Global Travel News

Casino Operator Wynn Plans Ras Al Khaimah Resort with Gaming Facilities

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Casino Operator Wynn Plans Ras Al Khaimah Resort with Gaming Facilities - VISITRASALKHAIMAH.net - TRAVELINDEXRas Al Khaimah, UAE, January 27, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Marjan, RAK Hospitality Holding and Wynn Resorts, Limited, the US-listed international developer and operator of luxury resorts, have announced a multibillion-dollar integrated resort development on the man-made Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.

• For a comprehensive travel and tourism guide on RAK and UAE go to VisitRasAlKhaimah.net

The spectacular Al Marjan Island, already a leading tourism destination, is only 15 minutes from the Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and 45 minutes from the Dubai International Airport. Comprising four islands, Al Marjan Island delights visitors with over 7.8 kilometers of sparkling beaches and 23 kilometers of waterfront in addition to world-class hotels and residential developments.

Al Marjan Island spans an area of 2.7 million sqm of reclaimed land extending into the Arabian Gulf. The new integrated resort on one of the exclusive islands, which covers an area of almost 250,000 sqm, will offer a pristine setting with spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf as well as sandy beaches and a marina. The development is the first beach resort being developed by Wynn Resorts globally. The current scope includes a 1,000+ room hotel, high-end shopping mall, a state-of-the-art meeting and convention facility, an exclusive spa, more than 10 restaurants and lounges, a wide array of entertainment choices, a gaming area, and other amenities.

The integrated resort will be developed with significant foreign direct investment by Wynn Resorts. As the largest project of its kind in the Emirate’s growing hospitality sector, it will create substantial value to the local economy by accelerating tourism, creating jobs, and energising the growth of related sectors. Set to be completed in 2026, the entire project will be developed to the highest standards of sustainability best practices.

Eng. Abdulla Al Abdooli, CEO of Marjan, said the new integrated resort highlights the fast-growing recognition of Ras Al Khaimah as a leading investment destination for high-quality hospitality projects. “The integrated development, featuring a world-class hotel, entertainment and gaming amenities, will add to the Emirate’s destination strategy to attract tourists from across the world. We are partnering with Wynn Resorts, one of the world’s most renowned integrated resort companies, which has a strong track record of developing luxury destinations with exceptional accommodation, dining, entertainment concepts and gaming facilities. By leveraging Wynn Resorts’ expertise in developing luxury hospitality destinations, the new development will raise the benchmark in luxury hospitality in the region. It will also create exceptional value to the Ras Al Khaimah economy and boost the leisure, business, and MICE tourism sectors.”

Craig Billings, newly appointed CEO of Wynn Resorts, said: “Al Marjan Island is a pristine setting and an ideal greenfield location for us to create the one-of-a-kind guest experiences for which Wynn Resorts is renowned. The region offers tremendous potential for the hospitality and tourism industry, and we are excited about the prospect of developing an integrated resort in Ras Al Khaimah.”

• For a comprehensive travel and tourism guide on RAK and UAE go to VisitRasAlKhaimah.net

The new resort is in the initial stages of design and development and will be applying for an integrated resort licence from Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.

About Marjan
Marjan is the master-developer of freehold property in Ras Al Khaimah (the GCC Tourism Capital), responsible for path-breaking developments aimed at positioning Ras Al Khaimah as one of the region’s leading tourism and investment destinations. Mandated with developing waterfront, urban and mountain destinations that will add to the competitiveness of the emirate, Marjan’s strategic master-planning approach is to leverage Ras Al Khaimah’s natural assets and lay the foundations of the emirate’s future expansions. Through its world-class master-planned communities in Ras Al Khaimah, Marjan attracts foreign investment as well as international visitors and positions the emirate as a strong investment and tourism hub.

About Wynn Resorts
Wynn Resorts, Limited is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol WYNN and is part of the S&P 500 Index. Wynn Resorts designed, owns and operates Wynn Las Vegas, Encore Boston Harbor, Wynn Macau, and Wynn Palace, Cotai.

