Global Travel News

Phuket Hotels Association Welcomes New Leadership Team

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Phuket Hotels Association Welcomes New Leadership Team - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25 HotelsPhuket, Thailand, December 15, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Bjorn Courage was named as the association’s President and Sumi Soorian promoted to the role of Executive Director, while long-term leader Anthony Lark will continue to serve as a Senior Advisor. The Phuket Hotels Association, a non-profit organisation with 72 member properties, has embarked on an exciting new era with the appointment of a new senior leadership team.

• Discover the Phuket’s Best Luxury Hotels at Top25Hotels.com

Bjorn Courage, General Manager of the InterContinental Phuket Resort, who has more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, has been named as the Association’s new President of the Phuket Hotels Association, succeeding founding President, Anthony Lark, ex General Manager of Amanpuri, Trisara, and now Executive Director at HMD, Shinta Mani and Bensley Collection hotels.

Sumi Soorian, who has been with the Phuket Hotels Association since its foundation in 2016 and most recently served as Development Director, has also been promoted to Executive Director. A marketing and communications professional who specialises in project management and business development, Sumi graduated in the USA and has worked in multiple countries, including Australia, China and Thailand.

Bjorn moves into the role of President at a time of optimism for Phuket’s tourism and hospitality industry. The island was one of the first Southeast Asian destinations to safely reopen to international visitors when it launched the innovative “Phuket Sandbox” programme in July 2021, and its hotels and resorts are now gearing up for a strong recovery in the winter high season and beyond.

There can be few more qualified people to lead this proactive organisation than Bjorn. During the course of a 25-year career, he has worked with many of the industry’s most iconic brands, including IHG, Hilton, Waldorf Astoria, Six Senses, and Mandarin Oriental. He also successfully completed Cornell University’s Executive Leadership programme.

“During these initial times of recovery from the Covid pandemic, I am proud to serve our member hotels, communities and destination to the best of my ability. I will strive to continue and further evolve the important work done by the association, working groups and member hotels to-date, especially in regard to our association’s three key pillars: Marketing, Environment and Education. Thank you to Anthony for his leadership since the inauguration of the Phuket Hotel Association and for continuing to serve the Association as Senior Advisor,” Bjorn commented.

Since it was founded in January 2016, the Phuket Hotels Association has grown to represent 72 of the island’s top internationally-branded and independent luxury and midscale hotels and resorts, comprising just over 12,000 rooms. Each of these members has made a commitment to the destination and, through the Phuket Hotels Association, are actively investing in a sustainable future through long-term environmental and educational initiatives.

• Discover the Phuket’s Best Luxury Hotels at Top25Hotels.com

Anthony Lark will continue to serve as a Senior Advisor to the Association, alongside Bill Barnett, a founder of the Phuket Hotels Association and Managing Director of C9 Hotelworks, David Keen, CEO of QUO, David Johnson, CEO of Delivering Asia Communications, Boon Yongsakul, Chairman of Boat Pattana, and Saharat Jivavisitnont, Executive Director at Jee Teng Hospitality Group.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Naladhu Private Island Maldives Opens with Contemporary Redesign

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Naladhu Private Island Maldives Opens with Contemporary Redesign - TRAVELINDEXSouth Malé Atoll, Maldives, December 15, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Naladhu Private Island is once again welcoming guests after a much anticipated transformation. During a six-month closure the intimate Maldives resort has had a complete redesign by New York based designer Yuji Yamazaki and now flaunts a sleek contemporary look.

Home to just 20 ‘Houses’, Naladhu offers the ultimate in privacy and seclusion and ensures an unrivalled level of service to meet the needs of the most discerning traveller. The guest experience at Naladhu is enhanced by the personal Kuwaanu.  Deriving from the Dhivehi word for storyteller in the Maldivian language, the Kuwaanu offers a refined and seamless butler service 24 hours a day.

The resort’s top suite, the 600 square metre Two Bedroom Beach Pool Residence, now boasts a 20-metre private beach. Dining is completely bespoke, with an all-day breakfast and a no-menu concept in the resort’s restaurant ‘The Living Room’. A luxurious couple’s spa room has also been added.

