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    CampusX and Mews partner up to revolutionize hybrid hospitality in Italy

    Mews, the industry-leading hospitality cloud that recently surpassed 5,000 customers and won Best PMS at HotelTechAwards 2024, has been chosen by CampusX (CX Campus & Hotel) to power their busy portfolio of hotels and student accommodations.Operating nine campuses and almost 5500 bed spots, CampusX runs the two biggest campuses in Italy, CX Roma Torvergata and CX North of Milan, opening next September. To support a rapid expansion into hybrid hospitality, the team replaced their legacy PMS with Mews, a cloud-based hospitality platform.
    “As CX started growing, we realized just how limiting legacy systems are,” shared Sonia Bastiani, Head of Sales & Distribution at CampusX. “Mews is a much better fit for us. We’re especially happy with the open APIs, an intuitive interface, and the possibility to work with beds as well as rooms.”
    Since switching to Mews, CampusX has noted significant improvement during off-season. Running on a flexible PMS let them target different groups of guests at different periods of time, generating better prices and boosting profitability. The brand is getting the most out of the hybrid model by maximizing their use of assets through Mews Spaces.
    “Innovate, scale and stand out – with the right tools and mindset, hospitality success can be as simple as that,” said Matt Welle, CEO of Mews. “Our award-winning tech and expertise help ambitious hoteliers like CampusX deliver remarkable experiences to students, digital nomads and community seekers, all while operating efficiently and profitably.”
    CampusX aims to create an enjoyable working environment for their staff, and that involves user-friendly training. With Mews, training is well structured and it takes only a few days. Having an easy-to-use system is imperative for a hybrid provider with young employees.ADVERTISEMENTThe team considers integrations vital for their business and values easy connectivity. Mews gives them access to the best hybrid hospitality solutions, from business intelligence to housekeeping.
    “Moving away from expensive and time-consuming integrations has been life-changing,” continues Sonia Bastiani, Head of Sales & Distribution at CampusX. “Technology is saving us a lot of time. We can organize everything better and dedicate more attention to guests.”
    CampusX plans to run 11 campuses on Mews by 2025, thus becoming a leading presence in the Italian market.

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    Frontier Canada Unveils Exciting 2024 Escapes and Social Media Initiatives

    Frontier Canada, a tailor-made tour operator, is unveiling its new lineup of 2024 itineraries focusing on Newfoundland, Quebec, and Ontario. The company aims to offer travelers unique experiences, including visits to remote areas such as Northern Quebec and the Forgotten Coast of Newfoundland. Additionally, Frontier Canada is launching social media campaigns highlighting Atlantic Canada and Ottawa.
    Tailor-made tour operator Frontier Canada is launching an exciting array of 2024 itineraries in Newfoundland, Quebec, and Ontario. Currently running online, the specialist is also enticing travellers through social media campaigns exploring Atlantic Canada and the capital of Ottawa. From rugged coastlines and majestic mountains to cities full of surprises and remote outports that might soon be disappearing, the specialists’ new offerings promise to unlock the wonders of the Great White North.
    Jeremy Timms, Managing Director of Frontier Canada, comments, “2024 is an exceptional year to book a trip to Canada, with peak Northern Lights viewing and the total solar eclipse elevating the country’s natural wonders to a whole new level.  Authentic journeys of discovery: our latest trips visit some of the more remote reaches of this fascinating nation, including Northern Quebec, which is home to the Inuit, and Newfoundland, the province’s Forgotten Coast dotted with tiny isolated communities. We’ve even located some hidden gems in Canada’s capital. From a miniature gallery to an Indigenous cultural agritourism farm, there’s something for everyone’s bucket list in Ottawa.”
    With WestJet set to launch new direct flights of under six hours from London Gatwick to St. John’s, Newfoundland, in May, holidays exploring Canada’s Happy Province will be all the more tempting. The 11-night Newfoundland Circumnavigation Cruise—a new addition to the Frontier Canada collection for 2024—docks in Francois, a car-free remote outpost that is only accessible by boat or helicopter. Hiking through the surrounding hills will undoubtedly give travellers an appetite for the community kitchen parties, with drinks, dancing, and a chance to meet all of its 65 friendly locals, making this a memorable port of call. The Bonavista Peninsula, L’Anse Aux Meadows, Gros Morne National Park, Saint-Pierre and Miquelon—the last piece of French territory in North America—and the First Nations community of Miawpukek are additional highlights.
    The perfect year to visit, 2024, also marks the 75th anniversary of Newfoundland joining Canada, the province once a British colony. Adventure Canada cruise from £8,495pp (two sharing) with Frontier Canada, including cruise accommodation, guided activities, all meals, port and park fees, and return flights. Departing June 16. Starts and ends in St. John’s.ADVERTISEMENT
    Frontier Canada’s Worth The Wander social media campaign is currently putting a spotlight on the whole of Atlantic Canada. This year, Anne of Green Gables: The Musical™ is returning to Prince Edward Island’s Charlottetown Festival (June 19–August 31; Confederation Centre of the Arts), and 2024 will mark the 150th birthday of the novel’s author, Lucy Maud Montgomery (November 30), the province offering inspirational literary tours visiting historic and inspirational sites. In neighbouring Nova Scotia, the southwest region will be abuzz with Acadian culture when Yarmouth’s nine-day Acadian World Congress (August 10–18) rolls around. Combine a visit to both provinces on a tailor-made, bespoke fly-drive. Prices available on request. Follow #WorthTheWander on Facebook and Instagram for more Atlantic Canada updates.

