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      IHG® Hotels & Resorts opens new beachfront hotel, voco Dubai The Palm

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      IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies with more than 6,000 hotels, is making waves with the opening of voco Dubai The Palm, a brand-new beachfront hotel situated on the iconic Palm Jumeirah.The 138-room voco Dubai The Palm is located on the picturesque shores of Palm Jumeirah’s West Beach, offering guests direct access to the West Beach Promenade, only a few steps away from the majestic waters of the Arabian Gulf. Visitors looking to soak up the sun can also indulge in the ultimate beach getaway at the hotel’s private beach.
      The rooftop pool and Mediterranean lounge bar, Frenia, are a highlight of the hotel allowing guests to indulge in a slice of ‘voco life’, lounging by the pool with snacks and barista brews. Set to open in early April, Frenia, will transform the rooftop as the sun sets, providing sundowner aficionados breathtaking views of the sea and Ain Dubai (the world’s biggest and tallest Ferris wheel).
      The hotel’s all-day dining venue Maison Mathis opens this month. The restaurant is inspired by the best European cuisine with a special focus on the rich heritage of Belgian food culture. With dishes made using only the freshest and finest ingredients, visitors can expect a truly authentic and unforgettable dining experience. Diners looking to savor the taste of the ocean can indulge in a rich Sea bass fillet – a dish carefully seasoned and grilled to perfection – as well as mouthwatering sea food linguini, packed with flavourful clams, shrimp, bisque, and fresh calamari.
      Guests looking to maintain their fitness routine can access the 24-hour fitness centre full of natural light. Business travellers can also take advantage of the hotel’s day-lit meeting rooms, perfect for exclusive business meetings and discussions.
      voco Dubai The Palm is also committed to working towards a sustainable future by reducing its environmental footprint. The hotel boasts an innovative sustainable water system, duvets made of recycled plastic, and aerated showers to reduce water usage, all industry-leading initiatives.ADVERTISEMENTvoco Hotels is one of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ 18 distinct brands and focuses on offering guests an unstuffy and charming experience, combining the reassurance of a global brand with the informality and charm of an individual hotel.
      voco Dubai The Palm is excited to open with its “A New Playground Is Here” offer, meaning guests can enjoy an exclusive introductory saving of 30% on all hotel bookings. When guests stay at any IHG Hotels & Resorts property, they can earn points and rewards thanks to the IHG One Rewards loyalty programme. At voco The Palm Dubai, IHG One Rewards Members will also receive 25% off at the hotel’s dining outlets.

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      CLIMATE PROTECTION IS A HUMAN RIGHT

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      Calgary Airport Authority appoints Chris Dinsdale as new President & CEO More

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      CLIMATE PROTECTION IS A HUMAN RIGHT

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      Climate protection and human rights are closely linked. In the Studiosus interview at ITB Berlin 2023 experts outlined their various perspectives and positions.
      Studiosus managing director Peter-Mario Kubsch: “The industry has begun to shift, but it is all going too slowly.“ Michael Windfuhr of the German Institute for Human Rights added: “Bold steps are needed that must be taken now. In ten years time it will be too late.” Luís von Randow, Fridays for Future spokesman: “In the end, only travelling less will help.“
      Michael Windfuhr of the German Institute for Human Rights: “Climate change will become the biggest and most important cause of human rights violations.“ Whether droughts or flooding: the right to a home, employment, a healthy existence and water supplies was affected everywhere. As such, climate protection could not be viewed separately from human rights. Moreover, climate policy measures could also impact human rights if for example wind farms were installed on indigenous peoples’ lands.
      Harald Zeiss of the Institute for Sustainable Tourism Inatour: “Climate protection is a very complex topic and added to that tourism is a very complex industry. Many people wonder where to begin.” The danger was to carry on as before, with devastating effects. The Germans were climate offenders who were worried about the climate: “We need to take a new look at mobility and our leisure activities.”
      Luís von Randow, Fridays for Future spokesman: “Climate protection must be viewed as a socially binding obligation. What is needed are socially fair concepts to ensure that ultimately not only the rich can afford to travel.” Taxing kerosene was absolutely necessary, coupled with a social compensation scheme.ADVERTISEMENTStudiosus managing director Peter-Mario Kubsch: “Human rights should be the principle underpinning all efforts. We cannot talk about climate protection on its own without making tackling poverty and peace efforts a part of the argument.” Tourism had an issue with climate protection because mobility was the biggest source of emissions, but without mobility there could be no tourism. As an interim solution until the arrival of climate-neutral aviation only offsetting could help. “We now offset all trips by investing in biogas climate protection projects. That is included in the price and our customers pay it. The days of a voluntary contribution are over.”

