Global Travel News

SHINING A LIGHT ON NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES

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One hundred landmarks in 32 countries – including Niagara Falls and the CN Tower in Canada – lit up in unity to mark the third annual World Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) Day on Jan. 30. World NTD Day supports the goal of the World Health Organization to eliminate at least one NTD from 100 endemic countries by 2030.

Originally announced in Abu Dhabi in 2019, the 100 ‘light ups’ sought to shine a light on NTDs, a group of communicable diseases that are considered preventable and treatable, yet continue to affect more than 1.7 billion people worldwide, including 1 billion children.

There are 20 NTDs that cause immeasurable suffering – they debilitate, disfigure and can be fatal, at the same time creating cycles of poverty and costing developing nations billions of dollars every year.

To that end, World NTD Day has become a global movement that aims to galvanize the global health community and engage the public in the urgent effort to end NTDs.

“Building on the success of the London Declaration on NTDs, and recognizing the changing global landscape, we are using World NTD Day 2022 as a catalyst for action,” announced Thoko Pooley, Executive Director of Uniting to Combat NTDs. “We are launching the ‘100% Committed’ campaign, a global movement to secure increased resources for neglected tropical diseases, and crucially to facilitate political leadership and ownership of NTD programs from affected countries, through endorsements and signatories behind the new Kigali Declaration on NTDs.”

CN Tower, photo – Jonathan Gazze

Through UAE-helmed diplomatic efforts to obtain official recognition of the day, World NTD Day was officially recognized by the WHO in May 2021 and the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi continues to play a leading role in the mission.

“World NTD Day represents an important catalyst to translate awareness into action – it is not only crucial for the public to know more about these diseases, but also for donors, endemic countries and other stakeholders to collaborate to bring an end to NTDs in affected countries,” said Nassar Al Mubarak, Sr. Director at the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi.

“Over the past few decades, incredible progress has been made towards ending NTDs; however, one in five people in the most vulnerable communities around the world are still affected by these preventable and treatable diseases,” he continued. “We are pleased to see the Day providing a platform for raising awareness through the new 100% Committed campaign and efforts such as the light-up activation. We hope that this movement continues to gain traction and spark new partnerships and commitments necessary to beat NTDs for good.”

This year “light-up” sites included The Bell Tower in Perth, Tokyo Tower, Great Wall of China, New Delhi Railway Station, Sheikh Zayed Bridge in Abu Dhabi, Expo 2020 Dubai, Kenyatta International Convention Centre, The Rome Colosseum, Jet d’ Eau, Niagara Falls, CN Tower, Jimmy Carter Presidential Library, and Christ the Redeemer.

A special focus was placed on notable landmarks in endemic countries, including Bangladesh, Brazil, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Kenya, Liberia, Mexico, Niger, Nigeria, Philippines, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Sudan.

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

WK Holding and C3 to Establish International Joint Venture

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WK Holding and C3 to Establish International Joint Venture - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25RESTAURANTSRiyadh, Saudi Arabia, January 31, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Creating Culinary Communities (C3), the leading global food tech platform founded by visionary Sam Nazarian, joins WK Holding, the leading Saudi Arabia based investment House to announce Ian Toal as CEO of C3 Arabia. Ian Toal’s new post encompasses more than 30 years of leadership experience in global hospitality, international supply chain management and quick service restaurants.

The news of Ian Toal’s appointment follows the recent announcement of the partnership between C3 and WK Holding to establish C3 Arabia, an international joint venture to manage and operate full service culinary markets featuring award-winning chef-driven restaurants, digital kitchens and mobile delivery. Launched in 2019 by Sam Nazarian, Founder and CEO, C3 has pioneered the food tech space and is the fastest-growing food-tech platform today. C3 is re-imagining the food service industry by tapping into the power of exceptional culinary talent, digital brand IP, and bringing its portfolio of more than 40 culinary brands to established digital kitchens and mobile delivery with the next-gen Go by Citizens app.

Expanding into international markets, C3 Arabia is a joint venture funded by Smart Food Holding (SFH) , a division of WK Holding and C3 by sbe through its consortium of high-profile partners, including Layla Abuzaid, Tharawat Technology and Yasser Alobaidan. Abuzaid has embarked to assemble an operating team based in Riyadh, which CEO Ian Toal will now oversee, working to identify, mentor, and incubate local culinary talent and deliver best in-class execution across the C3 Arabia operating platform.

Commenting on the new appointment, C3’s Founder and CEO Sam Nazarian said, “This is an exciting time for C3 as we introduce our digital restaurant brands to Saudi Arabia. I am thrilled to have C3 Arabia’s CEO Ian Toal at the helm to ensure a success. His wealth of knowledge and experience are invaluable as we work to create renowned high-energy dining destinations for food and culture in the Middle East.”

Layla Abuzaid, Founder and CEO of WK Holding, said, “We’re thrilled to announce the appointment of Ian Toal as CEO of C3 Arabia. Ian’s robust track record serving as former CEO of Alfa Corporation and President of Alshaya Group fueled by his pioneering outlook will prove invaluable as we transform the food and beverage industries in the region. Ian’s regional expertise combined with the visionary leadership of our partner Sam Nazarian will generate an unprecedented platform to unlock local culinary talent, celebrate Saudi’s vibrant culture and usher in a dynamic, holistic lifestyle model that positions the Kingdom as a global hub and an epicenter of innovation in line with Vision 2030.”

Ms Abuzaid continued, ” We’re in a privileged position. We’re able to instigate truly transformative change and embed world-class operations because of the vision and ambition of our government. It takes unwavering resilience and an enduring commitment to the future of our country and its people to break through barriers, and today our country has this leadership.”

C3 Arabia’s CEO, Ian Toal, has a career that has spanned from the USA, Europe, and the Gulf Cooperation Council – the economic union that consists of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Toal has led more than 40 brands across 600 restaurants in 10 countries. These successes have led to a global understanding of what it takes to make international business successful, as well as achieving targets both financial and personal for investors.

Most recently, Ian Toal helmed the Riyadh-based Alfa Co. which operates 10 restaurant and digital kitchen brands globally and holds almost 100 brick and mortar locations. Alfa Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary by Al Fasaliah Group, one of the top Saudi corporations led by its president HRH Prince Mohammed Al Faisal. During his time with Alfa Co., Toal led the expansion of award-winning restaurants such as Steak House, Piatto, FireGrill, City Fresh Kitchen and Steak House Burgers.

