Global Travel News

Marriott Bonvoy Puts Members In Pole Position With The Chance To Experience Monaco Grand Prix From the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team Yacht

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Mercedes-AMG F1 W13 E Performance Launch - Lewis and George
Marriott Bonvoy is offering members the chance to take part in once-in-a-lifetime experiences with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team
Daimler AG

Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s extraordinary portfolio of 30 hotel brands, award-winning travel program, and endless experiences, is offering members a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take in the Monaco Grand Prix from a VIP yacht chartered by the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team.

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Marriott Bonvoy members can use their points for the chance to stay on the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team yacht, Liquid Sky
Marriott Bonvoy members can use their points for the chance to stay on the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team yacht, Liquid Sky

The package is now available on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, the exclusive platform for Marriott Bonvoy members where they can use points earned from travel and everyday activities to bid on VIP access to experiences around the world. Members will be able to use their points in an auction to win the unforgettable prize, which includes:

  • Access to the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team penthouse apartment in Monaco on Qualifying Day on Saturday, with views overlooking the start-finish straight of the circuit and the chance to mingle with Team personnel.
  • An exclusive sleepover on the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team yacht, Liquid Sky, for the member and their guest. Liquid Sky has hosted the Team’s drivers and other legendary F1 figures.
  • The chance to be on the tri-deck yacht on Race Day on Sunday, providing prime race viewing along Tabac corner, indoor spaces with seating and screens and all-inclusive food & beverage by a top global caterer.

Chances For Members To Get In On The Action All Season Long
This experience is just one of many hosted by Marriott Bonvoy and The Ritz-Carlton, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, that give members unrivaled access to the 2022 Formula One Season in 10+ markets around the world.

2022 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Friday - LAT Images
VIP packages will be available for Marriott Bonvoy members to bid on throughout the Formula One season
LAT Images/Daimler AG

Marriott Bonvoy Moments packages with VIP access, meet and greets with Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team personnel, hotel stays and much more will be available for members to bid on throughout the season at races in locations ranging from Montreal, to Budapest, to Singapore. In select locations, members will even be able to access the Paddock, where they can take in the race action alongside the Team and get the chance to visit the Mercedes garage.

The Ritz-Carlton will once again be bringing its legendary style to the iconic Silver Arrows Lounge at the race track in Miami, Singapore, Mexico City and Abu Dhabi, where Marriott Bonvoy Moments winners and other VIPs will have the chance to enjoy the brand’s world-renowned service. At select races, The Ritz-Carlton Ultimate Weekend Moments packages will be available for members to bid on, where VIP race access will be complemented with special touches from The Ritz-Carlton, including hotel stays, spa treatments and dining experiences.

Members who are not able to make it to the circuit will still be able to be part of the action, through exclusive content with Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell and the opportunity to bid on virtual Moments packages, such as a tour of the Mercedes factory in Brackley, UK.

“The Marriott Bonvoy Moments platform gives our members the opportunity to create unbelievable memories through access to some of the most iconic experiences on earth,” said Anne Engelking-Smith, Vice President, Global Marketing, Marriott Bonvoy. “With Formula One seeing such incredible growth in popularity[1], we’re excited to be able to offer to our members these once-in-a-lifetime experiences that can only be unlocked through our program, creating an unforgettable way for them to enjoy the season.”

“The Team are pleased to collaborate with Marriott Bonvoy once again to deliver exclusive moments and one-of-a-kind access to Marriott Bonvoy members,” said Richard Sanders, Commercial Director at Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team.

Marriott Bonvoy Moments Formula One packages will be available throughout the season at https://moments.marriottbonvoy.com/partners/mercedes-amg-petronas

About Marriott Bonvoy®
Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program and marketplace, gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com. To download the Marriott app, go here. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. currently operates more than 100 hotels in 34 countries and territories. For more information or reservations, visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com, for the latest company updates, visit news.marriott.com and to join the live conversation, use #RCMemories and follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR). The Ritz-Carlton 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 complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

[1] https://corp.formula1.com/formula-1-announces-audience-and-fan-attendance-figures-for-2021/

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Taste of Sustainability on Agritourism, Food and Better Life

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UNWTO - Taste of Sustainability on Agritourism, Food and Better Life - TRAVELINDEXRome, Italy, April 13, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / High-level speakers from across UNWTO and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) came together for a virtual talk on how best to harness the enormous potential that tourism has for the development of rural areas and communities.

Representatives of the two agencies were joined by experts from the European Commission, as well by a number of entrepreneurs from the fields of agri-tourism and gastronomy, including representatives of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and renowned international chef Fatamata Tarazid-Tarawali (better known as “Chef Binta”).

The scope of the ‘virtual coffee’, which was moderated by FAO’s Rosa Laura Romeo, was to establish new links and widen participants’ knowledge on the future challenges but also opportunities faced by tourism rapidly evolving in rural areas.

