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

For press images, please visit website www.costanavarino.com/media-press/
Password: Νestor

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

New Urban Hotel Opens Organic Farm with Michelin-Starred Chef

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New Urban Hotel Opens Organic Farm with Michelin-Starred Chef - TRAVELINDEXChiang Mai, Thailand, January 13, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Meliá Chiang Mai, a 260-key hotel to soon debut in Thailand’s mountainous north, has embraced the ‘farm to table’ social movement by establishing a farm to harvest produce for its restaurants, bars and spa.

The hotel, due to open on April 8 on Charoen Prathet Road in the heart of Chiang Mai, has partnered with ORI9IN The Gourmet Farm, a 198-acre gourmet organic farm located in nearby San Sai District overseen by two-star Michelin Chef turned sustainable farmer James Noble and his wife May.

Noble, a Briton who has run Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK, will work with local farmers to grow an array of fruits, vegetables and herbs for the hotel on its own two-acre farm on the broader ORI9IN property.

In addition to local seasonal produce such as young morning glory, red basil, lemongrass and passion fruit, the farm will also grow various kinds of tomatoes, salad leaves, and specialized ingredients such as padrón pepper that would otherwise need to be imported from Spain for the hotel’s authentic Mediterranean cuisine.

The partnership is a central plank of Meliá Chiang Mai’s ‘360° Cuisine’ program, under which the hotel aims to work closely with local farmers to help them improve sustainability and encourage ethical production to make communities and the overall food system more resilient.

The 360° Cuisine program not only gives guests peace of mind about where their food comes from but encourages them to visit the hotel’s farm to meet local farmers and learn more about sustainable farming and healthier eating.

Championing local procurement and sustainably sourced food, ORI9IN is the only farming operation globally that partners with a network of restaurants and hotels to focus on import substitution and reducing its carbon footprint without sacrificing flavour.

The hotel’s menus will highlight appetizers, main courses and desserts that feature ingredients from the farm. Example dishes include ‘Salmorejo con Tomate Triturado’ (fresh chilled tomato soup), ‘Fattoush Salad’ and ‘Fruta de Temporada’ (seasonal fruit platter). Ingredients from the farm will also be in various beverages at the hotel’s bars and Meliá’s signature YHI Spa.

“In addition to pursuing ‘farm to plate’ by sourcing organic produce that travels only a short distance to our hotel, our partnership with ORI9IN also comprises ‘plate to farm’ where we separate our food waste and bring it back to the farm as compost, thus minimizing waste as part of a truly 360° concept,” said Meliá Chiang Mai’s general manager Edward E. Snoeks.

The hotel will offer guests day trips to the farm that include a picnic lunch and a chance to learn more “about the journey their food and these products have made, as well as who has been a part of that journey”, said Noble.

“People often don’t know where food comes from, so we show them, albeit underscored by our passion for locally grown, sustainable ingredients,” he said. “This is also tourism that leaves no footprint on the land; we’re trying to show people that you can have a day out without harming what you came to see in the first place.”

Drawing on Meliá’s Spanish origins and celebrating Spain’s famed gastronomy, Meliá Chiang Mai’s dining landscape will feature restaurants Mai Restaurant and Bar and Laan Na Kitchen, bars Mai The Sky Bar and Tien Pool Bar, and lounges Ruen Kaew and The Level Lounge.

About AWC
Asset World Corporation (AWC) is Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group, a member of TCC Group, one of Thailand’s most prominent conglomerates. AWC’s core focus of real estate development and management projects encompass two business groups: Hospitality helping Thailand become the top destination for sustainable tourism with hotels in key locations in Bangkok and popular destinations throughout Thailand serviced by management teams from internationally acclaimed hotel groups such as Marriott, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Okura, Banyan Tree, Hilton, and Sheraton; Retail and Commercial Buildings (covering retail, and wholesale facilities with mixed-use properties and office buildings) providing well-balanced and unique offerings a best-in-class customer experience that meet business and modern lifestyles with high-quality and innovative real estate development projects overseen by a qualified and experienced management team to build long-term value for stakeholders.

AWC succeeded in listing the company on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) in the real estate and construction industry under the property development category on October 10, 2019. AWC’s market capitalization was the highest in the history of the SET (According to Bloomberg Database). AWC recognizes the importance of operating with a focus on sustainability – incorporating the needs of stakeholders, the environment, society, and contributing to ongoing improvements in Thailand’s economy with a purpose of building a better future.

