Global Travel News

Lifestyle TRIBE Hotels Arrive in Southeast Asia

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Lifestyle TRIBE Hotels Arrive in Southeast Asia

Phnom Penh, Cambodia, November 14, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Ennismore announces the arrival of TRIBE hotels in Southeast Asia, focused on key countries including Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines. TRIBE’s growth in Southeast Asia forms part of Ennismore’s global growth of its lifestyle brands.

Launched in 2019, TRIBE is an alternative lifestyle brand that is shaking up the rules of hospitality to fulfil the wants and needs of the modern traveller, without compromising on sophistication, style or functionality. TRIBE hotels are designed to focus on common areas to create multifunctional spaces that encourage connection between guests while providing that welcoming and familiar feeling. A TRIBE hotel offers far more than just accommodation – it provides collaborative workspaces, decompression zones and social destinations.

François Leclerc, Deputy Brand COO at Ennismore said: “We’re incredibly excited to debut TRIBE in Southeast Asia, bringing a new concept to the region. TRIBE is all about reshaping the traditional hotel experience into something that enables guests to stay, work and socialise in a truly contemporary environment. We know that TRIBE hotels will really excite modern travellers who are looking for simplicity, affordability, and connectivity in a high-end interior environment.  Our guests are true explorers – they could be out shopping, experiencing the local neighbourhood or out doing business, however they do want to return to a hotel that is both design driven and social. These diverse modern travellers are connected by a love of contemporary design, a spirit of adventure & a new understanding of what a functional, contemporary hotel should be. The TRIBE brand offers up the perfect solution.”

From the music selections to the choice of local coffee roasters, each TRIBE element is meticulously curated. TRIBE collaborates with different creative designers at each location, selecting elements to reflect the brand’s philosophy and unique vibe, creating an inclusive environment for everyone. Those drawn to TRIBE have a lust for life and are often more comfortable outside the box than in it. They’re always on the hunt for new experiences and stories to share.

Guest rooms combine style and comfort, with the latest technologies in a user-friendly and welcoming space. The approach to simplicity, complemented by polished interior design, is evident in each private space. The smart rooms feature high quality linens, intuitive connectivity, rain showers, signature robes, and Nespresso coffee machines.

Ennismore has already signed 50 TRIBE hotels and is aiming for rapid expansion with up to 150 to open globally within the next five years, including in Phnom Penh, Bali, Singapore, Phuket and Manila by 2025.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Putting Women’s Empowerment Centre Stage in Tourism’s Recovery

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Putting Women’s Empowerment Centre Stage in Tourism’s Recovery

Madrid, Spain, November 13, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has launched the ‘Centre Stage’ project, with the support of German Federal Ministry for Economic Development (BMZ), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and UN Women.

Over the course of one year, from November 2021 – November 2022, the project will support the tourism sector in placing women’s empowerment and gender equality at the heart of recovery plans following the COVID-19 pandemic. The project will be piloted in four participating Member States in collaboration with the National Tourism Administrations of Jordan (MOTA), Costa Rica (ICT), the Dominican Republic (MITUR) and Mexico (SECTUR).

The impact of COVID-19 on women in tourism

Women make up more than half of the tourism workforce at a global level (54%), according to the Global Report on Women in Tourism, Second Edition. However, women are often concentrated in low-skilled or informal work and have fewer opportunities for education and career development. As a result, women in the sector have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19, with less access to social protections and a reduced capacity to absorb the economic shock caused by the pandemic.

Nevertheless, the tourism sector has historically provided women with opportunities for empowerment, offering many a livelihood and source of autonomy. For this reason, UNWTO has identified the recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to address the gender inequality in the sector.

Concrete measures towards gender equality

Under the ‘Centre Stage’ project, the participating National Tourism Administrations and tourism businesses will implement a one-year action plan containing a series of concrete measures designed to increase opportunities for women’s empowerment. They will be supported by local NGOs, professional organizations and be accompanied by UNWTO through a series of virtual and in-person training opportunities.