Prior to his work with Alfa Co., Ian Toal served as the President of Alshaya Group based in Kuwait. During his time with Alshaya Group he managed the expansion of global brands such as The Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Changs, Texas Roadhouse, Shake Shack, Blaze Pizza, Raising Cane’s, Pizza Express, Katsuya, Spontini, Dean & Deluca, Ihop and Pinkberry. He was voted “World’s Best Restaurant Partner” by the Global Restaurant leadership conference in 2017 /18.

Commenting on his new post, Ian Toal said, “I am honored to be working with visionaries Sam Nazarian and Layla Abuzaid. The sky is the limit as we aim to bring C3’s world renowned talent and global brands to Saudi Arabia. I look forward to leading this charge and identifying, mentoring and incubating local culinary talent, working to brand and export Saudi hospitality culture to the world.”

C3 Arabia is set to introduce 40 international brands to the region including C3’s popular global brands including Umami Burger, Sam’s Crispy Chicken, Krispy Rice, Sa’Moto, Cicci di Carne, El Pollo Verde, Kumi, EllaMia, Plant Nation, 12 Caviar and more. For C3, no other restaurant group has amassed such an influential collective of globally renowned culinary talents. Across C3 portfolio brands, Chefs Masaharu Morimoto, Dario Cecchini, Katsuya Uechi, Dani Garcia, Michael Israel, Vincenzo Rossy and Romain Fornell have made haute cuisine accessible, cultivating a global community of fans.

C3 has sold more than 2.3 million meals during the last twelve months. As of February 2021, C3 has over 800 digital brand locations across the U.S. with an expansion pipeline to well over 1,000. To date, C3 has hired more than 3,500 employees across the U.S. with plans to hire another 5,000 employees domestically and internationally with offices in Miami, Los Angeles, New York, London, United Arab Emirates and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

About C3
C3 (Creating Culinary Communities) is re-imagining the food service industry at a time when change is needed most. Founded and led by visionary Sam Nazarian with minority investors Simon, a global leader in the ownership of premier shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed-use destinations, and Accor, the world-leading augmented hospitality group, C3 is simultaneously, systematically and broadly bringing together technology, underutilized retail, hotel and kitchen spaces and world-class culinary talent. C3’s array of culinary brands co-exist to disrupt the food & beverage industry by capitalizing on rapidly evolving customer preferences through C3 established shared kitchens, Citizens food halls and mobile delivery with the next-gen Citizens GO app set to launch in 2021. Current C3 brands include Umami Burger, Krispy Rice, Sam’s Crispy Chicken, EllaMia, In a Bun, The Other Side and Dani Garcia’s El Pollo Verde, with many other brands in the pipeline. As of March 2021, C3 operates 250 digital kitchens across the U.S. To learn more, visit c3sbe.com.

About WK Holding
Founded in 2017 by Layla Issa Abuzaid, who currently serves as CEO, WK Holding is a contemporary investment House that generates mutually beneficial long-term partnerships and innovative value-creating opportunities between Saudi Arabia and the rest of the world. Operating across five sectors, entertainment, food and beverage, trading, technology and lifestyle, WK Holdings invests in high quality differentiated assets through an entrepreneurial mindset and an institutional approach.

Today, the WK Holding portfolio includes RAFA/MFA Company, a joint venture between RAFA (Saudi Arabia) and MF Group (the most significant event production company in Russia), RUSSAD, a business hub between Saudi Arabia and Russia and the SAPEG PE FUND established to facilitate foreign investments in the Kingdom.

In 2021, WK Holding introduced Smart Food Holding as a subdivision dedicated to the funding, incubation and innovation of the most exciting brands operating within the food, beverage and lifestyle space. Smart Food Holding is the investment platform for C3 Arabia.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

AirAsia Group Changes Name to Capital A

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AirAsia Group Changes Name to Capital A - TRAVELINDEX - AIRLINEHUB.comKuala Lumpur, Malaysia, January 31, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / AirAsia Group Berhad has today announced a name change for the group holding company to become Capital A Berhad (Capital A or the Group). The name change reflects the Group’s new core business strategy as an investment holding company with a portfolio of synergistic travel and lifestyle businesses, which have rapidly transformed the AirAsia brand into much more than just an airline.

CEO of Capital A, Tony Fernandes said: “This is not just about unveiling a new logo. It’s a significant milestone that marks a new era for the Group. Today’s announcement reinforces we are not just an airline anymore.

“While the airline will always underpin the AirAsia brand, it has long been my firm intention, well before Covid hit, to leverage the strong data we have built up over 20 years and incorporate industry-leading new technologies to offer a broad range of products and services, over and above selling just airfares. The pandemic has allowed us to accelerate that strategy.

“Our brand has continuously evolved based on driving innovation and meeting ever changing consumer demand. The strategy behind the change of name is to introduce a new corporate identity that better reflects the Group’s core businesses today and its future undertakings, in tandem with our rapid transformation from an airline into a one-stop digital travel and lifestyle services group. We believe that the new company name will also further enhance the marketability of our products and boost the success of our Group for the long haul.

“Essentially Capital A is an investment company with a broad portfolio of businesses which all deliver the best value at the lowest cost, supported by strong data built up over two decades. We also have one of Asia’s leading brands to ride on, a strong people-first culture and an underlying promise of remaining committed to serving the underserved in all that we do. Just like what the airline has done from day one, all of our different lines of business will deliver the same strategy that is underscored by doing what we do best – making travel and everyday lifestyle services affordable, accessible and inclusive to all.

“We are now delivering more products and services under one umbrella than any other brand in Asean and with access to over 700 million people in the region, I foresee incredible growth opportunities for our brand across many different industries in all of our core markets.

“We have 16 products and services on our airasia Super App, providing not only the best value flight and travel deals but also everyday lifestyle needs, from food to retail and e-commerce, to same day delivery, ride hailing and much more. We are already one of the top three online travel agents (OTAs) in Asean and our super app is on track to become the leading lifestyle app in the region very soon.

“All of our portfolio businesses are well on the way to becoming industry leaders in their respective fields across Southeast Asia, including BigPay, our aircraft engineering division Asia Digital Engineering (ADE) and logistics venture Teleport.

“We already have over 50 million monthly unique visitors on our super app which has been recognised as a tech unicorn in under two years, our fintech business BigPay, has been given a significant injection of USD $100million from South Korea conglomerate SK Group and overall we have raised over RM2.5 billion to date through our fundraising strategy. Following strong consumer and investor support for our transformation strategy, we now set our sights on further capital raising initiatives for the airasia Super App, Teleport and ADE which will be announced in due course.”

On the airline, Tony commented: “While Capital A will be the new Group holding company name, one thing that isn’t changing is the AirAsia brand name for our airlines. It’s one of the strongest brands in Asia and provides a solid platform for all of our other products and services to leverage from each other.

