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Marlene Poynder the First Woman to Lead the Iconic The Carlyle Hotel NYC

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Marlene Poynder the First Woman to Lead the Iconic The Carlyle Hotel NYC - TRAVELINDEXNew York, NY, United States, June 26, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has appointed Marlene Poynder as managing director of The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, in New York City. With more than 30 years of experience in hospitality and tourism, Poynder is the first woman to lead the legendary Upper East Side hotel. The Carlyle recently completed a three-year thoughtful transformation, from new guest rooms and suites to the debut of the hotel’s signature restaurant, Dowling’s at The Carlyle. Poynder will oversee all aspects of the property, including the famed Bemelmans Bar and the celebrated Café Carlyle.

“We are delighted to welcome Marlene as the first woman managing director at The Carlyle and we are thrilled for her to take the beloved property into the next chapter of its illustrious history,” said Radha Arora, president of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. “With her international experience and extensive knowledge of the hospitality industry, Marlene will be an invaluable asset to welcome the next generation of travellers while also embracing The Carlyle’s storied legacy,” added Arora.

“The Carlyle has been an iconic New York institution for over 90 years, and I am honoured to be the next managing director of this renowned hotel,” said Poynder. “I am particularly looking forward to collaborating with the talented team and leading The Carlyle into the future, while also maintaining our commitment to the hotel’s traditions and loyal guests,” added Poynder.

A native of Australia, most recently Poynder held the position of general manager at the Conrad New York Downtown. In 2015, she moved to the U.S. to become general manager of the Waldorf Astoria in Chicago. Before joining Hilton, Poynder held a variety of executive roles with Hyatt Hotels in Asia and Australia, overseeing hotel openings of luxury properties. With Hilton, she managed openings and presided over renovations and attributes her success to the teams she has built and developed to achieve common goals.

Poynder is involved in New York City’s official tourism organization, NYC & Company, and serves on their Executive Committee and is co-chair of the Hotel Committee.

About The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel
Situated at the corner of Madison Avenue and 76th Street, The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel has been a classic landmark of Manhattan’s sophisticated Upper East Side since 1930. Located just one block from Central Park, The Carlyle is a 35-story, 190-room hotel highlighted by the original Art Deco design from the renowned Dorothy Draper. Following a multi-year transformation of the legendary property by New York based design firm tonychi studio, the property has recently debuted new guest rooms and suites in addition to a new signature restaurant, Dowling’s at The Carlyle. Embracing a passion for the arts, pianos grace many of the suites, and most tower rooms have views of Central Park. The Carlyle is also home to the renowned Café Carlyle and the beloved Bemelmans Bar and offers visitors a whimsical experience into an undefinable era of glamour.

About Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® manages 29 one-of-a-kind luxury hotels, resorts and residences in 17 countries, with 23 new properties under development. Each Rosewood property embraces the brand’s A Sense of Place® philosophy to reflect the individual location’s history, culture and sensibilities. The Rosewood collection includes some of the world’s most legendary hotels and resorts, including The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel in New York, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas and Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel in Paris, as well as new classics such as Rosewood Hong Kong. For those who wish to stay a little longer, Rosewood Residences offer a distinct opportunity for ownership or rent in extraordinary destinations within the brand’s wide-ranging portfolio.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Meliá is The First Hotel Brand in Vietnam to Launch PlasticShreds

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Hanoi, Vietnam, June 29, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / As Meliá Hotels International works towards a plastic-free environment at its properties, the Spanish hotel group is making sure that what plastic it does use is having minimal impact on our planet. Meliá Hanoi and Meliá Ba Vi Mountain Retreat are the first hotels in Vietnam to launch PlasticShreds, an upcycle initiative that repurposes plastic already in circulation.

The initiative, organized by the global cleaning and hygiene products manufacturer Diversey, converts single-use plastic into plastic chips that are then combined with bitumen or asphalt for smoothing surfaces from roads to badminton courts.

“While plastic waste is a global problem, certain countries are experiencing the issue more than others,” said Ignacio Martin, Managing Director Southeast Asia at Meliá Hotels International. “Vietnam is one of the most stricken countries in the world – when it comes to plastic pollution – and we have to play our part to tackle the problem from all angles, by removing, reusing, and recycling.”

A core element of the PlasticShreds program is removing and replacing plastic as the first priority, which is in line with Meliá’s own sustainability mission. Meliá properties have been actively working to reduce single-use plastic since 2018 and have already banned certain products, such as single-use plastic straws, replacing them with more natural alternatives.

Since 2019, Meliá Ba Vi has been replacing plastic amenities with eco – friendly products. By the end of this year, the resort plans to completely eliminate single-use plastic packaging and carrier bags, and to continue phasing out plastic for glass water bottles. Meliá Hanoi will replace all plastic bottles with glass bottles by the end of this year.

While the final destinations of Meliá’s plastic chips are still to be determined, similar projects have been successful overseas in roads and pavements in India and Malaysia. According to Diversey a 20-meter long pavement construction could use as much as 172 liters of plastic chips – roughly the amount created by 8,200 500ml bottles. For the launch event at Meliá Hanoi the hotel collected 3,000 bottles that were then used to help educate interested guests and team members on how to use the PlasticShreds machine. Moving forward the machine will be moved between the Meliá properties, allowing them to shred plastic on-site.

