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    Belfast City Airport Earns Top Spot as UK’s Most Punctual Hub for 2023

    Belfast City Airport has been confirmed as the UK’s Most Punctual Airport for 2023 following the publication of the latest performance figures from the Civil Aviation Authority.
    The data analyses arriving and departing scheduled and chartered flights throughout the year, with results revealing that Belfast City Airport was the most punctual of the 25 UK airports included in the survey.
    Mark Beattie, Chief Operating Officer at Belfast City Airport said:“At Belfast City Airport we always aim to deliver a passenger experience that is convenient and hassle free, and we are thrilled to have the best on-time-performance of any airport in the UK across the calendar year 2023.“This achievement is owing to our team’s dedication to going above and beyond to maximise performance and efficiencies to ensure our passengers can move through the airport, and get to their destination, as quickly as possible.
    “Our unrivalled punctuality combined with our prime location, only five minutes from the heart of Belfast City Centre, and an average security processing time of just 6 minutes allows our passengers to enjoy a smooth start to every journey.”
    Belfast City Airport currently operates routes to 30 destinations across the UK and beyond in partnership with its six airlines, Aer Lingus, British Airways, easyJet, KLM, Loganair, Lufthansa, and charter partners Royal Caribbean, Travel Solutions and TUI.ADVERTISEMENT

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    Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong Regains Eight Michelin Stars in Culinary Triumph

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    HACIENDA DEL CONDE MELIÁ COLLECTION JOINS SMALL LUXURY HOTELS OF THE WORLD More

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    BACCARAT HOTEL & RESIDENCES MALDIVES SET TO OPEN IN 2027

    SH Hotels & Resorts, the hospitality management company founded by visionary Barry Sternlicht, Chairman and CEO of Starwood Capital Group, today announced plans to redefine luxury and sophistication in the Maldives with the forthcoming debut of Baccarat Hotel & Residences Maldives in 2027.Spanning five interconnected islands across more than 111 acres in the South Malé Atoll, this one-of-a-kind resort will set a new standard of unprecedented luxury in one of the world’s most coveted travel destinations.
    “We are excited to unveil Baccarat Hotel & Residences Maldives, which fuses the timeless elegance and modern sophistication of the House of Baccarat, the legendary 260-year-old crystal brand, with the Maldives, a location that is synonymous with paradise,” says Sternlicht. “In crafting this extraordinary retreat, we aim not just to create a place to stay, but to curate an experience that celebrates the essence of luxury living with the breathtaking backdrop of the Maldives.”
    “Our debut in the Maldives marks an exhilarating milestone for the Baccarat brand,” says Raul Leal, CEO of SH Hotels & Resorts, the parent company of Baccarat Hotels & Resorts. “We are shaping a new identity in an already remarkable region, and we are confident that this property will define ultimate luxury in the Maldives.”
    “It’s with immense pride that we announce our collaboration with Baccarat Hotels, a revered name synonymous with luxury for over two and a half centuries, to realize our vision in the Maldives,” says Tristan Parker, Director – Development of MDC Investments LLC, a sister company of Madevco Holdings Limited (ADGM). “This partnership marks an exciting chapter as we become part of the brand’s legacy, introducing the inaugural Baccarat branded hotel and residences in Asia Pacific.”
    Located a short boat journey away (30 minutes) from Malé‘s Velana International Airport, the resort will be partially wrapped around its own shallow-water lagoon and reef system and will offer more than 50 hotel villas and 53 private residences for sale. Crafted by HKS (an award-winning global architecture firm) with interiors by 1508 London (renowned for its commitment to creating bespoke, luxurious, and innovative designs), Baccarat Hotel & Residences Maldives will seamlessly blend contemporary elegance with tropical sophistication.ADVERTISEMENTThe resort will feature a diverse array of accommodations, from one- to three-bedroom hotel villas—each with their own private pool—to private residences with unparalleled levels of luxury living overlooking the lagoon or the pristine beachfront. For a more expansive retreat, there are lavish six- and seven-bedroom mansions on a secluded peninsula. The eight- and nine-bedroom Private Islands—intimate escapes surrounded by the spectacular beauty of the Maldives—offer the pinnacle of luxury and exclusivity.
    Guests will revel in the finest dining experiences befitting of the esteemed Baccarat Hotels brand, including specialty restaurants run by some of the world’s top chefs. Beyond the gastronomic indulgences, Baccarat Hotel & Residences Maldives promises a lifestyle of luxury and artistic expression with curated retail spaces, a Baccarat-themed crystal garden, an outdoor cinema under the stars, an art gallery and event space featuring work from world-famous artists, and more. Sporting enthusiasts will delight in all the offerings, including a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, traditional Maldivian fishing excursions, and snorkeling amid the island’s vibrant marine life.
    For guests seeking tranquility and rejuvenation, there will be a meticulously crafted wellness spa. In this oasis, guests can indulge in a variety of signature treatments, ranging from therapeutic massages to rejuvenating facials to hydrotherapy circuits in expertly designed plunge pools. The wellness spa will be complemented by dedicated yoga pavilions and a cutting-edge gym.
    Above all, the resort will also have a commitment to sustainability and conservation, from a turtle rehabilitation center to eco-friendly initiatives that allow guests to connect with the natural beauty of the Maldives in a responsible and meaningful way.
    Baccarat Hotel & Residences Maldives will be owned by Madevco Holdings Limited (ADGM) which exemplifies a commitment to building extraordinary residences that elevate lifestyles to unprecedented heights. Upon opening in 2027, Baccarat Hotel & Residences Maldives will mark a new milestone in luxury hospitality, combining elegance, sophistication, and unforgettable experiences.