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      CLIMATE EMERGENCY: HOW DO DESTINATIONS BECOME MORE RESISTANT?

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      IHG® Hotels & Resorts opens new beachfront hotel, voco Dubai The Palm More

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      CLIMATE EMERGENCY: HOW DO DESTINATIONS BECOME MORE RESISTANT?

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      Crises caused by climate change are becoming more frequent, with a direct and severe impact on destinations. Are there ways that could help to make destination areas more resistant? What conceivable strategies are there to create a greater sense of responsibility towards the climate? These questions were examined by a panel of experts at ITB Berlin 2023. They concluded that more cooperation and a willingness to listen to one another provide a basis for finding solutions. “We have to know our capabilities in order to be able to act effectively“, according to Shannon Stowell, chair of the Adventure Travel Trade Association.
      Shannon Stowell, Adventure Travel Trade Association: “Many people in the travel industry have finally begun to adopt measures. Everyone must now answer the question of what they are doing to make the world a better place.“ Travel must be developed on the basis of what the destination needs. “Thanks to our worldwide networks we are able to react rapidly to crises“, Stowell stated. “We must work together and utilise the knowledge of everyone involved. Once we know our capabilities we also know what strengths we can apply.“
      Lars Peter Nissen, director of the humanitarian group ACAPS: In many destinations the largest part of the critical infrastructure is intended to meet the needs of tourism, Nissen explained: ”These are the people who have trucks, generators and everything else need to keep things running.“ The knowledge and capabilities of these people must be incorporated in every strategy.
      Gopinath Parayil, chair of The Blue Yonder: “Given the effects of the climate crisis in the destinations the tourism industry’s networks, with all their available expertise, can and must be a relevant part of the solution. If there are no more destinations then there will be no more tourism. We need a platform where we can come together and combine our strengths.“ Travel companies have access to accommodation, foodstuffs and drinks, as well as to highly qualified personnel that can be deployed very quickly. These are all things that the humanitarian sector needs during a crisis, and are lying idle in the tourism industry.
      Dr. Sreeja K.G., director of EQUINOCT Community Sourced Modelling Solutions LLP: “The main concern is for the basis of existence of local people. Various sectors must work together to protect them, and not just the tourism sector on its own. Properly functioning communications are the most important thing. There is not just one approach that works for everyone. We have to listen to local people, all sit around a table and contribute all our capabilities. What is needed is shared responsibility.“ADVERTISEMENTSamuel Karani, general manager for East Africa at Intrepid Travel: “Environmental protection can help to improve tourism.“ In this respect it is important to work together with local communities because, after all, it is their basis for life that is at stake.

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      MORE FEELING AT THE DESTINATION

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      CLIMATE PROTECTION IS A HUMAN RIGHT More

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      MORE FEELING AT THE DESTINATION

