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    MSC Group Sends Relief Aid on Board MSC Aurelia to Earthquake-Hit Areas in Turkey and Syria

    The MSC Group and the MSC Foundation have organized an urgent response to support the population in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Türkiye and Syria.A wide effort is underway across the MSC family and the company is closely coordinating with the Turkish authorities, the Italian Foreign Ministry and the Vatican. MSC Aurelia, normally used as a passenger and vehicle ferry, departed from the Port of Naples on 16 February heading for the port of Iskenderun (Alexandretta).
    MSC Aurelia, with a cargo capacity of 40 trucks and 400+ cars, loaded basic necessities and first aid items collected by the MSC Group and the MSC Foundation, together with the Rava Foundation. The cargo onboard includes 60 pallets of medical supplies, food, hygiene items, warm clothing and blankets, as well as toys and crayons for children. An additional 50 boxes of thermal shirts are being carried on behalf of the Vatican.
    We express our gratitude to the EcoEridania Group for participating in the initiative with an in-kind donation and for assisting with logistics for the relief shipment.
    Once it reaches its destination, the MSC Aurelia will be available as emergency accommodation, providing the impacted communities with over 1,000 beds and leisure spaces including a restaurant and cinema, as well as video-game entertainment for children.
    In addition, thanks to the collaboration between the MSC Foundation and the UN Refugee Agency – also known as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – a further 100 containers carrying first aid supplies (including blankets, mattresses, sleeping bags, kitchen sets, jerry cans and lamps) are departing from Jordan via Haifa, the headquarters of the UN Refugee Agency’s warehouses. The containers will be destined for Gaziantep and other cities hit hardest by the earthquake and will be at the disposal of the relief workers already onsite caring for survivors.ADVERTISEMENTFurthermore, MSC Türkiye has set up temporary accommodation at Iskenderun port using empty containers for 300 MSC Group employees and their families who unfortunately lost their homes in the earthquake disaster. MSC Türkiye is also arranging for the distribution of food, beverages and items to meet basic needs. In the same way, the MSC Group, in cooperation with the Turkish Ministry of Internal Affairs, is carrying and providing thousands of empty containers to four of Türkiye’s hardest-hit provinces: Adıyaman, Gaziantep, Hatay and Kahramanmaraş. The containers will provide temporary shelter for the earthquake survivors.
    The support of the MSC Group and the MSC Foundation also includes a global fundraising campaign among employees of the group. Every donation by an employee of MSC will be matched by the MSC Foundation and will be used to support organizations working on reconstruction projects in Türkiye and Syria.
    “We feel a strong sense of obligation to act promptly in order to support the people most in need by all means. We are a part of a global organization that can set in motion a large-scale operation by involving foundations and associations that we collaborate with all around the world. As soon as the terrible earthquake in Türkiye and Syria struck, we immediately took action to collect funds, supplies and food, which we can deliver on our ships within a short period of time. This is where the valuable collaboration with the Francesca Rava Foundation comes in, which we thank for immediately joining this initiative. The departure of MSC Aurelia from the port of Naples is an initial example of what we are doing, while we keep on working to provide associations and governments with what we can, so that by sea and by land some comfort can reach those who are presently living in dire situations and, in the future, for the rebuilding of cities and the environment. It is not the first time that MSC Foundation and the MSC Group have been on the front lines of emergency relief operations: in 2022, we provided extraordinary funding worth millions of euros to offer aid to refugees from Ukraine and led eight emergency relief initiatives in nine countries, strengthening our global emergency capabilities,” said Daniela Picco, Executive Director of the MSC Foundation.
    Mariavittoria Rava, President of the Francesca Rava Foundation, said: “We are wholeheartedly close to the children and families affected by this immense tragedy, which brought back memories of the terrible earthquake that destroyed the very poor Haiti in 2010. As always in emergencies, Francesca Rava Foundation’s goal is to act quickly and in agreement with local institutions and partners, as was the case on this occasion also with Joy For Children Aps and Salaheddini Eyyubi Yardim Dernegi, which have already been operating for several years on the Turkish-Syrian border. I am deeply grateful to the MSC Foundation for this important and valuable synergy, which allows us to bring further concrete help to the earthquake victims. In emergencies, it is always very important to identify the most urgent needs right away and develop targeted and timely action. To continue to help we need funds: stay close to us, together we can make a difference in the lives of those who suffer. Thank you.”

