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Cross Hotels Extends its Reach to Lombok

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Cross Hotels Extends its Reach to Lombok - HOTELWORLDS.com - TRAVELINDEXLombok, Indonesia, July 5, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Situated in the breathtaking Indonesian archipelago, the island of Lombok is celebrated for the raw beauty of its pristine nature that tempts tourists from around the world. To cater to an influx of experience-seeking travellers, Cross Hotels & Resorts has signed a hotel management agreement (HMA) with PT. Origin Resorts Lombok that welcomes Away Lombok Mandalika and Amber Lombok Beach by Cross Collection to its growing portfolio.

Hot on the heels of a twin-hotel management agreement in the world-class tourist destination of Bali in April 2022, the latest announcement increases the number of Cross branded boutique properties in Indonesia to six. These include Away Bali Legian Camakila, Cross Bali Breakers, Tanadewa Resort and Spa Ubud by Cross Collection and Tanadewa Villas and Spa Nusa Dua by Cross Collection.

A true tropical paradise, Away Lombok Mandalika entices visitors with exceptional accommodation that include deluxe garden and pool suites decorated with natural textures and local crafts. Situated close to the main town of Kuta, Away Lombok Mandalika’s ethos to its guests is ‘Escape Everyday Life’ and it is here you can fulfill your bucket list with excellent surfing, stunning sunsets and the chance to party late into the night.

“We are honoured to partner with PT. Origin Resorts Lombok and I am excited about the continued expansion of our eco-friendly footprint on the beautiful island of Lombok. With these two magnificent resorts joining the Cross family, I am confident our strong international network will help bring a new genre of holidaymaker to Lombok. Cross Hotels & Resorts is committed to the focused expansion of our business in Indonesia. Our dedication and flexible execution are key as we continue to transform hospitality for all,” said Harry Thaliwal, CEO of Cross Hotels & Resorts.

Meanwhile, Amber Lombok Beach by Cross Collection is a quintessential beachside retreat set along the turquoise shores of south Lombok and comprises superior, poolside and oceanfront suites as well as a stunning honeymoon suite and multi-bedroom pool and beachside villas. Each guest room is decorated in soft earth tones that are complemented by traditional wall art and accessories. Renowned for its exquisite gastronomy, creative cocktails, and landscaped gardens, the Instagrammable resort encourages guests to be part of its earth-friendly initiatives that protect nature through a minimal ecological footprint approach.

Theo Dandine, Founder of PT. Origin Resorts Lombok, was equally thrilled with the latest announcement, saying, “We have complete trust and confidence in Cross Hotels & Resorts. It is an exceptional brand that provides a global network and is backed by Flight Centre Travel Group. We firmly believe the brand will set a new benchmark for service quality and excellence in the local hospitality industry. This agreement will ultimately raise the profile of Lombok as an international destination, while at the same time benefitting the wider community.”

Cross Hotels & Resorts current portfolio includes 26 hotels under five distinct brands – Cross, Cross Vibe, Away, Lumen and Cross Collection – across Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and Japan.

About Cross Hotels & Resorts
Cross Hotels & Resorts is an international hotel management company wholly owned by the ASX listed Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG). FCTG is one of the world’s largest and progressive travel companies, incorporating diverse worldwide distribution, in destination travel experiences such as transport and touring as well as hotel management solutions. Cross Hotels & Resorts also delivers owner services all the way from the very early sourcing and planning stages of a development, through technical services during build, to pre-opening services and finally professional ongoing hotel management.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Alma Unveils Romantic Experiences on Scenic Cam Ranh Peninsula

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Alma Unveils Romantic Experiences on Scenic Cam Ranh Peninsula - TRAVELINDEXCam Ranh, Vietnam, July 3, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Alma doesn’t expect to be the same setting for any couple’s proposal, wedding and honeymoon. However its new romantic packages encourage such a prospect, with optional additions such as plane skywriting and a private cinema screening to boot.