    With magnificent waterways made for cruising, 140 stunning gardens, and more than 497 miles of multi-use pathways, summer is the ideal time to visit Ottawa. Save up to £100 on stays of three nights or more at up to 13 hotels, including the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, and book Frontier Canada’s new 4-night Discover Canada’s Capital Ottawa City Break. The offer applies to travel from July 03 to August 31, 2024. Book by March 31. Subject to availability. T&C’s apply. From £1,495pp (two sharing) with Frontier Canada including all accommodation and return flights. Made for the curious traveller, follow #OhOttawa on Facebook and Instagram to unearth surprises in the city, including the Mādahòkì Indigenous cultural agritourism farm, which hosts festivals to mark every season, and OMG, Ottawa’s miniature gallery. Showcasing artists from Ottawa and beyond, the dollhouse-size art exhibition is curated by Jennifer Kelly with OMG regularly popping up all over the city.

    Nicknamed “Québec’s secret Arctic wonderland,” Frontier Canada is offering wildlife adventures in Nunavik’s uninhabited Gyrfalcon Islands in Ungava Bay. A brand new experience starting this summer, guests of Ungava Polar Eco-Tours will spend six nights hiking, fat-biking, and boating their way around this undiscovered region alongside Inuit guides. While polar bears might be the most exciting wildlife to spot, this remote location offers encounters aplenty, including the chance to view seals, musk ox, and beluga whales. Aside from the abundance of wildlife, the area is renowned for its magnificent Northern Lights displays, and 2024 is an opportune time to visit. From now through October, solar activity will be at the peak of its 11-year cycle, with more intense and impressive displays of Aurora borealis expected during the Solar Maximum. Ungava Polar Ecot
    On April 08, a total solar eclipse will pass over central and eastern Canada. One of the ultimate viewing points, Ontario’s impressive Niagara Falls, is expecting over three minutes of totality starting at 3:18 p.m. Hotels are filling up fast, so Frontier Canada is urging travellers to book now—the tour operator’s four-night Toronto and Niagara Falls Experience, priced from £2,040pp (two sharing), including all accommodation, guided tours, transfers, and return flights. Starts and ends in Toronto. The path of totality also includes other parts of Ontario, along with Quebec, and Atlantic Canada. Prices for tailor-made itineraries available on request.
    Frontier Canada (020 8776 8709; [email protected]; Frontier-Canada.co.uk).  ATOL PROTECTED No 5405 ABTA W3207.our adventure with Frontier Canada from £9,525pp (two sharing) including all accommodation, all meals, guided activities, a direct flight from Montreal to Kuujjuaq, and return flights. Departures August through September. Starts and ends in Montreal.

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    Heidi Unveils ‘FlexiFly’ to Unlock a World of Skiing Possibilities

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    Heidi Unveils ‘FlexiFly’ to Unlock a World of Skiing Possibilities