About Meliá Hotels & Resorts
Meliá Hotels & Resorts is the best-known international brand in the portfolio of the Meliá Hotels International company; it has more than 100 city and resort hotels in the main leisure and business destinations of Europe, Asia, Africa and America. The brand offers exemplary meetings and events facilities in all important business cities as well as in exotic locations, catering to the ever-expanding conference and incentive travel market. As part of its innovation philosophy and new positioning, Meliá Hotels & Resorts has reinvented itself to cater to every aspect of the guests’ wellbeing. Unique experiences are created for guests and are defined by relaxation, quality time and personalised services. For a balanced lifestyle, Meliá Hotels & Resorts instinctively understands the guests’ needs and lifestyle expectations, which is an integral part of its redefined identity.

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

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Alma Resort Celebrates Year of the Tiger with Host of Festivities

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Alma Resort Celebrates Year of the Tiger with Host of Festivities - TRAVELINDEXCam Ranh, Vietnam, January 13, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Family resort Alma will ring in the Lunar New Year with a six-day program filled with merriment, and transform its vast lobby into a traditional “Tet Village” to honour the most important time in the Vietnamese calendar.

The celebrations, to be held from Mon. Jan. 31 until Sat. Feb. 5, will be anchored by the lantern-adorned “Alma’s Tet Village” featuring six huts brimming with traditional snacks and drinks that will come to life from 4pm-8pm daily.

Kite flying competitions, performances by the resort’s resident pianist and singer Ben and Engie, lively singalongs with the Alma Choir at Alma Lounge, and Tet movies at an outdoor cinema on Long Beach are also among the program’s daily fixtures.

On Lunar New Year’s Eve, Jan. 31, guests have the opportunity to try their hand at concocting the quintessential Tet staple “Banh Chung” (Chung cake), wrapping the sticky rice, pork and green bean inside Dong leaf.

Dragon dancing, calligraphy giving, and Tet games including pick the lucky envelope and bamboo dancing will be staged at the lobby to mark the first day of the Year of the Tiger, Tues. Feb. 1. The following day’s festivities include competitions such as walking on stilts and watermelon-smashing.

Cupcake making and cocktail and mocktail classes in the lobby, aerobic dance classes on the sand, and blowing rainbows on the resort’s hill, with spectacular views overlooking Long Beach, will also be held throughout the program. The kids club will also stage activities across the six days including making lucky envelopes, smashing lucky balloons, dancing, and crafting fruits such as dragon fruit, mango, custard apple, coconut and papaya out of Play-Doh.

On Fri., Feb. 4, Alma’s beachfront restaurant Atlantis will host a Tet buffet from 6-10.30pm complemented by dragon dancing, fire twirling and live music. Afternoon and evening snacks and drinks will be on offer at the Beach Bar and Amphitheater daily. Alma Garden will serve a buffet breakfast from Thurs. Feb. 3 until Sun. Feb. 6. Atlantis, which specialises in fresh, local seafood, will serve a la carte lunch and dinner daily, as well as breakfast from Jan. 31 until Wed. Feb. 2.

The huts at Alma’s Tet Village will offer food such as banh mi, meat and seafood skewers, banana fritters, shrimp rolls and beverages including milk tea, fresh juices and draught beer. The village’s “ Whiskey Corner” will serve cocktails and fine whiskeys as well as cheese.

Alma is offering two Tet packages for stays in its oversized one-, two- and three-bedroom suites and pavilions. Both the two-night and the three-night Tet packages include daily breakfast for two per bedroom, welcome drinks and fruit on arrival, one lunch or one dinner for two per bedroom per stay, 20% off food and beverage at all of the resort’s dining outlets and a complimentary spa treatment for two per bedroom.

The two-night package also comes with either a coupon for two drinks (choice of soft drinks or cocktails) at Beach Bar or a complimentary jet ski ride for two per bedroom.

The three-night package also features two coupons totalling four drinks at the Beach Bar, a complimentary jet ski ride and a five-minute banana boat ride for two per bedroom.

“After eight months of being temporarily closed due to the global pandemic, we cannot wait to reopen Alma on January 15 with gusto in readiness for Tet, and ring in Year of the Tiger that symbolises strength and courage in this brave new world we now live in,” said Alma’s managing director Herbert Laubichler-Pichler.