Tourism currently faces many challenges, including the ongoing pandemic, but also many opportunities. There is a chance of “building back better” especially through the involvement of rural communities and youth, in line with the UN’s motto for the 2030 Agenda of leaving no one behind.

According to Valentina Superti, Director for Tourism and Proximity in the European Commission´s DG GROW, recovery from the current global health crisis is already leading to the transformation of the tourism sector, which today supports 23 million jobs in the European Union alone. In particular, agri-tourism has been identified as one of the key elements in sustaining national economies as recover and build back more inclusively, sustainably and with greater resilience.

In particular, participants in the virtual conference highlighted several transversal areas that would need to be leveraged urgently accelerating this transformation in the tourism sector:

  • Creating more attractive employment opportunities;
  • Developing the basic infrastructure, such as hotels and transport routes;
  • Better integration of digital technologies in the ways tourism destinations are conceived and managed by the relevant authorities.

In this respect, Maciej Golubiewski, Head of Cabinet of the European Agriculture Commissioner, observed that agri-tourism fits across the main priorities of the current Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union. Participants also agreed on the need for tourism activities to be planned so as to both meet changing consumer demands and to benefit rural communities. Yoshihide Endo, presented an overview of the FAO’s Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Programme.

Alongside this, UNWTO provided participants with an update on the Best Tourism Villages initiative. Launched in 2021, the initiative identifies and supports villages harnessing the power of tourism for opportunity and transformation. Illustrating the criteria of the BTV, the presentations of GIAHS sites in Spain (La Axarquía) and Slovenia (Brda-Collio) showed how agri-tourism best practices, such as strategizing and marketing of products for tourists, could be applied across selected sites in Europe building on the region’s deep-rooted natural and cultural heritage. At the same time, the presentations of Chef Binta and representatives from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Dr Frans Teguh, underlined how the character of tourism destinations is showcased through authentic local cuisine.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Macao Grand Prix Museum with New Feature of Panoramic Views

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Macao Grand Prix Museum with New Feature of Panoramic Views -VISITMACAO.org - TRAVELINDEXMacao SAR, April 13, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The Macao Grand Prix Museum debuts the new feature of 360-degree panoramic view for residents and visitors to enjoy an online virtual tour to the Museum, which shall promote their actual visits. The stamp series themed as “Museums and their Collections VI – Macao Grand Prix Museum” also came onto display in the Museum, which further enriches museumgoers’ experience.

• Discover Macao with this comprehensive travel guide on Macao, It’s Happening in Macao, go to VisitMacao.org

MGTO continues to optimize what the Macao Grand Prix Museum has to offer with new elements incorporated. Through a blend of diverse and interactive experiences, visitors can delve into the history and world of the Macau Grand Prix, which promotes integration across the fields of “tourism + sports”.

360o panoramic view at any time
The Museum introduced the innovative technology of 360-degree panoramic view for a virtual online tour. The zones, installations and exhibits in the Museum are brought to life in a three-dimensional, 360o panorama before the eyes of audiences by professional photography and software edition. Residents and visitors can enjoy an online virtual tour around the Museum from different angles at any time and place from the official website of the Macao Grand Prix Museum: mgpm.macaotourism.gov.mo/vrtours. The new feature of 360-degree panoramic view has made possible the cloud experience of Museum visit, which will spark greater interest in residents and visitors for an actual visit to the Museum.

Themed stamp exhibition at Macao Grand Prix Museum
In parallel with the official inauguration of the Macao Grand Prix Museum as an expansion project last year, Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau chose the Macao Grand Prix Museum as the theme of its sixth stamp series, and issued the stamp series themed as “Museums and their Collections VI – Macao Grand Prix Museum” on 18 November 2021. Manifesting the captivating scene of the Macau Grand Prix, the themed stamp series is now on display at the Macao Grand Prix Museum.

Museum Ticket x Boarding Pass Promotion
The Macao Grand Prix Museum partners with Air Macau to launch the promotional offer “Macao Grand Prix Museum x Air Macau Boarding Pass Promotion” to draw new visitors to the Museum. From 1 March to 30 June 2022, visitors coming to Macao by Air Macau can enjoy the buy-one-get-one-free offer when they purchase admission tickets to the Museum by showing their Air Macau boarding pass, valid within seven days. The special offer is applicable only to purchase of standard tickets (MOP 80) and is bound by terms and conditions.

• Discover Macao with this comprehensive travel guide on Macao, It’s Happening in Macao, go to VisitMacao.org

The Macao Grand Prix Museum has been operating in rigorous compliance with the pandemic prevention guidelines issued by Health Bureau. Visitors are required to wear masks throughout the time on site, undergo temperature checks, present their valid Macao Health Code in green color and scan the venue code.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts Reveals Its New Vision in Canada

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The brand’s new design approach is built upon creating community-fluid spaces that feel warm and inviting. Pictured above: Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport.

