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    Learn How to Be a Biologist at the Newly Reopened Research Centre at Gal Oya Lodge, Sri Lanka

    Gal Oya Lodge, the renowned eco-tourism lodge dedicated to animal conservation, is thrilled to announce the reopening of its research centre, offering a unique opportunity for aspiring biologists and naturalists.
    Located within the grounds of the lodge and on the edge of Gal Oya National Park, this lodge provides children and nature enthusiasts an immersive experience to explore the world of wildlife research and conservation.
    Founded by John Balmond, Sangjay Choegyal, and Tim Edwards, Gal Oya Lodge is committed to preserving the natural beauty of Gal Oya National Park while promoting sustainable tourism practices. The lodge stands as a tribute to Tim’s late father, Jim Edwards, whose lifelong dedication to animal conservation inspired the creation of this haven.
    The research centre serves as a hub for scientific exploration and wildlife documentation. Visitors, particularly children and nature lovers, are warmly invited to the centre, where they can engage with researchers and stay informed about the latest data collections, results, and discoveries. Moreover, they have a unique opportunity to accompany our dedicated team of naturalists to various camera trap sites, witnessing firsthand the meticulous process of data collection, preparation, and analysis. The animals that are regularly captured on the camera traps placed within or next to the lodge boundaries include:
    Fishing and jungle cats, Mouse deer, Pangolin Otters, Wild Boar,  Elephants (swimming in Sri Lankas largest lake),  Porcupines, Hares and Mongoose.ADVERTISEMENTIn addition to the above the following animals are regularly captured on camera traps placed within the National Park (special permission is needed from the Warden for guests to accompany researchers inside the park) Leopard, Sloth bear, Sambar deer and Wild buffalo.
    For young and aspiring biologists and naturalists, Gal Oya Lodge offers an exceptional chance to delve deeper into their passion. As part of a more mature student program, serious nature enthusiasts with a keen interest in a specific species can stay at the lodge for free in exchange for documenting their findings. This immersive experience enables individuals to learn from experienced researchers, acquire valuable fieldwork skills, and contribute to the ongoing conservation efforts in Gal Oya National Park.
    For more information about Gal Oya Lodge and the research centre, please visit our website at https://www.galoyalodge.com/.

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    Country Imposes €36,000 Fine for Playing Music on Beach

    Portugal’s beachgoers have been warned they may face fines up to EUR36,000 if their music is too loud.
    The National Maritime Authority of the Philippines (AMN) has banned portable speakers that blast out loud music, which disturbs locals and tourists.The new restrictions come just as the peak tourist season in Portugal’s popular beach destinations is about to begin.
    What is the penalty for playing music at the beach in PortugalThe regulation prohibits the “use of sound equipment and noise-generating activities which, under the terms of the law, may cause discomfort”.
    Beachgoers who are experiencing noise disturbances can file a complaint with the local Maritime Police for the particular beach.
    Individual fines can range from EUR200 to EUR4,000, and for groups they could be between EUR2,000 and EUR36,000 The offending “accessory” – like a speaker for example – can also be confiscated.ADVERTISEMENTIn the AMN’s beach directive, there are a number of other activities prohibited on Portugal’s beaches. This includes playing ball games in areas that are not designated, camping outside campsites, and making fires.
    Europe is being targeted by disruptive touristsIt’s not the first time that antisocial behavior has been banned on Europe’s beach.
    Barcelona, Spain, banned smoking on its beaches last summer to protect beachgoers against second-hand smoke.
    Portugal, Croatia and other popular tourist destinations are introducing rules and restrictions to make them more liveable for the locals.
    Dubrovnik announced last month plans to install a luggage-drop-off system in the Old Town, which is paved with historic cobblestones. This will reduce the noise caused by suitcases on wheels.
    In an effort to control the crowds of tourists at Acropolis, Greece introduced a system of time slots for visitors. Meanwhile, Rome’s Pantheon has recently introduced an entrance fee.
    Portugal is one of many countries that tightens restrictions on short-term rental to combat the inflation in housing markets.