The new experiences take full advantage of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts member’s 30-hectare beachfront setting overlooking the buttermilk sands of Long Beach on Cam Ranh peninsula, where sampans and coracles still ply these waters and picturesque islands loom just offshore.

“As the world learns to live with COVID things are definitely looking up; we are hosting more and more proposals and honeymoons at our resort, and there’s an increasing number of weddings on the books for this year,” said Alma’s managing director Herbert Laubichler-Pichler. “It’s safe to say we no longer take celebrating any important milestone with our loved ones for granted, particularly a destination wedding or honeymoon and thus let’s make such an occasion one to truly remember for a lifetime.”

Designed specifically for a proposal or honeymoon, the resort’s ‘Romantic Affair’ package is anchored by a night’s stay in a one-bedroom Ocean View Suite or Ocean View Pool Pavilion, with surprise set-up decorations in the accommodation, daily breakfast, a 60-minute body massage for two at Le Spa or the guests’ pavilion, and a private candle-lit dinner on the beach.

According to Laubichler-Pichler, the sky’s the limit when it comes to the Alma team’s ability to customize the Romantic Affair package. Additions range from a floating breakfast in a heart-shaped tray or a private gourmet barbecue by a private pavilion pool, to a buyout of Alma’s 70-seat cinema for a private romantic movie with a proposal message aired on the big screen during intermission. Taking a private boat to a secluded Nha Trang island for snorkeling followed by a picnic lunch accompanied with bubbles, or skywriting a proposal bid with a plane are also indulgent options on offer.

Priced from VND 49,900,000 (USD 2148), the resort’s new Wedding Ceremony package is underscored by a stunning ceremony on Alma’s beach lawn and includes a one-night stay in a one-bedroom Ocean View Suite or Ocean View Pool Pavilion, a spa treatment for two, and a private candle-lit dinner on Long Beach.

Whether it’s an intimate ceremony for two to a larger event that requires the set-up of 50 white Tiffany chairs, the package also includes the set-up of an arch and aisle festooned in seasonal flowers, twilights, a wedding cake, fresh bridal bouquet and boutonniere for the bride and groom, two Champagne bottles, a guitarist and violinist, a sound system, and, if required, an MC for a reception dinner. For additional amounts per guest, dinner menu options include canapes, Asian, Western or BBQ buffet. Various free-flow packages and entertainment options such as a live band are also on offer.

“One of our favorite aspects of events planning amid the new normal is utilizing various spaces to create a one-of-a-kind event experience,” said resort manager Vu Huong Giang. “For example, we’ve set up events whereby something in the ballroom is projected to other venues at our resort including our lawn setting and garden areas, that have great vistas of Long Beach.”

Suited to any excuse for a romantic occasion, the ‘Paradise of Love’ dinner comprises a set-up of a candle-lit table on the sands of Long Beach with a private chef and waiter. Featuring highlights from the nearby ocean, such as oysters, prawns and lobster, the intimate five-course meal comprises salad, soup, fresh oysters, rose sorbet to clean the palate, a main of either ‘surf and turf’ grilled beef steak and prawns or baked half lobster thermidor, and dessert. The dinner includes a bottle of red or white and is priced at 1,820,000 VND (USD 78.50) per person with the surf and turf main course or 2,015,000 VND (USD 87) with the baked half lobster thermidor.

For more information, or to speak with Alma’s wedding planners, visit alma-resort.com, call +84 258 399 1666

Alma’s ‘Romantic Affair’ package, Wedding Ceremony package, and Paradise of Love dinner start at 9,550,000 VND (USD 411) per couple, VND 49,900,000 (USD 2148) per couple, and 1,820,000 VND (USD 78.50) per person respectively.  

