Global Travel News

More than 2.5 Billion Trees to be Conserved, Restored, and Grown by 2030

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More than 2.5 Billion Trees to be Conserved, Restored, and Grown by 2030

Geneva, Switzerland, October 7, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Companies from across sectors are working to support healthy and resilient forests through the World Economic Forum’s 1t.org trillion tree platform. With the launch of 1t.org’s global pledge process this September, over 20 companies have pledged to conserve, restore and grow more than 2.5 billion trees in over 50 countries by 2030.

The trillion trees goal does not replace net-zero emission programmes – business and industries still need to decarbonize to meet our climate targets. 1t.org was launched to support the growing momentum around nature-based solutions, to mobilize the global restoration community and to empower anyone who wants to play a part. The community shares best practices, promotes responsible forestry practices, and scales solutions to have global impact.

Nicole Schwab, Co-Director, Platform to Accelerate Nature-Based Solutions, World Economic Forum said: “We are at a tipping point. It is our collective responsibility to leave behind a planet that is habitable for future generations. The private sector has a key role to play in bringing their expertise to the table and investing in natural climate solutions, such as restoration. It is encouraging to see more and more companies embracing this needed transition towards net-zero, nature-positive business models.”

The initial wave of companies making global pledges to 1t.org include: Amazon, APRIL Group, AstraZeneca, Brambles, Capgemini, Clif Bar, Daterra Coffee, Eni, HP Inc., Iberdrola, Mastercard, Nestle, PepsiCo, Salesforce, SAP, Shell, Suzano, Teck Resources Ltd., tentree, Travelers, Unilever, UPS, VMware, and Zurich Insurance Group.

“Pledging to 1t.org was a natural fit for UPS,” said Nikki Clifton, president of social impact and The UPS Foundation. “UPS’s commitment to plant more than 50 million trees by 2030, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, is promoting global equity and well-being for underserved communities in cities and developing countries worldwide. It’s another example of UPS’s 543,000 employees moving our world forward by delivering what matters.”

Companies also work collaboratively through the 1t.org Corporate Alliance to drive impact by committing to leadership, action, integrity, transparency and learning. The alliance allows companies to jointly tackle common challenges and connects companies with 1t.org’s community of innovators, partners and regional chapters.

“1t.org Corporate Alliance discussions have given us valuable insights into how other companies are devising and managing their own restoration and conservation projects. The platform provides a great space for mutual learning and ideas,” said Craig Tribolet, Head of Sustainability Operations, APRIL Group. “1t.org also allows us to share updates on our own journey to champion thriving landscapes, as part of our production-protection approach, and on the progress we have made against our long-term sustainability commitments,” he said.

How Trees Can Play Their Part

Healthy and resilient trees and forests are one part of the efforts needed to combat climate change. Studies have shown trees can reduce urban heat island effects by up to 5°C and energy costs by $7.8 billion a year. Globally, sustainable management of forests could create $230 billion in business opportunities and 16 million jobs worldwide by 2030. From a health perspective, trees absorb 17.4 million tons of air pollutants a year, helping to prevent 670,000 cases of asthma and other acute respiratory symptoms annually. The chance of extreme wildfires occurring also decreases dramatically when forests are managed properly by, for example, growing specially-selected tree species in burned areas and using novel planting techniques for resilience to future wildfires.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

W Hotels Unveils W Nashville

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Living Room Bar at W Nashville

There’s a new stage rising in Music City. W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International, today announces the opening of W Nashville. Nestled in the vibrant and diverse Gulch neighborhood, the 14-story, mirrored tower offers unparalleled, voyeuristic views of the hotel’s social spaces, creating a destination within a destination where global guests will be immersed in a locally-charged cultural scene. Adding a new, remastered verse to the W brand’s luxury songbook, W Nashville was designed from the outside in, with six street level entrances that offer unparalleled access to hotel guests and locals alike. In other words, W Nashville isn’t just in the neighborhood, it is part of it.

“The W experience has always been centered on a local, social scene but W Nashville takes it to the next level,” said Tom Jarrold, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide. “Today’s global traveler is not content staying at a hotel with superficial neighborhood references and locals are not embracing of hotels that ignore the social fabric of the community. W Nashville is different as it weaves itself into the Gulch seamlessly and authentically through the brand’s distinct lens.”

Detail-Driven Design
Thoughtful, elevated and anything-but-cliché, the concept, programming and design direction of W Nashville was led by hospitality veterans David Tessier and Anna Gomez of Hospitality Gaming Advisors along with local partner Mark Bloom, and developed by 12th Ave Realty Holding Company LLC. The public spaces and guestrooms were realized by the award-winning Rockwell Group, honoring both Nashville industry and artisanship through the use of historical, rugged local materials like iron, steel, wood, leather and polished and raw concrete. The spatial experience brought to life by HKS Architecture is awe-inspiring, beckoning passersby to look up, discover and explore, with an emphasis on indoor-outdoor flows that are an indelible part of Southern design. In fact, it includes over 26,000 square feet of outdoor space, an impressive amount for an urban hotel.

