Global Travel News

UNWTO Secretary-General Welcomes Ambassador Yavuz Selim Yükselir

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UNWTO Secretary-General Welcomes Ambassador Yavuz Selim Yükselir

Madrid, Spain, January 15, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / As UNWTO gets set to return to the FITUR tourism trade fair in Madrid (19-23 January), the United Nations specialized agency is drawing on the influence of its growing team of Ambassadors to highlight the role the sector will play in driving recovery and providing opportunity in 2022 and beyond.

Ahead of the official opening of FITUR, Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili met with entrepreneur and hotelier Yavuz Selim Yükselir. Visiting the Organization’s headquarters in Madrid, the Turkish national, who joined last year as UNWTO Tourism Ambassador, discussed opportunities for further collaboration, with a particular focus on hotels and tourism accommodation.

Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “I thank Yavuz Selim Yükselir for his enthusiastic support for UNWTO at the start of a year of great challenge and great opportunity for tourism. Now is the time for our esteemed Ambassadors for Sustainable Tourism to be the faces of our sector, using their status and influence to showcase its unique power to drive recovery and transform lives.”

Reflecting the need for diverse voices, UNWTO counts on the generous support of its Ambassadors for Sustainable Tourism to amplify its messages and promote its work to audiences around the world. Yavuz Selim Yükselir serves as Chairman of the Board of Yükselir Group, which is active in 12 different sectors, most notably in tourism accommodation, aviation and innovation and technology, and has a presence in 24 countries. He was named a UNWTO Ambassador in January 2021, joining leading figures from the worlds of sport, entertainment, gastronomy, business and more.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

COMO, THE ITALIAN CITY OF SILK AND SCENERY

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Lake Como is of glacial origin, dating back to the last Ice Age. It’s 146 km in size and at its deepest point measures 410m – making it one of the deepest lakes in Europe.It’s a place of glorious sunshine and gentle pleasures and has been the accepted retreat for wealthy folk since Romans first discovered it +2,000 years ago when, in 49BC, Julius Caesar sent 5,000 colonists to inhabit it. For centuries Como has been famed for its dramatic setting, fairy-tale villages, and now the catwalk of A-listers who own villas on the shores.

It’s also one of the world’s leading centers of silk production, with an interesting story pinned to its history in the production of silk. It all began in 1400 when Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan, decided to plant mulberry trees around Lake Como to feed the greedy silkworms. Their ingestion of mulberry leaves produced silk, which led to the production of silk.

Como’s silk is what Reims is to Champagne and Modena is to supercars.

In 1866 Como entrepreneurs founded a Technical Institute enabling future generations to learn the ancient craft of silk manufacture. The industry kept expanding as Como had built a worldwide reputation for silk excellence. In fact, their reputation had so peaked that Como became known as the Silk City, with famous brands like Mantero, Ratti, Clerici, and Frey, leading the industry with their silken treasures.

In the 1990s, Como became the world’s most important center for silk manufacture, attracting major couturier and apparel labels from New York City, Paris, and Milan.

In Como and its surrounding foothills, there are several hundred companies engaged in the silk and textile trade – manufacturing, printing, dyeing, designing, and selling – which employs tens of thousands of locals. Chances are, if you own a silk scarf, tie, blouse, or dress by any big-name fashion house, the silk came from Como.

Reminders of silk are everywhere.

Along the city’s main shopping street – Via Vittorio Emanuele II – designer boutiques showcase silken garments in their windows. On the main square – Piazza Cavour, a large emporium offers a profusion of silk products. And just outside the city walls in La Tessitura, is ‘Loom Café’, a former textile mill turned restaurant.

Celebrities here, celebrities there!

Lake Como has been the location of many a movie, including ‘Casino Royale’, ‘Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones’, and ‘A Month by the Lake’.

For centuries, notables have been hosted in Como – Liszt, Bellini, Verdi, Stendhal, Wordsworth, Shelley, Sinatra, Hitchcock, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Gorbachev, plus numerous Russian oil magnates and American business leaders.

Today a new generation of famous visitors and/or property owners have descended on the Silk City. George Clooney, Tom Cruise, Bill Gates, Richard Branson, and former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. Sadly, this gentrification brings with it the cost of increased traffic and dramatically inflated real estate prices – and just about everything else.