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    The 23rd World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit will take place in Kigali, Rwanda,

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    The 23rd World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit will take place in Kigali, Rwanda,

    The 23rd World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit will take place in Kigali, Rwanda, 1st – 3rd November 2023
    WTTC’s annual Global Summit is the most influential Travel & Tourism event on the calendar, and this year, industry leaders will once again gather with key government representatives to continue aligning efforts to support the sector’s recovery and move beyond to a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.
    More information will follow on how to register for this hybrid event, but for now just add WTTC’s industry leading event to your diary – you won’t want to miss it!
    Julia SimpsonPresident & CEOwww.wttc.org

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    Leisure industry faces huge gender imbalance, latest report finds

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    Leisure industry faces huge gender imbalance, latest report finds

    New research looking at Publicly listed companies has revealed that the leisure industry is facing a major diversity disparity, with only 7% of the top spots held by women, a stark contrast to the 50-50 gender balance of the overall workforce. The first report of the series, “The numbers behind women in leadership: Leisure”, which was carried out by private advisory firm Aptamind Partners and is supported by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC),drew on publicly available data from the world’s largest hotel groups, casinos and entertainment companies, shows that the gender gap widens the higher up the career ladder you climb.
    From a 50% overall balance across the leisure industry’s workforce, the percentage of women drops to 42% in mid-level management and 33% at senior management.
    At C-Suite level, only one in five executives are women, plummeting to 7% at the very top.
    The casino and entertainment industry outshines hotels, with three female CEOs and four female chairs, but the competition is far from stiff.
    A marginal improvement in the percentage of female executives in the hotel sector has failed to translate into more women in leadership and senior roles.  In fact, Alison Brittain, who was the sole female representative in the CEO group at the time of this report, left her position in January 2023, leaving major PLC hotel chains with zero women holding the top CEO and chair spots.     However, the report shows that change is possible and can be clearly seen in the percentage of women on the boards of leisure companies, which has grown from 17% in 2007 to 28% in 2022. More recently, the number of female chairs of the boards of casino and entertainment companies has grown from 6% to 12% between 2019 and 2021 ‒ and the number of female CEOs in that group increased from 3% to 9% over the same period. ADVERTISEMENTAradhana Khowala, CEO of Aptamind Partners and author of the report, says, “While some progress has been made in the last two years, there is still a huge amount of work to be done. We need a wholesale shift in the way we think and talk about gender and leadership. And we need to go beyond well-meaning initiatives and box-ticking exercises and start taking concrete steps to redress the current imbalance.
    “One of the major barriers to improving gender diversity is the lack of insightful and robust data in the public domain. We cannot wait any longer for the arc of history to bend the right way on its own. We need to benchmark where we are at so we can push forward together with concerted, collective action.”
    Julia Simpson, President & CEO WTTC, added: “This issue goes beyond equity and fairness. Companies need to hold themselves accountable to guarantee progress is made over time.
    “Putting women on centre stage of Travel & Tourism will ensure a better future for the sector.”
    The report offers six steps the leisure industry can take to get more women into leadership positions, including better disclosure and regular reporting, independent regulation and verification, and incentivizing and holding leadership accountable for progress on gender diversity.
    The report is the first of a series of four publications which analyse the female presence at high-level roles within different Travel & Tourism industries, such as leisure, aviation, cruise and OTAs, and food and beverage.

