Global Travel News

Responding to Code Red, SUNx Issues Climate Friendly Travel Report

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Responding to Code Red, SUNx Issues Climate Friendly Travel Report - TRAVELINDEXValletta, Malta, October 21, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / SUNx Malta has today issued its second annual report on Climate Friendly Travel ahead of the Glasgow COP 26 Climate Summit. SUNx is an EU-based NGO established as a legacy for climate and sustainability trailblazer, Maurice Strong.

The SUNx Report, which can be accessed at calls for a DASH-2-Zero supporting the recent Glasgow Tourism Declaration.

Based on curated research data, the Report shows the intensifying of climate driven global disasters and how this impacts the vital Travel & Tourism sector of the world economy

The Report also:

1. Endorses the Glasgow Tourism Declaration and urges a DASH-2-Zero to take the commitments made further and faster suggesting targets of net zero carbon dioxide emissions for 2030 and zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050

2. Calls for climate resilience now for Travel & Tourism activities, as well as clear emission reduction and sustainability plans, based on the science, the weather & demands of youth

3. Identifies a range of support services available to help companies and communities stay on track for a climate friendly travel future

4. Offers its Climate Friendly Travel Registry linked to the UN Global Climate Action Portal to help tourism stakeholders register climate and sustainability ambitions and show progress

5. Recognises the central interest and role of youth in dealing with the existential climate crisis and how young people are helping to promote positive change across the Travel & Tourism sector

Professor Geoffrey Lipman, President of SUNx Malta said, “We are not only pleased to support the Glasgow Declaration, but we hope that our Climate Friendly Travel Report will spur real action and positive response to UN Secretary General Guterres’ call for a Code Red for Humanity, underscored by the recent IPCC 6th Assessment Report. Our concept of Climate Friendly Travel and our call for a DASH-2-Zero can act as a catalyst for rapid change and a conduit to the UN led 2030/2050 Green and Clean Roadmap for a better future.

“SUNx Malta has also laid out its own Decade Vision, which targets 10,000 registered companies and 1000 communities by 2030, as well as 100,000 Climate Champions to support the transformation”

To download the report:

About SUNx
SUNx is an EU based, not-for-profit organisation, established as a legacy for Maurice Strong, climate and sustainability pioneer half a century ago. It is partnered with Malta’s Ministry of Tourism and Consumer Protection and Tourism Authority

SUNx Malta created the ‘Green & Clean, Climate Friendly Travel System’ to help Travel & Tourism companies and communities transform to the new Climate Economy. The programme is based on reducing carbon, meeting Sustainable Development Goals, and matching the Paris 1.5C trajectory. It is action and education focused – supporting today’s companies and communities to deliver on their climate ambitions and encouraging tomorrow’s young leaders to prepare for rewarding careers across the Travel sector.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Deutsche Hospitality and Porsche Design Group Launch Unique Hotel Concept

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Deutsche Hospitality and Porsche Design Group Launch Unique Hotel Concept - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25HOTELS.comBaden-Baden, Germany, October 21, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Deutsche Hospitality and the Porsche Design Group are joining forces to present the Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels brand, an innovative hotel concept in the Luxury Lifestyle Segment. Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels will bring together design, technology and lifestyle at the very highest level. The result will be a unique brand experience created from the design philosophy and values of the exclusive Porsche Design lifestyle brand. This will be combined with the excellence and experience of Steigenberger, which boasts a representative tradition stretching back for more than 90 years.

Investor interest in Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels is considerable. The first planning stage involves the establishment of up to 15 hotels in global metropolises such as London, Singapore, Dubai and Shanghai.

Design and quality are the top priority

“Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels creates a brand which marries the design philosophy and values of the exclusive Porsche Design brand with the hospitality and service quality of a Steigenberger hotel,” said Marcus Bernhardt, CEO of Steigenberger Hotels AG/Deutsche Hospitality. “Our joint goal is to establish a new hotel product for a global target group which seeks uniqueness and which has the highest aspirations regarding quality.”

“Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels will boast an unusual and exceptional spatial and lighting concept,” stated Dr. Jan Becker, CEO of Porsche Design Group. “Innovative rooms and suites will feature a singular design and interior which captures the spirit of the environment. Travellers in search of extraordinary experiences will be able to find Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels at some of the world’s most breath-taking locations.”

The hotels will offer at least 150 rooms, suites, and penthouses. They will also have a remarkable restaurant and bar concept, exclusive Meet&Greet Cubes, and a health and beauty facility and gym extending over a minimum area of 1,000 square metres.

Deutsche Hospitality already maintains a presence in the Luxury, Upscale, Midscale and Economy Segments via the existing brands. “We have set ourselves the objective of achieving significant worldwide growth by 2027,” Mr. Bernhardt continued. “For us, Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels constitutes an important step towards appealing to an attractive target group in the long term and towards meeting growing requirements for individuality, exclusivity, design and an inimitable hotel experience.”

The development of Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels is enabling Porsche Design to transfer its brand philosophy to exterior and interior architecture. This will allow design expertise to be made accessible to a broad section of the public via the vehicle of outstanding hotel projects. Jan Becker: “The brand perception factor is becoming increasingly important for customers. In hotels we convey the brand experience in a unique way, and this makes it possible to introduce additional differentiation to the market.”

About Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels

In 1963, Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche came up with the 911, one of the most significant design objects in contemporary history. He went on to found the exclusive lifestyle brand Porsche Design in 1972 in pursuit of a vision to transport the company’s principles and the Porsche myth beyond the confines of the car. His philosophy and design language live on in all Porsche Design products right down to the present day. Albert Steigenberger opened the Europäischer Hof in Baden-Baden in 1930, a hotel which was to go on to become the founding myth of Steigenberger Hotels AG. 160 hotels now operate under the Steigenberger name across three continents. Deutsche Hospitality has formed part of the Huazhu Group since 2020. Huazhu is one of the largest hotel groups in the world. The company’s portfolio encompasses more than 7,000 hotels, and its H Rewards Bonus Programme currently boasts more than 174 million members.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ITB China Announces the Maldives as Official Island Travel Partner

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ITB China Announces the Maldives as Official Island Travel Partner

Shanghai, China, October 20, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Maldives was one of the first countries to open borders for international travellers last year amidst the pandemic. In 2021 they will be the Official Island Travel Partner for the upcoming ITB China, set to take place from 24 – 26 November as a physical event in Shanghai, with a virtual extension from early November until the end of December. The independent island nation in the northern Indian Ocean will participate in China’s B2B travel trade show with its own Maldives pavilion to showcase its tropical islands and discuss business prospects with Chinese buyers to increase bookings and arrivals from China to the Maldives once travel restrictions are lifted.

• Discover Island Partner Maldives at VisitMaldives.org, the Sunny Paradise Islands, go to VisitMaldives.org

Recovering well from the negative effects of the pandemic

Following the implementation of strict policies and measures for the safety of visitors, the Maldives opened their borders in mid-July 2020 and since then the arrival figures have been promising. By the end of 2020 they were able to achieve 33% of the total arrivals achieved in 2019. During the first six months of 2021, they have achieved 62% year on year, in comparison to arrivals in the same period of 2019.

China being one of Maldives’ top markets prior to the pandemic

“As China has been one of our biggest source markets in the past, it is a priority to maintain the destination presence in China. We are constantly holding activities and digital marketing campaigns and participate in minor and major events of the travel trade industry,” said Mr Thoyyib Mohamed, Managing Director of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation. “ITB China is China’s leading travel trade show and we are excited to promote our destination at this prestigious event and work towards regaining the market share we had in China before the pandemic. During ITB China 2021, we hope to assure our travellers that the Maldives is the safest destination to travel post pandemic, after travel restrictions are eased. ITB China provides us with a perfect opportunity to meet travel trade partners from China and beyond, to re-familiarize them with our unique products and experiences. We look forward to an exciting event and towards building lasting relationships and networking with stakeholders from China, to establish mutually beneficial partnerships.”

The Maldives offer a wide array of options for tourists from all segments.

There are customized packages in resorts, hotels, guesthouses and liveaboards for either high end or budget travellers. Since the island nation introduced guesthouse concept in 2010, there is a positive trend in non-luxury travellers visiting Maldives on a budget.

