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Noku Hotels Open Fourth Property in Phuket

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Noku Hotels Open Fourth Property in Phuket - VISITPHUKET.org - TRAVELINDEXPhuket, Thailand, September 12, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Noku Hotels announced the opening of Noku Phuket. It is the fourth Noku hotel after Noku Kyoto, Noku Osaka and Noku Maldives. A 45 minutes journey from Phuket International Airport takes you to the newly built resort that is a hidden gem nestled on the hilltop away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Surrounded by natural flora, the resort features amazing views of the Chalong Bay.

• Discover Phuket and Amazing Thailand during the Visit Thailand Year 2022 – 2023 at VisitThailand.net

Designed around a reflective swimming pool, our Wellness centre features individual spa pavilions with curated massages, an Infra-red room and steam saunas. Other wellness facilities include a fully equipped gym and a yoga room. There are a total of 91 spacious Villas and Lofts furnished in soft earthy tones that marries Thai modern architecture with the hotel’s hillside lush greenery.

Each roomy Loft features a large bathroom and balcony that overlook the surrounding forested hills. The spacious Hill Villas provide wonderful sea views over Chalong Bay, and each stand-alone Tree Villa is a private sanctuary nestled amidst quiet green landscape. Unwind in your private pool in both the Hill and Tree Villas or have a relaxing soak in the sunken bath.

For dining, EMBRACE Restaurant offers guests the opportunity to enjoy mouth-watering Thai dishes using locally sourced ingredients. After a long day of exploring the sights and sounds of Phuket at near-by attractions, guests can wind down and sip cocktails at The Terrace bar while enjoying the panoramic view of Chalong Bay.

Noku Phuket has been lauded with the Green Mark Gold award recently from the Building Authority of Singapore for its green design and sustainable efforts.

The hotel provides complimentary shuttle services to nearby beaches, the Phuket Old Town and shopping malls.

Guests can enjoy Thai dishes sourced from local ingredients at EMBRACE Restaurant. They can also relax with a cocktail at The Terrace bar while enjoying the panoramic view of Chalong Bay.

• Discover Phuket and Amazing Thailand during the Visit Thailand Year 2022 – 2023 at VisitThailand.net

While their Wellness Centre, designed around a reflective swimming pool, features individual spa pavilions offering curated massages, an Infra-red room, and steam saunas. Other wellness facilities include a fully equipped gym and a yoga room.

The hotel provides free shuttle services to nearby beaches, the Phuket Old Town and shopping malls.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Aurora Anguilla Offers Private Charter Service

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Aurora Anguilla Offers Private Charter Service - EXEJET.com - TRAVELINDEXRendez-Vous Bay, Anguilla / SEPTEMBER 12, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Aurora Anguilla Resort introduced the Aurora Anguilla Private Charter Service, an exclusive way to pursue paradise with ease and enhance the travel experience for the guests. Open year round, the Aurora Anguilla Private Charter Service will operate from three origin cities: HPN – White Planes – Westchester, NY, IAD – Dulles International – Washington, DC, FLL – Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport – Fort Lauderdale, FL

The Fly Direct package includes the charter flight and luxurious Aurora Anguilla accommodations. Guests receive a confirmation email with room package and the Fly Direct concierge.

To make the service happen, the hotel has acquired a fleet of private jets. The aircraft are Embraer 170s, mid-size jets that can carry up to 70 passengers, customized with the hotel’s logo displayed prominently on the side. Each flight will be serviced with a full meal and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options provided by flight attendants.

The new service is a part of the property’s multi-million dollar renovation unveiled in July. The recent revamp includes a slew of new amenities and upgrades to the property, including the revival of the resort’s former Japanese restaurant Tokyo Bay and the arrival of a new 27,000-square-foot onsite Sorona spa facility.

Aurora Anguilla is a Vibrant Oceanfront Resort on the Iconic Island of Anguilla. Set on a sandy beach overlooking the Anguilla channel with views of nearby St. Martin, Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club is a Caribbean paradise composed of crystal-clear waters, bright and airy accommodations, and welcoming island hospitality.

At Aurora Anguilla Resort and Golf Club, a Caribbean playground awaits with every amenity and activity that goes along with one of the best resorts in the Lesser Antilles. Enjoy delicious local food, outstanding water sports, lively entertainment, and a welcoming atmosphere so memorable that check-out will seem but a distant dream.

As the only golf courses on the entire island, Aurora International Golf Club provides an intimate, extraordinary escape from sunrise to sunset. The Greg Norman newly re- imagined 18-Hole Championship Course offers breathtaking views and challenging, dramatic holes. Players are greeted by a spectacular view of St. Maarten and the Caribbean Sea at the tee box of the 384-yard starting hole.