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    Marriott Bonvoy and BetMGM Unlock a New World of “Play, Earn, Stay”

    Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program, and BetMGM, a leading sports betting and iGaming operator, today launched an unprecedented rewards collaboration in the online sports betting and iGaming industry, giving fans an extra stake in the game.
    Players in licensed states can link their Marriott Bonvoy and BetMGM accounts and earn BetMGM Rewards points when they wager using the BetMGM sports betting app or play at the award-winning online casino. They can then exchange BetMGM Rewards points for Marriott Bonvoy points, up to 100,000 points annually, which they can then use to redeem extraordinary experiences, including future free nights with Marriott Bonvoy’s more than 30 hotel brands and 10,000 destinations globally.
    “The collaboration with Marriott Bonvoy is a monumental differentiator for us,” said BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt. “This partnership will extend our brand to millions of potential new customers while offering our players the unique benefit of utilizing their gameplay to tap into the world of Marriott Bonvoy’s unrivaled portfolio of experiences.”
    BetMGM offers a seamless user interface to earn BetMGM Rewards points and then transfer those points for Marriott Bonvoy points through the app’s rewards store. Linked accounts will have access to participate in exclusive games, experiences, and offers on the BetMGM platform. Marriott Bonvoy members and BetMGM users can link accounts through the BetMGM website, mobile app, or BetMGM Rewards store by accessing Account Details within their profile and following the prompts under ‘My Rewards’. Detailed instructions are available here. https://help.marriott.com/s/article/Article-36147
    “This landmark collaboration between Marriott Bonvoy and BetMGM goes beyond hospitality and gaming, unlocking new opportunities for members to ignite their passions and deepen connections with the people and places they love,” said Peggy Roe, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer, Marriott International. “We are excited to welcome BetMGM members with more global access to more than 30 hotel brands,10,000 locations and a growing portfolio of exclusive and curated member experiences including sports, music, art, and culinary events around the world.” ADVERTISEMENTIn celebration of the launch, Marriott Bonvoy and BetMGM are planning to take one lucky member and up to three friends to Los Angeles for an unrivaled trip curated by basketball superstar Blake Griffin. Eligible members who link their accounts between March 18 – April 8, 2024 may enter for the opportunity to win the “Ultimate LA Getaway” sweepstakes where they’ll discover the city where Griffin started his acclaimed career and have a one-on-one golf experience alongside Griffin. The weekend includes roundtrip airfare, a three-night stay at the Santa Monica Proper Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels and Marriott Bonvoy participating hotel, and a packed itinerary with stops at Griffin’s favorite restaurants and box seats to a comedy show. For more details on the sweepstakes including Terms and Conditions, visit BetMGM.com. 
    This announcement follows the launch of MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy, the new brand offering created by MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) and Marriott International (Nasdaq: MAR). Marriott Bonvoy members can now book reservations and earn and redeem points at MGM Collection’s 16 iconic hotel and resort destinations in Las Vegas and beyond via Marriott.com and the Marriott Bonvoy app. Newly launched Marriott Bonvoy Moments® inspired by MGM Collection – from curating the production of the legendary Bellagio fountain show to getting unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to four iconic Cirque du Soleil productions – will transform a stay into a once-in-a-lifetime memory.
    As BetMGM continues to evolve and grow into new jurisdictions, responsible gaming education remains a key focus. BetMGM is proud to provide resources to help customers play responsibly including GameSense, an industry leading program, developed and licensed to MGM Resorts by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation. Through the integration within BetMGM’s mobile and desktop platforms, customers can receive the same GameSense experience they have grown to rely on at MGM Resorts properties nationwide. This complements BetMGM’s already existing responsible gambling tools which serve to provide customers with an entertaining and safe digital experience.
    BetMGM’s industry-leading sports betting app now features expanded pre-game and live betting options, and its award-winning online casino available in New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Ontario is home to over 3,600 titles and one of the largest state-by-state exclusive jackpot networks.
    BetMGM operates in 29 markets across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico and is accessible on both iOS and Android. For more information, follow @BetMGM on X. To learn more about Marriott Bonvoy’s travel marketplace offering access to more than 30 hotel brands, 10,000 destinations and endless experiences, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