Views of Como

In and around Como

Whilst exploring one of the world’s most idyllic destinations you’ll see the crystalline water glinting between the spiked Swiss peaks on one side, and the low-slung Lombard hills on the other. Ferries and fishermen ply their way across the lake’s glasslike surface, and at the water’s edge, small seaplanes fly in and out of the Aero Club. Beautiful stone buildings line the city’s streets, which buzzes with the energy. There are market selling local sausages, cheeses, gelati and olive oils, mimics and musicians on Piazza Duomo, and cafes are packed with locals.

Places to see

• The handsome Neoclassical lakefront museum of Tempio Voltiano is a tribute to the celebrated Alessandro Volta, the 18th-century physicist and inventor of the electric cell.

• Take the steep funicular up to the village of Como–Brunate. At the top, some 1,600 feet above the lake, are gorgeous Art Nouveau villas.

• In the quiet off-season the village of Bellagio is a delight for its spectacular gardens, and steep stone alleys lined with shops that sell high quality fashion, jewelry, and homewares. In summer, it’s a theme park.

• Take a walk through twenty acres of luscious grounds at Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo. There’s also a 17th-century house with sumptuous furnishings.

• The terraced grounds of Villa del Balbianello have been the backdrop to many a movie. On display are artifacts from around the world, collected by its last owner, the eccentric explorer Guido Monzino.

• In neighbouring Varese, the Villa Panza is a major Modern and Contemporary art museum with spectacular hilltop gardens. Their art collection is renowned for its site-specific pieces by Turrell, Flavin, Wilson, and Wenders.

Views of Como

Elegance & Taste

After all that activity, reward yourself to the sparkling evening lights reflected off the lake’s still waters from inside the glass encased Terrazza 241 (www.terrazza241.it), the glamourous sky bar at the Hilton Lake Como. It’s ideal for informal dining and drinks, complete with live music – which adds to the stylish atmosphere.

Ask mixologist and bar manager, Vincenzo Sulmona, for one of his signature cocktails – the Smoked Negroni and watch the theatre of its production. Then relish the gastronomic delights of Chef Alessandro Ramella. His specialty dish: chunky spaghetti with a tomato and clam bisque – a concentrate of seafood flavors and aromas that packs a bunch, and why Chef drizzles just a little over his home-made spaghetti. Then finish with one of their innovative Eat-Your-Drink desserts.

You may be tempted to stay the night as the heated rooftop infinity pool, cocktails and live, mellow music might just keep you up there. Who knows which celebrity you might encounter, enjoying an Aperol spritz.

Hilton Lake Como

Following a full restoration, the 170-room Hilton Lake Como, pays homage to the Lombardian city’s past (and present) as a major silk center, as the hotel’s front-most building was until 1997 a silk factory. The Hilton Lake Como opened in 2018; and as you’d expect from a high-end hotel, has all the bells and whistles that make is a pampering paradise, complemented with gourmet delights. But what the other establishments of equal standing don’t have are the panoramic views over Lake Como through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Of course, it’s bright, stylish, and aesthetically pleasing, with frontline multi-lingual professionally trained staff that man the whole operation. The hotel’s clean minimal lines of glass and steel have been softened with contemporary décor in warm tones of brown, green, and blue, resonating the colors of the encompassing landscapes.

Rooms and common areas are set around an inner courtyard. The entrance lobby opens to a Glass Cube – an all-glass lounge filled with leafy foliage which exudes a welcoming feel. All the furniture is locally made.

Double rooms start from €180.00 ($258)

www.lakecomo.hilton.com

Como on a B&B Budget

But don’t go thinking visiting Lake Como is only for millionaires. It’s within everyone’s financial reach.

Start by searching for accommodations on AirBnB (www.airbnb.com). Then narrow your search down by zooming in the city of Como. That way you’ll be able to pick the location within your budget.

Like ‘Casa Bella’ a fully equipped apartment in Varenna (on the quiet side of Lake Como), with its jaw-dropping views from the balcony.

Or the ‘Como Secret Garden’, an apartment in an old house, overlooking a hidden garden in the heart of the city of Como.

There are also sterling properties on www.beblakecomo.com and www.lakecomo.is/be-our-guest-accommodation.

www.visitcomo.eu

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

PUBS, PATIOS & BARS: Suds and sunshine in Fort Lauderdale

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There are worse ways of waiting for your hotel room to be ready than to hole up in an Irish pub. And, indeed, if that pub is Waxy’s in fabulous Fort Lauderdale, I can attest that you may not to choose to leave, even when the call comes.

