More stories

  • in

    Finnair purchases largest ever batch of sustainable aviation fuel to support carbon neutrality goal

    Finnair is increasing the use of sustainable aviation fuel as part of its goal to reduce carbon emissions from flying. Finnair has purchased 750 tons of sustainable aviation fuel from its partner Neste for use on flights departing from Helsinki Airport.
    Finnair’s customers are also involved in reducing carbon dioxide emissions from flights: a small part of the price of each flight ticket is directed to the costs of using sustainable aviation fuel.
    Finnair aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, and sustainable aviation fuel is one of the most essential tools for reducing air travel emissions in the coming years. Using Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%* over the fuel’s life cycle compared to using fossil jet fuel. The fuel volume now purchased is Finnair’s largest single batch of sustainable aviation fuel purchased to date. The SAF will be delivered by Neste to Helsinki Airport in early 2023. The 750 tons of SAF corresponds to approximately 400 flights between Helsinki and Stockholm using unblended, 100% SAF.
    “Finnair celebrates its 100th anniversary this year and reducing emissions from flying is essential to a sustainable future. In the coming years, sustainable aviation fuel will be one of the most important tools for reducing aviation-related emissions. We also involve our customers in this, and a small part of every flight ticket sold goes to the cost of sustainable aviation fuel,” says Eveliina Huurre, Finnair’s SVP, Sustainability. “In addition, customers can reduce the emissions of flying by using our carbon offsetting service, which combines SAF purchases and certified offsetting projects.”
    “Finnair was one of the first airlines using our Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel and we have been working together for a long time,” says Jonathan Wood, Vice President Commercial and Technical Development, Renewable Aviation at Neste. “SAF is the most effective tool currently available to reduce the emissions of air travel and it is great to see Finnair taking the initiative to voluntarily purchase our SAF as part of their sustainability commitments and creating awareness among their customers on how these can play a role in creating a more sustainable future for aviation, too”ADVERTISEMENTIncreasing the use of SAF will increase the airline’s costs, as SAF is clearly more expensive than fossil fuel. Finnair is preparing for this by allocating a small portion of each flight ticket sold, about 20 cents per ticket, to the cost of sustainable aviation fuel. This share may be higher in the future as the operating obligations imposed on airlines increase the use of SAF.
    Finnair also encourages its customers to reduce the carbon emissions of their flights through their actions: since spring 2022, Finnair has offered its customers the opportunity to reduce the emissions of flying by combining sustainable aviation fuels and certified emission reduction projects. The service operates on the website of Finnair’s partner Chooose.
    Sustainable aviation fuel
    SAF is a renewable aviation fuel providing a more sustainable alternative to conventional, fossil-based jet fuel. Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel is produced from sustainably sourced, 100% renewable waste and residue raw materials, including used cooking oil and animal fat waste. Finnair is committed to the oneworld alliance’s aspiration of using 10% sustainable aviation fuel by 2030 and will also participate in oneworld’s joint procurements in 2025-2032. The use of SAF will also be increased due to the upcoming EU obligation to use SAF.

    Older
    Shadi Suleman promoted to Senior General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Doha

    Newer
    Munich Airport to welcome new airline and routes for summer 2023 schedule More

  • in

    Shadi Suleman promoted to Senior General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Doha

