Global Travel News

Raffles Announces EVA Air Partnership in Cambodia

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Raffles Announces EVA Air Partnership in Cambodia - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25HOTELS.comPhnom Penh, Cambodia, November 15, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Raffles Hotel Le Royal, celebrated for more than 90 years as one of the “Grandes Dames” of Southeast Asia, has confirmed an agreement with EVA Air to provide their Gold and Diamond card holders a string of benefits during their ASQ stay at the hotel in Phnom Penh, including a complimentary Royal Khmer meal with wine.

The hotel is the only venue in Cambodia that boasts a license to prepare and serve Royal Khmer cuisine, a feast of traditional recipes known for generations only to chefs in the palace. The menu includes steamed lobster served in a coconut shell, and nhoam svay, a fragrant dish of grilled scallops and smoked fish accompanied by green mango and peanuts.

Each guest will also be included in a lucky draw, with one business-class ticket (Phnom Penh to Taipei) as the first prize.

The deal, which is valid until 31 March 2022, applies only to EVA’s Gold and Diamond card holders flying to Phnom Penh from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, where they are afforded the comfort of priority check-in and access to an exclusive VIP lounge ahead of the flight.

Cambodia recently announced its reopening to international tourism, with the country widely lauded for its containment of the covid virus and stringent border controls.

Upon arrival at Raffles Hotel Le Royal, in-bound travelers will be hosted in the hotel’s northern wing which has been set aside as an ASQ (alternative state quarantine), offering an elegant option in rooms and suites that were each refurbished as part of a meticulous one-year restoration project which was completed in 2020.

Returning guests will immediately notice lighter and brighter interiors, accentuated by spotlights. Segafredo coffee machines, USB charging stations, and Simmons pillow-top mattresses are among the new features that add modern appeal.

However, traditionalists will be relieved to know that the heart and soul of this vintage landmark hotel has been lovingly maintained. Polished hardwood floors, age-old ceiling fans, and brass rotary telephones continue to feature in the rooms.

Designed by architect Ernest Hébrard in French colonial style, Le Royal originally launched in November 1929. Among the numerous celebrities who have graced the hotel are Charlie Chaplin, French President Charles de Gaulle; and in the 1960s, former US First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.

“We are dedicated to offering a sanctuary of unparalleled comfort for those guests arriving from Taiwan and other countries,” said Hotel Manager Dennis de Groot. “Visitors staying at the hotel as part of the ASQ program can expect private airport transfers, exquisite dining experiences, 24-hour medical services, PCR tests, and a truly comfortable and memorable stay.”

Rooms and suites at Raffles Hotel Le Royal start from US$240+++ per night.

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

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Meliá Koh Samui Marks Thailand’s Reopening with Samui I Miss You

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Meliá Koh Samui Marks Thailand's Reopening with Samui I Miss You - TRAVELINDEXKoh Samui, Thailand, November 15, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / As Thailand loosens the shackles of the pandemic and reopens to international tourists, Meliá Koh Samui has introduced a getaway that makes the most of its stunning beachfront setting, family-friendly facilities, dining and spa.

The resort’s ‘Samui, I Miss You’ package coincides with Thailand’s ‘Test and Go’ program that permits quarantine-free travel to the Kingdom for fully vaccinated travellers from 63 countries deemed low risk.

Lauded among Thailand’s top 20 resorts in this year’s Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, the resort’s ‘Samui, I Miss You’ offers special room rates, starting from THB 3499++ (USD 105++) per night in a lead-in Deluxe Room with three- and seven-night packages on offer.

Daily breakfast for two, a free stay for up to two children aged under 12 years with complimentary daily breakfast, a 20% discount on food and non-alcoholic beverages and 50% discount on YHI Spa treatments are among the offer’s array of inclusions.

The three- and seven-night packages, starting at THB 9999++ (USD 300++) and THB 22,222++ (USD 668++) respectively, also come with a guaranteed upgrade to a Premium Pool Access Room, early check-in and late check-out, a complimentary roundtrip airport transfer from Samui International Airport and either a 60-minute Thai massage or one tapas set lunch for two. The seven-night getaway’s extra perks for two include a 90-minute spa treatment, one tapas set lunch and a daily cocktail. For the spa treatment, guests select either a Thai massage, aromatherapy massage or facial massage.

Under Thailand’s ‘Test and Go’ program, fully vaccinated travelers traveling by air from countries deemed low risk are required to do a COVID-19 test upon arrival to Thailand. With a negative result, travelers are allowed to freely travel anywhere in Thailand. Guests who stay at Meliá Koh Samui on the first day of arrival in Thailand will be charged an additional THB 2200 (USD 66) for the RT-PCR test as required by the Thai authorities.

A standalone bathtub on a private balcony is a highlight of the resort’s Deluxe Rooms. The Premium Pool Access Rooms feature a separate bathtub and shower, with large private balcony access to the 700-metre-long lagoon pool that meanders through the resort’s grounds like a river.

Overlooking Choeng Mon Beach, Meliá Koh Samui’s complimentary recreational and wellness pursuits range from kayaking and aqua exercise classes to gentle flow yoga and “walking meditation” at a “massage river”; a reflexology path situated between the infinity pool and lagoon pool.

Adjacent to an outdoor playground and mini water park featuring a shallow pool, slide, mushroom fountain and giant tipping bucket, kids club Kidsdom is housed in a repurposed teak wood merchant vessel and offers daily activities such as batik painting, super hero art, animal yoga, face painting, coconut leaf creation, nature discovery, play dough creation, mask making and Lego time. The hotel’s elephant mascot Coco visits daily and shares cotton candy with youngsters.

