Global Travel News

ROYALTON GRENADA RESORT AND SPA TO OPEN OCTOBER 1

 1080 364 wttc2
By:

Royalton Luxury Resorts’ newest all inclusive property, Royalton Grenada Resort and Spa, has announced that it will be reopening on October 1, 2021. Overlooking Tamarind Bay with direct access to two of the island’s most beautiful white-sand beaches, the newest All-in Luxury resort brings an elevated level of hospitality to this beautiful locale.

Offering both exploration and relaxation, Grenada is an emerging travel destination rich with culture, history, and adventure, providing some of the best diving spots in the world and an incredible culinary scene. Dubbed “Spice Isle” due to its large export of spices, notably nutmeg, Grenada also boasts a unique variety of wildlife, including 184 bird species and one native to the island, the Grenada dove.

“We are thrilled to welcome back our discerning guests to experience a five-star luxury vacation on the renowned Spice Isle,” says Jordi Pelfort, President of Hotels and Resorts at Sunwing Travel Group. “Blue Diamond Resorts’ expansion into the Eastern Caribbean presents travellers with more opportunities to enjoy Royalton’s bespoke offerings in the exotic destination of Grenada.”

Along with its enviable beachfront location and only five minutes from Maurice Bishop International Airport, the resort offers 269 well-appointed accommodations with rain showers, soaker tubs, and handcrafted DreamBed mattresses, 24-hour room service, complimentary non-motorized water sports, All-in Connectivity offering free high-speed Wi-Fi resort-wide, a world-class spa and lots more.

With unlimited reservation-free dining at the resort’s a la carte restaurants, guests can choose from a range of cuisine including the French bistro-style eatery Ma Maison. A first for the Royalton Luxury Resorts portfolio, this new dining concept offers a beautiful waterfront setting. Guests can upgrade to Royalton’s signature Diamond Club and enjoy premium service, dedicated pool and beach areas, preferential room locations, and access to the Diamond Club lounge.

“Recently named the World’s Culinary Capital, Grenada is worthy of being on your bucket list,” says Jordi Pelfort. “If not for its culture and lush surroundings, come for the people who make this incredible destination home.”

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Meliá Chiang Mai Appoints Seasoned Professionals to Lead Food and Beverage Team

 720 1080 wttc2
By:

Meliá Chiang Mai Appoints Seasoned Professionals to Lead Food and Beverage Team - TRAVELINDEXChiang Mai, Thailand, September 1, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Meliá Chiang Mai has welcomed an executive chef and director of food and beverage who bring more than four decades of combined experience to the new urban hotel slated to open December this year.

Thai national Suksant Chutinthratip (Billy) (pictured) and Filipino national Jay Tadifa Abiang have been named executive chef and director of F&B respectively, taking charge of the F&B team set to place the hotel on Chiang Mai’s culinary map with two restaurants that pay homage to Spain’s famed gastronomy.

Equipped with 27 years of hospitality experience, Chutinthratip comes to the hotel’s pre-opening team after working as the executive chef at Hotel Nikko Bangkok, Rayong Marriott Resort & Spa, and Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok. He was also an executive sous chef for SkyCity Auckland Entertainment, managing VIP and gaming restaurants, as well as Renaissance Ratchaprasong Bangkok Hotel.

Nine of Abiang’s 16 years in the hospitality industry have been in hotel management with Meliá Hotels International. Prior to his appointment at Meliá Chiang Mai, he was the executive assistant manager at The Reed Hotel Managed by Meliá and the F&B manager at Meliá Ba Vi Mountain Retreat in Vietnam. He also worked at Meliá Hanoi as assistant F&B manager as well as a banquet manager and bar manager.

Beginning his hospitality career in 1994 as a cook helper at The Ambassador Hotel and Convention Centre Bangkok’s Le Bistro, award-winning Chutinthratip climbed the career ladder at various properties including Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, a Luxury Collection Hotel Bangkok, The Peninsula Bangkok, Lotus One in Dubai, Raffles Singapore, The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel Bangkok, and Le Meridien Bangkok.

After completing a Bachelor of Science with a double major in tourism management and hotel and restaurant management at Baguio City in the Philippines, Abiang started his career as a bartender at Hanoi’s Press Club. He has also been a restaurant supervisor and manager at My Way Café and Lounge in Hanoi and an operations manager in Au Lac Do Brazil Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City.

“With Billy’s wealth of experience at an impressive list of luxury hotels, working in many a pre-opening team, and Jay’s rich knowledge of the Meliá brand and its Mediterranean food concept, we are well positioned to launch Meliá Chiang Mai’s dining landscape during these unprecedented times,” said the hotel’s general manager Edward E. Snoeks.