    Four Seasons Hotel Doha announces the promotion of Shadi Suleman to Senior General Manager. In his new role, he will continue to oversee Four Seasons Hotel Doha and have additional oversight of the upcoming Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl-Qatar.“It is with great pride that we share the news of Shadi’s promotion to Senior General Manager” says Simon Casson, President, Hotel Operations – Europe, Middle East and Africa for Four Seasons. “Beyond striving for perfection, Shadi’s exposure to numerous operations in the GCC and the Middle East, along with his pre-opening experience, will undoubtedly contribute to the further success of Four Seasons Hotel Doha and the highly anticipated debut of Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl–Qatar.”
    A veteran of more than 20 years with Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts, Shadi has worked his way up in the company. He started his career in August 2002 at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre as Front Office Manager. In the years since, he has risen through the ranks with increasing responsibilities and challenging new assignments. In 2005, he joined the pre-opening team at Four Seasons Hotel Damascus. In 2007, he joined another pre-opening mission for Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus. In 2008, he made the move to Four Seasons Hotel Doha as Director of Rooms where he advanced to Hotel Manager in 2013. His first General Manager position was at Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria, where he honed his leadership skills and oversaw the expansion and the renovation projects of the property.
    After achieving tremendous success on the Mediterranean, a move to Doha followed in 2021, where he was appointed to General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Doha. Since his return, Shadi has led many successful projects, including FIFA World Cup 2022 activations, the refurbishment of Library Lounge, as well as the opening of Curiosa by Jean-Georges, Makani Beach Club and Le Deli Robuchon coming soon. Moreover, his commitment to exceptional service and quality in employee and guest experience, reflected in the Hotel’s #1 Best Hotel in the Middle East and #5 in the World accolade by Conde Nast Traveler award in 2022.
    Moving forward, Shadi is dedicated to use his experience to overseeing the debut of Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl–Qatar and flourishing the identities of both Doha properties. “Four Seasons has been at the forefront of luxury hotel brands in Qatar and a market leader in the capital,” says Shadi. “With our growing portfolio in Doha, I look forward to working alongside General Manager Mehdi Zaanoun and our large family of professionals at The Pearl to position ourselves as the leader for resort guests and private residence owners.”

    Older
    Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane launches PupsYoga package with furry friends

    Newer
    Finnair purchases largest ever batch of sustainable aviation fuel to support carbon neutrality goal More

  • in

    Marriott Hotels and Manchester United offer Suite of Dreams contest

    Marriott Hotels® – part of Marriott Bonvoy’s® portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, along with Manchester United, one of the world’s most popular sports teams, are offering fans the chance to win an overnight stay at Old Trafford – an experience only made possible with Marriott Hotels and Manchester United. By entering the Marriott Hotels Suite of Dreams contest, fans will share their favorite part of a hotel stay – whether indulging in room service, unwinding with a spa treatment, or experiencing new cultures through the hotel’s art of hosting. The lucky fan and their guest will have the opportunity to wake up on matchday at Old Trafford, in the comfort of the Marriott Hotels’ M Club hospitality suite, which has been transformed into one of the brand’s guest rooms, overlooking the legendary pitch.
    The winner of the Marriott Hotels Suite of Dreams global sweepstakes will enjoy an extraordinary prize with an overnight stay the night before Manchester United’s Premier League home match against Aston Villa on April 30, 2023. Bringing signature Marriott Hotels experiences to Old Trafford, the winners will take part in several activities synonymous with the iconic hotel brand, in addition to behind-the-scenes stadium experiences. These include a night in the Suite with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the stadium and featuring the brand’s signature guest room elements including its premium bed experience; in-suite dining experiences; a private museum and stadium tour; interact with stadium announcer Alan Keegan; matchday tickets and hospitality; and mix and mingling with club legends throughout.“Collaborating with Manchester United to bring the Marriott Hotels experience inside Old Trafford is just one of the ways we enliven the extraordinary Marriott Bonvoy portfolio with the popular sports team,” said Brian Povinelli, Senior Vice President, Brand, Loyalty & Portfolio Marketing, Marriott International. “We’re excited to be creating the Marriott Hotels Suite of Dreams again in this iconic setting, giving a once-in-a-lifetime chance for the winner to wake up in the home of Manchester United and experience the wonderful hospitality of Marriott Hotels.”
    In its fourth year partnering with Manchester United, Marriott Bonvoy continues to offer exclusive access to football fans, travelers, and members of the award-winning travel program including:
    Marriott Bonvoy’s in-stadium ‘Seat of Dreams’Exclusive Marriott Bonvoy MomentsTM experiences for membersIn- and out of-stadium activations with Marriott Hotels, the flagship brand within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. This includes the M Club Suite at Old Trafford, designed in the style of the brand’s M Clubs, a dedicated space for Marriott Bonvoy members to relax and connect at Marriott Hotels around the worldAccess to interviews and one-on-one conversation with playersMarriott Bonvoy Moments are currently live through the end of the season, including an incredible “Play on the Pitch” experience where members can participate in a football match at Old Trafford Stadium coached by Manchester United Legends. Experiences for the 2023-2024 season will be released this summer on moments.marriottbonvoy.com.
    To enter, visit ManUtd.com/SuiteofDreams and complete a submission before 11:59 EST on April 6, 2023. See website for full terms and conditions.ADVERTISEMENT