The appeal continues with holes 2 and 10 sharing a 16,000-square-foot green that rests along Rendezvous Bay and the Anguilla Channel. Our 17th hole provides a wonderful view through our salt pond valley overlooking the peninsula green, then up the 12th and 18th holes to our signature clubhouse. As one of the most challenging finishing holes in the Caribbean, the 18th hole starts with a demanding tee shot over the salt pond, then continues to ascend forty feet up to a narrow green guarded by three large bunkers.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Accor to Open its First Dual-Branded Hotel in Japan

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Accor to Open its First Dual-Branded Hotel in Japan - HOTELWORLDS.com - TRAVELINDEXOsaka, Japan, September 12, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The locally-inspired property offers guests a new touch of comfort in the heart of Osaka. Accor, the region’s largest international hospitality company, is introducing its first dual branded hotel to Japan’s vibrant city of Osaka. The 288-key Mercure Tokyu Stay Osaka Namba will open its doors on 1st December 2022 in the city’s entertainment and shopping district.

Accor has teamed up with Japanese real estate company Tokyu Resorts & Stays Co., Ltd. to offer a unique property that plays to the strengths of both groups; Accor with its global reach and international loyalty program ALL – Accor Live Limitless, and Tokyu Stays’ domestic brand recognition and network, as well as its exceptional facilities for long-stay guests.

The hotel is ideally positioned within a 4-minute walk from Namba station which offers a direct train line to Kansai International Airport, a gateway for international travellers, as well as easy access to local landmarks such as Shinsaibashi shopping district. “America Town” is also located nearby, a destination for visitors looking to discover Osaka’s youth culture and trends.

Garth Simmons, Chief Executive Officer, Accor Southeast Asia, Japan and South Korea said, “We are thrilled to introduce Mercure Tokyu Stay Osaka Namba, a unique and significant addition to our midscale brand portfolio in Japan. This property offers the perfect setting for local and international visitors to explore the local scene whether they are in town for business or leisure, and enjoy the warm hospitality that is unique to this region.”

The hotel’s design focuses on the distinctive culture, history and values that the city of Osaka has been built on such as chic dark interiors reminiscent of firewood. The Nishi Shinsaibashi area housed many warehouses for firewood wholesalers during the Edo period which were later turned into galleries, boutiques and a gathering spot for the local artists and creatives. The 288 contemporary rooms of Mercure Tokyu Stay Osaka Namba are ideal for short-stay and long-stay guests, with a portion of guestrooms offering washer-dryers and kitchenettes, one of the signature features of Tokyu Stay properties. The Duplex Suite and Premium Twin Rooms offer panoramic views of the cityscape of Osaka and Namba, and all guestrooms are equipped with 50-inch TVs, rain showers and high speed Wifi.

Authentic Italian cuisine at CENTRE M, an all-day dining restaurant specializing in fresh pastas, provides guests with a place where they can escape from the hustle and bustle of the Minami area to fully immerse themselves in a pleasant moment of dining. The breakfast buffet changes daily and features over 40 different items made with local products including a vibrant and healthy power salad and freshly baked pastries crafted in the open kitchen. The afternoon tea menu will highlight seasonal fruits as well as freshly baked financiers that can also be purchased as souvenirs.

“Mercure Tokyu Stay Osaka Namba is Tokyu Stay’s first dual-brand hotel that combines the comfort expected for medium to long-term stays with the sophisticated design of the Mercure brand. Osaka Namba and Shinsaibashi area where this hotel is located, are easily accessible by bus from Kansai International Airport, and are popular areas for dining and shopping for overseas guests, especially those from Asian countries. It will continue to attract attention as a sightseeing base for Kansai in the future. With the theme of ‘a hotel that travels through everyday life’, Tokyu Stay, provides an extension of everyday life within reach and walking range. We anticipate that guests will discover a new charm of Osaka Namba at this sophisticated dual-branded hotel,” said Toshihiro Awatsuji, President & CEO of Tokyu Resorts & Stays, Co., Ltd.

Guests can benefit from Accor’s loyalty program ALL – Accor Live Limitless, a daily lifestyle companion. ALL harnesses and enhances the brands, services and partnerships offered within Accor’s ecosystem, delivering meaningful experiences and rewards to its most engaged customers while enabling them to work live, and play, far beyond their stay, at home and around the world.