• Discover Island Partner Maldives at VisitMaldives.org, the Sunny Paradise Islands, go to VisitMaldives.org

About ITB China and the ITB China Conference
ITB China 2021 will take place from Wednesday to Friday, 24 to 26 Nov, at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Centre. In addition to the physical event, ITB China 2021 Virtual will be held from 8 November to 31 December 2021. ITB China is a business-to-business travel trade platform that focuses exclusively on the Chinese travel industry. The ITB China Conference will take place parallel with the show and is co-organized by the leading travel conference organizer TravelDaily.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Hospitality Sector Collectively Pledges Net Zero Ambitions

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Hospitality Sector Collectively Pledges Net Zero Ambitions - TRAVELINDEXLondon, United Kingdom, October 20, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Zero Carbon Forum, a non-competitive industry collaboration comprising some of the biggest brands in hospitality, has today launched the first-ever roadmap designed to provide the hospitality industry with guidance on the steps they can take to decarbonise their businesses and set net zero strategies. The Zero Carbon Forum sets out plans in first-ever roadmap for the hospitality sector to reach net zero by 2030 for Scope 1 and 2 and 2040 for Scope 3.

The initiative is being funded by the forum’s 27 members and is backed by UK Hospitality and the British Beer and Pub Association. Business leaders from the hospitality sector, including Pizza Hut Restaurants, Burger King, Revolution Bars Group and Adnams, will attend the event to support the Zero Carbon Forum and help transform the sector and its supply chain to achieve its net zero ambitions. Kate Nicholls, CEO of UK Hospitality, and Emma McClarkin, CEO at the British Beer and Pub Association, will also be in attendance.

Members of the forum worked together to quantify the carbon impact across the hospitality industry and shared all the initiatives they had taken to reduce emissions to help define the pathway to net zero. The resulting publicly accessible roadmap communicates the actions that hospitality companies can take on their journey to net zero.

The roadmap, which outlines current trends, sector emissions hotspots, decarbonisation opportunities and practical steps for setting net zero goals, was developed in the context of the latest climate science, and through extensive consultation with forum members and sustainability experts. The action it calls for is consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C and is feasible for a wide range of businesses across the sector. The ambition is to reach a 90% reduction in operational emissions of 57% – 78% (Scope 1&2) and reductions in supply chain (Scope 3) emissions by 2040.

According to Mark Chapman, CEO and Founder of the Zero Carbon Forum, several forum members have already set ambitious plans for net zero. “However, we need even more companies to sign up to this target date. In the coming months and years, the forum working groups will advance the decarbonisation strategies of individual members, driving decarbonisation across the sector as a whole,” he says.

“As well as longer term commitments, we’re structured and focused on the actions we can take now to reduce our carbon impact. Since launching the forum, we’ve doubled the number of members buying renewable energy. This commitment will deliver carbon savings of 350,000t CO2 per year, the same emissions as 43,750 households. We’ve also launched our overnight energy initiative to optimise operational efficiency, saving operators up to £4,900 and 10t CO2 annually, per outlet.

“With over 60% of our emissions in our supply chains, we know we can have an even bigger impact through our ongoing partnerships, engaging our suppliers and customers to help lower the carbon impact of the food and drink we serve.

“While the climate crisis presents fundamental risks to hospitality, it also highlights an immense opportunity. By working together, we can do better,” says Mark.

Andrew Griffith, the Government’s Net Zero Business Champion, says: “I’m delighted to see this really important sector that is the beating heart of our high street and our economy stepping up to the climate crises despite what I know has been a challenging past 18 months.

“Working together as businesses and harnessing the problem-solving powers used every day will help to make customers happy to help reduce the sectors emissions. The ambition of reaching net zero emissions across Scope 1 and 2 by 2030 and the supply chain impact by 2040 is to be admired from the sector’s leading lights who play such an important part through interacting with customers every day.

“This is a great initiative that helps us build the momentum ahead of COP26 to send a message to world leaders that now is the time to act.”