    Older
    Steigenberger Icon Hotels welcome new managers: Guntram Weipert and Friedrich von Schönfeldt

    Newer
    IHG Hotels & Resorts opens Hotel Indigo Vancouver Downtown More

  • in

    Wolseley Hospitality Group brings European grand café tradition to Bangkok with pop-up Café Wolseley

    The Wolseley Hospitality Group, owner and operator of some of London’s best-loved restaurants including the famed The Wolseley on Piccadilly and The Delaunay in Aldwych, is bringing its distinguished European fare to Bangkok for a limited time.From 18 April 2023, Café Wolseley, the group’s first venture outside London and a reference to its London flagship, will delight Bangkok gastronomes and foodies in European grand café tradition when it opens at Madison Restaurant at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel for three months.
    The eatery combines British heritage with European grandeur and serves Wolseley classics together with new additions.  Diners can expect a menu brimming with classic European fare, from Dressed Dorset Crab of fresh picked English crab with brown crab mayonnaise and lemon; to The Wolseley’s Coq au Vin of five-day marinated, red wine braised chicken with pancetta, pearl onions and button mushrooms; and Crème Brûlée of muscovado caramelised set vanilla custard.
    Starter highlights include Petit Plateau de Fruits de Mer, a selection of oysters and shellfish from Rungis Market in Paris served on crushed ice with lemon and shallot vinegar; Steak Tartare of hand chopped rump steak enhanced with a spicy relish, cornichons, and capers; and Escargots à la Bourguignonne au Pastis of escargots in the shell, garlic, and parsley butter, finished with Pernod.
    A Wolseley menu staple of egg dishes include Omelette Arnold Bennett, a parmesan glazed flat omelette with smoked haddock, cream, and parmesan; and Soufflé Suisse, a twice cooked cheese soufflé with mushroom and parmesan cream sauce and chives.On the main course menu, classic dishes from Scotland to England and from Germany to Hungary include Goulash and Spätzle, a diced beef casserole with pancetta, peppers, tomato and hot paprika, finished with sour cream and gherkins; Pan-roast Fillet of Loch Duart Salmon, a Scottish salmon fillet pan-roasted in the oven with wilted spinach and a lobster bisque sauce; Wiener Holstein, a pork schnitzel with a fried egg, anchovies and a lemon and caper butter; and Whole Native Lobster, a steamed whole English lobster with sea vegetables, parsley butter and medium cut chips.
    The sweet course is deliciously presented with classic Apple Strudle of spiced apples and dried fruits encased in filo pastry with a calvados cream; Mixed Berry Pavlova of light and chewy meringue filled with fresh seasonal berries with a strawberry compote, strawberry purée, and whipped cream; and Coupe Lucian of pistachio, hazelnut and almond nougatine ice creams, whipped cream, and butterscotch sauce.ADVERTISEMENTCafé Wolseley in Bangkok is helmed by chef David Stevens, Group Executive Chef at The Wolseley Hospitality Group and former Head Chef at The Wolseley in London.  The native Australian’s illustrious culinary career took him from Michelin-starred establishments including Fleur de Sel in England; Chateau de Montreuil in France; and Dolder Grand in Switzerland to The Ivy in London before starting his own business, Proof is in the Pudding.  Stevens joined The Wolseley in London in 2013 as Head Pastry Chef before becoming Head Chef in 2017.
    Café Wolseley is located in the Parichart Court at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel and is open Monday through Saturday for lunch from 12h00 to 14h30 and for dinner from 18h00 to 22h30, and on Sundays for dinner from 18h00 to 22h30.  For more information or to make a reservation, contact Anantara Siam on telephone 02 431 9497 or email [email protected]