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    Gastón Acurio’s Globally Renowned Restaurant, La Mar Opens Its Doors At Atlantis The Royal

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    MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL APPOINTS SABA LANDMANN SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, GLOBAL BRAND AND PORTFOLIO PR

    Marriott International, Inc. today announced that it has appointed Saba Landmann, Senior Vice President, Global Brand and Portfolio PR, effective immediately. Ms. Landmann will be responsible for leading communications for the company’s portfolio of thirty diverse and experiential hotel brands.Marriott’s brands include a prestigious luxury portfolio that encompasses eight of the world’s most desirable and coveted luxury hotel brands: The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, BVLGARI Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, EDITION, The Luxury Collection, JW Marriott and W Hotels Worldwide.
    “We’re excited to bring Saba’s creativity and proven track record of creating culturally relevant PR campaigns that resonate with consumers to Marriott,” said Tricia Primrose, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer. “There is tremendous pent-up demand for travel. We are eager to connect with consumers in innovative ways and we’re delighted to have Saba on board to help us do just that.”
    Ms. Landmann joins Marriott from G-III Apparel Group, home to globally recognized fashion brands including, but not limited to: Donna Karan, Karl Lagerfeld, Vilebrequin, and Sonia Rykiel among others, where she was Vice President, Global Communications. A fashion PR veteran, Ms. Landmann previously worked at Vince Holding Corp., Alice + Olivia, and Halston. In addition, she spent five years as an Account Director at Factory PR. Ms. Landmann is a graduate of New York University.
    “As a storyteller, Saba is passionate about developing strategies that not only delight core customers, but also grow the base – reaching new, fresh, and savvy consumers through collaborations with brands across industries, including food, music, entertainment, tech and of course, fashion,” said Tina Edmundson, Global Officer, Brand & Marketing. “Saba is experienced in creating cutting-edge global communications strategies that drive brand affinity, ensuring each brand in a portfolio is differentiated and resonates with consumers around the world. We’re delighted to welcome Saba to Marriott.”
    Ms. Landmann will be based at Marriott International’s MILab offices in Manhattan.ADVERTISEMENT

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    Luxury Charleston Hotel The Palmetto Prepares to Open its Doors in March 2023

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    TFE Hotel’s Adina Apartment Hotel opens at Melbourne’s billion-dollar Pentridge precinct