Located on the edge of a pristine lagoon in the South Malé Atoll, Naladhu Private Island is just 30 minutes by luxury speedboat from Velana International Airport in Malé.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Sustainable Tourism Can Offer Mountain Communities Path to Prosperity

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Sustainable Tourism Can Offer Mountain Communities Path to Prosperity

Rome, Italy, December 15, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / FAO and UNWTO launch new publication at high-level event to celebrate International Mountain Day 2021. Sustainable tourism plays a key role in boosting livelihoods, poverty alleviation, and environmental conservation in mountainous areas, according to a new report launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and UNWTO at an International Mountain Day 2021 celebration event.

Mountain tourism – Towards a more sustainable path, jointly developed by FAO, the Mountain Partnership Secretariat and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), highlights the role of tourism in the sustainable development of mountain regions. The publication features examples of innovation, best practices and initiatives from all over the world, as well as practical guidelines and recommendations in the context of building back better for sustainable mountain tourism.

Sustainable tourism can serve as an important driver of socio-economic development in mountain areas

“For many mountain communities, tourism is their livelihood,” FAO Director-General QU Dongyu stressed at the event. “Promoting sustainable eco-tourism, agri-tourism and wellness tourism can help generate new jobs, diversify income, build robust micro-economies and revitalize products and services,” he added, encouraging everyone to work together to protect fragile mountain ecosystems and “rethink and reshape mountain tourism for the benefit of mountain communities, global wellbeing and the planet’s health.”

“Sustainable tourism can serve as an important driver of socio-economic development in mountain areas. Well managed, community-based tourism increases and diversifies household incomes, enhances job and livelihood opportunities, supports traditional systems, builds resilience and helps to conserve and promote natural and cultural heritage across landscapes,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili.

The theme of International Mountain Day 2021

The United Nations has designated 11 December as International Mountain Day, with FAO as the lead agency for its coordination. Celebrated every year, it creates awareness about the importance of mountains to life, highlighting the opportunities and constraints in mountain development and building alliances that will bring positive change to mountain peoples and environments around the world.

With mountain destinations attracting around 15-20 percent of global tourism, International Mountain Day 2021’s theme of sustainable mountain tourism recognizes the sector’s role in valuing the natural and cultural heritage of mountains and mountain peoples, promoting sustainable food systems, and protecting mountain ecosystems and their biodiversity.

The Year’s theme also draws attention to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how it can be an opportunity to rebuild mountain tourism in a greener and more sustainable and inclusive way. This means ensuring community empowerment, effective measurement of the impact of tourism in mountains, the effective management of resources and waste, and the definition of carrying capacity for destinations.

A joint effort

Today’s high-level International Mountain Day event was opened by the FAO Director-General QU Dongyu and UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. Other participants included Maria Ubach, Andorra’s Minister of Foreign Affairs , Christine Bulliard-Marbach Swiss Parliamentarian, Member of the National Council and President of the Swiss Association for Mountain Regions, Roberto Natali, Plenipotentiary Minister and Directorate General for Development Cooperation for the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones, Chief Operating Officer of the Philippines Tourism Promotions Board and mountaineer Reinhold Messner. FAO Deputy Director-General Maria Helena Semedo gave the concluding remarks. Stella Jean – an Italian-Haitian fashion designer was appointed Mountain Partnership Goodwill Ambassador in recognition of her work with mountain women artisans from Kyrgyzstan. Dilshodbegim Khusravova, a Tajik young activist, was named Youth Mountain Partnership Goodwill Ambassador for her work in early warning disaster prevention systems in the mountains of Tajikistan.

The event highlighted the need to promote dialogue and cooperation to tap mountain tourism’s full potential to contribute to sustainable development. It highlighted the work that many Mountain Partnership members and UNWTO member states are doing to ensure that mountain communities are not left behind in the spirit of the UN 2030 Agenda.
Sustainable best practices

According to the study, sustainable mountain tourism products and services should shift from high-impact tourism to low-impact, climate-sensitive ones, and create new opportunities, bringing tangible benefits to local communities, while helping to enhance the conservation of the unique mountain heritage. They should also be inclusive, providing a good quality of employment and decent work. The publication highlights projects from across the world that are doing just that, including in the Cordillera region of the Philippines, where the country’s Department of Tourism, the Mountain Partnership Secretariat and Slow Food are connecting tourism service providers to small-scale producers so visitors can discover high-quality mountain products, and ‘astrostays’ in the Himalayas, which are homestays provided by local communities that include stargazing activities.