Wynn and Encore Las Vegas features 4,748 spacious hotel rooms, suites and villas, 33 dining experiences and bars, two award-winning spas, three shopping esplanades, meeting and convention space, two nightclubs, a beach club, two theaters and a golf course. Nearly 70% of the resort’s peak demand is powered entirely by renewable energy. Encore Boston Harbor is a luxury resort with 671 hotel rooms, an ultra-premium spa, specialty shopping, 16 dining and lounge venues, state-of-the-art ballroom and meeting spaces, a six-acre public park and Harborwalk. Wynn Macau is a luxury resort located in the Macau Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China with 1,010 spacious rooms and suites, 12 dining and bar experiences, convention space, a shopping esplanade, two opulent spas, a salon and a rotunda show. Wynn Palace is a luxury integrated resort on the Cotai Strip in Macau, with 1,706 exquisite rooms, suites and villas, 14 food and beverage outlets, meeting and convention space, an extensive shopping esplanade, SkyCabs that traverse an eight-acre Performance Lake, a lush spa and salon, and an extensive collection of rare art.

About RAK Hospitality Holding
RAK Hospitality Holding is an integrated hospitality and leisure company, owning, operating and asset managing a diverse portfolio of of hotels, hospitality and leisure assets. Its activities include hotel development and ownership; logistics and the provision of both hospitality accommodation and transportation; asset management and advisory; and development and operation of leisure and entertainment assets.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Thailand to Normalise Relations

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Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Thailand to Normalise Relations - TRAVELINDEXRiyadh, Saudi Arabia, January 27, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia received the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, and they held an official meeting, during which they reaffirmed their mutual determination to resolve all pending issues between Thailand and Saudi Arabia and normalise relations between the two Kingdoms. The two sides also stressed the importance of strengthening the two Kingdoms’ bond of friendship and the opening of a new chapter in the relations between Thailand and Saudi Arabia. The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand stressed that Thailand places utmost importance to the bond of friendship with Saudi Arabia, and expressed his sincere regrets for the tragic cases that took place in Thailand between 1989 – 1990. He reaffirmed that Thailand had exerted utmost efforts to resolve the cases and that it stands ready to bring the cases to the consideration of the competent Thai authorities if new well-founded evidence relating to the cases should emerge. He also reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to providing appropriate security to members of the mission of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Bangkok in accordance with the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Both sides also reiterated their commitments to do their utmost to ensure the safety of each other’s nationals in their respective countries.

The two sides exchanged views on various regional and international issues, and discussed means and ways to strengthen their bilateral relations in all areas. They also agreed to increase interactions and coordination between their respective government agencies as well as private sectors in order to elevate their bilateral relations to new heights for the mutual benefit of the two Kingdoms.

In the spirit of cooperation and shared determination to revive the friendship and cordial relations between the two Kingdoms and their peoples, as guided by the bold leadership and vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, the two sides agreed to fully normalise their diplomatic relations. This historic breakthrough is a result of long-term efforts on many levels from both sides to restore mutual trust and friendly relations.

The two sides agreed on important steps to be taken to reinvigorate their bilateral relations, including the appointment of ambassadors to their respective capitals in the near future and the setting up of consultative mechanisms for consolidating their bilateral cooperation. Intensive coordination will commence in the coming months to discuss bilateral cooperation in key strategic areas.

The two sides discussed means and ways to strengthen and enhance economic and trade relations between the two Kingdoms by exploring investment and other opportunities in the context of Saudi Vision 2030 and Thailand’s national development agenda, namely the Bio – Circular – Green Economy policy. They also agreed to explore new areas of cooperation, such as renewable energy, environment, digital transformation, and cybersecurity. They further emphasised the importance of fostering people-to-people relations, which will be the cornerstone of the two Kingdoms’ growing relations, as well as the promotion of interfaith dialogue and multi-culturalism.

The two sides agreed to support each other in the international organisations and fora and stressed the importance of the commitment of all countries to the Charter of the United Nations, international norms, and principles of good neighbourliness, respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, non-inteference in internal affairs, and the peaceful settlement of dispute. They welcomed each other’s constructive roles in their respective regions, particularly Thailand’s vital role in ASEAN as well as Saudi Arabia’s leading role in the maintenance of peace, security and humanitarian and development assistance.

The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand congratulated Saudi Arabia on its success in hosting and organising the G20 Summit, which has yielded positive outcomes in many areas, such as economy, development, environment, health, energy, etc. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also expressed confidence that Thailand’s hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) in 2022 will be successful and greatly contribute to the sustainable, balanced, and inclusive growth of the regional and global economy in the post-COVID-19 era.