    Rising high above the Victorian bluestone walls, and perched directly inside them, TFE Hotel’s contemporary new Adina Apartment Hotel Pentridge Melbourne has been deliberately designed to contrast and complement the 170-year-old heritage site-turned-modern-lifestyle-precinct.
    TFE’s Group Chief Operating Officer, Chris Sedgwick, said he had no doubt destination Pentridge would go from strength-to-strength with the signing of anchor tenants including BrewDog and Palace Cinema, and now the soft opening of TFE’s 106-room apartment-style hotel, ahead of its official launch in autumn.
    “Right now, the finishing touches are being put on Olivine wine bar, North & Common bistro, and nine bespoke conferencing and events venues, collectively known as Chapter Place which, as a collective, will be transformative for the wider Pentridge lifestyle precinct when they open in May,” he said.
    A Contemporary Hotel in an Historical Setting
    According to General Manager, Jesse Kornoff, building a contemporary hotel on an historic site (adjacent to the former B Division) presented a unique set of challenges. The contemporary Adina tower took almost two years to construct with builders carefully monitoring Pentridge’s famous bluestone walls to ensure they didn’t move an inch as the three-level basement was built.ADVERTISEMENTThe modern-day Adina Hotel features built-in solar panels, the use of recycled concrete in the build, and a rainwater tank recycling system. The additional use of specialty high-tech glass that reacts with daylight to break down dirt, means the facade only needs cleaning every 12 to 24 months.
    “For the eco-conscious, we also have EV charging stations in the basement, we’re close to trams, trains and buses for those that want to make the 20-minute commute into Melbourne’s CBD, and we have plenty of pedestrian and bike trails onsite,” Kornoff says.
    Each of the Adina’s 106 one and two-bedroom and studio apartments offer generous living spaces and kitchen amenities and boast individual climate control and balconies.  Whilst mini bars feature local suppliers including Coburg’s own Koko Black, alongside Tyrrell’s chips, Mountain Goat Beers, Hepburn Water and Taltarni Pyrenees Cabernet Sauvignon.
    As GM, Kornoff will oversee the hotel, events, food and beverage and experience offerings in B Division – perched a very convenient 20 minutes from the CBD and the international airport – whilst Executive Assistant Manager, Alex Bilenki, will oversee hotel operations at the Adina. Bilenki is no stranger to operations, having worked for Accor and, most recently, Mt Lofty House.
    “The hotel, adjoining the soon-to-open Olivine Bar, has a beautiful lobby featuring striking art by local artists; offers easy access to the precinct’s dining and entertainment venues; is close to the Merri Creek green belt with bike and walking trains; has plenty of onsite parking and easy access to public transport; and is perfectly positioned for MICE and leisure guests with four traditional meetings spaces,” she said. “It’s also ideally situated to soak up the local culture, eateries, parks, and modern art galleries including The Heide and Division Gallery.”
    New Additions to Melbourne’s Newest Dining and Entertainment PrecinctSedgwick says the experience-led event offering; knowledgeable onsite team; and high-tech National Trust tours of the historic site, will combine to make both Chapter Place and Adina Pentridge a highly sought after leisure and MICE destination.
    Whilst North & Common restaurant – with Melbourne Chef, Thomas Woods, at the helm – and the moody and decadent Olivine wine bar – with bluestone interiors and an equally impressive wine list – will elevate the precinct offering and provide a unique space for hotel guests, locals, and visitors to enjoy when they open in autumn.
    Sneak Peek At A One-Of-A-Kind Urban Retreat
    But that’s not all that’s been hiding behind the bluestone walls with TFE Hotels today announcing the launch of a 19-room, experience-led urban retreat, The Interlude, opening in May 2023.
    “The Interlude is an urban retreat-style experience, the likes of which has never-before-been-seen in Australia, and one of only a handful of prison hotel conversions in the world,” Sedgwick said. “Guests will stay in converted-cell suites which have been transformed by modern design and architecture into calming spaces.
    “And, when they’re not in their room, they’ll be able to immerse themselves in the flavours, colours, and stories of Coburg’s creative arts community through curated programs, or self-guided visits to the precinct’s onsite art gallery which displays resident and emerging local artists.”
    Uniquely Melbourne experiences, such as exploring the evolution of Victoria’s wine region over time and, indeed, the wine in the bottle with our Time Travel with Wine experience with Sommelier Liinaa Berry; or learning how to roll a truffle with Coburg Chocolatier, Koko Black.  Guests can also unwind in a candlelit underground relaxation pool or the retreat’s private garden.
    “And drawing on the heritage of the site, guests will be invited to take a seat at the long table in the Reflection Garden, surrounded by bluestone walls, to hear the tales of the past and find out what makes the creative community so special today,” Sedgwick says.

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    CHOICE HOTELS EMEA AND SEERA GROUP ANNOUNCE THE OPENING OF A NEW PROPERTY IN RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA

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    CHOICE HOTELS EMEA AND SEERA GROUP ANNOUNCE THE OPENING OF A NEW PROPERTY IN RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA

    Choice Hotels Middle East (CHME) and Seera Hotels, a fully owned subsidiary of Seera Holding Group and the largest publicly listed travel company in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, have opened a new property in Riyadh – Comfort Hotel Riyadh Olaya.
    The Comfort Hotel Riyadh Olaya has 88 guest bedrooms across eight floors. The hotel has three meeting rooms with conference capacity for up to 60 guests.
    Strategically located in a busy area of Riyadh, the hotel serves as a great starting point to explore nearby local attractions including The Sky Bridge of the Kingdom Center, Tree Tower, World Sights Park, King Abdullah Park and the Boulevard Riyadh City.
    Choice Hotels EMEA recently announced a refresh of the Choice Hotels EMEA branded guest experience including Comfort Hotels.  All refreshed Comfort hotels will deliver for today’s value-driven midscale traveller who wants the basics done brilliantly with exceptional convenience.  Exhibiting modern design, they will provide a warm, vibrant and friendly place to stay with energising casual spaces for socialising, relaxing, sleeping and working.
    This opening is the third hotel of an agreement between Choice Hotels EMEA and Seera Holding Group to open at least ten hotels in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia within the next five years. The first two properties, Clarion Jeddah Airport and Comfort King Road Jeddah, opened in 2022.Commenting on the opening, Choice Hotels EMEA CEO, Jonathan Mills said “Our master license agreement with Seera Hotels will see seven more hotels open in the Kingdom in the next five years. The first two properties, Clarion Jeddah Airport and Comfort King Road Jeddah opened at the beginning of 2022 and I am delighted that Comfort Hotel Riyadh Olaya has now joined our portfolio.ADVERTISEMENTThe new property has been designed with both a local and international audience in mind and I am sure our guests will be excited by its location and offering. Despite challenging times for hospitality, Europe and the Middle East have remained important growth markets for Choice Hotels and we maintain a firm focus on strategic growth that will drive brand preference and customer loyalty.
    In addition to continued portfolio growth, our refresh programme of Choice Hotels’ EMEA brands, targeting a range of guest profiles and segments and informed by independent research of midscale traveller perceptions, is underway across the region. I look forward to welcoming more CHME properties to our portfolio in the future.”
    Shuja Zaidi, Seera’s Chief Hospitality Officer said: “We are excited to open Comfort Hotel Riyadh Olaya catering to the ever-increasing number of travellers to the city. Through our master license with Choice Hotels EMEA, we continue to champion the travel and tourism sector of the Kingdom by building best-in-class hotels to serve the needs of discerning travellers, support the development of the hospitality infrastructure and drive forward the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.”
    The opening of our latest hotel is the culmination of our continued efforts to develop a world-class hotel portfolio for our customers. With our ambitions to open at least seven more hotels in the next five years, CHME will expand the presence of Choice branded hotels across the Kingdom, with its signature offerings for a wide variety of travellers.”
    Last year Choice Hotels EMEA embarked on a brand refresh with a re-energisation strategy focused on offering relevant brands that deliver value to guests and generate revenue for its franchisees.
    Choice Hotels EMEA has five midscale brands for every guest need each with a distinct individual positioning. It is currently represented under the Clarion, Quality, Comfort and Ascend Hotel Collection brands. Comfort, Clarion and Quality are embarking on a refresh and the Sleep Inn brand, which is well established in other regions, has been newly introduced to EMEA. Plans for the Ascend Hotel Collection will be announced later this year.
    Seera is at the forefront of travel and tourism recovery efforts in the Kingdom and beyond, and as part of the agreement, there are currently several identified projects for Choice Hotels brands throughout Saudi Arabia in various stages of development.
    For further information on Choice Hotels, please visit: https://www.choicehotels.com

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    Cathay Pacific partners with VTC to develop aviation talent in Hong Kong

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    Cathay Pacific partners with VTC to develop aviation talent in Hong Kong