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      Responsible tourism must place a greater emphasis on the social components and move away from a purely economic orientation. This was one of the lessons from the latest crises, according to Professor Dr. Harald Pechlaner, professor of tourism at the Catholic University Eichstätt and head of the Centre for Entrepreneurship, in his lecture at the ITB Convention on Thursday at the trade fair. As he pointed out, even if at first glance it seems that tourism has returned at full strength after the pandemic, the industry is now learning that not everything is allowed or accepted as it was before.
      As Pechlaner explained, the pandemic has also shown that travel is indispensable for creating a feeling of freedom. One new feature, however, is that many destinations are not just banking on expansion but are, in some cases, declaring “tourism saturation” and do not want to see any further increase in tourist numbers. For travellers and for most destinations the message should be that tourism should bring “not only an added economic value but also new values for their money“. There must be a change in the industry, which should develop a conscience about destinations, instead of simply occupying space and leaving others to deal with the consequences.
      During the panel discussions under the heading of “Is Destination Thinking Still State Of The Art?“ Pechlaner was praised by Dr. Heike Döll-König, chief executive of Tourism NRW. She was critical of the fact that no one had previously spoken about tourism in a cross-sectoral sense: “We should not be selling tourism as a product but should also regard all stakeholders as ’customers‘, and cooperate with them“, she stated.
      This model has already been implemented in Malaga, described by the director of the local tourism authority, Jonathan Gómez Punzón, as ”the Silicon Valley of Spain“. Tourist data is recorded in a fully digitalised form, which not only logs and analyses the routes taken by visitors but also their emotions This also enables the entire infrastructure to be optimised for the benefit of the local inhabitants.
      On Vancouver Island in Canada the entire tourism authority has been converted into a “social enterprise“, to ensure that sustainability and social responsibility are at the forefront of all initiatives. “Tourism revenues are to be invested in important social projects, guided by globally recognised programmes and principles“, explained Anthony Everett, president of the new company ”4VI“ (For Vancouver Island). “Don’t be afraid of altering the status quo“, he told his audience, and Pechlaner added: The aim is to create a feeling of belonging between travellers and those they visit, and possibilities for digital and social interaction are available. They just have to be used.ADVERTISEMENT

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      NEW APPROACHES TO THE MARKETING OF ACCOMMODATION

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      CLIMATE EMERGENCY: HOW DO DESTINATIONS BECOME MORE RESISTANT? More

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      Visit Denmark’s new AI campaign brings famous icons to life

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      A new activation campaign from tourism organisation VisitDenmark wants to put the country of LEGO®, ‘hygge’ and H.C. Andersen on the map as the antidote to bucket list tourism. Historical and cultural icons meet ground-breaking technology as Mona Lisa, the Statue of Liberty, and other iconic tourist attractions come to life in humorous videos, carrying a very simple message: Don’t come see me – visit Denmark instead.
      For decades, people have wondered about Mona Lisa’s mysterious smile – but have you ever wondered what she would say if given the chance to speak? Now she, along with a series of other iconic attractions, has come to life in a series of videos created by artificial intelligence. The different artworks are speaking out, advising potential visitors to avoid tourist traps and travel to Denmark. As travellers seek more authentic experiences, Denmark highlights that a visit to the country isn’t about ticking off the most famous sights but rather stumbling across the many wonders that hide around every corner of the small Scandinavian country.
      Tourist attractions aren’t so attractive anymore
      In a recent study in the UK, Germany, and Sweden, 56% responded that overcrowded tourist sites and landmarks were a reason for holiday disappointment, while 46% nodded in agreement when asked if ‘feeling like a tourist’ would spoil their holiday. Today’s travellers are looking to find hidden gems and seek off-the-beaten-path experiences rather than ticking off a long list of mainstream attractions. 57% of the surveyed group also answered that getting out and exploring new places made for a great holiday.*
      “From a marketing perspective, the current trends only make Denmark more relevant as a vacation spot,” says Kathrine Lind Gustavussen. “We are obviously always advocates for Denmark, but as a country that doesn’t have ‘one main attraction’ but rather an abundance of smaller, unique experiences in everything from nature to culture, Denmark fits the wish ‘the road less travelled’ perfectly and we welcome Explorists to the land of everyday wonder.”ADVERTISEMENTArt history meets modern technology
      The campaign is unique in that both the scripts and the visuals are created by artificial intelligence. While the new techniques like deepfake and motion synthesis have been used to bring images to life in the last couple of years, the addition of scripts generated completely by AI makes it one of the first campaigns to combine the two technologies. Kathrine Lind Gustavussen, Senior PR & Press Manager from VisitDenmark explains: ”The scripts are 100% generated by AI – we didn’t write a single word – we only removed parts and bits that were too long or simply not true. While it felt somewhat risky to put our entire messaging in the hands of artificial intelligence, we’re excited to be at the forefront of the tourism industry, using cutting-edge technology to bring our creative visions and messages to life.”