“Authenticity was at the heart of this project. Every decision and choice we made on design, materials, finishes, art and our collaborators took this into consideration. As a result, the hotel has a very tactile quality and at every turn there is something visually provocative. All of our amenities and offerings have a unique character and identity. We feel our guests will be engaged and inquisitive discovering places that evoke diverse emotions,” said David Tessier, President, Hospitality Gaming Advisors.

This discovery begins in the Welcome Den, a new W Hotels concept. Accessible only by room key, it is a space where hotel guests can relax, take a work call and enjoy a specially crafted beverage. W Nashville features 286 rooms and 60 suites – the most of any hotel in Nashville – including two Extreme WOW (Presidential) Suites. The distinct room design blends industrial polish with warm, soothing tones as well as a mix of raw materials including leather and exposed concrete. Furniture is subtly inspired by vintage stereo equipment and includes stud detailing like that found on a roadie case, while televisions are surrounded with speaker cloth. The brand’s signature Mix Bar is a focal point, illuminated in a gold, mirrored cage to encourage in-room entertaining. Guests receive a reusable water bottle upon arrival to use with the cocktail ice and filtered water stations on each floor. All WOW and Extreme WOW Suites have balconies as well as seductive overhead views of the WET Deck. Extreme WOW Suites also feature a discreet music booth, dining area, lounge and a pantry kitchen.

Art and Soul
Such a sophisticated and informed design calls for equally-inspired collaborations with some of the most creative and eclectic artisans and artists in the country. The result is a myriad of original prints, photographs and other works including a monumental, 96-inch Jim Dine double heart canvas ‘Atlantic Love Letter’- the first piece one sees when entering the hotel. A colorful and whimsical experiential, outdoor mural by the renowned Kelsey Montague features a suitcase guests can sit atop and acts as a metaphor for the playfulness that awaits inside. Perhaps the crown jewel of W Nashville’s collection is a series of original prints by the godfather of rock ‘n’ roll photography, Jim Marshall, a longtime fan and guest of W Hotels.

Every guestroom at W Nashville features an original, commissioned artwork by Brooklyn-based studio FAILE. The Pop Art-inspired piece celebrates the musical soul of the city and depicts a female figure who symbolizes the innocence of young talent who come to Nashville in search of making it big. Our heroine encounters a wolf, personifying the music industry as enticing yet difficult and uncertain.

As the creative capital of the South, there was no shortage of local artists when it came to the adornment of W Nashville. Examples include embossed, hand-stitched leather wall panels with roses and guitar pick details by leatherworker Joseph Verzilli of Lockeland Leather and Derrick Castle of Straw Castle, as well as a Jimi Hendrix mural by street artist Bryan Deese on the building’s facade. All art that speaks to the soul – and soundtrack – of Tennessee.

The Pulse of the Gulch
W Nashville is meant to be explored as a day-to-night location for locals looking for a place to drink coffee by day and sip cocktails by night. With a city-block feel and six street access venues including a neighborhood coffee shop, two destination restaurants and, coming soon, high-end retail and a live entertainment venue, W Nashville is a social nexus within the Gulch that’s more textured and assorted than what is normally found at a hotel. The laid-back, communal, neighborhood vibe begins with an unexpected use of outdoor space: The Spanish Steps, 42 flights of concrete stairs interlaced with warm wood seating platforms that act as a meeting place and amphitheater (a nod to the iconic meeting spot in Rome) with a live music stage below. Perched above and seemingly floating in the sky is the 10,000 square foot WET Deck, the largest hotel pool area in the city, featuring an impressive, 2,000 square foot, L-shaped pool with private cabanas as well as unobstructed views of the neighborhood. A short walk from the pool is the manicured yoga lawn which leads to FIT, W Nashville’s spacious fitness center, which, unlike many hotel gyms that are remote and tucked away, sits right in the heart of the action, making fitness a social activity.

In addition to the WET Deck bar, there are six other drinking and dining venues at W Nashville. It begins with Nashville-born coffee shop Barista Parlor, with a “Coffee Courier” to deliver right to guest rooms, as well as a Secret Garden for a quiet respite. Behind Barista Parlor’s copper wire draped curtain is the sophisticated and moody Living Room, which features subtle, respectful nods to music including a ceiling of pyramidal acoustic panels reminiscent of a recording studio and a two-way mirror box chandelier tipping a hat to the show lights at the music venues on Lower Broad. The backdrop of the Living Room Bar, with its chandelier adorned with shimmering tassels, is a striking, backlit scrim with a reinterpretation of a classical 1600s French-style painting of a Tennessee woodland. Adjacent to the bar and hidden behind a speaker wall is the Sound Room, a private, indoor/outdoor event space featuring a gold and ebony bar with warm, golden rotating spirits risers.

Rounding out the street level selection are two restaurants by Chef Andrew Carmellini: The Dutch, an all-day dining venue with a laid-back American comfort menu and a bar terrace overlooking the 25-foot Hendrix mural; and Carne Mare, an evening-only, fine dining, contemporary Italian chop house which draws from Carmellini’s experience working in some of the finest restaurants around the world.

