ever-expanding conference and incentive travel market.

 

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Fusion Originals Makes its Saigon Debut

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Fusion Originals Makes its Saigon Debut - TRAVELINDEXHo Chi Minh City, Vietnam, July 7, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Vietnam’s most recognized hotel group introduces its latest lodging experience. The first Fusion Originals, Fusion Original Saigon Centre, will welcome guests from July 2022. Located in Saigon Centre, atop the Takashimaya Shopping Mall, these 99 bespoke accommodation units occupy 10 floors in one of the city’s largest and most fashionable mixed-use developments. With panoramic views over District 1, this property is in the center of Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant commercial and tourist area.

Fusion Original Saigon Centre offers a playful, youthful vibe with bold aesthetics and whimsical art pieces. Colorful walls with floor-to-ceiling paintings of Vietnamese women in traditional ao dai feature prominently in public spaces.

The restaurant, Miss Thu, also conveys local culture with a ceiling design reminiscent of Vietnam’s iconic hats, and wall lighting that evokes traditional drums. With access to a full-length outdoor swimming pool on the sixth floor, guests can enjoy lounging in a garden area. For quiet time, The Nest guest lounge offers a secluded area to unwind and relax in plush private sofa chairs.

“Travelers these days want to connect with a story; they want to feel part of the distinct narrative of a place,” said Kevin Beauvais, CEO of Fusion Hotel Group. “Traditionally, guests found the experience outside of where they stay. With Fusion Originals, there’s an experience in their accommodation. Saigon has many local sights; Fusion Original is now one of them.”

Fusion has big plans for Fusion Originals and is currently exploring multiple locations around the country. Like the Saigon Center inaugural property, these Fusion Originals will be designed to capture local fashion & culture, highlighting pioneers and trailblazers who have pushed boundaries in their respective fields.

“The opening of Fusion Original Saigon Centre is a great example of our company’s capabilities as a fully integrated platform. It showcases our in-house capabilities in brand creation, project development, hotel operations, and principal investing. We plan to aggressively grow the Fusion Originals brand, as well as other portfolio brands and investment initiatives as the travel market rebounds strongly in Vietnam and Southeast Asia,” shared Christopher Hur, President of Lodgis, the owning company.

A high standard of service remains at Fusion Originals, but the uniformity will stop there. The core pillar of the new brand is that no two properties will be alike. Each will have its own distinct personality and be one-of-a-kind. They will be Original.

Fusion Original is one of eight brands that now come under the Fusion umbrella. The fast-growing hotel group also recently added Thai-based GLOW Hotels & Resorts to its collection, as they expand regionally. With this new Saigon opening and the GLOW acquisition, Fusion has more than 4,000 rooms in Vietnam and Thailand.

“With our expanding brand portfolio, including a diverse range of properties in many of Vietnam and Thailand’s top tourist destinations, we believe we can cater to the growing needs and wants of a wider audience of travelers,” said Peter Meyer, CEO of Lodgis. “This is especially important as we rebound from the pandemic and as tourists look for more unique and inspiring travel experiences.”

Room rates at Fusion Original Saigon Centre start from USD160++.

About Fusion
fusion is a leader of wellness-inspired hospitality brands in Vietnam, managing 20 properties in Vietnam and Thailand and expanding to open new hotels and resorts in both countries.

fusion originals are culturally curated and artistically contemporary, the stylish place in town where every layer, nook, and cranny tells a story overflowing with unique twists and surprises.

fusion resorts combine stylish, sharp, and sophisticated, blending bed-to-beach living and holistic wellness in a fresh approach to traditional beach vacations.

Maia resorts guide the inner foody on an unforgettable journey of gastronomic exploration and holistic spa treatments designed to tantalise the taste buds and revitalise the spirit.

fusion suites give urban adventurers or family explorers a place to recover in a city to discover, mixing comfort and convenience with funky, fun and informal.

by fusion: Hotels by Fusion allow guests to explore and be exposed to truly one-of-a-kind retreats whilst still indulging in the traditions, values, and facilities provided under the management of Fusion Hotel Group.

GLOW appeals to today’s modern travelers who are ready for anything, seek fun and avant-garde experiences. Each unique property plugs into exciting urban vibes or exclusive seaside destinations. Don’t just live, GLOW!

HIIVE: Designed with the business traveller in mind, Hiive provides ideal accommodation for both long- and short-term business travel in Vietnam’s prime locations for commerce and industry.

 

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News