Says Kate Nicholls, CEO of UK Hospitality: “We are fully committed to decarbonisation and are delighted to have been part of the development of the roadmap. We will be proactively rolling this out to our membership and the wider industry in the coming weeks, months and years – for businesses to make positive changes to the way they operate. The ambition is for hospitality to be at the forefront of the race to net zero.”

“Sustainability is a key priority for our sector as pubs, brewers and their supply chains continue to strive for and reach new heights in reducing their environmental footprint. As a sector that takes sustainability seriously, we are delighted to support the Zero Carbon Forum roadmap launch which helps define the initiatives we can take to reduce our emissions and work towards a net zero, green future,” says Emma McClarkin, CEO of the BBPA.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Ria Bintan Golf Club Recognised as Best Luxury Golf Club in Indonesia

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Ria Bintan Golf Club Recognised as Best Luxury Golf Club in Indonesia - TOP25GOLFCOURSES.com - TRAVELINDEXBintan, Indonesia, October 19, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / For the second year running, Ria Bintan Golf Club has been named Winner of Luxury Lifestyle Awards Best Luxury Golf Club in Indonesia. Ria Bintan Golf Club, designed by golf legend Gary Player, opened its doors to its first guests in 1998. The renowned and multi award-winning 18-hole Ocean Course unfolds next to the South China Sea, offering stunning ocean views, challenging signature holes and picture-perfect scenery; while the 9-hole Forest Course, set amidst mature woodlands, tests the mettle of golfers with bunkers and fairways artfully placed.

Ria Bintan Golf Club has been consistently named the best golf course in Asia and Indonesia over the past two decades, and has played host to numerous regional events, including the Ria Bintan Golf Challenge.

Mr Samuel Ng, President (Indonesia), Keppel Land, said, “We are honoured that Ria Bintan Golf Club has once again been recognised by Luxury Lifestyle Awards as the Best Luxury Golf Club in Indonesia. Our award-winning Ocean Course as well as the Forest Course, with their challenging terrains, are bound to offer the most seasoned of players hours of enjoyable golf. Ria Bintan Golf Club is proud to have hosted many golfers and successful events over the years.”

Mr John Yap, General Manager, Ria Bintan Golf Club, said, “We are delighted to be awarded the title of Best Luxury Golf Club in Indonesia for the second year running. This is testament to the dedication and hard work that goes into making the Club one of Asia’s top golfing destinations. This is an especially happy occasion, given that October is our birthday month. In conjunction with our 23rd birthday, we would like to celebrate this award with our staff, golfers and members, as we strive to continuously improve our services and facilities in the bid to deliver the perfect golfing experience for our guests.”

Ria Bintan Golf Club currently offers various golf packages – day trips, as well as several Stay and Play options – which include stays at the Ria Bintan Golf Lodge with unlimited golfing time, driving range use and meals. Ria Bintan also offers term memberships for international and domestic golfers.

Located amidst a tranquil and natural environment, Ria Bintan Golf Club is also an idyllic meeting venue. Meetings rooms and Lodge rooms (27 rooms) with golf course views cater to small group meetings of up to 40.

CHSE (Clean, Healthy, Safe & Environmentally sustainable) and SG Clean certified, Ria Bintan Golf Club has remained in operation over the past year with safe golf protocols fully in place.

About Luxury Lifestyle Awards
Luxury Lifestyle Awards is a global award selecting, recognizing, celebrating and promoting the best luxury goods and services all over the world. The goal of the company is to connect people with the best of luxury. LLA has evaluated more than 10 000 various goods and services in 400 categories from 60 countries and analyzed the results to give you a TOP list of the best of the best in the world. Such world-renowned brands as Chanel, Dom Perignon, and Ferrari were proudly named winners. The victory brings companies status and recognition, global promotion and exposure to an entirely new market of customers.

About Ria Bintan Golf Club
Spectacular and stunning, Ria Bintan Golf Club’s Certified Audubon International Classic and Cooperative Sanctuary Ocean and Forest courses designed by golf legend, Gary Player, are a prized jewel among golfers. Located near the northern coast of Bintan Island with breathtaking views of the South China Sea, the award-winning 18-hole Ocean Course and 9-hole Forest Course offer a game comparable to none. Guests can also enjoy facilities including a driving range, spa, pro shop and an alfresco restaurant after a round of golf.