Soaring high atop the 14th floor is Proof, W Nashville’s striking rooftop bar that takes inspiration from the Gulch’s expansive, historical rail yard. Here, the hotel’s impressive collection of original Jim Marshall prints is on display, including an iconic image of Jerry Garcia toasting with a glass of wine. Four sliding garage doors line the outdoor terraces, providing a jaw-dropping,

360-degree view of the city and, when open, access to outdoor seating and a hidden sunset catwalk. From exposed duct vents, steel beams, a steel-corner fireplace and polished concrete floors to backlit, split wood paneling made from reclaimed beams from a local 1800s tobacco warehouse, Proof provides an industrial juxtaposition to the natural beauty of a Nashville sunset.

Meet Up + Wind Down
W Nashville has over 24,000 square feet of meeting and event space which encourages a balance of work and play by connecting to the WET Deck, Spanish Steps and their own outdoor terraces. The Great Room, in tones of tan and gold, was inspired by the quilting techniques of Nashville artisans and includes a metal and glass framed façade that carries daylight across the floor. Pre-event spaces feature intimate seating nooks with felted walls and pastoral Tennessee landscapes adorning the alcoves, reflecting an adoration for Nashville’s natural beauty.

“From the sounds of live music filling the air on the Spanish Steps to FUEL fitness classes on the WET Deck, W Nashville is ready to add new buzz to this one-of-a-kind neighborhood,” said David Cronin, General Manager, W Nashville. “The unique beat of W Hotels is finally ready to play in this Southern capital and will soon become the most sought-after destination for both locals as well as out-of-town guests who wish to experience all this city has to offer.”

For more information or to make a reservation, visit WNashville.com or get social with W Nashville on Instagram and Facebook.

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

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

About Twelfth Avenue Realty Holdings
Twelfth Avenue Realty Holdings, LLC is a partnership between Nashville-based Corner Partnership, Florida-based Hospitality Gaming Advisors, and Chicago-based Magellan Development.

Media Contacts:
Leanne Drago
ldrago@sequel-inc.com

Alex Marín
amarin@sequel-inc.com
SEQUEL for W Hotels Worldwide

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Unleash Your Curiosity: W Hotels Collaborates with LUXE City Guides to Uncover the Hottest Hangouts, Must Eats and Must Do Lists Across Asia Pacific

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There are no strangers when you travel, only friends you haven’t met yet. W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International, today announced an exciting collaboration with LUXE City Guides – to curate a series of print and digital travel guides packed with insider information for W Hotels guests in nine W Hotels destinations including Bali, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Osaka, Shanghai, Singapore, Suzhou and Xi’an. The look of the W Hotels LUXE City Guide is influenced by Spring/Summer 2022 trends, with fabulous, eye-catching colours and layouts brimming with the know-how of a savvy local pal.

“The W brand’s mission has always been to fuel our guests’ lust for life by providing them with access to the latest trends and immersive experiences unique to each city, and the W Hotels LUXE City Guide is the latest example of what we do,” said Jennie Toh, Vice President Brand Marketing and Management, Marriott International Asia Pacific. “As everyone gets ready to jetset once again, the guide will be the perfect resource for new/next discoveries for those waiting to rediscover the joy of travel.”

The W Hotel LUXE City Guide provides a plethora of quick, to-the-point travel tips in a 24-hour timeline format, including where to go, what to see and which eateries are not to be missed in each destination. The guide taps into the W brand’s DNA by inspiring guests to connect with each city and culture through the approaches of great music, design, fashion and FUEL – the brand’s unique take on wellness. By directing visitors to the best spots for interesting art, delectable eats and local fun, the guide empowers guests to make the most out of every trip.

Discovering Xi’an’s Other Underground Scene
The bold and bright W Xi’an tantalizes with step-out balconies offering fantastic panoramas of the historic city, welcoming guests with inspired culinary offerings at its three dining spots, as well as bespoke cocktail selections at its signature WOOBAR. The LUXE guide’s advice for 24 hours in Xi’an starts with grabbing street snacks for breakfast and a scenic bike ride around the city walls, whizzing past Xi’an old and new. A Shaanxi cuisine lunch is recommended behind the local market in a casual alfresco courtyard, while the evening is dedicated to cocktails and beers in underground-style speakeasies and local taprooms, or a refreshing soak and scrub at a classic local bathhouse.

Detox And Retox In Osaka
W Osaka blends Japan’s cultural heritage with bold contemporary designs in an atmosphere of playful chic and seamless luxury, immersing guests in extraordinary social and culinary experiences. A day in Osaka can begin with an onsen hot spring experience in the morning, followed by a visit to a local indie art gallery and people-watching at Orange Street, lined with boutiques and cafés. Night owls can sample chicken sashimi at Osaka’s only Michelin-starred yakitori joint, or party the night away at the city’s clubs and nightspots which are open till 5:00 AM.