    Older
    Tivoli Hotels & Resorts opens historic Amsterdam property with views of Rembrandt’s ‘The Night Watch

    Newer
    Steigenberger Icon Hotels welcome new managers: Guntram Weipert and Friedrich von Schönfeldt More

  • in

    ENNISMORE ANNOUNCES MONDRIAN ABU DHABI – THE BRAND’S FIRST LOCATION IN THE UAE, OPENING IN 2024

    Ennismore, the fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company, today announces it will open Mondrian Abu Dhabi, the brand’s first project in the United Arab Emirates, in collaboration with Al Hazoom Group.Opening in 2024 and located in the city’s bustling downtown area alongside the Abu Dhabi canal, Mondrian Abu Dhabi will be a spectacular hotel providing waterfront views overlooking both Reem Island and Maryah Island and direct views of the city skyline. The project has already broken ground and will join the Mondrian portfolio of seven operating hotels.
    The new Mondrian Abu Dhabi will feature 221 rooms and 80 serviced apartments, as well as six unique food and beverage venues, a ballroom, four meeting rooms, a spa, a swimming pool, a kid’s club, a retail area, and world-class fitness area, making it a welcomed addition to Abu Dhabi’s buzzing city-center. Mondrian Abu Dhabi will offer a chic crystal-clear lagoon where guests can enjoy a beverage while soaking in the sun. The lagoon will boast vast ocean views and feature an infinity pool design, lounges, and daybeds surrounding the water’s edge. 
    Designed by award-winning interior architect Tristan Du Plessis, Mondrian Abu Dhabi will be as fantastical as it is timelessly imaginative and inviting. It will expertly capture the clean and contemporary aesthetic of the Middle East while seamlessly integrating the warmth and comfort embedded in the DNA of all Mondrian properties. A short distance from the city’s most popular destinations, including The Corniche, Abu Dhabi Mall, The Galleria, and the Sorbonne University, the property will be surrounded by many leisure and cultural attractions, making it an idyllic destination for discerning business travelers and tourists.
    The Chairman of Al Hazoom Group said, “It is with immense pride and excitement that we align our vision with Ennismore to introduce the first Mondrian hotel in the United Arab Emirates. We are honored to have the opportunity to contribute our unique establishment to Abu Dhabi’s thriving cultural scene while keeping to Mondrian’s iconic aesthetics. Mondrian Abu Dhabi embodies bold, contemporary design and will be host to some of the most discerning culinary and culture-seekers from all over the world.”
    Chadi Farhat, Brand Chief Operating Officer of Mondrian at Ennismore, said, “We are very proud to collaborate with Al Hazoom Group to bring the iconic Mondrian brand to Abu Dhabi in this breathtaking waterfront location. Mondrian Abu Dhabi will undoubtedly become one of the most sought-after destinations for lifestyle, hospitality, culinary, and mixology experiences for locals and travelers alike. With an imaginative design by Tristan Du Pleiss, Mondrian Abu Dhabi will certainly be a feast for the senses.”ADVERTISEMENTWith the success of SLS Dubai, Hyde Dubai, and 25hours Hotel One Central – and the upcoming opening of SO/ Uptown Dubai – Ennismore further solidifies its reputation as a leader in lifestyle hospitality across the United Arab Emirates. In 2023, Ennismore is set to open 30 hotels globally, including Maison Delano Paris, France; Mama Shelter, Rennes, France; SO/ Uptown Dubai, UAE; 21C Museum Hotel St. Louis, USA; TRIBE Bangkok, Thailand; Mondrian Singapore, Singapore; The Hoxton, Charlottenburg, Germany and Mondrian and Hyde Ibiza, Spain.