“Even though the last two years have been the most difficult and disrupted years in the history of commercial aviation, I welcome the year ahead with much greater confidence. Domestic air travel has already started to rebound in our key markets. While there may be some delays for international flights to return to pre-Covid levels due to the Omicron variant, I believe this will be short-lived as many global health experts are also predicting, alongside accelerated vaccines and booster shots as well as the world gradually learning to live with Covid. I am hopeful borders will reopen gradually throughout 2022 and we will see a return to normal capacity for our international services by the middle to third quarter of this year.

“Over the past two years we have spent the downturn in flying building a solid foundation for a viable and successful future, which is not solely reliant on airfares alone. Capital A signals an exciting new era for our airlines and all of our other portfolio businesses within the Group as we embark on a significant new growth phase.

“Importantly, the best is yet to come. We have pivoted, we have transformed and we have a five year plan in place which will see non airline revenues contributing around 50 percent of overall Group revenue by 2026. Once the airlines return to pre-Covid levels in the near future all of our other lines of business will benefit significantly and will all soar to new heights in tandem with one another.”

By 2026 Capital A aims to achieve amongst others:
– Group airlines connecting over 1 billion people in Asean.
– The engineering division (ADE) becomes an industry leader for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services in Southeast Asia.
– airasia Super App to be the super app of choice in Asean.
– 10 million monthly active users for BigPay.
– 10% market share in Southeast Asia for Teleport, in the logistics and e-commerce industry.
– 5 million sign ups for edutech arm AirAsia Academy.
– Over 21 million monthly orders on airasia grocer.

The new holding company name, Capital A, is immediately effective following the successful registration of the name by the Companies Commision of Malaysia announced on January 3 and the subsequent formal approvals received yesterday.

The name change from AirAsia Group Berhad to Capital A Berhad will not have any effect on the Company’s ongoing operations. The AirAsia stock name on the main Board of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad will change with immediate effect to reflect the new company name.

About Capital A – capitala.airasia.com
Capital A is an investment holding company with a portfolio of synergistic travel and lifestyle businesses that leverage data and technology to deliver the best value at the lowest cost, supported by high quality data and one of Asia’s leading brands that remains committed to serving the underserved.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

WWF Appoints Two Female Leaders from Africa to International Board

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WWF Appoints Two Female Leaders from Africa to International Board - TRAVELINDEXGland, Switzerland, January 31, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Rosette Chantal Rugamba, a 24-year veteran of the African ecotourism and protected areas sector, and Dr Paula Kahumbu, one of Africa’s best-known wildlife conservationists joined the organisation’s International Board as trustees on 1 January 2022. Ms Rugamba and Dr Kahumbu’s extensive experience on the African continent will be a strong asset to WWF International as it works with communities and partners to help build a nature-positive world by 2030 and put women’s participation in decision-making at the forefront.

WWF’s work in Africa plays an important role in the organisation’s global conservation efforts. The addition of two new female Board members is an important outcome of WWF’s goal to promote gender equality as an integral part of the mission to ensure that the planet’s natural resources are shared fairly.

Based in Rwanda, Ms Rugamba is founder and Managing Director of Songa Africa and Amakoro Songa Lodge, an East African tourism and hospitality company, and serves on the board of Women For The Environment Africa, a body whose aim is to empower women leaders working in conservation in Africa. She previously served as Director General of Rwanda tourism where she spearheaded the revitalisation of the Rwandan tourism sector between 2003 and 2010. She has also served as Deputy CEO of Rwanda Development Board which oversees the development and management of the country’s world-famous protected areas, as well as being special advisor to the Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation on sustainable tourism in Africa and a member of the Global Ethics committee at the United Nations World Tourism Organization. Ms Rugamba has also served as a board member of African Parks and Trademark East Africa and is an active member of the Rwanda Private Sector Federation where she has served as President of Tourism in the Women’s Chamber.

Based in Kenya, Dr Kahumbu is the CEO of WildlifeDirect, a charitable organisation which aims to connect people to nature and wildlife so that they treasure it and act to conserve it. She is also the creator of the Hands Off Our Elephants campaign with Kenya’s First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, as well as the producer and host of Wildlife Warriors, Africa’s first wildlife documentary series made by Africans. She formerly worked for the Kenya Wildlife Service heading up the research and parks departments, and Lafarge Eco Systems, the environmental arm of Bamburi Cement. She has won numerous awards and received a special commendation at the United Nations Person of the Year celebrations for her role in raising awareness of the crisis facing elephants in Kenya. She is a lecturer at Princeton University, is the Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year, winner of the Whitley Gold Award, and is a National Geographic Emerging Explorer. She holds a PhD in Ecology from Princeton University.

Rosette Rugamba said:
“Serving on WWF’s board is a great opportunity to increase my contribution to collective efforts to save our planet and help safeguard the future of nature and humanity. I am humbled and enthusiastic to join the “panda family”!

Dr Paula Kahumbu said:
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with WWF in transforming conservation and climate change outcomes at a global level. It is an honour and a privilege and I look forward to working with the team.”

Marco Lambertini, Director General of WWF International, said:
“I am delighted to welcome Rosette Rugamba and Paula Kahumbu to the WWF International Board. These esteemed leaders share a passion for and experience in the fields of African conservation, sustainable tourism, protected areas, community engagement and women’s empowerment. They are both an inspiration in their passion and achievements in marrying nature conservation and socio-economic development. Given the significance of Africa to conservation, it is an honour to be able to count on the support of two tremendous African leaders based on the continent who bring with them a wealth of directly relevant experience and insights.

“Additionally, at a time when WWF is working hard with communities and partners to help build a nature-positive world by 2030, our new trustees will provide crucial insight that will help our efforts to promote gender equality as an essential building block for sustainable development and effective conservation.”

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

‘THE HOTTEST THING ON ICE’: Jamaican tourism bets on bobsled teams

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When you think about it, Jamaica has many tourism touchstones – sun, sand, and Sandals, amongst them, not to the mention the famously friendly people. But more distinctly, visitors also think of Bob Marley/reggae music, Red Stripe and rum, Blue Mountain coffee and jerk seasoning, superb slang (irie, ya mon!), James Bond (or at least 007 author Ian Fleming who wrote the spy novels there), and, naturally, bobsleds!

The latter, of course, relates to the now legendary story of the 1988 Jamaican bobsled team – four athletes who had never seen snow – inexplicably qualifying to take part in the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary.

Such was the improbability – and renown – of the tale that it was turned into the 1993 Disney movie “Cool Runnings,” starring the beloved late Canadian comedian John Candy.