On The Go In Melbourne
Holding the back-lane entrance keys to what’s new/next in the city CBD and taking its design cues from the streets of Australia’s cultural capital, W Melbourne is a playground where the early risers to the late-night revellers can mingle. In Melbourne, guests are encouraged to take a bicycle trek into the Australian outback, cycling along the Yarra River before refueling at an Edwardian-era boathouse showcasing contemporary Australian cuisine. Guests can make a quick stop for a refreshing dip in the pool back at W Melbourne before setting off again to sample the city’s fantastic bars, eateries and nightlife in the evening.

“LUXE City Guides are a trusted source for ultra-researched travel and lifestyle information curated by expert teams of locals,” said Simon Westcott, CEO and Owner of LUXE City Guides. “The super-charged energy of W Hotels celebrates its guests’ endless appetites to discover what’s new/next in design, music, fashion and wellness. With the theme of UNLEASH YOUR CURIOSITY, the W Hotels LUXE City Guide sets the scene for next-level travel knowledge, providing valuable destination-insider info through the vibrant lens of W.”

Throughout October, pop-up events celebrating the launch of the W Hotels LUXE City Guide will take place in W Hotels across Singapore, Suzhou and Xi’an. The pop-ups will showcase the nine destinations in the guide and feature scrumptious bites and sips that are virtual passports to the fun, charm and magic of each city.

The W Hotels LUXE City Guide is available in English, Japanese, Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese. For more information, guests can connect with the W Insider at any W hotel for a copy of the guide, or access the destination content available at https://www.whotels-asiapacific.com/luxecityguides. Guests are invited to join the conversation on Instagram @whotels @luxecityguides and hashtag #UnleashYourCuriosity #WLuxeCityGuides.

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.

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

About LUXE City Guides
LUXE City Guides are the stylish pocket print and digital travel guides packed with astute, opinionated information for modern, sophisticated travellers. LUXE covers 30 destinations in print and digital and is adding new places all the time. All LUXE content and products are the work of a crack team of genuinely insider, local resident contributors and expert, in-house editors. It is 100% independent and ad-free; everything LUXE recommends is tested and selected on merit alone. The LUXE app is available for iOS and Android devices and features expanded content, maps, images, a handy ‘around me’ function, itineraries and much more.

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Hyatt Opens Taoxichuan Hotel in China

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Hyatt Opens Taoxichuan Hotel in China - TRAVELINDEXTaoxichuan, China, October 6, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced the opening of Taoxichuan Hotel, a truly one-of-a-kind addition to The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand. The 196-room hotel has been developed as part of the landmark Taoxichuan cultural and creative quarter in the heart of downtown Jingdezhen, offering a distinctive, sophisticated experience for the many talented artists and guests visiting the “porcelain capitol” of China.

A vibrant city in China’s southern Jiangxi province, Jingdezhen is infused with the spirit of innovation and creativity, as residents of the city have been producing fine porcelains spanning many centuries and imperial dynasties. The city’s population is comprised of more than 30,000 artists, one of the highest concentrations of artistic talent in China. Taoxichuan Hotel warmly welcomes these creative individuals, bridging history with a new era of ceramic craftsmanship expressed through the contemporary design inspired by the ceramic culture of Jingdezhen.

Conveniently located within a five-minute walk from Ceramic Art Avenue Taoxichuan, guests can discover the city’s centuries-old heritage alongside a new generation of present-day ceramics in an energizing mix of museums, galleries, markets and shops. The hotel’s superb location is also surrounded by many scenic spots and is a convenient 25-minute drive from the Northern High Railway Station and Luojia Airport, which provide direct connection to other key cities in the region.

“We are delighted to expand The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand in China with Taoxichuan Hotel, a modern retreat that pays tribute to the city’s heritage and craftsmanship in a thought-provoking, contemporary style,” said Stephen Ho, president of growth and operations for Asia Pacific, Hyatt. “We look forward to welcoming guests and immerse them in story-worthy experiences within one of China’s most culturally inspiring destinations.”

Rooms and suites

Occupying three interconnected buildings and designed by Britain’s acclaimed David Chipperfield Architects, Taoxichuan Hotel houses 196 spacious guestrooms, including seven suites, where guests can enjoy an atmosphere of calm amid a palette of warm colors and earthy textures of wood, leather, canvas and ceramic tiles. Terracotta elements connect guests to the earth and cobalt blue accents, which are also inspired by traditional porcelain designs are found throughout each guestroom. Additionally, all guestrooms are furnished with modern comforts, luxurious amenities and artisanal elements crafted from ceramic, while private balconies provide the ideal spot to take in the city views.

Refreshing culinary experiences

Guests can enjoy complex flavors showcasing authentic local and regional Chinese cuisines at the hotel’s Cobalt Restaurant. Featuring modern interior design rooted in Jingdezhen’s classic cobalt blue and white porcelain, the restaurant is conceived as an extension of an adjacent outdoor garden, providing a lively picnic-in-the-park dining experience. For special occasions, Cobalt Restaurant also offers four private dining rooms with butler service. For guests seeking a quiet space to unwind or socialize, Emerald Lounge serves light bites, afternoon tea and an extensive selection of fine teas, wines and cocktails.