About Alma
Situated on Vietnam’s emerging Cam Ranh peninsula fronting Long Beach, Alma resort commands some 30 hectares of inspiring ground. Emblematic of Vietnam’s maturation as a destination, the bold and spacious integrated resort offers 580 oversized suites and pavilions that all afford sweeping vistas of the ocean, including contemporary three bedroom oceanfront pavilions each totalling 224sqm with a living room, four bathrooms and a private pool. Alma features a broad spectrum of restaurants helmed by top chefs, a food court with an array of local and international cuisine, as well as a sports bar, pool bar and beach bar. Other highlights include 12 swimming pools cascading down to the beach, a waterpark, 13-treatment room spa, 70-seat cinema, convention centre, amphitheater, art gallery, science museum, gymnasium and yoga room, 18-hole mini golf course, a youth centre with virtual reality games, a kid’s club, water sports centre and even an ‘Alma Mart’ mini supermarket.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Sustainability at Hotels Post-Covid

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Alma Resort Cam Ranh
Alma is implementing what it believes is Vietnam’s most ambitious hotel solar power project yet. Starting this year, the 580-room resort will install 5,634 solar panels totalling 12,500 square metres on the roofs of its 196 pavilions and two V-shaped towers. With a capacity of 2,480 kilowatts peak – the rate at which it generates energy at its peak performance on a sunny day – the solar power system will fuel between a quarter to almost half of Alma’s energy needs, depending on occupancy. The system will save the resort up to USD 16.85 million (VND 390.85 billion) in electricity bills and reduce Alma’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by up to 72,670 tonnes over the next 25 years.

Meliá Chiang Mai
Meliá Chiang Mai is embracing sustainability and promoting healthy eating with the launch of its ‘360° Cuisine’ concept. Developed by executive chef Suksant Chutinthratip, the ‘360° Cuisine’ dishes include produce from the hotel’s organic farm and a commitment to using every part of each ingredient possible before leftovers are returned to the farm as compost. “Our ‘farm to plate’ efforts, sourcing organic produce that travels only a short distance to our hotel and using every part of each ingredient we can – roots, leaves, stems, stalks and more – come full circle with ‘plate to farm’, whereby we return food waste back to the farm as fertilizer in a truly 360° concept,” the chef said. Under the program, the hotel’s kitchen works closely with local farmers to help them improve sustainability and encourage ethical production.

Fusion Resort Cam Ranh
Fusion Resort Cam Ranh, on Vietnam’s south central coast, has made huge eco-strides over the course of the pandemic. The property now cultivates one of the largest farms at a resort in Vietnam – with more than 250 animals, a mango orchard, and a herb & vegetable garden of more than 3,000 square meters producing over 40 kg of fresh organic vegetables daily. In 2020, the resort established the Fusion Farm school, which provides complimentary classes daily to guests and employees’ children. The subjects include how to care for animals and grow vegetables. All of the resort’s wet raw food waste is used to feed the animals, resulting in zero removal of waste from the property.

Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion
Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion embraces RRR (Reduce, Recycle, Reuse) at every level. At their on-site organic farm they use food waste to produce compost and feed animals. The produce grown on the farm supplies the resort’s restaurants and staff canteen and any extra produce is sold to the staff or local community at a reduced rate. Last year the Alba team planted 2,000 trees after a storm damaged the surrounding forest. The damaged wood from fallen trees was also reused to build bridges on the property and make repairs. Among several other important initiatives Alba runs education programs with local children where they learn the value of organic farming, plastic reduction and environmental awareness.

Azerai Can Tho
Set on a private islet in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta that’s only accessible by boat, Azerai Can Tho has long been committed to promoting sustainability. The resort—part of Adrian Zecha’s portfolio that also includes Azerai La Residence, Hue and Azerai Ke Ga Bay—features a solar power plant that generates up to 2,500 Kwh of electricity, covering much of the resort’s overall power needs. Azerai has also introduced solar-powered buggies, installed a high-tech, eco-friendly sewage treatment plant, eliminated the use of plastics (single-use plastics and others) and more. Staff at the resort regularly participate in river clean-up activities and they are also involved in efforts to preserve the local mangroves.

Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh
Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh is the first hotel in Cambodia to partner with ecoSPIRITS, a company that pioneers the world’s first low-carbon method of packaging and distribution for high-end spirits. The hotel’s signature bar, The Attic, serves up its popular cocktails in which all ingredients have zero wastage. ecoSPIRITS is a closed-loop distribution system which uses a low-waste, low-carbon spirits distribution technology, thereby minimising packaging waste and transport cost, to reduce carbon footprint emissions in the spirits supply chain. By partnering with ecoSPIRITS, Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh aims to reduce 40% of its transport and packaging carbon emissions, including single-use glass wastage.

Meliá Bali
This oceanfront resort, situated along some of Bali’s most idyllic coastline, is making sure visitors can enjoy the sea for years to come through a hands-on collaboration with local non-profit, Nusa Dua Reef Foundation. Through the joint project Meliá Bali staff have undergone training on how to establish and protect coral and have started to plant coral on a nearby reef, just ten minutes from the property. Guests can show support for the initiative by purchasing coral through the resort, which is then used by Meliá Bali on their reef project. Upon special request the resort is able to arrange coral plantation activities for 10 or more participants, who would like to plant the coral themselves and learn about local marine life.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

CURIOUS ABOUT CURAÇAO?: A deep dive into Sandals’ newest resort

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With typical Sandals style, the luxury all-inclusive resort chain introduced its newest property in Curaçao to the trade on a gala weekend in late June that, literally, included a carnival atmosphere – with singers, dancers, acrobats and synchronized swimmers, and a parade.

The event did not seem out of place for a project that was “10 years in the making,” according to Sandals Resorts International (SRI) executive chairman Adam Stewart, and which marked a number of firsts for the company, not least its first foray outside the English-speaking Caribbean.

And where better to do it than colourful Curaçao, an island in the Dutch Caribbean – the C in the ABC islands that includes Aruba and Bonaire – located about 65 km off the coast of Venezuela.

Celebrating island culture

Indeed, throughout the course of the weekend, guests at the inaugural (including Travel Industry Today), were blown away by the destination – most notably the capital, Willemstad, a charming city best described as “mini-Amsterdam meets Miami in the Caribbean” with Dutch architecture and impossibly vibrant colours, and bursting with street art, boutique shops, and outdoor bars and restaurants.

“Everywhere that Sandals goes is the best of the best, but the number of people that came up to me (at the opening) and said, ‘This island is amazing, the people are amazing… We just didn’t know!’ This is what gets us excited,” enthused Stewart, adding, “What you’re seeing here is about as damn good as it gets anywhere on the planet!”

With this mind, Sandals has introduced several programs designed to encourage guests to discover its new home, including a first-ever ‘Island Inclusive’ dining program, and complimentary MINI Cooper cars that can be signed out to allow guests to get out and about. Of course, excursions from Island Routes Caribbean Adventures can be booked, ranging from walking or e-bike tours to catamaran sailings at sunset or for the day to remote Klein (“Little”) Curaçao for snorkelling and the beach.

Here’s a deeper dive into Sandals’ 16th resort:

The resort

Located within the exclusive, 1,215-hectare Santa Barbara estate – 25 km (about an hour’s transfer) from the Curaçao International Airport – the resort’s west-facing position on the southernmost part of the island purposefully intertwines nature with the resort experience, while capturing one of the Caribbean’s most spectacular sunsets.

Sunset at Sandals

Guests, meanwhile, can go off resort to discover the Curaçao, which is known for its adventurous terrain, pristine beaches, limestone caves, spectacular diving sites, and vibrant capital, Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sandals firsts

Elevated infinity pool: Located at the heart of the property is the brand’s first ever bi-level Dos Awa Infinity Pool, with views overlooking the Spanish Water and the rugged mountain landscape beyond. Guests can relax on poolside loungers or swim up to the bar for signature Curaçao cocktails with a view.

