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UNWTO and Les Roches Global Accelerate Tourism Innovation

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UNWTO and Les Roches Global Accelerate Tourism Innovation - TRAVELINDEXCrans-Montana, Switzerland, June 1, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO has partnered with Les Roches Global Hospitality Management School to support tourism startups in embracing innovation and accelerating their shift to greater sustainability.

Throughout May, the 15 winners of the UNWTO Awake Tourism Challenge were given the opportunity to take part in the Acceleration program offered by Spark, Les Roches Hospitality School, at Crans-Montana, the Swiss Campus of the school. The acceleration program focuses on key issues for tourism entrepreneurs and startups, including marketing and finance strategy, market research, fundraising, legal concerns and transparency. The participants also took part in a Technology Challenge, designed to put into practice what they learned at Crans-Montana.

The final, which marked the culmination of the acceleration program, provided an opportunity for the startups to pitch their business ideas. The event was attended by around 100 participants including investors and stakeholders in private equity, international investment funds, consulting firms, Spark’s technology partners, as well as several representatives of the Swiss authorities, indicating the high level of interest and support for the innovative solutions being developed by the startups.

The winning startups included Coastruction (Netherlands), Noytrall (Portugal), SmArt Tourism and Hospitality Consulting (Panama), Quantum Temple (USA), Socialbnb (Germany), Baahdy and Birdy (Norway), Instituto de Accesibilidad (Spain), Kamatjona (Namibia), Weavair (Singapore), R3Charge (Germany), Impact Innovations Institute (Safe YOU) (Armenia), NomadHer (South Korea), Murmuration (France), Evelity by Okeenea Digital (France), and Accessible Qatar (Qatar).

Identifying solutions to the biggest challenges

The UNWTO Awake Tourism Challenge is organized by the UNWTO, in collaboration with its partners, to encourage startups and entrepreneurs to develop solutions that address key challenges for the sector. The Challenge features six distinct verticals, enabling applicants to submit their solutions to the pillar that best aligned with their innovations. These verticals included Green and Blue Economies, Local Community Involvement, Tourism Education, Ecological and Sustainable Capital Creation, Women Empowerment, and Tourism Tech for Good.

The winning startups of the UNWTO Awake Tourism Competition have also joined the Innovation network, which now comprises 300 leading startups from all the startup competitions organized by the UNWTO’s Innovation department since its establishment in 2018.

Looking ahead, the next edition of the global startup competition is scheduled to launch in the fourth quarter of 2023, revolving around the themes of the SDG Competition. This upcoming event will further encourage entrepreneurs to address the Sustainable Development Goals and make a positive impact on the tourism sector.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Amadeus and Pattern to Help Travelers Book with Confidence

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The pandemic raised awareness to the criticality of trip insurance – giving travelers peace of mind to leave home knowing they would not be expensively stranded if the unthinkable were to happen. Travel protection was a must have during the height of COVID-19 and remains important now as traveler confidence returns.

This is why Amadeus, a global provider of hospitality technology, and Pattern Insurance, a global InsurTech MGA are expanding on their partnership to bring travel protection options directly to the traveler. Building on the intuitive shop and book experience available in Amadeus’ iHotelier® Booking Engine, guests will now be offered a variety of travel protection options during the booking process – medical, cancellations, weather, delays and other related coverage. Options can be selected at the click of a button and the guest can continue with payment for their room, all in the same transaction. Current iHotelier customers beta testing this functionality are reporting attractive attachment rates for hotel bookings with trip protection included.

Peter Altmann, Vice President, Mobility & Travel Protection, Hospitality, Amadeus, said, “Integrating trip protection options directly into the hotel booking process provides flexibility for the guest and keeps the entire experience stress free. There is a clear need for this in a highly competitive market, and it opens new opportunities for hoteliers to capture more direct bookings while providing ancillary revenue for small to mid-tier hotel chains. It’s important that we are leveraging our partnerships like the one with Pattern to offer both guests and hotels benefits that result in more rewarding journeys.”

Meitav Harpaz, Co-Founder and CEO, Pattern Insurance, added, “With Pattern, Amadeus can deploy different products depending on the regions. This gives both the hotel and its guests a high-value, more personalized and effective insurance offer as part of their booking experience. Amadeus is able to make protections available to the hotels and their guests to help deliver a superb brand experience.”