    Older
    Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and FTI GROUP strike landmark agreement More

  • in

    COSTA PRESENTS C|CLUB 2023 CRUISES

    Costa Cruises presents the C|Club 2023 cruises, two unique event-cruises with a programme of activities designed exclusively for members of the Italian company’s loyalty programme.These two cruises are already special from the itineraries: fourteen days on board of Costa Favolosa in June discovering the most beautiful destinations in Norway, to the legendary Lofoten Islands, illuminated by the midnight sun, and in September among the colours, scents and flavours of Tunisia and Morocco. The first departure is scheduled for 25 June, the second for 23 September 2023.
    The programme of activities for C|Club members includes exclusive gastronomic experiences, new excursions, shows, themed parties, surprises, as well as special guests.
    On the first of the two cruises, bound for Norway, chefs Bruno Barbieri and Ángel León, who together with Hélène Darroze sign Costa Cruises’ gastronomic excellence, will be on board the Costa Favolosa, starring in show cooking and demonstrations, with dishes never offered before. In particular, Ángel León will focus on cuisine linked to the sea, while Bruno Barbieri on how to propose a more sustainable cuisine, avoiding waste. Other taste-related events will be dedicated to specific on-board gastronomic proposals and the discovery of local culinary traditions.
    Every evening there will be a party on board, with great shows and performances by internationally renowned artists. For example, the dIRE sTRATO cover band will offer a musical journey through the atmosphere and sound of the legendary British rock band Dire Straits.  Then, the cruise will propose theme parties and fun competitions between guests.
    The itinerary of this first C|Club cruise heads north to discover the wonders of Norway: spectacular fjords, villages nestled between green mountains and blue sea, and the picturesque Lofoten Islands. Beautiful destinations, illuminated by the unique phenomenon of the midnight sun, when the light never sets. To discover the traditions of these locations and experience them like a true “local”, new shore excursions have been specially designed. And on board, a travel expert will reveal to guests many curiosities and anecdotes to “taste” each visit.The experiences that will be offered to C|Club members are truly unique: in Stavanger the most inaccessible fjords can be explored by speedboat; Lofoten can be discovered by kayak in the evening, with the sun still high; from Åndalsnes one can choose a tour to an alpine hut to taste typical Norwegian products; in Trondheim it can be experienced a “Viking’s day”.ADVERTISEMENTThe programme of C|Club 2023 cruises on board of Costa Favolosa will be further enriched with surprises, new activities and exceptional guests. In particular, the second of the two cruises, in September, will set off to discover the most beautiful and characteristic cities of the western Mediterranean, with two unmissable destinations, Morocco and Tunisia, for a real journey of the senses. Among the planned calls are Tunis, Tangier, and Casablanca, which – with a call of a day and a half – will lead to Marrakech. And then Cartagena, Malaga, Cadiz, Barcelona, Marseilles, Savona, Civitavecchia/Rome, and Palermo, among cities of art, ancient ruins, beaches, colourful markets, traditions, and spicy flavours.
    To stay up-to-date on C|Club 2023 cruises, just visit the Costa Cruises websites. Bookings are available in travel agencies or also through the Costa Cruises websites. To participate in the members-only programme, all you need to do is register for the C|Club before making your reservation, via a special section of the Costa Cruises websites.
    Costa Favolosa C|CLUB 2023 Itinerary – 25 June 2023Ijumiden (The Netherlands), navigation, Stavanger (Norway), Molde (Norway), Andalsnes (Norway), sailing, Bodo (Norway), Narvik (Norway), Leknes (Norway) with one-and-a-half day call, navigation, Trondheim (Norway), Maloy (Norway), sailing, Bremerhaven (Germany), Ijumiden (The Netherlands).
    Costa Favolosa C|CLUB 2023 Itinerary – 23 September 2023Savona (Italy), Civitavecchia/Rome (Italy), Palermo (Italy), Tunis, navigation, Cartagena (Spain), Tangier (Morocco), Casablanca (Morocco) with one and a half day call, Cadiz (Spain), Malaga (Spain), navigation, Barcelona (Spain), Marseille (France), Savona (Italy).

