Global Travel News

DEEPLY SORRY: Alaska Airlines CEO warns flight cancellations to continue

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The CEO of Alaska Airlines says the high level of flight cancellations since April will continue through this month. Passengers whose travel plans have been disrupted have found little help from the airline in finding alternative ways to their destination, with customer service phone lines citing hold times of up to 10 hours.(VIDEO)

The Seattle Times reports that Ben Minicucci said in a message to employees Thursday evening that stability should return in June.

“Of the 1,200 flights that we operate every day, we’ve been canceling about 50 of them, roughly 4%. This is coming at a time when flights are already full, so rebooking options are limited and many of our guests have experienced extraordinarily long hold times,” Minicucci wrote.

In a follow-up video message for the traveling public that was posted on YouTube Friday morning and sent via email to Alaska’s mileage plan members, Minicucci apologized.

“I’m deeply sorry,” he said in the two-minute video. “I hear every day from friends, neighbors and guests about how disruptive our flight cancellations have been.”

In his message to staff, Minicucci acknowledged that responsibility for the situation lies with management, saying he and the leadership team “take full responsibility.”

He said Alaska started April and May with 63 fewer pilots than needed to fly the published flight schedule. Management didn’t recognize this shortage until too late.

He said the airline has centralized staff and schedule planning under one team and prioritized hiring, training and recruiting for pilots, flight attendants and other workgroups.

Minicucci’s apology and some passenger reactions:

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

MAKING A SPLASH: New Royalton readies in Riviera Maya

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Sunwing reports that its newest Royalton Luxury Resorts property, Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun, is slated to open Dec. 20. The new all-inclusive Riviera Maya resort will feature an expansive on-site water park.

More than 1,000 modern suites will feature a host of in-room amenities including Royalton’s signature DreamBed with high-thread-count sheets, rain shower, 24-hour room service, in-suite Jacuzzi in select room categories, and a well-stocked mini-bar.

Outside, on-site water amenities and activities include four pools, a variety of beach and water sports and one of the Caribbean’s largest on-site water parks, featuring 14 large water slides, two lazy rivers, a kids’ pool and splash pad, to which guests have unlimited access.
Entertainment facilities are designed with both families and friend groups in mind. In addition to the brand’s Sports Event Guarantee, where the big game is always on, there is daily entertainment and nightly shows, two theatres, laser tag, bowling, a trampoline park, supervised programming for kids and teens and complimentary resort-wide Wi-Fi.

Guests can enjoy The Royal Spa or a private beachfront cabana ($); or keep trim at the on-site fitness centre with the Royalton Fit program.

The resort offers 12 restaurants, nine bars along with unlimited reservation-free dining, all set among picturesque views of the Caribbean Sea.

For a more elevated experience, Sunwing customers can upgrade their booking and stay in the resort’s exclusive Diamond Club section where they’ll receive dedicated butler services, a private oceanview lounge with premium drinks and canapés and an exclusive beach area, among other upscale amenities in designated suites.

“For 11 years and counting, Sunwing’s resort division has continued to expand its portfolio and meet our customers in some of the most beloved sun destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America,” says Samantha Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer at Sunwing. “We’re thrilled for Sunwing customers to experience the new Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun, the first Royalton Splash in Mexico, and enjoy its luxury offerings and larger-than-life amenities, just in time for the 2022-23 holiday season.”

 

 

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ROUND-UP: May 9-13, 2022

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Last week, temperatures frayed over airport passenger congestion; countries continued to ease entry rules; air and cruise lines inaugurated new routes/ships; new hotels to note in LA and NYC; and new agent incentives were announced.

NEWS

Tourism is rebounding across Canada, but won’t hit 2019 levels until 2023, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. The WTTC says the sector will come within sight of pre-pandemic levels of activity in Canada this year but won’t match 2019 numbers until next year as bottled-up demand is uncorked across the globe. The international trade group forecasts that travel and tourism’s economic output in Canada will reach $138 billion in 2022, 88% of pre-pandemic figures. That number is estimated to hit $157 billion in 2023, nearly on par with the $158.1 billion of 2019.

Joining other trade groups, ACTA said the chaotic situation at airport security and customs, and significant delays in trying to renew passports, is creating a major obstacle to the recovery of travel and is urging the federal government to fix the problem “expeditiously.” ACTA president Wendy Paradis adds, “administrative hurdles such as these are unacceptable.” Canadian transport minister Omar Alghabra said staffing issues were not to blame, suggesting instead it was out-of-practice travellers and congested flight schedules.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is gradually resuming border services at select airports affected by the temporary measures put in place as a result of COVID-19. The CBSA resumed services at 47 small airports through May 15.

BORDER

Starting May 20, arrivals in Israel in will no longer have to take a PCR test upon arrival (or quarantine for up to 24 hours while waiting for the results). Visitors will continue to have to produce a negative test before travelling to Israel, however the new guideline (as of May 10) also allows for an antigen test to be taken within 24 hours of travel.

Laos has reopened to tourists and other visitors. Vaccination certificates or virus tests will still be required for Lao citizens and foreigners entering the country. The tests (rapid antigen, taken within 48 hours of departure for Laos) are for unvaccinated travellers 12 years of age or older.