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Embark on Culinary Journey to China with Chef Oscar Pun at Hua Hin Marriott Resort

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Hua Hin, Thailand, June 8, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa is inviting diners to savor the finest flavors of Cantonese cuisine, expertly crafted by Chef Oscar Pun, the Cantonese culinary master who has worked at Michelin-starred restaurants in his native Hong Kong and Singapore, and is now Executive Chef at the award-winning Pagoda Chinese Restaurant in Bangkok.

For three days only (29 June to 1 July 2023), hotel guests and local residents will be able to meet Chef Oscar, sample his signature dishes and even learn the art of making authentic dim sum. Three separate gastronomic events are available: Chef Oscar’s Seafront Sharing Experience, a Dim Sum Cooking Class, and Seafood & BBQ Buffet Dinner.

On the first two days of this three-day epicurean extravaganza (29 & 30 June, 17.00-23.00 hrs), Chef Oscar’s Seafront Sharing Experience will invite diners to savor a sensational six-course dinner at Big Fish & Bar, the beachfront restaurant that overlooks the soft sands of Hua Hin Beach.

In this stunning setting, couples can share a curation of Pagoda Chinese Restaurant’s most popular menu items, including a Crystal Set of steamed prawn “Wang Tiger” dumplings, steamed chicken & abalone dumplings, and steamed prawn, garlic & chive dumplings, plus traditional Sichuan hot & sour seafood soup, crispy chicken & prawn salad, stir-fried black grouper in X.O. sauce, and steamed crab meat with sticky rice in lotus leaf, followed by a dessert of steamed ginger milk pudding. Throughout this enchanting evening, guests will be entertained by live Chinese music. This set menu is priced at THB 2,888++ per couple.

Then on the third day (1 July, 13:00-15:00 hrs), Chef Oscar invites parents and kids to join the Family Dim Sum Cooking Class at Amber Kitchen, the resort’s vibrant all-day dining destination. This exclusive event will see Chef Oscar and his team teach all ages how to craft delicious dim sum (shumai) and traditional Chinese fried dough. Having learned this time-honored culinary art, guests will be able to enjoy their own delectable dim sum lunch.

Perfectly suited to families (with kids aged four and over), this immersive activity is priced at just THB 888++ per person and THB 3,888++ for 6 people, including lunch (made by the guests). Advanced bookings are required and a maximum of 12 places are available.

Finally, on the evening of 1 June (18.00-22.00 hrs), diners can come together for a sensational Seafood & Grill Buffet Dinner including special Cantonese dishes by Chef Oscar Pun. Our talented team will craft a breath-taking buffet featuring fresh seafood and prime meats, all grilled to perfection and served in an upbeat atmosphere at Amber Kitchen. Chef Oscar will be on hand to present a selection of delights, including BBQ roasted duck, suckling pig, steamed prawns in garlic & soy sauce, steamed grouper in Hong Kong soy sauce, Sichuan soup and more! This bountiful buffet is priced at THB 1,699++ per person.

Enjoy a 20% early bird discount on Chef Oscar’s Seafront Sharing Experience and Seafood & Grill Buffet Dinner when you book before 15 June 2023 via https://bit.ly/CantoneseDiscoveriesHuaHin

Originally from Hong Kong, Chef Oscar is a culinary expert with a lifetime of experience in the kitchens of five-star hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants across Asia. He is currently Executive Chef at Pagoda Chinese Restaurant, the highly acclaimed dining destination at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park.

For more information or to book any of these exciting promotions, please contact us at +66 (0) 32 904 666.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Phuket Marriott Resort Nai Yang Beach Celebrates 7th Anniversary with 7 Amazing Benefits

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Phuket Marriott Resort Nai Yang Beach Celebrates 7th Anniversary with 7 Amazing Benefits - TRAVELINDEXPhuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach, the five-star sanctuary on the secluded northwest shore of Phuket, is celebrating its 7th anniversary with a special package with seven amazing benefits and an exciting new social media competition with seven sensational prizes!

Having opened its doors in June 2016, this serene seafront retreat has become one of Thailand’s most sought-after places to stay, dine and unwind. With a choice of elegant rooms, suites and villas, plus beachside dining venues, shimmering swimming pools, a soothing spa and 24-hour fitness center, all surrounded by lush tropical gardens and overlooking the Andaman Sea, Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach has won multiple awards and hosted many happy guests.