FAO and UNWTO have a long history of working together, boosted by a recent Memorandum of Understanding between the two parties. This establishes further commitment to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship, drive sustainable development, and strengthen livelihoods through rural tourism, agritourism, nature tourism, outdoor activities and other forms of landscape-based tourism. It envisages, among others, collaborative activities within the framework of FAO’s Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS), the Coalition of Fragile Ecosystems and the Green Cities Initiative.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

The Luxury Collection Announces New Global Explorer Caroline de Maigret

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Caroline de Maigret

The Luxury Collection, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, announces Caroline de Maigret as the brand’s newest Global Explorer. In her role as a brand ambassador, de Maigret has collaborated with The Luxury Collection to produce A Night in Seville and the Morning After — a guide to her favorite places to stay, dine and discover published by Assouline. The book will also be accompanied by a digital series of city guides spotlighting Paris, Venice and Athens – all curated with favorite discoveries from de Maigret’s travels. A Night in Seville and the Morning After and the city guide series will launch this December in celebration of the opening of Hotel Santo Mauro, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid – the portfolio’s just-opened property in the heart of the city’s exclusive Chamberí area in December 2021.

The Luxury Collection’s Global Explorer program celebrates the vibrancy of the world’s most enchanting destinations through the eyes of leading cultural voices. Representing a broad selection of creative endeavors, these personalities are united by a deep understanding of world cultures, while identifying travel experiences in their own personal way. Born in France, Caroline de Maigret has traveled the globe gracing the world’s stage from Milan to London to New York as a model, producer and fashion icon.

“Travel for me goes hand in hand with exploration and discovery. When on the road, meeting new people, finding a cool bar on the corner, a small exhibition with local treasures or the perfect hotel makes me feel so happy and alive,” said Caroline de Maigret. “I am thrilled to be able to collaborate with The Luxury Collection – a brand that I look to as a home away from home always in harmony with its setting – to share some of my favorite places in Seville and around the world.”

A Night in Seville and the Morning After is the ultimate guide to the perfect day in Seville as told by Caroline de Maigret. Published by Assouline and featuring 65 pages of beautiful photography and playful illustrations, de Maigret takes you from checking in at Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seville to sightseeing at Catedral de Sevilla, lunch at El Pintón, hat shopping at Maquedano into a night on the town starting at Alameda de Hércules. Featuring four sections, the book is divided between de Maigret’s favorite restaurants, drinks, shopping and sights. As an added layer to the collaboration, de Maigret has also created a series of digital guides – Paris, Venice, Athens – that will launch with the pocket-sized book this December.

“We are delighted to welcome Caroline de Maigret as our latest Global Explorer. Her passionate curiosity and zest for discovery perfectly captures the spirit of The Luxury Collection brand as we all look to engage our passions and embark on a quest for fulfillment through travel,” said Philipp Weghmann, Vice President & Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection. “We are excited to collaborate with her on a beautiful book and digital series to celebrate our captivating portfolio in some of Europe’s most compelling destinations.”

Celebrating the latest addition to the brand’s portfolio in Europe, the guide and digital series will debut around the opening of Hotel Santo Mauro, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid. Located in the exclusive Chamberí neighborhood, the 49-room boutique property is made up of three buildings inspired by Parisian palaces of the 19th century and a magnificent garden, all which served as the former residence of the Duke of Santo Mauro.

Caroline de Maigret will join the celebrated group of Luxury Collection Global Ambassadors who bring the portfolio to life for international travelers. The brand recently debuted the launch of its third collaboration with Global Explorer Margherita Maccapani Missoni – a limited-edition scarf inspired by her travels with The Luxury Collection in India—and a homeware line from Mercedes Salazar inspired by a visit to North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort, Seychelles. The Luxury Collection is dedicated to helping travelers from all over the world to embark on extraordinary journeys and one-of-a-kind experiences.

A Night in Seville and the Morning After by Caroline de Maigret will launch in December 2021 and will be available for purchase on www.luxurycollectionstore.com for $40 USD. The digital city guide series will be available at www.theluxurycollection.com.

About Marriott International, Inc.
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 The Luxury Collection® Hotels & Resorts
The Luxury Collection®, part of Marriott International, Inc., is comprised of world-renowned hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. For the global explorer, The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the world’s most exciting and desirable destinations. Each hotel and resort is a unique and cherished expression of its location; a portal to the destination’s indigenous charms and treasures. Originated in 1906 under the CIGA® brand as a collection of Europe’s most celebrated and iconic properties, today The Luxury Collection brand is a glittering ensemble of nearly 120 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 35 countries and territories. All of these hotels, many of them centuries old, are internationally recognized as being among the world’s finest. For more information and new openings, visit theluxurycollection.com or follow Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. The Luxury Collection 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. From The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis to W Hotels and more, Marriott Bonvoy has more luxury offerings than any other travel program. 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.