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      Moxy Hotels debuts in Brooklyn with boundary-pushing design and dining venues More

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      Moxy Hotels debuts in Brooklyn with boundary-pushing design and dining venues

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      Moxy Williamsburg debuts this week as the brand’s first hotel in Brooklyn, featuring interiors by BASILE Studio in collaboration with Lightstone Design Studio and four new dining and drinking venues from Bar Lab Hospitality, the creative force behind Broken Shaker.
      The heart of New York’s creative class, Williamsburg is a fitting location for Lightstone’s growing collection of boundary-pushing Moxy Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands.
      The new property’s inventive design plays on the neighborhood’s history as a magnet for mavericks, immigrants, and creators, while becoming a new center for Brooklyn’s contemporary social scene.
      “Moxy embraces being bold through authentic self-expression and Moxy Williamsburg is the perfect place for free-spirited travelers to live in the moment and do just that,” said Matthew Boettcher, Vice President and Global Brand Leader of Moxy Hotels.
      Moxy Williamsburg is a 216-room boutique hotel located in the heart of Williamsburg on Bedford Avenue, near the foot of the Williamsburg Bridge and easily accessible from Manhattan. The hotel’s timeless architecture, light-filled interiors, space-saving design solutions, flexible co-working and meeting studios, and range of restaurants and bars reflect the easygoing spirit of its trendsetting surroundings to attract discerning locals and cool-hunting guests with a playful and young-at-heart attitude.ADVERTISEMENTThe four new dining and drinking venues conceived and operated by Bar Lab Hospitality reflect the wide-ranging tastes of in-the-know Brooklynites. This includes Mesiba, a festive, Tel Aviv–inspired restaurant serving Levantine cuisine; Bar Bedford, a destination cocktail bar and all-day café; Jolene; a high-energy sound room with a state-of-the-art audio and light system; and opening this spring, LilliStar, an indoor/outdoor rooftop bar whose vast terrace will feature breathtaking views of the Williamsburg Bridge and Manhattan skyline.
      “Williamsburg is a flourishing hub for all the creativity and innovation for which New York is known. As its international reputation has blossomed, it has become the place to visit and stay,” said developer Mitchell Hochberg, President of Lightstone. “Our ambition with Moxy Williamsburg is to create a hotel that welcomes visitors with an authentic experience—one that Brooklynites themselves will embrace with open arms.”
      DESIGN
      Moxy Williamsburg was designed by BASILE Studio, a boutique design firm based in San Diego, in collaboration with Lightstone Design Studio. The hotel’s diverse public spaces reflect the area’s melting pot character, finding inspiration in both past and present with influences from both near and far.
      The 11-story building, designed by the eminent New York architecture firm Stonehill Taylor, has a clean, industrial-inspired look that recalls the neighborhood’s warehouse lofts. The glass front façade opens completely onto the sidewalk and Bedford Avenue, merging indoors and outdoors, putting the energy of the lobby and Bar Bedford on display. The building’s southern façade is distinguished by a massive Pop Art–style mural by acclaimed British street artist D*Face; visible from the Williamsburg Bridge, it depicts a woman in a car, stuck in traffic, crying out: “GET ME TO THE MOXY!!”
      The lobby’s 20-foot exposed ceilings and natural materials capture the open, airy feel of a converted warehouse. Foliage hangs from the ceiling and spills from planters, creating a biophilic feel that offsets the room’s clean lines and industrial proportions. An art installation by Rare Culture rises behind two blackened steel check-in pods and spreads across the ceiling. Made of thousands of colored crayons, it’s a pointillist depiction of the underbelly of the Williamsburg Bridge at sunrise, looking from Brooklyn toward the Manhattan skyline. Hanging on the wall behind the self-check-in pods is a series of hand-painted skateboards by local artists.
      Bar Bedford, Moxy Williamsburg’s cocktail bar and all-day café, is a comfortable living space that reflects Brooklyn’s forward-thinking, creative vibe. Its showpiece is the bar itself: motorized liquor risers made of blackened metal rise 20 feet behind glass and white oak panels, holding 1,500 bottles of wine and liquor. The shelves move up and down like dumbwaiters, giving bartenders access to special bottles and providing patrons with a show. This custom-fabricated system was inspired by New York’s old Automats, fast food restaurants popular in the first half of the 20th century where customers would pick up their food from a wall of glass-fronted cubbies.