The new look of Sheraton Hotels & Resorts is enlivened in Canada, signaling renewed optimism following one of the most challenging times for the travel sector. Sheraton, the most global brand within Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio, is debuting its new modernized look with extensive renovations at three flagship properties in Canada – Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport, Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, and Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel. These hotels join the growing number of properties around the world exemplifying the brand’s design transformation, with nearly 50 hotels expected to be completed by year’s end.

“This marks another significant moment for Sheraton as our new vision arrives in Canada and continues to build momentum for our transformation journey around the world,” said Amanda Nichols, Global Brand Leader, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts. “We have long been part of the social fabric of communities across Canada and as travel resumes, we look forward to welcoming guests into this exciting new chapter for Sheraton.”

Drawing on its roots as a community hub for locals and guests, the new approach for Sheraton creates an intuitive and holistic experience with spaces to connect, be productive, and help travelers feel connected to the local community. In addition to seamless technology integration and an elevated food and beverage philosophy, the layered design balances a sense of timelessness with a fresh and modern feel, that aims to create an environment where guests feel comfortable and at ease, whether working, meeting or relaxing.

Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport: Ready for Take-Off

Sheaton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport
Sheraton Gateway’s $30 million top-to-bottom transformation reimagines the airport hotel experience.
Elaine Kilburn

Following nearly two years of renovation work, Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport is ready to debut a dramatically different airport hotel experience. The 484-room hotel, one of Canada’s busiest, has undergone a massive $30 million makeover bringing technology, design, and style to the international stopover, as part of Sheraton’s global design transformation. The renovation, now fully complete, is the latest example of an emerging generation of airport hotels that are intended to function as destinations, places where one might reasonably stay longer than a single night.

A captivating new arrival experience greets guests as they walk from the terminal through the doors of the hotel, the only property directly connected to the Toronto airport. Featuring a contemporary aesthetic, the lobby serves as the heart of the guest experience featuring brand signatures such as the Community Table, The Studios, sound-proof Booths – all fostering productivity, and &More by Sheraton – the brand’s signature bar, coffee, market concept. Additional amenities include a sophisticated Sheraton Club lounge, swimming pool and whirlpool, 24-hour fitness room and Peloton studio, updated meeting spaces, and completely remodeled guest rooms and suites.

“The transformation is nothing short of a metamorphosis,” says Douglas Brennan, General Manager, Sheraton Gateway in Toronto International Airport. “We’re excited to welcome guests to discover our modernized look.”

Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel: Marks 50th Anniversary with Complete Reimagining

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Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel is unveiling the most extensive renovation in the hotel’s 50-year history.
Elaine Kilburn

Toronto’s iconic Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel has been a staple in the downtown core for decades. The hotel has been completely reimagined with renovations and enhancements from top to bottom that continue to roll out throughout 2022 and mark the most extensive renovation in the hotel’s 50-year history.

As part of the first phase of the property’s reimagining, the exclusive Sheraton Club – floating in the clouds on the 43rd floor – welcomed a new look, experience, and service style in October. Available to Marriott Bonvoy Elite members and guests who upgrade their stay, the premium 15,000 square-foot gathering space is welcoming, elevated, and purposefully designed for a layered and engaging experience that transitions seamlessly with activations from morning to evening. Guests will find updated food and beverage offerings, premium amenities, enhanced connectivity, and 24/7 access to provide a private environment.

The second phase introduces two new food and beverage outlets including the recently opened Dual Citizen – a coffeehouse style grab and go during the day, transitioning to a lobby bar in the evenings. Opening this spring, 43 Down will be a departure from the traditional hotel restaurant. With its beverage-forward concept, 43 Down focuses on mixology as an art form, delivering perfectly on the classics through handcrafted cocktails. Offering locally inspired flavors from Toronto’s diverse culinary scene, 43 Down blends intimacy and connectedness, acting as a backdrop for an informal business meeting or social gathering.

The final phases are expected to roll out this spring with the unveiling of public spaces and amenities that foster community-building and productivity. This can be seen through the bustling spaces featuring the brand’s signature Community Tables, tech-enabled Studios, and soundproofed Booths, and purpose-built workspaces, found in the expansive hotel lobby. Additionally, the indoor/outdoor heated pool experience is slated to re-open summer 2022.

“It’s been an incredible journey watching the vision come to life. We’re bringing something entirely new to Toronto’s downtown core,” shares Tim Reardon, General Manager, Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel. “Already, we’ve had the pleasure of watching our guests admire the purposeful design elements and service upgrades in our Sheraton Club which opened this past fall. We cannot wait to welcome our guests back to see our completely transformed lobby area, food and beverage outlets, indoor and outdoor pool, as well as the exterior and port cochere.”

Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel: Sophisticated Urban Oasis

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Le Centre Sheraton Montreal reveals a sophisticated transformation that offers guests comfortable spaces to work, relax, and refresh.
Brandon Barre Photography

Located in the heart of downtown Montreal, the newly renovated Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel is ready to welcome guests to its 825 newly renovated guest rooms and suites. The serene, light-filled spaces range in size from a generous 310 sq ft to a sprawling 1,956 sq ft for the Presidential Suite. In the new rooms and suites, guests are welcomed into a bright, well-lit space with warm, residential appeal, along with new tools for productivity, such as a height-adjustable work table, integrated power and charging and layered lighting.

The Sheraton Club, located on the 37th floor of the hotel, is expected to reopen May 2022 with a bold new look and breathtaking views. True to the brand’s vision, the stylish and exclusive space is welcoming, elevated, and purposefully designed for an engaging experience, along with complimentary breakfast, evening appetizers, and a selection of refreshments.

The dynamic hotel is an ideal choice for leisure travelers, prized for its central location and ‘urban oasis’ offerings including sixth floor terrace, indoor lap pool, jacuzzi, spa, and 24-hour Sheraton Fitness Centre.

“Conveniently located in the bustling city center, the hotel is an ideal starting point to discover all Montreal has to offer, in a refreshingly contemporary environment,” said Bertil Fabre, General Manager, Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel.

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

The three newly reimagined hotels add to the growing number of transformed properties in Canada including Sheraton Laval Hotel. In total, Sheraton has nearly 20 hotels in the country with six slated for transformation completion by end of 2023.

For hi-res photos of the three redesigned hotels, please click here.

To find out more about the new Sheraton experience, visit www.sheraton.marriott.com/experience/new-sheraton/.

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 expected hotel renovations 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 Sheraton® Hotels & Resorts
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts makes it easy for guests to feel welcome at over 435 hotels in more than 70 countries and territories around the world. As the most global brand within Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of extraordinary hotel brands sitting at the center of hundreds of communities around the world, Sheraton has a rich heritage in creating a sense of belonging for guests, wherever they are in the world. Sheraton is currently undergoing a major brand transformation, creating a signature community experience for the next generation of travelers at properties across the globe. The new vision for Sheraton features intuitive design, tech-forward experiences, and upgrades to everything from public space and F&B to flexible meeting space. To learn more, visit www.sheraton.com. Stay connected to Sheraton on Facebook, and @sheratonhotels on Twitter and Instagram. Sheraton 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.

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 Contacts
James Bardwell
Global Communications, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
James.Bardwell@marriott.com

Tim Gallant
Siren Communications
PR Agency of Record for Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport
tim@sirencommunications.com

Melanie Greco
tartanbond
PR Agency of Record for Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
melanie.greco@tartanbond.com

Christopher Spear
Director, Sales & Marketing, Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel
christopher.spear@sheraton.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ASMALLWORLD Completes Acquisition of Stake in Global Hotel Alliance

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ASMALLWORLD Completes Acquisition of Stake in Global Hotel Alliance - TOP25WORLD.com - TRAVELINDEXZurich, Switzerland, April 12, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / ASMALLWORLD has successfully completed the acquisition of a 10% stake in Global Hotel Alliance. Through this strategic investment in the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, the company secures new revenue streams and access to more than 750 hotels and over 20 million customers.

Today, ASMALLWORLD AG successfully completed the acquisition of a 10% stake in Global Hotel Alliance (GHA). The companies announced this strategic investment at the end of December 2021.

• Emotion is today’s true luxury – We share emotions at Top25World.com – The World’s Emotive Collections

Of the total purchase price of USD 4.5M, ASMALLWORLD AG has paid the full cash portion of USD 3.5M today and in return received a 10% stake in Global Hotel Alliance. A share payment amounting to a 3% stake in ASMALLWORLD AG is still outstanding. Management foresees that ASMALLWORLD will create new shares from authorised capital, which will be voted on by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 29 April. If shareholders approve this proposal, the issuance of these shares, excluding the pre-emptive rights of all other shareholders, is expected to take place in May 2022.

“With the closing of this transaction, we can now turn our focus on the implementation of this strategic collaboration, which is expected to have a significant impact on our growth and profitability going forward,” commented Jan Luescher, CEO of ASMALLWORLD.

ASMALLWORLD will receive a seat on GHA’s Board of Directors in June

It is expected that both companies will be represented on their respective Boards of Directors. ASMALLWORLD CEO Jan Luescher will take a seat on the GHA Board of Directors from June 2022. On the other hand, ASMALLWORLD shareholders will vote on 29 April 2022 to decide whether to elect GHA CEO Chris Hartley to the ASMALLWORLD Board of Directors.