New room categories: Lush garden and tranquil ocean views complement island chic design imbued with locally inspired influences in the resort’s 351 rooms and suites. From the Melemele Walkout Suites (‘affectionate’ in the local language Papiamento) to the Sunchi Beachfront Suites (meaning ‘kiss’), accommodations include entirely new room categories, such as the Kurason Island Poolside Butler Bungalows and Awa Seaside Butler Bungalows, capturing the height of luxury and overlooking private lagoons and the Curaçaon coast.

Villas

Luxury amenities and furnishings range from hardwood floors to vaulted ceilings, custom crafted king-size beds, fully stocked wet bars, smart TVs and more – with Sandals’ Signature Butler Elite service, airport transfers and 24/7 room service for select suites.

 

MINI Cooper: Further encouraging guests to see, taste, and feel Curaçao beyond the property, top-level suites include a complimentary convertible MINI Cooper to drive around the island, creating an immersive travel experience that simultaneously drives business to local establishments.

New dining concepts: On property, Sandals Royal Curaçao features 11 culinary concepts, including eight restaurants – seven of which are new to the brand and only available at this resort – along with three beachside gourmet food trucks and 13 bars. A sampling of all-new concepts include Aolos, home to an open-air Mediterranean dining experience; Vincent, an homage to the famous Dutch painter with a robust European fusion menu; and Toteki food truck serving up traditional Curaçao fare.

‘Island Inclusive’: Sandals Royal Curaçao offers the brand’s first-ever off-site dining program, Island Inclusive, which expands its all-inclusive dining options to eight partner restaurants around the destination. Valid on seven-night minimum stays, the program is available exclusively to guests who are booked in Butler suites, as well as Sandals Select Reward Members (Diamond, Pearl, Ambassadors Club levels), offering one US$250 voucher to dine out at one of the partner restaurants, with off-site roundtrip transportation included. The carefully curated restaurant selection varies from chic gastro-bars to international fusion restaurants to more classic establishments serving elegant cuisine paired with ocean views.

Food trucks offering local delicacies, and more, are a certifiable hit among guests

Training

As the resort gets off the ground, staff from across the Sandals roster of hotels have parachuted in – some for as much as a year – to train staff and ensure that Sandals standards are maintained.

Philanthropy

SRI’s philanthropic arm, the Sandals Foundation, joined forces with the Netherlands’ AFC Ajax team to launch Future Goals, a program that turns fishing nets sourced from the ocean and recycled plastic waste into soccer goals for children. The program is one of the many projects underway on the island of Curaçao for the Sandals Foundation, including beach cleanups that have helped rid the planet of over 400,000 kg. of trash to date, and the development of a digital hiking app in partnership with IVN Tiny Forest the Netherlands to help make the island’s natural resources more accessible to visitors and locals.

“Every time we come to Curaçao,” Adam Stewart continued, “we fall more and more in love with the destination, because of all these things coming together: this Dutch culture, this vibe of the Caribbean, South America is 40 miles away… And it all comes together in a way that makes this not a normal place – and an undiscovered place!”

RELATED STORY: ‘

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve Acquires Prana Lodge

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Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve Acquires Prana Lodge - SOUTHAFRICATOURISM.org - TRAVELINDEXChintsa Bay, East London, South Africa, July 2, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The team behind one of the Eastern Capes premier boutique hotels, Oceana Beach & Wildlife Reserve are proud to announce the acquisition of Prana Lodge, a unique 5-star luxury beach lodge and wellness spa set in a pristine forest alongside the spectacular Chintsa Bay, just outside East London and within minutes of rolling savannah and private game viewing.

Prana Lodge is a well-known luxury retreat on the beach and is the perfect addition to the growing portfolio of boutique properties owned and managed by the Oceana team. Both Prana Lodge and Oceana will now be managed and marketed by the teams’ Management Company, Authentic Retreats.

Chris Roberts, MD of Oceana & Authentic Retreats says;

“Prana Lodge is a fantastic addition to our portfolio and we’re extremely proud to continue to build upon the Davidson family’s legacy. The product offering in this beautiful beachfront destination is phenomenal, and we as a team are hugely excited to grow upon the successes of the much loved, unique Prana Lodge experience”.