Meliá has partnered with Diveresy on several sustainability projects, such as Linens For Life and Soap for Hope. Both initiatives involve transforming materials such as leftover soap and old linen, into new (sterilized) soap bars and products for people in need, such as all-purpose bags, sleeping bags and soft toys for children, and school uniforms.

About Meliá Hotels International

Founded in 1956 in Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International operates more than 380 hotels (portfolio and pipeline) throughout more than 40 countries, under the brands Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, Paradisus by Meliá, ME by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, INNSiDE by Meliá, plus a wide portfolio of affiliated hotels under the “Affiliated by Meliá” seal. The Group is one of the leading companies in resort hotels worldwide, while also leveraging its experience to consolidate the growing segment of the leisure-inspired urban market. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led the Group to become the most sustainable hotel company in Spain and Europe in 2020, according to the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA). It also has ranked seventh in the Wall Street Journal’s list of the 100 most sustainably managed companies in the world (and the leading travel company) and is the only Spanish travel company included in the list of “Europe’s Climate Leaders 2021” by Financial Times. Meliá Hotels International is also included in the IBEX 35 Spanish stock market index and it is the Spanish hotel leader in Corporate Reputation (Merco Ranking).

About Meliá Hotels & Resorts

Meliá Hotels & Resorts is the most well-known brand within Meliá Hotels International; it has more than 100 city and resort hotels in the main leisure and business destinations of Europe, Asia, Africa and America. Meliá Hotels & Resorts instinctively understands the guests’ needs and lifestyle expectations and caters to every aspect of guests’ wellbeing. It offers exemplary meetings and events facilities in all key business cities and exotic locations, serving the ever-expanding conference and incentive travel market.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Saving the Planet, One Hotel at a Time

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Despite the urgent need to reduce global carbon emissions, the hotel industry faces numerous barriers to implementing carbon reduction programmes. Why is it so difficult for hotels to reduce their carbon footprint, and why do so many hotel managers remain bystanders in the fight against global warming? To help answer these questions, Dr Eric Chan of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University conducted in-depth interviews with senior hotel executives in Hong Kong. The findings provide novel insights into barriers to carbon reduction by hotels and – perhaps most importantly – strategies to overcome them.

Every industry worldwide needs to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to build a more sustainable planet. Tourism is responsible for around 8% of global GHG emissions, and hotels play a big part in this problem, notes Dr Chan. Every day, they consume “large amounts of energy, water and non-recyclable products” to provide high-quality services for hotel guests “around the clock”.

There are many types of GHGs, but carbon dioxide emissions are “the main factor leading to global warming”, explains the author. Although hotels are making efforts to reduce their carbon emissions, progress so far has been limited. Most hotels aiming to shrink their carbon footprint focus on reducing the energy consumed by heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. However, this may not be enough. Dr Chan points out that carbon reduction should also target other hotel services, such as laundry services, production processes and transport, which are rarely considered.

“Not many hotels emphasise comprehensive carbon footprint reduction in their environmental programmes”, adds Dr Chan. Given the sheer variety of hotel services and amenities, assessing carbon emissions in the hotel context can be a lengthy process. Hotel managers may be reluctant to introduce such initiatives because of a lack of environmental knowledge or the need to involve multiple stakeholders. “Anecdotal evidence indicates that hotel managers have begun to discuss their carbon footprint”, says the researcher, “but very few know how to implement a comprehensive programme that optimises reduction”.

Clearly, as Dr Chan notes, “many hotels are still standing at the crossroads” in terms of carbon footprint reduction. Yet few studies have attempted to “investigate what prevents hotels from implementing various carbon footprint reduction programmes”. Without such knowledge, there is little chance of persuading hotels to join other sectors in the fight to reduce carbon emissions.

To help fill this gap in the literature, Dr Chan conducted a qualitative study to find out exactly “what prevents hotel managers from focusing on carbon footprint reduction in the hotel context”. He interviewed 22 hotel managers, executives and other experienced employees who were “highly involved in hotel environmental policy planning and implementation”. The majority of the respondents worked in four- or five-star hotels in Hong Kong, ranging from independent hotels to local and international chains.

The interviews were designed to get a better understanding of the hotel managers’ personal views and perceptions of the barriers that prevented them from implementing reduction programmes and to identify “possible remedial actions”. Drawing on the literature, the researcher rigorously coded and analysed the interview transcripts. He identified seven main barriers – four industry barriers and three organisational barriers – to implementing a comprehensive carbon footprint reduction programme.

The difficulty of measuring a hotel’s carbon footprint was mentioned by “almost all” of the informants, reports Dr Chan. This problem is certainly not unique to the hotel industry. Many organisations struggle to reduce emissions due to the “absence of relevant systems and standardised approaches to carbon auditing”. However, there are so many items and areas to consider in a hotel’s operations that “many hotels do not know how and where to start”.

It is clear that a formal method of measuring hotels’ carbon footprints needs to be developed to enable hotels to “track the GHG emissions and carbon footprint of different operations and service delivery processes”. Dr Chan suggests that industry representatives such as the Hong Kong Hotels Association could help to set up “carbon footprint certificates” and lead the development of methods to “quantify carbon footprint inputs and outputs”.