The resort is now inviting guests to celebrate its 7th anniversary with a dedicated package that includes seven extra benefits! Guests who book a minimum three-night stay will be treated to daily breakfast for two people, a complimentary resort activity, a 60-minute Thai massage for two people, one-hour of free-flow drinks every day at Big Fish Bar, one romantic beachfront dinner, roundtrip airport transfers, and a 20% discount at all restaurants and bars.

With a choice of accommodation and a wealth of exclusive extras, this is the perfect time to come and experience Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach! Simply book 27 May – 17 June 2023 and stay between 27 May and 30 September 2023

And that’s not all! Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach is also giving its social media fans and followers the chance to WIN seven superb prizes in a new Facebook contest. Simply pick your favorite postcard from the hotel’s Facebook page and share it with your social media friends to win dreamy dining experiences, sublime spa treatments, and even sensational stays!

Prizes include a two-night stay in a Two Bedroom Beachfront Pool Villa; a two-night stay in a Deluxe Pool Access Room; a two-night stay in a Deluxe Room; a 60-minute Aromatherapy Massage at Quan Spa; a set menu at Big Fish Bar, the chic beachside restaurant; a set menu at Andaman Kitchen, the vibrant all-day dining destination; and a set menu at Mama’s Kitchen, the new street food pop-up next to the sea. Each prize is valid for two people.

This contest is open from 1 June until 30 June 2023 and the lucky winners will be revealed on 7 July 2023. To enter, please visit www.facebook.com/phuketmarriottnaiyang. Good luck!

So, whether you book the special 7th anniversary package or enter our Facebook contest, everybody has the chance to experience the ultimate beachfront break at Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach this summer!

For more information about Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach or to book your stay, please visit www.phuketmarriottnaiyang.com

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Earn 2,000 Marriott Bonvoy Bonus Points Every Day at Aloft Bangkok

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Bangkok, Thailand, May 07, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Aloft Bangkok – Sukhumvit 11, a Marriott Bonvoy hotel launches its new promotion “2K Every Day” for this spring and summer. This is the perfect promotion for both business and leisure travelers who are seeking a stylish city sojourn in Bangkok.

Starting from THB 3,037++ per room and night, guests will receive an additional 2,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points per night every time they book a minimum of two-night stay. Guests can book from now until June 30, 2023, for stays until July 19, 2023. Additional terms and conditions apply.

The “2K Every Day” promotion is only available for Marriott Bonvoy members. Not a member yet? Click Join now to sign up for free today!

Experience a loft-inspired design with free Wi-Fi, and a great social scene, Aloft Bangkok – Sukhumvit 11 is a distinctive select, modern, fresh, and fun hotel. With savvy design and free-flowing energy, guests can celebrate in style in the unique openness of a no-walls, no-limits space. An easy breezy adventure awaits all guests in Thailand’s hippest hotspot, Aloft Bangkok – Sukhumvit 11 is just steps from the best shopping, nightlife, and dining destinations, and a quick 5-minute stroll to Nana BTS Skytrain and Sukhumvit MRT Subway stations for easy access to Bangkok’s biggest attractions.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Outrigger Khao Lak Beach Resort Earns High Acclaims

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OUTRIGGER Khao Lak Beach Resort has gathered three leading guest satisfaction accolades in the last few weeks.

Tourists travelling with HolidayCheck have praised the resort which has earned the accolade “Recommended on HolidayCheck 2023”.

HolidayCheck enables package travel reviews and bookings in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, under the HolidayCheck brand.

Booking.com has also awarded the resort 9 out of 10 in its Traveller Review Awards 2023.

The resort also earned a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Winner Award 2023.

“Our hosts work hard to make guests feel special,” said Sujittra Rongmuang, Resort Manager of the OUTRIGGER Khao Lak Beach Resort. “When visiting families and couples experience our OUTRIGGER Way service standards, combined with our wonderful beach location, it makes for a great holiday — as many reviews now show.”

The 158-key garden resort in a delightful beachfront setting on peaceful Bang Sak beach is a 90-minute drive north of Phuket international airport.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

RETAIL ROUND-UP: In Jamaica with Escapes.ca, plus F1S, Travel Leaders and TRAVELSAVERS

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The Jamaica Tourist Board recently teamed up with Playa Hotels & Resorts to host an exclusive FAM trip for travel advisors from Escapes.ca. Twelve lucky agents were selected to visit the island for an immersive destination experience that included tours of Playa’s five Jamaican properties and a full itinerary of island activities.

