More stories

  • in

    Resorts World Las Vegas unveils Loop passenger station

    Resorts World Las Vegas has unveiled its Las Vegas Convention Center Loop passenger station, providing direct underground access to the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) in an enjoyable, efficient and environmentally friendly way in minutes in all-electric Teslas. Resorts World Las Vegas is now also poised to connect to the expanded Vegas Loop system when development efforts move forward on the proposed innovative transportation system.
    The LVCC Loop is an innovative, all-electric, zero-emissions, underground public transportation system in which passengers are transported directly to their destination with no stops along the way. The Resorts World Las Vegas passenger station will be the first of over 55 stops anticipated to form the Vegas Loop, which aims to eventually transport thousands of passengers per hour throughout the resort corridor.
    The Vegas Loop will be constructed in phases that include the Resorts World Las Vegas passenger station, the LVCC Loop and future service extensions along the Strip and Downtown Las Vegas.
    “Today marks a monumental moment not only for our resort, but for Las Vegas,” said Scott Sibella, president of Resorts World Las Vegas. “Our passenger station will make a visit to our resort from the Las Vegas Convention Center easier than ever, and eventually connect us to key destinations throughout the city. Resorts World Las Vegas strives to transform the way people experience Las Vegas, and this offering does just that. We are proud to partner with The Boring Company on what we believe to be the future of travel.”
    “In addition to offering our convention customers direct access to Resorts World’s world-class hospitality and entertainment, this milestone is an important step in the development of a game-changing transportation solution in Las Vegas,” said Steve Hill, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA.) Resorts World Las Vegas provides some of the city’s most advanced technology features, such as cashless gaming, digital check-in, breathtaking LED technology and more. The partnership with The Boring Company further illustrates the resort’s intention to integrate innovative technology throughout the entire guest experience.ADVERTISEMENTHours of operation for the Resorts World Las Vegas Passenger Station will vary based upon the LVCC events and convention calendar.

    Older
    DAMAC Properties begins handover for DAMAC Towers Nine Elms, London

    Newer
    Silk Way West Airlines signs order for two A350F More

  • in

    Vietnam attracts more Indian tourists

    Statistics on Google’s market trend tracker tool have shown that the volume of searches from Indian visitors for tourism services in Vietnam was increasing strongly in recent months.
    This reflects the great demand for Vietnam tourism by Indian tourists, especially when many direct flights between the two countries have been put into operation recently.
    Accordingly, a report from Google shows that the search volume for flights from Indian tourists in April increased sharply by 400% compared to the same period last year. The figure jumped by 3,000% in May and is continuing to increase in June.
    In June, the number of searches continued to increase and is expected to increase even more with the fact that Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air have officially reopened and added more direct flights connecting Vietnam and India over recent years.
    Regarding the search volume for accommodation in Vietnam, the growth rate from the beginning of April 2022 to the middle of May 2022 has increased by nearly five times. Specifically, on April 1, 2022, the search volume increased by 123% compared to the same period in 2021, by mid-May, it reached an increase of 500%. In particular, after only two months, the search volume in mid-June has increased three times compared to the beginning of April.ADVERTISEMENTThe states with the most visitors looking for information about Vietnam tourism are Delhi, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat.
    The most searched destinations by Indian people are Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc (Kien Giang province), Quy Nhon (Binh Dinh province), the central city of Da Nang, Hoi An (Quang Nam province), Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa province), Da Lat (Lam Dong province), and Ha Long (Quang Ninh province).
    India is considered one of the potential markets for Vietnamese tourism. The number of Indian visitors to Vietnam rose from 85,000 in 2016 to 169,000 in 2019.
    Vietnam is nominated as Asia’s Leading Beach Destination 2022, Asia’s Leading City Break Destination 2022, Asia’s Leading Cultural Destination 2022, Asia’s Leading Destination 2022, Asia’s Leading Heritage Destination 2022, Asia’s Leading Nature Destination 2022, Asia’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination 2022, Asia’s Leading Tourist Board 2022 and Asia’s Leading Youth Travel Destination 2022 by World Travel Awards.