Another important industry barrier was the lack of a strong mediator in the hotel industry to “help drive and promote carbon footprint reduction”. This barrier could be reduced by identifying a strong mediator, such as an association of hotel owners, to promote carbon reduction and provide appropriate training.

Changes to hotel amenities and services to reduce carbon emissions may affect guests’ hotel experiences. Therefore, balancing the interests of different stakeholders is also important for the successful implementation of a reduction programme. “Hotel managers need to promote the advantages of reducing the carbon footprint to their target stakeholders”, says Dr Chan, “perhaps by developing a green hotel marketing programme”. It is important to communicate “reliable and user-friendly” information on the benefits of carbon reduction to encourage both internal and external stakeholders to participate in the implementation process.

The hotel managers interviewed generally agreed that a carbon reduction programme represents a risky investment because it is unlikely to lead to cost savings. Hotel managers must consider the return on investment for the business, which can make them reluctant to invest in a programme with no immediate return. Given the costs of retrofitting existing hotels, Dr Chan proposes that more effort should be put into designing “green hotels” with all of the “necessary facilities and technologies” from the outset.

Some informants identified a lack of understanding about carbon emissions and carbon reduction as a significant organisational barrier to implementing reduction programmes. One informant noted, “If the concept was simplified and more people learnt about it, I think it would then be widely applied”. According to Dr Chan, more education may be needed to help industry professionals understand the various ways they can reduce their carbon footprint. One informant suggested that international hotel brands could take the lead by developing a “model and carbon footprint manual or audit”. Hotels associations should also be encouraged to “organise more relevant activities” such as workshops and sharing activities.

The lack of initiative from hotel owners due to the extra resources and investment needed to implement a reduction programme represents a further barrier. Although guests might appreciate such a programme, it is unlikely to be their main concern, so investing in new equipment and technology is not seen as a priority. The informants also expressed the view that more government support is needed to help owners implement new initiatives.

The third organisational barrier to be identified through the interviews was the lack of stakeholder coordination and support, which is necessary for the implementation of carbon reduction programmes involving “many different areas, items and delivery processes”. Dr Chan suggests that managers need to consider the characteristics of external stakeholders such as suppliers and hotel guests to develop engagement programmes. They should also consider promoting shared responsibility for carbon reduction among hotel staff. Furthermore, notes Dr Chan, senior executives “could demonstrate their commitment by actively participating in the programme to model the behaviour required and influence their subordinates”.

Reducing the hotel industry’s carbon footprint is no easy task: the issues are complex and numerous barriers need to be overcome. Nevertheless, Dr Chan’s study is an important step towards understanding the specific challenges facing hotels and identifying ways to overcome them. The recommendations of the study will hopefully encourage hotel executives to consider how they can develop and implement more comprehensive carbon footprint reduction programmes by “improving their understanding of the main barriers and possible strategies to reduce them”.

Chan, Eric, S.W. (2021). Why Do Hotels Find Reducing their Carbon Footprint Difficult? International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, Vol. 33 No. 5, pp. 1646-1667.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Metropole Hanoi’s Award-Winning Le Beaulieu Reopens

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Hanoi, Vietnam, June 28, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Le Beaulieu, the award-winning modern French fine dining restaurant at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, and its refined al fresco extension La Terrasse have celebrated their reopening following an extensive seven-month refurbishment and are now open for lunch and dinner.

With an elegant and sophisticated new design, alongside renowned French gastronomy and a wide selection of wines, the signature restaurant at Metropole Hanoi ties together the hotel’s 120-year-old storied past with a contemporary new look that manages to meld the opulent, the classical and the modern in a single scheme that’s long on white, gold and heathery blue-grays.

Operating in its current space since 1901, Le Beaulieu is believed to be the oldest continually operating restaurant in Vietnam. And now, after this renovation, the newest.

“Le Beaulieu has long been one of—if not the—preeminent French fine dining experiences in all of Southeast Asia, and we are delighted to welcome diners back to experience these aesthetic and culinary enhancements, which we are confident will win the approval of the most devoted French culinary enthusiasts,” said Metropole Hanoi General Manager William Haandrikman.

The new menu at Le Beaulieu continues to spotlight modern French gastronomy with nods to classical French flavors and an emphasis on seasonality and superior ingredients. The restaurant’s inventive approach both to cuisine and service is enhanced by a chef-driven perspective. While there are some traditional French touches, the presentation is stylish, with well-balanced portions and fresh produce from France, Vietnam and elsewhere.

Metropole chefs’ trademark signature dishes and other menu items incorporate storytelling, charm, sophistication and authenticity.

Le Beaulieu boasts one of the most extensive wine collections in Hanoi, featuring more than 600 references and 1,600 bottles, including over 100 Grand Cru Classés and wines from leading chateaux, vintners and wineries from France and around the world. Service staff at Le Beaulieu draw on their wine knowledge and experience to offer pairing recommendations. Other beverages, including cocktails, served from Le Beaulieu’s waiting bar highlight links to France, and there is an emphasis on unique and high-quality “digestifs” for dinner.

Inspired by Parisian sidewalk cafes, La Terrasse also promises a brand new ambiance. An extension of Le Beaulieu and home to refined dining on the hotel’s picturesque outdoor patio, La Terrasse offers a similar menu to that at Le Beaulieu but with additional lighter-fare options, including salades gourmandes, tartines, artisanal sandwiches, starters and more.