    Older
    New research from ABTA shows demand for foreign holidays is back to pre-pandemic levels

    Newer
    Norwegian announces routes for the winter season 2023-2024 More

  • in

    New research from ABTA shows demand for foreign holidays is back to pre-pandemic levels

    New figures from ABTA – The Travel Association show that 62% of people have been on a foreign holiday since the lifting of the UK’s COVID travel restrictions1.
    Today marks 12 months since the UK Government lifted the UK’s remaining travel restrictions on 18 March 2022. The change on this date meant that all travellers, regardless of vaccination status, no longer needed to take any tests or complete any forms on their return to the UK – making it easier and cheaper for UK holidaymakers returning from an overseas break.
    The new data also show that the demand for travel is now back in line with pre-pandemic levels and is a huge bounce back from the lows of 16% in 2021 when travel was at its most restricted because of measures to control the pandemic2.
    Many of ABTA’s tour operator and travel agent members are reporting record-breaking sales since the start of the year. ABTA’s latest data, which show two-thirds (65%) of people are planning to go on holiday abroad in the next 12 months, indicate that this buoyant demand is set to edge further upward, with more than a third (37%) of people having already booked a break3.
    ABTA says there has been a ‘freedom factor’ driving the return of travel which perhaps explains why, despite the cost-of-living challenges, people are still keen to book a foreign trip. ABTA’s new survey suggests that, for the majority of people, holidays are the ‘non-essential’ item they want to prioritise this year, with 54% saying they’ll cut back on other non-essential costs so they can still afford to go on holiday4.ADVERTISEMENTA strong travel and tourism sector is highly beneficial to the wider UK economy. ABTA research finds that international travel has the potential to lead the UK’s economic recovery, with the outbound sector expected to grow 15% by 2027, outperforming the wider UK economy5.
    Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive said: 
    “What a difference a year makes. One of the sectors hardest hit by the pandemic is now back, and in a big way, with demand for travel reaching pre-pandemic levels.
    “Both our research and reports of strong booking levels from our members show that holidays remain a spending priority for the year ahead, despite the current squeeze on finances. On the whole, people are preferring to adapt their travel plans rather than scrap them entirely, primarily by going all-inclusive, booking early, or holidaying outside of busy periods.
    “A clear focus for the sector will be to continue the recovery by building a more sustainable industry, ensuring people and communities gain the economic and social positives it brings while addressing environmental challenges. Government support in this area will be critical in helping with hard to tackle issues such as decarbonising aviation.”
    (1, 3, & 4) ABTA consumer sentiment research, conducted in February 2023 by Savanta (www.savanta.com) with a nationally representative sample of 2,000 consumers.
    (5) Source is ABTA’s joint report with UKInbound, International Travel: Powering the UK economy, which outlines the value of international travel to the UK economy in terms of supporting jobs, economic contributions and taxes paid to HM Treasury.

    Older
    JetBlue Sets Plan for 200 Daily Flights at Orlando International Airport

    Newer
    COSTA PRESENTS C|CLUB 2023 CRUISES More

  • in

    New rail service between Belgium and France

    Belgium’s Lineas and DFDS are joining forces to transport containers and trailers from the port of Gothenburg via Ghent at North Sea Port on rail to Lyon – and vice versa. It will create a connection between Sweden, Belgium, and France.DFDS transports cargo between the port of Gothenburg six times a week and its terminal at Ghent’s Sifferdok. This short sea service now connects with the intermodal train between Ghent and the Port Edouard Hérriot in Lyon. At the start, this train from Europe’s largest private rail freight operator, Lineas, runs three times a week. Starting in June, the frequency will be increased to five trips weekly.
    450 trains per year
    The shift of this cargo transport from road to rail between Ghent and the important industrial region of Lyon accounts for 450 trains per year and 800 trailers/containers.
    Multimodal port North Sea Port
    North Sea Port continues building on a sustainable multimodal port with this low-emission rail freight. “With the combined transport between Gothenburg, Ghent and Lyon, North Sea Port manages further to strengthen itself as a multimodal port in Western Europe,” said Daan Schalck, CEO of North Sea Port. Especially since cargo arrives in Ghent by road, seagoing vessel and barge from Antwerp, Rotterdam and Moerdijk.ADVERTISEMENT

    Older
    Emirates embraces the spirit of the Holy Month with a thoughtful passenger journey

    Newer
    TOURISM GROWTH CONTINUES FOR RAS AL KHAIMAH More