The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand welcomed the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, launched by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He also commended the leading role of Saudi Arabia in various common international issues, including combatting climate change, and its positive impacts for the region and its population. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also praised Thailand’s Bio – Circular – Green Economy policy, which aims to enhance resource efficiency, transform waste into wealth, regenerate biodiversity, and mitigate impacts on the environment.

At the conclusion of the visit, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand expressed his appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and expresssed his best wishes for their good health and for the prosperity and progress of the Saudi people. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also expressed his best wishes for the good health and well-being of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand and for the prosperity and progress of the Thai people.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO: Blanket Travel Restrictions Don’t Work

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UNWTO: Blanket Travel Restrictions Don’t Work - TRAVELINDEXMadrid, Spain, January 26, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has welcomed the call of its sister UN agency World Health Organization (WHO) for restrictions on travel to be lifted or eased.

Citing the varied global  responses to the emergence of the of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, WHO has reiterated that restrictions on travel are not effective in suppressing the international spread. In line with UNWTO’s recurring warning against the use of blanket restrictions, the 10th meeting of the WHO’s International Health Regulations Emergency Committee (Geneva, 19 January) expressed concern that such measures can cause economic and social harm. They may also “discourage transparent and rapid reporting of emerging Variants of Concern”, the WHO added.

The Committee also noted that measures applied to international travellers such as testing, isolation and quarantine, and vaccinations, should be based on “risk assessments and avoid placing the financial burden on international travellers in accordance with Article 40 of the IHR”.

When it comes to stopping the spread of new virus variants, blanket travel restrictions are simply counterproductive

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “When it comes to stopping the spread of new virus variants, blanket travel restrictions are simply counterproductive. In fact, by cutting the lifeline of tourism, these restrictions do more harm than good, especially in destinations reliant on international tourists for jobs, economic wellbeing and sustainable change.”

The United Nations World Economic Situation and Prospects Report for 2022 – to which UNWTO provided the official travel related data – has noted that in both developed and developing, recovery from the impacts of the pandemic is “uneven and fragile”. It also highlights the “substantial reversal in progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“It is imperative we restart tourism and so kickstart recovery and get back on track towards meeting the SDGs while responding to Climate Imperatives,” Mr Pololikashvili adds. “UNWTO welcomes WHO’s new guidance, highlighting the ineffectiveness of blanket travel restrictions, and we also amplify their recommendations against using vaccination status as the sole condition for welcoming tourists back, especially when vaccination rates remain so uneven.”

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

WTTC to Hold Sustainability and Investment Summit in Puerto Rico

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WTTC to Hold Sustainability and Investment Summit in Puerto Rico - TRAVELINDEXSan Juan, Puerto Rico, January 26, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Puerto Rico Tourism Company are delighted to announce the Sustainability and Investment Summit, which will take place on 14 June in the city of San Juan.

Announced at FITUR, the international tourism fair held in Madrid, Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said:

“This one day event will demonstrate WTTC’s and the wide Travel & Tourism sector’s commitment to preserving the planet, reducing the effects of climate change and, above all, increasing its resilience to ensure its continued sustainable growth.

“From the very beginning of this pandemic, the Government of Puerto Rico through the Puerto Rico Tourism Company have implemented enhanced health and safety protocols to preserve the health of travellers and kept its tourist services open and enhance its recovery.”

Carlos Mercado, General Director of the Puerto Rican Tourism Board, said: “The Sustainability and Investment Summit represents a great opportunity to recognise Puerto Rico as a safe destination, with advanced sanitary protocols, tourist attractions, and ample opportunities for investment and long term sustainable development.

“We thank WTTC for working together with us to hold this event on the island. We are ready to welcome the global tourism leaders who will be participating in this Summit, which will serve as a platform to discuss the present and the future of sustainable tourism.”

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Omicron Having on Impact on Air Passenger Demand Recovery

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Omicron Having on Impact on Air Passenger Demand Recovery - TRAVELINDEXGeneva, Switzerland, January 26, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced full-year global passenger traffic results for 2021 showing that demand (revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) fell by 58.4% compared to the full year of 2019. This represented an improvement compared to 2020, when full year RPKs were down 65.8% versus 2019.