Advisors from British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario flew to Jamaica with WestJet Vacations and stayed at Jewel Paradise Cove, Hilton Rose Hall and Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall. The group also conducted site inspections at Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort and Spa.

The five-day trip gave agents the chance to discover a wide variety of attractions near Playa’s Montego Bay properties, with activities such as climbing Dunn’s River Falls, a tour of Rose Hall Great House, shopping along Main Street Rose Hall, sampling authentic jerk cuisine at famed Scotchies, and ice cream at Devon House.

Ahead of their return flight, the agents were treated to VIP airport services from Club MoBay and took in the brand-new departure lounge at Sangster International Airport.

“This unique FAM trip offered a great balance and gave advisors the chance to really immerse themselves in all that Jamaica has to offer,” said Emma Madsen, JTB Business Development Manager – Western Canada. “Playa was able to fully showcase their Jamaican resorts while the JTB gave agents a chance to experience local attractions, culture and food close to the properties.”

“Our team was very grateful for the opportunity to have an exclusive FAM trip hosted by the Jamaica Tourist Board, Playa Resorts and WestJet Vacations,” said Chris Rollingson, Co-President, Escapes.ca. “The agents were very impressed with the hospitality, service and quality of the resorts and excursions we visited in Jamaica. Our hosts did a wonderful job of providing very valuable information and I can confidently say, our team’s ability to sell this wonderful destination has increased tenfold.”

Travel Leaders Network

Travel Leaders Network reports that it’s lead-generation tool resulted in a record-breaking 12,000 leads for members in 2022 – a whopping 224% growth from 2021 and a 145% growth from the pre-pandemic high of 2019. The leads represented $20 million in sales with preferred supplier partners and $2.5 million in commission earned by members, says the organization.

As of the end of the first quarter of 2023, TLN members had received 97,000 leads since January 1, 2023, putting lead generation numbers on the path to surpass 2022 by 54%.

“Bringing in solid leads that will become bookings is a core priority for most travel advisors,” said Stephen McGillivray, Chief Marketing Officer of Travel Leaders Group. “With the post-pandemic travel boom, the issue has become not only how do advisors get clients, but how do travellers find the perfect advisor for their trip? TravelLeaders.com, powered by Agent Profiler, is the answer that ‘matchmakes’ these two groups for a great solution for both.”

TRAVELSAVERS

TRAVELSAVERS Canada team: Monique Lalonde, Jane Clementino, and Elizabeth Grundon.

TRAVELSAVERS Canada continued is inaugural Dine & Discover event in Toronto on May 30. The event at the Casa Ricca Banquet Hall attracted approximately 80 attendees, including advisors, managers, owners and 16 supplier partners to provide affiliates with insights on their latest products, trends, and tech tools.

“This is a great event by TRAVELSAVERS, and I think it’s awesome to get all the sellers here and rediscover what’s going on in the industry,” commented Alfiero Cavallo, owner of Verona Travel Ltd.

WestJet Vacations BDM Michelle Lanoue-Williams, added, “It’s a way for us as suppliers to interact with a larger majority of the selling team.”

The first event in the series took place in Laval, Que.

F1S

First in Service is reporting that for the second consecutive year, travel bookings are up year over year among its travel advisors in both Canada and the US, but more importantly year over year compared to 2019 (pre-pandemic).

According to a members’ survey, international travel demand continues to soar, as nearly 70% of all advisors characterize their bookings as “up” over those in 2022, with more than 23% saying they are “up significantly.” When comparing this year’s international bookings with those in 2019, more than 65% of all advisors say there are “up,” with just over 23% indicating they are “up significantly.”

F1S advisors are increasingly focused on the international travel boom. Even though domestic travel lags, a plurality of both Canadian and US advisors, 46.5%, say their domestic bookings are even with where they were in both 2022 and 2019.

Fernando Gonzalez, CEO of F1S, observed that while luxury and premium leisure travel continue to lead the travel comeback over the past two years, the post-pandemic era is ushering in increased sales for its corporate and entertainment travel segments.

He added that “given the current trajectory, F1S is poised to easily have its best year yet with over US$300 million in annual sales.”

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

NEW MARGARITAVILLE OPENS IN RIVIERA MAYA

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Margaritaville Beach Resort Riviera Maya has officially opened its doors, welcoming guests – “all of those tourists covered in oil,” as Jimmy Buffet sang in the song – ¬to the first adults-only resort within the all-inclusive Island Reserve collection.