Gail Davidson, MD of Prana Lodge says;

“Authentic Retreats will be taking over the management and marketing of Prana Lodge from the 1st of August 2022. Plans have been put in place for a seamless handover, with an emphasis on continuity of the excellent guests experiences that Prana Lodge is known for. It is with a heavy heart that we say farewell to our small piece of paradise. A paradise that has offered us the ability live and love what is so fundamental to the wellbeing of each of us – nature’s own beautiful existence and how she revitalises our souls at times least expected. Being able to offer this experience in the way we have with warm hearts, warm smiles, passion, and commitment, eases the burden of a goodbye.”

Authentic Retreats is a hotel management and marketing company based in South Africa, specialising in unique and boutique properties with extraordinary experiences. The Authentic Retreats team offer a diverse range of skills and a wealth of collective experience in the hospitality industry, and works to create exceptional guest experiences, add value to business models, protect assets, and build strong individual brands for high end luxury properties.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Nobu Hospitality Grows Partnership with RCD Hotels

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Nobu Hospitality Grows Partnership with RCD Hotels - TOP25HOTELS.com - TRAVELINDEXOrlando, Florida, United States, June 30, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / New Hotels and Residences Announced in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and Orlando, Florida. Nobu Hospitality, the leading luxury lifestyle and iconic hotel and dining brand in partnership with RCD Hotels, announces today two new hotels and residences in Punta Cana and Orlando.

• Discover the World’s Best Luxury Hotels at TOP25Hotels.com

The introduction of these two destinations marks the fifth successful collaboration between Nobu Hospitality and RCD Hotels. The partnership commenced back in 2016 with the opening of Nobu Hotel Miami Beach and has continued to flourish over the years with the introduction of Nobu Hotel Los Cabos in 2019, Nobu Hotel Chicago in 2020, and the imminent arrival of Nobu Los Cabos Residences, 60 stunning units situated next to the hotel and overlooking the golf course, due for completion in 2023.

Nobu Hotel Punta Cana, scheduled to open in 2025, will offer 200 guest rooms and suites including 12 villas, a signature Nobu restaurant, meeting, and event spaces, and 50 Nobu residences. Located on the eastern coast of Dominican Republic, amidst the endless white sand beaches and lush tropical landscape, Punta Cana will expand the brand’s footprint within the Caribbean region.

Nobu Hotel Orlando, expected to open in 2025, is set in the heart of Orlando and just moments from world renowned theme parks and family entertainment attractions. The resort will feature 300 accommodations including eight stunning villas, a Nobu restaurant, and 50 stylish residences, and meeting and event space.

Trevor Horwell, Chief Executive Officer Nobu Hospitality comments, “The addition of these new mixed-use projects solidifies the mutual long-term investment that we have with RCD Hotels. Our ownership partners are critical in our development and it’s important that we work with like-minded owners who share our philosophy and passion for creating the highest quality product and guest experience for our customers.”

• Discover the World’s Best Luxury Hotels at TOP25Hotels.com

Mr. Roberto Chapur, President of RCD Hotels says, “We are pleased to continue our thriving partnership with Nobu Hospitality with the introduction of these exciting new destinations to our existing Nobu Hotels’ portfolio in Mexico, Chicago, and Miami Beach. The expansion into the Caribbean, a region where RCD Hotels has seen much success, is a pivotal move for Nobu Hospitality and we are delighted to be collaborating with them on this project.”

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Sabre Takes Hotels into the Future with SynXis Retail Studio

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Sabre Takes Hotels into the Future with SynXis Retail Studio - HOTELWORLDS.com - TRAVELINDEXSingapore, Singapore, June 29, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Sabre Corporation has completed the initial phase of its rollout of SynXis Retail Studio, which was created to transform the future of hotel retailing and deliver the personalized travel experience that guests have come to expect. New technology helps hoteliers retail goods, services, experiences and policies – enhancing the guest experience and diversifying revenue streams. Pilot customer Cordis Hotels & Resorts sees increase of 53% in experience sales, 46% in merchandise sales and 35% in services sales.