Located on the 17th Street, just up from the Hilton and across from the Embassy Suites (and not too far from Port Everglades for those waiting to board a cruise ship), Waxy’s Irish Bar makes the most of its exterior setting in a strip mall, but inside more than lives up to its billing as a wee slice of Ireland.

Importantly (since one is in Florida), there is an outside patio, enabling guests to enjoy the Irish craic and the sunshine simultaneously.

Also known as Waxy O’Connor’s, the establishment has for the past two decades earned a reputation as a rugby pub, though nowadays there seems to be too many Manchester United football games for the liking of some regulars. Being the US, it’s also a place you’ll be sure to catch American football games on one of the 16 TVs.

The pub says it pours “the best Guinness this side of the Emerald Isle” – a serious claim for a drink that actually requires training to pour properly – but, embellished or not, the boast points to beer bona fides that also includes Harp and Smithwick’s and a dozen more drafts from across Europe, plus a similar number of American and local craft options.

Of course, there’s also wine, plus a dozen or so craft cocktails – notably the subtly named “Blind Lemon,” made with Jefferson bourbon, after the Blues great.

And food: what you’d expect from an Irish pub – fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, burgers, steak, lamb, and a chicken pot pie that earns raves; for dessert, there’s Jameson’s (i.e. Irish whiskey) bread pudding.

I can’t in good conscience advise anyone visiting Fort Lauderdale to skip the beach or to overlook the city’s many wonderous water activities or vibrant downtown for the sake of an Irish pub; but then again, who says I have a good conscience?

With glass purposefully in hand, we at Travel Industry Today continue our series on some of the planet’s best bars, patios and rooftop venues. For more articles in the series, click here:

PREVIOUS ARTICLES: https://travelindustrytoday.com/pub-patio/

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

RIDING HIGH: Coast to coast coasters coming in 2022

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Thrill-seekers will be riding high this year with the debut of no less than four major new attractions in the US, spanning the country from coast to coast. Busch Gardens will unveil Iron Gwazi in Tampa, while SeaWorld breaks the ice with a new ride in Orlando and California’s fastest, tallest, and longest dive coaster in San Diego. There’s also something for swingers in San Antonio. Here’s a look:

Ice Breaker

Ice Breaker promises to be SeaWorld Orlando’s coolest coaster yet. Set to officially open on Feb. 18, the ride will feature four launches, both backwards and forwards, culminating in a reverse launch into the steepest beyond vertical drop in Florida — a 28-m.-tall spike with 100-degree angle. The coaster debuts after a two-year delay due to the pandemic and joins Manta, Kraken, and Mako, at the Orlando theme park.

Iron Gwazi

Another coaster delayed by the pandemic, Iron Gwazi will launch at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in March as North America’s tallest hybrid coaster and the fastest and steepest hybrid coaster in the world. It will be the Florida theme park’s 10th roller coaster, promising the unique thrill of plunging riders from a 63-m.-tall peak into a 91-degree drop and reaching top speeds of 122 kph. The journey will include a dozen airtime moments, including three inversions, as it races along more than 1,240 m. feet of purple steel track and giving riders a stunning view of African animals on the park’s Serengeti Plain. Other notable coasters at the theme park include Tigris, SheiKra, and Montu, recognized as one of the top 10 coasters in the United States.

The Emperor

Emperor, SeaWorld San Diego

The tallest, fastest, and longest dive coaster in California, as well as the only floorless dive coaster in the state, will debut in March, at SeaWorld San Diego. Named after the world’s largest penguin, the new coaster will mimic the species’ amazing underwater diving ability. Climbing to 46 m. with feet dangling in the air, riders will be suspended on a 45-degree angle at the crown of the ride before plunging down a 43 m. facedown vertical drop, accelerating to more than 97 kph. Riders will also experience inversions, barrel roll, Immelmann loop, hammerhead turn and flat spin as they race along the nearly 762 m. of track. Each of the floorless ride cars will hold 18 riders in three, six-person rows – the first seating configuration of its kind in North America.