In April, Metropole Hanoi was awarded a Five-Star rating—the top level of recognition—from Forbes Travel Guide for the third consecutive year. It was also proclaimed one of “Asia’s Top 30 Hotels” by readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine last year and selected as Hanoi’s No. 1 business hotel by the editors of Business Traveller Asia-Pacific. Metropole Hanoi was also named one of “The 101 Most Incredible Hotels in the World” for 2022 by Fodor’s Travel.

For more information about the reopening of Le Beaulieu and La Terrasse, or to make a reservation for lunch or dinner, please contact Tel: 024 3826 6919 ext. 8200

ABOUT SOFITEL LEGEND METROPOLE HANOI

A prominent fixture in the heart of Hanoi since 1901, the Hotel Metropole Hanoi has a long tradition as a luxury venue for prestigious events and a popular rendezvous for business and leisure travelers such as playwrights, ambassadors and heads of state. The recipient of numerous international awards for its fine service, this legendary landmark has contributed to the richness of local heritage.

The hotel includes 364 rooms. The historic Metropole wing has 106 guestrooms and three Legendary Suites. The suites are named after famous residents and visitors to the hotel (Graham Greene, Charlie Chaplin, Somerset Maugham) and have access to the Club Lounge.

The Metropole restaurants and bars are all famous dining venues, each offering a different exotic experience: Le Beaulieu has the best French fare in this corner of the world; Spices Garden offers the ultimate in Vietnamese gastronomy; angelina is Hanoi’s bespoke bar-lounge-restaurant; La Terrasse brings Parisian-style to the sidewalks of Hanoi; Le Club Bar treats guests to its famous chocolate buffet and cool jazz performances; and, finally, Bamboo Bar brings poolside lounging to the next level.

ABOUT SOFITEL LEGEND

Sofitel Legend is an illustrious selection of heritage luxury hotels where the best of past and present converge. Set within beautiful and culturally rich destinations, each legendary retreat is both timeless and elegant, delivering lavish settings, renowned restaurants and modern comforts matched with impeccable service for the ultimate luxury experience. Noble, rare and soulful, Sofitel Legend hotels entice worldly travelers who are all drawn to these beloved places of grandeur for their storied past, architectural beauty, sweeping vistas and enchanting ambience. Sofitel Legend is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,200 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Meliá Chiang Mai introduces 360° Cuisine Dishes

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Chiang Mai, Thailand, June 27, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Meliá Chiang Mai’s signature restaurant Mai Restaurant & Bar has unveiled a menu of innovative dishes created via a thoughtful cooking process designed to minimize food waste and reduce greenhouse emissions.

As part of the urban hotel’s 360° Cuisine concept, executive chef Suksant Chutinthratip (Billy) and Mai Restaurant & Bar’s Sous Chef Karn Phojun have crafted dishes, featuring produce from the urban hotel’s nearby organic farm, that use as much of every ingredient as possible. Leftovers are returned to the farm as compost and leftover cooking oil is sent to be recycled into biodiesel.

The menu’s recommended dish Mai’s Samplers (THB 390++/USD 11.10) comprises tasting size portions of five different delicacies:

  • Crisp fried fluffy catfish and pomelo salad scented with rice field crab jus
  • Vietnamese sausage and edible flowers salad roll with yellow chili puree
  • Grilled green chili relish on crispy salmon skin
  • Northern Thai-style pork sausage with grilled ginger and pickled cucumber
  • Warm spicy tomato relish in golden-fried tortilla

The thoughtful cooking process to reduce waste is summed up by the likes of another recommended dish Pappardelle Soi Neur (THB 350++/USD 10++). The dish is made up of fresh homemade pappardelle with creamy khao soi curry sauce and slices of seared Australian beef sirloin, served with homemade pickled vegetables and chili oil.

“We make the pappardelle fresh on every order, the chilli paste is homemade and incorporates every part of each ingredient possible including chilli, shallot, garlic, galangal, coriander root and more. With the leftover fat trimmings from the Australian sirloin, we extract oil that we then use to make chilli oil,” Billy said.

Underscored by baked seasonal vegetables from the hotel’s organic farm topped off with pomelo zest sour cream, microgreens and fresh herb crumbles, Phak Ob Samun Prai (THB 250++/USD 7.10++) is another menu highlight.

“For this dish we only use fresh vegetables we receive from our farm each day, and the pomelo zest sour cream is made from coconut milk and leftover pomelo zest from other dishes,” Billy said.

The menu’s items start from THB 190++ (USD 5.40++) and are available 6pm – 10pm Wednesday to Sunday at Mai Restaurant & Bar from 1 July 2022.

Situated on the hotel’s 21st floor affording vistas of Chiang Mai, Mai Restaurant & Bar specialises in contemporary Lanna (Northern Thai) cuisine with Mediterranean influences.

For more information and reservations, please phone Mai Restaurant & Bar on +66 (0) 52 090 603

Prices are subject to 10% service charge and 7% government tax.

Under the 360° Cuisine program, the hotel’s kitchen works closely with local farmers to help them improve sustainability and encourage ethical production. Meliá Chiang Mai recently partnered with ORI9IN The Gourmet Farm, a gourmet organic farm located in nearby San Sai District, to grow an array of fruits, vegetables and herbs on a two-acre plot on the broader ORI9IN property for its restaurants, bars and spa.