The measures included in the Action Plans span the 6 areas of work considered key for gender equality and women’s empowerment in tourism: Employment; Entrepreneurship; Education and training; Leadership, policy and decision making; Community and civil society; Measurement for better policies. The measures have been targeted to the needs identified in the four pilot countries and look to address the specific challenges women face in each.

A total of 10 tourism businesses and 4 NGOs/community organizations will join the participating National Tourism Administrations to implement the measures. UNWTO recently organized two informative webinars for participants from Jordan as well as Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic and Mexico.

The activities of ‘Centre Stage’ will get underway in November 2021 and include training sessions with a gender focus, personalized guidance aiming to improve working conditions for women in the sector and producing data on the effects of the pandemic on female employment in tourism.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Best Western to Extend Elite Status of All Best Western Rewards Members

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Best Western to Extend Elite Status of All Best Western Rewards Members - TRAVELINDEXBali, Indonesia, November 12, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Best Western Hotels and Resorts is helping its loyalty members retain their Elite Status with Best Western Rewards for another year. Effective immediately, all BWR members globally will maintain their current status through March 31, 2023, without needing to fulfill the necessary qualifications.

“It has been wonderful to welcome back so many of our valued guests in recent months, but we recognize that the travel landscape is still an uncertain one for many around the world,” comments Dorothy Dowling, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for BWHR. “Whether you’ve already ventured out on a well-deserved getaway or are just starting to make plans for your travels in the year ahead, we remain committed to providing you with rich and meaningful rewards like this Elite Status extension. At BWHR, we look forward to offering you the best away-from-home experience possible, whenever you’re ready.”

BWR recently rebranded its tagline to “Because We Care About Rewarding You” to underscore how its perks are driven by BWHR’s foundational commitment of caring for guests. In 2020, BWHR was the first in the industry to extend loyalty status to its BWR members at the onslaught of the pandemic; and in 2021, the company cut its Elite Status eligibility qualifications in half to make it easier for travelers to earn loyalty status. Also inspired by the brand’s caring spirit, BWHR launched an industry-leading cleaning program, We Care CleanSM, which delivers an enhanced commitment to keeping guests safe and healthy when staying at Best Western branded hotels.

All BWR members worldwide are eligible for this latest Elite Status extension and no action is required on the part of the member. Status will be maintained for all members regardless of their current tier, ensuring both new and veteran members are protected at this time. BWR is the only industry loyalty program where points never expire, meaning members are not impacted by unpredictable circumstances that could prevent them from using their hard-earned points.

Today’s BWHR is a vibrant hospitality company with 18 distinct brand offerings across every market segment from economy to luxury. In recent years, the company has revitalized its properties across North America as owners invested a staggering $2 billion in property improvements and renovations. BWHR’s commitment to innovation and improvement has enabled the company to achieve record RevPAR Index, unrivaled industry recognition and unprecedented guest satisfaction.

About Best Western Hotels and Resorts
Best Western Hotels & Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a privately held hotel brand within the BWH Hotel Group® global network. With 18 brands and approximately 4,500 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*, BWH Hotel Group suits the needs of developers and guests in every market. Brands include Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, Executive Residency by Best Western®, Vīb®, GLō®, Aiden®, Sadie®, BW Premier Collection® and BW Signature Collection®. Through acquisition, WorldHotelsTM Luxury, WorldHotels Elite, WorldHotels Distinctive and WorldHotels Crafted collections are also offered. Completing the portfolio is SureStay®, SureStay Plus®, SureStay Collection® and SureStay Studio® franchises**.

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

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Shopee Offers Seamless Hotel Bookings with Shopee Hotel

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Shopee Offers Seamless Hotel Bookings with Shopee Hotel

Singapore, Singapore, November 12, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / As travel starts to rebound, e-commerce platform Shopee has partnered with travel platforms Agoda and Booking.com to launch Shopee Hotel.

Shopee Hotel enables users to seamlessly search, book and get instant confirmation for more than one million properties worldwide, all through the Shopee app. Through this exclusive partnership, Shopee users will now be able to access one of the largest online inventories of hotels, resorts, homes and apartments supplied by Agoda and Booking.com. Shopee Hotel will be rolled out across seven markets including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines.