    Older
    ExCeL London to offset all visitor travel to The Meetings Show More

  • in

    Blackstone completes acquisition of Crown Resorts

    Blackstone has announced that real estate funds and private equity funds managed by Blackstone (“Blackstone”) have completed the acquisition of Crown Resorts Limited (“Crown”) in the largest transaction to date for the firm in Asia Pacific. The transaction comprises three premium resort and casino properties in Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Blackstone will work with the management team at Crown and its thousands of dedicated employees, as well as their representatives from the United Workers Union and other partner unions, to transform these properties into world-class entertainment destinations and continue Crown’s transformation to operate at the highest standards of compliance, governance, and integrity.
    As one of Australia’s largest entertainment groups, Crown makes a major contribution to the Australian economy. Crown’s core businesses include two of Australia’s leading integrated resorts, Crown Melbourne and Crown Perth, as well as Sydney’s latest premium hotel resort and dining precinct at Crown Sydney.
    Alan Miyasaki, Head of Real Estate Acquisitions Asia, Blackstone, said: “We are thrilled to become the new owner of Crown, bringing our expertise in hospitality to help the company achieve its full potential as a leading travel and leisure company. We first invested in Crown two years ago, seeing the tremendous underlying potential of the company and its people. We look forward to working with the teams at Crown and applying our experience in owning and operating marquee hospitality brands around the globe with the highest levels of ethics and integrity to create something unique for employees, local communities, and visitors.”
    Chris Tynan, Head of Real Estate Australia, Blackstone, said: “This is a great opportunity that plays to Blackstone’s strengths – investing significant capital and resources to rebuild Crown into an iconic destination for travel and leisure that everyone can be proud of. Blackstone has built a strong Australian presence over the last 12 years. We look forward to supporting the local economy, creating jobs, and attracting visitors to Crown’s exceptional properties.”
    Steve McCann, Crown Resort’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Today, Crown emerges as part of the Blackstone family, which is the start of a new era for this great company and its 20,000 team members. Over recent times, Crown has undergone immense transformation, and we know under Blackstone’s ownership, we will realise our vision to deliver world-class entertainment experiences and a safe and responsible gaming environment.ADVERTISEMENT“Australian tourism has entered a recovery phase, and we believe this trend will continue. Crown’s suite of outstanding assets has built a loyal customer base over the past 28 years, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead of us as we revitalise Melbourne and Perth and celebrate the addition of Sydney. With Blackstone’s investment and expertise, we’re confident Crown will cement its place on the global stage as one of the world’s leading owners and operators of integrated resorts,” he said.
    Blackstone has built a strong track record in the wider hospitality, travel, and leisure sectors. The firm completed the sale of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas this year, after transforming the property into one of the most vibrant destinations on the Las Vegas Strip. During its 8-year ownership, Blackstone implemented significant operational changes, developed best-in-class management team, and invested significant capital to renovate 3,000 guest rooms and enhance F&B offerings. In addition, Blackstone owned Hilton Hotels Corporation for 11 years, during which it helped double the size of the company to more than 5,300 properties and 400,000 employees worldwide. Its other recent investments in these sectors include the acquisition of an 8-hotel portfolio across Japan’s top tourist destinations; acquisition of Bourne Leisure, a premier British holiday company; and joint acquisition of Extended Stay Hotels.