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    All set for the TAAI Convention hosted by Sri Lanka Tourism held from 6th – 9th July

    The much awaited TAAI Convention 2023, hosted by the Travel Agents Association of India, in Collaboration with Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) kicked off with a grand opening yesterday, 6th July at the BMICH, under the patronage of H.E President Ranil Wickramasinghe, who will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest , and Hon. Harin Fernando, Minister of Tourism , as the guest of Honor. The convention will be held from 6th to 9th July 2023, generating a lot of trade opportunities for both local and Indian Travel Industry stakeholders. TAAI will be hosting their 67thConvention this year, with 500 participants and 50 Indian Media personnel, highlighting it as a top level travel event in the Tourism calendar, bringing key industry stakeholders, representatives and delegates from both countries. Sri Lanka Tourism is the main sponsor of the event and supported by SLAITO and Sri Lankan Airlines. A joint press conference is also scheduled to be held tomorrow under the patronage of the Hon. Minister of Tourism, Harin Fernando, Ms. Jyoti Mayal , President TAAI , Mr. Chalaka Gajabahu , Chairman SLTPB and Mr. Nishad Wijetunga, President ,SLAITO.
    As side events of this convention, a two-day business session and a Buyer –Seller meet which will be held at Cinnamon Grand Colombo and Shangri La Colombo on 7th and 8th July respectively. The B2B sessions, which will be mainly conducted for the local and Indian trade representatives, will give them an opportunity to expand their businesses and share trade information of both countries.  There will be 500 participants from the Indian travel trade who will participate in these meetings whereas 150 participants from the Sri Lankan Travel trade will join this opportunity.
    The Sri Lankan theme dinner on the 7th of July 2023, will be held at the Cinnamon Grand hotel with the participation of Hon.  Dinesh Gunawardena, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, and the Hon. Minister of Tourism, Harin Fernando along with of   Travel Industry representatives and Tourism officials. The occasion will be further enhanced by a cultural performance by the Channa –Upuli Performing Arts Foundation.
    The closing gala dinner which is to be held at the Heritance Negombo on the 8th of July 2023, will include extra glamour and color with the participation of popular Sri Lankan artists, Sri Lankan and Indian travel representatives and cultural performances by the Gayan Srimal dance troupe. The event will be held under the patronage of Hon. Minister of Tourism.
    TAAI Conventions (Indian Travel Congress) are most eagerly awaited events of the Travel & Tourism industry. The huge visibility, this annual event of TAAI, brings to the global industry is immense. As India has been a friend of Sri Lanka in many aspects – Cultural, Bilateral and economical, this will be another great opportunity to develop industrial contacts and business opportunities with the Indian counterparts. India is a key source market for Sri Lanka Tourism, a which brings the highest number of tourist arrivals on a daily basis. The publicity and the promotion given through this event will spread a positive message about Sri Lanka and encourage more Indian tourists to come and explore the country which has so much to offer as a Travel Destination.ADVERTISEMENTTAAI’s area of activity extends to Aviation; Tourism – outbound & inbound; MICE – inbound & outbound; Adventure Tourism; Sports Tourism; Education etc. TAAI Members are involved in all these activities and there is no other Travel & Tourism Association in India with this strength and band-width offering leadership to this most growing industry.
    The TAAI Convention will be a great opportunity to promote Sri Lanka by enhancing its position as one of the most sought after travel destinations to further promote Indian market for an year round destination.

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    Emirates arrives in Québec’s cultural capital Montréal

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    Emirates arrives in Québec’s cultural capital Montréal