Ria Bintan Golf Club has been consistently named the best golf course in Asia and Indonesia by Asian Golf Awards and has earned TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence from 2014 to 2019 and Hall of Fame 2019. Ria Bintan Golf Club was also named Luxury Lifestyle Awards’ Best Luxury Golf Club in Indonesia in 2020 and 2021, and has played host to numerous regional events, including the Ria Bintan Golf Challenge and Ria Bintan Golf Carnivals. Ria Bintan Golf Club is CHSE and SG Clean certified.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Meliá to Open on Thailand’s Mai Khao Beach

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Meliá to Open on Thailand's Mai Khao Beach - TOP25HOTELS.com - TRAVELINDEXPhuket, Thailand, October 19, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX /  Meliá Phuket Mai Khao, a 30-suite and 70-villa resort on eight acres of Phuket’s northwestern coastline overlooking the sky-blue Andaman Sea is slated to open in December.

Fronting Phuket’s longest stretch of sand, the resort on Mai Khao Beach is close to an array of attractions such as Sirinat National Park, Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, and Wat Phra Thong temple. Phuket International Airport is a 15-minute drive.

Authorities plan to open Thailand to fully vaccinated tourists from countries deemed low-risk from November 1.

Launched by Meliá Hotels International and owned by Thailand’s leading residential real estate developer Phuket Villa Group, the five-star resort is part of a roll-out of the Meliá brand in key destinations across Thailand including Koh Samui, Chiang Mai and Bangkok.

The new resort’s saltwater swimming pools, private villa pools, a reflection pond with sunken seating areas, water gardens, vertical falls and irrigation mist evoke a restorative atmosphere. The overarching design pays tribute to contemporary aesthetics and traditional Thai touches.

The contemporary, light-filled and spacious Mediterranean-inspired accommodations comprise 30 one-bedroom suites and 70 one-bedroom villas that each cater for up to two adults and two children. All feature outdoor bathtubs, open-air showers and vast outdoor terraces.

The 78sqm suites are complemented by cabanas and the 85sqm one-bedroom villas have private plunge pools. Fifteen “wellness villas” feature an open-air Vitamin C shower, daily massage, ultrasonic essential oil diffuser, GermGuardian air purifier, Tempur-Pedic pillows, fit ball and yoga mat.

Meliá Phuket Mai Khao will explore a diverse culinary landscape from four outlets. Near the beach pool with its cabanas and sun lounges, chic Gaia Beach Club is “the place to be”. Drawing on Meliá’s Spanish origins, Gaia celebrates Spain’s famed gastronomy by serving Mediterranean and fusion cuisine from an open kitchen and an imaginative cocktail selection from a long bar.

Elegant all-day dining restaurant SASA specialises in Southeast Asian cuisine. A warm and intimate setting adorned with timber finishes, SASA offers casual fine dining by night. Elyxr Café serves freshly squeezed juices and locally brewed liquors.

Shaded by a broad spectrum of native plants, the resort’s design deploys a neutral palette of colours as a complement to Mai Khao’s sandy shore. Its high ceilings, floor-to-roof glass panels and decorative metal screens take advantage of the natural surrounds and abundance of sunshine.

At 300sqm, Meliá’s signature YHI Spa is home to five treatment rooms. In addition to its extensive menu of massages, facials, body scrubs and wraps, spa therapists also provide poolside and in-villa treatments.

The fitness center is equipped with treadmills, ellipticals, exercise bikes, and weights machines. The kids club Kidsdom has workshops to keep youngsters entertained.

An idyllic venue for weddings and events, the resort’s conference facilities include a grand ballroom and two additional multi-function rooms. The resort’s event planners offer customized catering and mini mindfulness sessions.

“Through our partnership with Spain’s leading hotel group, we are thankful that we can significantly contribute to Phuket’s recovery in the wake of COVID-19 by creating much-needed jobs for the local tourism sector and setting a new benchmark for hospitality on Thailand’s largest island,” said Mr Maetapong Upatising, Phuket Villa Group’s Managing Director.