Because comparisons between 2021 and 2020 results are distorted by the extraordinary impact of COVID-19, unless otherwise noted all comparisons are to the respective 2019 period, which followed a normal demand pattern.

– International passenger demand in 2021 was 75.5% below 2019 levels. Capacity, (measured in available seat kilometers or ASKs) declined 65.3% and load factor fell 24.0 percentage points to 58.0%.

– Domestic demand in 2021 was down 28.2% compared to 2019. Capacity contracted by 19.2% and load factor dropped 9.3 percentage points to 74.3%.

– Total traffic for the month of December 2021 was 45.1% below the same month in 2019, improved from the 47.0% contraction in November, as monthly demand continued to recover despite concerns over Omicron. Capacity was down 37.6% and load factor fell 9.8 percentage points to 72.3%.

Impact of Omicron Measures: Omicron travel restrictions slowed the recovery in international demand by about two weeks in December. International demand has been recovering at a pace of about four percentage points/month compared to 2019. Without Omicron, we would have expected international demand for the month of December to improve to around 56.5% below 2019 levels. Instead, volumes rose marginally to 58.4% below 2019 from -60.5% in November.

“Overall travel demand strengthened in 2021. That trend continued into December despite travel restrictions in the face of Omicron. That says a lot about the strength of passenger confidence and the desire to travel. The challenge for 2022 is to reinforce that confidence by normalizing travel. While international travel remains far from normal in many parts of the world, there is momentum in the right direction. Last week, France and Switzerland announced significant easing of measures. And yesterday the UK removed all testing requirements for vaccinated travelers. We hope others will follow their important lead, particularly in Asia where several key markets remain in virtual isolation,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

International Passenger Markets

– Asia-Pacific airlines’ full-year international traffic plunged 93.2% in 2021 compared to 2019, which was the deepest decline for any region. It fell 87.5% in the month of December, a bit better than the 89.8% decline in November. Full year capacity was down 84.9% compared to 2019. Load factor fell 44.3 percentage points to 36.5%.

– European carriers saw a 67.6% traffic decline in 2021 versus 2019. Capacity fell 57.4% and load factor decreased 20.6 percentage points to 65.0%. For the month of December, traffic slid 41.5% compared to December 2019, an improvement over the 43.5% year-to-year decline in November.

– Middle Eastern airlines’ annual passenger volumes in 2021 were 71.6% below 2019. Annual capacity fell 57.7% and load factor dropped 25.1 percentage points to 51.1%. December’s traffic was down 51.2% compared to December 2019, a solid pick-up from a 54.3% drop in November.
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– North American airlines’ full year traffic fell 65.6% compared to 2019. Capacity dropped 52.0%, and load factor sank 23.8 percentage points to 60.2%. December demand was down 41.7% compared to the same month a year-ago, a pick-up over a 44.6% drop in November.

– Latin American airlines had a 66.9% full year traffic decline compared to 2019. Capacity fell 62.2% and load factor dropped 10.2 percentage points to 72.6%, the highest among regions. Traffic fell 40.4% for the month of December compared to December 2019, significantly bettering the 47.3% decline in November.

– African airlines’ international traffic fell 65.2% last year compared to 2019, which was the best performance among regions. Capacity dropped 56.7%, and load factor sank 14.1 percentage points to 57.3%. Demand for the month of December was 60.5% below the year-ago period, a deterioration from the 56.5% decline in November, owing to the impact of government travel restrictions in response to Omicron.

– China’s domestic passenger traffic fell 24.4% in 2021 compared to 2019. It was down 39.6% for the month of December versus December 2019, which was an improvement compared to a 50.9% decline in November.

– Russia’s domestic traffic rose 24.2% for the full year, and 23.2% for the month of December, an acceleration over the 17.5% rise in November. Russia was the only market to see growth in RPKs in 2021 compared to 2019.

The Bottom Line

“As COVID-19 continues to evolve from the pandemic to endemic stage, it is past time for governments to evolve their responses away from travel restrictions that repeatedly have been shown to be ineffective in preventing the spread of the disease, but which inflict enormous harm on lives and economies. A New Year’s resolution for governments should be to focus on building population immunity and stop placing travel barriers in the way of a return to normality,” said Walsh.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Westin Hotels & Resorts Makes its UK Debut with The Opening of the Westin London City

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The Haven at The Westin London City
Matteo Barro

Westin Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, unveils The Westin London City, the brand’s first hotel in the UK and the 1,000 hotel within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio in Europe, Middle East, and Africa. As the global hospitality leader in wellness for more than a decade, Westin Hotels & Resorts debuts in the UK at a time when consumers desire to travel is higher than ever and when self-care is now viewed as a ‘necessity’ rather than a choice.