Press Contact
Meg Connolly Communications
luxurycollection@mcc-pr.com
212-505-8200

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Moxy Manchester City Is Here to Play as Spinningfields’ Newest Hotel and Hangout Opens

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Lobby at Moxy Manchester
Christopher BaKer

Moxy Hotels, the experiential hotel brand part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, has officially made its debut in Manchester with the launch of Moxy Manchester City. Located in the heart of the city’s vibrant Spinningfields, the contemporary neighbourhood hotel, which is operated by KE Hotels, is the perfect destination to make the most of Manchester’s energetic spirit, surrounded by the hottest restaurants and bars.

For the young at heart, Moxy Manchester City is the place to be for a playful staycation, offering affordable fun and endless adventure. The stylish hotel is a rising nine-storey build that’s clad in weathered-effect metal panels to give an urban contrast to the original façade that has been retained from the former hat factory.

Step into Bar Moxy – the social heart of the hotel, which also serves as the hotel’s front desk, where a ‘Got Moxy’ cocktail is served at check-in, alongside the room key. Bar Moxy and the social atrium space has a modern and industrial feel, with local-inspired artwork, curated Manchester-style illustrations and illuminated signs across the lobby. A foosball table, card games, board games and communal lockers are also featured in the 24/7 space. From brightly coloured pouffe seating, hidden corners, and laid-back sofas to seats at the urban-style wrap-around bar, there’s something for all occasions.

Featuring a light bites menu and vibrant cocktail, Bar Moxy will also have DJs playing every night to draw hotel guests out of their rooms and locals out of their homes. An extensive drinks menu of beers, spirits, wine, and cocktails are available. Moxy specials include Got Moxy: Gin, with Moxy syrup blend; a non-alcoholic Fauxy Moxy: Moxy syrup blend and chilled tea; and the star of the show, Disco Diva: the ultimate sharing cocktail served in a disco ball with vodka, vanilla, limoncello, citrus elderflower, pomegranate, and prosecco. There’s also a dedicated barista counter for a coffee fix, and Grab ‘n Go snacks and beverages available 24/7.

The 146 stylish and smartly designed bedrooms can be as productive or as playful as needed, featuring plush platform beds to a fun-size workspace and comfy lounge chairs. Moxy Manchester City rooms feature walk-in showers, TVs with Netflix, open-wall closets, and motion activated LED guidelights. Plus, they’re pet friendly, so pooches can come too.

Moxy crew members love doing it all and always think outside the box, offering an authentic experience and a whole load of fun. Designed with social media-lovers in mind, Moxy Manchester City is the first Manchester hotel to have a digital ‘Guestbook’ wall. The Guestbook streams photos, and videos that Moxy guests have shared to the social sphere. Moxy moments are shared on the wall, which constantly changes as the social feed is updated.

Moxy participates in Marriott Bonvoy, the award-winning travel program from Marriott International. Marriott Bonvoy members will earn points for their stay at Moxy Manchester 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.

To book your stay at Moxy Manchester city visit www.MoxyManchesterCity.com | @MoxyMcr #PlayON #AtTHEMOXY

Notes to Editors:

Media Contacts

Georgie Noble, Director, Consumer PR, EMEA
Marriott International
Georgie.noble@marriott.com

Lara Busch, PR Manager, Consumer PR, EMEA
Marriott International
Lara.busch@Marriott.com

About Moxy Hotels®
Moxy offers a playful hotel experience for the young at heart. With more than 100 properties open across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, Moxy boldly breaks the rules of a conventional hotel stay across the globe. The nontraditional experience starts with check-in at Bar Moxy and comes to life throughout its social public spaces, like the Lounge and Library, and the small but smart bedrooms. Moxy provides stylish, industrial design and sociable service at an attractive price point, so that guests can splurge on the experiences that matter most to them during their travels. Moxy celebrates nonconformity, open-mindedness, and originality above all – forever giving its guests permission to Play On #atthemoxy. For more information, visit www.moxyhotels.com and join the fun #atthemoxy on Instagram. Moxy 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 KE Hotels
An independent boutique hotelier. KE Hotels are a small, independent hotel owner and operator with three properties in the UK. Their focus is on high quality, mixed-use services and excellent levels of customer satisfaction. The hotels operate under the world’s leading names in travel; as part of Marriott’s Tribute portfolio in Bath, Marriott’s Moxy brand in Manchester, and Best Western in Oxford. www.ke-hotels.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Marriott International to Debut over 30 New Luxury Hotels in 2022