Comprising a 22-floor tower fronted by an adjoining seven-floor podium building, Meliá Chiang Mai will unveil a host of facilities including two restaurants, two bars, two lounges, a YHI Spa with seven treatment rooms, a fully-equipped fitness centre, swimming pool, ballroom and four other meeting spaces.

Signature restaurant Mai Restaurant & Bar on the 21st floor will specialize in contemporary Northern Thai dishes with Mediterranean influences, with chefs preparing each dish à la minute from an open kitchen. All-day-dining restaurant Laan Na Kitchen will offer authentic Mediterranean cuisine in a vibrant marketplace setting.

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 Asset World Corporation
Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (“AWC”) is Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group under TCC Group, with a sustainable diversified development pipeline for future growth as well as the potential for long-term capital appreciation. AWC’s business operations are organized into two principal segments: (i) Hospitality, comprising hotels managed and operated by the world’s leading hotel chains (ii) Retail and Commercial Building, comprising Retail and Wholesale group which includes world-class tourist lifestyle destination, community shopping mall, community market and wholesale space, with such well-known projects as Asiatique the Riverfront, Gateway at Bangsue, Pantip Plaza Pratunam and Tawanna Bangkapi; and Office Building group with prominent projects located in highly sought-after, central business district in Bangkok like Empire Tower, Athenee Tower, etc. October 10, 2019, Asset World Corporation succeeded in listing the company on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) in the real estate and construction industry under the property development category. AWC’s market capitalization was highest in the history of the SET (According to Bloomberg Database).

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Raffles Rolls Out Hybrid Hotel Model in Cambodia

 1080 716 wttc2
By:

Raffles Rolls Out Hybrid Hotel Model in Cambodia - TRAVELINDEX - HOTELWORLDSPhnom Penh, Cambodia, September 1, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Phnom Penh’s most fabled hotel has relaunched with separate wings for ASQ guests and staycationers.  Raffles Hotel Le Royal, celebrated for more than 90 years as one of the “Grandes Dames” of Southeast Asia, has reopened its northern wing as an ASQ (alternative state quarantine), offering an elegant option to inbound travelers.

“Guests will be accommodated in a stand-alone wing of the hotel, with stringent health and safety protocols,” said Hotel Manager Dennis de Groot. “We are dedicated to offering a sanctuary of unparalleled comfort for those undertaking the mandated 14-day quarantine.”

The move comes at a time when Cambodia has been widely praised for its handling of the pandemic and its efficient vaccine program. It also exemplifies Le Royal’s place in the country’s history, not only as an oasis of serenity, but as a safe haven, a role the hotel famously played in the turbulent 1970s when it was transformed temporarily into a Red Cross facility.

Designed by architect Ernest Hébrard in French colonial style, Le Royal originally launched in November 1929 with an opening ceremony that was attended by the King of Cambodia and included an orchestra. It was an era when daring couples danced the Charleston, and the sight of an automobile in the dusty streets of Phnom Penh would bring children running.

Lured by tales of the exotic East and the mysteries of Angkor, many international tourists and adventurers began to set sail for Indochina around this time.

Among the celebrities who would be spotted basking in the wicker chairs and leather sofas of the hotel’s chic Elephant Bar were Charlie Chaplin and his entourage; novelists André Malraux and Somerset Maugham; French President Charles de Gaulle; and in the 1960s, former US First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.

In 1997, at the invitation of Cambodia’s King Sihanouk, the Raffles group was invited to take over Le Royal, along with its sister heritage property, the Grand Hotel d’Angkor, in Siem Reap.

Each of the 175 rooms and suites at Raffles Hotel Le Royal underwent a full refurbishment as part of a meticulous one-year restoration project in 2019.

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.

Traditionalists will be relieved to know that the heart and soul of this vintage landmark hotel has been lovingly maintained. The hardwood floors have been polished to a squeak; the age-old ceiling fans still whirl; and the old brass rotary telephones continue to ring.

All bathrooms have been extensively renovated with Italian tiling and rain showers, though some retain their much-loved claw-foot bathtubs. Bathroom amenities will henceforth be supplied by Sodashi, an Australian brand of high-performance skincare products created with the purest botanical extracts.

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

“Always moving with the times and in line with the high expectations of our guests, the restoration program has breathed new life into this iconic hotel,” said Hotel Manager de Groot. “We have strived to retain what is so special about Raffles – the character, the superlative service, the heritage – while providing the enhanced facilities and experiences that discerning travelers aspire to.”

Among other significant changes, Café Monivong, in the hotel’s west wing, has now been retired and replaced by a youthful all-day dining venue named “Le Phnom 1929”, inspired by the Parisian-style brasserie, and specializing in French and Western cuisine.