Space to re-energize

After a day of work or exploring, guests can recharge with a swim in the hotel’s heated indoor pool or with a workout in the 24-hour fitness center, fully equipped for a complete exercise regime.

Versatile event venues

Taoxichuan Hotel offers a captivating environment for gathering with 14,638 square feet (1,360 square meters) of flexible meeting and event space equipped with the latest technology. A high-ceilinged, pillar-free ballroom provides an exceptional venue for wedding celebrations, exhibitions and cocktail parties. Five meeting rooms in a variety of sizes provide an inspiring environment for board meetings, training and seminars, complemented by all-inclusive meeting packages and Hyatt’s attentive service.

Story-worthy discoveries

Guests are invited to immerse themselves in the creative atmosphere and local culture of Jingdezhen in unique experiences offered at Taoxichuan Hotel. This includes courses on Song Dynasty tea art by using locally designed China tea sets. Guests can also get a first-hand experience of ceramic-making, taught by renowned local craftsmen. Personalized and distinct for each guest, the Taoxichuan Hotel concierge team can also offer additional signature journeys that allow guests to forge their own unique tales throughout Jingdezhen.

“We are excited to welcome guests to Taoxichuan Hotel, where they can be exposed to the rich cultural experiences and the creative energy of the city,” said Howard Li, general manager, Taoxichuan Hotel. “Our urban retreat offers a sanctuary of comfort and sophistication inspired by the city’s history, culture and art, and is the perfect starting point for guests to embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery.”

Guided by its purpose of care, Hyatt’s multi-layered Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment further enhances its operational guidance and resources around colleague and guest safety and peace of mind.

The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
More than a compilation of independent, one-of-a-kind hotels, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand is a thoughtful curation of stories worth collecting. Whether it’s a modern marvel, a historic gem or a revitalizing retreat, each property provides thought-provoking environments and experiences that inspire for guests seeking elevated yet unscripted service when they travel.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company offering 20 premier brands. As of June 30, 2021, the Company’s portfolio included more than 1,000 hotel and all-inclusive properties in 68 countries across six continents. The Company’s purpose to care for people so they can be their best informs its business decisions and growth strategy and is intended to attract and retain top employees, build relationships with guests and create value for shareholders. The Company’s subsidiaries operate, manage, franchise, own, lease, develop, license, or provide services to hotels, resorts, branded residences, and vacation ownership properties, including under the Park Hyatt®, Miraval®, Grand Hyatt®, Alila®, Andaz®, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Destination by Hyatt™, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Hyatt Ziva™, Hyatt Zilara™, Thompson Hotels®, Hyatt Centric®, Caption by Hyatt, JdV by Hyatt™, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Place®, tommie™, UrCove, and Hyatt Residence Club® brand names, and operates the World of Hyatt® loyalty program that provides distinct benefits and exclusive experiences to its valued members.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Azerai Can Tho Lands on Conde Nast Traveler’s 2021 Readers Choice Awards

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Azerai Can Tho Lands on Conde Nast Traveler's 2021 Readers Choice Awards - TRAVELINDEXCan Tho, Vietnam, October 6, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Azerai Can Tho in the Mekong Delta landed a coveted spot on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards, becoming one of only six properties in Vietnam to make this year’s popular “best-of” list.

More than 800,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers across the globe submitted tens of thousands of ratings and comments, sharing their travel experiences with the world’s top hotels, resorts, spas, cities and more. The Readers’ Choice Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry.

“The results of the 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards demonstrate the travel experience our readers longed for most when they couldn’t travel and decided to do first once they could,” the US-based magazine said in announcing the list. “This year’s awards reflect the ways the world of travel has begun to welcome back guests.”

Located on a private islet on the Hau River in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta and accessible only by boat, Azerai Can Tho offers seclusion and privacy on a campus that is lush with greenery and mature banyan trees. Only three hours’ drive from Ho Chi Minh City, the resort is near the city of Can Tho, an area that is home to the world-famous Cai Rang Floating Market, the historic Binh Thuy Ancient House and other attractions.

“This recognition of Azerai Can Tho during the pandemic underscores that guests have found great comfort in our resort’s wide open spaces, fresh islet air, and heightened focus on health and safety,” said Azerai Can Tho’s General Manager Nicolas Pillet.

This is the first time that Azerai Can Tho, which opened in 2018, has been recognized by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.

The resort covers an area of more than eight hectares, with 60 rooms and five spacious pool villas that deliver residential-style accommodation offering privacy, comfort and extra-personal service for families and groups traveling together.

Over the past year, Azerai Can Tho also introduced new monthly yoga and Pilates retreats, as the resort continued to embrace its growing reputation as one of southern Vietnam’s most unique wellness and culinary destinations.