RE-OPENING/RE-START

Oktoberfest, Munich’s famous festival of beer and Bavarian culture will take place this year from Sept. 17 to Oct. 3, marking a return after two years off due to the pandemic.

BY THE NUMBERS

The final week of April saw nearly 460,000 travellers touch down in Canada on international flights, more than 17 times the number of arrivals in the same week a year earlier but still just two-thirds of 2019 levels, according to the Canada Border Services Agency.

AIR
WestJet launched its long-awaited service to Rome with the departure of WestJet flight 32 from YYC Calgary International Airport on May 9. The first-ever scheduled connection between Calgary and Rome, operated on a 320-seat 787 Dreamliner, was celebrated alongside several dignitaries (photo). The service will operate during peak season up to three-times weekly. The flight was originally set to launch in May of 2020 but was postponed due to the pandemic.

Yukon’s airline Air North celebrated its first-ever scheduled direct service between Whitehorse, Yellowknife, and Toronto on May 10. The twice-weekly service is expected to help boost tourism to the territory.

The very first Air Transat flight between Quebec City and London took flight May 11. The service will operate weekly on Wednesdays from Quebec City and Thursdays from London-Gatwick, until late September.

DEALS

Available through July 31, travellers can receive 15% off their stay at Hyatt hotels and resorts in Canada with the code 15OFF, redeemable for stays between before Sept. 6.

TOURS

Sunwing’s latest promotional offer, valid on bookings made by May 29, offers clients a complimentary room in a variety of sun destinations. The free room upgrades are available on a first-come, first-served basis and upgrade categories vary by resort and are applicable to select destinations and resorts for new bookings on a seven-night vacation package (double occupancy) between June 1 and Oct. 31. Plus, agents can still earn STAR Agent Reward Points on final payment, in accordance with STAR Program Terms and Conditions.

G Adventures has announced its relaunch list for June and, for the first time since the pandemic, more than 1,000 departures are on the list, representing a return to 50% when compared to 2019. The June list sees the return of Borneo, Cuba, and Madagascar, as well as the reopening of the Thailand Hilltribes trekking route, and restart of the popular Mont Blanc hiking season. This follows May returns to Vietnam, Indonesia and South Korea, and Eastern Europe and “the ‘Stans.” Preferred partner travel agents are eligible for up to 50% off rates on departures (and 25% off for up to three travelling companions), some exclusions apply.

HOTELS

More than 9,000 new hotel rooms will be coming online in New York City this year, including the highly anticipated Aman New York, a new urban sanctuary opening Aug. 2 on Fifth Avenue; the Ritz-Carlton, NoMad, a new experience inspired by the essence of the new Madison Square Park coming soon; and the Hard Rock Hotel New York, which just opened this month. Additionally, the Renaissance Hotels brand will soon open properties in Harlem and Flushing; the Virgin Hotel New York City and Hotel Barrière Le Fouquet’s New York are expected to open this summer; Moxy Hotels will open properties on Manhattan’s Lower East Side and in Williamsburg, Brooklyn later this year; and The Fifth Avenue Hotel is expected to open this fall.

Short Stories is a new 66-room hotel in Los Angeles featuring contemporary guest rooms, a full-service destination restaurant, outdoor courtyard, pool oasis and event space. Just across the street from the Original Farmers Market and The Grove and a short walk from LACMA and the Academy Museum, the hotel lies in a prime location of LA’s thriving arts and culture scene.

RESORTS
W Dubai – Mina Seyahi is now open in Dubai. Situated on the scenic Arabian Gulf coast, the 31-story hotel boasts striking glass architecture, the property reflects the city’s historical, cultural, and social fabric in its 318 rooms and suites – all sea-facing with a private balcony. Highlights include the BAR-B Spa, sleek rooftop lounge ATTIKO (opening in June), and exclusive Malakite beach club and pool, set on a private beach (coming in 2023).

Effective May 16, all bookings made by AMR Collection guests that require a COVID-19 test to return to their home country will be able to schedule their test for a fee with the concierge on property. For bookings made prior to May 16 for guests who booked in a club level or xhale club, as well as guests staying at Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts for three or more nights will have the previously communicated complimentary testing policy honored. Additionally, resorts will continue to offer quarantine reassurance for affected guests through reduced nightly rates and special services.

CRUISE

Norwegian Cruise Line celebrated the completion of its ‘Great Cruise Comeback’ with the sailing of Norwegian Spirit in the South Pacific on May 7. The departure was the 17th and final ship in its fleet to return to service after a 500-day pandemic pause. Since then, the brand has systematically relaunched its ships around the world.

A day later, Holland America Line welcomed its ninth and 10th ships back into service on May 8 and 12 respectively, as Oosterdam embarked guests in Trieste (Venice), Italy, and Zaandam set sail in Fort Lauderdale. Still to come: the Westerdam on June 12.