“With its breathtaking beauty and serenity, there isn’t a more desirable place to be on the water than Mai Khao Beach,” said Ms Magdalena Martorell, Meliá Phuket Mai Khao’s General Manager. “We’re looking incredibly forward to unveiling a bleisure resort defined by a distinct focus on customer wellbeing with Meliá’s sunny Spanish hospitality and passion for service.”

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

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

About Phuket Villa Group
Founded in 1989 in Phuket (Thailand), Phuket Villa Corporation, together with its affiliates, has constructed over 7,000 houses and condominium units all over Phuket and Bangkok. As one of the first developers in Phuket to include a wide range of lifestyle facilities within its developments, such as tennis courts and swimming pools, the Group offers detached homes, townhouses and commercial buildings, catering to the growing local real estate market. In addition, the Group also has two hotels under its banner, offering more than 300 rooms to tourists and business travellers, mirroring Phuket’s steady growth as a premier tourist destination of Thailand. Over the years, Phuket Villa Corporation continues to re-invent itself to cater to an increasingly diverse customer base in a more competitive landscape.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Standard International Promotes Amber Asher to Chief Executive Officer

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Standard International Promotes Amber Asher to Chief Executive Officer

New York, NY, United States, October 19, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Standard, the leading boutique hospitality brand, announced the appointment of Amber Asher to CEO of Standard International, parent company of Standard Hotels, Bunkhouse and Peri Hotels and Amar Lalvani to Executive Chairman. Ms. Asher succeeds Mr. Lalvani in the role of CEO in which he served for the past eight years. Ms. Asher and Mr. Lalvani have worked side by side for over a decade at The Standard successfully transitioning it from a small founder led brand to a global, multi-brand lifestyle industry leader.

Alongside Mr. Lalvani, Ms. Asher has played a key role in building Standard International’s team, overseeing the operations of the 17 properties within the portfolio and accelerating the global pipeline, all while navigating the challenges posed by Covid-19 to the hospitality sector and the company. In her new role as CEO, Ms. Asher will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the business.

As Executive Chairman, Mr. Lalvani will remain involved as an active Board member as well as involved in key strategic projects around the world, brand innovation initiatives and global capital and developer relationships. Mr. Srettha Thavisin, CEO and President of Sansiri, will remain Chairman of Standard International’s Board of Directors.

Ms. Asher started her work with The Standard approximately ten years ago as Executive Vice President and General Counsel. In 2013, she led the sale of a majority stake in the brand to Standard International which was formed by Mr. Lalvani to make the acquisition and grow The Standard brand. Following the successful closing of that transaction, she became the Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Standard International and went on to be promoted to President in 2017. In addition to negotiating all the company’s contracts for new hotel developments and overseeing all legal matters, Ms. Asher has played a pivotal role in all corporate transactions including the purchase of a majority stake in The Bunkhouse Group, the formation, launch, and VC funding of One Night, and the capitalization of the company by Sansiri.

Prior to joining The Standard in 2011, Ms. Asher served as the Associate General Counsel and Senior Vice President of Morgans Hotel Group where she oversaw all legal matters related to development, operations, intellectual property, employment, food and beverage, and financing. Ms. Asher began practicing law at Latham & Watkins LLP in 2001 in the Finance and Real Estate Department, where she focused on all aspects of commercial real estate law with a particular concentration in real estate finance, corporate transactions, leasing and hospitality.

Identifying and cultivating talent, building and mentoring successful teams and innovating in the hospitality sector remain top priorities for Ms. Asher and The Standard brand, renowned for its distinctive approach to hospitality.

Standard International
Created in 1999, The Standard hotels are known for their taste-making clientele, their pioneering design, and their unrelenting un-standard-ness. With 7 hotels in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, most recently London and the Maldives, and the upcoming The Standard, Hua Hin and the Asia flagship, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon slated to open in early 2022, the goal of every Standard project—be it a hotel, a rooftop discothèque, or a magazine—is to defy conventions, up the aesthetic stakes, and deliver an experience that can only be had at The Standard.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

WTTC Welcomes Reopening of U.S. Borders

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WTTC Welcomes Reopening of U.S. Borders

Washington DC, United States, October 19, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said: “It is great news that the U.S. will reopen its borders to fully-vaccinated travellers from the UK and EU from Nov 8. It has been a long time coming, but the Travel & Tourism businesses on both sides of the Atlantic will be breathing a sigh of relief.