It is here that Executive Chef Joel Wilkinson crafts French classics such as escargots, liver parfait, beef bourguignon, duck confit and onion soup, all paired with fine wines. Prime cuts of imported steaks, a seafood tower, and a melt-in-your-mouth beef or salmon tartare also adorn the menu. Diners may also opt for comfort foods, Asian cuisine and vegetarian dishes.

But while the lavish menu at Le Phnom 1929 will be restricted to room service only for ASQ guests, the restaurant will be available to all business and leisure visitors who are to be hosted separately in the hotel’s famed Heritage Wing.

Indeed, Raffles has gone the extra mile to ensure that visitors arriving from abroad are afforded a variety of contactless in-room options: “virtual” classes for children; birthday parties; masterclasses such as cocktail-making; and family cinema evenings are all part of the ASQ itinerary.

“Each room at Le Royal has a charming balcony overlooking tropical gardens and swimming pools where guests can read books, enjoy afternoon tea and sundowners, or just simply relax,” said Mr de Groot.

“Visitors staying at the hotel as part of the ASQ program can expect private airport transfers, a full-board dining experience, 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 & 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

World-Leading Space Venture Capital Firm Announces Idea-Stage Incubator

 500 302 wttc2
By:
World-leading Space Venture Capital Firm Announces Idea-stage Incubator - MADEINSPACE.comTraverse City, MI, United States, September 1, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / SpaceFund, a world-leading space venture capital firm, announced today at the North American Space Summit, the formation of its SpaceFund Labs idea incubator. The goal of this new division of SpaceFund is to capture and turn exciting ideas into funded businesses by creating a unique incubation plan for each idea that is accepted into the program.

SpaceFund Labs is now accepting ideas that will change the Universe.

“SpaceFund Labs is about discovering and nurturing the most brilliant ideas in AI, biotech, fintech, materials science, quantum mechanics and more to enhance humanity’s future in space,” said Meagan Crawford, co-founder and managing partner of SpaceFund. “SpaceFund Labs will take the best ideas that apply to space and turn them into profitable businesses.”

• For a better understanding of Space and to join the economic and industrial development of space. Contributors welcome – MadeInSpace.com

The economic frontier of space requires vision, but also serious and sober business planning. In its central role as a venture capital firm in a field that is literally taking off, SpaceFund is often presented with ideas that aren’t quite ready for prime time, but hold great promise as potential enterprises. SpaceFund Labs is designed to take these very early-stage concepts and build successful businesses around them, including team formation, financial planning, corporate setup, legal consultation, and more.

“We provide both the real-world knowledge of the most experienced minds in the space industry and the critical experience-based coaching of VCs and financial experts,” said Rick Tumlinson, SpaceFund’s founder. “The SpaceFund brand stands behind the best.”

In coming weeks the incubator will be bringing on top performers in a variety of industries as new advisors. This distinguished team of cross-disciplinary experts will help with vetting, ideation, and company formation. SpaceFund’s venture capital investment division will then assess each company for viability and when appropriate, lead the new company’s first investment round.

• For a better understanding of Space and to join the economic and industrial development of space. Contributors welcome – MadeInSpace.com

“Sometimes we see holes in the marketplace that no one else is trying to capture,” continued Crawford. “It’s our job, even our responsibility to our investors, to go out and capture that value by creating stellar teams and solid businesses that can get it done.”

About SpaceFund
SpaceFund is a venture capital firm, focused on informed investing to create a diversified portfolio of the most profitable space companies. The firm conducts ongoing research projects to provide market intelligence on the entire space startup ecosystem, with a special focus on market size, creation of new markets, financing, and exits. Based on this research, SpaceFund invests in the visionary yet practical high-growth startups addressing the multi-billion dollar space markets that will both enable and benefit from the space revolution.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Dorothy Dowling of Best Western Hotels Receives Prestigious Award

 500 301 wttc2
By:
Dorothy Dowling of Best Western Hotels Receives Prestigious Award

Phoenix, Arizona, United States, September 1, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Best Western Hotels and Resorts Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Dorothy Dowling, will be awarded the Hotel News Now Stephen W. Brener Silver Plate Award at the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference in November 2021. Dowling is being recognized for her immeasurable contributions to Best Western Hotels & Resorts and the hospitality industry at large.

The award is given annually to the most influential executive, entrepreneur, company, or association in the travel industry, recognizing exemplary examples of innovation and leadership, and shining a light on the contributions of these remarkable industry leaders. Dowling is the second woman in history to be awarded the Stephen W. Brener Silver Plate Award since its creation in 1959, following in the footsteps of Marilyn Carlson Nelson.

“Dorothy is most deserving of this coveted recognition,” said David Kong, President and Chief Executive Officer, Best Western Hotels & Resorts. “I have had the opportunity to witness firsthand Dorothy’s innovative and strategic thinking for 17 years now. Each day I have been inspired by her unrelenting commitment to our industry and her dedication to Best Western’s hoteliers, guests, and her team of incredibly talented sales and marketing professionals. I have no doubt that Dorothy’s contributions to the industry will be remembered for generations to come.”