Canadians will soon be able to sail on MSC Cruises’ newest flagship – MSC Seascape – when it comes into service later this year in New York City. The ship’s Naming Ceremony will take place at New York’s Manhattan Cruise Terminal on Dec. 7, with a star-studded inaugural event featuring godmother Sofia Loren that will precede the ship’s inaugural Caribbean season. Travel agents from Ontario, Quebec and BC are invited to contact their BDM for a possible invitation to the event. After the ceremony, the ship will position to Miami for a winter in the Caribbean (eastern and western itineraries).

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS

The world’s only official exhibition of ‘Frida Kahlo, The Life of an Icon’, is making its North American debut in Montréal on June 10 at Arsenal Contemporary Art Montreal. Tickets can be purchased at fridakahlomontreal.com with ticket price starting at $34.99 for adults (before taxes and fees), with discounts available for students, children, and families.

FAMS & INCENTIVES

Continuing throughout May, travel advisors can earn a $20 gift card for each new 2022 AmaWaterways FIT booking and earn a reward cruise when they confirm three FIT bookings made between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31 for 2022 sailings. The company will also give away complimentary river cruises with round-trip business class airfare to two lucky travel advisors who attend its popular Webinar Wednesday series during the month of May.

During May Travel Advisor Appreciation Month of May, Silversea Cruises is offering a CDN$250 bonus commission per booking on any 2022 voyage. In addition, it is extending travel advisors an invitation to sail on select 2022 Alaska and Northern Europe voyages for as low as US$150 p.p. per day.

EVENTS

“African Romance & Honeymoons” is the next webinar in a summer series presented by Africa Travel. Set to take place May 24, the webinar follows the inaugural session on May 10, with several more to follow through August. Collectively the tour operator (a division of TravCorp) is thematically highlighting “the many compelling reasons to visit Africa.” For more information, dates, and registration, click .

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

Friends and colleagues of the late John McKenna are invited by his family to a Celebration of Life on June 25, 2-5 p.m. at the Fergus legion, branch 275. The hall is located at 500 Blair St., Fergus Ont.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has announced the appointment of Ernie Balint to Strategic Account Manager for Uniworld’s Eastern Canada market, and Peter Nowicki for Uniworld’s Western Canada market, effective immediately. Based in Toronto, Balint has worked in the travel industry for 10-plus years, including Collette Vacations, and G Adventures. Based in Vancouver, Nowicki has over 20 years experience in travel and cruises, including nearly a decade at Crystal Cruises.

H.I.S.-Red Label Vacations Inc. (RLV) and Merit Travel have named Lora Hamre as Director of Retail and Independent Consultant Program. An experienced business leader, Hamre assumed responsibilities on May 2, focussing on growing the retail and independent travel divisions and fostering new business development activities that drive greater engagement and opportunity.

DESTINATIONS

Fremont Street Experience, the six-block entertainment district located in downtown Las Vegas, is ready to rock the city with the return of its epic free concert series, “Downtown Rocks.” The jammed-packed lineup is filled with fan favourite and chart-topping bands appealing to music fans of all ages set under the glow of the world’s largest digital screen, Viva Vision. The free concert series features top artists covering multiple decades of music including Rick Springfield, Jelly Roll, X Ambassadors, The Pretty Reckless and more. The series culminates with the Stone Temple Pilots. Downtown Rocks continues through the fall and additional dates and performances are expected to be added.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UN-Habitat and OCEANIX Unveil World’s First Floating City

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UN-Habitat and OCEANIX Unveil World's First Floating City - TRAVELINDEXBusan, South Korea, May 13, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / UN-Habitat, the Busan Metropolitan City of the Republic of Korea, and OCEANIX today unveiled at the UN Headquarters the design of the world’s first prototype sustainable floating city. OCEANIX Busan aims to provide breakthrough technology for coastal cities facing severe land shortages that are compounded by climatic threats.

The challenge is massive: two out of every five people in the world live within 100 kilometers of the coast, and 90 percent of mega cities worldwide are vulnerable to rising sea levels. Flooding is destroying billions of dollars worth of infrastructure and forcing millions of climate refugees to leave their homes. With nowhere to expand, rapid urban population growth is pushing people closer to the water, driving housing costs to prohibitive levels, and squeezing the poorest families out.

“Today is a pivotal milestone for all coastal cities and island nations on the frontlines of climate change. We are on track to delivering OCEANIX Busan and demonstrating that floating infrastructure can create new land for coastal cities looking for sustainable ways to expand onto the ocean, while adapting to sea level rise,” said the Chief Executive Officer of OCEANIX, Mr. Philipp Hofmann.

OCEANIX, a blue tech company based in New York, led a team of the world’s best designers, engineers, and sustainability experts in designing the flood-proof prototype. The BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group and SAMOO (Samsung Group) were the lead architects of OCEANIX Busan, unveiled at the Second UN Roundtable on Sustainable Floating Cities; a follow up to the inaugural Roundtable in April 2019, where it was agreed to build a prototype with a host city. Busan signed on last year.