Significant potential to accelerate growth for the ASMALLWORLD community

Going forward, ASMALLWORLD will support GHA’s hotel loyalty programme GHA DISCOVERY by providing its services to GHA’s most important customers. As part of the partnership, GHA DISCOVERY will be able to offer its elite tier members (those customers who have earned the highest membership levels) access to the ASMALLWORLD social network free of charge. This will allow GHA DISCOVERY elite members to enjoy all the benefits of the ASMALLWORLD travel and lifestyle network, which is expected to increase customer engagement, ultimately leading to more hotel bookings for the alliance’s hotels. Under the terms of the partnership, both parties are incentivised to grow each other’s revenue base. ASMALLWORLD expects that the new customers from this partnership will significantly expand the size of the ASMALLWORLD community.

GHA DISCOVERY – a hotel loyalty programme with more than 20 million customers

When NH Hotel Group is integrated into the alliance in 2022, GHA will be a network of 40 independent hotel chains with over 800 hotels in 100 countries, sharing a common loyalty platform. GHA DISCOVERY’s hotels include internationally renowned luxury brands such as Kempinski, Anantara, Corinthia, Pan Pacific, Capella and Nikki Beach. GHA DISCOVERY is the world’s largest loyalty programme for independent hotel brands. When NH Hotels Group merges its NH Rewards loyalty programme into GHA DISCOVERY in mid-2022, GHA DISCOVERY will have more than 20 million members.

The GHA DISCOVERY programme allows members to collect and spend rewards across the entire GHA hotel network. Based on the number of stays, nights or spend per year, members may also obtain one of multiple status levels, which offer additional hotel benefits such as room upgrades and faster earning of rewards.

Initially, ASMALLWORLD will provide access to its services for GHA DISCOVERY’s elite tier members and support GHA with the delivery of the programme. The companies will also offer additional ASMALLWORLD products and services to the entire GHA DISCOVERY customer base.

‘ASMALLWORLD Hotels & Resorts’ to be added to the GHA DISCOVERY brand portfolio as a new hotel brand

The two companies will also work together to expand GHA’s hotel portfolio. As part of the agreement, ASMALLWORLD has received the mandate to recruit independent hotels for GHA, and the brand “ASMALLWORLD Hotels & Resorts” will be added to GHA DISCOVERY’s hotel brand portfolio as a soft brand. Going forward, newly-recruited independent hotels can then join GHA’s hotel network under the ASMALLWORLD Hotels & Resorts brand.

Until now, GHA mostly did not offer independent individual hotels a path to join its network as it primarily served hotel chains. The cooperation with ASMALLWORLD closes this gap, and provides an opportunity for independent individual hotels to join the network.

Transaction opens up significant new revenue streams for ASMALLWORLD

The enhanced partnership and strategic investment open up multiple new revenue streams for ASMALLWORLD. Most importantly, the company will be rewarded on spend generated by members signing up through the partnership. In addition, ASMALLWORLD will have the opportunity to sell additional products and services to this valuable customer group, once they become part of the ASMALLWORLD social network. GHA and ASMALLWORLD also plan to offer various ASMALLLWORLD products to the more than 20 million non-elite GHA DISCOVERY members which will create additional sales from GHA’s large member base. Together with these new revenue streams, and its stake in the future growth of GHA, this investment is expected to significantly expand ASMALLWORLD’s earning potential over the next few years and further accelerate its profitable growth.

• Emotion is today’s true luxury – We share emotions at Top25World.com – The World’s Emotive Collections

About Global Hotel Alliance (GHA)
Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) brings together a unique collection of independent hospitality brands with GHA DISCOVERY, a multi-brand loyalty programme leveraging a shared technology platform. Through membership in GHA, brands expand their global reach, drive incremental revenue, and reduce dependence on third-party channels, all while maintaining management independence and individual positioning. GHA represents a collection of 35 brands with over 500 hotels in 85 countries serving 11 million members. The award-winning GHA DISCOVERY programme generates approximately $2 billion in revenue and more than eight million room nights annually. GHA’s brands currently include Anantara, Araiya, Avani, Campbell Gray, Capella, Corinthia, Discovery Destinations, Divani, Doyle, Elewana, Fauchon, GLO, JA Resorts, Kempinski, Leela, Lungarno, Marco Polo, Mysk, Niccolo, Nikki Beach, NUO, Oaks, Outrigger, Pan Pacific, PARKROYAL COLLECTION, PARKROYAL, Patina, The Residence by Cenizaro, Shaza, Sukhothai, Sun International, Tivoli, Ultratravel Collection and Viceroy.