Tidal Surge

At SeaWorld San Antonio Tidal Surge will be the world’s tallest and fastest swing ride, taking riders on a journey “above the clouds to feel the sensation of flying high above the park.” Accommodating 40 riders, the ride will feature two pendulum-like arms that will soar progressively higher to a staggering height of 41 m. at its peak. The dueling arms will alternate sides and sway back-and-forth at 110 kph, creating multiple airtime moments that levitate guests out of their seats with each heart-stopping swing. Riders’ legs will dangle and hang as they soar over the waterski lake and take in the beautiful views of the park, while reaching multiple negative G moments before plunging back towards the earth.

SeaWorld San Antonio’s thrill ride portfolio currently includes four thrill coasters, and one for families, plus a high swing.

Jurassic World Velocicaster

Not to be forgotten, the newly opened (last summer), but perhaps missed by many during the pandemic maelstrom, Jurassic World Velocicaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventure in Orlando currently holds the title of Florida’s fastest and tallest launch coaster, and the world’s first coaster based on the Jurassic World blockbuster franchise. The new species of roller coaster raises the bar in extreme roller coaster design and is the ultimate experience for coaster enthusiasts and thrill-seekers, with a series of intense manoeuvres that will send guests catapulting up to 113 kph and more than 45 m. in the air with the swiftest of prehistoric predators.

 

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Luxury All-Suite Resort in Bali Converts to InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort

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Luxury All-Suite Resort in Bali Converts to InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort

Bali, Indonesia, January 14, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / IHG Hotels & Resorts and existing partner, PT Pancaran Kreasi Adiprima, are excited to expand the world’s first and largest luxury hotel brand, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, to Bali Indonesia. The 120-key all-suite and villa resort InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort will be a rebrand of the hotel formerly known as Fairmont Sanur Beach Bali, and will relaunch with a fresh identity and ready to welcome guests who want to live the InterContinental Life.

• Discover the Best Luxury Hotels in Bali and around the World with Prestigious Hotel Awards at Top25Hotels.com

The beachfront resort is located on Sanur Beach which is known for its long stretch of sandy beach with shallow waters and boasts 26 villas, each with a private pool, as well as 94 suites. It is located next to Holiday Inn Bali Sanur which opened in August 2021.

Serena Lim, Vice President, Development, South East Asia and Korea said: “It’s fantastic to extend our partnership with the team at PT Pancaran Kreasi Adiprima and bring a second hotel into the IHG estate located on Sanur Beach.

“This signing fits in with our strategic focus to expand our luxury and lifestyle portfolio across Indonesia which continues to grow with existing brands as well as the debut of new brands including Kimpton and Regent in both city and resort locations.

“InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort will be a great addition to our Luxury and Lifestyle portfolio with its stunning beachfront location, expansive grounds, and the range of luxury suite and villa accommodation choices.

“Around the world we are seeing where people can travel, they are travelling and leisure demand has been the main segment driving the recovery making it a wonderful time to be expanding our brand presence in one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations.”

Pre-pandemic, Sanur Beach was growing in popularity with increasing supply of hotels, restaurants and bars and travellers looking to enjoy the laid-back nature of Bali while being easily accessible from the airport and the city.

Dato Sri Tahir, Chairman of Mayapada Group said: “Indonesia, including Bali, has started to open up to international travellers and I’m confident that we will see both domestic and international tourism rebound quickly.

“Reopening the resort now will help to support Bali’s tourism recovery as the island looks forward to the traditional peak demand period as well as hosting the G20 in October 2022. As a business we always look to give back to the community and with the rebrand to InterContinental we will be able to welcome back hotel colleagues and provide enhanced training and career opportunities with the backing of IHG’s global systems and processes.”

“I’m truly excited that our hotel will rebrand to the world’s largest luxury brand and look forward to seeing travellers enjoy the resort’s distinctive style and ambience in the stunning location of Sanur.”

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has become synonymous with bold exploration, travel and cultural discovery, having pioneered luxury travel in emerging and well-loved destinations for the past 75 years. This year, as the brand toasts its diamond anniversary, it invites guests to celebrate the joy of travel and rediscover InterContinental hotels and resorts around the world.

• Discover the Best Luxury Hotels in Bali and around the World with Prestigious Hotel Awards at Top25Hotels.com

Today, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has 205 hotels and over 70 set to open in the coming years, as the vision of bringing luxury travel to emerging and established destinations continues. In Indonesia, travellers can experience the InterContinental Life at InterContinental Bali Resort on Jimbaran Bay, InterContinental Jakarta Pondok Indah and InterContinental Bandung Dago Pakar.