    Older
    Kieler Woche final staging: AIDAbella in the center of the light illuminations More

  • in

    Hamdan bin Mohammed launches initiative to enhance Dubai as global business hub

    His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Council, launched ‘Dubai Global’, an initiative to establish 50 integrated commercial representative offices for Dubai in five continents across the world during the next few years. The initiative aims to strengthen Dubai’s position as one of the best business hubs in the world in addition to supporting companies based in Dubai by providing them with logistical support to expand their operations in more than 30 promising markets.
    HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed noted that the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is the primary driver behind Dubai’s emergence as an international trade hub and a leader in today’s economic and commercial landscape. His Highness said Dubai provides advanced infrastructure, a flexible and effective legislative framework, and world-class services that ensure sustainability and growth for all companies operating in the emirate.
    HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said: “Our goal is to globalise our national companies, attract global investments, and add new markets to our global business lines.”
    “Our goal is to open 30 new markets, attract thousands of investors, and build the world’s best economic environment,” he added.
    HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed further said: “We will double our economy over the next few years, establish the best business environment in the world, and be No. 1 in quality of life.”ADVERTISEMENTThe Dubai Global initiative is based on launching a wide network of 50 commercial representative offices for Dubai around the world. The network will operate as part of Dubai Chambers and in partnership with several government and semi-government entities in Dubai. The initiative aims to attract investment, talent, and new business to Dubai and support Dubai-based companies explore economic and commercial opportunities in 30 new global markets.
    The commercial representative offices will provide specialised services, such as market research which includes detailed information about each market and its working mechanisms, and the legislative and procedural aspects to help companies take correct decisions.
    The offices will also provide establishing and starting-up services, including logistical support and detailed information on commercial globalisation, aiming to “globalise” Dubai companies and promote their expansion in new markets.
    Dubai Global, a new vision The new initiative aims at developing ways to diversify trade by preparing exclusive studies on economic and commercial opportunities for many vital markets and establishing and maintaining reliable local and regional business relationships. In addition, its goal is to create cross-border business opportunities by organising business-to-business meetings, corporate and government meetings, and global and regional events such as international business forums. The offices also aim to attract more investments, talent and companies to Dubai.
    Supporting the foreign trade sector By implementing an advanced strategy to diversify trade and target new markets, this new and vast network will contribute to the sustainability of economic growth in Dubai and the competitiveness and flexibility of the commercial sector in the emirate. The offices will also work through various channels and global partners to enhance the competitiveness of Dubai’s foreign trade.
    These efforts strengthen the trade sector as one of the main pillars of Dubai’s economy by supporting export and re-export operations and helping the Dubai business community enter promising markets.
    The office network will be responsible for cooperating with a large group of specialised international companies to enable Dubai businesses to expand in their target overseas markets successfully.

    Older
    The legendary Orient Express set for revamp

    Newer
    Etihad’s flagship A350 to fly to New York and Chicago More

  • in

    Tawfeeq Travel opens doors of 17th Travel Hub

    Tawfeeq Travel, Qatar’s leading Travel Management Company has opened the doors to yet another Travel Hub at the Hamad International Airport (HIA) Metro Station. Residents of Qatar and visitors from all over the globe can now experience world class travel services & products while travelling through Qatar’s Hamad International Airport.
    HIA offers global travelers convenient connectivity through its strategic location, with 80% of the world’s population able to connect with the World’s Best Airport through 6-hour flights. Additionally, HIA delivers a mosaic of cultural, retail, and hospitality offerings encompassed in a secure and efficient airport experience.  The new Travel Hub at HIA offers Qatar’s first baggage drop off and storage solution to the travelers. This service is available 07 days a week from 10am till 8pm, Saturday to Thursday with prices starting as low as Qar.30 per day per bag. The storage facility boasts of CCTV monitored rooms with state-of-the-art electronic locks for safety of the baggage which are sealed with tamper proof security seals.   
    Delivery options include transportation of the luggage to your home, office, or any choice of destination in Doha.
    Rehan Ali Syed, CEO of Tawfeeq Travel Group, said “I am extremely delighted on the opening of our 17th outlet offering our customers a unique, new service, delivered by our experienced teams who aim to support Qatar’s vision of welcoming tourist from across the globe. Working closely with Qatar Rail, Hamad International Airport, Qatar Airways, and other key strategic partners, we are able to deliver innovative services to customers. We look forward to your visit to explore the wonders of Qatari culture while we make your visit handfree.”  ADVERTISEMENTEstablished in 2009, Tawfeeq Travel Group is a Qatari-owned enterprise which has swiftly emerged as one of the leading companies in the industry and one of Qatar’s most trusted travel advisors. Our mission is to help customers by simplifying their travel planning and making travel delightful. We operate on the core values of Simplicity, Integrity, Innovation and Superior Customer Service.