Designed by British architects Dexter Moren Associates, The Westin London City combines meaningful wellness with contemporary fluid and sculptural design. Built on the premise that a connection to nature enhances wellbeing, the design is inspired by the unique location with a modern residential feel. Within the riverfront hotel’s 222 guestrooms, guests will enjoy brand signatures such as the iconic Heavenly® Bed, a spa-like bathroom, and refreshing amenities including White Tea Heavenly® Bath products and Sleep Well Lavender Balm to promote a revitalizing rest.

The hotel experience comes to life through the brand’s six pillars of wellbeing – Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well, and Play Well – allowing guests to personalize their stay and engage in programming that best meets their needs. The expansive Heavenly Spa by Westin™ has been designed to prioritize guest’s well-being with six treatment rooms and an indoor pool, which was carefully constructed around the archaeological remains of the Huggin Hill Bathhouse below. The state-of-the-art WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio offers TRX® exercise equipment, Peloton Bikes, and a bespoke Hypervolt recovery station from Hyperice – a first-ever exclusive hotel offering with Westin, following a successful launch in select U.S. properties last summer.

Riverside dining can be enjoyed at two venues – wine bar Hithe + Seek, overlooking the Thames, and all-day dining destination Mosaic, featuring a sustainably sourced menu of nutritious dishes. Presenting a world of contrasts to city-goers, Hithe + Seek is set at the heart of the hotel overlooking the River Thames, with unparalleled views of Shakespeare’s Globe theatre and Tate Modern art gallery. Plush furnishings and modern finishes create an intimate atmosphere while the eclectic wine list, made up of 80 references, is carefully split into two sections – Hithe which features a selection of familiar favorites and Seek which showcases undiscovered gems hand-picked for diners looking to expand their palate. The small plates menu combines recipes from old and new world wine countries within the wine list. Named after the colorful artwork commissioned for the front of the hotel, Mosaic offers a sustainably sourced menu ideal for those seeking healthier choices including dishes from the Westin Eat Well menu, which provides options that fuel and energize guests without compromising flavor, taste, or satisfaction. Located on the fourth floor, where the north and south sides of the hotel merge, its city-facing location makes it the perfect destination for lunches or after work dinners and drinks.

“The Westin London City seamlessly balances London’s captivating energy with the wellness promise that Westin Hotels & Resorts is known for, providing mindful travelers a new way to experience this iconic destination,” said Jason Nuell, Senior Vice President, Premium Brands, Marriott International. “As the brand’s debut in the UK, we’re excited to continue expanding our portfolio, delivering industry-leading well-being experiences designed to empower a better you.”

Collaborative working areas that spark creativity are at the heart of the hotel with its 1,060 square meters of contemporary meeting and events space. Allowing flexibility in function through simple and intuitive design details, the hotel’s Ballroom is a fluid space that can be easily tailored to host a range of events. Five expansive meeting rooms emulate the linear nature of the north lobby’s design, introducing residential touches and natural textures.

Owned by 4C Hotel Group and managed by leading hospitality management company RBH, the hotel, which also has nine state-of-the-art residences, unites the final piece of the Thames pathway connecting the Embankment to the Tower of London which guests will be encouraged to explore with the hotel’s Rise & Run club, inspired by the brand’s renowned RunWESTIN® program. “By connecting these two sides of London, we have opened a walkway that could help towards a greener city, encouraging locals and visitors alike to walk the beautiful stretch of river,” said Neil Taylor, Chief Operating Officer at 4C Hotel Group. “It has been 80 years in the making in bringing this walkway back for everyday use and we are delighted to see our city united once more.”

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

For more information or to book, please visit www.marriott.com/lonwi and follow along @thewestinlondoncity.