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Marriott International to Debut over 30 New Luxury Hotels in 2022

Cannes, France, December 14, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / At the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) in Cannes, Marriott International has announced that it will debut over thirty luxury hotels in 2022. Marriott Continues to redefine the high-end hospitality landscape and grow luxury footprint from New York City to Cairo to Sydney.

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

Through the world-renowned hospitality hallmarks of The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, St. Regis, W, The Luxury Collection, EDITION, JW Marriott and Bulgari, Marriott International continues to elevate travel, creating highly contextualized, distinct brand experiences that signal the future of luxury. With an unrivaled network of more than 460 landmark luxury hotels and resorts in 68 countries and territories today, Marriott International is poised to expand its luxury footprint with nearly 190 properties in the development pipeline, including the 30 hotels expected to open in 2022, in iconic as well as emerging destinations from Mexico to Portugal and Australia to South Korea.

“Our guests are seeking deeper, more immersive experiences that allow them to indulge in global exploration while sparking personal regeneration,” said Chris Gabaldon, Senior Vice President, Luxury Brands, Marriott International.

Luxury is Entering a New Era of Regeneration
A global luxury trends study conducted in collaboration with creative agency Team One revealed that today’s affluent travelers are shifting from a ‘box checking’ mindset to a ‘traveling well’ mindset, taking a more thoughtful, intentional approach to trip planning. Gabaldon observed, “As people reexamine and reprioritize what matters to them most, a shift that has accelerated over the past two years, we’re seeing a real embracing of deeper travel. Our guests are focusing more on where they travel and why they make the journey, seeking to foster a more meaningful connection to the destination as well as the people they meet.” With a truly global footprint, Marriott International is poised to meet this evolving set of aspirations, inviting people to view travel as a canvas for regeneration that leads to lasting positive impact on locals and destinations. “From the world’s most desirable destinations to undiscovered gems, we strive to go beyond offering moments of transformation for our guests and hope to create experiences that will inspire a newfound sense of personal wellbeing and joy,” said Gabaldon.

The Ritz-Carlton Continues to Define the Future of Luxury Hospitality
With a focus on destination-driven design and unparalleled service, The Ritz-Carlton continues to drive innovation and set the standard for luxury hospitality. In 2021 the brand was introduced in some of the world’s most coveted locales, including the Maldives, Turks & Caicos, and Mexico City. In 2022, the brand expects to expand in Arizona with The Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley, The Palmeraie, as well as in New York City, debuting in the vibrant NoMad neighborhood, where guest rooms feature sweeping city views. The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne is slated to grow the renowned brand’s footprint in Australia. Ritz-Carlton Reserve anticipates expanding its highly curated portfolio, debuting its sixth rare estate in the historic Chinese valley of Jiuzhaigou. In keeping with the brand’s forward-looking design aesthetic, The Ritz-Carlton Moscow, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, and The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, are all expected to celebrate major renovations in the year ahead. Additionally, the brand expects to mark the inaugural voyage of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection in May 2022.

St. Regis Celebrates Timeless Glamour in Coveted Global Hot Spots
Through its celebrated rituals, rich heritage, and glamorous spirit, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts is blazing a path from iconic hospitality brand to a global luxury icon and in the year ahead expects to debut its 50th property. In 2021, the storied brand grew its footprint in the Middle East by introducing two properties each in Cairo and Dubai and, in the year ahead, anticipates further expanding the brand in the region with the opening of The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island, The Pearl in Qatar. In 2022, St. Regis is slated to debut in Chicago, with a Jeanne Gang designed building that has already become an exquisite new icon on the Windy City’s skyline, and the brand also expects to bring its bespoke service and avant-garde style to Belgrade. St. Regis continues to grow in leisure destinations, expecting to nearly double its number of resort properties over the next five years. This year saw the debut of The St. Regis Bermuda Resort, Marriott International’s first luxury property on the island and, in the year ahead, the brand anticipates marking the opening of The St. Regis Kanai Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico, which will feature ocean views from nearly every vantage point. The St. Regis San Francisco also expects to celebrate the completion of a comprehensive renovation, debuting a sophisticated new look and feel in 2022.