The first five-star to open in Chiang Mai since the onset of the pandemic, Meliá Chiang Mai debuted on April 10 on Charoen Prathet Road. Drawing on Meliá’s Spanish origins and celebrating Spain’s famed gastronomy, the hotel’s dining landscape encompasses restaurants Mai Restaurant & Bar and Laan Na Kitchen, bars Mai The Sky Bar and Tien Pool Bar, and lounges Ruen Kaew and The Level Lounge.

About Asset World Corp Public Company Limited   

Asset World Corp Public Company Limited is a holding company under TCC Group operating leading integrated lifestyle property development in Thailand. The company has two main businesses consisting of the Hospitality business managed by top hotel executives of world-renowned hotel brands such as Marriott, The Luxury Collection, Okura, Banyan Tree, Hilton, and Sheraton and Retail, Wholesale and Commercial properties whose projects include 1) Retail and Wholesale including lifestyle travel destinations, community shopping malls, community markets, and wholesale business real estate. Popular real estate projects consist of ASIATIQUE the Riverfront Destination, Gateway at Bangsue, AEC Trade Center – Pantip Wholesale Destination, and Tawanna Bangkapi and 2) Commercial buildings including the famous Empire Tower and Athenee Tower located in Bangkok’s central business district.

About Meliá Hotels & Resorts

Meliá Hotels & Resorts is the best-known international brand in the portfolio of the Meliá Hotels International company; it has more than 100 city and resort hotels in the main leisure and business destinations of Europe, Asia, Africa and America. The brand offers exemplary meetings and events facilities in all important business cities as well as in exotic locations, catering to the ever-expanding conference and incentive travel market. As part of its innovation philosophy and new positioning, Meliá Hotels & Resorts has reinvented itself to cater to every aspect of the guests’ wellbeing. Unique experiences are created for guests and are defined by relaxation, quality time and personalised services. For a balanced lifestyle, Meliá Hotels & Resorts instinctively understands the guests’ needs and lifestyle expectations, which is an integral part of its redefined identity.

About Meliá Hotels International 

Founded in 1956 in Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International operates more than 380 hotels (portfolio and pipeline) throughout more than 40 countries, under the brands Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, Paradisus by Meliá, ME by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, The Meliá Collection, INNSiDE by Meliá and Sol by Meliá, plus a wide portfolio of affiliated hotels under the “Affiliated by Meliá” network. The Group is one of the leading companies in resort hotels worldwide, while also leveraging its experience to consolidate the growing segment of the leisure-inspired urban market. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led the Group to become the most sustainable hotel company in Spain and Europe, according to the last S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2022 (Silver Class distinction). It also has ranked seventh in the Wall Street Journal’s list of the 100 most sustainably managed companies in the world (and the leading travel company) and is the only Spanish travel company included in the list of “Europe’s Climate Leaders 2021” by Financial Times. Meliá Hotels International is also included in the IBEX 35 Spanish stock market.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

PUBS, PATIOS & BARS: Discovering Ontario’s new Craft Gin Trail

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Canadian gin lovers now have a trail they can call their own. The Ontario Craft Gin Trail launched early in June offering a spirit-based version of more ubiquitous wine and beer trails (or in some destinations, rum routes).

The self-guided tour features six distinctive distilleries in Southwestern Ontario (including Stratford, Guelph, Ayr, Arthur, and Elora), all within an hour of Kitchener-Waterloo, and similarly within about a two-hour drive from Toronto.

Marty Van Vliet of the Elora Distilling Company told Travel Industry Today that the idea came from similar ventures in the UK, where the craft gin industry has been flourishing since the 1990s. The US followed about a decade later, but government regulations in Canada didn’t allow smaller distillers to flourish here until after 2009.

As such, Van Vliet says, “We’re a relatively young industry in Canada, we’re just catching up.”

And with consumer interest in craft gin booming in Canada, the time was right to start a trail. “We (Canada’s gin industry) have been crying out for something like this!” Van Vliet says.

Organized with the help of local tourism officials, the route has six inaugural members with hopes that others will soon join. They include:

• Dixon’s Distilled Spirits of Guelph produces an award-winning line of hand-crafted, all-Canadian artisanal gins.

• Elora Distilling Company of Elora makes a line of four gins from local ingredients, as well as a seasonal gin that changes throughout the year.

• Junction 56 Distillery of Stratford uses a unique distillation process and a select mix of local botanicals to give traditional gin a fresh twist
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• Silver Fox Distillery of Arthur, the only fully woman-owned distillery on the trail, uses locally sourced grains and botanicals to craft award-winning spirits.

• Spring Mill Distillery of Guelph embraces time-honoured distilling traditions and historic roots that stretch back more than 200 years to bring gin and spirits to aficionados today.

• Willibald Farm Distillery & Brewery of Ayr crafts gin and spirits from products grown right on the farm, in addition to welcoming visitors to its restaurant, brewery and seasonal biergarten.

Silver Fox Distillery

Each distiller is unique, says Van Vliet, who describes himself as a gin drinker who frequently buys his colleague’s efforts simply because they’re different than his own.

At Elora Distilling, which opened in 2020, Van Vliet says four regular gins are made, plus a fifth seasonal offering. But altogether, he adds, the Trail features craft distillers that are small enough to have the flexibility to “create many fabulous experimental” gins – some of which can also be found in the LCBO.