About Mercure
Mercure is a rare midscale brand that combines the strength of an international network with genuine and local hospitality experiences. The brand’s unwavering commitment to quality ensures a consistent and reliable standard of service at every Mercure around the world, while the design of each hotel reflects the distinct character and culture of its location. Going beyond the ordinary for business and leisure travelers, Mercure team members are known for their passion, enthusiasm and warmth, sharing their knowledge of the local scene, providing insider tips and entertaining guests with tales of history and local folklore. Mercure hotels are conveniently located in city centers, by the sea or in the mountains, with more than 810 hotels in 60+ countries. Mercure is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,300 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

About Tokyu Resorts & Stays Co., Ltd
Tokyu Resorts & Stays is a comprehensive management company that operates more than 100 facilities in Japan and provides management support such as operation consignment, management contract, consulting contract, etc. Tokyu Stays’ concept is “A hotel where you can stay like yourself.” From business to sightseeing as well as a temporary residence, Tokyu Stays welcomes domestic and international travelers with rooms equipped with laundry facilities, microwave ovens and kitchenettes to provide a comfortable space for short and long-stay guests.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

FOUR SEASONS EYES EGYPT EXPANSION

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Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has announced plans for an extensive portfolio expansion in Egypt with the addition of new hotels, residential offerings, and significant property enhancements.

Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Cairo Capital at Madinaty and Four Seasons Hotel Luxor will be introduced in Egypt through the company’s upcoming phase of strategic growth, further building upon the latest multi-million-dollar property enhancements at Four Seasons Resort and Private Residences Sharm El Sheikh, which has doubled the offerings of the existing property with new accommodations, dining outlets, leisure activities, and more.

“Egypt is an important destination in Four Seasons history, as it marked our brand’s entry into the Middle East 22 years ago. Our continued expansion illustrates our ongoing commitment to the region, and all that it has to offer for luxury travellers and homeowners,” says Bart Carnahan, President, Global Business Development and Portfolio Management.

Luxor

Hotel Luxor

Perched on the Nile River in the south of Egypt, in one of the country’s most storied destinations Four Seasons Hotel Luxor is set to open in 2025 and will include 200 guest rooms and suites, each with views of the Nile River, the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. The Hotel will be located just south of the highly acclaimed Luxor Temple, which dates back to 1400 BC.

Amenities will include several restaurant and bar outlets, a tranquil spa, fitness facility, multiple pools, luxury retail, a Kids For All Seasons program and a young adults centre. For those visiting for business or to host a special event, the property will feature expansive meeting and event spaces totalling 1,300 sq. m.

New Cairo Capital at Madinaty

Located in the heart of the capital’s new evolution, New Cairo Capital is a global destination that stands entirely on its own. Anticipated to open in 2025 and set within the extraordinary Madinaty development on 185 hectares of verdant parkland, Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Cairo Capital at Madinaty will be a ideal destination for those who wish to visit the ancient metropolis of Cairo and effortlessly explore the modern extension of the iconic capital city.

Each with world-class amenities and surrounded by lush gardens, the hotel will feature 346 rooms and suites, while the Private Residences will be comprised of 107 villas and 80 luxury residences.

The villas will range from 721 to 1,847 sq. m. with six configurations featuring a contemporary design, floor-to-ceiling windows, rooftop gardens, limestone finishings and private pools, all reminiscent of majestic Egyptian palaces, while luxury residences will range from 221 to 670 sq. m. with five configurations.

Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Cairo Capital at Madinaty will also offer an enhanced culinary experience for guests and residents alike. Gourmet restaurant and bar options will include a waterfront restaurant at the centre of the property with several private dining, al fresco, international and Egyptian-inspired outlets sprinkled throughout the expansive property.

The Hotel and Private Residences will also feature a standalone spa and fitness facility. Across several private treatment rooms, an extensive array of tennis and multi-sport courts, guided group classes, and state-of-the-art fitness equipment, visitors will be treated to an intentional space that has been designed for the art of wellbeing.

Off property, the destination will offer guests, residents and their families easy access to additional gourmet restaurants, world-class golf courses, top retail outlets, and a full suite of attractions.

The property is being designed by the Pierre Yves-Rochon, who has also worked on Four Seasons properties in Paris, Megève, Bahrain Bay, Doha, Florence, and more.

Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh

Four Seasons Resort and Private Residences Sharm El Sheikh has now doubled in size following an extensive enhancement project, with new accommodations, restaurants, recreational facilities and meeting spaces for travellers who seek a unique blend of mountains, desert and sea.

The expansion project includes the addition of 69 Private Residences to the existing collection of 77 plus expanded amenities that now includes 12 culinary concepts, tennis courts, golf course, fitness facilities, access to one of the world’s most renowned dive sites, and more.

Egypt

Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Cairo Capital at Madinaty and Four Seasons Hotel Luxor will join the brand’s portfolio in Egypt, which includes Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence, Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano, and Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ROUND-UP: Sept. 5-9, 2022

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In last week’s round-up, the US commemorated 9/11, a day that changed the world and travel forever; a new contest and agent incentive was launched by Air Transat; Barbados dropped COVID testing for (vaccinated) cruise passengers; and The Travel Agent Next Door welcomed a surprise new marketing director back to the industry.