    Heidi has announced the launch of ‘FlexiFly’, a game-changing feature designed for the modern skier. FlexiFly introduces unmatched flexibility in air travel, allowing customers to tailor their flights to suit their unique needs and preferences, ensuring they make the most out of the remaining ski season. Plus, will allow them to make informed choices into next year. For ski and winter enthusiasts, Heidi’s latest news – hot on the heels of its recent launch of its flexible payment offering – further positions Heidi as the most flexible and innovative skiing brand on the market.
    Unparalleled Flexibility
    FlexiFly allows skiers to:
    Fly with different airlines for outbound and inbound journeys (e.g. British Airways out, EasyJet back).Arrive and depart from different airports (e.g. Barcelona outbound, Toulouse inbound).Utilise different airports for departure and arrival, exclusively for flights in and out of London, offering unprecedented convenience for the capital’s travellers.Key benefits of FlexiFly
    This innovative feature offers two significant benefits to Heidi’s customers:ADVERTISEMENTIncreased availability: FlexiFly opens a plethora of options for travel dates and times, accommodating unique schedules like Thursday to Tuesday trips, which may not always be possible with traditional flight bookings. It also gives customers more choice on flight times, such as arriving earlier or leaving later, to allow more time on the slopes.
    Cost efficiency: By leveraging the flexibility to fly with different airlines or from/to different airports, customers can enjoy savings on their trips. Heidi prioritises showing the cheapest travel options first, though customers can opt for traditional bookings if preferred. The average holiday saves £100 by using FlexiFly.
    Industry leading growth and commitment
    Founded in 2018 by Blunt brothers, Marcus and Alexander, Heidi has rapidly grown from initial sales of £500k and is on-track to achieve a staggering £38M in its sixth year. This success story reflects the founders’ deep-rooted passion for skiing, inherited from their Norwegian heritage, and their commitment to providing flexible mountain adventures.
    Marcus Blunt, co-founder of Heidi, expressed his enthusiasm: “I’ve wanted to offer Heidi customers the option to fly flexibly for a long time, so I’m delighted we’ve launched this new feature. It will bring our customers much greater availability for their chosen travel dates, and in many cases, cheaper prices too.”
    Statistics reveal that 26% of Heidi’s ski holidays have become more affordable thanks to FlexiFly, with about a third of customers opting for this innovative solution for its convenience and cost benefits.
    Heidi was born from a desire to transform the winter ski market. The Blunt brothers have skillfully combined their travel industry experience and technical expertise to create a platform that offers thousands of flexible and affordable skiing options. From families seeking beginner-friendly packages to groups looking for exciting mid-week getaways, Heidi covers all bases, including ski passes and equipment, all covered under ATOL protection. This initiative underscores Heidi’s mission to make mountain adventures more accessible and enjoyable for all.

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    Patina Maldives, Fari Islands Nets Exclusive Football Camp Partnership With Real Madrid Foundation

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    Riad Botanica joins Top World Hotel as one of two Moroccan properties

    Riad Botanica, the Australian and Moroccan owned five-suite sanctuary in the heart of Marrakech’s Medina, is delighted to announce that it has been accepted to join Top World Hotel as one of only two Moroccan properties in the collection. Top World Hotel celebrates hotels that offer exceptional service, luxurious amenities, and stunning locations.Owned by Australian and Moroccan couple Angela and Mohamed Mellak, Riad Botanica is a labour of love and a fusion of cultures. Having undergone meticulous renovations from the ground up, the historic 10th-century Riad is now a space that ignites the senses with traditional Moroccan craftsmanship and Australian style. Complete with a rooftop terrace, courtyard, and pool, and defined by its iconic Moroccan and Australian art deco design, Riad Botanica can be hired exclusively for up to twelve guests, or suites can be booked individually, making it the perfect place to retreat from the city buzz of Marrakech and soak up Moroccan hospitality and culture.
    This month, Riad Botanica has been recognised by leading hotel collection Top World Hotel for its outstanding service, experience, and location, and has been awarded an impressive 9.0 rating. As part of the assessment, Riad Botanica was described as having a ‘captivating setting’ serving as a ‘tranquil haven’, as well as its architecture being ‘truly unique, creating an elegant and harmonious atmosphere’.  The guest rooms were described as ‘luxurious
    sanctuaries’, and the team as ‘committed to ensuring an outstanding stay’. The dining experience was also praised as ‘exquisite’, and overall the team’s ‘dedication to excellence and hospitality’ was celebrated with successful inclusion in Top World Hotel’s portfolio.
    Riad Botanica joins a prestigious collection of hotels, including Sugar Beach Resort, NOMAD Mykonos, and the iconic Crillon le Brave, all properties renowned for their unique personality and guest offering. Riad Botanica is one of only two properties within the collection in Morocco, demonstrating its leadership in Moroccan luxury hospitality.
    Nightly rates at Riad Botanica start from 200 euros for 2 people on a B&B basis. For more information and to book, please visit https://riadbotanica.com/. ADVERTISEMENT

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    Travel provider and sellers overlooking opportunity to embrace female audience potential – WayAway

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    Travel provider and sellers overlooking opportunity to embrace female audience potential – WayAway