IHG Hotels & Resorts currently operates 25 hotels in Indonesia across a range of brands including Six Senses, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express. Twelve hotels are currently in the pipeline.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Best Western Launches First Hotel in Kyoto, The Hotel Kyoto Palace

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Best Western Launches First Hotel in Kyoto, The Hotel Kyoto Palace

Kyoto, Japan, January 14, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Best Western Hotels and Resorts has reached two important milestones in Japan with the launch of The Hotel Kyoto Palace, BW Signature Collection by Best Western, which marks the group’s first hotel in Kyoto, the country’s former imperial capital and charming heritage city, and the inaugural BW Signature Collection® by Best Western branded property in Japan.

Nestled in the city’s central Nakagyo Ward, which is home to many of Kyoto’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples, shrines and museums, as well as multiple shops and restaurants, The Hotel Kyoto Palace, BW Signature Collection by Best Western is an outstanding addition to this enchanting city. Its low-rise architectural style and wooden façade perfectly blend into the historical cityscape, while the locally-inspired interiors exude the essence of a traditional Japanese home.

In line with the independent spirit of the BW Signature Collection by Best Western brand, every aspect of this boutique hotel, from the lobby to the 57 guestrooms and suites, has been carefully considered to create an authentic ambiance that reflects the unique personality of its locale. The result is a guest experience that is deeply meaningful, memorable and highly distinctive.

Recommended room types at The Hotel Kyoto Palace, BW Signature Collection by Best Western include:

Premier Theatre Room: A cocoon of Japanese contemporary comfort, these rooms immerse guests in a cozy atmosphere of soothing earthy tones and wooden décor. The room is well-appointed with a comfortable living area and equipped with a sofa and 42-inch flatscreen TV, letting guests sit back, watch a movie and sink into complete relaxation.

Premier Triplet Room: Reflecting the traditional aesthetic of a Japanese “ryokan” inn, this is the ideal option for families and friends traveling together. The spacious living area features a double and single bed to accommodate up to three adults or two adults and a child, complemented by a full range of amenities to make every stay even more comfortable.

In addition to the modern in-room facilities, which include an IDD telephone, a minibar, complimentary Wi-Fi, and tea and coffee making facilities, all guests staying at The Hotel Kyoto Palace, BW Signature Collection by Best Western can enjoy signature amenities from the Cherry Blossom Collection. Crafted by Kyonoyuki, a Kyoto-born organic cosmetics brand, these exclusive amenities are presented in an elegant fabric drawstring purse with a classical Japanese floral pattern.

The Hotel Kyoto Palace, BW Signature Collection by Best Western also features a chic bar for daytime refreshments and cool evening drinks, a restaurant specializing in delicious Japanese and international cuisine, and a spa with separate areas for men and women – the perfect place to unwind with soothing treatments after a long day exploring the historical sites of Kyoto.

To celebrate its official opening, The Hotel Kyoto Palace, BW Signature Collection by Best Western is offering special rates for travelers in all room types. Best Western Rewards® members will also enjoy an additional discount with rates starting from just USD 235 per room per night.

About Best Western Hotels and Resorts
Best Western Hotels and Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a privately held hotel brand within the BWH Hotel Group® global network. With 18 brands and approximately 4,700 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*, BWH Hotel Group suits the needs of developers and guests in every market. Brands include Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, Executive Residency by Best Western®, Vīb®, GLō®, Aiden®, Sadie®, BW Premier Collection® and BW Signature Collection®. Through acquisition, WorldHotels® Luxury, WorldHotels Elite, WorldHotels Distinctive and WorldHotels Crafted collections are also offered. Completing the portfolio is SureStay®, SureStay Plus®, SureStay Collection® and SureStay StudioSM franchises**.