NEWS

US president Joe Biden marked the 21st anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on Sunday by delivering remarks and laying a wreath at the Pentagon. The day commemorated the 2001 terrorist attacks when hijackers took control of commercial planes in order to use them as missiles, crashing into New York’s World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a Pennsylvania field and killing nearly 3,000 people. The US and its allies responded by launching the Afghanistan war and the world, and travel, were never the same.

Germany plans to drop a requirement for people to wear masks on flights to and from the country, though the health minister says that it could be reimposed if coronavirus cases rise sharply. The rules mandating masks on flights run through Sept. 23.

The United Arab Emirates will grant visas to those holding tickets to the World Cup in neighbouring Qatar, the country has announced. The UAE says those registered for Qatar’s Hayya fan card will be able to apply for multiple-entry visas 19 days before the tournament starts. Those granted visas will be able to stay for up to 90 days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Many fans are planning to base themselves in the UAE and neighbouring countries for the month-long tournament as organizers expect a tight accommodation squeeze in tiny Qatar. Dozens of flights will leave from the UAE to the host city of Doha each day.

BORDERS

Barbados announced new port entry guidelines to enable fully vaccinated cruise passengers entrance to the island without a COVID-19 test. Cruise lines, however, will be required to conduct and submit health assessments of travellers conducted prior to embarkation, which includes questions to identify symptoms that indicate a traveller’s health status. In addition, travellers will be required to follow testing guidelines as determined by the cruise line prior to boarding.

AIR

As snowbirds prepare to migrate south, Fort Myers, Fla. is set to welcome back direct flights from Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa. Air Canada will operate non-stop daily service seven days a week with four flights per day from Toronto Oct. 30-April 15, 2023, while Montreal seasonal service resumes with two non-stop flights (Sat/Sun) until Nov. 24 before increasing to five flights per week until April 15. WestJet will also offer non-stop daily service seven days a week with two flights per day from Toronto Oct. 24-April 29, as well as operating two weekly non-stop seasonal flights from Ottawa Oct. 31 to April 29.

Air Canada will recommence a weekly non-stop scheduled service from Toronto to St. Vincent and the Grenadines starting Nov. 4, increasing to twice weekly starting Dec. 20 using Boeing 737 MAX 8.

BY THE NUMBERS

For the first time since COVID-19 brought air travel to a standstill, the number of people streaming through US airport-security checkpoints over a holiday weekend exceeded pre-pandemic levels. The summer travel season ended on a busy note as more than 8.7 million people passed through security in the last four days, topping the Labour Day weekend of 2019. The busiest day was Friday when TSA screened 2.48 million travellers.

DEALS

To celebrate it’s 35th anniversary, Air Transat has launched a promotion for both travel advisors and clients. Through Sept. 27, travellers can save up to 35% on South packages for travel by May 31, 2023. Additionally, the company will give away 35 South packages for two at a Paradisus resort in Cuba, the Dominican Republic or Mexico. To enter, travellers must fill out an entry form on the Air Transat website (and can increase their chances of winning by adding a booking number and subscribing to the newsletter). Meanwhile, agents will earn $15 or 3X BONBON points per eligible reservation and have a chance to win a rebate of $175 or 35X BONBON, drawn daily. Plus, a draw for five South packages for two will be held. For details, visit Agent Direct or click HERE.

Travellers can save up to 20% on this season’s G Adventures expedition trips to Antarctica and the South Shetland Islands when booked before Sept. 29 for travel between Oct. 22 and March 13, 2023. Trips in 2024 are also live to book.

Through Oct. 4 clients booking a seven-night beach vacation in Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America and select flight-and-hotel packages to Hawaii with Air Canada Vacations can get the 2nd person at up to 50% off for departures between Jan. 2 and April 30, 2023.

TOURS

Based on popularity of its program in Antarctica, Quark Expeditions has expanded overnight camping opportunities to guests in Greenland. Available on the new “Greenland Adventure: Explore by Sea, Land and Air” itinerary, the adventure operator explains, “Overnight camping in South Greenland is by no means roughing it in the wild,” as guests visit one of the most exclusive camps in Greenland, sleeping in tents under the stars in a protected space on the Tasermiut Fjord, complete with fine food provided by a local chef.

Adventurous travellers at Grand Isle Resort in The Bahamas can help marine biologists with their conservation efforts by joining them on the job and tagging sharks around the Exuma Cays. The “Beneath the Waves” experiences take place from Oct. 13 to 20 and Dec. 8-18.