About GHA DISCOVERY
Launched in 2010, GHA DISCOVERY is the world’s largest loyalty programme for independent hotel brands, featuring more than 500 hotels, resorts and palaces across 35 brands. Members enjoy VIP recognition, thoughtful benefits and generous rewards at home or away. Recently the programme has evolved to include an additional tier and flexible paths to upgrade through nights/stays, eligible purchases or number of brands stayed, making it easier and faster for members to reach elite status. Unlike more traditional programmes, GHA DISCOVERY does not ask members to count points towards their next upgrade. Instead, members earn and spend DISCOVERY Dollars (D$), an exclusive rewards currency. They also enjoy members-only Experiences curated by each hotel and have access to properties close to home, without a stay, through member-only Local Offers.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Five Female Sommeliers Bring Star Power to an Intimate Wine Pairing Dinner

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Five Female Sommeliers Bring Star Power to an Intimate Wine Pairing Dinner - TOP25RESTAURANTS.com - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, April 12, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Celebrating the stellar rise of female sommeliers in the Kingdom, Madison Steakhouse at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel invites wine connoisseurs to delight in an exquisite five-course wine pairing dinner with five female sommeliers. Taking place on Friday, 29 April 2022, ‘An Ode to Passion’ event aims to power the future of wine stewardship in Thailand by helping its female wine professionals shine.

• Discover the Bangkok and Thailand’s Best Restaurants for Fine Dining at Top25Restaurants.com

From the choice of wine to food presentation, expect a distinctly feminine touch as the five wine professionals from some of Bangkok’s leading fine-dining establishments expertly guide you through their beverage selection and explain the origins and taste profile of each wine. Working closely with Anantara Siam chefs, they helped curate food pairings to complement five mystery wines selected across several flavour categories: water, wood, fire, earth and air. By revealing the labels only at the time of serving, the organisers aim to keep the spotlight on the sommeliers instead of the vineries.

An amuse-bouche of Atlantic seabass carpaccio, espelette pepper and prosecco granita will prepare the palates for the first starter of river trout confit served with sorrels and caviar beurre blanc and paired with “River Reflection”, a mystery wine selected by Sudarat Jankaew, an established Beverage Ambassador and Sommelier.

The next wine of the night, a complex white from Piedmont, will be paired with a starter of crispy giant tiger prawn, lemon chilli paste and shallot confit espuma. Prakaydaow Phoohuatalat, an Assistant Restaurant Manager and Sommelier at one of Bangkok’s finest five-star establishments, will be on hand to explain her choice and walk the guests through the tasting notes.

Chanidapha Rakpirom, Sommelier and Restaurant Manager at Ki Izakaya, named her selection “A Feminist on Fire”. An elegant red wine will be served with succulent roasted duck breast, parsnip and cherry duck jus. The second main course, deer and foie gras pithiviers with celeriac purée and blueberry sauce, will be accompanied by a complex, earthy, yet powerful red recommended by Atchara Wongthai Palleros, Sommelier at Central Wine Cellar.

• Discover the Bangkok and Thailand’s Best Restaurants for Fine Dining at Top25Restaurants.com

Rounding it all off is a perfectly balanced combination of pink chocolate, mulberry mint compote, strawberry crumble, rose gel and an exquisite champagne with notes of floral and red fruits chosen by Nutawan Jumpanak, Wine Guru at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel and Thailand’s First Female Best Sommelier in 2019.

Priced at THB 4,490++ per person, including wine pairings, ‘An Ode to Passion’ wine dinner will be served on Friday, 29 April 2022 from 6.30 pm to 9.00 pm at Madison, Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Bear Luxe Japan Signs Deal with Sabre to Increase Reach for Member Hotels

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Bear Luxe Japan Signs Deal with Sabre to Increase Reach for Member Hotels - DISCOVERJAPAN.org - TRAVELINDEXTokyo, Japan, April 11, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Sabre Corporation, a leading software and technology provider that powers the global travel industry, today announced a new agreement with Japan-specific luxury travel platform and business-to-business membership portal Bear Luxe Japan, to better connect its hoteliers to global markets while creating elevated experiences for travellers.

• Emotion is today’s true luxury – We share emotions at Top25World.com – The World’s Emotive Collections

Inspired by the companions who accompanied aristocrats on their Grand Tours in the 17th to 19th centuries, who were known as Bear-leaders, Bear Luxe Japan is a global network of luxury travel designers, and leading Japanese luxury hotels in Japan. It aims to develop and deliver a luxury travel ecosystem to enable the international market to access the rich traditions and culture of Japan.

The new relationship will further cement Sabre’s growing footprint in Japan, while opening up further access for Bear Luxe member hoteliers – primarily consisting of independent Japanese luxury hotels – through the Sabre SynXis hospitality platform and Bear Luxe Japan’s international reach of the luxury travel market, to the markets and channels high-end travellers use to book their luxury trips to Japan. Bear Luxe will be utilizing a comprehensive suite of Sabre SynXis solutions to grow geographic reach, target the corporate travel market, drive increased bookings, and create personalized travel experiences.

“The absence of connectivity with the international luxury travel market has long been an industry-wide dilemma for Japanese luxury hotels. The anticipated partnership will be a game changer in bridging the market gap,” said Hiro Miyatake, co-founder and chief operating officer of Bear Luxe. “We’re also expecting that post-pandemic luxury travellers to Japan will have a more slow and deliberate approach to their trip and a desire for meaningful travel. As such, it is vital to us that we have the right technology partner, one that offers the right solutions in opening up new markets for our hoteliers, all while ensuring that luxury travellers are able to access the personalized experiences they want and expect on their trip.”