And while Elora also distills vodka, whiskey, and rum, Van Vliet notes that such is the current interest gin in Canada that it “outsells everything.”

Importantly, all distilleries on the trail offer (free) samples – there are over two dozen types across the spectrum – and many conduct tours and/or have their own bars and restaurants. (Note: tours should be booked in advanced).

Individual distilleries may have unique opportunities. Van Vliet’s establishment, for example, offers cocktail mixing classes and has partnered with the local tourist office to offer a walking tour of Elora, focussing on the history of alcohol in the region.

“Because we are craft,” he explains, “what one is doing is not what the other is doing,” thereby creating a variety of experiences amongst the Trail members.

At the same time, not unlike the nearby Niagara wine region, a trek along the Trail simply makes for a great outing, particularly for Canadians who have been cooped up for two years due to the pandemic.

And, says Van Vliet simply, “(It) provides another way for people to get a taste of the vibrant culinary scene this part of the province offers.”

Those interested in the Craft Gin Trail can obtain a passport-brochure at any of the distilleries; those getting three stamps qualify to win a merchandise gift pack. More information is also available on Facebook, Instagram, or at the website, craftgintrail.com.

With glass purposefully in hand, we at Travel Industry Today continue our series on some of the planet’s best bars, patios and rooftop venues. For more articles in the series, click here:

PREVIOUS ARTICLES: https://travelindustrytoday.com/pub-patio/

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First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

LISTENING IN: Our Happy Canada Day playlist

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From Bryan Adams to Alfie Zappacosta, and Justin Bieber to Neil Young, Canada has always punched above its weight musically, offering a dictionary-worthy list of great artists. And while our video this week may not recall them all, it’s a trip down memory lane sampling a vast number of favourites, and even some of the forgotten.

So, without further ado, let us Rush to it and take a magic carpet ride, keep on rockin’ in the free world and, ultimately, lay it on the line. After all, we’re here for a good time, not a long time, so enjoy some of our best ¬– we did it for love, and, baby, you ain’t seen nothing yet!

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

‘PUT YOUR SEATBELTS ON’: Sandals 2.0 racing into the future

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Before Carnival celebrations had even subsided at the grand opening of Sandals Royal Curaçao last weekend, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) executive chairman Adam Stewart was already looking to the future, announcing growth plans for the company and a complete transformation of the luxury all-inclusive chain that was founded over 40 years ago in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

The son of late company founder Gordon “Butch” Stewart revealed that the company plans to “at least” double its size in the next decade, adding to the 19 existing Sandals and Beaches resorts already in existence.

“The next 10 years is going to be insane; so, we’re asking you to put your seatbelts on!” he declared.

SRI’s plans are based on its substantial real estate holdings – prime land that was judiciously purchased throughout the Caribbean in the years before Butch Stewart’s death in January 2021, and added to during the pandemic.

“Over the years we ran around the Caribbean and if we saw (a piece of) real estate we loved, we acquired it – even though we didn’t have imminent plans for it,” says Stewart. “So, today, our company holds the largest land bank of Caribbean real estate of any company and it’s the best of the best of what’s out there… So, it gives us the opportunity to double the size of Sandals and Beaches resorts today on the best real estate that you can no longer buy.”

Stewart notes that the plan is part of SRI’s mission to “share the four corners of the Caribbean with the world.”

Indeed, the opening of Sandals Royal Curaçao earlier this month marked the brand’s first resort outside the English-speaking Caribbean.

Next up is completion of Beaches St. Vincent and the Grenadines, SRI’s eighth Caribbean destination, on the site of the former Buccament Bay Resort, in 2023.

It’s to be expected that the future destinations will be announced systematically and in typically sensational Sandals fashion in due course. At least two will be in Jamaica.

Existing Sandals and Beaches resorts will not be neglected, Stewart assures, pointing out that SRI now owns all of its own hotels, which allows the company to invest in its own assets quicker than if in a managed property.

To that end, he notes that SRI is in the middle of “blowing to pieces” Sandals Dunn’s River, soon to be reintroduced as “the next Sandals resort (and) the next generation of design.” Features will include Skypool suites and Rondoval suites with rooftop terraces, and a Red Lane Spa “like we’ve never built before” and using local mineral water.

Celebrating Sandals style at the Royal Curaçao opening

Across the brands, Stewart says “every single element of hospitality is going to be reviewed (and innovated).”

For example, in Curaçao, Sandals has introduced its first-ever “island-inclusive” dining program, which gives some guests (Reward members and those in Butler suites) a US$250 credit at select local restaurants. Guests can also sign out (for free) a MINI Cooper to drive around the island for the day.

It’s part of the plan to do things “that have never quite been done in hospitality before” and “outperforming” the competition.

Beyond Dunn’s River, and St. Vincent, renovation projects are underway at a number of resorts in Jamaica, St. Lucia and Turks and Caicos.

Additionally, five new Beaches (including the Grenadines) will more than double the current roster of three.

After 40 years, the new executive chairman enthuses that the next generation of the Stewart family, based on the foundation and legacy of the founder, is just getting started.

“We plan,” says Stewart, “to take this brand to the moon!”