    Older
    Air New Zealand unveils new cabins

    Newer
    The legendary Orient Express set for revamp More

  • in

    Marriott Bonvoy launches co-branded credit cards with China CITIC Bank

    Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s travel programme and marketplace, has 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.ADVERTISEMENT  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 ExploreCardholders 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.

    Older
    Microsoft integrates Cytric by Amadeus for employees

    Newer
    Museum of the Future and RTA accelerate smart city mobility More

  • in

    Fairmont Hotels & Resorts announces Make-A-Wish partnership

    Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is excited to announce its first global partnership with Make-A-Wish®, after nearly two decades of working closely together at multiple locations across Canada, the United States, Europe and the Middle East. Together, Fairmont and Make-A-Wish are launching a new global program, Wishes Start Here, to provide one-of-a-kind experiences that transform children’s lives and help create lasting memories. Whether it’s transforming a child into a princess, a cowboy, or a chef; providing a dream vacation destination; or simply giving the whole family a special place to stay at the end of their day’s adventures – Wishes Start Here is dedicated to transforming a child’s most cherished dream into a reality, leaving them with incredible memories that will last a lifetime. Over the next three years, Fairmont is committed to making more than 500 children’s wishes come true, while donating €1 million in charitable support.
    “Fairmont and Make-A-Wish have enjoyed a wonderful relationship, hosting many families and their inspiring children for nearly twenty years,” said Mansi Vagt, Global Brand Leader & Vice President Fairmont Brand, Accor. “Our hotels are known for being embedded into the fabric of their communities and the work this incredible organisation does is very near and dear to our hearts. We have been honored to do more than just offer an exciting place to stay, and have worked with the fantastic teams at Make-A-Wish in many of our locations to create unique experiences that turn dreams into a reality for so many children. The magic of one wish can change a life and we’re absolutely delighted to extend this important partnership to our Fairmont hotels globally.”
    Wishes Start Here will officially kick-off with a family celebration and launch of The Ultimate Kids’ Playhouse on July 31st, 2022 at Fairmont Grand Del Mar, in San Diego. In recent years, one of the most favorite wishes by Make-A-Wish children is for a playhouse, and Fairmont, with its expertise in hospitality, has brought the concept to life on the grandest level. Earlier this year, Make-A-Wish children were invited to an ideation session at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, with a mission to design The Ultimate Kids’ Playhouse. The result will be unveiled and opened for real-life fun and enjoyment at Fairmont Grand Del Mar. Guests will be invited to explore the custom-built Playhouse, designed entirely by kids, for kids. The Ultimate Kids’ Playhouse includes all the dream elements that Make-A-Wish children wished for – such as oodles of building games, spiral slide, space for endless dancing and a beautiful living room filled with teddies.
    The Ultimate Kids’ Playhouse will remain on-site at Fairmont Grand Del Mar all summer, with tickets available to the public throughout August and September. All ticket proceeds will be donated directly to Make-A-Wish. The Ultimate Kids’ Playhouse will move on to other Fairmont properties in major regions worldwide, allowing families everywhere to experience the magic.“We are thrilled to have strengthened our partnership with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and are excited by their renewed commitment to making an impact on our mission globally – to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses around the world,” said Luciano Manzo, CEO of Make-A-Wish International. “For wish kids and their families, an amazing trip can be a transformative experience and the global Fairmont community is uniquely prepared to help make more wishes come true.’’
    With the goal of granting more than 500 wishes and donating €1 million over this three-year global partnership, Fairmont will introduce several fundraising events at hotels around the world to offer guests the opportunity to join them in their pledge to Make-A-Wish. In addition to The Ultimate Kids’ Playhouse, other exciting initiatives will include pool parties for Make-A-Wish kids, ‘Make a Friend’ Play Dates with Fairmont guests, locals and Make-A-Wish children, and a dedicated ‘Wish Dish’ selection on menus that will include a donation to the foundation. Fairmont colleagues worldwide will also have the chance to contribute more ideas and provide direct support through ongoing events and fundraising activities.ADVERTISEMENT“Team members across Accor are passionate about supporting children’s causes and Fairmont has been continuously motivated by the tireless work of Make-A-Wish and the proven evidence that incorporating wishes as part of a child’s medical plan provides hope and anticipation for the future,” said Ralitza Iordanova, VP Global Brand Partnerships, Accor. “With so many wishes travel-related, we believe Fairmont can play a huge role in making wishes come true. Given the history between our two brands at many of our destinations, strengthening our relationship with Make-A-Wish by expanding it to the global level seems like a natural evolution and a perfect opportunity to make a meaningful impact among our communities worldwide.”
    Fairmont and Make-A-Wish began their work together almost 20 years ago. Fairmont originally initiated a program called Room at the Inn in 1993, offering complimentary room nights at its hotels across Canada, to families visiting loved ones in the hospital. This inspired a connection with Make-A-Wish and Fairmont Rooms From the Heart was introduced in 2003. Rooms From the Heart combined an annual donation and a series of wish granting that was supported by a network of colleagues volunteering for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