The launch of Shopee Hotel is timely in meeting the needs of consumers, as domestic and international travel gradually re-opens in various markets, and more people are planning holidays. Agoda’s search data in September revealed that searches for domestic stays have risen by over 57% compared to May this year. There has also been an increase of 37% more users in Southeast Asia searching for international destinations. Shopee Hotel will provide users with greater savings and exclusive travel deals, while also increasing the reach and visibility of hotel partners to boost domestic and international tourism.

Terence Pang, chief operating officer at Shopee, said, “We are pleased to partner with leading travel platforms, Agoda and Booking.com to launch Shopee Hotel, which serves to provide our users with easy access to a wider variety of travel products and experiences. We also look forward to supporting the recovery of local travel and related tourism industries by promoting fun staycation ideas together with hotel partners. We invite everyone to travel safely and earn greater savings by booking their next holiday through Shopee Hotel.”

Shopee Hotel also enables seamless and convenient planning of travel itineraries within the app. As users browse for accommodations, they will be able to discover top landmarks near their chosen hotels, which can help them to explore local enclaves, neighbourhoods and attractions.

Damien Pfirsch, chief commercial officer, at Agoda, said, “Travelers know and trust Agoda and Booking.com to help make travel easier, because we are passionate about using our technology to connect people with the widest choice and greatest value deals, whether they are in Asia or across the world. This partnership with Shopee, the first with a regional e-commerce partner, will conveniently bring these great deals to Shopee customers, on a platform they are familiar with. At the same time, we can better support our hotel partners and tourism operators by connecting them to the biggest online community of shoppers in Southeast Asia. Such partnerships will help accelerate the recovery of the domestic and global travel and tourism industry in the long term.”

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

FINN Partners Acquires of Luxury Travel PR Firms Hawkins and Maverick Creative

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FINN Partners Acquires of Luxury Travel PR Firms Hawkins and Maverick Creative - TRAVELINDEXNew York City, New York, United States, November 12, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Global independent marketing and communications firm, FINN Partners, announced today that it has acquired Hawkins International PR, a 26-person bi-coastal, boutique luxury Travel and Hospitality PR agency with offices in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Jennifer Hawkins, Founder and CEO of Hawkins International PR, will join FINN as Managing Partner, Luxury Travel and become part of the agency’s Global Travel Practice leadership team. The Hawkins team will transition to the FINN brand name over time.

As part of the deal, FINN also acquires Maverick Creative, Hawkins International’s 10-person affiliate agency specializing in creative communications for travel and lifestyle clients. Maverick will retain its current branding and operations will continue under Managing Director Catherine Colford, while expanding to the UK.

“Hawkins International works with many of the most celebrated hotel and resort brands in the industry. They have an excellent reputation and a keen grasp of what drives high-end demographics. Their expertise within the luxury travel sector will complement our experience with large travel brands and leading destinations around the word,” said Peter Finn, Founding Managing Partner and CEO, FINN Partners.

Hawkins specializes in serving premier multinational luxury brands in the worlds of travel, hospitality and wellness. The firm’s capabilities span the breadth of travel communications services, including consumer and trade media relations, media intelligence, trendspotting, content development and storytelling, brand partnerships, social media strategy and advertising, influencer marketing, content marketing, digital marketing, experiential and thought leadership.

Current Hawkins clients include: Montage International, Inspirato, Dorchester Collection, Seabourn Cruise Line, onefinestay, Gstaad Palace, Wilderness Safaris, Palmaïa – The House of AïA, Living Vehicle, The Dolder Grand, The Sono Collection, and Tradewind Aviation.

Current Maverick clients include: Rocco Forte Hotels, Arlo Hotels, The Point, The Shelbourne, RVshare, Asbury Ocean Club, the Nines, and Chebeague Island Inn, among others.

FINN’s acquisition of Hawkins International and Maverick Creative follows strategic moves by the agency to bolster its position as a leading global integrated travel powerhouse, including its recent purchase of Hawaii-based Anthology Marketing Group, which has a strong travel practice, and hiring of Luxury Travel Expert Steven DeLuca as Senior Partner. With the addition of Hawkins and Maverick, FINN’s fast-growing Global Travel practice will reach more than $20 million with more than 150 people serving clients across three continents. The move will also complement FINN’s extensive portfolio of large travel and hospitality clients, which includes, South Africa, Singapore, Turkish Airlines, Bahamas, Iceland, Intrepid Travel, Italy, Belize, Dubai and Panama.