The resort invites guests to a world of debuts for the Jimmy Buffet brand, like the first oceanfront LandShark Brewery, new room categories and suites, nine restaurants and bars, a 930-sq.-m. spa, and exclusive wedding and event venues.

“We’re delighted to welcome our first guests to Margaritaville Beach Resort Riviera Maya,” said Grecia Lopez, General Manager. “The world-class all-inclusive resort offers the ultimate in adults-only escapes, inviting guests to indulge in five-star global dining, unparalleled service, luxurious amenities, spectacular entertainment, unparalleled views, and so much more.”

Luxury accommodations

Each of the 355 suites at Margaritaville Beach Resort Riviera Maya features comfortable amenities, the option to connect with an adjoining room, and coastal-inspired decor. All accommodations open to a furnished private balcony or terrace overlooking the ocean or the resort’s pools or gardens. Whether guests spend their getaway soaking up breathtaking sea views in a King or Queen Paradise Room, taking dips in the Luxury Paradise Suite’s private swim-up pool, or indulging in total luxury in a top-of-the-line Coral Reefer Signature Suite, they’re in for a five-star stay with 13 luxury room types to choose from.

Dinner with a view

As part of the all-inclusive experience, the boasts five restaurants, with plenty of outdoor seating and an expansive terrace that opens directly onto the pool. For elevated date nights with authentic Old-World fare, guests can look to brand staples like Frank & Lola’s or JWB Steakhouse for a classic steakhouse experience with a contemporary twist.

The resort will also debut two new concepts, including Far Side Of The World, a concept exclusive to Margaritaville’s all-inclusive resorts, with Pacific Rim cuisine inspired by faraway places, unique culinary selections, bamboo shacks, and the vastness of the Pacific Ocean. And the Salted Rim Margarita Bar & Lounge, which invites guests to revel in Caribbean elegance with authentic and extensive tequila and mezcal selections to create an array of adventurous creations.

LandShark Brewery

Margaritaville Beach Resort Riviera Maya features the first LandShark Brewery (photo) in Mexico and the first oceanfront brewery location in the Island Reserve collection. The brewery offers smokehouse classics and signature LandShark lagers brewed on-site. There is also plenty of outdoor seating – including two terraces overlooking the Caribbean. Guests can drop by to meet the brewmaster, enjoy a beer sampler tray or beer-matching menu, and jam out to live music and performances.

Entertainment and relaxation

In addition to poolside performances by local bands, DJ-driven pool parties, mixology classes, dance lessons, Caribbean parades, guests can enjoy trivia, pickleball, cornhole, and tequila tastings to make the most of every moment at the all-inclusive resort.

Guests can also relax and unwind at the St. Somewhere Spa, complete with nine treatment rooms, featuring an array of tropically inspired spa services designed to awaken the senses, strengthen circulation, soothe nerves, improve digestion, and promote a balanced metabolism with custom-designed treatments, such as an invigorating Gingerita Body Scrub or a Watermelon Basil Vodkatini Pedicure. The St. Somewhere Spa also includes a couple’s suite and state-of-the-art Fitness Center with a outdoor terrace.

Wedding Experiences & Events

At Margaritaville Beach Resort Riviera Maya, guests can exchange vows with their toes in the sand. Couples will find an array of venues with stunning views, fit for weddings of all shapes and sizes. The resort features the largest sky wedding terrace in the region and across the all-inclusive Island Reserve resort collection, Island Overwater Wedding Packages that elevate the couple’s ceremony as they exchange their vows over the pool on a transparent platform, and ballrooms with over 460 sq. m. of premium space for up to 400 people with three breakout rooms boasting unobstructed views of the Mexican-Caribbean Sea.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

SUNWING MAKES DISCOVERING CAYO LARGO E-ASY

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I recently travelled with Sunwing to pristine Cayo Largo, an island on the southern tip of Cuba. It was my first trip to Cuba and an opportunity to see for myself why folks rave about the silky white sand and impossibly turquoise waters. Back in November 2022, Sunwing, secured exclusive operating rights to Cayo Largo for the Canadian market.

We stayed at Memories Resort, where Sunwing’s Chief Marketing Officer, Samantha Taylor, and I enjoyed flutes of Bellinis at the resort’s palapa-style Ranchon restaurant overlooking the beach as we discussed what Taylor described as the three E’s: Enjoy, Explore, Embrace.

What’s to ENJOY?