About Westin® Hotels & Resorts
Westin Hotels & Resorts, hospitality’s global leader in wellness for more than a decade, empowers guests to transcend the rigors of travel while on the road through the brand’s Six Pillars of Well-being: Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well, and Play Well. At more than 225 hotels and resorts in nearly 40 countries and territories, guests can experience wellness offerings that include the brand’s iconic and award-winning Heavenly Bed®, TRX fitness equipment in the signature WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studios, delicious and nutritious menu offerings on their Eat Well menu, and more. Stay connected to Westin on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Westin is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

About Marriott Bonvoy®
Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

About 4C Hotel Group
Founded in 2010, the 4C Hotel Group is a privately-owned hotel development company with a portfolio of properties in key business centres and leisure hotspots across the UK, Canada, Africa, and the Middle East. Headquartered in London, the 4C Hotel Group’s mission is to create sustainable, profitable growth through the delivery of positive guest experience, innovative processes, quality partnerships and a commitment to provide opportunities for personal and professional development. To find out more visit www.4chotels.co.uk.

About RBH
RBH is one of the UK’s leading independent hotel management companies, with a portfolio of more than 45 hotels, from full-service country hotels to city-centre properties. With offices in both London and Glasgow and an expert team of over 100 hotel specialists, RBH works with businesses all around the UK, helping to maximise return for existing hotel owners, as well as building and developing new hotels since 1997. For the past 20 years, partnerships with some of the most prestigious international hotel brands have included Hilton Hotels & Resorts, IHG, Accor, Wyndham Worldwide and Marriott International. www.rbhmanagement.com.

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

Georgie Noble
Consumer PR, Europe, Middle East, Africa
Georgie.Noble@marriott.com

Lara Busch
Consumer PR, Europe, Middle East, Africa
Lara.Busch@marriott.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Marriott Bonvoy Makes Each Night Count Twice for Members with New Global Promotion

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The latest promotion offers members a fast-track to Elite status and more points for free nights, experiences and more

Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program, is kicking off the year with a rewarding promotion, offering members bonus points and Elite Night Credits on each paid night of their stay, with a fast-track to Elite status and more points for free nights, experiences and more.

Registration starts today for the global promotion, which gives members 1,000 bonus points and an additional Elite Night Credit for each paid night of the member’s stay – effectively making each night count twice during the promotion earning period of February 8 to May 4, 2022. This means a new member could achieve Silver Elite status with just a five-night stay – unlocking elevated Silver Elite benefits such as priority late check-out and 10% bonus points on eligible future hotel stays – all while earning substantial bonus points towards their next free night, Marriott Bonvoy Moments experience, or even to put towards trip add-ons like flights or car rental.

There is no limit to the number of bonus points or bonus Elite Night Credits that members can earn during the promotion, meaning members can earn one bonus Elite Night Credit and 1,000 bonus points for each night of the promotion earning period. As long as they are registered, members can begin earning bonuses from the very first eligible night that falls within the earning period, and on each eligible night thereafter.

The offer is global, providing more opportunities to experience the world through Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary hotel brands – whether that’s close to home or in the most inspiring destinations around the globe. From distinctive luxury to smart conveniences, members can find their ideal stay through the thousands of hotels and resorts participating in Marriott Bonvoy.

Here are some important details:

  • The promotion earning period runs from February 8, 2022 to May 4, 2022.
  • Stays completed prior to registration are not eligible to earn bonus points or bonus Elite Night Credits with this promotion. Members must register here before April 20, 2022.
  • With this promotion, members can earn unlimited bonus points and bonus Elite Night Credits during the 85-day earning period, up to 85,000 bonus points and 85 bonus Elite Night Credits.
  • Members must book stays directly with Marriott on Marriott.com, Marriott Bonvoy Mobile app or through a reservations center. Rates available through most third-party online retailers and select travel agency rates do not qualify for this promotion.
  • The following brands are not participating in the promotion: Homes & Villas by Marriott International, Marriott Executive Apartments® and Marriott Vacation Club® owner-occupied weeks. Ritz-Carlton Reserve®, BVLGARI, and other hotels that do not currently participate in Marriott Bonvoy® are also excluded from the promotion.

To see the Terms & Conditions, visit here.

In addition to the global promotion, members enjoy other benefits like exclusive member rates when they book directly with Marriott, contactless check-in with the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app and free wifi for every stay. To join Marriott Bonvoy for free and to learn more about all the benefits, visit Marriott.com

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

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Hotels Across Vietnam Ring in the Year of the Tiger

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Hotels Across Vietnam Ring in the Year of the Tiger - TRAVELINDEXAlma Resort Cam Ranh – 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.”.  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 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.  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. On Friday, 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.