“The global luxury travel market was worth an estimated $945 billion in 2019 (Source: Allied Market Research). This market segment is lucrative in normal times, but with the pandemic, pent up demand has caused many travelers to ladder up to more bespoke, premium experiences and indulgent getaways. Now is the perfect time for FINN to build out our footprint as the go-to global luxury travel communications agency for clients around the world,” said Debbie Flynn, Managing Partner and Global Travel Practice Leader.

Said Jennifer Hawkins, Managing Partner, Luxury Travel, “It’s energizing to play a key role in FINN’s momentum as a global travel communications leader. They are a dynamic, independent agency that inherently shares many of Hawkins International’s and Maverick’s core values and a philosophy rooted in collaboration, respect and making a true difference in the world. I’m excited about the synergies between our companies, and the ability to leverage the resources across our global network to better serve existing and new clients within the luxury sector.”

The Stevens Group made the introduction between FINN Partners and Hawkins International and helped facilitate the transaction. Hawkins was advised on the negotiations by their business advisor, Seth Rosenstein.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

EFFORTS TO SAVE WINTER PROVE FUTILE: Beloved dolphin dies. Aquarium closes today.

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UPDATED: Florida’s Clearwater Marine Aquarium had temporarily closed today (Friday) to treat its most famous resident, Winter, the prosthetic-tailed dolphin that starred in the “Dolphin Tale” movies. The beloved marine mammal is now in critical condition from a suspected infection. Unfortunately their best efforts proved in vain and Winter died last night.

The announcement from the Aquarium:

The earlier story:

The aquarium said in a statement yesterday it was shutting down for the day “to create the best possible environment” for medical staff to treat the 16-year-old female bottlenose dolphin, who is suffering from a gastrointestinal infection.

“The dedicated CMA animal care experts are consulting with top animal care and veterinary specialists in the country and exploring all possible options to save Winter’s life,” the aquarium statement said.

James “Buddy” Powell, president of the aquarium, said the one-day closure will allow staff “to do nothing but focus on Winter’s health.” The aquarium plans to reopen Saturday.

“Winter is adored by the world,” Powell said. “Right now, she’s being docile, but she is moving and responding to people. We’re doing everything we can to take care of her medically.”

Winter was two months old when her tail became entangled in a crab trap near Cape Canaveral, which forced its amputation. “Dolphin Tale,” which was released in 2011, chronicled Winter’s recovery and the unprecedented, lengthy effort to fit her with a prosthetic tail.

The film, starring Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd, Kris Kristofferson, Morgan Freeman and Nathan Gamble, was largely shot at the Clearwater aquarium and surrounding Tampa Bay locations. It put the non-profit aquarium, first opened in 1972 on the site of a former water treatment plant, on the map internationally.

Officials there say Winter’s story has become an inspiration for disabled people around the world and the aquarium has received thousands of messages of support since Winter’s illness became known.

“Many are inspired by her resiliency and this amazing response reminds us of how deeply she has affected millions, including so many on their own health journey,” the aquarium statement said.

A sequel, “Dolphin Tale 2,″ was released three years later starring Winter and Hope, another rescued dolphin cared for by the Clearwater aquarium.

Bottlenose dolphins can live up to 60 years and are considered one of the most intelligent of all animal species.

Winter and Hope are by far the most famous residents of the Clearwater aquarium, which also operates sea turtle and manatee rescue programs.

A US$80 million expansion of the facility was recently completed, including 5.6 million-litre new dolphin complex, to handle the crowds that have descended on the aquarium since “Dolphin Tale” was released a decade ago.

Updated information at the

Winter, photo/ Clearwater Marine Aquarium>

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

PUBS, PATIOS & BARS: Greetings from The Bowery, Myrtle Beach

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“Greetings, Andy, from the Myrtle Beach Police Department!” – words I’ll always remember (they’re on video) from a bemused cop who was willing to send a message to an absent friend as my travelling buddy and I exited the South Carolina city’s legendary Bowery bar at some indistinct time during the early 1980s.