Azerai’s brand-new Pilates studio features the latest in allegro reformer equipment in a sleekly designed, well-lit space with vaulted hardwood ceilings. Retreats include a posture analysis, multiple Pilates sessions on reformers, and more. Meanwhile, four- and six-day yoga retreats include dynamic hatha yoga and status asanas sessions, a river cruise, healthy meals, live cooking sessions and more. Guests can spend their free time bicycling around the leafy islet, swimming in the resort’s pool, or playing tennis.

About Azerai
Azerai is a new story and brand of resorts offering guests simple elegance, refined design, and discreet and attentive service in places of unique beauty and cultural interest. The brand was formed by hotelier Adrian Zecha, and the name is derived from Zecha’s initials and the latter part of a Persian word, caravanserai, which references the storied old inns of the Middle East.

Azerai Can Tho is a peaceful retreat set on a lush islet in the Mekong Delta. Azerai Ke Ga Bay marks the brand’s first beach resort. And Azerai La Residence, Hue is a historic city resort overlooking the Perfume River in Vietnam’s former imperial capital.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Banyan Tree Launches Wellbeing Sanctuary in Koh Samui & Krabi

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Banyan Tree Launches Wellbeing Sanctuary in Koh Samui and Krabi - TRAVELINDEXKoh Samui, Thailand, October 6, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Banyan Tree Group has rolled out a new healthy living concept at its properties around the world, including Banyan Tree Samui and Banyan Tree Krabi in southern Thailand, which have set aside a selection of pool villas and suites dedicated to holistic and wellbeing pursuits.

The “Wellbeing Sanctuary” initiative was launched on October 1st at both resorts, and provides guests with an opportunity to combine a leisure vacation with a daily program designed to enrich mind, body and soul — from meditation to Thai boxing, from massage and hydrotherapy to nature trails and sailing lessons —  complemented with a nutritious diet and personal consultations.

“When guests book a Wellbeing Sanctuary, they have the flexibility to choose their own activities,” said Remko Kroesen, Area General Manager overseeing both hotels. “Before arrival, we send them a questionnaire so they can stipulate their goals, and our practitioners will be on hand throughout their stay to ensure they have every opportunity to connect with nature, discover a sense of deep relaxation, and find balance.

“And when they leave, we will consult and provide suggestions that will help fine-tune and inspire their daily routines, and assist them on their journey.”

Teams at Banyan Tree Samui and Banyan Tree Krabi, which are both located on tranquil picture-perfect beaches, have tailored holistic itineraries based on Banyan Tree’s “8 Pillars” principle (Dietary Awareness; Physical Vitality; Cultivate the Mind; Sleep & Rest; Harmony with Nature; Learning & Development; Bonding & Connection; and Sustained Practices).

Each of the villas selected for the Wellbeing Sanctuary has been adapted with various wellbeing amenities — a mini-bar stocked with fresh juices and herbal teas instead of alcoholic drinks, a yoga mat, stretch bands, and even a Tibetan singing bowl — and hosts an outdoor pool and hot jet pool.

On Koh Samui, Wellbeing villas come with a luxurious infinity pool, while at Krabi, each room opens onto a private garden, ideal for private self-wellbeing activities.

Krabi is among the newest destinations in Banyan Tree’s quiver. The 72-key resort, which opened in October last year, is tiered into a hillside at serene Tubkaek Beach, a 40-minute drive from Krabi International Airport. It is surrounded on three sides by nature: a forested national park to the rear and far side, while overlooking one of Thailand’s most iconic natural wonders: the famous towering limestone cliffs that jut out of the sea in Than Bok Khorani National Marine Park.

Facilities at the hotel include two restaurants, a beach bar, a kids’ club, a fitness center, a meeting center, an elevated outdoor wedding deck, and — in keeping with Banyan Tree’s eco-friendly branding — a rainforest-themed spa.

Similarly, Banyan Tree Samui is nestled into a lush tropical hillside with spectacular views over a sapphire sea. The 38-acre property is rich in flora and plant life, and its private white-sand cove is flanked by coral reefs, which the resort’s Sustainability Team protects and regenerates.

Banyan Tree began rolling out its Wellbeing Sanctuary programs in March 2021, beginning in China, and is progressively launching at its resorts worldwide as each destination re-emerges from the pandemic.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

King Power Mahanakhon Reopens Thailand’s Highest Observation Deck and Restaurant

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King Power Mahanakhon Reopens Thailand's Highest Observation Deck and Restaurant - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, October 6, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / King Power Mahanakhon, Bangkok’s landmark in the heart of Sathorn, is reopening to service this Friday 8 October, 2021, welcoming visitors back to Mahanakhon SkyWalk, Thailand’s highest observation deck on the 78th floor of the iconic pixelated building, Mahanakhon Bangkok SkyBar, Thailand’s highest restaurant on the 76th floor, which is again available for dine-in, and offering a Flash Sale promotion on Mahanakhon SkyWalk tickets of only at THB 450/Person* (from THB 880) inclusive of 1 free mocktail when purchase online tickets between this 6-8 October, 2021 only, with validity up to 60 days.