“I am not surprised that Dorothy is the second woman in history to receive this accolade, as there is no greater champion for our industry,” said Alison Taylor, Chief Customer Officer, American Airlines. “She has been a catalyst for change through her commitment to collaboration, and her focus on empowering women leaders. I hope the next generation of women in travel embrace Dorothy’s approach to leadership – she has proven that it is possible to deliver business outcomes while also driving positive change.”

Dowling is a veteran industry executive who is a leader, change-maker, innovator and trusted colleague. Leading all marketing and sales strategies for Best Western Hotels & Resorts, Dowling oversees the brand’s loyalty program, digital marketing and distribution, consumer and field marketing activities, advertising, public relations and B2B sales and marketing.

“Dorothy is a leading voice whose dedication to our industry is truly inspiring,” said Ishwar Naran, Board Chairman, Best Western Hotels & Resorts. “I have had the privilege of working alongside Dorothy at Best Western Hotels & Resorts where she has played a critical role in increasing market share and contemporizing our iconic brand.”

Since joining Best Western Hotels & Resorts in 2004, Dowling has reshaped and repositioned the iconic brand. Her work at Best Western Hotels & Resorts includes:

  • Driving the growth of the industry-leading loyalty program, Best Western Rewards® which now boasts over 47 million members and provides guests with one of the richest hotel rewards programs in the industry.
  • Building an award-winning partnership with AAA®/CAA® resulting in Best Western Hotels & Resorts being named the AAA/CAA Partner of the Year for 12 consecutive years.
  • Supporting Best Western Hotels & Resorts’ $2 billion brand refresh which revealed a re-energized and contemporary image for the iconic brand.
  • Becoming a first mover by partnering with Google® Street View and leveraging Virtual Reality technology, resulting in Fast Company recognizing the hotel brand as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies.
  • Positioning Best Western Hotels & Resorts as a trusted leader in business travel, earning a number of industry accolades such as Best Western® and Best Western Plus® ranking as the number one midscale and number two upper-midscale hotel brands respectively by Business Travel News.

“It is an honor to be chosen as a Stephen W. Brener Silver Plate Award winner by the NYU conference advisory group,” said Dowling. “This award has been bestowed upon true industry leaders and I am humbled to be joining the list of winners, including Best Western’s very own President and CEO, David Kong, who won this same award in 2013. Driving progress for the travel industry has been my life’s work, and I hope my contributions to the industry will be as impactful and long lasting as those who have come before me.”

“Dorothy is a thought leader and innovator who has united the travel industry with her ‘we win together when we work together’ philosophy,” said Reggie Aggarwal, CEO and Founder, Cvent. “I believe Dorothy’s approach to leadership and dedication to collaboration will have a lasting impact on our industry.”

Dowling’s commitment to the travel industry is far-reaching. In addition to her role at Best Western Hotels & Resorts, Dowling works with a variety of industry organizations. Dowling was recently elected President of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Allied Leadership Council for a second term. She is also Senior Advisor for GBTA WINiT’s Strategic Advisory Board, serves on HSMAI’s Foundation Board of Directors, and US Travel’s Board of Directors.  In addition to her industry leadership roles, Dowling serves as an Independent Trustee on CubeSmart’s Board of Directors, the third-largest owner and operator of self-storage properties in the United States.

This accolade adds to Dowling’s growing list of awards. Just this year, Dowling was recognized by the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International with the Albert E. Koehl Award Lifetime Achievement Award. Dowling was also named a “Top 40 Women in Travel” in 2019 by WINiT by GBTA – a network focused on the advancement of women professionals in the industry. In 2018, Dowling was honored with the prestigious “Allied Member of the Year” award from GBTA for her valued stewardship in the business travel industry. In 2017, Dowling was named as one of Hotel Management magazine’s “30 Influential Women in Hospitality,” for her trailblazing leadership, and she was named the 18th most influential Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) in the world in the Forbes/ScribbleLive/LinkedIn’s 4th Annual CMO Influence Study in 2015. She was among HSMAI’s Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Sales and Marketing two times; and in 2014, was inducted into the Direct Marketing News Marketing Hall of Femme. Additionally, Dowling was the recipient of the 2016 Applied Health Sciences Alumni Achievement Award, from the University of Waterloo, her alma mater.