    The Cathay Pacific Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Vocational Training Council (VTC) of Hong Kong to jointly nurture a new generation of talent as the aviation industry’s growth picks up in the lead up to the completion of the Three-Runway System in Hong Kong.
    The MoU Signing Ceremony was held at the Tsing Yi campus of the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE), a member institution of the VTC. Witnessed by Under Secretary for Transport and Logistics Liu Chun-san, Cathay Pacific Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam and VTC Executive Director Donald Tong, the MoU was signed by Cathay Pacific Director People Patricia Hwang and VTC Deputy Executive Director Alaina Shum.
    The Group’s participating companies include: Cathay Pacific, HK Express, Air Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific Services Limited – which operates the Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal – Cathay Pacific Catering Services (H.K.) Limited, Hong Kong Airport Services Limited and Vogue Laundry Service Limited.
    Liu Chun-san, Under Secretary for Transport and Logistics remarked that the pandemic has put the aviation industry on a bumpy flight over the past few years. But like planes flying out of an air turbulence, Hong Kong International Airport has been filling up again, and airlines have been flying to new destinations daily as the pandemic receded. Numerous exciting developments in our aviation scene have been also unfolding, including the Three-Runway System which would significantly increase our airport’s handling capacity.
    He said the cooperation between the Cathay Pacific Group and VTC was a very timely one to provide new talents to power our aviation industry through recovery and beyond. Cathay Pacific is a world-class airline well-known for its high quality service. VTC, on the other hand, has been a beacon of success in training our stewards of the sky by offering a broad range of courses covering aircraft engineering, aviation and logistics, aviation services and inflight and passenger services.ADVERTISEMENTLiu pointed out that the join-hand of the Cathay Pacific Group and VTC would further enhance the VTC’s training facilities and career support for students by the Group. Some elements of the Group’s cabin crew training would also be integrated into the VTC’s curriculum, thereby equipping students with practical industry knowledge that would prepare them even better for their future career.
    Cathay Pacific Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam said: “As Hong Kong’s home airline, we are committed to continuing to invest in young local talent and the long-term development of the Hong Kong aviation hub. The collaboration with VTC provides a sound foundation for the talent supply chain in the aviation industry. We look forward to welcoming students with a passion for joining the aviation industry and becoming part of the Cathay Pacific Group upon graduation.
    Donald Tong, VTC Executive Director remarked that MoU signing this time set a new milestone of the collaboration between the VTC and the Cathay Pacific Group in jointly grooming a new generation of aviation talents. Through the integration of the cabin crew training programme of Cathay Pacific and HK Express into VTC’s Higher Diploma programme, students could be given expanded learning opportunities to hone their professional knowledge and skills. The provision of student internships and project-based learning opportunities including inflight menu planning and design, as well as the CSR projects by the Cathay Pacific Group would also benefit students from other VTC’s member institutions, namely the Chinese Culinary Institute and the International Culinary Institute, as well as trainees of Shine Skills Centre and the VTC Social Enterprises.
    Through the collaboration, the Group’s training programmes and materials, student internships and collaboration on project-based learning will be integrated into VTC’s programme curriculum to help strengthen the learning experience for students of different disciplines.
    The Group will also provide a series of life-planning activities, including mock-up interviews and career talks to introduce the career prospects in the aviation industry to VTC students. Graduates who achieve an outstanding performance will also be nominated to full-time job interviews, capturing opportunities in advance to join the industry.
    The Cathay Pacific Group and VTC share the common vision of cultivating aviation talent and providing more a diversified learning experience to students. This MoU further enriches the VTC’s curriculum of the Higher Diploma in Aviation Inflight and Passenger Services programme by incorporating professional training materials from the Cathay Pacific Group, including cabin crew training.
    In addition, the Group will further actively explore the integration of innovative technologies into the programme, including applying Virtual Reality (VR) technology for service training and safety training for cabin crew. This brand-new teaching approach will give students a more comprehensive understanding of the actual working environment and situations they would encounter working in the industry.

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    The Leading Hotels of the World Welcomes Eight New Member Hotels to its Portfolio