    Travel search comparison website WayAway is calling on the travel industry to embrace and place greater value on female audiences following a recent survey of 2,477 statistically relevant female travellers in the United States.
    The results of the survey showed that 82% of travel decisions are made by women – with only 10% saying that their partner planned the whole trip. This matches other previous credible studies revealing the importance of females in the trip planning phase that is not reflected in how the travel industry creates and markets travel products.
    Meanwhile the results of the survey from WayAway – whose website provides discount and even cashback travel options to travellers – provide more insight into the types of holidays females take, revealing that half of them traveled at least once last year with children and / or their partner, whilst only 29% travelled alone.
    Whilst a majority report positive travel experiences, nonetheless 17% reported not having enough time to themselves and, more worryingly, 13% said they now needed another vacacion to recover – and 8% said they did not include any activities for themselves during their holiday.
    Janis Dzenis, Director of Communications for WayAway comments: “The current range of travel services and search & booking tools available to women do not ‘inspire inclusion’ – the International Women’s Day theme for 2024 – in any way. That despite the fact that, as our research shows, 82% of family trips are booked by a woman. There’s an economic as well as a moral case for targeting female travellers here that almost our whole industry is ignoring.ADVERTISEMENT“Equally it seems that the whole concept of holiday and relaxation – certainly in a family environment – seems to be somewhat unequal for women with 13% saying they need another holiday at the end and 8% not getting to include activities for themselves. I don’t think we need to survey the guys to find out they have a rather different experience!
    “Travel service providers, tour operators and travel intermediaries should be thinking about how to create products that ensure female travellers, particularly those travelling with children, are able to have a more equitable experience. That’s not an easy task, we know, but right now we don’t see anyone trying to fulfill what would seem, on the surface at least, to be more than just a niche.”

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    Sustainable Hospitality Challenge 2024 Unleashes Innovation Worldwide

    Amidst record-breaking participation from over 70 universities worldwide, the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge (SHC) by Hotelschool The Hague launches its 10th edition, signaling a new era of sustainable hospitality.
    “In recent years, our focus has been on pioneering groundbreaking hospitality concepts for a future in and beyond 2050. This year, we shift gears to create an immediate impact within existing hospitality concepts. Our aim is to bring about real, significant global change. By simplifying the case, we open doors to diverse ideas and solutions, fostering an environment where multiple innovations can come to life. This aligns with our vision to initiate an incubator program, supporting students and their ideas beyond the challenge. Preliminary trials for this program will debut this year. Whether simple and cost-effective or a multi-million-dollar investment, a great product can leave a lasting impact while reinforcing sustainable practices.”
    In an exciting move, the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge is expanding its semi-finals to three global events, collaborating with local institutions with a longstanding presence in the challenge. The semi-finals, held from late April to the end of May, will take place in Montreux, Switzerland, in collaboration with the Swiss Hotel Management School; in Bangkok, Thailand, in conjunction with DUSIT Thani College; and in Miami, Florida, USA, in partnership with Florida International University. The expansion provides more student teams the opportunity to showcase their ideas globally and connect with peers and jury members from around the world.
    The online Qualification Round submission took place at the beginning of March 2024, with qualifying teams invited to participate in the Regional Semi-Finals in May 2024, where they will pitch their products live. The top-performing teams will advance to the Finals in October 2024 in Dubai, UAE, which form part of the Future Hospitality Summit, marking a pivotal moment in shaping the future of sustainable hospitality.
    To discover the next wave of groundbreaking innovations and stay updated on Sustainable Hospitality Challenge’s LinkedIn page, please visit: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sustainable-hospitality-challenge/ADVERTISEMENT

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    Avani Hotels & Resorts Set to Make a Splash in The Netherlands with Avani Museum Quarter Amsterdam