“Visitors from the EU and the UK contributed more than $46 billion to the U.S economy in 2019, showing just how critical this move will be to the U.S recovery.

“WTTC believe governments should axe red lists completely, and instead base the risk on individuals rather than entire countries.”

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

GRENADA READY FOR RETURN OF CANADIANS

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With winter on the horizon and air service from Canada set to resume on Oct. 31, Grenada has unveiled a host of fall, winter and holiday getaway packages designed to tempt travellers looking to escape the snowy season and pandemic lockdowns.

According to the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA), Canadians will be able to reach the Spice Islands, which comprise Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique via:

• Air Canada mainline direct service, twice a week (Wednesday and Sunday) from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND) starting Oct. 31

• Sunwing service once a week from YYZ to GND, expected to start Nov. 7

“We are truly a slice of paradise with a low-key vibe, warm and welcoming people, and offerings that connect visitors not only with nature and amazing water adventures, but also with a fascinating culinary journey,” says GTA CEO Petra Roach. “New and expanded air service helps Grenada regain its position as a highly attractive destination for visitors seeking a distinctive Caribbean experience.”

Attributes of the islands include spectacular natural topography, complemented by a charming selection of luxury boutique hotels and villas, 40 white sandy beaches including world-famous Grand Anse Beach, and 15 breathtaking waterfalls.

Additional attractions include six chocolate factories, three rum distilleries, and more than 30 dive sites, including the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean, the Bianca C, and the World’s First Underwater Sculpture Park.

Below is a roundup of the hotels offering holiday and winter packages for travellers (all rates USD):

• Silversands Grenada, one of Grenada’s modern resorts, is offering a special “Time to ‘Fall’ For Grenada” package with 25% off stays through Dec. 17, with breakfast for two included. The resort is also offering a 25% off discount on room and breakfast for Winter Early Birds who book by Dec. 17 for travel between Jan. 8 and April 30, 2022.

• Mount Cinnamon Resort, a luxurious hotel with 37 villas and suites, is offering a Yoga Spice Package, which includes a five-night stay in an Ocean View Cinnamon Suite, daily breakfast, daily yoga classes, a signature massage at the Cinnamon Spa, a Spice School cooking class, complimentary WIFI, and access to water sports, tennis and fitness facilities, and Mount Cinnamon’s beach club. Valid for travel until Dec. 20 with rates starting at $2,100 double including taxes.

• Mount Hartman Bay Estate Private Resort, an expansive estate, is offering a winter special with a free upgrade to “all inclusive.” This includes all meals and beverages, use of boats, yoga, and water aerobics. The minimum four-night stay offer (10 over Easter) must be booked by May 31.

• Laluna Boutique Hotel and Villas, a 16-cottage romantic hotel, is offering a 7-night Honeymoon Package, which includes a cottage suite with private pool and veranda, daily yoga/meditation sessions, Balinese couples massage, an additional spa treatment for each, candle lit dinner at the beach, bottle of prosecco, daily a-la-carte breakfast and dinner not including beverages, a walk in the rainforest with waterfall swim, a $1,000 resort credit, along with an upgrade to a Deluxe Cottage for $95/night. Rates begin at $5,417.00 (may vary on the season).

• Calabash Grenada, an elegant boutique hotel, is offering its 2022 Two Centre Packages, with a winter stay featuring a trip to both Grenada and Barbados. Guests who book a 7-night minimum stay between Jan. 5 and April 5, 2022, at Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel, Grenada and Cobblers Cove, Barbados, will get complimentary inter-island air transfers for two travellers.

• 473 Grenada Boutique Resort is offering a 20% discount on all villas or 30% on the 3-bedroom deluxe with the promo code “WINTERSUN22.” When booking directly, guests will receive a complimentary villa upgrade, complimentary water sports such as paddle boarding, kayaking, and snorkeling, free room service delivery, best rates guaranteed, complimentary laundry services, local partners discounts, complimentary resort & villas WIFI, early check-in and late-check out option, and free car parking.