      As found in Lightstone’s other Moxy hotels, Moxy Williamsburg features three Meeting Studios, breakaway spaces designed to be used for private events and co-working. The Studios feature modular sofas and worktables that fold down to become credenzas — all designed to be easily rearranged, transforming the spaces as day turns into night. The rooms can be combined to accommodate larger groups, and open onto Bar Bedford Garden, an adaptable alfresco space in the rear of the hotel. Inspired by the backyard gardens tucked behind many Williamsburg apartment buildings, it has a lively, residential vibe that feels like an oasis in the urban jungle.
      Flooded with daylight through floor-to-ceiling windows, the 216 bedrooms at Moxy Williamsburg are smartly designed to strip away the superfluous and focus on comfort and functionality. Streamlined shapes and organic materials such as birch and steel feel warm and welcoming, while moments of surprise lend a distinctively Moxy sensibility. Rooms range from 165–210 square feet and include Kings, Executive Kings, Double Queens, and Quad Bunks. Ingenious storage solutions include wall-mounted pegs that guests can fold open or close as needed, an open closet and under-bed cubbies. A desk folds down from the wall to provide a workspace.
      Eat + Drink
      Conceptualized by Bar Lab Hospitality, the creative force behind the popular Broken Shaker bars in New York, Miami, Los Angeles and Chicago, the restaurants and bars at Moxy Williamsburg are as worldly and welcoming as the neighborhood they call home. Founded by Elad Zvi and Gabe Orta, Bar Lab creates venues that are unpretentious and laid-back, yet still fashionable and sophisticated.
      “For Moxy Williamsburg, we envisioned an eclectic grab-bag of experiences that mirrors Williamsburg’s diversity. Once you enter, you don’t want to leave,” said Zvi and Orta. “You can start with a drink at Bar Bedford, meet some friends for dinner at Mesiba, head up to the rooftop for a drink with a view, and finish up the night dancing at Jolene. Moxy Williamsburg offers a multitude of narratives that create a sense of discovery and anticipation.”
      Mesiba is a festive space that pays homage to Tel Aviv’s lively energy and Bauhaus architecture, animated by the flavorful cuisine and celebratory “breaking bread” culture of the Levant region and Israel. Taking inspiration from Bar Lab founding partner Elad Zvi’s memories of growing up in Tel Aviv, Israeli chef Eli Buli designed the menu as a modern play on traditional dishes from the area, which encompasses Israel, Lebanon, Egypt, Turkey, Palestine and the rest of the Eastern Mediterranean. Creative cocktails with a culinary flair complement the fresh, seasonal cuisine. The warm, verdant dining room centers around a curved marble bar, with plants hanging from the double-height ceiling lending a bohemian vibe, while Hollywood-style booths ensure a spirited atmosphere.
      Inspired by the retro leisure lifestyle, Jolene is a high-energy sound room with a state-of-the-art audio and light system that draws top talent from Brooklyn’s thriving nightlife scene — the ideal spot to dance to the sounds of local and global DJs. Jolene is inspired by Dolly Parton — not just her signature song “Jolene” but her image as a powerful, self-assured woman and impact on the music industry and the culture at large. Miami-based nightlife impresarios David Sinopoli, Davide Danese, and Coloma Kaboomsky — collectively known as the Space Invaders and best known for their seminal Club Space — are Bar Lab’s partners in Jolene.
      Opening this spring, LilliStar, Moxy Williamsburg’s indoor/outdoor rooftop bar will blend contemporary Indo-Aussie beach culture with Brooklyn energy, creating a unique setting for tropical-inspired cocktails, Balinese beach barbecue, and dramatic views. Giant lotus flowers carved from copper, glass and leather form a dramatic ceiling sculpture in the lounge, where floor-to-ceiling windows open onto an expansive roof deck with show-stopping views of the Manhattan skyline and the iconic steel trusses of the Williamsburg Bridge. Playful cocktails, including large-format drinks for the whole table to share, incorporate tropical fruits and Southeast Asian spices.
      Moxy Williamsburg follows on the success of Lightstone’s other award-winning Moxy hotels in New York — consistently named by Condé Nast Traveler as among the best in the city — including Moxy Times Square, Moxy Chelsea, Moxy East Village, and, most recently, Moxy Lower East Side.
      “Williamsburg is a microcosm of everything that’s trendsetting about New York City: It has the edgiest boutiques, the most innovative restaurants, the most daring bars. That’s why more and more people are putting it on their must-visit lists — and it’s why we’ve opened Moxy Williamsburg,” says Hochberg. “Not only can Moxy guests stay in the heart of the neighborhood, but by breaking bread at Mesiba, toasting the Manhattan skyline at LilliStar, and dancing the night away at Jolene with Brooklyn’s best DJ’s, they’ll get a strong dose of Williamsburg’s energy, all within the walls of the hotel.”
      Located at 353 Bedford Avenue, Moxy Williamsburg offers rates starting from $179 per night. For more information or to make a reservation, visit moxywilliamsburg.com.