    Offering travelers exclusive access to the largest collection of independent, luxury hotels in the world, The Leading Hotels of the World is delighted to welcome eight new member hotels to its portfolio. This season’s collection includes three new hotel openings, demonstrating a boom in luxury hospitality globally. The new openings include a stylish city pad in Milan, futuristic desert dens in Arizona, and a Belle Epoque gem on the French Riviera.
    “2023 has started with strong momentum, following Leading Hotels’ banner year in 2022. The range of visionary new hotel openings and ambitious renovations show that the independent hotel sector is currently brimming with energy. Alongside exemplary design and delivery, luxury travelers are looking for unique-in-destination concepts and unmatched experiences. Our carefully curated new members perfectly demonstrate these qualities,” said Deniz Omurgonulsen, Vice President, Membership, The Leading Hotels of the World. “This cohort includes our first LHW hotels in new destinations: Arizona, USA, and Belek in Turkey. LHW continues to empower independent, innovative and family-owned hotels that are tailored to curious travelers’ desires.”
    Become a Leaders Club member for richer travel benefits:
    Each new hotel can be booked on LHW.com where travelers can sign up for a complimentary Leaders Club membership. This entitles members to exclusive preview offers such as Leaders Club First Look— including round-trip airport or rail station transfers, guaranteed upgrades at check-in, and flexible check-in and check-out. The global loyalty program offers benefits at the entire LHW collection, including free breakfast, room upgrades, and rewards points to use towards future bookings.
    Discover LHW’s Spring CollectionADVERTISEMENTUnited States
    Architecturally-designed private ‘Atriums’ with dramatic desert views Ambiente, A Landscape Hotel Arizona (Sedona, Arizona, USA) NEW OPENING February 2023
    A first of its kind in the US, Ambiente, A Landscape Hotel is set on three rugged acres amongst Sedona, Arizona’s iconic red rock monoliths. It is uniquely designed to blend in with the desert topography and offer guests the opportunity to intimately experience the natural beauty of one of the world’s most stunning locations. The hotel’s 40 cubed-shaped, Atriums exemplify elegant minimalism with bronzed glass and metal exteriors that reflect the surrounding landscape. Expertly placed piers elevate the structures above the ground to minimize the impact on the land and maximize the property’s dramatic, 360-degree panoramic views. With contemporary, elemental interiors and private rooftop decks that put the Dark Sky city’s beaming stars on full display, the sleek design embodies a tranquil, lavish hideaway and the utmost in luxurious accommodations. Ambiente is committed to providing a sustainable destination for global travelers that is harmonious with the environment.
    Exclusive, all-residences enclaveEspacio The Jewel of Waikiki (Honolulu, Hawaii)
    An exceptional jewel of a property on Honolulu’s legendary Waikiki beach, this property brings a new level of privacy and luxury to Hawaii by offering just nine luxurious multi-bedroom residences with their own butler service. Each two or three bedroom accommodation occupies an entire floor and delivers unrivalled views of the Pacific Ocean via floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies. Beyond their full-service private residence, guests also have access to a rooftop infinity swimming pool, carefully customized treatments at the ESPACIO spa; and Franco-Japanese fine dining at Mugen restaurant, courtesy of visionary chef Jason Yamaguchi.
    Europe
    Deluxe Alpine retreat with sensational spa and sportAlpin Resort Sacher Seefeld (Tirol, Austria)
    Immersed in the natural splendor of the Austrian countryside, this storied and sensational family-owned retreat has just completed intensive renovations, extensions and refinements. 81 individually designed suites and rooms and 54,000 square feet of wellness space offer a generous and timeless, alpine haven for mind, body and spirit. The warmth of Tyrolean hospitality meets the elegance of chic Alpine style, blending natural materials with contemporary flair. From award-winning dining that highlights the authentic flavors of Tyrol, to an expansive wellness complex, guests can enjoy a seemingly endless array of on-property amenities. Summertime is perfect for hiking between Alpine huts through flower-filled pastures or taking a guided e-bike tour of the mountains. In Winter choose cross country skiing with access to over 150 miles of perfectly prepared trails including two illuminated night trails, snow shoeing and the Olympic-grade ski slopes of Seefeld.
    Rejuvenated Riviera Belle with wellness at its coreAnantara Plaza Nice Hotel (Nice, France) NEW OPENING 2023