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

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Sofitel Dubai Downtown Appoints Aline Ibrahim as Director of Marketing

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Sofitel Dubai Downtown Appoints Aline Ibrahim as Director of Marketing - TRAVELINDEXDubai, UAE, January 13, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / A passionate hotelier with a penchant for effective communication, Aline spearheads Sofitel Dubai Downtown’s Marketing department. Her responsibilities include driving all brand exposure activities, conceptualising and leading promotions, and serving as a trusted brand advisor.

Joining Pullman Hotel & Residences in 2018 as the Senior Manager of Marketing, Digital & PR Communications; Aline progressed to her role as Marketing & Communications Manager at Sofitel Dubai Downtown in 2020.

Prior to joining Accor, Aline lent her talents to prestigious organisations in the UAE and Lebanon. Her trilingual capabilities (English, Arabic, and French) paired with her diverse skills make her perfectly suited to her new role.

Committed to ongoing self-development, Aline has pursued a range of professional courses including Situational Selling, Leadership, Brand Dimensions Management, Visual Merchandising, and Photography. Commenting on her new role, Aline shares, “I’m delighted to progress to this exciting new role. I’m passionate about hospitality and consistently delivering an excellent guest experience. I’m honoured to have launched hotels, and grown them, during my career. And I look forward to taking Sofitel Dubai Downtown’s communications to greater heights in my new role”.

About Accor
Accor is a world-leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,000 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. The group has one of the industry’s most diverse and fully-integrated hospitality ecosystems encompassing luxury and premium brands, midscale and economy offerings, unique lifestyle concepts, entertainment and nightlife venues, restaurants and bars, branded private residences, shared accommodation properties, concierge services, co-working spaces and more.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Marriott Guests Can Now Seamlessly Purchase Travel Insurance When They Book Directly with Marriott

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Happy single mother and son having fun on paddle board at sea.
skynesher/Getty Images

Today, Marriott announced guests residing in the U.S. can seamlessly insure their domestic and international travels with Allianz Partners when booking their hotel stay on Marriott.com and the iOS version of the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app. Unlike typical travel insurance for individuals, Allianz Global Assistance plans developed for Marriott can cover everyone staying in the room(s) including friends or family and may provide reimbursement for pre-paid, non-refundable expenses like airfare, expenses incurred during covered travel delays and medical emergencies, and more – providing benefits for much more than just the cost of hotel stays.

Plans available to Marriott guests may include protection for eligible trip cancellation costs due to a covered illness, injury, and more, up to a maximum amount. They may also include benefits for unexpected expenses caused by covered travel delays and trip interruptions such as the cost of rebooking flights, booking an airport hotel room for the night, or paying for a taxi. Depending on the plan purchased, costs for covered emergency medical care during a trip and delayed or lost baggage or personal belongings may also be covered. In addition, the plans can cover other pre-paid, non-refundable trip expenses, such as tours, activities and entertainment and sports tickets.

“Taking care of our guests while they explore the world, has always been a core principle for our company and today’s less predictable travel environment, resulting from the pandemic, has made the need to protect travel decisions more urgent.” said Peggy Roe, Global Officer, Customer Experience, Loyalty and New Ventures, Marriott International. “Together with Allianz Partners, we are designing new and innovative ways to provide guests with confidence and peace of mind when they travel. Our industry leading product provides protection for multiple travelers in the party and protects trip purchases beyond the hotel stay. Our new travel insurance product is another example of how we are transforming to provide more thoughtful benefits and value to travelers across their entire trip.”

“We’re delighted to offer Marriott’s valued guests the opportunity to conveniently purchase our award-winning travel insurance and assistance while booking their next stay on Marriott.com,” said Elena Edwards, CEO of Allianz Partners USA. “We’ve created new products just for Marriott customers, and we hope these products will provide travelers with the confidence they need to book their next memorable stay,” added Ricky Horwitz, Chief Sales Officer, Global Travel at Allianz Partners Group.

Other plan benefits include a 24/7 team of multilingual, trained experts to help guests with medical and other travel-related emergencies. Services can include providing destination information, arranging roadside assistance, and making transportation arrangements. Policyholders can also enjoy the benefit of concierge services and take advantage of personal assistance from a team of experts to help get the most out of their travels, like securing tickets to shows, making restaurant reservations and booking spa treatments or a round of golf.