Cordis Hotel & Resorts in Hong Kong has been a pilot customer for SynXis Retail Studio since 2019. Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, since the introduction of SynXis Retail Studio, Cordis has seen a 53% increase in experiences, a 46% increase in merchandise, and a 35% increase in services sold per room night, as compared to the same period in 2019.

The ability to diversify and move beyond the ordinary attribute-based selling is key for hoteliers in today’s environment. SynXis Retail Studio, which is the latest solution to be added to the SynXis platform, enables hoteliers to diversify to retail goods, services, experiences, merchandise, policies and more by attribute at the point of distribution. This ability to retail virtually anything results in more opportunities to create additional revenue streams outside the room.

“SynXis Retail Studio is a game-changer,” shared Scott Wilson, President, Sabre Hospitality. “With the development of this revolutionary technology, we seek to re-define the way hoteliers do business and place a greater focus on guest experience. At Sabre, we have been intensively focused on powering a wide array of integrated, efficient, and easy-to-use solutions that help unlock exceptional value and revenue for hoteliers. The results that we have seen through the pilot phase of SynXis Retail Studio show our success in achieving this and mark an important step towards our vision of truly personalized travel.”

SynXis Retail Studio allows hoteliers to offer a personalized guest experience through expanded customer choice. Hoteliers can focus on driving incremental revenue by increasing retailing options, while creating a memorable guest experience unique to their brand.

“To succeed in the competitive industry that we face today, it is crucial that hoteliers have the right technology in place to meet customers’ expectations,” said Tom Winrow, VP Product Management, Sabre Hospitality. “With SynXis Retail Studio, hoteliers can sell virtually anything. The right combination of ancillaries and services will better position hoteliers to reinforce their brand proposition during the guest booking. SynXis Retail Studio has already supported double-digit revenue increases for our pilot properties, and we are excited to see the benefits for the wider industry as we move beyond the pilot phase.”

SynXis Retail Studio is directly integrated with SynXis Central Reservations and SynXis Booking Engine, and among future functionalities it is expected to offer the opportunity to utilize predictive analytics via machine learning to optimize revenue.

About Sabre Corporation
Sabre Corporation is a leading software and technology company that powers the global travel industry, serving a wide range of travel companies including airlines, hoteliers, travel agencies and other suppliers. The company provides retailing, distribution and fulfilment solutions that help its customers operate more efficiently, drive revenue and offer personalized traveler experiences. Through its leading travel marketplace, Sabre connects travel suppliers with buyers from around the globe. Sabre’s technology platform manages more than $260B worth of global travel spend annually. Headquartered in Southlake, Texas, USA, Sabre serves customers in more than 160 countries around the world.

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 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

Marriott International Signs Landmark Agreement With Vinpearl to Add Eight Hotels in Vietnam

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Vinpearl Landmark 81, Autograph Collection

Marriott International, Inc. today announced a strategic agreement with Vinpearl, Vietnam’s largest hospitality and leisure chain, to convert and develop 2,200 rooms across eight hotels in Vietnam – significantly expanding its portfolio of world-class hotels and resorts in the country. This collaboration expects to see the debut of the Autograph Collection Hotels brand in the country, while other planned openings span the following brands: Marriott Hotels, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, and Four Points by Sheraton.

“We are thrilled to be working with Vinpearl to accelerate our growth in Vietnam,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding Greater China), Marriott International. “With the country’s solid foundation for a resilient economy, and continuous growth of its infrastructure especially in the tourism sector, we are confident this collaboration will enable us to better cater to our guests’ needs.”

Of the eight hotels, six are conversions that are expected to be part of Marriott’s system later this year.