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

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UN Report Underscores Importance of Tourism for Economic Recovery

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UN Report Underscores Importance of Tourism for Economic Recovery

Madrid, Spain, January 14, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The important role that tourism will play in the recovery of national economies and global trade has been highlighted in the 2022 edition of the World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) report by the United Nations. Drawing on data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), WESP underlines the sector’s importance for the world economy and particularly for developing economies, including Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

After a global contraction of 3.4% in 2020 and a rebound of 5.5% in 2021, the world economy is projected to grow by 4% in 2022 and then 3.5% in 2023. Given its importance as a major export category (prior to the pandemic tourism was the third largest in the world, after fuels and chemicals), and recognizing its role as a source of employment and economic development, the sector’s recovery is expected to drive growth in every world region.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The sudden halt in international tourism caused by the pandemic has emphasized the sector’s importance to both national economies and individual livelihoods. The flagship UN report makes use of UNWTO data and analysis to assess the cost of declining tourism and illustrates just how important restarting tourism will be in 2022 and beyond.”

Jobs, economic growth and equality all hit

The sudden halt in international tourism caused by the pandemic has emphasized the sector’s importance to both national economies and individual livelihoods

The latest edition of the UN World Economic Situation and Prospects report uses key UNWTO data on international tourist arrivals and tourism receipts to illustrate how the pandemic’s impact has been felt beyond the sector itself. International tourist arrivals plunged by 73% in 2020, dropping to levels not seen for 30 years. And while tourism did record a modest improvement in the third quarter of 2021, international arrivals between January-September 2021 were still 20% below 2020 levels and 76% below 2019 levels (full year 2021 results to be released by UNWTO on 18 January).

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

The crisis has had a devastating impact on employment, including in hospitality, travel services and retail trade. It has disproportionately affected vulnerable groups, including youth and migrant workers, as well as workers with lower educational attainment and skills. Exacerbation of the gender divide is evident, especially in developing countries, with women seeing greater declines in employment and labour force participation than men.

Diversification for recovery

Further analysing the sector’s role in economic recovery, the UN report notes that many destinations, in particular tourism-dependent countries, will need to diversify their tourism throughout 2022 and beyond. Again drawing on UNWTO analysis, the publication shows how many destinations are developing domestic and rural tourism to help local economies in rural and depressed areas to boost job creation and protect natural resources and cultural heritage, while at the same time empowering women, youth and indigenous peoples. Additionally, the report notes how Small Island Developing States can take steps to ensure local businesses and workers retain more of the economic benefits that international tourism brings, noting for example that that “tourism leakage” amounts to an estimated 80% of all money spent by tourists in the Caribbean region.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Marriott International Signs Agreement to Debut W Costa Navarino

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W Costa Navarino
W Costa Navarino Exterior

Marriott International, Inc. today announced it has signed an agreement with TEMES S.A., a leading developer and operator in high end tourism and real estate, to debut the W Hotels Worldwide brand in Greece with the opening of W Costa Navarino. Expected to open in summer 2022, W Costa Navarino is anticipated to mark the latest addition to the ever-expanding W Escapes portfolio in Europe following locations in Spain, Switzerland and Portugal.

The new W Escape will be located in Navarino Waterfront, the newest integrated resort of Costa Navarino – the prime sustainable destination in the Mediterranean. The 13-hectare beachfront destination is located in Messinia, southwest Peloponnese. Designed by renowned Greek architects, Tombazis and Associates Architects, W Costa Navarino is inspired by the region’s traditional residential areas and set to use local, natural materials such as stone, wood and reed. The distinctive interiors will be led by London-based MKV Design. The Escape is expected to feature 246 stylish rooms, suites, and villas, many with private pools staged in the Bay of Navarino with stunning Ionian Sea views.

‘‘We are thrilled to build on our fantastic relationship with TEMES S.A. to open W Costa Navarino, strengthening Marriott International’s presence in this Mediterranean paradise,” said Candice D’Cruz, Vice President – Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “Joining our portfolio of coveted W Escapes around the world, W Costa Navarino will add a distinct take on modern luxury to Navarino Waterfront. We look forward to welcoming free-spirited travelers to this new luxury playground.”

W Costa Navarino is set to offer five dining venues including a destination beach club overlooking a long sandy shore, designed by Athens-based K-Studio. The ‘Culinary Square’ is the hotel’s playful take on a deli food market with individual outlets creating a socially driven destination for all day dining. Other planned amenities include a sunset bar and the signature W Living Room. Guests will also be able to enjoy experiences and dining at neighbouring venues in Costa Navarino including the new Navarino Agora, an open marketplace with retail, street food, open-air cinema and exciting programming throughout the day and night.