About Best Western Hotels & Resorts
Best Western Hotels and Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a privately held hotel brand within the BWH Hotel Group® global network. With 18 brands and approximately 4,700 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 StudioSM  franchises.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Marriott International Continues Growth in Turkey

 500 319 wttc2
By:
Marriott International Continues Growth in Turkey - TRAVELINDEXIstanbul, Turkey, September 1, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Marriott International, Inc. announced plans to expand its portfolio in Turkey with the expected opening of 10 properties by the end of 2022. With the anticipated openings, the company’s portfolio in Turkey is expected to encompass 43 properties with over 7,000 rooms across eight markets by the end of 2022. Reinforcing its long-term focus on the market, the company also announced two recent deal signings under the Four Points by Sheraton brand.

“Marriott International has a strong history of successful operations in the Turkish market,” said Begüm Kaya, Director of Development, Turkey at Marriott International. “With our captivating portfolio of brands, world-class distribution platform and all-encompassing travel program, Marriott Bonvoy, we appreciate the confidence our owners and franchisees have with us in this exciting market.”

Strong Continued Growth for Select Accommodations Across the Country

Marriott International continues to see growth in its select portfolio across brands such as Four Points by Sheraton and Residence Inn by Marriott. Four Points by Sheraton builds upon its momentum in the Turkish market with the Four Points by Sheraton Istanbul Kagithane expected to open this year and the Four Points by Sheraton Elazig projected to open in 2022.

To meet the demand for longer-stay accommodations in the country, the company is expected to debut its extended stay brand, Residence Inn by Marriott, with the anticipated opening of Residence Inn by Marriott Istanbul Atasehir later this year. The brand is ideal for guests seeking the comforts of home with modern, flexible suites with full kitchens and separate living and sleeping areas, providing the perfect solution for travelers mixing business and leisure travel.

Owner Desire for Marriott’s Premium Brands

The company’s renowned premium brands also remain a strong driver of growth in the Turkish market. Following the recent opening of Orientbank Hotel Istanbul, Autograph Collection, two new Autograph Collection hotels are planned to open in Istanbul – The Burdock, Autograph Collection in 2021 and Orient Occident Hotel, Autograph Collection in 2022. Providing independent hoteliers the opportunity to leverage the company’s powerful distribution, sales and loyalty platform while maintaining their independent spirit, Autograph Collection hotels celebrate individuality while benefiting from the power of Marriott International’s scale.

Delta Hotels by Marriott, which provides guests with exactly what they need for a seamless travel experience, made its debut in the country in 2019 with the opening of Delta Hotels by Marriott Istanbul Halic. The brand is slated to open Delta Hotels by Marriott Istanbul Levent by the end of 2021.

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, which is currently undergoing a much-anticipated design transformation, remains a popular brand in Turkey. Following the recent openings of Sheraton Istanbul City Center and Sheraton Istanbul Levent, the brand is anticipated to open Sheraton Istanbul Esenyurt next year. Drawing on its roots as a community hub for locals and guests, the new Sheraton experience provides services and design that enable socialization, productivity, and personalization. Marriott Hotels, the company’s flagship brand, continues to further grow its portfolio in Turkey with the recent opening of Izmir Marriott Hotel.

Growing Demand Branded Residences

In Turkey, the company’s branded residential business continues to draw interest , with consumers seeking residential property in communities that offer a convenient lifestyle and an array of on-demand amenities and services, and with developers seeking to differentiate and elevate their products with trusted brands. Marriott International currently operates three branded residential properties in Turkey, including the recently opened Le Méridien Residences, Bodrum and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Bodrum, which marked the company’s first standalone branded residences in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region. In 2022, the company is expected to open The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Istanbul and The Residences at the Sheraton Istanbul Esenyurt.

Growth in Conversion Opportunities

While much of the company’s past growth in Turkey has been through new-build developments, the company has seen an increase in conversion opportunities. In the past two years, the company has signed six conversion deals across the country. The company has since opened five of the conversion deals under a Marriott International brand, including Sheraton Istanbul City Centre and Sheraton Istanbul Levent. There is also increased interest in the adaptive re-use space where developers are looking to convert existing buildings into hotel accommodations. In the past three years, the company has signed four adaptive re-use conversions in Turkey including JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus and The Burdock, Autograph Collection.

Turkey is home to 17 of Marriott International’s brands, each serving differentiated experiences across traveler segments. The brands currently present in Turkey include:

JW Marriott, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton, W Hotels, The Luxury Collection, and EDITION in the luxury segment; Marriott Hotels, Sheraton, Renaissance Hotels, Le Meridien, Autograph Collection, Delta Hotels by Marriott, and Design Hotels in the premium segment; Courtyard by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft Hotels and AC Hotels by Marriott, in the select service segment.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Marriott’s “The Exchange – All for One” Brings Industry Leaders Together to Reignite Meetings and Events

 840 560 wttc2
By:

After a year of mostly virtual meetings, Marriott International hosted its largest in-person customer event since the start of the pandemic last week, showcasing health protocols and marking a positive sign for the recovery of the meetings and events industry. The event was a milestone for the company’s “Connect with Confidence” program, a global initiative by Marriott Bonvoy Events, which provides industry-leading resources and innovative solutions for hosting meetings and events today.