Mahanakhon SkyWalk is ready to welcome visitors back to a 360-degree view of the capital city from Thailand’s highest observation deck at 314 meters with a height-thrilling glass floor, located on the 78th floor. Mahanakhon SkyWalk ticket starts at THB 530 per one adult from Monday-Friday and THB 880 from Saturday-Sunday and THB 250 for juniors (children aged 3-15) and seniors (over the age of 60). The attraction is open daily from 10:00-20:00hrs.

Mahanakhon Bangkok SkyBar, Thailand’s highest restaurants heralds its return with 6 new additions menu under the theme “Travel of Taste” to take you on a journey through the premium ingredients from around the world, from Phuket lobster served two ways, as Grilled Thai-Style Phuket Lobster or Phuket Lobster Thermidor, to snow-fleshed Alaskan salmon presented as either White Wild Salmon Tartare or White Wild Salmon Coulibiac, to Australian Wagyu and foie gras are featured in the Australian Wagyu Beef Rossini, and Australian Wagyu Beef Wellington. Each of the dishes is ready to be paired with mocktails composed especially for the new additions.

Experience the creations in a 3-couse set lunch at THB 990++/person, and a 3-course set dinner from THB 1,600++/person* and a 4-course set dinner from THB 1,800++/person*. The restaurant is open daily 11:30-20:00hrs. For additional information, and to make a reservation, please contact 02-677-8722

Sit down to even more fabulous cuisine with the popular street food choices available at Thai Taste Hub Mahanakhon CUBE, now featuring two new and exciting options. Chef Lalita elevates Thai boat noodles with premium beef at “9 San Laan” and Phed Phed’s brand new “Kruwn” presents vibrant fried chicken and pork served with deep-fried garlic, Hainanese-style rice and over 10 different zestful sauces. They join the other legendary and Michelin recommended eateries assembled at Thai Taste Hub Mahanakhon CUBE, located on the 1st Floor of Mahanakhon CUBE, open daily from 10:00-20:00hrs.

King Power Mahanakhon and Mahanakhon CUBE are open daily 10:00-20:00hrs and can be conveniently connected to Chong Nonsi BTS exit 3 with parking also available.  For more information about Mahanakhon SkyWalk, Mahanakhon Bangkok SkyBar and Thai Taste Hub Mahanakhon CUBE, please call 02-677-8721.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

JAMAICA READY TO PLAY BALL

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It was only fitting that the Jamaica Tourist Board’s Toronto tourism blitz last week concluded with a box for some select friends at a Blue Jays game. After all, though the Jays were soon to be headed home after their penultimate game of the season, the Caribbean nation is merely rounding first and heading for second as tourism begins to return from its pandemic pause.

JTB’s director of tourism, Donovan White, told Travel Industry Today that it was only natural for the tourist board team, which included tourism minister Edmund Bartlett, to come to Canada, the island’s second largest source market (after the US), as soon as they could after the border re-opened to international visitors.

“We haven’t had a chance to see our tourism partners in person, face to face (since the start of the pandemic), so it was extremely important for us to do that,” he said.

“Tourism is a people business, we understand that very well; and the more we’re able to have these first impressions on our partners, it will be able to help to deliver confidence…”

During the multi-day mission, the JTB team met with travel agents, tour operators, airlines and the media to build on the confidence he says Canada is showing in Jamaica, not least through the strong level of air seat capacity available this winter through returning airlines – Air Canada, WestJet, Transat, Sunwing, and Swoop, flying from multiple gateways, including Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Winnipeg, Hamilton, Halifax, Edmonton, St John, Ottawa, and Moncton.

Moreover, White says 265,000 seats are already committed across the carriers, compared to 305,000 in 2019, which translates to about 82% of that previous capacity – a statistic that under the circumstances he considers “amazing,” and to which attributes the confidence of Jamaica’s partners in Canada and the ongoing work of the JTB office here.

Donovan White

He further credits the success of Jamaica’s “resilience corridors” in providing a safe haven for visitors to Jamaica with less than one percent positivity rates for COVID-19 – another “phenomenal” stat in light of Jamaica’s 1.4 million visitors since re-opening its borders in June 2020.

(Earlier this month, the government also launched a vaccination drive to facilitate administration of the vaccines island-wide with a series of voluntary vaccination blitzes at strategic sites across the country. This drive is an extension of the “Jamaica Cares” program, a nationwide response to COVID-19 that includes the resilient corridors and other comprehensive health and safety protocols.)

White adds that tour operators in this country are reporting a “positive trajectory” on bookings (currently reaching 65% of 2019 levels), and that Jamaica will continue to offer support and marketing in Canada “to drive the consumer to them.”

One aspect of the JTB’s ongoing efforts are plans to stage its annual JAPEX trade show in person in early November, albeit with a hybrid component to allow for people who can’t make it to the Montego Bay Convention Centre.

The JTB has also begun to invite trade partners in limited numbers back to the island to “touch and feel it for themselves.”

As for Canadians travelling to Jamaica, White says current protocols are not limited to fully vaccinated persons, but a negative COVID test (PCR or antigen) is a must, as is completion of a pre-travel authorization form that can be found on the visitjamaica.com website.