“As Mayor of the Metropolitan City of Busan, I take seriously our commitment to the credo ‘The First to the Future’. We joined forces with UN-Habitat and OCEANIX to be the first to prototype and scale this audacious idea because our common future is at stake in the face of sea level rise and its devastating impact on coastal cities,” said Mayor Park Heong-joon, who has set an ambitious agenda, including turning Busan into a green smart city and launching a bid for World Expo 2030.

Speaking at the Roundtable, which took place at the UN Headquarters in New York, and was attended by government ministers of housing, Mayors, Ambassadors, and high-ranking UN officials, the Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Ms. Maimunah Mohd Sharif said. “We cannot solve today’s problems with yesterday’s tools. We need to innovate solutions to global challenges. But in this drive for innovation, let’s be inclusive and equitable and ensure we leave no one and no place behind. I am happy this Roundtable takes place ahead of the High-Level Meeting on the New Urban Agenda, where cities and countries around the world come together to discuss sustainable urbanization.”

“In designing a solution for the most vulnerable coastal locations on the frontlines of climate change, OCEANIX’s new modular maritime neighborhoods will be a prototype for sustainable communities informed by Busan’s unique juxtaposition of old and new. Creating a connection between the city and the seaside, OCEANIX Busan will expand this spirit onto the waterfront,” said Bjarke Ingels, Founder and Creative Director of BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group.

OCEANIX Busan is the world’s first prototype of a resilient and sustainable floating community. The interconnected neighborhoods total 6.3 hectares to accommodate a community of 12,000 people. Each neighborhood is designed to serve a specific purpose – living, research, and lodging. There are between 30,000 to 40,000 square meters of mixed-use programs per neighborhood. The floating platforms connect to the land with link-span bridges framing the sheltered blue lagoon of floating recreation, art, and performance outposts. The low-rise buildings on each platform, defined by their soft lines, feature terraces for indoor-outdoor living, helping to activate the network of vibrant public spaces. OCEANIX Busan will organically transform and adapt over time. Starting from a community of 3 platforms with 12,000 residents and visitors, it has the potential to expand to more than 20 platforms. The floating platforms are accompanied by dozens of productive outposts with photovoltaic panels and greenhouses that can expand and contract over time based on the needs of Busan. OCEANIX Busan has six integrated systems: zero waste and circular systems, closed loop water systems, food, net zero energy, innovative mobility, and coastal habitat regeneration. These interconnected systems will generate 100% of the required operational energy on site through floating and rooftop photovoltaic panels. Similarly, each neighborhood will treat and replenish its own water, reduce and recycle resources, and provide innovative urban agriculture.

OCEANIX is a blue tech company founded by Itai Madamombe and Marc Collins Chen in 2018 to design and build floating cities for people to live sustainably on the ocean. OCEANIX design and engineering partners on the Busan prototype include: Prime Movers Lab, BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group, SAMOO Architects and Engineers, Arup, Bouygues Construction, Helena, the MIT Center for Ocean Engineering, the Korea Maritime and Ocean University, top environmental artist Olafur Eliasson and Studio Other Spaces, Wartsila, Transsolar KlimaEngineering, Mobility in Chain, Sherwood Design Engineers, Agritecture, the Center for Zero Waste Design, Greenwave, and the Global Coral Reef Alliance.

UN-Habitat, works to promote socially and environmentally sustainable cities and human settlements. UN-Habitat’s vision is to achieve “a better quality of life for all in an urbanizing world”. It works in over 90 countries to promote transformative change through knowledge, policy advice, technical assistance and demonstration projects.

Busan, a city of 3.4 million residents, is the second largest city in the Republic of Korea. It is home to the biggest industrial complex in the Southeast Economic Region of Korea. Busan is one of the most important maritime cities of the 21st century, making it a natural choice to deploy the sustainable floating city prototype with its marine engineering capabilities.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Tourism to Create 14 Million Jobs in Africa within the Next Decade

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Tourism to Create 14 Million Jobs in Africa within the Next Decade - VISITKENYA.com - TRAVELINDEXNairobi, Kenya, May 14, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council’s latest Economic Impact Report (EIR) reveals the African Travel & Tourism sector is expected to create almost 14 million new jobs over the next decade.

The positive forecast from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which shows an average of 1.4 million new jobs every year, also reveals the sector will lead the economic recovery in the region, with its annual GDP growth set to outpace the overall economy for the next 10 years.

According to the report, Travel & Tourism’s GDP is forecasted to grow at an average rate of 6.8% annually between 2022-2032, more than twice the 3.3% growth rate of region’s overall economy, to reach nearly US$ 279 billion (7.2% of the total economy).

The sector’s contribution to GDP is expected to grow 20.5% to US$ 144 billion by the end of 2022, amounting to 5.1% of the total economic GDP, while employment in the sector is set to grow by 3.1% this year to reach nearly 22 million jobs.

The global tourism body’s annual report also shows further optimism for the region’s Travel & Tourism GDP, which could approach pre-pandemic levels by 2023 – just 9% below 2019 levels.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Africa is clearly bouncing back and is set to experience a significant recovery over the couple of years and looking ahead over the next 10 years, the sector could create almost 14 million jobs.

“However, last year the recovery was significantly impacted by Omicron, which saw many countries reinstating severe and unjustified travel restrictions on several key African destinations.”