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Marriott Bonvoy Launches New Co-Branded Credit Cards in China with China CITIC Bank

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Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Co-branded Credit Card.jpg
Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Co-branded Credit Cards

Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program and marketplace, today announced the launch of three Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Co-branded Credit Cards1, providing residents of mainland China with more exclusive benefits and value-added services. Issued by China CITIC Bank and powered by China UnionPay, the three cards, in three distinct levels, offer cardholders a wide array of benefits, including accelerated earning of Marriott Bonvoy points, which can be redeemed for free nights at more than 8,000 properties around the world.

“With the Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Co-branded Credit Cards, we are offering the new generation of Chinese travelers easier and more ways to earn Marriott Bonvoy points,” said Bart Buiring, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Marriott International Asia Pacific. “Marriott Bonvoy is at the heart of our consumer strategy and our collaboration with China CITIC Bank underscores our hyper-local strategy that focuses on delivering extra value to our members.”

“As a travel program encompassing a powerful portfolio of 30 global hotel brands, Marriott Bonvoy aims to provide members with unique and diverse travel experiences,” said Lawrence Ng, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Greater China, Marriott International. “By establishing this collaboration with China CITIC Bank, which has deep insights into understanding how Chinese consumers spend, and combining our travel insights of Chinese travelers, we aim to offer a more seamless experience for Cardholders to enjoy Marriott Bonvoy benefits and maximize rewards on their purchases.”

“China CITIC Bank is delighted to partner with Marriott Bonvoy to launch the first Marriott Bonvoy credit card in China. Consumers who successfully sign up will not only be automatically enrolled in the Marriott Bonvoy travel program, but will also enjoy a wealth of benefits, including related Marriott Bonvoy Elite status. The new card leverages both companies’ strength and rich experience in its respective areas to cater to affluent consumers in China with better travel experiences and financial services.” said a representative from the China CITIC Bank Credit Card Center. “Tapping into the tourism industry’s recovery, our partnership with Marriott Bonvoy will further inspire travel by providing more benefits and world class financial services for potentially millions of cardholders across China.”

Three Cards, Multiple Benefits*
With three distinct card levels—Gold, Platinum and Premium Platinum, the co-branded credit cards are designed to appeal to different types of customers such as millennials, families, and business professionals by offering a wide variety of cardmember benefits.

  • Upon activating the Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Gold Card, cardholders are automatically awarded Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status and 5 Elite Night Credits, which accelerates members on their pathway to Elite status. There will be additional benefits — earning 2 points for every RMB 18 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy and 1 point on all other purchases2.
  • Upon activating the Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Platinum Card, cardholders will enjoy Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, 10 Elite Night Credits and 1 Free Night Award for a stay of up to 12,500 points3. There will be additional benefits — earning 2 points for every RMB 10 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy and 1 point on all other purchases2.
  • Upon activating the Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Premium Platinum Card, cardholders will enjoy automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, 15 Elite Night Credits and 2 Free Night Awards, each valued at 35,000 points3. Upon spending RMB 500,000 with the Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Premium Platinum Card within a 12-month period after the card activation, cardholders will be awarded Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status and 1 additional Free Night Award for a stay of up to 35,000 points3. There will be additional benefits — earning 3 points for every RMB 10 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy and 1 point on all other purchases2.

Marriott Bonvoy has rolled out a series of limited time offers, which give cardholders who apply and activate their Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Co-branded Credit Card between June 28 and August 31 2022 the opportunity to earn more bonus points.

  • Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Gold Card cardholders who spend RMB 10,000 within the first three months of card activation can earn 5,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points.
  • Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Platinum Card cardholders who spend RMB 20,000 within the first three months of card activation can earn 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points
  • Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Premium Platinum Card cardholders who spend RMB 30,000 within the first three months of card activation can choose to accelerate their way to the Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status or earn 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points.

More Ways to Explore
Cardholders can enjoy an exclusive 10% off on the Club Marriott membership fee4, as well as purchases from the Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques website, a prestigious collection of branded online retail stores offering curated, premium and exclusive products from Marriott Bonvoy’s hotels to enjoy at home. Cardholders can also enjoy up to 20% dining discounts and receive 10% off best available rate on accommodations at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy in China5 (including all managed hotels and selected franchised hotels). In addition, they can travel with fraud and flight delay insurance to improve their travel experience.

More details about the Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Co-branded Cards are available here.

* View terms and conditions that card benefits associated with each of the three cards and limited time offers, please click here.

Notes to Editors
Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Co-branded Card Key Features: See Terms and Conditions for details

Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Gold Card

  • Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status
  • Annual welcome of 5 Elite Night Credits

  • Exclusive Hotel Discounts:

    • 10% off on room discount at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy in China when booked directly through Marriott Bonvoy website and app
    • 10% off on F&B at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy in China
    • 10% off site-wide on Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques
    • 10% off on Club Marriott membership fee at participating hotels in China

  • Accelerate points earning through daily spending:

    • Earn 2 points for every RMB 18 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy and 1 point on all other purchases2.
  • Fraud insurance and 4-hour flight delay insurance

Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Platinum Card

  • Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
  • Annual welcome of 10 Elite Night Credits and 1 Free Night Award (Redemption level up to 12,500 points3)

  • Exclusive Hotel Discounts:

    • 10% off on room discount at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy in China when booked directly through Marriott Bonvoy website and app
    • 20% off on F&B at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy in China
    • 10% off site-wide on Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques
    • 10% off on Club Marriott membership fee at participating hotels in China