W Hotels Reimagines Luxury & Sparks Imagination
In 2021, W Hotels brought its unique lens on luxury to destinations including Nashville, Osaka, Philadelphia, Melbourne, Xiamen, and Rome, where a 162-room hotel comprised of two 19th century palazzos marked the brand’s much-anticipated debut in Italy. With nearly 60 hotels around the globe, W is defined by detail-driven design, inspiring energy, a buzzing cocktail and dining culture, as well as elevated programming localized by destination. With a continuous focus on redefining and elevating the W experience, the brand is slated to open in exciting destinations next year including the Algarve, Sydney, Dubai and Toronto.

EDITION Continues Growth in Iconic Destinations Around the Globe
An unexpected and refreshing collection of one-of-a-kind hotels that redefine the concept of luxury, EDITION Hotels brought its personal and intimate hospitality experience to Reykjavik and Dubai in 2021. The in-demand brand, recently named the hottest in the world by Forbes, offers sophisticated design, a curated taste of the destination, and modern service. EDITION Hotels announces its anticipated further international expansion in 2022 with the slated opening of six new properties, including sites in Madrid, Rome, Doha, Tampa, Riviera Maya in Kanai, and Ginza, the second property in Tokyo. With 14 hotels worldwide currently, all firmly established within the luxury space, the brand is expected to reach a footprint of 20 properties globally by the end of 2022.

The Luxury Collection Inspires Transformational Travel in New Destinations
With hotels that truly define their destination, The Luxury Collection is a growing ensemble of nearly 120 hotels in more than 40 countries and territories around the world. In 2021, the brand made its debut in Hungary with the opening of the transformed UNESCO world heritage site Matild Palace in Budapest, expanded its footprint in North America, brought elevated alpine interiors and Rocky Mountain vibrancy to Vail through The Hythe, and showcased distinct, heritage-inspired design in South Korea with the opening of Josun Palace. With each hotel offering unique experiences and serving as a portal to the destination’s indigenous charms, The Luxury Collection is slated to debut properties next year in captivating locations that span the globe, including Spain, India, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Tbilisi, Georgia.

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

JW Marriott Celebrates the Passions of its Guests through Well-Being Experiences
Inspired by its legendary namesake and rooted in holistic well-being, JW Marriott celebrated recent openings in Charlotte, Monterrey, Shanghai and Tampa. With over 100 properties in more than 35 countries and territories, JW Marriott offers a legacy of exceptional service and is committed to delivering experiences and environments that encourage guests to be fully present and foster meaningful connections. In the coming year, JW Marriott anticipates continuing to cater to sophisticated, mindful travelers who seek a balance in mind, body and spirit with new openings in destinations from Cairo to Istanbul, and Mexico to Jeju Island, South Korea.

About Marriott International, Inc.
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.

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. From The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis to W Hotels and more, Marriott Bonvoy has more luxury offerings than any other travel program. 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.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Hyatt Regency Koh Samui launches its Christmas Countdown

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Hyatt Regency Koh Samui launches its Christmas Countdown - TRAVELINDEXKoh Samui, Thailand, December 13, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / There are multiple reasons to rejoice this festive period at Hyatt Regency Koh Samui as the acclaimed new property unveils a packed schedule of seasonal events.

Countdown to Chrtistmas gets underway on 11 December with a special tree lighting ceremony with sunset cocktails and canapes. And the subsequent weeks until the turn of the new year are filled with eye-catching parties, lavish dining events and plentiful diversion for adults and children alike.

The resort, which is located in North Chaweng — and is less than ten minutes from Koh Samui’s international airport—has been an instant hit with guests since opening in July. Thus far, the resort has largely been limited to clients based in Thailand. But with the Kingdom now open to international travellers, the property is witnessing an uptick in bookings for the months ahead.

All the more reason to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

“We are looking forward to the future with optimism and what better way to bring the year to an uplifting end than to mark it with a series of special festive activities,” said Hyatt Regency Koh Samui general manager Adrian Pulido.

To that purpose, the resort has planned a series of festive activities guaranteed to put guests in a party mood.