Before the pandemic, the Travel & Tourism sector’s contribution to the region’s GDP was 6.8% (US$182.4 billion) in 2019, falling to just 3.8% (US$96.5 billion) in 2020 when the pandemic was at its height, nearly halving the contribution of such a crucial sector to the economy with a 47.1% decline.

The sector also supported more than 25 million jobs across the region, which after a 22.9% drop, fell to just 19.6 million in 2020.

However, looking back at 2021, WTTC’s latest EIR report reveals a year in which we saw the beginning of the recovery for the region’s Travel & Tourism sector, Travel & Tourism’s contribution to GDP increased 23.5% year on year, to reach more than US$119 billion.

It also saw a recovery of 1.6 million Travel & Tourism jobs, representing a positive 8.2% rise to reach more than 21 million.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Equatorial Guinea to Implement Electronic Visa to Promote Tourism

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Equatorial Guinea to Implement Electronic Visa to Promote Tourism - VISITEQUATORIALGUINEA.com - TRAVELINDEXBata, Equatorial Guinea, May 14, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Equatorial Guinea’s Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue wants to make tourism a profitable sector in the Equatorial Guinean economy.

This vision was presented this Tuesday in a working session that the Vice President of the Republic held at the Africa Palace in Bata, with various members of the Government of the departments involved, including Catalina Martinez Asumu, Secretary of State for tourism and founder of Guineatur, together with Vincenzo Presti, CEO of Luxury Hotels Management, which boasts the management of 7 of the most important hotels in the country, including Grand Hotel Djibloho, the most big hotel in Central Africa.

The initiative, arises to study and seek mechanisms that allow tourism to boost in Equatorial Guinea.

The Government has invested large sums of millions in the construction of tourist attractions that the country has, and for the Vice President of the Council of Ministers it is necessary to make this sector more profitable in the Equatorial Guinean GDP. For this, the country will implement the electronic visa system and facilitate the entry of tourists and investors.

Equatorial Guinea, in its National Economic Development Program, is committed to economic diversification, and tourism appears as one of the priorities. To promote this domain, projects and procedures for the implementation of this online visa system will be presented before the end of this year.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

SAii Laguna Phuket Launches New Meetings and Events Centre

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SAii Laguna Phuket Launches New Meetings and Events Centre - VISITPHUKET.org - TRAVELINDEXPhuket, Thailand, May 13, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / SAii Laguna Phuket, the free-spirited lifestyle resort on Phuket’s stunning sunset coast, is now set to become one of the island’s most impressive venues for corporate and social events, including weddings, following the grand opening of its brand-new Meetings & Events Centre.

Newly constructed in 2021, this standalone MICE destination comprises 1,900 square metres of flexible, fully-connected function space, including the 350-guest Similan Ballroom, with its six-metre-high ceilings, plus nine well-equipped breakout rooms, a spacious foyer area and a VIP room. Each of these state-of-the-art venues will feature the latest audio-visual technology, so every event will make a lasting impression.

The centre’s inspiring indoor areas will be complemented by three ocean-facing outdoor spaces, including an elegant poolside lawn and the beautiful beach. Together, these fantastic facilities will enable SAii Laguna Phuket to host a wide range of occasions, from important business meetings and major corporate conferences to grand gala dinners, glittering award ceremonies, key product launches and more.

For brides and grooms, SAii Laguna Phuket also provides a spectacular setting for destination weddings. With a choice of different themes and set-up options, from traditional Thai and classical Chinese ceremonies to Western-style white weddings and lavish Indian celebrations, the resort’s highly experienced team of wedding planners will take care of every detail to create magical moments and make memories that last a lifetime.

Whatever the occasion, customers will be promised professional support services, creative catering from the talented culinary team at SAii Laguna Phuket, a curated collection of local partners and suppliers, and a wide range of packages to suit all budgets. Under SAii Resorts’ deep commitment to sustainability, guests can rest assured that their event will be environmentally sensitive, with no single-use plastics.

At SAii Laguna Phuket, every event host, business delegate, bride, groom or wedding guest will able to stay in style with a choice of bright and inviting rooms and suites, and welcomed with warm and genuine Thai hospitality. Surrounded by tranquil lagoons on Phuket’s west coast, overlooking Bangtao Beach, the resort allows its clientele, or “InSAiiders”, to cool off in sparkling swimming pools, enjoy water sports on the lagoons, play tennis, squash, archery and more. There is also a kids’ club, fitness centre, club lounge and diverse restaurants and bars including SAii’s unique brand concepts, Mr. Tomyam and Miss Olive Oyl.

“I am delighted to unveil our new Meetings & Events Centre. SAii Laguna Phuket is already one of the most popular resorts for leisure travellers, due to our extensive recreational amenities and activities. The launch of a dedicated hub for MICE and weddings will enable us to expand our customer base and host exceptional corporate events, social gatherings and dream wedding and engagement ceremonies. This outstanding new facility will also play an important role in helping Phuket’s tourism industry to rebound strongly from the global pandemic,” said Bart Callens, Cluster General Manager of SAii Laguna Phuket and SAii Phi Phi Island Village.