With this agreement, Bear Luxe hospitality members will be linked to hundreds of thousands of travel agents across the world through the Global Distribution System (GDS) connectivity solutions powered by Sabre SynXis, ensuring they can reach domestic and international travellers; strategically targeting markets which are able to travel, or have a desire to travel once borders re-open.

The new alliance will also enable the Bear Luxe platform to drive direct bookings, increase engagement and trigger conversions through the deep retail focus of the Sabre SynXis Booking Engine. Sabre’s corporate booking tools will provide Bear Luxe with the ability to connect with corporate travel buyers. Meanwhile, SynXis Voice Agent will elevate the call centre experience for potential guests, equipping Bear Luxe agents with the tools they need to minimize call handling times while increasing opportunities for ancillary sales.

“We’re thrilled that Bear Luxe has selected Sabre as its trusted, strategic technology partner in Japan,” said Frank Trampert, Global Managing Director, Sabre Hospitality Solutions. “We look forward to supporting them in their endeavours to open up further domestic, regional and international markets to Japanese hoteliers while helping visitors to experience the unique characteristics Japanese destinations have to offer.”

• Emotion is today’s true luxury – We share emotions at Top25World.com – The World’s Emotive Collections

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

About Bear Luxe Japan
Bear Luxe Japan is a Tokyo based, Japan-specific network of the country’s leading luxury travel suppliers and specialists in global travel design consisting of 70-member luxury hotels and over 200 international luxury travel agencies. Assistance on a wide range of luxury travel related services in Japan, from one- to two-week itineraries, executive meetings, and events to comprehensive menu of service reservations for ryokan, hotel, chauffeur, and unique experiences though a concierge service. Bear Luxe Japan is more than a network of Japanese luxury suppliers and a community of management and senior decision makers with the experience and expertise to respond to sophisticated procurement needs in luxury travel.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Vietnamese Hotel Appoints Sustainability Officer

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Vietnamese Hotel Appoints Sustainability Officer - TRAVELINDEXCam Ranh, Vietnam , April 11, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Vu Ngoc Linh, a hospitality professional with more than a decade’s experience in food and beverage departments, has stepped off the career ladder of the typical F&B professional to pursue an entirely new kind of fulfillment.

This month, the 580-room Alma Resort on Vietnam’s south central coast named Linh as its first sustainability officer. It’ll be Linh’s job to track the property’s energy use, resource conservation, recycling, pollution reduction, waste elimination, transportation, education efforts and building design.

The role also involves creating sustainability programs, budgets and schedules, evaluating the success of sustainability initiatives, and managing three staff committees focused on ‘green products’, ‘innovation and solutions’ and ‘people and partnerships’.

The stakes are high. The thirty-hectare resort requires 46,720 kWH of power and 900 m3 of water per day.

“We’d like to think we can continue to make meaningful reductions in that consumption,” said Alma’s managing director Herbert Laubichler-Pichler. “Dedicating one person to this task is key to making that happen.”

One of Linh’s new projects, under the umbrella of the Innovation and Solutions Committee, is implementation of what Alma believes is Vietnam’s most ambitious hotel solar power project yet. Alma will this year install 5,634 solar panels totalling 12,500 square metres. With a capacity of 2,480 kilowatts peak, the solar power system will fuel between a quarter to almost half of Alma’s energy needs depending on occupancy.

In addition to the resort’s 325sqm water treatment plant deploying a reverse osmosis system to provide 70,000L weekly of drinkable water and ice for all of the resort’s kitchens, Linh will also help determine other ways to offset the resort’s water usage.

Linh started his hospitality career in 2011 as a waiter at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, before he became a restaurant supervisor at Dessole Beach Resort Nha Trang, a team leader at Vinpearl Land Amusement Park and an assistant outlet manager at Golden Peak Resort & Spa and Duyen Ha Resort. Linh then became a food and beverage manager at Xavia Hotel and Florida Nha Trang Hotel, and the assistant restaurant manager at Eastin Grand Hotel Nha Trang.

Laubichler-Pichler said Linh’s background in F&B – a field notorious for waste generation – had motivated him to move into a sustainability role.

“Linh has a genuine drive to make a difference and he is well suited to a role at our resort dedicated purely to sustainability, encompassing the likes of garbage segregation, tree planting, paperless check-in, solar power, community initiatives to generate support for green projects, research and more,” said Laubichler-Pichler.