The property incorporates around 80 native Yang Na trees (Dipterocarpus alatus) that were once used by sailors and fishermen as navigational landmarks. One of these, the highest, will be the site for a tree lighting ceremony where a live saxophonist will provide the soundtrack for cocktails and canapes.

Enjoying great food and drink is one of the cornerstones of the festive season. And gastronomes will find plenty to savour on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

A Christmas Eve dinner at SESUN, the resort’s buzzing beachfront grill, features a sumptuous BBQ buffet as well as a live band and a fire show. The action shifts to the resort’s main restaurant, Yangna Cuisine, on Christmas Day, which will host a multi-cuisine banquet encompassing traditional festive favourites, Japanese cuisine, fresh seafood and risotto in a cheese wheel.

For New Year’s Eve, Yangna Cuisine hosts a barbecue gala dinner with a live band. The culmination of the festive program, meanwhile, takes place back at SESUN where DJs, live performers and a fireworks display will see out 2021 and usher in 2022 at a lavish countdown party.

The resort has also curated a range of supplementary events over the festive period. These include Christmas cupcake decoration for families, a cocktail-making class and omakase festive cocktails at Kube bar and an appearance by the man himself — Santa Claus — at the resort’s beach pool on Christmas Day.

To make a reservation or for more information contact T +66 77 448 777

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Bali Resort House Reef Thrives During Lockdown

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Bali Resort House Reef Thrives During Lockdown - TRAVELINDEXBali, Indonesia, December 13, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Siddhartha Oceanfront Resort & Spa launches dive-inspired packages to welcome guests in the new year. While the Island of the Gods battened down the hatches during the pandemic, an emerging reef off the shores of a Bali resort has deepened its roots and flourished — so much so that the Siddhartha Oceanfront Resort & Spa is ringing the bells on the success of a reef restoration and house reef project, with the launch of two new diving & snorkeling packages for its April 2022 re-opening.

The creation of an immense artificial reef, spanning 100 meters near the shoreline of the property, and the expansion of the existing reef are passion projects of onsite Managing Directors and owners, Stefan Brand and Barbara Ebel. Over the last several years the couple have worked tirelessly to develop the area in front of the resort, known as Kubu Marine Park, as a marine sanctuary–sometimes spending several hours a day underwater.

“We never wanted to break anything to create something new so the project has taken a long time to get to the stage where it is now,” explained Brand. To create the house reef the couple collected broken stone corals and soft corals that had separated naturally from other reefs – from strong current, for example – and have successfully used discarded man-made materials as a foundation for growth.

“Some corals that we didn’t think would even work on the reef have flourished during recent times,” said Ebel. “Just this month we spotted a coral that we didn’t think would take and it’s already grown over a square meter.”

The house reef might have been slow to grow but the increase in fish happened quickly. With limited people frequenting the spot due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, the area is teeming with even more coral growth and marine life. Such sea life as turtles, trumpetfish, batfish, schooling snappers, sweetlips and fusiliers, along with leaf fish, lionfish, and even the occasional reef shark or eagle ray can now be found in the waters outside Siddhartha.

Also accessible from the property is the Boga Wreck, a 50-meter long ship that was purposely sunk in 2012 and has since been claimed by nature. Remnants inside the Boga, ranging from Buddha statues to a VW Jeep, can also be discovered by more advanced divers. The famous USAT Liberty Wreck, a US cargo ship that was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine during the Second World War, is only a few minutes by car or boat from the oceanfront property.

With a fully equipped SSI (Scuba Schools International) dive center on site, Siddhartha has rolled out two new packages that cater to a range of underwater enthusiasts, from the curious to the advanced.

“Discover East Bali” is a ten-night stay package that includes two guided one-hour house reef dives (by scuba or snorkel) and two 60-minute Balinese style massages at the resort’s Six Elements Spa. Rates start from USD1,130 per room. “Explore Diving Bali” is a new seven-night stay package for certified divers featuring six guided dives that take in the house reef along with other famous nearby shore dive sites. Starting rates are from USD900 per room.

Both offers include airport transfers and daily breakfast and are available until Dec. 1, 2022. Free yoga classes are also on offer each day in an open-air Balinese-style pavilion near the shoreline.