About S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited
S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited, the hospitality arm of Singha Estate Public Company Limited, is a fast-growing, Thai-inspired company with an extensive international portfolio and world-class standards. Specialising in the management and investment of high-quality hotels and resorts in desirable destinations across the globe, S Hotels & Resorts has created a collection of its own distinctive lifestyle brands, whilst also partnering with the hospitality industry’s leading names. The company aims to set new standards for leisure and lifestyle through diversified business platforms and to enhance value for all its stakeholders based upon a philosophy of sustainable development and delivering benefits to local communities.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

LISTENING IN: James Taylor, dreaming of Mexico

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Dreaming of a destination has taken on an entirely new context in the past couple of years, but James Taylor’s “Mexico” reminds that travel is marvellously as much in the head as it is bum in seat, observing, “I’ve never really been, but I’d sure like to go,” and sagely, “Lose your load, leave your mind behind…”

Released on his “Gorilla” album in 1975, the feel-good tune contrasts with the singer-songwriter’s famously sad and sensitive image and “laid-back adult contemporary” vibe, as it was once described on The Simpsons.

For that reason, I’d probably rate “Mexico” my favourite James Taylor song, except perhaps for the sublime (somewhat mocking) “Steamroller Blues” (“I’m a steamroller for you babe, I’m bound to roll all over you… I’m a cement mixer, a churning urn of burning funk…”)

But that’s a song for another day. Today, this version of “Mexico” comes from the 1993 documentary “Squibnocket,” which was recorded with a backing band at the artist’s home in Martha’s Vineyard and notable for its inspired, subtle use of steel drums.

Lyrics

Way down here you need a reason to move
Feel a fool running your stateside games
Lose your load, leave your mind behind Baby Jane

Oh, Mexico
It sounds so simple I just got to go
The sun’s so hot I forgot to go home
Guess I’ll have to go now

Americano got the sleepy eye
But his body’s still shaking like a live wire
Sleepy Señorita with the eyes on fire

Oh, Mexico
It sounds so sweet with the sun sinking low
The moon’s so bright like to light up the night
Make everything all right

Baby’s hungry and the money’s all gone
The folks back home don’t want to talk on the phone
She gets a long letter, sends back a postcard
Times are hard

Oh, down in Mexico
I never really been so I don’t really know
Oh, Mexico
I guess I’ll have to go

Oh, Mexico
I never really been but I’d sure like to go
Oh, Mexico
I guess I’ll have to go now

Talking ’bout in Mexico
In a honky tonk down in Mexico
Oh, Mexico
Mexico, Mexico
Oh, Mexico
Mexico, Mexico
Oh, Mexico
Mexico, Mexico

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

AC Hotels by Marriott® Unveils First Hotel in Australia with the Opening of AC Hotel by Marriott Melbourne Southbank

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AC Melbourne Southbank_Exterior65.jpg
AC Melbourne Southbank Exterior

AC Hotels by Marriott®, the design-led lifestyle brand part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, announces its brand debut in Australia with the opening of AC Hotel by Marriott Melbourne Southbank. Located in one of Melbourne’s premier events, arts and entertainment precincts, the new hotel features 205 thoughtfully designed guest rooms and suites, signature dining, and an infinity pool and cocktail bar with sweeping views of the city skyline. AC Melbourne Southbank has been expertly refined and crafted to deliver an elegant yet unobtrusive experience, right in the cultural capital of Australia.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the arrival of the AC Hotels brand in Australia with the opening of AC Melbourne Southbank,” said Jeff Tomczek, Vice President and Global Brand Leader of AC Hotels. “Melbourne is the cultural and design capital of Australia, allowing for a seamless fit with AC Hotels, known for its purposeful design and obsession with detail. With Australia’s border reopening, we look forward to welcoming travellers with a distinctive experience that has been edited to offer only the best of what guests truly need.”

Nestled in the prestigious inner-city enclave of Melbourne’s Southbank, with the Central Business District and South Wharf precinct – Australia’s largest urban renewal project – on its doorstep, AC Melbourne Southbank brings together the very best of Melbourne, housed in one sculptural landmark address. With close proximity to public transport, South Melbourne Market, Melbourne Convention Centre, South Wharf shops and eateries, the Arts precinct, and other first-class amenities, the hotel offers sweeping city views with everything guests need for a memorable stay.

AC Lounge in AC Melbourne Southbank
AC Lounge in AC Melbourne Southbank
edmund bourrilhon

Designed by DKO Architecture in collaboration with Capital Alliance, AC Melbourne Southbank has created a bold architectural presence within the Fishermans Bend skyline. The design approach to every space is optimal comfort and utility through modern décor with open layouts offering functional beauty without distraction. The elegantly framed geometric glass façade will be activated by LED lighting at night acting as a beacon for visitors and residents alike. A sculptural canopy creates an iconic entry to the hotel and the design-led guestrooms contained within.