With an outdoor terrace that sits above Meliá Koh Samui’s strand, The Breeza Beach Restaurant & Bar is focused on contemporary Thai dishes as well as Western and Mediterranean cuisine and anchors the resort’s dining landscape. Blending ancient Asian wisdom with modern wellness techniques, YHI Spa offers a broad spectrum of treatments including massages, scrubs, wraps and facials, based on organic Thai wellness brand HARNN’s products.

‘Samui, I Miss You’ must be booked directly with the resort by 31 December 2021 by calling +66 77 938 899

Rates are subject to 10% service charge and applicable tax. Full prepayment is required at the time of booking and is non-refundable. For stays between 24 December 2021 and 5 January 2022, a minimum two-night stay is required with a supplementary charge of THB 2,000++ (USD 60) per night, with no check out permitted on 31 December 2021 and 1 January 2022. Other terms and conditions apply as per resort policy.

Under the ‘Test and Go’ program, fully vaccinated travellers from countries deemed low-risk are not required to quarantine but do need to do a RT-PCR test on arrival to Thailand. Guests who stay at Meliá Koh Samui on the first day of arrival in Thailand will be charged an additional THB 2200 (USD 66) for the RT-PCR test as required by the Thai authorities. *Information is based on the latest updates from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and may be subject to change.

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

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

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO, Panama and NOAH to Create UN Fund for Climate Neutrality

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UNWTO, Panama and NOAH to Create UN Fund for Climate Neutrality

Panama City, Panama, November 14, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Within the framework of the United Nations Conference on Climate Change COP26, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Government of Panama and the business group NOAH agreed to work together for the implementation of the United Nations Fund for Climate Neutrality of Tourism. The Fund represents an innovative financing instrument promoted by UNWTO to respond to threats posed by the climate emergency.

In recognition of the existential threat posed by the climate emergency, UNWTO, the government of Panama and NOAH (Network of Ocean Ambassadors Headquarters) will support the creation of a Capital Fund that will make possible the UN Fund for the Climate Neutrality of Tourism and the creation of a Smart Carbon Exchange Market (MIIC). Led by NOAH together with UNWTO, this market aims to promote the exchange of carbon credits in the most efficient way.

Mobilizing resources

With this agreement, Panama ratifies its climate leadership and its efforts to conserve and regenerate nature and, at the same time, unleash economic growth through tourism that benefits local communities. Panama is one of only three carbon negative countries in the world – that is, it absorbs more greenhouse gases than it emits.

These projects reflect UNWTO’s commitment to transform the tourism sector to accelerate the decarbonization of the sector

The Minister of Tourism of Panama, Iván Eskildsen, highlighted “the role of UNWTO in bringing together a leader in climate response like Panama, firmly committed to tourism as a pillar for the future of people and the planet, and NOAH that will contribute technological and financial solutions to mobilize the necessary resources for a sustainable future for the benefit of all.”

“These projects reflect UNWTO’s commitment to transform the tourism sector to accelerate the decarbonization of the sector,” said UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili. He stressed that this is an example of success based on cooperation between “the UN system, international organizations, UNWTO Member States and the private sector in general”.

Towards “Blue Carbon”

With Panama serving as a pilot country for these initiatives, NOAH will prepare a study in coordination with the Ministry of the Environment to estimate the “blue carbon” reserves in mangroves and seagrasses in protected areas of the country, as well as the reserves of carbon in wetlands.

For his part, the founder of NOAH, Frederic Degret, confirmed that “to articulate this great project, Panama will host the international headquarters of an Intelligent Carbon Exchange Market, as we have agreed in the Memorandum of Understanding signed between UNWTO and NOAH.”

The UNWTO, NOAH and Panama ensure the transition to a tourism sector with net zero emissions and focused on improving people’s lives.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Two Oceans Strategy and the Path to Net Zero

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Two Oceans Strategy and the Path to Net Zero

Glasgow, Scotland, UK, November 14, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / COP26 and its lead up have seen new national and business commitments set to help combat climate change and reach Net Zero targets; these measures will require quantification of carbon emissions, environmental and social impacts to compare and measure progress, identify barriers to progress.

In an exclusive article, Tom Mills, Founder and Managing Director of Two Oceans Strategy, a natural resource and energy consultancy, discussed some of the challenges of meeting these Net Zero targets and the critical role rigorous and comparable measurements enabled through technology will play in support of these goals. In the article he discussed:

  • Drivers for Net Zero
    Cutting down carbon leakage has been one notable focus of COP26 and will require an understanding of the carbon intensity of production of goods. For this system to work, carbon emissions and greenhouse gases need to be quantified at each stage of the supply chain and Tom will explore some of the legislation and policies around this drive, such as the UKs path to NetZero. He will also touch on the change in consumer mindset, and how this is key to driving change.
  • Challenges of meeting targets
    What can be measured can be managed. As it stands, sustainability reporting is an alphabet soup of fragmented and varying frameworks and Tom can discuss why, some of the biggest barriers to achieve Net Zero, are due to lack of effective and comparative ways of measuring carbon emissions.
  • The Challenges of Carbon Tunnel Vision
    There are signals towards a shift in a narrow focus on pure carbon emissions towards measuring and understanding holistic impacts on biosphere health the lens we should view climate change mitigation and adaptation.
  • The future of sustainability accounting and the role technology can play in helping achieve Net Zero targets
    Tom can set the scene of where we are today when it comes to reporting against people and the planet and where we are likely to be in five years’ time, including the consolidation of sustainability disclosure through a process similar to accounting principals in finance. To overcome the challenge of fragmented reporting, new tools enabled by technology must be developed to streamline the process, standardise methodologies used to generate metrics, and create useful, comparable outputs.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – 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