“W Costa Navarino will generate a unique energy encouraging free expression and connection between a diverse mix of people, whilst respecting and honoring authentic experiences and cultures. In this important chapter for the growth of the destination, we believe W Costa Navarino will significantly contribute to our vision in further establishing Messinia as a top international destination to visit and to live,” said Achilles V. Constantakopoulos, Chairman TEMES S.A.

Tennis courts and a water sports hub are part of the vision for guests to enjoy at W Costa Navarino, along with access to the destination’s four signature golf courses and an array of outdoor programming including biking, hiking, rock-climbing and sailing.

There are currently two Marriott International properties in Costa Navarino— The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, offering travellers and families countless well-being activities and The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, offering exquisite architecture, butler service and epicurean experiences. For more information, please visit whotels.com/escapes.

Media Contacts
Georgie Noble
Consumer PR Director, EMEA
Marriott International
Georgie.Noble@Marriott.com

Marina Papatsoni
Director General – Business Development and Corporate Affairs
TEMES S.A.
mpapatsoni@temes.gr
+30 2110160013

Valia Vanezi
Communications Director
TEMES S.A.
vvanezi@temes.gr
+30 2110160152

About W Hotels Worldwide
Born from the bold attitude and 24/7 culture of New York City, W Hotels, part of Marriott International, Inc., has disrupted and redefined the hospitality scene for over two decades. Trailblazing its way around the globe, with nearly 60 hotels, W is defying expectations and breaking the norms of traditional luxury wherever the iconic W sign lands. With a mission to fuel guests’ lust for life, W ignites an obsessive desire to soak it in, live it up and hit repeat. The brand’s provocative design, iconic Whatever/Whenever service and buzzing Living Rooms create an experience that is often copied but never matched. Innovative, inspiring and infectious, the brand’s super-charged energy celebrates guests’ endless appetite to discover what’s new/next in each destination, to see more, feel more, go longer, stay later. For more information on W Hotels, visit whotels.com/theangle or follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. W Hotels Worldwide 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.marriott.com.

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of roughly 7,900 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 138 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly-awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

About Costa Navarino
Costa Navarino is the prime, sustainable destination in the Mediterranean, located in the Greek region of Messinia in the southwest Peloponnese. One of the most unspoiled and breathtaking seaside Mediterranean landscapes, this area has been shaped by 4,500 years of history. Its philosophy is driven by a genuine desire to promote Messinia, while protecting and preserving its natural beauty and heritage. It will comprise a number of distinct sites featuring five-star deluxe hotels, luxury private residences, conference facilities, spa and thalassotherapy centers, signature golf courses, as well as a wide range of unique year-round activities for adults and children. Navarino Dunes, the first area, is home to two luxury five-star hotels, The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino; Navarino Residences, a collection of luxury villas for private ownership; and The Residences at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino – fully furnished resort apartments for sale; the signature golf course The Dunes Course; Anazoe Spa, a 4,000m2 spa and thalassotherapy center; the state-of-the-art conference center House of Events; specially designed facilities for children; and a variety of gastronomy venues, sports, outdoor and cultural activities.

Navarino Bay, the second area, is home to the signature golf course, The Bay Course and the earth-sheltered Bay Clubhouse, while an ultra-luxury, all suite and pool villas resort will open in 2023.

At the nearby site Navarino Waterfront, the upscale, vibrant W Costa Navarino is expected to open in summer 2022. At Navarino Hills, two new 18-hole signature golf courses will open in February 2022.

www.costanavarino.com

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About TEMES S.A.
TEMES Group is a leading developer and operator of high-end tourism and real estate destinations in Greece. TEMES Group owns Costa Navarino, one of the largest tourism investments in the Mediterranean. The project includes five separate resort areas developed in more than 1,000 hectares including 5-star hotels, signature golf courses, world-class spas, conference centers and luxury residential facilities. The Group also controls the company Ionian Hotel Enterprises SA, owner of a historic and landmark property in the center of Athens, which is currently being transformed into a new city destination.

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

NCL REVEALS NEWEST VESSEL – VIVA

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Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has unveiled the next ship in its new Prima Class category. Norwegian Viva will begin sailing Mediterranean itineraries in June 2023, homeporting in key southern European port cities Lisbon, Venice, Rome, and Athens, before sailing to the Southern Caribbean for her 2023-24 winter season (from San Juan).