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AC Melbourne Southbank Deluxe King Room

The 205 thoughtfully designed guestrooms and suites offer sweeping views of the city skyline and the Yarra River. From sleek desks, open closets, and integrated bathrooms to easily accessible outlets for mindful work and play, AC guestrooms are free of clutter and maximise a sense of openness. The subtle layering of materiality with modern classic finishes such as natural stone tiling, warm textured timber, metal details, soft layers of drapery and brass accents all create a sense of functional calm. The mood reflects the industrial warehouse scenes of South Melbourne while echoing the Spanish roots of the AC brand.

AC Melbourne Southbank features a range of collaborative spaces including the brand’s signature AC Lounge, a modern co-working space for creative gatherings by day and a buzzing social hub offering European-style tapas by night. The signature AC Gin Tonic experience is available throughout all dining and bar venues at the hotel. The speciality cocktail is served in a custom glass by sculptural glass artist Adam Walmon and has been scientifically developed to heighten the taste, aroma and palate experience for the drinker.

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AC Melbourne Southbank Triana Bar

Sorolla provides the perfect place for breakfast to start the day, with a dining experience that includes an open kitchen to capture the chefs in action. Triana Bar exudes a ‘wow’ factor showcasing stunning views and a long, iconic freestanding bar where guests can mix and mingle with each other. The space offers simplicity and sophistication in the subtle finishes of warm timber, natural stone, bronze accents and softer grey materials. Bar de Buceo, the pool bar, also offers guests a relaxed area to enjoy drinks and light, alfresco style dining, making it the perfect place to unwind.

The hotel offers a range of leisure facilities, including an outdoor, infinity-edge swimming pool spanning the width of the building, a 24-hour fitness centre, and meeting and event space designed to host groups of varying sizes.

The hotel houses 576 square metres of flexible meeting space, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing abundant natural light, along with an outdoor covered terrace room and pool bar. The outdoor terrace beside the infinity pool can serve as a pre-function space accommodating up to 200 guests in cocktail format or broken down into smaller spaces for breakouts and more intimate meetings, social gatherings and weddings.

“I am truly delighted to open the first AC Hotel in Australia,” commented Harry Singh, General Manager of AC by Marriott Melbourne Southbank. “Working in collaboration with DKO, we have brought to life the core elements of the AC design philosophy – every detail of the experience is meticulously over-thought to create a seamless stay, right in the heart of the city known as the design capital of Australia.”

Owned by Capital Alliance, a Melbourne-based diversified mixed-use real estate developer and investment company, the hotel marks Marriott International’s ninth hotel in Melbourne and the third new hotel to open in the Victorian capital over the last 12 months.

For more information or reservations, please visit https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/melac-ac-hotel-melbourne-southbank/

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.

About AC Hotels by Marriott®
AC Hotels includes over 195 hotels in more than 27 countries and territories. At AC Hotels, every moment has been designed, refined, crafted, and considered to create a seamless guest experience. Each AC Hotel features purposefully designed signature spaces that strike the perfect balance of form and function. Most notably, the AC Lounge® invites guests and locals alike to collaborate during the day, or to enjoy signature cocktails and tapas in the evening. The AC Kitchen offers a European-inspired breakfast each morning. All AC guest rooms and public spaces evoke a particular sophistication, featuring sleek furnishings, curated artwork, and intuitive technology. The brand is dedicated to the details that matter most to guests during their travels with a mission to deliver The Perfectly Precise Hotel™ experience. For more information, visit www.ac-hotels.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. AC Hotels is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Under the Radar Openings in Southeast Asia

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Under the Radar Openings in Southeast Asia - TRAVELINDEXPhnom Penh, Cambodia, May 12, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / It’s an obvious understatement that the pandemic has wreaked devastation on Southeast Asia’s vital tourism sector. For the past two or so years, big-ticket destinations have been starved of international visitors. Visitors, in turn, have been denied the region’s uniquely vibrant blend of high octane dining and nightlife, and paradise beaches and landscapes. But all has not been quiet. Indeed, the region has welcomed a spate of notable resort openings. With travel now opening up again, here are a few cherishable new addresses.

Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh

Key to Phnom Penh’s future success is the presence of world-class lodging options such as Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh. Opened into a world battened down by the pandemic in January 2021, it is among the most exciting additions to the hospitality scene in recent times. With 247 guestrooms including 43 residential-style suites, the property is the largest internationally branded hotel in the city. Located in the heart of Phnom Penh’s cultural and business district of Doun Penh, the hotel is a 30-minute drive from the airport and is within a short walking distance to the Royal Palace, National Museum, and the riverside. Conceived by award-winning Singapore-based SCDA Architects and leading Thailand-based PIA Interior, the contemporary-meets-colonial interiors of the hotel reflect Cambodia’s unique history, seamlessly blending Khmer architectural accents, French colonial influences, and specially-commissioned artworks by contemporary Cambodian artist, FONKi. As guests pull into the hotel’s driveway, they are greeted with a welcoming centerpiece: a beautiful French heritage building flanked by sweet-smelling frangipani trees. The Colonial House is home to The Attic, an old-world speakeasy-style bar tucked into the eaves of the building. Additional F&B standouts include Metropole Underground, an art-deco themed space that is Phnom Penh’s first subterranean venue, and FiveFive Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, where guests can feast on creative cuisine and soak up breathtaking views of the Royal Palace, the Mekong River, and the city skyline. Other hotel highlights include a 22-meter outdoor infinity pool surrounded by lush greenery and the hotel’s Jivapita spa, which offers a range of pampering treatments often inspired by Khmer wellness traditions.