    Older
    Sandals Royal Curaçao marks grand opening at carnival

    Newer
    AIX returns packed with new product announcements More

  • in

    Sebastian Ebel to head up TUI

    TUI’s Supervisory Board has discussed the future set-up of the Executive Board. Current CEO Fritz Joussen had already announced on Friday that he will resign as of 30 September. The Presiding Committee of the Supervisory Board had proposed to appoint the current Chief Financial Officer Sebastian Ebel as the new Chairman of the Executive Board as of 1 October. He is to be succeeded as CFO by Mathias Kiep, previously Group Director Controlling, Corporate Finance & Investor Relations.
    TUI’s Supervisory Board confirmed the Presiding Committee’s proposals today. Sebastian Ebel and Mathias Kiep are appointed for a period of three years with effect from 1 October 2022.
    In addition, the Supervisory Board has decided to extend the appointment of David Burling, Executive Board member responsible for Markets & Airlines, ahead of schedule by two years until 31 May 2026. David Burling will continue to be responsible for the Group’s tour operators and TUI’s airlines. The successful restart of TUI’s tour operator programme after the pandemic is in his proven hands. TUI expects a strong summer business in 2022 and David Burling and his teams in the markets will do everything they can to ensure that guests have a memorable and enjoyable holiday. David Burling has many years of experience in top management and is an internationally versed tourism manager.
    CEO-designate Sebastian Ebel said: “I would like to thank the Supervisory Board for their trust. Our guests and TUI’s 50,000 colleagues are an enormous motivation for me. We still have some homework to do in dealing with the Corona effects, but above all I see many opportunities for TUI. With the strong TUI team and our partners – the destinations, the hoteliers and the travel agencies – we will grow profitably again and together lead TUI to new successes. I would like to thank Fritz Joussen for his close and trusting cooperation. He saved TUI from split up, formed a new international Group and led the company safely through the Corona crisis with full energy. I am now looking forward to taking over from him and leading TUI into the next phase.”
    Last Friday, the company had already reported on Fritz Joussen’s decision as well as the succession planning of the Supervisory Board Presidium – including quotes from Supervisory Board Chairman Dr Dieter Zetsche and from Fritz Joussen.ADVERTISEMENT

    Older
    Cendyn announces partnership with OpenTable

    Newer
    IHG signs InterContinental Tirana More