“I just want to tell you, everywhere I go in the world, a reference point is ‘Cool Runnings,’” Jamaican tourism minister Edmund Bartlett said at a virtual press event Friday. “It’s an amazing impact we made on the global scene, not just in entertainment and film but in giving a definition of Jamaica that lingers. People still see us as being that unique country that created a unique experience of bobsleighers who had never seen snow.”

(Ed. note: bobsled/bobsleigh are synonymous terms, the former predominantly used in North America).

And now with Jamaican athletes once again ready to intrigue the world by participating in bobsled disciplines (as well as alpine skiing for the first time) at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing starting later this week, Jamaican tourism is primed once more to slide along on the ride.

Indeed, the ministry of tourism and industry partners (including Sandals) have even contributed J$3 million ($24,533) to the Jamaica Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation to help support a sport that has amazingly become synonymous with the Caribbean nation.

Certainly, Jamaica is known for sport – particularly its renowned for its sprinters, and most notably Usain Bolt who carved out a career as the world’s undisputed fastest human being. And in 1998, the ‘Reggae Boyz’ mimicked the bobsled team, taking the World Cup of Soccer in France by storm as the Caribbean’s first English-speaking country to reach the final.

But it was the unlikely emergence of the Jamaican bobsled team in the ‘80s – winter athletes from a nation that trades on being an antidote to winter – that found its way into the global consciousness, and whose indomitable spirit and tenacity was captured in what has become a cult classic film.

1988 Bobsleigh team

And similar interest in this year’s team (which will compete in not one but three bobsled events) will clearly delight Jamaica tourism officials, who even unveiled an official team theme song – “Rocket Blaster” – on Friday, with culture and entertainment minister Olivia Grange declaring, “Jamaica will be the hottest thing on ice” at the Beijing Games.

But the participation of the bobsled boyz – and girlz – speaks to a larger issue, says Bartlett, namely the development and diversification of Jamaica’s tourism product.

“Entertainment and sport are going to be to mega pillars on which the new tourism is going to be built,” he adds. “Sport is going to be critical. We need to respond to people’s passions and build products around their passion points.”

In the meantime, Grange says Jamaica will take advantage of her nation’s outsize reputation on the international sporting scene to generate exposure and interest.

“Whenever there is a global sport event,” she says, “we can guarantee one thing: Jamaica will get great exposure – during, before and after the event. And we have been seeing that great exposure for Jamaica over the last few weeks as the world gets ready for the Winter Olympics… The stories about the extraordinary bobsleigh and skeleton representatives in the 2022 Games have been the greatest advertisement about everything we want the world to hear and see about Jamaica.”

Further, she observes, Jamaican athletes are “great ambassadors” for the country. “They may not be giving the explicit invitation for people to come to Jamaica,” she says, “but their presence on the world scene has caused so many people to ‘make it Jamaica.’ In their role as sports and cultural representatives, every single one of them has contributed meaningfully to Jamaica, especially in the areas of commerce, travel and tourism.”

Grange says her culture ministry supports 40 national sports federations in the country and has contributed J$70 million (approx. $572,500) to the bobsled team’s preparation for the Winter Games alone.

She adds that their success and profile is especially welcome this year as Jamaica celebrates its 60th anniversary of independence.

“Who could have imagined that our nation could have such an impact on sport and culture in such a short time,” exclaims Grange. “The (bobsled) teams are a reminder – and proof – that nothing is impossible. We don’t have no snow, but here we are, competing with the world’s best in winter sports!”

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

BACK ON ITS FEET: Sandals Royal Bahamian re-opens after reno

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Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort welcomed its first guests late last week (Jan. 27) following a US $55-million renovation. The re-opening of the Cable Beach (Nassau) resort is a fitting start to the year for Sandals Resorts, which is marking its 40th anniversary year with a series of milestone events.

Situated on six sprawling hectares, the new-look 404-room Sandals Royal Bahamian is designed to reflect the easy-going spirit of the Bahamas and thoughtfully entwine its experiential touchpoints – from the pastel pink of the flamingo to the vibes of traditional Junkanoo.

Featuring an off-shore island, the elegant all-inclusive features two large pools, club level and swim-up butler suites, over a dozen restaurants, two white sand beaches, and offers guests VIP airport transfers in a Rolls-Royce or Mercedes-Benz for butler guests.

Here’s a look:

Rooms: The new Island Village, comprised of standalone villas named after remote Bahamian cays, are representative of the provincial Bahamas – a compilation of the destination’s quintessential pinks, blues, and white accents, with shiplap, striped awnings, and additional touches that create a chic, yet relaxed ambiance. Butler Villa Suites each house private pools and outdoor tranquility soaking tubs.

Meanwhile, the refreshed East and West Bay accommodations offer an array of room and suite categories, including beachfront Butler Suites in the East Bay, where a new Infinity Swim-Up pool ends right where the sand begins. An entirely new zero-entry Swim-Up pool hugs the West Bay tower’s ground level suites, while the Penthouse Love Nest Butler Suites showcase panoramic ocean views from a private balcony. Neutral colour palettes and wood furnishings create a modern chic design that accentuates the bright blue Caribbean sea beyond.

Culinary: Sandals Royal Bahamian elevates Nassau’s culinary scene with 13 fresh restaurant concepts:

• Guests can feel the rhythm of the music and savour Pan-Caribbean spices at Kanoo – short for Junkanoo – where a new “Brasserie 30” à la carte lunch menu is designed to deliver the lunch experience in 30 minutes or less, for a faster return to the pool or beach.

• Outfitted in pinks and greens inspired by the alluring feathers of the national bird, La Plume serves exquisite French cuisine in a modern atmosphere.

• Additional temptations include steak and seafood specialties at Butch’s Island Chop House, hearty British fare at The Queen’s Pearl, Southern Italian favourites at Tesoro, and the freshest sushi at Soy.

• Three eclectic gourmet food trucks offer sweet treats and coffee at Sweets n Tings, locally inspired Bahamian fusion and fresh seafood at Coco Queen, and a new twist on Italian classics at Bahama Mamma Mia.

• New signature cocktail menus are served up at bars, such as the Glass Flask Banana Bread Old Fashioned at the new Mr. B’s.

Coconut Grove: A destination of its own within the resort, Coconut Grove includes a lush and expansive beachfront lounge shaded by coconut palms. It’s also a home base for the new food trucks, which are open from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., and music and entertainment, which last late into the evening.