    From left to right: Salem Obaidalla, Emirates’ Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations – Americas; His Excellency Fahad Saeed Al Raqbani, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Canada; Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer; Philippe Rainville, President and Chief Executive Officer of ADM Aéroports de Montréal; Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal; Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Network & Revenue at Air Canada; Serge Bijimine, Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy, Transport Canada; and Shaz Peshimam, Emirates’ Country Manager – Canada
    Emirates made a landmark touchdown in Montréal, marking the start of its scheduled services to its second gateway in Canada. The inaugural flight was operated with a Boeing 777 aircraft, which will offer premium passenger services on its daily services to the city. Emirates now serves Canada with 14 flights per week.
    Emirates executives onboard included: Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer; Salem Obaidalla, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations – Americas; and David Broz, Vice President Aeropolitical and Industry Affairs.
    Flight EK243 arrived at Montréal Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport at 0830hrs local time on 5 July and was greeted with a procession of follow-me vehicles to the gate. Airport officials and representatives from the aviation authorities were present to witness the touchdown, which also drew interest from aviation fans and media excited to capture the inaugural flight’s landing in Québec. 
    On arrival, the VIP delegation travelling from Dubai were welcomed by Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates’ Divisional Vice President – USA and Canada and Shaz Peshimam, Emirates’ Country Manager for Canada.
    Following a welcome ceremony and symbolic gift exchange between the airline, airport officials, and Montréal’s tourism board, Emirates showcased its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in a three-class configuration to government representatives, media, guests and members of the travel trade industry. The aircraft features eight private suites in First Class, 42 lie flat seats in Business Class and 304 spacious seats in Economy Class for the daily service.ADVERTISEMENTAdnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer emphasised the significance of the new destination and said: “Emirates is excited to launch our service to Montréal, and to grow our network with a second gateway into Canada. We take this opportunity to thank the UAE and Canadian authorities and partners for supporting the launch of the service, which is expected to positively impact tourism, business and trade in both countries.
    “Complementing our services to Toronto, customers will now have more choice when planning trips to Canada – they now can fly directly to the country’s second largest metropolis whether for business, leisure, education or for visiting family and friends. Since we announced our plans to launch direct services to Montréal, we have witnessed healthy bookings from travellers planning trips to Canada from points in the UAE, India, Iran and Lebanon in addition to many Far East and African countries. The strong demand is testament to the quality of our product and travel experience we provide. We look forward to welcoming our customers onboard to experience our “fly better” proposition across all classes.”
    On the commencement of Emirates’ services to Montréal, Philippe Rainville – President and Chief Executive Officer of ADM Aéroports de Montréal said: “ADM Aéroports de Montréal is delighted to welcome one of the world’s most prestigious airlines to YUL for the first time. This is an exceptional opportunity for our passengers to live the Emirates experience on a flight that will take them nonstop to the majestic city of Dubai. For an international airport like ours, this is particularly exciting news, especially since this route will offer arrivals and departures at less busy times of the day. It’s very much in line with ADM’s goal of offering more connections to popular destinations outside of peak travel times. We are very privileged that Emirates has chosen YUL as the second Canadian airport for its operations in the country.”
    Emirates’ flights to and from Montréal operate as EK243 and EK244. The daily flight departs Dubai International airport at 02:30hrs, arriving in Montréal at 08:00hrs local time. The return flight departs Montréal Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport at 10:20hrs, arriving in Dubai at 06:30hrs (local time) the next day.
    The new daily service to Montréal complements Emirates’ seven weekly services to Toronto and takes the airline’s North American network to 14 destinations and a total of 18 across the Americas. The service will provide travellers from Canada convenient access to Dubai, as well as connectivity to popular destinations such as Lebanon, India, Iran, Vietnam and Malaysia.
    Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal added: ‘’This new direct flight is an important step in the expansion of our air network and reinforces our position as a leading tourist destination. It opens up countless opportunities for both leisure and business travellers. Thank you to Emirates for making Montréal more accessible than ever to travellers from all over the world wishing to discover Montréal’s rich culture, diverse gastronomy and vibrant festivals. Welcome to Montréal!”
    Expanding network and Air Canada partnership
    Customers of Emirates and Air Canada have access to an expansive network of destinations thanks to the strategic partnership between the two airlines. In addition to over 130 destinations that Emirates flies to, through their codeshare relationship, its customers currently can access 19 Canadian destinations beyond Toronto, while Air Canada customers are able to access 17 cities in Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Middle East and Far East beyond Dubai. Additionally, Emirates passengers are able to choose from over 140 routes operated by Air Canada on an interline basis, including 27 points in Canada beyond Montréal and 53 routes between Montréal and the US and South America, while also enjoying the simplicity of flight itineraries on a single-ticket. 
    Emirates Skywards members can earn Miles on all eligible Air Canada flights and can redeem Miles for reward tickets across Air Canada’s network.
    Fly Better with inflight and on the ground services
    At Dubai International airport, Emirates has a range of lounges available for its premium class customers and select Skywards members, to enjoy before their flights in Dubai. Chauffeur drive services to and from the airport are also available to First Class and Business Class customers in both Dubai and Montréal.
    Extending its fly better promise, customers flying with Emirates can enjoy superior levels of comfort onboard, indulge regionally-inspired dining and world-class entertainment aboard its widebody fleet of aircraft. Customers on flights between Dubai to Montréal can get a taste of Canadian fare for breakfast and enjoy pancakes, garnished with berry or cherry compote, maple syrup and other toppings, or dine on French toast, served with berry compote, maple syrup, apples and more.
    Passengers traveling with Emirates have endless entertainment options to choose from. Its award-winning inflight entertainment system, ice, offers up to 6,500 channels of on-demand, multi-language entertainment to suit all ages and interests. Ice features over 2,000 movies, 650 TV shows, and 4,000 hours of music, podcasts, and audiobooks across 40 languages. Passengers are set to enjoy Montréal-themed entertainment before getting there with stand-up comedy specials from Just for Laughs. Music lovers can also enjoy albums from legendary Canadian artists and time will fly with documentaries and biopics that explore the life and work of renowned Canadian musicians including Celine Dion.
    Trade between UAE and Canada
    The UAE is Canada’s largest export market in the Middle East and North Africa. In 2022, bilateral trade between Canada and the UAE exceeded C$2.6 billion, growing 53% over the last five years. According to Statistics Canada, it is estimated the UAE’s foreign direct investments stock in Canada was valued at C$1.3 billion in 2021.
    Canada features in Dubai’s top 20 source markets for inbound tourism with 158,000 Canadian visitors in 2022, more than double the number in 2021 (Source: Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism). More than 40,000 Canadians also live and work in Dubai.
    To support the movement of commodities and goods around the world, Emirates provides cargo services to Canada with a capacity to carry 20 tonnes in the bellyhold of its Boeing 777 passenger aircraft and up to 15 tonnes aboard its A380 aircraft.
    Vibrant city of Montréal
    Montréal is known for its fascinating neighbourhoods celebrating modern city style with a quaint old European feel, making the cultural hub a bucket list destination for locals, students and international travellers. Travellers can explore the famous Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal and visit the various museums nearby to discover how Montréal found its roots. Visits to Montréal Museum of Fine Arts, the Phi Centre, enjoying the street performances, or major festivals, are a must on everyone’ s bucket list.
    Travellers can look forward to the shopper’s paradise with chic boutiques and malls along Rue Sainte-Catherine, which are also abundant with street art in the vibrant Plateau Mont-Royal. The destination is a favourite amongst foodies and is known for the culinary delights it has to offer, from the iconic Montréal bagels that rival New York, to low-to-high-end restaurants serving cuisine from around the world. The famous poutine – a classic French-Canadian dish of fries, gravy and cheese curds – is also not to be missed.