With the launch of this collaboration with Allianz Partners, Marriott guests don’t have to spend valuable time researching and selecting travel insurance. Guests will be given the opportunity to purchase insurance for their trip when they select their preferred hotel on Marriott.com. To provide as much flexibility as possible, there are a range of Allianz Global Assistance policies that vary in price, coverage, and benefits.

When a guest chooses to purchase travel insurance, the cost is added to the total cost of their stay and is charged in a single transaction. Guests have the flexibility to cancel their insurance plan within 15 days of purchase (or more, depending on state and plan) if their travels have not begun. Plans from Allianz Partners on Marriott.com can be purchased upon booking or prior to departure and even include plans that accommodate reservations for a same day check-in. In addition to the seamless purchase experience available on Marriott.com and the iOS version of the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app, it will be available next year in the Android version of the app.

For more information about travel insurance, visit here.

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.

Allianz Partners (AGA Service Company) is a leading consumer specialty insurance and assistance company with operation centers in 35 countries. In the United States, the company offers Allianz Travel-branded travel protection plans and serves millions of customers each year. In addition to travel protection, the company offers event ticket protection, registration protection for endurance events and unique travel assistance services such as international medical assistance and concierge services. The company also serves as an outsource provider for in-bound call center services and claims administration for property and casualty insurers and credit card companies. AGA Service Company is doing business as Allianz Global Assistance Insurance Agency in California (License # 0B01400) and Massachusetts.

Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply to all plans. Plans are available only to U.S. residents. Not all plans are available in all jurisdictions. Products may not include all benefits or covered reasons described here. All benefits are subject to maximum limits of liability, which may in some cases be subject to sublimits and daily maximums. Benefits and limits vary by plan. For a complete description of the coverage and benefit limits offered under your specific plan, carefully review your plan’s Letter of Confirmation/Declarations and Certificate of Insurance/Policy. Insurance coverage is underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: Oakbrook Terrace, IL), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: Richmond, VA), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101‐C series or 101‐P series, depending on state of residence. Except as otherwise specified, AGA Service Company d/b/a Allianz Global Assistance is the licensed producer and administrator of these travel protection plans in the U.S. and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. Insurance products offered in collaboration with Marriott Insurance Agency LLC in Hawaii, Kansas, Massachusetts, New York, and Wyoming. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between Allianz Global Assistance and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance and assistance services. Noninsurance assistance services provided by Allianz Global Assistance. Compensation and other disclosures.

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

KEY WEST LANDMARK BACK TO SCRATCH

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Restoration has been completed on Key West’s Southernmost Point marker, one of the most photographed landmarks in the Florida Keys, following damage from a fire intentionally set early New Year’s Day.

City public works staff finished repainting the marker late last week. It designates the southernmost land point in the continental United States, a replica of a marine navigational buoy with red, yellow, black, and white stripes.

“The Southernmost Point is one of the most iconic spots in the Florida Keys,” Key West Mayor Teri Johnston said. “People come from around the world in order to be photographed in front of this statue.”

Key West police have announced charges against two men suspected of torching a Christmas tree next to the landmark buoy. The suspects were seen on webcams early Jan. 1. Footage shows one man dragging the tree to the location. They took several pictures on their phones of each other in front of the burning tree next to the buoy. Flames and heat left a large scar on the front of the marker.

The 20-ton concrete monument, installed beside the Atlantic Ocean in 1983, bears lettering that proclaims it stands just 90 miles from Cuba. For decades, Key West visitors have lined up for pictures before its expanse.

The damage and multi-day repair didn’t stop the flow of daytime visitors to the Southernmost Point. Public Works personnel did their restoration work at night. Damage was estimated at over $5,000.

Doing the damage.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Luxury Rosewood Hotel São Paulo Opened

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Luxury Rosewood Hotel São Paulo Opened

São Paulo, Brazil, January 12, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Encapsulating the city’s storied past and innovative future, the landmark new hotel marks a São Paulo renaissance. Rosewood São Paulo officially opened its doors, heralding Rosewood Hotels & Resorts entrance into South America as a new global icon for the ultra-luxury brand. Centrally located in the heart of the vibrant city near the lively Avenida Paulista, Rosewood São Paulo is a metropolitan oasis set within the historical enclave of Cidade Matarazzo, a complex of elegantly preserved buildings from the early 20th century that have been carefully transformed into private residences, high-end stores and entertainment venues. Anchoring the 30,000 square-meter mixed-used lifestyle hub, Rosewood São Paulo occupies the historic former hospital, Matarazzo Maternity, as well as a striking new vertical garden tower. The transformation of the heritage buildings is rooted in sustainability and makes Cidade Matarazzo Brazil’s largest upcycling project, with a focus on celebrating and protecting the country’s cultural heritage and natural environment.