Private Island Hideaway: Deserted beaches and colourful coral reefs await at the resort’s secluded private island, Sandals Barefoot Cay, an escape-within-an-escape located just one mile from the shore. Couples can sail aboard the resort’s new Love Runner boat or spend the day on shore, complete with a pool bar with swings, an infinity-edge Jacuzzi, outdoor shower, and new restaurant, Aralia House, serving up fresh seafood from boat to table and authentic Caribbean delicacies.

Spa: The resort’s Red Lane Spa welcomes guests back to three serene locations: the Main Spa, the Day Spa and the Offshore Escape – Zen Garden on Sandals Barefoot Cay. Spa facilities include two saunas and two steamrooms, complementing an expansive menu of services that now feature two new couples rituals: Love & Trust and Forever in Love.

Weddings: Three new exclusive wedding inspirations capture the authentic Bahamian vibe. The Conch Pearl Wedding utilizes the signature pink spiral shell as an accent, while the shoe-optional Barefoot Wedding is set right on the sand at a variety of resort locations including the private island. The Bahamian Wedding is set in a lush tropical garden, moving guests to the sounds of a Bahamian gospel choir. A customary conch blowing ritual will conclude special guest events and weddings, welcoming love and good fortune to the sounds of rake and scrape music.

“The new Sandals Royal Bahamian encompasses a new era in travel, inviting our guests in love to connect with the vibrant culture, natural wonders, and authentic traditions of the beautiful Bahamas — and in turn reconnect with each other,” says Sandals Resorts Executive Chairman Adam Stewart.

“We have a long history in the beloved Bahamas and it’s simply one of the most beautiful places on Planet Earth. It’s what lured our founder and my father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, to this illustrious setting over 26 years ago. We’ve added special elements throughout the resort to impart his legacy to the setting we’ve created here. Our new Butch’s Island Chop House restaurant and adjacent Mr. B’s bar, for example, both give a nautical nod to his love for the sea, and even his iconic blue and white striped shirts served as the esthetic inspiration. At Sandals Royal Bahamian, we honour our celebrated past, while surprising our guests in entirely new ways.”

The grand opening event on Thursday, which included several Caribbean leaders and dignitaries also included the presentation of the 2021 Stewart Family Philanthropic Award to the Bahamas National Trust (BNT), whose work to protect and restore the over 8,900 hectares of land and sea under its purview will continue with the development of a primary level environmental curriculum for students and educators, funded by the Sandals Foundation – the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts. The award celebrates good stewards who embody a strong commitment to the wellbeing of the communities, families, and environments of the Caribbean.

Take a virtual tour of the resort HERE.

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ROUND-UP:Jan. 24-28, 2021

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More countries are easing entry rules; Canadian athletes set off to Beijing; Rocky Mountaineer introduced a new partner; Carnival is sticking to its COVID plan; and registrations opened for ExploreGB – all in this week’s highlights of last week’s news!

NEWS

Effective Jan. 28, the modified pre-departure test requirements for travellers coming to Canada on direct or indirect flights from India or Morocco were removed. Travellers from these countries are no longer be required to obtain a valid negative pre-departure COVID-19 test from a third country. All travellers entering Canada are now subject to the same pre-entry test requirements, regardless of their departure country.

The airport in Kelowna, BC, has received $15 million in federal funding for upgrades to infrastructure, including for the flow of passengers and crew being tested for COVID-19. Some of the improvements include replacing airfield lighting, sections of the terminal building’s roof and the construction of runway areas.

The BC Court of Appeal dismissed WestJet’s efforts to overturn the certification of a class-action lawsuit on baggage fees. The Calgary-based airline is alleged to have between September 2014 and March 2019 published two prices for checked bags, one that was free and then charged passengers another that was higher. WestJet ultimately amended wording in its domestic tariff to remove that one checked bag will be free.

ENTRY NEW

Declaring that border testing of vaccinated travellers has “outlived its usefulness,” the British government announced that it is scrapping coronavirus testing requirements for people arriving in England effective Feb. 11 – news hailed by the travel industry as a big step back to normality.

The Cayman Islands reports that it has officially entered Phase 5 of its phased reopening plan, whereby children aged 11 years and younger will be permitted to travel to the destination accompanied by vaccinated adults regardless of the child’s vaccination status. In addition, quarantine requirements for all travellers are shortened to seven days from 10, and testing protocols have been altered – now requiring travellers to submit a lateral flow test (LFT) on days two, five and seven of their stay.

Updated entry protocols in Aruba mean Canadians (and other nationalities deemed high risk) now have the option of taking an antigen test one day prior or a PCR test up to two days prior to travelling to Aruba. Tests cannot be taken on arrival. Visitors 12 and older, who have tested positive using a molecular Covid-19 test by nasopharyngeal swab between 10 days and 12 weeks prior to travel date to Aruba, and do not show any symptoms, will be exempt from the requirement of providing a negative COVID-19 test result for entry. Full details can be found on the aruba.com website.

Vaccinated tourists visiting Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates no longer need to show proof of a booster shot to enter. The tourism specific change comes as confusion swirls around entry rules for Abu Dhabi, which has taken a more stringent approach to containing the coronavirus than UAE neighbour Dubai, prompting the former to erect a hard border with the latter, forcing all drivers to come to a halt for vaccination and COVID checks on what once had been a wide, empty highway before the virus struck.

BY THE NUMBERS

The World Health Organization reported that a shipment of 1.1 million COVID-19 vaccines to Rwanda on Jan. 15 included the billionth dose supplied via COVAX. However, the WHO noted that as of Jan. 13, 36 of its 194 member states had vaccinated less than 10 percent of their population, and 88 less than 40%.

AIR

Air Canada’s flight AC2201 from Vancouver to Beijing on Jan. 26 marked the first of three special charter flights transporting Team Canada to the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The plane featured a special livery for the occasion. The airline also introduced a comprehensive program to support the athletes.

New carrier Canada Jetlines has received conditional approval for flight crew (pilot) training from Transport Canada. Final approval of the training program will be granted once Transport Canada has reviewed the training conducted under the program and it proves to be satisfactory. The carrier plans to launch this spring.

Air France reports that it’s free “Ready To Fly” service continues to be deployed across its network, including now for domestic flight where vaccination is mandatory. To reduce the time required to process the submitted documents, Air France says it is replacing the manual verification of the vaccine pass with an automated check, ensuring customers travelling in France receive instant confirmation. The service is currently available on more than 140 routes on departure from 80 airports, including flights to France on departure from Europe and Canada.

DEALS

Clients can save up to 15% on Collette tours in North America for bookings made between Jean 26 and Feb. 4 for travel through the end of the year. Use offer code EXPLORE22. Some restrictions apply.