    Minor Hotels, a global hospitality group operating more than 540 hotels in 56 countries, is introducing Avani Hotels & Resorts to the Netherlands in Q2 of this year. The rebranded 163-key Avani Museum Quarter Amsterdam will provide a contemporary canal-side experience, blending Dutch art and history for business and leisure travellers.
    Avani Museum Quarter Amsterdam is centrally located in Amsterdam’s cultural hub, near landmarks like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. Drawing inspiration from the Stedelijk Museum, the hotel’s design blends avant-garde aesthetics with rationalist architecture. Its sleek glass façade will be balanced by vibrant, playful interiors and complemented by high gloss finishes that pay homage to Amsterdam’s iconic canals.
    The hotel’s modern rooms and suites, complete with 60s-inspired furniture, will be spread across seven floors, some boasting floor-to-ceiling windows. All will be equipped with the latest mod-cons, including a power shower, coffee machine, garment steamer, yoga mat, and a high-quality Bluetooth speaker. In-room dining will be available 24/7, emphasising healthy, fresh and satisfying options. For fitness enthusiasts, the AvaniFit gym will operate around the clock, featuring state-of-the-art cardio machines. In addition, the nearby Vondelpark provides excellent jogging tracks.
    On the hotel’s ground level, an open-floor lobby lounge will share space with The Pantry, Avani’s signature grab-and-go dining concept. Here, guests will be able to start their day in the Dutch capital with a delicious breakfast featuring local favourites alongside hot dishes made à la minute and served indoors, or on the al fresco terrace. For wellness-minded travellers, the menu will feature plenty of healthy snacks, including vegan bites and smoothies.
    The bustling PC Hooftstraat shopping district and the De Pijp neighbourhood are within a leisurely five-minute stroll. Amsterdam Central Station is a mere ten-minute drive away, ensuring seamless connectivity for travellers. For corporate engagements, the hotel will provide a stylish boardroom, while the RAI Exhibition and Convention Centre is a short tram ride away.ADVERTISEMENT“Avani Museum Quarter Amsterdam marks a significant milestone for Minor Hotels, reinforcing our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences across the globe. With this upcoming opening, Avani guests will be able to immerse themselves in the art-led design of our newest gem in the Netherlands”. Mr. Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International and CEO of Minor Hotels
    The upcoming launch of Avani Museum Quarter Amsterdam follows the recent expansion of the brand in Europe. Properties were added in Madrid, Milan and Venice last year, followed by the opening of Avani Frankfurt City Hotel at the start of 2024, in addition to the upcoming debut of the Avani brand in China. With a strong presence in Asia, the Middle East, and Sub-Saharan Africa, Avani’s expansion into new destinations continues in 2024 with plans to more than double its property count to almost 100 by the end of 2026.

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    IHG Hotels & Resorts Partners with EnviroSpark to Expand Electric Vehicle Charging Across America

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    IHG Hotels & Resorts Partners with EnviroSpark to Expand Electric Vehicle Charging Across America

    IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) announced an agreement with EnviroSpark, an industry leader in the design, installation, and operation of electrical vehicle (EV) charging solutions, to make electric vehicle chargers (EVCs) available to all IHG-branded hotels across the United States and Canada. IHG hotels can now partner with EnviroSpark on EVCs depending on their individual needs and requirements. This agreement will further expand on IHG’s 1,100 hotels globally with EVCs, and meet the growing customer demand for EV charging on the road while supporting a shift to a low-carbon economy.
    The EVCs that will be available at IHG-branded hotels in North America are well suited for travelers needing an overnight charge. To help travelers plan ahead, IHG has added an EV-charger search filter on its award-winning IHG One Rewards mobile app alongside a wide set of mapping features.
    The adoption of electric vehicles is rising sharply as the global push for net-zero carbon emissions accelerates. According to Goldman Sachs Research, EVs will make up about half of new car sales worldwide by 2035.
    Brian McGuinness, SVP of Global Guest Experience, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “Providing guests with more EV-charging convenience is a natural next step for IHG. With iconic road-trip brands such as Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express, taking care of travelers on the road is core to what we do every day. Through our agreement with EnviroSpark, we’re providing even more options for IHG owners to install EVCs at hotels while making travel easier for a growing segment of sustainability-minded travelers.”
    Aaron Luque, Founder and CEO, EnviroSpark, said: “We’re honored to join forces with IHG Hotels & Resorts in expanding EV charger availability at their North American properties. The partnership reflects our shared commitment to a sustainable economy and aligns with the rising demand for eco-friendly travel options. Together, we aim to create a seamless and environmentally friendly experience for travelers, contributing to a greener future and bringing us closer to our vision of widespread EV adoption.”ADVERTISEMENTTo help accelerate the EV charging infrastructure emerging in North America, IHG is also supporting hotel owners with an EV charging guide with best practices to encourage installation of EV chargers across its portfolio of more than 4,100 open hotels in the U.S. and Canada.
    IHG’s collaboration with EnviroSpark aligns to the company’s responsible business plan, Journey to Tomorrow, which includes a set of ambitious sustainability commitments to drive change for people, communities and the planet. This partnership is also one example of how IHG is working with an increasing number of diverse suppliers through its supplier diversity program EPIC and engaging more companies who share IHG’s values. To learn more about IHG’s commitment to responsible business, visit www.ihgplc.com/en/responsible-business.

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