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    AdventureSmith Explorations Unveils Insider Tips for Securing Affordable Arctic Expedition Deals

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    AdventureSmith Explorations Unveils Insider Tips for Securing Affordable Arctic Expedition Deals

    AdventureSmith Explorations’ small-ship adventure cruise experts offer cost-cutting tips to get the most value from popular Arctic trips and ships.
    With its unique history of expeditionary exploration, the Arctic has long been known as a destination that offers incomparable access to distinct wildlife and remote wilderness experiences. For those who want to get the most value from Arctic travel, AdventureSmith Explorations, the leader in small-ship adventure cruising, offers tips on how to get the best deals on an Arctic expedition.
    “There is no doubt the Arctic is a hot destination right now. We have already booked more travelers into 2024 Arctic expeditions than we did in 2023, and sailings don’t even begin in the region until April,” said Todd Smith, AdventureSmith Explorations founder and president. “Capacity has also increased in the Arctic with more expedition ships offering itineraries there. In fact, our Arctic expedition cruise itineraries have increased by 48% since 2019, giving travelers even more options when considering where to go and what to do.”
    How to Save Without Sacrificing the ExperienceGetting the best deal on an Arctic cruise is possible if you know what to keep in mind. Here are some of AdventureSmith’s “expert picks” for finding cost savings on Arctic expeditions:• Don’t count out higher-tier cabins before talking to AdventureSmith’s travel experts, who have been able to get travelers booked into higher-end cabins for the same amount, or less, than lower cabin categories due to higher percentage discounts occasionally offered on suites.• Traveling with others? Choose a triple or quad cabin for the lowest per-person price.• Consider where you stay on the ship. Cabins on the lowest deck with portholes often are most affordable. As an example, booking a Lower Deck Porthole cabin aboard the 128-guest Ocean Adventurer’s Introduction to Spitsbergen 10-day expedition can save travelers more than $700 versus a cabin on the Main Deck.• Traveling solo and want your own cabin? Look to options that have dedicated solo cabins that don’t require payment of a single supplement.• Always review inclusions and exclusions to factor in the total trip cost. Flights, plus hotel stays on the front and back end of a trip, can significantly add to the price of a trip.• To cut down total costs, consider a simpler itinerary that has the same embarkation and disembarkation point. An example offering great value is the 11-day Iceland Circumnavigation round-trip from Reykjavik that currently includes an offer of up to 15% off and a $1,500 air credit.• Book early for the best selection of ships, cabins and routes. You can often save with early booking deals and more readily find flight deals.• Leverage AdventureSmith’s team of experts to be on the lookout for Arctic cruise deals and “expert picks” related to best value, views from the ship, access and experiences.
    “In the Arctic, special charter flights can often be wrapped into expedition rates,” continued Smith. “An example of this would be the Svalbard In Depth expedition. In 2025, its inclusions change significantly with the addition of a charter flight and Oslo hotel into the base rate. In this case, the best value is to book a 2024 date unless the ease of those inclusions is preferred.”ADVERTISEMENTWhen to Book & GoThe region is vast, so when to go depends a lot on your preferred route and travel interests. A general tip is to book now and travel soon. May and June are often the best months to view polar bears on Svalbard cruises due to the abundant polar ice. A full circumnavigation of Spitsbergen is likely not possible, but early-season voyages often provide the best chance to see large ice floes and view wildlife.
    July and August are generally the warmest months to visit, with temperatures averaging in the mid40s. Greenland cruises and Arctic Svalbard cruises sail at this time not only for the weather but also because the sea ice is more broken up making land access increasingly possible. Ships have the ability to cover more territory and access less-explored regions during this time of year.
    In September and October, sailings are more limited, but nights are dark enough to witness the Northern Lights.
    AdventureSmith Explorations is currently offering up to 40% off select Greenland and Svalbard expedition cruises, and up to 15% off plus a $1,500 air credit on select Arctic expeditions booked by March 31.
    Learn more about the Arctic cruises offered by AdventureSmith Explorations, view current Arctic cruise deals, or contact their team of experts to find the best Arctic cruise deal at adventuresmithexplorations.com.