Maia Resort Quy Nhon

Understanding that the journey to any traveler’s heart often requires a detour through the stomach, the Fusion Group opened Maia Resort Quy Nhon as a gastronomically-driven, 94-villa resort in a relatively untrodden destination along Vietnam’s southern coast. Although the property had a soft launch in late 2020, they only just celebrated a grand opening in December 2021, with the opening of the final villas. The latest ‘Maia’ brand expands on Fusion’s original wellness focus by bringing in another important factor in a trip away – food. Maia guests have the choice of dinner or lunch, in addition to the complimentary breakfast; or an indulgent spa therapy, as part of the nightly rate. The property features an expansive pool and fitness center stocked with the latest international standard equipment. Maia has two restaurants, the casual all-day dining restaurant Vị and the intimate ad hoc, along with an open-air pool bar. The 94 villas range in size from one and three bedroom villas, most with private plunge pools and gardens, and interiors that follow an earthy color palette, with pops of various ocean hues throughout. The link to the earth continues throughout the property with the use of reclaimed elements such as preserved driftwood, copper, and rattan making up the core materials used for the overall design. The property is located in Quy Nhon, an area that has been under the radar of most travelers to Vietnam, despite being just an hour’s flight from the country’s commercial hub, Ho Chi Minh City. Rooms start at USD 185 net per night, inclusive of half board or one spa treatment per adult per room.

Meliá Phuket Mai Khao

Meliá Phuket Mai Khao, a wellness-inspired resort that fronts Phuket’s longest stretch of sand with a chilled-out beach club and private pool villas, opened on Thailand’s largest island in December 2021. A 15-minute drive to Phuket International Airport and near an array of attractions including Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation and Sirinat National Park, the resort is the second five-star property launched in Thailand under Spanish hotel group Meliá Hotels International. Situated on secluded Mai Khao beach, commanding eight acres of Phuket’s northwestern coastline on the Andaman Sea, the 30-suite and 70-villa resort’s design melds traditional and contemporary Thai aesthetics with a smattering of Mediterranean accents and uses a neutral palette of colours to complement Mai Khao’s sandy shoreline. All of the suites and villas feature outdoor bathtubs, open-air showers and outdoor terraces to take advantage of Phuket’s tropical climate. The 78sqm suites are complemented by cabanas, and the 85sqm one-bedroom villas have private plunge pools. Fifteen wellness villas each feature an open-air Vitamin C shower, ultrasonic essential oil diffuser, GermGuardian air purifier, Tempur-Pedic pillows, aromatic salts for the outdoor bathtub, a fit ball and yoga mat. The resort’s diverse dining landscape comprises four outlets and adds a dash of Mediterranean flavor to Phuket’s culinary scene. Privately tucked away behind the lobby and Elyxr Café, Meliá’s signature YHI Spa is 300sqm and home to five treatment rooms. In addition to its extensive menu of massages, facials, body scrubs and wraps, spa therapists also provide poolside and in-villa treatments.

Azerai Ke Ga Bay

Azerai Ke Ga Bay, an elegant and secluded oceanfront retreat in southeastern Vietnam, launched as the third property in Azerai Resorts’ growing portfolio just as calendars were flipping into 2021. The 46-key resort, a combination of suites and private-pool suites, is located 180 kilometers east of Saigon on a sweeping five-kilometer white sand beach overlooking the East Sea. Framed to the north by Hon Ba Island, with its historic 1899-built colonial French lighthouse, and to the south by soaring sand dunes, the property cultivates one of the most naturally splendid oceanfront settings in the country. The guest suites at Azerai Ke Ga Bay evoke a contemporary aesthetic defined by elegance and minimalist design, with 10 units boasting either plunge pools or larger private pools. The resort’s four swimming pools include an oceanfront pool with sunbeds positioned on terraces, a free-form pool set back from the beach and surrounded by lush tropical gardens, and two square pools set within mirrored courts, flanked by guest rooms. The Azerai Spa fronts the ocean with 10 private treatment rooms (six single and four double rooms), along with modern hydrotherapy facilities, individual or shared relaxation lounges and daybeds, a beauty studio, a Jacuzzi, and a gym including the latest cardiovascular and strength-training equipment. The Terrace, The Dining Room and The Living Room provide a variety of dining and lounging options, including indoor and outdoor settings with views of the beach and relaxed poolfront tables for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The culinary team crafts an array of local delicacies, with a focus on plentiful offerings from the sea. Azerai Ke Ga Bay marks the brand’s first beach resort, and follows Azerai La Residence, Hue, a historic city resort overlooking the Perfume River in Vietnam’s former imperial capital, and Azerai Can Tho, a peaceful retreat set on a lush islet in the Mekong Delta.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News