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      Radisson RED to Debut in Thailand with Vibrant New Property in Phuket

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      Visit Denmark’s new AI campaign brings famous icons to life More

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      Radisson RED to Debut in Thailand with Vibrant New Property in Phuket

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      390-key Radisson RED Phuket Patong Beach will introduce a new era of bold, social and hyper-connected hospitality to this popular destination, as part of a nationwide expansion strategy.
      Radisson Hotel Group will introduce an exciting new era of social and stylish hospitality to Thailand following the signing of Radisson RED Phuket Patong Beach, a vibrant upscale lifestyle hotel that will mark the debut of the Radisson RED brand in the “Land of Smiles.” This forms a key part of the Group’s strategy to double its portfolio of operating hotels in Thailand by mid-2024.
      Slated for opening in late 2023, Radisson RED Phuket Patong Beach marks the conversion of an existing property in the heart of Patong Beach, which will now be fully renovated and relaunched in line with Radisson RED’s bold design and brand standards. Owned by Destination Group, which recently partnered with Radisson Hotel Group to open both the Radisson Resort & Spa Hua Hin and Radisson Resort & Suites Phuket, this signing reaffirms the Group’s ability to meet the needs of guests and owners in a wide variety of markets – including Asia’s most popular destinations – with innovative brands and attractive business models.
      “We are delighted to strengthen our relationship with Destination Group with this landmark agreement for Thailand’s first Radisson RED hotel. With its striking design, upbeat vibe and the flexibility to let guests seamlessly switch between business and leisure, Radisson RED has the power to inject new life into hotels and destinations. This makes it the perfect fit for Patong Beach, one of Thailand’s most dynamic tourism hubs,” said Ramzy Fenianos, Chief Development Officer, Asia Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group.
      With its smart, upscale lifestyle design, Radisson RED presents a playful twist on the conventional with social spaces that let savvy travelers kick back, relax and feel the buzz of their destination. Positioned in the heart of Patong, Phuket’s main commercial district, just 270 meters from the beach and surrounded by retail malls, restaurants and nightlife, Radisson RED Phuket Patong Beach will let visitors feel the pulse of this lively tourist hub.ADVERTISEMENTA nod to Thailand’s most prominent national icons, guests will be greeted by a life-sized sculpture of a red lacquered elephant wearing earphones that will serve as the hotel’s mascot. As they enter the playful, art-inspired lobby where a red tuk-tuk takes centerstage, guests can easily use the check-in app for a stress-free arrival experience. The 390 rooms are all hyper-connected with high-speed Wi-Fi, streaming services and USB ports while a collection of Family Rooms with bunk beds and Party Rooms with dedicated fun spaces offer a host of options for every type of stay.
      Guests can chill out at the rooftop beach club, enjoy alfresco dining in the Warehouse specializing in rum and wine, or party late in the secret speakeasy lounge. A grab-go kiosk makes it easy to refuel, the power gym is a great place to work out, while wellness amenities like ice tubs and the Himalayan sea salt spa help guests rejuvenate. The resort offers two pools including a rooftop pool, a movie theatre, a video arcade, and a kids’ club which will keep both young children and teens entertained.
      “We are delighted to partner with Radisson Hotel Group once again and proud to introduce Radisson RED to Thailand for the first time. This innovative brand will attract the new generation of ‘always-on’ travelers who crave connectivity above all else. We are confident that this cutting-edge, contemporary concept, combined with the global strength and support of Radisson Hotel Group, will make this hotel one of Patong’s most exciting and coolest places to stay. This is the first hotel to be designed to meet the desires of post-pandemic travelers to Phuket. We are not just selling a room but more so we are selling an amazing Instagrammable experience in our resorts,” said Gary Murray, founder & CEO of Destination Group.
      Phuket is leading Thailand’s post-pandemic tourism recovery, having welcomed approximately 4.3 million international visitors in 2022¹ – more than one-third of the country’s total 11.5 million arrivals last year. The island is expected to attract 12 million domestic and overseas visitors this year, and it has already started the year strongly with the restart of direct flights from China in January.
      Earlier this year, Radisson Hotel Group announced plans to expand exponentially in Thailand, with a multi-brand expansion that will include new hotels and resorts in key destinations such as Phuket. The Group currently operates six hotels in Thailand across four brands in Bangkok, Phuket and Hua Hin.