HOTELSHilton’s new luxury brand Conrad hotel has opened in Los Angeles. The 305-room property (photo), designed by Canadian architect Frank Gehry, is anchored within The Grand LA, a new shopping, dining, entertainment destination in the city. Highlights include two original restaurants, spa, and unparalleled views and proximity to some of the city’s most prominent cultural venues including Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Two new hotels will be launched in Japan by Pan Pacific Hotels Group in partnership with Tokyu Hotels. Housed in the heart of vibrant Shinjuku, Bellustar Tokyo, A Pan Pacific Hotel, and Hotel Groove Shinjuku, A Parkroyal Hotel, will present two unique hotel concepts within the Tokyo Kabukicho Tower, Shinjuku’s new landmark skyscraper complex. Slated to open in the first half of 2023, the former will feature “sincere, graceful service and luxurious space,” while the latter is dedicated to the Parkroyal brand essence of rich local flavours and upscale, modern living.

RESORTS

Mystique Regis Habana by Royalton, the newest Blue Diamonds Resorts property in Cuba, opened its doors Sept. 1. The 61-room adults-only hotel has been completely renewed while still reflecting the charm of Old Havana. The hotel is located at the intersection of Paseo del Prado and Calle Colon, in the historic centre of the old city.

The recently refurbished Riu Montego Bay has now added Riu Party events to its All-Inclusive 24h by RIU entertainment program. Every Friday, hotel guests from the Riu Montego Bay, as well as customers staying at the Riu Reggae and Riu Palace Jamaica, can join the Riu Get Together Party with either a white or neon theme on alternating weeks.

CRUISE

New protocols for Celebrity Cruises guests sailing from US and European ports kicked in on Sept. 5. Now all guests, regardless of vaccination status, departing on most sailings can cruise as long as they meet local testing requirements to board. Celebrity says it will also now accept any commercially available test, including unsupervised self-tests, in many destinations.

Royal Caribbean Group will implement SpaceX’s Starlink – making the Group the first in the cruise industry to adopt its high-speed, low-latency connectivity for a better onboard experience for guests and crew fleetwide. The faster internet service will be installed on all Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity and Silversea ships, along with all new vessels for each of the brands, by the end of the first quarter of 2023.

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS

The 2022-23 runDisney race season kicks off Nov. 3-6 with the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World in Orlando. The popular race weekend features a 5K, 10K and half marathon, as well as the Disney Two Course Challenge (10K and half marathon) and Post-Race Party. The weekend is the first of four race weekends during the 2022-23 runDisney season: Next is the 30th anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (Jan. 4-8), the 15th anniversary Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend (Feb. 23-26), and the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend (April 13-16).

FAMS & INCENTIVES

Through Sept. 30, agents can earn 3X STAR Agent Reward Points from Sunwing on new seven-night bookings to Princess Hotels & Resorts in Punta Cana, for travel between Nov. 1 and April 9, 2023.

EVENTS

Ensemble Travel Group (ETG) is planning its first member meeting since finalizing its acquisition by Navigatr group in June. Entitled ‘Horizons,’ the meeting at Eden Roc & Nobu Miami Beach from Oct. 20 to 23 is aimed primarily at owners and managers and is focused on the future for the consortium and its members. The agenda will focus on sessions and speakers to help support members as they fully restart their businesses as the demand for travel skyrockets, says Ensemble.

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

The Travel Agent Next Door announced the appointment of Antje Splettstoesser as marketing director. The popular industry veteran was previously Director, Canada for the German National Tourist office based in Toronto and Vice Chair at the European Travel Commission. She took a maternity break in 2019, although she continued to teach tourism sales and marketing at Humber College. She most recently held a role at the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Visit Seattle has engaged destination representatives Canuckiwi Consulting to manage its consumer and trade marketing, and travel trade relations in Canada. “As a border city, Canada is Seattle’s top international market and Canadian travel advisors, tour operators and OTAs are key partners to driving our visitation,” says Caitlyn Shearer, Tourism Manager, Visit Seattle. Contact Corey Marshall at seattle@canuckiwi.com and visit www.visitseattle.org/travel-professionals.

DESTINATIONSAs travel continues to recover from the pandemic and restrictions lift, Dominica (pronounced Dom-in-EEK-a) is offering new hotel deals this fall and winter. Participating properties include Rosalie Bay, Manicou River, Jungle Bay Resort, Hibiscus Valley Inn, and Citrus Creek Plantation. Activities on the island, which lies south of Guadeloupe and north of Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean, include whale watching cruises, deep-sea fishing, snorkelling, diving, river tube rafting, jeep safaris, cooking classes and more.

New York’s fall iteration of NYC Broadway Week has returned for the first time since 2019. The more-than-a-week biannual event continues through Sept. 25 and offers theatregoers two-for-one tickets to 21 Broadway shows.

LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY

In 1960, Halifax International Airport was opened.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Meliá Finishes Rebranding of Twelve Vinpearl Hotels in Vietnam

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Meliá Finishes Rebranding of Twelve Vinpearl Hotels in Vietnam - TRAVELINDEXHo Chi Minh City, Vietnam, September 9, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Less than six months since the Spanish hotel group, Meliá Hotels International, announced its partnership with Vietnam’s largest domestic hotel owner, Vinpearl, the migration of properties is set to be completed this month.

Twelve former Vinpearl hotels and resorts spread across the country have now come into Meliá’s portfolio, rebranding as Meliá Vinpearl. The last property, Meliá Vinpearl Hai Phong Rivera, will make the transition by the end of September.

The Meliá Vinpearl properties are already undergoing changes when it comes to gastronomy, wellness and sustainability. Meliá is also bringing the Spanish warmth and hospitality, along with a deep passion for service that the brand is famous for, to each property.

“We want to create contemporary dining destinations where hotel chefs, mixologists and F&B associates are plugged into global and local consumer trends and are constantly innovating when it comes to taste, design and food culture,” said Steve Nunan, Senior Director of Business Development South East Asia for Meliá Hotels International. “Some of the best sky bars in the country will be at our urban Meliá Vinpearl hotels. We’ll draw on our successful concepts to create must-visit places with the best views and delicious tapas.”

In resort destinations like Meliá Vinpearl Cam Ranh Beach Resort, Meliá Vinpearl Cua Hoi Beach Resort, and Meliá Vinpearl Cua Hoi Beach Resort, concepts from existing Meliá properties will be introduced. An example of this is Merkado, a buffet restaurant, which combines authentic Mediterranean cuisine with a show cooking station.

Melia’s spa concept, YHI Spa, that is found in Meliá properties globally will be brought to all the Vinpearl hotels that already have an existing spa. More than just being a calming and relaxing oasis for spa guests, the spa will use natural, ecological products, as part of Meliá’s sustainability vision.

“Sustainable, traceable products, and a focus on local produce, as well as switching all the bed linen to organic bed linen are just some of the examples of what we’re doing when it comes to the environment,” added Nunan.

Meliá Vinpearl properties will also benefit from the hotel group’s strong distribution channels and international recognition. All properties can now be booked through Meliá’s corporate website. This month the company began the largest sales blitz they’ve undertaken in the country.

“Vietnam is an extremely important market for us and now that the transition is complete it’s time for us to reach a wider audience,” explained Nunan. “Not only do we have our whole expanded sales team throughout Vietnam working on a sales blitz in the first week of September, we have all our GSO’s around the world from America to Europe, taking action.”

Although the project of migrating the properties into Meliá followed a short timeline the transition went smoothly.

“Both parties have remained focused during this time with a shared goal and vision for the collaboration,” said Nunan. “We are already moving ahead with new and promising ideas that have come out of this alliance.”

The first hotel to come into the fold was Vinpearl Quang Binh, which took the new name Meliá Vinpearl Quang Binh in March 2022. Since then, ten other Vinpearl properties have made the transition. These include: Meliá Vinpearl Cam Ranh Beach Resort, Meliá Vinpearl Hue, Meliá Vinpearl Danang Riverfront, Meliá Vinpearl Nha Trang Empire, Meliá Vinpearl Ha Tinh, Meliá Vinpearl Cua Hoi Beach Resort, Meliá Vinpearl Tay Ninh, Meliá Vinpearl Phu Ly, Meliá Vinpearl Thanh Hoa, and Meliá Vinpearl Cua Sot Beach Resort.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Palace Hotel Tokyo Launches Celebratory 10th Anniversary Stay Package

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TOKYO (September 8, 2022) – As the land of the rising sun looks forward to a new dawn in travel, one of the country’s leading luxury hotels is preparing to welcome back international travelers. To mark its 10th anniversary year, Palace Hotel Tokyo is launching a new, celebration-worthy stay experience and inviting guests to celebrate, too.

Available through May 31, 2023, Commemorating Tokyo presents ten elements specially curated to mark the Forbes Five-Star property’s milestone:

Complimentary night. A three-night stay for the price of two. Guests who book a Club room or suite – including one of the recently debuted Premier Suites – will enjoy Club Lounge privileges, including breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails and canapés daily.

Moat-side breakfast. Dine on Grand Kitchen’s open-air terrace amidst the picturesque Imperial Palace gardens, a tranquil setting rich in history and situated in the heart of one of the world’s most bustling metropolises.

Toast-worthy welcome. A bottle of Palace Hotel Tokyo’s private-label Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Bordeaux to take home or indulge during the stay.

Artful edibles. A box of the hotel’s signature chiyo choco – thin, melt-in-your-mouth tiles of premium white, milk and dark chocolate imprinted with distinctive Japanese motifs.