Two or more passengers travelling to Dubai on Emirates by April 30, and booking by Feb. 6, can save 25% on fares when travelling together. The offer is valid on return trips booked in economy or business classes by travel agents or via emirates.com/ca. Travellers can also take advantage of other perks, including receiving a free Emirates Expo Pass and My Emirates city pass (valid until March 31).

HOTELS

IHG Hotels & Resorts first Vignette Collection property in Asia will open in Bangkok in March. The 393-room Sindhorn Midtown is part of IHG’s newest luxury and lifestyle brand and follows the opening of Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok in 2020. Both hotels are situated within Sindhorn Village, a development project in the area of Langsuan Road and Soi Tonson.

Committed to continued growth, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts reports that it has more than 50 new projects under planning or development, including in Italy, Spain, China, Japan, Colombia, Belize, and across key markets in the US, all of which will add to the company’s existing portfolio of 122 hotels and resorts and 48 residential properties in 47 countries around the world.

RESORTS

AMR Collection says that due to equipment and product delivery delays resulting from the omicron variant, both Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen and Secrets Impression Moxché in Mexico will delay their openings until April 18, and June 1, respectively.

TOURS

American Queen Voyages has partnered with Rocky Mountaineer to offer a pre- and post-cruise luxury rail City Stay Package for the inaugural season of Ocean Victory. Travelling through the Canadian Rockies between Calgary and Vancouver, the opulent add-on option is available for six sailings from May to September. The “Landscapes & Luxury Rocky Mountaineer City Stay Package” is available as a six-day pre-cruise option for guests booked on Ocean Victory May 2, 23; June 13; July 4, 25; Aug 15; Sept 5, and as a five-day post-cruise on May 28; June 18; July 9, 30; Aug 20; and Sep 10. The brand-new expedition ship Ocean Victory will sail between Vancouver, and Sitka, Alaska on 13-day journeys and feature ports of call that larger ships cannot access.

A new in-depth, eight-day exploration of the Swiss and Bavarian Alps, highlighted by a performance of the traditional Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany, has been introduced by Tauck. The “Swiss Highlands & Bavarian Alps” tour runs from May to September and starts in Bern, Switzerland.

CRUISE

Carnival says it will continue to operate – and expand – its current COVID-19 protocols, including sailing vaccinated voyages, requiring pre-embarkation testing, and following onboard indoor mask requirements “until further notice.”

Redesigned tier structures, which simplify reaching the next tier mark, are a key enhancement of Norwegian Cruise Lines Latitudes Rewards Program for loyalty members. The refreshed program features seven tiers, including new Diamond and Sapphire levels, replacing the Platinum tier. Fewer points are also mostly required to reach each level. Latitudes members will also have access to special offers and new onboard experiences, such as cabin upgrades, wine tasting, package discounts, and more. First-time guests are automatically enrolled in the program.

Cunard will be taking Shakespeare and new works to the high seas in 2022 as it joins forces in a first-of-its-kind partnership with Britain’s Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) to bring world class theatre to its transatlantic stage. Available exclusively on board the flagship Queen Mary 2, the three-year partnership will run May 29-Aug. 12, and then again from Sept. 15 to Nov. 13.

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS

LEGOLAND Parks and luxury sports car brand Ferrari have announced the world’s first LEGO Ferrari “Build and Race” interactive attraction is coming to LEGOLAND California Resort this spring. Featuring a life-size Ferrari F40 model developed by the LEGO Group, Build and Race puts guests in the driver’s seat as they make their way through the “garage” to the “racetrack” using their creativity and imagination to build, test and race their own LEGO Ferrari.

Meanwhile, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Toronto is reopening Feb. 3. The attraction has introduced enhanced cleaning measures throughout the day to clean and sanitize the attraction, including high-frequency touchpoints, play areas, and LEGO bricks.

EVENTS

Buyer registration is now open for VisitBritain’s annual trade show ExploreGB, which will take place virtually again this year, from March 22 to 24. The event hosts hundreds of pre-scheduled one-to-one virtual business meetings over the three days giving international buyers the opportunity to do business with top travel industry suppliers and destinations from across the UK and forge valuable business connections. Buyers control their own meeting diary and can arrange meetings around their other commitments, it is not compulsory to attend for the whole three days. There will also be a series of webinars to help boost knowledge of the UK as a visitor destination. Register .

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT) has appointed Pulse Travel Marketing as its new Canadian representative. The agency, under Sana Keller and Annika Klint, is tasked with creating brand awareness and ensuring that the Southern California destination is prominently positioned with the travel trade, and key distribution media channels across Canada through strategic trade, marketing, and communications programs.

DESTINATIONS

The historic ocean liner Queen Mary, which has been a Southern California tourist attraction and hotel for decades, is being prepared for “critical repairs,” according to officials in the city of Long Beach, which owns the ship. The ship will remain closed, except for film location work, until the $5 million worth of repairs are completed, a city statement said last week.

Visit Tampa Bay has launched the Riverwalk Attraction Pass, a new program connecting venues along the Tampa Riverwalk in one ticket that provides discounts to users. Similar to the CityPASS program, the Pass brings together many attractions but also enables museums and centres that would have been traditionally excluded to be part of a holistic program. Initial attractions participants include the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, Henry B. Plant Museum, Florida Aquarium, Glazer Children’s Museum, Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa Bay History Center, and the Pirate Water Taxi. Users access a mobile landing page on the Visit Tampa Bay website to purchase the Pass and after receiving a link to their pass, can add it to their home screen on their mobile devices, where it is scanned for admission.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Banyan Tree Krabi Appoints New General Manager

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Banyan Tree Krabi Appoints New General Manager - TRAVELINDEXKrabi, Thailand, January 30, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts has announced that Mr Nigel Fisher, an Australian national with 37 years’ experience in luxury hotel management across Asia and Australia, has been appointed General Manager of its beachfront resort in Krabi, which opened in October 2020.

After graduating from Switzerland’s prestigious École hôtelière de Lausanne in 1985, Fisher returned to Australia to join Hyatt International Hotels, where he would spend the next 15 years. In the 2000s, he was Resident Manager at the Four Seasons Sydney and at the Great Barrier Reef’s Hayman Island.

He took on the role of General Manager at leading hotels in Malaysia and the Philippines before moving to Banyan Tree in 2015. From his first post at Banyan Tree Huangshan in China, he stepped up as Area GM for Lijiang and Ringha. Fisher oversaw the opening of the Angsana Penang, before being lured across the border to southern Thailand.