And with no quarantines in place (unless positive) or arrival testing, “you’re ready to be on your way to the beach immediately.”

White also notes that 90% of Jamaica’s tourism assets are located within the resilient corridor and that tourists are free to move around within that zone, where they will have “a very normal experience. The only difference you’re likely to notice from two years ago is people wearing masks.”

For anyone that does test positive in Jamaica, hotels are equipped with isolation rooms and care needs. The hotels will also help arrange PCRs tests with a private lab for Canadians as required for their return trip home, with White adding, “The hotels take the pain and frustration of getting it done by making the appointments for their guests.”

It’s just one more way, he says, to demonstrate that “we are focussed on ensuring that every person who comes to Jamaica can do so safely and can have a safe and successful vacation.”

As for the industry, White says “we are happy about the way things have gone (in creating a safe environment for visitors). And we are even more enthused by the confidence our international partners are showing us.”

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

BLUE DIAMOND SIGNS ON TO AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION

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Sunwing reports 20 of its Blue Diamond Resorts properties have now been fully integrated into Marriott International’s prestigious Autograph Collection. The integration follows the news earlier this year that the company’s hotel division had signed a mutual partnership agreement with the hotel giant.

The 20 participating Blue Diamond Resorts, now including Royalton Grenada, are the first all-inclusive properties to join the Marriott brand, a curated collection of independent properties with distinct perspectives on design and hospitality. The resorts will continue to be independently owned and operated by Blue Diamond Resorts under the Autograph Collection name and deliver on the brand’s promise to “create unique and memorable vacation experiences tailored to guests’ unique interests.”

Hotels that are now part of the Autograph Collection include:

Mexico
• Planet Hollywood Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
• Planet Hollywood Adult Scene Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only
• Royalton CHIC Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only
• Royalton Riviera Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino
• Hideaway at Royalton Riviera Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only

Dominican Republic
• Royalton Bavaro, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino
• Royalton CHIC Punta Cana, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino – Adults Only
• Royalton Punta Cana, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino
• Hideaway at Royalton Punta Cana, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino – Adults Only
• Royalton Splash Punta Cana, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino

Jamaica
• Grand Lido Negril Au-Naturel, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only
• Royalton Blue Waters Montego Bay, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
• Royalton Negril, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
• Hideaway at Royalton Negril, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only
• Royalton White Sands Montego Bay, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort

Royalton Negril

Saint Lucia
• Royalton Saint Lucia, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
• Hideaway at Royalton Saint Lucia, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only

Costa Rica
• Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort

Antigua
• Royalton Antigua, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino

Grenada
• Royalton Grenada, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort

The resorts have also joined Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning loyalty program and travel marketplace, which offers a robust portfolio of 30 hotel brands and endless experiences, enabling members to earn and redeem points.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

COVER UP: Dubai David unexposed at Expo

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A giant 3D printed replica of Michelangelo’s famous David statue has sparked controversy after organisers chose to cover up the statue’s genitalia to avoid offending viewers. The replica of what is arguably the world’s most recognisable nude was to be on display at the event’s Italian pavilion, but after much deliberation event organisers inexplicably decided the 17-foot statue was best viewed positioned in a column with stone slabs covering much of it – especially the dangly bits.

Public nudity is not permitted in the United Arab Emirates, and the first unveiling of the statue to Emirati VIPs caused “enormous embarrassment,” according to Italian newspaper La Repubblica.

Italian artists and art critics have roundly criticized and protested the decision to shroud the Davis replica with the stone slabs

Sculpted by Michelangelo in 1504, the original statue of David was initially installed in the Piazza della Signoria in Florence before being moved to the Florence Academy of Fine Arts in 1873.

It is one of the most recognisable artworks in the world, and one of the biggest tourist attractions in Italy.

The version of David at the Dubai Expo is a replica of the original produced with laser scans and 3D printing technology. It is made of resin brushed with marble dust to represent the aesthetic of the original sculpture.

However, while the original David stands proudly for all to see, Dubai David is shrouded in a cylindrical chamber made of glass and stone columns which prevents audiences from viewing all he has to offer.

David as seen in Dubai

The Dubai Expo 2020 – originally set to take place last year but postponed due to the pandemic – aims to showcase examples of innovation and culture from countries around the world. UAE authorities hope it will attract more investment and tourism to the region

Italian art critic Vittorio Sgarbi labelled the event organisers’ cover-up of David as “grotesque and ridiculous.”

Davide Rampello, the director responsible for the displays at the Italian pavilion at the Dubai Expo, defended the decision as a “unique approach” and denied it was a question of government censorship.

“It is a different perspective, which is new, introspective and moving,” said Rampello adding that visitors who enter from the ground floor level will still be able to see the statue in its entirety. Event organisers however, said the lower level will only be accessible to VIPs – presumably those immune to distress at the sight of male genitalia.

An Italian who worked on the project told La Repubblica, “We even thought of putting undergarments on the statue, or changing it all together, but it was too late.”

Why didn’t anyone think to call Calvin Klein?

The Real Thing

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News