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    FlightsChannel Extends Business Class Discounts to Spanish-Speaking Travelers

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    FlightsChannel Extends Business Class Discounts to Spanish-Speaking Travelers

    FlightsChannel is online to help you with booking your flights to domestic and international destinations. They offer flights in all available cabins including economy, premium economy, business, and first class. They have recently come up with an offer for their passengers interested in Business class flights (Vuelos en clase ejecutiva). You just need to call them and mention the coupon code FCBUSINESS to avail of discounts of up to 25 percent on air ticket prices. This discount has been offered keeping their customers in Latin America in mind, who will be looking for cheaper alternatives for their flights.
    The amount you pay for airfare varies from one cabin to another. The seats in economy cabins are the cheapest and the ones in first class are the most expensive. In the middle, there are the business class seats. Business class and first class seats are not offered by low-cost airlines and these are available more on international routes than on domestic routes. There will be flights with business class seats but no first class seats which are much more expensive, so the airlines use their aircraft with these seats when they believe there will be enough passengers interested in them, like those over long-haul routes.
    The business class seats have most of the comforts that are offered in the first-class cabin. Usually, the air ticket cost will include baggage charges and you will have larger allowances for these. You will have large comfortable seats which can be extended into comfortable beds. You will have more attention from flight attendants with fewer seats in the cabin and you will be offered a menu to choose what you would like for meals and beverages. This also means that these don’t come cheap. So, FlightsChannel has come up with this discount offer, so you can experience this fine way of flying without paying excessively.
    Every time you plan a trip, you will find that the flights eat up a large part of your planned budget. So, if you can get your flights for less, you will have more to spend on other activities and items. It is widely believed that you will reach your destination more relaxed and refreshed when traveling in this cabin than in the cheaper ones. As the name suggests these seats are booked more by those in big business, as they will have the funds to afford these. Here they are lowering the rates through discounts so more of you can afford them.
    FlightsChannel has been in the air ticket-selling business for a few years and they know that most customers will prefer to fly for less, no matter what they can afford. They recently launched their Spanish site and these discounts can be considered as introductory offers for those who are using their website for the first time. Though their regular customers too can enjoy the benefits of this offer.ADVERTISEMENT

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    Carlton Hotel Singapore Receives Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Certification

    Carlton Hotel Singapore is excited to announce its recent achievements, having attained certification to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Industry Criteria for Hotels and Accommodation. This certification demonstrates its unwavering commitment to sustainable practices, aligning with Singapore’s sustainability roadmap. Additionally, the hotel has received the prestigious title of ‘Best Luxury Business Hotel in Singapore’ by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2024, recognising its dedication to excellence in service and creating memorable experiences for guests. These accolades mark a significant milestone for Carlton Hotel Singapore’s ongoing efforts to excel in sustainability and deliver unparalleled hospitality experiences.
    The GSTC Industry Criteria for Hotels was established to champion the best sustainable tourism practices, focusing on effective sustainability management, mitigating environmental impact, maximising social and economic benefits for the local community, and enriching cultural heritage. Through obtaining this certification, Carlton Hotel Singapore showcases its continual efforts to curtail carbon emissions, prioritise sustainable management practices, and champion innovative solutions.
    “We are delighted to be recognised as one of Singapore’s latest GSTC-certified hotels. This certification marks the beginning of our sustainability journey,” said Mr Darren Ware, General Manager of Carlton Hotel Singapore. “We understand that sustainability is an ongoing endeavour requiring collaboration between the public and the hotel. We are committed to elevating sustainability standards and contributing to Singapore’s transition towards becoming a greener city that welcomes visitors from around the world.”
    To preserve cultural heritage in Singapore and enhance the guest experience, Carlton Hotel Singapore has launched #carltonexplores, inviting guests to explore nearby places of interest and engage with the local community. Guests are encouraged to share their experiences on Instagram with the hashtag #carltonexplores to win a staycation at Carlton Hotel Singapore, including exclusive access to the Premier Club Lounge.
    In addition to its sustainability efforts, Carlton Hotel Singapore has received the prestigious ‘Best Luxury Business Hotel in Singapore’ award at the Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2024. This accolade reflects the hotel’s ongoing dedication to excellence in service and creating memorable travel experiences for guests.ADVERTISEMENTAs Carlton Hotel Singapore continues its journey towards sustainability, it remains steadfast in leading the way toward responsible tourism practices and contributing to the preservation of Singapore’s cultural heritage.