“Nigel is a seasoned professional with a passion for Asian culture and a strong command of Asian values,” said Remko Kroesen, the Area General Manager for Banyan Tree Samui and Banyan Tree Krabi. “He brings a wealth of experience from some of the world’s top hotels — knowledge which will be instrumental in establishing Banyan Tree Krabi as a leading resort in the region.”

No one doubts that taking the helm of a new 5-star hotel during the time of a global pandemic will present its own set of challenges, added Kroesen. “However, Banyan Tree Krabi is a pristine new resort with the highest standards of health and hygiene management. When this Covid crisis has finally run its course, travellers from all over the world will be thirsty for a tropical paradise, and we want to make sure we have a red carpet rolled out for them,” he said.

Located on secluded Tubkaek Beach, Banyan Tree Krabi is flanked to the rear by a forested national park while facing out towards a sea of karst limestone towers — undoubtedly one of Thailand’s most iconic and enduring images — which are uninhabited and protected as a national marine park. The hotel is tiered into a lush landscape, all of which is dominated by a rollercoaster of mountains.

The resort offers 72 pool suites and villas, among them seven two-bedroom options, one three-bedroom villa, and a majestic seven-bedroom beachfront Presidential Villa. Each of the rooms faces the sea and the sunset as the property tiers into the hillside.

Facilities include two restaurants and a beach bar, a beach club, a kids’ club, a fitness center, meeting rooms, and – in keeping with Banyan Tree’s wellness branding – a rainforest-themed spa.

Unique highlights include Banyan Tree’s signature Thai restaurant, Saffron, perched high above the bay, alongside a wedding deck, both of which are accessible by electric funicular.

ABOUT BANYAN TREE HOLDINGS LIMITED

Banyan Tree Holdings Limited (“Banyan Tree” or the “Group”) is a leading international operator and developer of premium resorts, hotels, residences and spas, with 47 hotels and resorts, 63 spas, 72 retail galleries, and three golf courses in 24 countries. Each resort typically has between 75 to 300 rooms and commands room rates at the higher end of each property’s particular market.

The Group’s primary business is centered on four brands: the award-winning Banyan Tree and Angsana, as well as newly established Cassia and Dhawa. Banyan Tree also operates the leading integrated resort in Thailand – Laguna Phuket — through the Group’s subsidiary, Laguna Resorts & Hotels Public Company Limited. Two other integrated resorts – Laguna Bintan in Indonesia and Laguna Lăng Cô in Central Vietnam – complete the status of the Group as the leading operator of integrated resorts in Asia.

As a leading operator of spas in Asia, Banyan Tree’s spas are one of the key features in their resorts and hotels. Its retail arm Banyan Tree Gallery complements and reinforces the branding of the resort, hotel and spa operations.

Since the launch of the first Banyan Tree resort, Banyan Tree Phuket, in 1994, Banyan Tree has received over 2,600 awards and accolades for the resorts, hotels and spas that the Group manages. The Group has also received recognition for its commitment to sustainability for environmental protection and emphasis on corporate social responsibility.

In addition to its currently operating hotels, resorts, spas and golf courses, the Group currently has 21 hotels and resorts under construction, and another 25 under development.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

The Bhutan Foundation Welcomes New Advisory Council Members

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The Bhutan Foundation Welcomes New Advisory Council Members - TRAVELINDEXThimphu, Bhutan, January 29, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The Bhutan Foundation introduced five new Bhutan Foundation Advisory Council members. The Advisory Council is a group of internationally distinguished leaders, professionals, and experts on issues ranging from climate change to sustainability, healthcare, education, governance, and south asian affairs. Their combined expertise helps guide the Bhutan Foundation. The newest members include Hon. Curtis Chin, Dr. Lisa Danzig, Mr. Dechen Dorji, Dr. Steve Harris, and Hon. Kenneth Juster.

Hon. Curtis S. Chin is a Milken Institute Asia fellow and has served as a trustee of World Education Services of New York and is a former U.S. ambassador to the Asian Development Bank. As a member of the ADB board, he pushed for strengthened governance, risk management and development efforts focused on people, planet, and partnership, particularly on infrastructure projects in Asia’s least-developed nations. Through his advisory firm RiverPeak Group LLC, Chin now advises a range of startup firms and impact investors in Asia, including Equator Pure Nature, a leading ASEAN-based, natural consumer products company and cleantech pioneer, and the Dolma Impact Fund, the first international equity fund focused on Nepal. Chin previously was a senior executive with Burson-Marsteller in the US, Switzerland, and Asia, where he oversaw Beijing and Hong Kong operations.

Mr. Dechen Dorji is the Senior Director for Asia at WWF-US. Dechen oversees WWF-US’s wildlife efforts in Asia, working closely with their goal teams and leadership, WWF’s country offices, and the Wildlife Practice and other WWF initiatives to help develop, implement and mobilize resources for our wildlife conservation priorities in Asia. Dechen isn’t new to the WWF organization, previously serving for seven years as WWF’s Country Representative in Bhutan, where he led a number of successful conservation efforts, notably the ‘Bhutan for Life’ initiative, through which he worked closely with our leadership and the former Bhutanese Prime Minister to raise $43 million, and launched some of Bhutan’s first nationwide conservation efforts for threatened species such as tigers, Snow leopards and Golden Mahseer. Dechen also received the National Order of Merit, Gold, from His Majesty the King for the Bhutan for Life initiative and his services to the Bhutanese environmental sector.

Dr. Lisa Danzig is Chief Medical Officer at Excision BioTherapeutics and prior to that she was Chief Medical Officer at PaxVax, a specialty vaccine company in Redwood City, California. She also serves as an advisory to Pandefense Advisory and is the co-founder and managing partner of Amicitiam Partners. Dr. Danzig is an expert in vaccines. She has contributed to the development of meningococcal vaccines (Menjugate®, Menveo® and Bexsero®) and has worked in Siena, Italy, Cambridge, MA, and Hangzhou, China. During her two years as an EIS officer with the U.S. CDC, she investigated outbreaks of healthcare associated infections and taught epidemiology in Côte d’Ivoire to district health officers in West Africa. Dr. Danzig has been involved with Bhutan for many years through the Karuna Foundation and also serves as an advisor to the pandemic response in Bhutan.

Dr. Steve Harris worked as a telecommunications/internet lawyer and executive for over 30 years. He then returned to his love of history and received a Ph.D. in Modern European History at UC Davis in 2015. He now teaches history of democracy, historiography, modern European, and world history at San Francisco State University, where he is also co-director of the History for the 21st Century Project.