Siddhartha features 30 bungalows and two oceanfront villas spread out over 2.4 hectares of land in a more traditional and less frequented area of Bali. Each freestanding bungalow or villa was designed with privacy in mind and ample space, lush with old growth trees and newly planted vegetable gardens, provides an extra layer of seclusion. Both villas and many of the bungalows have ocean views so guests can take in the scenery from both above and below water during their stay.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Anantara Siam Introduces Glamorous Fashionista Afternoon Tea

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Anantara Siam Introduces Glamorous Fashionista Afternoon Tea

Bangkok, Thailand, December 13, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel is marking the start of the holiday shopping season with a new afternoon tea experience that is fit for a fashionista and the perfect glamorous refreshment after a day of stylish shopping.

Served in the luxury hotel’s magnificent lobby and comprising couture cakes in eyepopping colours served on custom designed crockery in equally dazzling designs, the new House of Glamour afternoon tea set was conceptualised and designed by Tube Gallery by Phisit Jongnarangsin and Saxit Pisalasupongs, the Bangkok edgy Tube Gallery fashion house, collaboration with renowned pop art artist Christian Develter.

Anantara Siam’s Executive Pastry Chef, winner of the Eat List Star television show search for the next big culinary personality and co-presenter of the McDang television cooking show, Anupong Nualchawee, designed the sweet and savoury nibbles selection – highlights include chocolate chunk scone with caramel ginger spread; golden praline ganache infused with cinnamon; salmon mousse curry with nori cracker; and duck sous vide crispy sandwich.

Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel’s House of Glamour afternoon tea is served daily in the Lobby from 14h00 until 18h00 and costs THB 1,950++ per set for two people, including a selection of Mariage Frères teas and exotic mocktails.

For more information or to make a reservation, please call Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel on 02 126 8866.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

24th UNWTO General Assembly: Tourism United, Resilient and Determined

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24th UNWTO General Assembly: Tourism United, Resilient and Determined

Madrid, Spain, December 12, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Over the course of three days, the 24th session of the UNWTO General Assembly underscored global tourism’s commitment to restarting around the shared pillars of sustainability, innovation and solidarity.

Representatives of 131 UNWTO Member States, including 59 Ministers and Vice-Ministers of Tourism, attended the Assembly in the Spanish capital, Madrid (30 November – 3 December). Alongside the participation of Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Ms. Reyes Maroto, the political support to UNWTO from the Spanish government was underlined with the presence of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and Minister of Foreign Affairs José Manuel Albares. On the eve of the General Assembly, the King of Spain Felipe VI expressed his recognition of tourism’s socio-economic relevance and appreciation of the role of UNWTO.

Unprecedented reach and recognition

UNWTO presented its accomplishments over the past two years since the last General Assembly, most notably guiding tourism through the biggest crisis in the history of the sector. Against this backdrop. members endorsed the Programme of Work for the coming biennium and voted strongly (77%) in favour of the Secretary-General serving a second term (2022- 2025). United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, as well as the leaders of key UN agencies UNWTO has been working with throughout the pandemic – WHO, ICAO and UNCTAD – delivered dedicated messages to UNWTO.
Power of youth and private sector

The General Assembly united Member States and Affiliate Members around a shared vision for the future of tourism and UNWTO itself. Members endorsed a landmark International Code for the Protection of Tourists, making clear the responsibilities every part of the sector has in assisting tourists in crisis situations and so helping restore trust in international travel.

Sustainable, inclusive future

Away from the Plenary Sessions for Members, the General Assembly also saw UNWTO bring Tourism Ministers and representatives from international organizations and the private sector together for a special Thematic Session on “Building for the Future: Innovation, Education and Rural Development”. Here, the winners of the UNWTO Global Rural Tourism Competition were announced, as was the first list of Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO, recognizing the power of new ideas to create opportunities outside of big cities and those destinations that are already leading the way in harnessing the power of tourism as a driver of recovery and sustainable development.

At the same time, the best young talent was also celebrated with the winners of the UNWTO Students’ League sharing their ideas alongside established sector leaders. And the role of UNWTO’s Affiliate Members in putting plans into action the ground was also emphasized. New Affiliate Members were welcomed and examples of effective public-private partnerships singled out, for helping tourism adapt to the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Members voted to hold the 25th Session of the General Assembly in 2023 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Before then, as also endorsed by Members, Bali in Indonesia will host World Tourism Day 2022, to be held around the timely theme of ‘Rethinking Tourism’, while the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be the host country for World Tourism Day 2023, to be held around the theme of ‘Tourism for Green Investment’.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News