Inspired mixology. ‘Blooming’ cocktails for two at Royal Bar, the hotel’s Old-World bar, or at Lounge Bar Privé, a chic lounge featuring views of the Imperial Palace gardens and Marunouchi skyline. Made with a refreshing blend of yuzu liqueur, sakura liqueur, Lillet Blanc and the hotel’s signature 1-1-1 sake exclusively produced at the esteemed Hakkaisan brewery in Niigata prefecture, the cocktail’s clear, crisp taste and flowery aroma conjures scenes of the hotel’s natural surroundings.

Refined dining. Choice of a prix-fixe dinner for two at Esterre, the hotel’s Michelin-minted, contemporary French restaurant operated in partnership with DUCASSE Paris; GO, where the freshest bounty from land and sea is seared and served teppanyaki-style; or Wadakura, known for its exquisite Japanese kaiseki.

Spa retreat. Two 120-minute ‘Blissful Moments’ treatments at evian SPA TOKYO, where French sensibilities guide the treatment experience and a minimalist aesthetic presents an oasis that is at once remarkably serene and very Japanese. Designed to ease tension, re-energize and rejuvenate, the combination body and facial treatment can be enjoyed in separate rooms or in the dual-bedded spa suite.

Afternoon tea for two. Presented on a brand-new lacquerware set exclusively made for the hotel, The Palace Lounge’s popular afternoon tea service features seasonal ingredients and takes inspiration from the colors of each season.

In keeping with Palace Hotel Tokyo’s ‘harmony with nature’ ethos and the brand’s regard for tradition and innovation, artist Akito Akagi – internationally recognized as one of Japan’s leading contemporary lacquerware artisans – designed the set to reflect a blend of traditional aesthetics and contemporary style.

Handmade in the artist’s atelier, each piece of varying shape and size is reminiscent of river stones sculpted naturally over time, and each is finished in black or white lacquer, presenting an elegant canvas atop which the equally artful sweets and savories are served up (accompanied by a selection of premium teas).

Commemorative luggage tags. A pair of 10th-anniversary room-key-and-luggage-tag in-one.

Aromatic keepsake. An essential oil and reed diffuser set featuring Palace Hotel Tokyo’s ‘Pure Tranquility’ signature fragrance, a bespoke blend of 11 essential oils that has become a highly desired memento among hotel guests over the past decade.

The three-night Commemorating Tokyo package is available for stays between September 7, 2022 – May 31, 2023 (subject to availability, based on double occupancy). Rates start at JPY 410,000*.

*Inclusive of consumption tax, excluding 15% service charge and accommodation tax of JPY200 per person, per night.

About Palace Hotel Tokyo

As the anchor to a billion dollar, mixed-use development built entirely from the ground-up, Palace Hotel Tokyo commands some of the city’s most exclusive real estate and incomparable views of the much-loved Imperial Palace gardens and the surrounding skyline.

Located in the capital’s prestigious Marunouchi district, the property features 284 rooms & suites, an evian SPA, and 10 distinctive restaurants and bars presenting an impressive array of dining experiences – including exquisite Japanese and Michelin-starred contemporary French haute cuisine.

As heir to a legacy going back more than half a century as one of the city’s most iconic properties, the hotel remains firmly rooted in its commitment to offering Japanese hospitality at its finest. Drawing deeply from the country’s history, culture and art, the award-winning hotel continues to redefine luxury in Japan with sophistication and authenticity as it celebrates its 10th anniversary year.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Chocolate-Themed Afternoon Tea at Tuxedo Espresso Bar

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Tuxedo Espresso Bar at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit invites chocolate lovers to experience their new afternoon tea menu featuring high-quality chocolates from Belgium and France.

The Chocolate Afternoon Tea set features 9 selections of delectable pastries and sweet bites. The highlight item is the “Chocolate Strawberry Jelly”, a union of Strawberry Jelly and Chocolate mousse.

Full menu click here qrco.de/bcVIca

Pair it with TWG premium tea, coffee or sparkling wine

THB 1,380++ per set for 2 persons including a pot of TWG Loose Tea or Coffee of your choice
THB 1,680++ per set for 2 persons including two glasses of sparkling wine

A selection of these pastries are also available as “Dessert of the Month”, as part of the a la carte menu:

• Strawberry Chocolate Mousse THB 200++
• Double Chocolate Tart THB 200++
• Praline Chocolate THB 180++
• Passion of White Chocolate THB 180++

Chocolate Afternoon Tea
Tuxedo Espresso Bar
September – October
12:00 pm – 4:30 pm

For more information or reservations, please contact us at 02 090 7888

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh Nurtures Next Generation of Hospitality Stars

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PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Aug. 30, 2022) – Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh is nurturing the next generation of Khmer hospitality personnel via a new collaboration with Cambodia’s National Institute of Entrepreneurship and Innovation (NIEI).