Hon. Kenneth I. Juster has over forty years of experience as a senior government official, senior business executive, and senior law partner. He recently completed service as the twenty-fifth U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of India (2017–2021). He previously served in the U.S. government as Deputy Assistant to the President for International Economic Affairs, on both the National Security Council and the National Economic Council (2017), Under Secretary of commerce (2001–2005), Counselor (acting) of the State Department (1992–1993), and Deputy and Senior Advisor to Deputy Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger (1989–1992). In the private sector, Juster has been a Partner at the global investment firm Warburg Pincus (2010–2017), Executive Vice President at Salesforce.com (2005–2010), and a Senior Partner at the law firm Arnold & Porter. He is currently Senior Counselor at the global law firm Freshfields, Senior Adviser at the institutional investor CDPQ, Strategic Adviser at the software company Salesforce, and Distinguished Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. Ambassador Juster developed a long-term friendship with Bhutan when he was Ambassador to India. He supported the funding of many new U.S. government initiatives in Bhutan, such as enhancing STEM Education and the restoration of the Wangduechhoeling Palace through the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Raffles and Fairmont Hotels to Open in Qatar Next Year

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Raffles and Fairmont Hotels to Open in Qatar Next Year - TOP25HOTELS.com - TRAVELINDEXDoha, Qatar, January 29, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Katara Hospitality, a leading global hotel owner, developer and operator based in Qatar, announced a new partnership with Accor, a world-leading hospitality group with the two-fold signing of Raffles and Fairmont hotels in Qatar. The management agreement was signed by His Excellency Sheikh Nawaf Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al-Thani, Chairman of Katara Hospitality and Mr. Sébastien Bazin, Chairman & CEO of Accor.

• Discover Qatar and the World’s Best Luxury Hotels with Prestigious Hotel Awards at Top25Hotels.com

The agreement signing was held at Katara Hospitality headquarters in Doha in the presence of Katara Hospitality Management represented by Mr. Andrew Humphries, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kamal Rhazali, General Counsel, Mr. Irfan Sharief, Chief Asset Management Officer, Mr. Juan Aguilar, Acting Chief Technical Officer. As well as Accor Management represented by Mr. Mark Willis, CEO India, Middle East, Africa & Turkey and Mr. Gaurav Bhushan, CEO of Accor’s Lifestyle Brands.

The agreement consolidates the long-standing partnership between Accor and Katara Hospitality, whom already own several landmark hotels managed by Accor, with the property set to open in 2022. Once completed, the Fairmont Hotel and Raffles Hotel & Residences will join the brand’s worldwide portfolio, known to be the world’s largest collection of historic and iconic hotels. As with any Fairmont property around the world, guests will find themselves immersed in a local authentic environment. Similarly when visiting the Raffles, guests will discover the individual personality and story offered by the hotel. At the essence of every Raffles is to deliver thoughtful, personal and discreet service to well-travelled guests.

On this occasion, His Excellency Sheikh Nawaf bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani, Chairman, Katara Hospitality said: “Katara Hospitality is one of the first investors that understood the significance of the project, committing to developing the hospitality icon of Doha for the 21st Century in the State of Qatar. We are confident the ethos of Accor brand is a strategic fit for this iconic project as it is important that we have an operator who understands our vision and strategy, while ensuring it occupies its rightful position in the local and global marketplaces when it opens next year.”

“The world’s most loved cities are often identified through imagery and landmark buildings. We strongly believe the property we are developing will provide Qatar with an architectural symbol that is known and understood right across the globe. Our aim is to create the hospitality icon of the 21st Century that is within one of the world’s most exciting urban developments. Our vision is to set new standards that go beyond the borders of the hospitality industry and provide a landmark location that is instantly recognised internationally,” HE added.

“While we regard 2022 as a milestone in the country’s development, this new property in Lusail will also occupy a focal point for residents and travellers during the FIFA World Cup. We believe that this is our opportunity to showcase a country that has grown into an international destination and Katara Hospitality will create the landmark to underpin lifetime memories.”

Sheikh Nawaf concluded: “As Qatar National Vision 2030 creates the perfect framework for us, we will continue to develop peerless hospitality at home and abroad that are not only jewels in our portfolio but are emblematic for Qatar as well.”

Sebastien Bazin, Chairman & CEO of Accor commented, “We are extremely excited to announce this iconic property and to showcase it on the world stage in the years to come. The arrival of the Raffles and Fairmont brands in Qatar marks an important milestone for Accor, as we endeavour to bring their distinctive levels of quality and luxurious service to residents and travellers alike. We thank Katara, one of our most valued partners, for once again entrusting us with such a unique project, which is set to become a landmark, not only in Qatar, but in the region.”

Symbolically intertwined with Qatar’s heritage, the Iconic Towers in Lusail are an architectural translation of Qatar’s national seal, representing the traditional scimitar swords. Raising gracefully from the podium level, the arched towers will host a luxurious five-star hotel with 361 rooms and suites to cater to discerning business travellers, a lavish six-star hotel with 132 suites to meet the needs of those seeking sophisticated luxury accommodation and 49 branded apartments to become home to permanent residents. State-of-the-art entertainment and recreational facilities, including specialist boutiques, VIP movie theatres, signature restaurants and a private Cigar Lounge are to be complemented by exquisite banqueting and conference spaces, as well as office dedicated areas.

“We believe Qatar to be an ideal place to spend a few days in the Middle East: there is a rich variety of beaches, it features year round sunshine, and the food is equal to the best the region has to offer” said Mr. Andrew Humphries, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Katara Hospitality. We are happy to collaborate again with Accor to open the first Raffles and Fairmont properties in Qatar, which we believe will position Qatar as a leading luxury, lifestyle and conference destination locally and globally”.

“This is a unique opportunity to consolidate Fairmont and Raffles image in the Middle East, with both hotels sitting in on of the most iconic building of the region, indeed an incredible showcase for both brands”, said Mark Willis, CEO of Accor India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey.

Mark Willis adds: “We expect that these properties, with their iconic design and unrivalled presence, will become an architectural emblem and reference in Luxury in Doha”.

Accor currently operates six properties (1,378 keys) in Qatar across five brands including Movenpick, Mondrian and MGallery, with nine additional hotels (2,920 keys) in the pipeline.

• Discover Qatar and the World’s Best Luxury Hotels with Prestigious Hotel Awards at Top25Hotels.com

Having been at the forefront of the hospitality industry for over 50 years, Katara Hospitality has built a portfolio of iconic hotels in Qatar and key international gateways. An experienced hotel owner, developer and operator, the group has been a hospitality pioneer in Qatar.

Today, Katara Hospitality’s portfolio of operating hotels and those under development has reached 42 assets globally, encompassing over 8,000 rooms, while it aims to reach 60 properties by 2030.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News