Azerai Resorts
Celebrate Tet with family-fun activities at Azerai Can Tho in the Mekong Delta, Azerai Ke Gay Bay on the southeastern coast, and Azerai La Residence, Hue in the former imperial capital. Festivities at Azerai Can Tho include a special Afternoon Tea featuring Vietnamese specialties, scenic river cruises in the Delta, food tastings for children and exclusive dinners to ring in the New Year, among other events. The schedule of activities runs from Jan. 29 to Feb. 7. In central Vietnam, Azerai La Residence, Hue is offering a special Tet stay package between Jan. 27 and Feb. 13, including discounts on Tet menus and more. Other activities to mark the New Year at the historic hotel in Hue include a class to make traditional Vietnamese sticky rice cake (banh chung), a Tet dragon dance, leisurely boat cruises on the fabled Perfume River, and much more. Or usher in the “Year of the Tiger” at Azerai Ke Ga Bay with sports near the white sand beach, including kayaking, kite-flying, windsurfing and much more. The oceanfront resort promises a relaxing escape, with meals spotlighting fresh seafood served in hot pots, grilled platters and BBQ buffets.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Thankful to be done with the year of the Ox and all that plagued those many months, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is rolling out the red carpet for the Tiger and ringing in the Lunar New Year with a special package offering unique guest benefits and exclusive holiday offers. A dragon dance troupe will kick off celebrations on the first day of the Lunar New Year, while traditional activities will entertain guests throughout the week. A special Tet decorative set up with a local floral boutique will be on display in the Metropole Wing lobby as a special photo booth or Instagram moment for visitors. At the same time, boughs of pink peach blossom, potted shrubs of kumquats laden with orange fruit as well as bonsai trees will grace the lobby of the historical hotel. On the first day of the Lunar New Year, guests can look forward to a special Tet menu, including traditional holiday delicacies such as banh chung and bun cha.

Guests’ health and safety are always the hotel’s top priority. Metropole Hanoi will practice social distancing concerning seating arrangements and safety protocols following ALLSAFE’s standards. For more information, please contact (+84) 234 826 6919 (ext. 8200)

Maia Quy Nhon
Maia Resort Quy Nhon knows that the journey to any traveler’s heart often requires a detour through the stomach. The gastronomically-driven all-villa resort, along Vietnam’s southern coast, is ringing in the year of the Tiger with stay packages that will leave no bellies growling. The resort is rolling out four different Tet offerings, ranging from 1-5 nights, that immerse guests in the culinary offerings of this oceanfront property. The three night option includes the choice of one of the resort’s signature culinary experiences: Once Upon a Table at ad hoc restaurant, Barefoot Destination Dining, a Privately Curated Dining Experience, Afternoon High-Tea, or Gastronomy by Maia. For guests who are more spa-inclined they can opt instead for a personalized wellness journey with the choice of two spa therapies from their unique selection: Infrared sauna therapy session, Body Rejuvenation, Healing Therapy, and Anti-ageing facial care. Other highlights of a three-night stay include a daily treatment at Vela Spa, the choice of a family style lunch or dinner at Vi Restaurant overlooking Quy Nhon Bay, and a one-time complimentary upgrade to daily half board.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Raffles Confirms Acting General Manager in Cambodia

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Raffles Confirms Acting General Manager in Cambodia - TRAVELINDEXPhnom Penh, Cambodia, January 25, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Dennis de Groot stands at the helm of the two most storied hotels in the country. Raffles Hotels & Resorts has confirmed the appointment of Mr Dennis de Groot as Acting General Manager of both Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh and its sister hotel Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap.

With more than 15 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, de Groot previously held hotel management positions in the Maldives, Azerbaijan and South Africa, including nearly three years at a private game lodge.

De Groot was recruited by the Accor Group in 2016 to oversee the rebranding of the Jumeirah Dhevanafushi as it transformed into the Raffles Maldives Meradhoo.

He moved to Cambodia in 2018 as Hotel Manager at Raffles Hotel Le Royal and was originally appointed Acting General Manager in January 2021. Under his tenure, the hotel has undergone a meticulous one-year restoration project when each of the 175 rooms and suites at the historical property received a full refurbishment.