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    The Chelsea Townhouse Announces Its Entry Into the Prestigious Relais & Châteaux Collection

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    Vermelho Melides, Christian Louboutin’s first hospitality project to join Relais & Châteaux

    Vermelho Melides, Christian Louboutin’s first hospitality project, is excited to join Relais & Châteaux’s handpicked collection of unique and independent hotels across the world.
    Opened in April 2023, Vermelho is an intimate 13-room hotel set in the village of Melides, deep in Portugal’s Alentejo region. Louboutin, who has a long-standing admiration for Portugal and the area, has spent many weeks designing his collections in the country inspired by the unique light and culture of the people. The name Vermelho, meaning red in Portuguese, is the perfect homage to his signature colour and the design is a tribute to the unique natural beauty and heritage of the region.
    The traditional sky-blue property is decorated with ceramics by sculptor Giuseppe Ducrot and features interiors that are both baroque and joyful, with décor designed by Madalena Caiado. Typically Portuguese, but inspired by Louboutin’s favourite colour, the red tiles lining the floor of the bar come from the famed Azulejos de Azeitao ceramic factory. The hotel’s 13 rooms and suites are decorated with furniture, antiques and objects taken from Louboutin’s own private collection, and most have their own terrace opening onto the garden and swimming pool. The Xtian restaurant serves tasty, bistro-inspired Portuguese cuisine using artisanal ingredients.
    Established 70 years ago, Relais & Châteaux is an association of 580 hotels and restaurants across 65 countries, owned and operated by independent entrepreneurs who are passionate about their craft and committed to forging long lasting relationships with their guest. Members protect and promote the wealth and diversity of the world’s culinary and hospitality traditions, to ensure they continue to thrive. The full list of the 12 new properties joining Relais & Châteaux’s collection can be found here. https://www.relaischateaux.com/us/magazine/the-concierge/news/new-properties-march-2024
    Rates from 400 Euros including breakfast https://www.vermelhohotel.com/ADVERTISEMENT

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    Munich Airport Emerges as Freight Transport Hub Amidst German Decline

    Munich Airport can look back on a successful year in air freight in 2023. According to data from the German Airports Association (ADV), Munich Airport was the only major German airport to record growth in freight transportation in 2023. With a volume of 284,000 tons, the airport registered a year-on-year increase of 6.6%, while the total volume in Germany fell by 7.1%.
    A significant share of this increase is attributable to belly cargo, i.e., goods transported in the cargo hold of passenger aircraft, which grew by as much as 11% at Munich Airport. The direct connections to China, which were resumed in the middle of last year, the new route to Bangalore in southern India, and the four weekly flights to Taipei have also been very well received, especially by the healthy Bavarian export industry.
    Freight volumes continue to soar in 2024: Compared with the same month of the previous year, freight volume increased by 6.5% in January and 10.8% in February. Overall, the volume of freight at Munich Airport is now back to almost 90% of the pre-pandemic level.
    The availability of freight capacity will continue to increase this year. New routes to Seattle, Johannesburg, and Vietnam, as well as additional flights on the schedule – including to Beijing and Osaka – offer industrial and logistics companies in the service area of Munich Airport additional opportunities to transport cargo directly via Munich.
    Munich Airport’s cargo area is particularly appealing with fast turnaround times due to its efficient infrastructure, which enables goods to be transported to the aircraft quickly thanks to short distances. This infrastructure continues to grow: DHL Express plans to open a new building for freight handling in the summer. The airport also has plenty of space for future expansion in the cargo area.ADVERTISEMENT

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