Myrtle Beach has changed by leaps and bounds since those days, and I’m not sure whether the police are as accommodating to slightly tipsy tourists, but it is a reassuring constant that The Bowery remains in all its glory.

Located steps from the Atlantic Ocean in the centre of town, the establishment has been welcoming locals and tourists alike since 1944 – a 77-year history highlighted by the presence of country music super group Alabama as house band from 1973 to ‘80, where they merely played for tips.

The Bowery keeps the association close at hand, not least through occasional visits from the band – as recently as 2019 – who still consider it home.

I don’t recall if Alabama was on stage during my visit (they may well have been), but I do recall walking out thinking that I might even like country music, such was the amazing live atmosphere of the place.

And that’s exactly the vibe that continues today where live music amps up every night at about 8:30 (no cover charge), with today’s version of Alabama – The Bounty Hunters – on stage, supported by servers who often deliver multiple mugs of draft by hand (no trays). According to the bar, one of its own, Scuba Obsorne, holds the Guinness Book Records mark for carrying 34 mugs at one time.

All of which is to say, that entertainment is the raison d’etre at the bar, or in local parlance, “Ya can’t beat the fun.”

And did we mention that a mug of Bowery brew only costs a buck-fifty – at least at during happy hour, Monday-Friday 4-7 p.m.

For food, go next door to the affiliated and connected Duffy Tavern (only 50 years young), noted for, as its sign says: “Hot Beer, Lousy Food, Bad Service.” But seriously, try the burgers, and snag a seat outside in the South Carolina sun if you can.

The Bowery/Duffy’s is located at 110 9th Avenue North (just off the boardwalk a couple of blocks from the SkyWheel) and is open from daily from 11 a.m. to “until.” If you can’t find it, just ask a cop – they know!

The band at play

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

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

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First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

MORE THAN JUST MELTING ICE: Loss of glaciers will hurt tourism, power supplies and more

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From the southern border of Germany to the highest peaks in Africa, glaciers around the world have served as moneymaking tourist attractions, natural climate records for scientists and beacons of beliefs for indigenous groups.

With many glaciers rapidly melting because of climate change, the disappearance of the ice sheets is sure to deal a blow to countries and communities that have relied on them for generations – to make electricity, to draw visitors and to uphold ancient spiritual traditions.

The ice masses that formed over millennia from compacted snow have been melting since around the time of the Industrial Revolution, a process that has accelerated in recent years.

The retreat can be seen in Africa, on the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the jagged peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains jut into the sky above a green jungle. The peaks once held more than 40 glaciers, but fewer than half of them remained by 2005, and the melting continues. Experts believe the last of the mountains’ glaciers could disappear within 20 years.

The disappearance means trouble for land-locked Uganda, which gets nearly half of its power from hydroelectricity, including the power plants that rely on steady water flow from the Rwenzori glaciers.

“That hydroelectric power runs much better on more regular flows than it does peak and troughs,’” said Richard Taylor, a professor of hydrogeology at the University College in London.

The Pasterz, the largest glacier in Austria, has declined by half since it was first accurately measured in 1851.

A continent away, on the southern edge of Germany’s border with Austria, only half a square kilometer (124 acres) of ice remains on five glaciers combined. Experts estimate that is 88% less than the amount of ice that existed around 1850, and that the remaining glaciers will melt in 10 to 15 years.

That spells bad news for the regional tourism industry that relies on the glaciers, said Christoph Mayer, a senior scientist in the geodesy and glaciology group at the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities in Munich.

“At the moment, tourist agencies can advertise, `You can visit some kind of the highest mountains in Germany with glaciers. You can walk on the glaciers,”’ Mayer said. “People living around these regions really live from tourism … there will be an impact on them if they lose these glaciers.”

The Snows of Kilimanjaro are a story of the past

The same issue faces Tanzania, where experts estimate that Mt. Kilimanjaro – the highest mountain in Africa and one of the country’s main tourism attractions – has lost about 90% of its glacial ice to melting and to sublimation, a process in which solid ice transitions directly to vapor without becoming a liquid first. Travel and tourism accounted for 10.7% of the country’s GDP in 2019.