Marriott’s “The Exchange” event, held August 24-27, 2021 at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin in Orlando, Florida, brought together nearly 800 attendees – including corporate and association meeting professionals, as well as Marriott executives and sales professionals.

Anthony Capuano, Chief Executive Officer at Marriott International, said, “Meeting with our corporate and association customers face-to-face at The Exchange reminds me of the power, energy, and connection that we get from being together in person – it’s an experience that can’t be replaced by screens and emails. I am continually inspired by the resiliency of our industry, our people, and our customers, and I’m enthusiastic about being back on the road and returning to group meetings and conferences.”

Marriott Exchange 2 Press Release.JPG
The Exchange Opening Session with Tim Oldfield, Stephanie Linnartz, and Anthony Capuano (left to right)

The event, themed “All for One,” illustrated for customers how they can host in-person events, while prioritizing attendees’ well-being, as the COVID-19 landscape continues to evolve. Committed to demonstrating a spirit of respect and care, Marriott implemented enhanced protocols before and during the meeting. All attendees were required to provide either a COVID-19 vaccine validation or proof of a negative COVID-19 test in advance of the event, submitted using the free CLEAR app’s Health Pass feature. Attendees who did not submit advance proof of vaccine validation were also tested on-site by ITA Group/Eurofins, with a negative test required for event entry.

Additionally, customers experienced various “Connect with Confidence” elements and industry-leading best practices first-hand, both before and during the event. Jerome Bruce, MBA, Director of Meetings and Exhibits at the Association of Government Accountants, said, “The industry has been through a lot over the past year. I applaud Marriott for once again bringing leaders, planners, and hoteliers together for collaboration, learning, and connecting face-to-face. It is valuable to hear from Marriott leaders, listen to the stories of resiliency and perseverance of hotels throughout the pandemic, and learn about the emerging trends and opportunities.”

Tammy Routh, Senior Vice President, Global Sales Organization at Marriott International, said, “We launched our Connect with Confidence initiative a year ago to help meeting and events professionals navigate the pandemic and find new ways to create exceptional meetings experiences. Our goal is to instill confidence in our customers and encourage an eventual return to group meetings, while staying nimble and keeping well-being front and center. The Exchange is a pivotal moment in that journey.”

Attendees participated in industry meetings, collaborative breakout sessions, volunteer opportunities, and in-person networking sessions, including a marketplace connecting customers with 115 hotels.

Sessions at The Exchange covered critical industry topics such as risk management, sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and global operations protocols. Marriott speakers included Anthony Capuano, Chief Executive Officer; Stephanie Linnartz, President; Liam Brown, Group President, United States and Canada; Erika Alexander, Chief Global Officer, Global Operations; Tammy Routh, Senior Vice President, Global Sales Organization; and Julius Robinson, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for U.S. and Canada.

Throughout the past year, Marriott Bonvoy Events has continued to create and provide resources that empower meetings professionals to Connect with Confidence. Most recently, more than 3,000 industry professionals experienced a series of Hybrid Event Learning Labs.

For additional information and resources related to enhanced meeting and event offerings, including more information about Marriott’s Commitment to Clean, visit www.marriottbonvoyevents.com.

Note on Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of United States federal securities laws, including expectations regarding business and group travel and events and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. Marriott International (“we”) caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous evolving risks and uncertainties that we may not be able to accurately predict or assess, including those we identify below and other risk factors that we identify in our U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or Annual Report on Form 10-K. Risks that could affect forward-looking statements in this press release include the duration and scope of COVID-19, including the availability and distribution of effective vaccines or treatments; the pandemic’s short and longer-term impact on the demand for travel, transient and group business, and levels of consumer confidence; actions governments, businesses and individuals have taken or may take in response to the pandemic, including limiting, banning, or cautioning against travel and/or in-person gatherings or imposing occupancy or other restrictions on lodging or other facilities; the impact of the pandemic and actions taken in response to the pandemic on global and regional economies, travel, and economic activity, including the duration and magnitude of COVID-19’s impact on unemployment rates and consumer discretionary spending; the ability of our owners and franchisees to successfully navigate the impacts of the pandemic; the pace of recovery when the pandemic subsides and any dislocations in recovery as a result of resurgences of the pandemic; general economic uncertainty in key global markets and a worsening of global economic conditions or low levels of economic growth; the effects of steps we and our property owners and franchisees have taken and may continue to take to reduce operating costs and/or enhance certain health and cleanliness protocols at our hotels; the impacts of our employee furloughs and reduced work week schedules, our voluntary transition program and our other restructuring activities; competitive conditions in the lodging industry and in the labor market; relationships with customers and property owners; and the availability of capital to finance hotel growth and refurbishment. Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations we express or imply in this press release. We make these forward-looking statements as of the date of this press release and undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of roughly 7,800 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.