The novation walked a fine line between the need to brighten interiors and integrate a host of mod-cons and the imperative to preserve the heart and soul of the vintage hotel. The hardwood floors have been polished to a squeak, the age-old ceiling fans still whirl, and the old brass rotary telephones continue to ring.

The courtyard remains the centerpiece of the property, its two swimming pools surrounded by tropical gardens of frangipani, and shaded by giant century-old trees.

Similarly, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor has undergone a restorative transformation in the past two years. This classic resort was originally built in the 1920s as a luxurious resting stop en route to the newly discovered ruins of Angkor Wat.

The new-look properties come at a time when Cambodia is reopening its borders to quarantine-free international arrivals. The country has been widely praised for its handling of the pandemic and its efficient vaccine program.

“Looking ahead, the challenges are clear, not only for Le Royal and Grand Hotel d’Angkor but for the hospitality sector in general,” said de Groot. “However, we have in these ‘Grandes Dames of Southeast Asia’ two much-loved national landmarks where guests expect not just a luxury experience but also a step back into yesteryear.”

About Raffles
Raffles Hotels & Resorts boasts an illustrious history and some of the most prestigious hotel addresses worldwide. In 1887, Raffles Singapore set the standard for luxury hospitality, introducing the world to private butlers, the Singapore Sling and its enduring, legendary service. Today, Raffles continues this tradition in leading cities and lavish resort locales, enchanting travellers with meaningful experiences and service that is both gracious and intuitive. Connoisseurs of life choose Raffles, not merely for its aura of culture, beauty and gentility, but for the extraordinary way they feel when in residence with Raffles. Each Raffles, be it Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Warsaw, Jakarta or the Seychelles, serves as a venerated oasis where travellers arrive as guests, leave as friends and return as family. Raffles is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Saudi Crown Prince to Develop Kingdom’s Historical Palaces

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Saudi Crown Prince to Develop Kingdom’s Historical Palaces - TOURISMSAUDIARABIA.com - TRAVELINDEXRiyadh, Saudi Arabia, January 25, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Chairman of the Public Investment Fund announced the launch of Boutique Group, a new hospitality brand that will manage and convert a collection of iconic historic and cultural palaces in Saudi Arabia into ultra-luxury boutique hotels, according to a statement. Boutique Group revives heritage by converting historic and cultural palaces into ultra-luxury boutique hotels.

The company will revive the vibrant heritage and culture of Saudi Arabia to create a new and unique hospitality experience, it added.

The first phase of the project will focus on the development of three historic palaces in cooperation with the private sector, including Al Hamra Palace that will offer 77 keys including 33 luxury palace suites and 44 luxury villas in Jeddah.

In 1971, King Faisal bin Abdulaziz directed to dedicate Al Hamra Palace as a hospitality palace for the most prominent international public figures from around the world.

Tuwaiq Palace will provide 96 keys including 40 luxury palace suites and 56 luxury villas. Whereas Red Palace will offer 71 keys including 46 luxury suites, and 25 luxury guest rooms. Both Tuwaiq and Red palace are located in Riyadh.

Tuwaiq Palace is an architectural masterpiece blending heritage with natural surroundings. Tuwaiq Palace is one of the most prominent historical and cultural landmarks in the city of Riyadh, built in 1980

The Red Palace is considered the first reinforced concrete building constructed in Riyadh city in 1944. Famous for its unique reddish color, The Red Palace was the first reinforced concrete building in Riyadh city.

Boutique Group will blend the Kingdom’s culture and heritage with modern amenities to provide an exclusive hospitality experience and a unique service to its guests, growing the Saudi ultra-luxury hospitality sector and contributing to the development of the local economy. The company will also offer many high-end experiences from dining to wellness to exclusive services for each guest.

Commenting on the new group, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of PIF, said in the statement, “The Crown Prince’s launch of the Boutique Group underlines PIF’s mandate to unlock the capabilities of promising sectors in Saudi Arabia that can help drive the diversification of the economy and contribute to non-oil GDP growth.”

“The group will enhance the Kingdom’s already unique tourism offerings, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading regional and international tourism and cultural destination and contributing to Saudi Vision 2030,” he added.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News