There are intangible losses for many indigenous communities that reside within sight of glaciers as well, said Rainer Prinz, a glaciologist at the University of Innsbruck in Austria.

In the history of the local populations, “the ice in the mountains is the seat of god. It has a very spiritual meaning,” he said, discussing communities near Mt. Kilimanjaro. “Losing the glaciers there would also impact spiritual life, I think.”

The layers of ice that make up a glacier can be tens of thousands of years old and contain year-by-year information about past climate conditions, including atmospheric composition, temperature variations and types of vegetation that were present. Researchers take long tube-like ice cores from glaciers to “read” these layers.

During a 2010 research trip to the Carstensz glacier in Indonesia’s western Papua province, oceanographer Dwi Raden Susanto was excited to be part of a team that took a core sample from the remote glaciers. But once the sample was taken, Susanto said, scientists quickly realized the rapid decline of the ice allowed them to get records dating back only to the 1960s.

“It is sad because it’s not only a loss of local or national heritage for Indonesia, but this is also the loss of climate heritage for the world,” Susanto said.

As glaciers vanish, experts say, local ecosystems will begin to change as well – something already being studied at the Humboldt Glacier in Venezuela, which could disappear within the next two decades.

Experts warn that the fate of smaller glaciers offers a warning for larger glaciers.

For example, while many of the world’s smaller glaciers no longer serve as the main freshwater source for countries, some larger glaciers still do, including in Peru, which lost nearly 30% of its glacier mass between 2000 and 2016, said Lauren Vargo, a research fellow at the Antarctic Research Centre in Wellington, New Zealand.

“Those communities are much more dependent on glaciers for having water for their communities,” she said.

Increased melt will also lead to rising seas and changes in weather patterns _ something that is bound to affect society on a global level, Mayer said.

“The disappearance of these small glaciers is really a warning sign of what is coming in the future,” he said. It “should make you aware that something is going on, which is not just peanuts.”

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Marriott International Signs Agreement with Wasl to Open W Dubai – Mina Seyahi

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W Dubai - Mina Seyahi Rendering.jpg
W Dubai- Mina Seyahi Rendering

Marriott International, Inc. today announced it has signed an agreement with wasl Hospitality & Leisure LLC, a subsidiary of wasl Asset Management Group, to bring the W Hotels Worldwide brand to Dubai’s sought-after Jumeirah Beach coastline. Expected to welcome its first guests in 2022, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi is set to become an iconic addition to Dubai’s skyline and a new buzzing, urban escape in the cosmopolitan city.

“We are seeing increasing demand for luxury lifestyle brands in Dubai, and with its mix of culture and high-energy lifestyle, the emirate is the perfect destination for the trend-setting W Hotels brand,” said Candice D’Cruz, Vice President – Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “With its unexpected design and iconic, socially driven Whatever/Whenever® service, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi will become a destination within a destination.”

His Excellency Hesham Al Qassim, CEO of wasl Asset Management Group, said: “We are pleased to sign this agreement and introduce W Dubai – Mina Seyahi to the renowned Mina Seyahi complex in Dubai Marina. This new property, which is among several other Marriott International hotels that wasl brought and launched in the emirate, will be an exciting addition to Dubai’s hospitality sector. We continue to look forward to developing further hotels to cement our position as a key player in the hospitality sector”.

Located close to Dubai’s thriving leisure destinations, such as Dubai Marina and JBR Walk, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi is well-situated to offer guests a vibrant and playful escape. The 31-storey hotel is expected to feature 318 guestrooms, including 26 suites and an Extreme WOW Suite (W’s take on a Presidential Suite). The W Lounge (the brand’s signature take on the hotel lobby) is anticipated to draw inspiration from a Middle Eastern gathering place and will be a dynamic and lively space, where guests can mix and mingle over crafted cocktails and light bites. Anticipated plans include a new sunset destination experience by the pool overlooking the stunning Mina Seyahi bay, as well as a signature outlet on the 31st floor, with unsurpassed views of Dubai’s world-famous Palm Jumeirah Island.