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

Spearheaded by entrepreneur Alexandre Allard, recognized for his involvement in the renaissance of the House of Balmain, and designed by leading international figures including the Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel and artistic director Philippe Starck, Rosewood São Paulo is a love letter to Brazil, with a majority of the design materials both locally sourced and inspired by the country’s diverse culture. The new hotel is also home to a groundbreaking collection of 450 site-specific artworks, all created in partnership with local artists whose work draws from the multiplicity of the Brazilian experience.

Featuring 160 guestrooms and suites along with 100 Private Rosewood Suites available for purchase, the hotel’s luxurious accommodations are spread across the restored Matarazzo Maternity and the vertical garden tower. Rosewood São Paulo has instilled new life into Matarazzo Maternity, which holds great symbolic significance and sentimental meaning to the city as more than 500,000 Brazilians were born there. As both an emblem of the city’s rich history and a beacon guiding its future, Cidade Matarazzo holds a central place in the hearts of many generations of Paulistanos.

Rosewood São Paulo’s grounds also encompass the Chapel of Santa Luzia, another historic building that has been carefully restored to retain its ornate architecture from 1922. Throughout the renovation, the chapel’s original foundation revealed pieces of a rich and intricately adorned building that has been carefully refurbished and incorporated into the revived structure. The rebirth of Chapel of Santa Luzia comes timed to its 100-year anniversary as it reopens to a new era where it will continue to be used for weddings and other celebrations of life.

“It has been a true honor to help bring such a unique hotel project to life in one of the world’s most dynamic cities,” said Managing Director, Edouard Grosmangin. “The team behind Rosewood São Paulo has spent a decade on this project to ensure it honors and celebrates the heritage of the city while breathing new life into the destination. In doing so we’ve created a hotel that is a true love letter to the city, the nation, and its people. We look forward to welcoming the world to experience São Paulo’s dynamic offerings firsthand and provide the place from which a cultural journey can begin and end.”

Art, Architecture & Design

In line with Rosewood’s guiding A Sense of Place® philosophy, wherein the distinctive ethos of the destination is woven into the identity of the hotel, Rosewood São Paulo’s design was inspired by its deep Brazilian roots. Under the artistic direction of Starck, 57 Brazilian artists and artisans came together to produce a permanent collection of art featuring over 450 works. Treating the property like a once-in-a-lifetime art project, the team commissioned artists representing Brazil’s wide range of artist expression, from street art to indigenous art, to create site-specific works for virtually every space in the property. The artists were given just one guideline: creativity that respects the past yet points to the future. The result is that the hotel is in effect Brazil’s next great contemporary art museum, one that celebrates the natural beauty, rich history, and diverse culture of its homeland.

Throughout the property, art tells different stories of life in Brazil across various mediums including sculpture, paintings, tile work, drawings, textiles and rugs. The entirety of the collection will be cataloged and detailed in a book available for guests and visitors both in rooms and public spaces. This book will tell the in-depth and nuanced narrative behind each project and highlight how each piece fits each into the larger tapestry of Brazil’s creative scene.

Standout works include hand-painted titles inspired by different flora and fauna of Brazil, created by Brazilian contemporary artist Sandra Cinto, that line the entire rooftop pool and bar area; a powerful graffiti-inspired painting encapsulating one of the maternity building’s corridors created by São Paulo’s own beloved street artist Caligrapixo, whose work focuses on capturing urban life in the dynamic city; and the work of up-and-coming artist Virgilio Neto, who created a series of original drawings on the rooftop foyer depicting imagined stories of the life of the beloved historical figure Count Matarazzo. Within the Chapel, Vik Muniz, one of Brazil’s most internationally acclaimed artists, created new glass rosettes inspired by Santa Luzia to replace the original stained glass that was discovered during the restoration of the building. In addition to the stunning beauty of the hotel’s design as a whole, there are nuances and intricate details throughout its design and art that aim to tell specific stories and honor both the heritage buildings and country at large.