Mirroring the upscale design and structure of sister ship Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva, also built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri in Marghera, Italy, will debut at 295 m. long, 142,500 gross tons and accommodate 3,219 guests at double occupancy.

NCL says the vessel will offer the highest staffing levels and space ratio of any new cruise ship in the contemporary and premium cruise categories, and largest variety of suite categories available at sea, as well as a redefined The Haven by Norwegian, NCL’s ultra-premium keycard only access ship-within-a-ship concept.

The Haven’s public areas and 107 suites designed by top Italian designer Piero Lissoni will feature an expansive sundeck, infinity pool overlooking the ship’s wake, and an outdoor spa with a glass-walled sauna and cold room.

The Prima Class’ variety of recreational activities include the fastest freefall drop dry slides at sea with The Rush and The Drop and the largest three-level racetrack at sea with the Viva Speedway.

Infinity Beach

Other amenities include Ocean Boulevard, a 4,100-sq.-m. outdoor walkway that wraps around the entire ship; Indulge Food Hall, featuring 11 varieties of eateries; The Concourse, boasting an outdoor sculpture garden; and expansive pool decks and infinity style pools at Infinity Beach and Oceanwalk, showcasing glass bridges above water.

“Norwegian Viva sets the standard in the premium segment, illustrating our commitment to pushing boundaries in four main areas: wide open space, service that puts guests first, thoughtful design and experiences beyond expectation,” Says NCL president and CEO Harry Sommer “We have taken everything our guests love to the next level with this brand-new class of ships designed with them in mind.”

Norwegian Viva will boast eye-catching hull art designed by Italian graffiti and sculpture artist Manuel Di Rita, commonly known as “Peeta,” who also illustrated the hull design on Norwegian Prima.

The first two Prima Class vessels, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, will feature cutting-edge alternative technologies, such as a NOx reduction system (SCR), that reduce the ship’s overall environmental impact.

ITINERARIES

Summer 2023: Mediterranean from Rome, Athens, and Lisbon

Following a string of inaugural cruises and beginning June 2023, Norwegian Viva will be the newest ship embarking in the Mediterranean. From June 15 to Nov. 6, 2023, she will sail a series of eight-, nine- and 10-day voyages from Lisbon, Portugal; Venice (Trieste) and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; and Athens (Piraeus), Greece, offering guests the opportunity to explore the Mediterranean’s Spanish, Italian and Greek regions.

Winter 2023-24: Southern Caribbean from San Juan

Norwegian Viva will become the largest new ship to ever homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. On Dec. 15, she will depart San Juan on a seven-day Caribbean voyage with her first stop in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. She will then make her way to Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; St. John’s, Antigua; and St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, for her last stop before returning to San Juan on Dec. 22. Future sailings will also include notable ports in the Caribbean for seven- and nine-day sailings.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

PALACE INTRIGUE: UK plans party to celebrate monarch’s milestone

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From a military parade to a pudding competition, the United Kingdom plans to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee this year, marking 70 years on the throne. Elizabeth will become on Feb. 6 the first British monarch to reign for seven decades, and festivities marking the anniversary will culminate in a four-day weekend of events June 2-5.

The weekend, which includes an extra public holiday in honour of the 95-year-old queen, will begin on Thursday June 2, with Trooping the Colour – the annual military parade that marks the queen’s official birthday. That will be followed on June 3 by a service of thanksgiving honoring the queen’s service to the UK, her other realms and the Commonwealth.

In a nod to coronation chicken – the concoction of cold chicken, curry powder, mayonnaise and other ingredients served at garden parties marking the queen’s formal ascent to the throne – the palace will sponsor the Platinum Pudding competition to create a new dessert dedicated to the monarch.

The competition will be open to UK residents as young as eight and will be judged by television cooking personalities Mary Berry and Monica Galetti, together with Buckingham Palace head chef Mark Flanagan. The winning recipe will be published ahead of Jubilee weekend so it can be part of the celebrations.

Some 1,400 people have already registered to host Jubilee lunches on June 5, with flagship events set to take place in London and at the Eden Project in Cornwall. The palace expects there will be some 200,000 neighbourhood events across the UK.

The weekend will end with a pageant honouring the monarch’s service and looking ahead to the next 70 years. Dancers, musicians, military personnel, and key workers will “tell the story of the Queen’s reign,” while children will create a picture of their hopes and aspirations for the planet, the Buckingham Palace said.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News