Media Contact
Julie Rollend
Julie.Rollend@marriott.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Marriott Bonvoy’s Latest Global Promotion Invites Members to Embrace Adventure This Fall

 840 630 wttc2
By:

As Fall approaches, Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program, is inviting members to step away from their routine and embrace exciting adventures with a new global promotion. Registration starts today for the offer, which makes it easier and quicker to earn points to redeem free nights, exchange for gift cards and bid on Marriott Bonvoy Moments experiences.

Registered members will receive 1,500 bonus points on stays around the world that occur between September 14, 2021 and December 12, 2021. As a further incentive, members will also receive 3,000 additional points for stays at All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy resorts during the same period. To take advantage of the promotion, members must register here before November 28, 2021.

Q3_GloPro_PR_1280x960_EN_AI.jpg
Members Can Register Now To Earn 1,500 Bonus Points For Stays + 3,000 Additional Points For Stays at All-Inclusive Resorts

This is the first promotion that includes the newest offering in the Marriott Bonvoy travel program, All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy, which currently consists of 25+ resorts in locations across the Caribbean and Latin America where members can now earn and redeem points. With this promotion, members could earn 4,500 bonus points for a stay at one of these exclusive resorts.

It is possible to begin earning points from the very first stay after registration and on each eligible stay thereafter that falls within the 90-day earning period. The offer is global, providing more opportunities to experience the world through Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary hotel brands – whether that’s close to home or in the most inspiring destinations around the globe.

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

Here are some important details:

  • With this promotion, you can earn unlimited bonus points. There is no limit to the number of bonus points you can earn during the promotion period.
  • Stays made prior to registration are not eligible to earn bonus points with this promotion. So, please register here.
  • Remember to book stays directly with Marriott on Marriott.com, Marriott Bonvoy Mobile app or through a reservations center. Rates available through most third-party online retailers and select travel agency rates do not qualify for this promotion.
  • The following brands are not participating in the promotion: Homes & Villas by Marriott International, Marriott Executive Apartments® and Marriott Vacation Club® owner-occupied weeks. Ritz-Carlton Reserve®, BVLGARI, and other hotels that do not currently participate in Marriott Bonvoy® are also excluded from the promotion.

To see the Terms & Conditions, visit here.

About Marriott Bonvoy®
Marriott Bonvoy encompasses Marriott International’s extraordinary portfolio of brands – including the largest collection of luxury properties, award-winning loyalty program, Homes & Villas by Marriott International, online retail shop with 13 branded boutiques, and access to endless experiences – all available through the Marriott Bonvoy Mobile app. Members can earn and redeem points for stays and accelerate the points they earn with co-branded credit cards from JP Morgan Chase and American Express. For more information about Marriott Bonvoy or to enroll in the loyalty program for free and receive member benefits, visit marriottbonvoy.com and to download the Marriott Bonvoy Mobile app, visit mobile-app.marriott.com. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Media Contact
Charlotte Henley
Marriott International
Charlotte.Henley@marriott.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Tourism Authority of Kiribati Appoints Digital Marketing Officer

 500 300 wttc2
By:
Tourism Authority of Kiribati Appoints Digital Marketing Officer

Tarawa, Kiribati, August 31, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Tourism Authority of Kiribati is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Kylie Petersen as its volunteer digital marketing support officer through the Australian Volunteers Program, funded by the Australian Government.

Ms. Peterson is a senior marketing and communications professional within local government working on economic development, city branding and community engagement projects. She is currently employed as an Account Officer with the City of Gold Coast and previously held the positions of Senior City Marketing Officer and Business Gold Coast Marketing Officer for the same organisation.

As the digital marketing support officer, Ms. Petersen will work with the Marketing and Promotions Division of TAK to develop its digital marketing strategy which will be an integral part of the organisation’s tourism recovery and reset strategy.

The Australian Volunteers Program matches a broad range of skilled Australians with partner organisations in the Indo-Pacific region, to support them achieve their own development goals and has a branch located on South Tarawa, Kiribati.

Ms. Petersen commenced in her support role on 05 July 2021 and TAK is grateful to the Australian Volunteers Program for its support and looks forward to a rewarding partnership.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Centara EarthCare Announced as GSTC-Recognized Standard

 500 323 wttc2
By:
Centara EarthCare Announced as GSTC-Recognized Standard

Bangkok, Thailand, August 31, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is pleased to announce that the Centara EarthCare has achieved the ‘GSTC-Recognized Standard’ status. Centara Hotels & Resorts is a Thai leading hotel operator with 48 properties throughout the Kingdom of Thailand, and 36 properties overseas including the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, China, Japan, Oman, Qatar, Cambodia, Turkey, Indonesia and the UAE. There are six different brands within Centara.