To contact Alma or to make a booking, please visit alma-resort.com or email info@alma-resort.com

-ENDS-

About Alma

Situated on Vietnam’s emerging Cam Ranh peninsula fronting Long Beach, Alma resort commands some 30 hectares of inspiring ground. Emblematic of Vietnam’s maturation as a destination, the bold and spacious integrated resort offers 580 oversized suites and pavilions that all afford sweeping vistas of the ocean, including contemporary three bedroom oceanfront pavilions each totalling 224sqm with a living room, four bathrooms and a private pool. Alma features a broad spectrum of restaurants helmed by top chefs, a food court with an array of local and international cuisine, as well as a sports bar, pool bar and beach bar. Other highlights include 12 swimming pools cascading down to the beach, a waterpark, 13-treatment room spa, 70-seat cinema, convention centre, amphitheater, art gallery, science museum, gymnasium and yoga room, 18-hole mini golf course, a youth centre with virtual reality games, a kid’s club, water sports centre and even an ‘Alma Mart’ mini supermarket.

 

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Fusion Hotel Group Honors Earth Day Year Round

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Fusion Hotel Group Honors Earth Day Year Round - TRAVELINDEXHo Chi Minh City, Vietnam, April 11, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / While eco-initiatives shouldn’t be restricted to one day a year, Earth Day on April 22nd is a reminder that we need to act now – and always – when it comes to the health of the earth. This year’s theme, Invest in Our Planet, highlights how we can step up and each do our part for future generations.

Fusion Hotel Group, a wellness-focused hotel brand that began in Vietnam in 2008, has been updating its offering so that the wellness of the planet is considered just as much as the wellness of each guest.

“Physical wellness, mental wellness, and the wellness of our environment are all connected,” said Kevin Beauvais, CEO of Fusion Hotel Group. “Our concept of wellness has expanded over recent years as we recommit to the well-being of the planet.”

Here are a couple of eco-highlights from some of the Fusion properties in Vietnam.

Fusion Original Saigon Centre, set to make its debut in the coming months, will have a zero plastic policy. The new central city hotel is opting for in-room canned water, paper-wrapped wooden amenities, eco-friendly takeaway and compostable garbage bags, as well as a zero plastic policy when it comes to deliveries from suppliers. Recycling stations will be set up on all guest floors and the hotel is going paperless in the rooms, in the front-of-house and back-of-house.

Fusion Resort Cam Ranh, on the country’s south central coast, has made huge eco-strides over the course of the pandemic. They now have one of the largest resort farms in Vietnam – with more than 250 animals, a mango orchid, and a herb & vegetable garden of more than 3,000 square meters producing over 40 kg of fresh organic vegetables daily. The resort established the Fusion Farm school in 2020 where they teach daily complimentary classes to guests and employees’ children on how to care for animals and grow vegetables. All of their wet raw food waste is used to feed the animals, resulting in zero removal of waste from the property.

Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion embraces RRR (Reduce, Recycle, Reuse) at every level. At their on-site organic farm they use food waste to produce compost and feed their animals. The produce grown on the farm supplies the resort’s restaurants and staff canteen and any extra produce is sold to the staff or local community at a reduced rate. Last year the Alba team planted 2,000 trees after a storm damaged the surrounding forest. The damaged wood from fallen trees was also reused to build bridges on the property and make repairs. Among several other important initiatives Alba runs education programs with local children where they learn the value of organic farming, plastic reduction and environmental awareness.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Tropical Fruits Afternoon Tea at Carlton Bangkok Sukhumvit

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Tropical Fruits Afternoon Tea at Carlton Bangkok Sukhumvit - TRAVELINDEXTuxedo Espresso Bar at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit welcomes the summer season with an Afternoon Tea inspired from tropical fruits.

This Afternoon Tea takes inspiration from the many tropical fruits of the region from coconut to mango, banana, pineapple, passion fruit and guava. The seasonal lychee and longan are also used in this creative showcase.

The main highlight is a Coconut Cake inspired creation that looks like a coconut shell. Combining coconut mousse, fresh coconut milk, young coconut meat and more, this creation is the perfect snapshot for your ‘gram.

Other creative items are Dried Banana Scones, Exotic Pineapple, a fruit tart that pays homage to pineapple, passion fruit and mango, Lychee Roselle and a Orange Tangerine masterpiece, to name a few. There is also a sandwich with cream cheese, papaya and Parma ham. The guava tarte is unforgettable too.

THB 1,380++ per set for 2 persons including a pot of TWG Loose Tea or Coffee of your choice
THB 1,680++ per set for 2 persons including two glasses of sparkling wine

A selection of these pastries are also available as “Dessert of the Month”, as part of the a la carte menu:

• Coconut Cake THB 250++
• Lychee Roselle THB 220++
• Orange Tangerine THB 210++
• Exotic Pineapple THB 200++

Afternoon Tea available daily at Tuxedo Espresso Bar
Date: April – June 2022
Time: 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm

For more information or reservations, please contact us at 02 090 7888 or email Fbreservations@carltonhotel.co.th

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News