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      IHG Hotels & Resorts signs management agreement for new Hotel Indigo in Riyadh

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      Moxy Hotels debuts in Brooklyn with boundary-pushing design and dining venues More

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      IHG Hotels & Resorts signs management agreement for new Hotel Indigo in Riyadh

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      IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of a Management Agreement with Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City for a new Hotel Indigo within the city near the Irqah area along Wadi Hanifa in Riyadh.Set to open in 2025, with basement works already completed, the new hotel adds to IHG’s robust growth plans across various new developments that align with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 tourism strategy.
      The signing of a new Hotel Indigo in Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City is significant, as it is the first nonprofit City of its kind, set to be an incubator for youth and for local and international institutions supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and future leaders.
      The hotel will be located next to the City’s Al Mishraq Zone and serve as a living laboratory where innovation and social life will thrive, and creativity will meet science and technology. Guests will be able to take advantage of the City’s cultural experiences by using a vibrant pedestrian-only main street as part of the City’s “15 minute” planning concept, with connections to cultural offerings as well as elevated fine dining restaurants overlooking the stunning Wadi Hanifah and views of Riyadh’s city skyline.
      The City will deliver a platform to experiment with new products and technologies, and will offer interactive retail environments providing customers with immersive experiences. The infrastructure will include a comprehenisve mobility solution, supported by a sustainable cooling and shading system. The solution will become a prime example for modern and integrated urban transportation, while delivering a comfortable environment encouraging outdoor activities.
      The new-build Hotel Indigo will feature 234 guestrooms and suites, as well as 138 serviced apartments. The hotel is ideally situated just 15 minutes from Riyadh city center and 10 minutes from the UNESCO World Heritage Site, At-Turaif District in Al-Dir’iyah. It also provides easy access to beautiful, diverse landscapes, together with iconic and innovative building structures including the Misk Art Institute, Mohammed bin Salman Foundation “Misk” headquarters, and a conference center, all located within the development.  The lifestyle hotel will boast three dining options for guests, including a neighborhood café, specialty dining venue, and an exquisite lobby lounge.ADVERTISEMENTHotel Indigo Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City Riyadh will also offer state-of-the-art facilities, including four multi-purpose meeting spaces, a contemporary health club and a swimming pool, making it the ultimate destination for a range of guests.
      Speaking on the new signing announcement, Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG said: “We are delighted to partner with Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City, a flourishing community of creative thinkers and innovative pioneers that will build the future of Saudi Arabia. The City is devoted to encouraging youth leadership for a better future in the Kingdom, and our partnership is a wonderful opportunity to continue our support for Saudi youth and Vision 2030.”
      He added: “Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City is an ideal destination, as it represents a vast oasis within the City, and close to the historical capital, Riyadh. The new Hotel Indigo in Riyadh will cater to guests visiting Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City and looking to experience its business innovation, recreational entertainment options, cultural learning opportunities, outdoor destinations, and various other unique activities.”
      David Henry, Chief Executive Officer of Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City commented: “I am very pleased that IHG has selected our City for another world class hotel offering that will be designed to provide a range of services that align with our youth-oriented focus. We are also delighted that the Ministry of Culture will oversee the inclusion of Saudi artwork in the hotel, thereby aligning with the missions of the Foundation’s Misk Art Institute, and the Hotel Indigo brand.
      IHG currently operates 37 hotels across five brands in Saudi Arabia, including: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites, and voco, with 31 hotels in the development pipeline set to open within the next three to five years.

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      Marriott International to bring iconic luxury brand, The Ritz-Carlton, to Phuket in 2025

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      Radisson RED to Debut in Thailand with Vibrant New Property in Phuket More