• Guests can receive 30% off their stay at one of the Caribbean’s eco-friendly resorts True Blue Bay Resort when booking directly on the website. Use promotion code “30OFF” here when travelling before Dec. 15, 2022.

• Blue Star Apartments & Hotel is offering a 25% off discount on week-plus stays to all vaccinated travellers who book a direct stay by Dec. 15. Guests must travel within the dates of Nov. 1-Jan. 15, 2022.

• Book direct at Petite Anse Hotel, a boutique hotel, to receive 10% off. This special only applies to new bookings.


PURE SAFE TRAVEL

All persons entering Grenada either by air or sea must be fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior with a WHO-approved vaccination and present a negative PCR test result taken within three days of arrival. The cost for the PCR test has been reduced to US$50. Exemptions to fully vaccinated status include persons under 13.

A ‘Pure Safe Travel Authorization Certificate’ is needed by each traveller, including children, arriving in Grenada. Fully vaccinated travellers are only required to quarantine until clearance is received from Health Officials within 48 hours, pending a negative PCR test on entry. Attractions are open to visitors and dine in at restaurants is available to fully vaccinated persons.

For more information visit HERE.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Residence Inn by Marriott Debuts in Playa del Carmen, Bringing Residential Comfort and Personalized Service to the Heart of Riviera Maya

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Residence Inn by Marriott Playa del Carmen has officially opened its doors, with a prime location on the Federal Highway Cancun, Chetumal, and close proximity to world-renowned beaches and breathtaking views. With a global presence of over 860 hotels in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East and Central America, Residence Inn is the world leader of the longer stay lodging segment, arriving for the first time in Playa del Carmen.

The hotel also marks the arrival of the third Residence Inn in Mexico, debuting at a time when guests are looking for alternative lodging options to a traditional hotel stay for longer stays. Residence Inn Playa del Carmen is the ideal destination for executives and leisure travelers who are in the city for both business and leisure with more room to spread out, for family and even pets.

Located in the Playacar complex, Residence Inn Playa del Carmen offers 149 pet-friendly spacious suites combining comfort and style with fully equipped kitchens complete with a refrigerator, cooktop, microwave, dishwasher, residential-size appliances, dishes and cookware. Guests can settle into their home away from home with separate areas for living and sleeping paired with personalized service and amenities including a complimentary American breakfast for all guests.

“Cancun and Playa del Carmen continue to be top destination choices for national and international travelers visiting Mexico. The region has become an aviation hub attracting top-of-the-line tourism and hospitality investments, a key driver in the growth of the region. Previously, there were no longer-stay hotel options in the area, so our new hotel comes just at the right time,” said Arturo Cruz, Sales Director of Residence Inn by Marriott Playa del Carmen. “Conveniently located 58 kilometers from the Cancun Airport, our guests have the option of enjoying the beaches, dining in a relaxed setting, and soaking in the comfort of our expansive suites so they can feel right at home.”

The hotel offers additional amenities including complimentary grocery delivery service, The Market open 24 hours for gab-and-go options, a self-service laundry room, mobile app, fitness center, outdoor swimming pool, and complimentary high-speed WiFi.

Residence Inn Playa del Carmen offers 54.27 square meters of event and meeting space filled with natural light and built-in multimedia technology.

For more information about Residence Inn Playa del Carmen visit: www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cunrp-residence-inn-playa-del-carmen

About Residence Inn by Marriott
Residence Inn by Marriott is the global leader in the longer stays lodging segment with more than 860 properties in 17 countries and territories. Guests have the freedom to travel the way they live with Residence Inn’s spacious suites featuring distinct living, working, and sleeping spaces. Travelers can maximize their time and thrive while on the road with fully equipped kitchens in each suite, grocery delivery service, 24/7 grab-and-go markets and complimentary breakfasts. The warm and inviting public spaces feature modern residential design allowing guests to feel right at home, paired with the added amenities of upscale hotel living. Residence Inn 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. For more information or reservations, visit residence-inn.marriott.com.

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News