  • Accelerate points earning through daily spending:

    • Earn 2 points for every RMB 10 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy and 1 point on all other purchases2.
  • High-valued Fraud Insurance, 4-hour flight delay insurance and aviation accident insurance
  • Car Roadside Assistance and hospital registration
  • Up to 4 times airport lounge access or up to 8 times high-speed train station lounge access per year

Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Premium Platinum Card

  • Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
  • Annual welcome of 15 Elite Night Credits and 2 Free Night Awards (Redemption level up to 35,000 points each3)

  • Exclusive Hotel Discounts:

    • 10% off on room discount at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy in China when booked directly through Marriott Bonvoy website and app
    • 20% off on F&B at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy in China
    • 10% off site-wide on Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques
    • 10% off on Club Marriott membership fee at participating hotels in China

  • Accelerate points earning through daily spending:

    • Earning 3 points for every RMB 10 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy and 1 point on all other purchases2.

  • Milestone Awards: Spend RMB 500,000 within a 12-month period after the card activation and enjoy:

    • Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status
    • 1 Free Night Award (redemption level up to 35,000 points3)
  • High-valued Fraud Insurance, 4-hour flight delay insurance and aviation accident insurance
  • Car Roadside Assistance and hospital registration
  • Up to 16 times airport lounge access or up to 32 times high-speed train station lounge access per year

1 Terms and Conditions apply. The application for Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Co-branded Card is only open to residents in mainland China.

2 Where applicable terms of qualified daily spending/eligible daily purchases are provided, the terms and conditions of Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Co-branded Credit Cards shall prevail. For detailed terms and conditions of Marriott Bonvoy® China CITIC Bank Co-branded Credit Cards, please go to the official website of China CITIC Bank Credit Card Center at http://creditcard.ecitic.com/shenqing/wanhao/index.shtml or Marriott Bonvoy at http://marriottbonvoyasia.cn/CITICcard.

3 Certain hotels charge a resort fee.

4 Club Marriott provides exclusive dining and accommodation benefits to members at over 330 Marriott Bonvoy participating hotels and resorts in Asia Pacific. Please refer to the following.

5 Terms apply, for full list of participating hotels, please check it at the official website of Marriott Bonvoy website.

Contact:
Jessica Zhou
Senior Director of Communications, Greater China
Marriott International
Jessica.zhou@marriott.com

About Marriott Bonvoy®
Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program and marketplace, gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques website. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com. To download the Marriott app, go here. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

About China CITIC Bank Credit Card Center
The China CITIC Bank Credit Card Center manages and operates the credit card business of China CITIC Bank. Based in Shenzhen, the Center first began issuing credit cards in December 2003. It is the national headquarters and the first branch-level franchise institution of China CITIC Bank’s credit card business. As of November 1, 2021, the Center has issued in excess of 100 million credit cards, making it one of the leading credit card issuers of joint-stock commercial banks in China.

For more information, please visit our website at or connect with us on Weibo @中信银行信用卡.

About China CITIC Bank
China CITIC Bank was founded in 1987. It is one of the earliest emerging commercial banks established during China’s reform and opening-up and also China’s first commercial bank participating in financing at both domestic and international financial markets. A keen contributor to China’s economic development, the Bank is renowned at home and abroad for brushing numerous track records in the modern Chinese financial history. In April 2007, the Bank simultaneously listed its A and H shares at the Shanghai Stock Exchange and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. The Bank has persevered in serving the real economy, engaging in stable healthy business operation and keeping abreast with the times. Thriving through over 30 years’ growth and expansion, the Bank has become a financial conglomerate with strong comprehensive competitiveness and powerful brand influence, registering more than RMB8 trillion total assets and nearly 60,000 employees. As at the end of 2021, the Bank had 1,415 outlets in 153 large and medium-sized cities in China.

For more information, please visit our website or follow @中信银行 on Weibo.

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

CRUISE SHIP HITS ICEBERG IN ALASKA

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The Norwegian Sun cruise ship hit a small iceberg during its voyage in Alaska on Saturday. As a result, the ship was forced to skip its Skagway port of call and head directly to Juneau for the damage to be assessed.

A cruise spokesperson told USA TODAY that, “while transiting to Hubbard Glacier in Alaska, Norwegian Sun was engulfed by dense fog, limiting visibility and resulting in the ship making contact with a growler.”

According to the US National Ocean Service, growlers are fragments of ice roughly the size of a truck or grand piano. They extend less than three feet above the sea surface and occupy an area of about 215 square feet.

When trapped air escapes as the iceberg melts, it sometimes makes a sound like the growl of an animal, hence the name.

Stock image of a growler

“The ship remains fully operational and is currently in Juneau, Alaska for assessment,” the spokesperson said. “Additional information will be provided as appropriate.” They did not say whether any passengers or crew members had been injured.

Passengers were reported to have felt shuddering and rattling noises that may have been related to the ice impact.

The ship was in Juneau as scheduled on Monday but there has been no official assessment of the damage.

Depending on the outcome of a dive inspection, it is possible the ship may be cleared to resume normal operations and continue on to Skagway.

The remainder of the current itinerary has the ship visiting Ketchikan on Tuesday, June 28, and Victoria, British Columbia, on Wednesday, June 29.

The cruise line did not comment regarding any course changes.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News