A Focus on Sustainability

Rosewood São Paulo is committed to preserving Brazil’s natural environment with sustainability as one of the development’s guiding principles. Cidade Matarazzo is one of greenest developments in Brazil and the country’s largest upcycling project, with the project constructed of 100% locally sourced and upcycled materials. Sustainable features executed in the property’s design include a biodiversity program that repopulates the indigenous flora and fauna from the Mata Atlantica rainforest, including 250 trees up to 14 metres in height placed vertically on the Mata Atlantica Tower.

The property has committed to use 100% renewable energy within a year, including on-site solar panels and renewable-sourced energy. Creating a positive impact on the local community and environment is key to Rosewood São Paulo’s values and goals, and the building has been carefully planned to lessen the footprint wherever possible. The hotel is free of single-use plastics, and utilizes an in-house water filtration system to produce glass bottled water for guest consumption.

São Paulo’s Newest Dining Destination

Part of a larger culinary renaissance for the destination, Rosewood São Paulo brings six new dining venues to one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Designed for a variety of different occasions, the hotel’s food and beverage offerings present a resounding and memorable combination of world-class gastronomic experiences served in immersive and unique spaces. The elegant Le Jardin extends from the lobby to the beautiful gardens and is a cozy space bathed in natural light, serving modern cuisine 24 hours a day and providing the perfect setting for a casual lunch or enchanting dinner. Blaise, inspired by French-Swiss novelist Blaise Cendrars, is a more casual brasserie space serving a delicious mix of French cuisine influenced by elements of Brazilian gastronomy. The restaurant’s design highlights the imagination of the novelist who was himself enamored with Brazil and showcases the work of Brazilian artists including hand-designed ceramic tiles by Fernando de La Rocque. As a nod to its location in Matarazzo Maternity, the hand-painted tiles are designed to resemble classical Portuguese tiles but if observed closer, hidden in the composition of the tiles is an image of a woman giving birth. Blaise’s wooden walls are embedded with green stones, each made of glass created through a meticulous technique of polishing Brazilian volcanic stones that is done by the same machines used to cut diamonds. The third restaurant, Taraz, highlights South American cuisine and its share-style menu has been designed by acclaimed Chef Felipe Bronze to showcase the art of wood-fired cooking. The restaurant is located in front of the property’s collection of centenary olive trees and has been decorated by local artists and designers in a more traditional and rustic style, and through its name gives homage to the beloved Brazilian historical figure Count Matarazzo.

Additional outlets include Rabo di Galo, a jazz bar featuring bespoke libations and classic Brazilian bar snacks alongside live music. The overall design of the bar was inspired by the classic jazz clubs of the 1930s, featuring leather furniture, dark woods and indirect lighting to create an intimate atmosphere. Artist Rodrigo de Azevedo Saad, locally known as Cabelo, spent a total of 68 hours hand drawling on the ceiling of Rabo di Galo, which portrays a certain schizophrenic art resulting in the magical and primitive universe of patterns that repeat themselves. Inspired by the natural beauty of the crystal-clear pools in Brazil’s Bonito municipality, The Emerald Garden Pool & Bar is a restaurant set amidst beautiful tropical greenery offering family-friendly fare. The interior of the pool emulates the emerald shades of the natural pools found in Brazil’s Bonito region and is made of small pieces of tile in 40 different shades of green and blue, creating a unique gradient effect inspired by the colors of the rivers located in Bonito. The restaurant’s coasters and menus were designed by the Brazilian artist and illustrator Walmor Correa, famous for his sketches of imaginary creatures. The pool area is also home to Belavista Rooftop Pool & Bar, an exclusive adults-only space with panoramic views of the city. The entire roof and pool area features wood that is all from Tora Brasil and that has been certified by Brazil’s Forest Stewardship Council as part of the property’s commitment to sustainable development.

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

World- Class Amenities

In concert with the unparalleled art and design and exceptional food and beverage experiences found at Rosewood São Paulo, extensive amenities include two pools, a cinema, a music studio, ample event space and an Asaya, Rosewood’s integrative wellbeing concept. Slated to open in 2022, Asaya at Rosewood São Paulo will bring the destination a unique wellness concept that delivers innovative and integrative solutions for personal transformation while encouraging positive growth and self-discovery for a fulfilling life. The opening of Asaya at Rosewood São Paulo will mark the first outpost of Rosewood’s forward-thinking wellbeing concept in the western hemisphere. The hotel will roll out further facilities and amenities over the course of its first year, complemented by a robust schedule of ever-changing programming.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News