Vinpearl Landmark 81, Autograph Collection is expected to serve as Vietnam’s first Autograph Collection hotel. The lifestyle hotel will join a diverse and dynamic collection of over 260 independent hotels around the globe hand-selected for their inherent craft and distinct perspective on design and hospitality. Currently known as Vinpearl Luxury Landmark 81, the hotel is set high up in a gleaming 461-meter tower on the banks of the Saigon River and is anticipated to feature 223 rooms and suites, three food and beverage outlets, 12 function spaces, a business center, spa, outdoor pool, and fitness center.

Danang Marriott Resort & Spa is expected to fly the Marriott Hotels brand flag following the rebranding of Vinpearl Luxury Danang. Nestled on Non Nuoc Beach, close to downtown Danang, the retreat is anticipated to feature 200 rooms and suites, 39 villas with a modern, residential design, and locally-inspired accents, catering to providing guests with enriching experiences alongside its signature spaces and heartfelt service. Design plans call for five different food and beverage outlets, eight event spaces, an infinity pool, a spa, kids club, tennis court and a wealth of water sports, including a dive center.

Sheraton Long Beach Phu Quoc Resort is situated on the west coast of Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, and is a rapidly emerging tourism hotspot. Rebranded from the existing Vinpearl Phu Quoc Resort, the resort is anticipated to feature 500 modern and residential rooms, suites, and villas, three food and beverage outlets, extensive conference space, three pools, a spa, and a kids club.

Sheraton Hai Phong, currently known as Vinpearl Hotel Imperial, Hai Phong, is expected to become one of the city’s top choices for business and leisure travelers and a hub for conferences and events in the center of Vietnam’s largest port city. The property is anticipated to feature 362 modern, residential rooms and suites, four food and beverage outlets, a ballroom and four function spaces, a pool, spa and fitness center.

Sheraton Can Tho expects to be a landmark property in the thriving Mekong Delta city. Currently operating as the Vinpearl Hotel Can Tho, the 262-key hotel is set on the banks of the Can Tho River, surrounded by multiple attractions. Guests can unwind at the restaurant, lobby lounge, terrace café and outdoor swimming pool with pool bar. There is also extensive event space, including a grand ballroom.

Four Points by Sheraton Lang Son is a 21-story hotel in the heart of the charming northern city of Lang Son, offering panoramic views of the surrounding forests and mountains. Currently known as the Vinpearl Hotel Lang Son, it is expected to become the first internationally branded hotel in the city. The hotel is anticipated to feature 127 rooms and suites, four food and beverage venues, a spa and a ballroom, all catering to the needs of today’s everyday traveler through its vintage modern design, stylish comfort, authentic sense of the local, and genuine service.

Two new build hotels are expected to open in 2025 – the Sheraton Vinh and Four Points by Sheraton Ha Giang. Both are located in unique locations promising to attract not only domestic but also international travelers.

Marriott International currently operates 10 hotels and resorts in Vietnam. The company recently announced its plans to more than quadruple its portfolio in Vietnam with a signed pipeline of 30 hotels. Today’s announcement brings the company’s pipeline in Vietnam close to 40 hotels.

As a leading tourism – resort – entertainment brand in Vietnam, Vinpearl currently operates 35 hotels and resorts spanning 17 cities and provinces, with a total of more than 18,500 hotel rooms and villas. The cooperation with Marriott International is part of Vinpearl’s strategy to advance and internationalize the brand in the hospitality field. This perfect combination expects to elevate domestic and foreign tourists’ diverse experiences through Vinpearl’s signature local ‘all-in-one’ complexes and world-class standard services by an international prestigious hotel company.

Note on forward-looking statements:
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of United States federal securities laws, including statements related to expected unit and rooms growth; our growth pipeline; expected hotel and other project development, conversions and openings; and brand debuts in certain markets; and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous evolving risks and uncertainties that we may not be able to accurately predict or assess, including the risk factors that we identify in our U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations we express or imply in this press release. We make these forward-looking statements as of the date of this press release and undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Marriott International, Inc.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 8,000 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly-awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News