    Epitomizing the dazzling glamour of the French Riviera, this new 151-room Anantara hotel is set within the Belle Epoque architecture of Jean-Antoine Scoffiera in a freshy-renovated landmark, steps away from the Jardin Albert and the palm-lined beaches of the Promenade de Anglais. Since it first opened in 1848, the iconic hotel has played host to a collection of famed artists, politicians, and cultural luminaries. It remains a destination immersed in the beautiful coastline and elegance of the Cote d’Azur, featuring contemporary styling and gilded glamour by David Collins Studio and TBC Interiorismo. A serene retreat with five treatment rooms, a sauna and hammam, the Anantara Spa delivers Riviera-inspired wellness, using the aromas of essential oils from nearby Grasse and beauty treatments by Haute Cosmetics brand: Thalion. On the rooftop, SEEN BY Olivier restaurant and bar blends striking views, imaginative mixology and gastronomic discoveries masterminded by Portuguese chef-entrepreneur, Olivier da Costa. Beyond the hotel, Riviera experiences are also crafted with care, including learning the art of glass blowing in the medieval, Alpes-Maritimes village of Biot, tracing the footsteps of Coco Chanel to her official Nice residence and running the seafront Promenade with a personal trainer.
    A celebration of Milanese art and design, in stylish BreraCasa Baglioni (Milan, Italy) NEW OPENING 2023
    Within walking distance of Milan’s chic-est galleries, boutiques, bars and antique shops, this Brera-neighborhood hotel is ode to 1960’s Italian style. 30 rooms and suites showcase the very best mid-century design inspiration, re-imagined by a host of Made-in-Italy talent including architects Spagnulo & Partners, lighting by heritage brand Panzeri and customized fabrics and furniture. Every aspect is crafted and curated by interior designer Gala Rotelli, down to creative travel experiences and private tours. Follow in the footsteps of polymath Gio Ponti, explore the refined ceramic arts at Villa Necchi, or discover the artists of the Brera School. Italian Michelin-starred chef Claudio Sadler is at the helm of the hotel’s destination restaurant, and a modernist wine cellar offers tastings of more than 850 Italian and International vintages.
    Sea-view suites on Sicily’s sparkling bayMazzarò Sea Palace (Taormina, Sicily, Italy)
    Located on one of the prettiest bays in Sicily with its own private beach club, this 70-room resort is a luxurious little hideaway within easy reach of lively Taormina. Each room, decorated in a relaxed, contemporary aesthetic, has a dreamy view of the cerulean sea. The scenic pool, solarium and Hyd’Or spa offer moments of tranquillity and wellbeing. Crafted wellness programs feature natural ingredients like Sicilian mud and locally-grown citrus, focusing on beauty and health benefits. Panoramic Armònia restaurant promises Sicilian flavors in a sophisticated seaside setting, while Amarè Bar offers chic cocktails. Just steps away from the hotel is a quirky cable car to the historic town center of Taormina with its perfectly preserved Greek Theatre. Private boat trips can be arranged to Isola Bella and the surrounding Natural Marine Reserve.
    Frescoed Florentine mansion steps from cultural highlightsRelais Santa Croce by Baglioni Hotels (Florence, Italy) Re-opening 2023
    Featuring original frescoed ceilings and lavishly furnished interiors, this just-renovated 18th century, 24-room, noble mansion, is one of Florence’s most intimate and historic hotels. Set amid the lively arts district of Santa Croce, the hotel is steeped in the stories of history’s most renowned artists and is only steps away from the home of Michelangelo and a trove of cultural landmarks that include the Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery. Two restaurants: Guelfi e Ghibellini which presents Tuscan traditions with creativity and warmth, and the three-Michelin starred Enoteca Pinchiorri serves haute cuisine and gastronomic experiences. From a hot-air balloon tour over the Tuscan landscape to a private concert in the hotel’s wood-beamed music room, extraordinary experiences are delivered with thought and imagination. The hotel re-opens this spring after extensive renovations.
    Luxury all-inclusive resort promising a world of entertaining family-friendly facilitiesThe Montgomerie Golf Club by Maxx Royal Resorts (Belek, Turkey)On an idyllic Mediterranean bay and set within the prestigious Montgomerie Golf Club, the 512-room lavish resort features stylish suites and private villas with the unlimited service of the “Maxx Inclusive” concept. The complex offers an impressive selection of 14 on-property dining experiences, including three gourmet restaurants, a patisserie and ten bars. Beyond its outstanding connection to a world-class golf course, the property also promises an array of family-friendly entertainment, ranging from music, acrobatic displays, tennis courts, multiple swimming pools, an aquapark and MaxxiLand wonderland for children.

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