FUEL, the W brand’s high-energy, social take on wellness that allows guests to focus on mind and body, will be at the heart of the BAR-B spa, which is expected to feature three treatment rooms and a beauty bar. The FIT Fitness Centre will see UK-born 1Rebel, the ultimate sport-luxe fitness experience, make its debut in the UAE, with a 2500-square-metre, dual-storey studio in the hotel.

“We are thrilled to strengthen our relationship with wasl Group to open W Dubai – Mina Seyahi in such an important leisure destination in Dubai,” said Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, Marriott International. “This new hotel underscores our commitment to growing our luxury portfolio in the Middle East, while signifying the demand for the W Hotels brand in the region.”

Marriott International currently operates six properties and residences under the W Hotels brand across the Middle East. W Dubai – Mina Seyahi is anticipated to be the brand’s second property in Dubai.

For more information, please visit www.whotels.com.

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

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

About wasl Asset Management Group
wasl Asset Management Group, one of the largest real estate management companies in Dubai, was established by the Dubai Real Estate Corporation (DREC) in 2008 to oversee the management of its assets and grow its real estate portfolio. Through its three subsidiaries; wasl properties, wasl hospitality and leisure and dubai golf; wasl operates in various real estate, lifestyle, leisure, hospitality, and business sectors. wasl’s main objective is to strengthen Dubai’s position as the premier hub to live and work in and at the same time be the ultimate destination for tourists.

wasl hospitality and leisure’s portfolio constitutes of 7,204 hotel rooms, of which 5,531 rooms are distributed among 20 hotels and 1,673 hotel apartments among 10 hotels.

For further information please visit: www.wasl.ae

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Metropole Hanoi to Host 2nd Annual Korean Culinary Experience

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Metropole Hanoi to Host 2nd Annual Korean Culinary Experience - TRAVELINDEXHa Noi, Vietnam, November 11, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi will host a two-week celebration of modern Korean gastronomy featuring extraordinary dishes created by Chef Joseph Lidgerwood, an Australian native living in Seoul whose restaurant Evett holds 1 Michelin Star (2020 and 2021) and who personally won the Michelin Young Chef Award 2021. The special celebration of modern Korean gastronomy runs from Nov. 15-30, 2021.

Now in its second year, this special Korean culinary event runs for two weeks, from Nov. 15-30, with à la carte dishes in Metropole Hanoi’s Le Club Bar, in addition to bar bites and cocktails at angelina, the hotel’s cocktail bar, whisky lounge and restaurant.

The event kicks off Monday, Nov. 15 from 11am-2pm with a private lunch at La Veranda. This invite-only affair will include canapés and two live cooking stations featuring Korean dishes.

The dishes on Chef Joseph’s special à la carte menu are inspired by popular Korean folktales. These include Liver Parfait with Assorted Namul Muchim, a Foie gras parfait inspired by the tale of a smart rabbit that makes use of a variety of mountain herbs found in Korea. Stuffed Persimmon with Creamy Halibut Tartar and Citrus is inspired by the humorous folktale known as the Tiger and Persimmon. Drawing from the Fairy and the Woodsman, Velvety Lobster on Gondrae Jook & Paprika Leathers features lobster brushed with seaweed butter, congee and paprika leathers. Inspired by the same story, Gochujang Glazed Wagyu Beef & Paprika Crisps features a dish covered in fallen “autumn leaves” of sweet potato and paprika crisps atop Wagyu beef glazed with gochujang sauce on a bed of sweet potato mash.

Chef Joseph is the chef-owner of the restaurant Evett in the South Korean capital, which showcases a tasting menu based on Korean ingredients and traditional food, taking a fresh perspective, with ideas and techniques gathered from around the world.

Due to ongoing travel restrictions, Chef Joseph will be unable to personally join the event, but Metropole Executive Sous Chef Thien Nguyen and Culinary Guide So Yeon Kim will present the food according to Chef Joseph’s exclusive recipe and procedures.

For more information on this event, or to make a reservation, please contact the hotel’s food and beverage department at Tel: 024 3826 6919 ext. 8200

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News