The property, the newest international branded luxury hotel in Cambodia’s capital, today signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the NIEI. Through the agreement, which will span the next two years, the hotel will provide resources, workshops, training, technical and curriculum consultation to NIEI in order to develop candidates. It will also offer internships to NIEI students to help build their skills in key areas of hospitality.

“One of Cambodia’s most potent attributes is the natural hospitality of its people,” said Juan Mercadante, the general manager of Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh. “By refining skills through internships at our hotel, we can really maximize this human capital and offer these students invaluable experience and opportunities to grow their careers.”

The new arrangement between Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh and the NIEI is in line with the Hyatt RiseHY initiative. RiseHY is a new global program designed to pair the hospitality industry’s career opportunities with young people who need them. As part of the initiative, Hyatt hotels around the world will commit to hiring 10,000 Opportunity Youth – people ages 16 to 24 who are neither in school nor working – by 2025.

According to the International Labour Organization, more than 40 percent of the world’s young people are either unemployed or living in poverty.

“We understand the challenges young people face, and Hyatt hotels are uniquely positioned to be part of the solution. Hospitality is one of the few industries where entry-level opportunities often lead to fulfilling, life-long careers that can change the trajectory of someone’s life,” said Malaika Myers, chief human resources officer, Hyatt. “With the launch of RiseHY, Hyatt hotels will harness the power of technology in ways our industry has never done before, to scale career opportunities, bringing awareness to hospitality careers and setting up candidates for success from the start as it expands training programs as a path for employment.”

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

IATA: July Passenger Demand Remains Strong

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IATA July Passenger Demand Remains Strong - AIRLINEHUB.com - TRAVELINDEXGeneva, Switzerland, September 9, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced passenger data for July 2022 showing that the recovery in air travel continues to be strong.

We have returned to year-on-year traffic comparisons, instead of comparisons with the 2019 period, unless otherwise noted. Owing to the low traffic base in 2021, some markets will show very high year-on-year growth rates, even if the size of these markets is still significantly smaller than they were in 2019.

– Total traffic in July 2022 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) was up 58.8% compared to July 2021. Globally, traffic is now at 74.6% of pre-crisis levels.

– Domestic traffic for July 2022 was up 4.1% compared to the year-ago period and is now driving the recovery. Total July 2022 domestic traffic was at 86.9% of the July 2019 level. China saw strong month-to-month improvement compared to June.

– International traffic rose 150.6% versus July 2021. July 2022 international RPKs reached 67.9% of July 2019 levels. All markets reported strong growth, led by Asia-Pacific.

International Passenger Markets

– Asia-Pacific airlines posted a 528.8% rise in July traffic compared to July 2021, the strongest year-over-year rate among the regions. Capacity rose 159.9% and the load factor was up 47.1 percentage points to 80.2%.

– European carriers saw July traffic rise 115.6% versus July 2021. Capacity rose 64.3%, and load factor climbed 20.6 percentage points to 86.7%, second highest among the regions.

– Middle Eastern airlines’ traffic climbed 193.1% in July compared to July 2021. July capacity rose 84.1% versus the year-ago period, and load factor climbed 30.5 percentage points to 82.0%.

– North American carriers had a 129.2% traffic rise in July versus the 2021 period. Capacity rose 79.9%, and load factor climbed 19.4 percentage points to 90.3%, which was the highest among the regions for a second month.

– Latin American airlines’ July traffic rose 119.4% compared to the same month in 2021. July capacity rose 92.3% and load factor increased 10.5 percentage points to 85.2%.

– African airlines saw an 84.8% rise in July RPKs versus a year ago. July 2022 capacity was up 46.7% and load factor climbed 15.5 percentage points to 75.0%, the lowest among regions.

– Brazil’s domestic traffic rose 24.2% in July and have now reached pre-pandemic levels.

– India’s domestic RPKs rose 97.8% in July and are now exceeding 81% of 2019 levels.

The Bottom Line

“Aviation continues to recover as people take advantage of their restored freedom to travel. The pandemic showed that aviation is not a luxury but a necessity in our globalized and interconnected world. Aviation is committed to continuing to meet the demands of people and commerce and to do it sustainably. We have set a goal to achieve net zero CO2 emissions by 2050, which is in line with the targets of the Paris Agreement. Governments will have the opportunity to support our commitment by agreeing to a Long-Term Aspirational Goal (LTAG) of net zero aviation CO2 emissions by 2050 at the upcoming 41st Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). With governments supporting the same goal and timeline, we and our value chain partners can move forward with confidence towards a net zero carbon future,” Walsh said.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News