The Centara EarthCare is Centara’s internal sustainability standard, used by the group’s hotels and resorts for adherence to sustainable practices based on the GSTC Criteria. For tracking, measuring and improving in areas of environmental sustainability and social responsibility at property or multi-site level, Centara is using the Greenview Portal, which is a GSTC-Recognized System. The platform allows Centara to track, benchmark, report and improve on various aspects of environmental and social performance.

By 2025, Centara aims to have 100% of its properties certified as sustainable by accredited certification bodies, further demonstrating the organisation’s commitment to long-term sustainability.

“By adopting sustainable, green practices, we are actively choosing to be more aware of our environmental impact. This not only protects the natural surroundings that enhance the guest experience in so many of the locations where we operate, it also creates long-term benefits for the company, our customers and our employees. Setting long-term sustainability goals allows us to incorporate green practices into our identity and ensures that all our stakeholders are aligned with Centara’s values and vision for a more mindful, ecologically conscious future,” said Thirayuth Chirathivat, CEO of Centara Hotels & Resorts.

The GSTC-Recognized status refers to the standard itself and means that a sustainable tourism standard or system has been reviewed by GSTC technical experts and the GSTC Assurance Panel and deemed the standard or system equivalent to the GSTC Criteria for sustainable tourism. It shows that the set of standards are based on the 4 pillars of the GSTC Criteria: Environment, Social, Cultural, and Management principles. This does not relate to the process of certification, nor to accreditation.

“Centara is the first Asian hospitality group to formally incorporate the GSTC Criteria in its internal sustainability system, along with long-term sustainability plans and goals, applying meaningful sustainability practices into their management approaches. We are proud to formally confirm Centara EarthCare’s compliance with the GSTC Criteria by undergoing the process of GSTC Recognition,” says Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC. “By using GSTC-Recognized systems, hotel and tourism companies are able to embed the GSTC Criteria, which includes the full range of environmental and social considerations specifically developed for the tourism sector, throughout their management processes and set them on the path of continuous improvement and towards third-party external certification.”

Currently, 11 destination standards, 34 hotel standards, and 15 tour operator standards have achieved GSTC-Recognized status. The status offers the market a proof that these standards adhere to international norms. GSTC Recognition does not ensure that a certification process is reliable, only that the set of standards used to certify are equivalent to the GSTC Criteria. GSTC-Recognized standard owners are encouraged to complete the accreditation process, which assures that the certification process used to apply the standard meets international best practice, transparent, and rigor. List of GSTC-Accredited certification bodies is available here.

About the GSTC
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) establishes and manages global sustainable standards, known as the GSTC Criteria. There are two sets: Destination Criteria for public policy-makers and destination managers, and Industry Criteria for hotels and tour operators. These are the guiding principles and minimum requirements that any tourism business or destination should aspire to reach in order to protect and sustain the world’s natural and cultural resources, while ensuring tourism meets its potential as a tool for conservation and poverty alleviation.

The GSTC Criteria form the foundation for Accreditation of Certification Bodies that certify hotels/accommodations, tour operators, and destinations as having sustainable policies and practices in place. GSTC does not directly certify any products or services; but it accredits those that do. The GSTC is an independent and neutral USA-registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization that represents a diverse and global membership, including UN agencies, NGO’s, national and provincial governments, leading travel companies, hotels, tour operators, individuals and communities – all striving to achieve best practices in sustainable tourism.

About Centara Hotels & Resorts
Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 84 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, China, Japan, Oman, Qatar, Cambodia, Turkey, Indonesia and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands – Centara Reserve, Centara Grand Hotels & Resorts, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centara Boutique Collection, Centra by Centara and COSI Hotels – ranging from luxury island retreats and upscale family resorts to affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology. The group’s newest Centara Reserve brand was unveiled in 2020 as an experiential luxury collection, inviting guests to discover a new era of story-driven hospitality starting with Centara Reserve Samui.

Centara also operates state-of-the-art convention centres and has its own award-winning spa brand, Cenvaree. Throughout the collection, Centara delivers and celebrates the hospitality and values Thailand is famous for including gracious service, exceptional food, pampering spas and the importance of families. Centara’s distinctive culture and diversity of formats allow it to serve and satisfy travellers of nearly every age and lifestyle.

Over the next five years Centara aims to become a top 100 global hotel group, while spreading its footprint into new continents and market niches. As Centara continues to expand, a growing base of loyal customers will find the company’s unique style of hospitality in more locations. Centara’s global loyalty programme, Centara The1, reinforces their loyalty with rewards, privileges and special member pricing.

 

 

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News