Let’s start with 25 km of gorgeous beaches (some of them “clothing optional”). Unlike many of the sunspots in Mexico and other Caribbean islands, there are no pesky vendors. You can park yourself on a chaise lounge with a good book and never be hassled. And sargassum, a brown seaweed that floats in island masses and has been invading many Mexican, Caribbean and Florida beaches, has thankfully avoided Cuba.

There are myriad activities to enjoy, including tennis, pickleball, and water volleyball. I took advantage of a relaxing massage in the spa. The talented musicians and dancers at the various resorts perform nightly. Or one might take a dance lesson and master the Mambo!

There’s plenty to EXPLORE

Sunwing partners with Nexus on Cuba’s Sunshine Coast to provide fun activities and excursions for all ages. Among them:

• Cayo Largo offers some of the best diving conditions in the Caribbean with more than 30 dive sites, a protected marine reserve and 200 ancient shipwrecks.

• Take a catamaran cruise to Playa Sirena with snorkelling stops and a chance to take a “selfie” with a starfish.

• For special occasions Nexus can arrange a romantic sunset cruise.

• At the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre, visitors can release baby turtles back to their natural ocean environment. We learned that there are seven types of sea turtles in the world – Cuba is blessed with three of them and tiny Cayo Largo has two, the Green and Loggerhead species. Approximately 10,000 of the shelled creatures are released every year.

There’s much to EMBRACE

Memories resort

Taylor touts the new wellness programs being offered at the resorts. During our “famcation” there were morning sessions of Pilates, yoga and meditation held in an idyllic palapa overlooking the deep blue sea. “We want to attract guests who will embrace the concept of wellness and digital detox,” says Taylor. “This serene setting offers the perfect backdrop so you can restore balance and mindfulness.”

During COVID, the resorts on Cayo Largo were closed for about two-and-a-half years, but as we toured the various hotels run by Blue Diamond Resorts, we noticed lots of renovations and improvements. Such as:

• The family-friendly Starfish resort has a new theatre, pizzeria, and lots of “show cooking” areas in the new air-conditioned buffet restaurant.

• Grand Memories is being totally renovated and is expected to open in winter 2023/24.

• Capriche is an adults-only resort that appeals to LGBT travellers.

• At Villa Linda Mar we enjoyed succulent lobster tails hot off the grill.

• The top-end adults only Sanctuary Resort offers 24-hour room service, butler check-in, nightly turn-down service and WiFiI throughout. Its Bellini bar serves creative cocktails.

• With just 24 rooms, Villa Soledad offers some unique activities such as dance and mixology classes.

Havana

Taylor is also excited about a private, half-hour plane transfer from Cayo Largo to Havana that will be available in winter 2024. Visitors can spend a day exploring the capital’s fascinating history and culture and perhaps visit some Hemingway haunts. There will also be options to spend a few days in Havana at a Sunwing partner hotel.

Sunwing

   The Sunwing group enjoying Cayo Largo

In 2023/24, Sunwing will offer six flights per week from Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, Ottawa and a new one from Halifax.

Most of the staff at the Cayo Largo resorts come from the Isla de la Juventud (Youth Island). They spend 20 days working on Cayo Largo and then return home for 10 days off. It’s a formula that seems to work well: Friendly and helpful Cuban hospitality is all part of the Cayo Largo all-inclusive bargain.

For Anita’s full interview with Samantha Taylor, see below:

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First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

What’s a Walt Disney World Thrill feel like?

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It feels like the wildest ride in the wilderness. Like soaring high above Pandora—on a banshee. Like meeting a favourite Disney Character face to face for the first time. And like taking control of the Millennium Falcon…with your crew.


Adventure through an incomparable collection of thrilling attractions across all four Walt Disney World Theme Parks. Breathtaking adventures that catapult you into both new excitement and so many of the timeless stories you know and love—from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to the Star Wars™ saga to infinity and beyond. Best of all, these are thrills everyone can be part of. Laughing together. Screaming together. And trying to keep it together—together.


A Disney Thrill is something unique to each of us. So how will you and your family react? Maybe it’s happy screams. Nonstop laughter. Or even jaw-dropping, silent awe. One thing’s for sure—the moment it’s over it becomes a shared triumph.

But there’s only one way to really know what a Disney Thrill feels like… go! Experience them firsthand, together with your family and friends. And know that one-of-a-kind feeling you can only get at Walt Disney World Resort. Where Disney Thrills us like nothing else can.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News