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    Plan your nuptials and honeymoon in Saint Lucia for memories that will be cherished for a lifetime

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    All set for the TAAI Convention hosted by Sri Lanka Tourism held from 6th – 9th July More

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    Plan your nuptials and honeymoon in Saint Lucia for memories that will be cherished for a lifetime

    Plan your nuptials and honeymoon in Saint Lucia for memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. With her windswept beaches and moonlight-soaked seascapes, she exudes romantic mystique.Amid some of the finest Caribbean destination wedding and honeymoon settings imaginable, your happily-ever-after truly will be.
    Voted as the World’s Leading Honeymoon DestinationAs an island named the “World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination” by the World Travel Awards fourteen times, Saint Lucia is a refuge and an escape for lovers. The weddings, honeymoons, and romantic getaways of your dreams take place in Saint Lucia; the island’s luxurious accommodations will do justice to the occasion. You’re sure to cherish these memories for a lifetime.

    From dazzling beaches to adventurous excursions, Saint Lucia has the perfect venue for any couple. Imagine being married among the backdrop of the waterfalls. Or choose from options featuring incredible views, majestic parks, or historical churches for a variety of faiths. The island’s luxurious resorts also offer many attractive venues and Caribbean wedding packages.
    ADVERTISEMENTWEDDING PLANNINGTake advantage of the island’s insider knowledge to craft the ultimate dream wedding. From the paperwork, flowers and photography to the cake and reception, wedding planning can be a lot to juggle. But Saint Lucia’s extensive list of planners are available to help you with every single one of these needs. They’ll make arranging your perfect island wedding an absolute breeze.

    WEDDING REQUIREMENTS IN SAINT LUCIADeciding on a Saint Lucia wedding is a decision you won’t regret, now it’s time for the paperwork. There are just a few things you’ll need to do to get married here. Discover the requirements to tie the knot on this award-winning island.

    HONEYMOON ACTIVITIESEnchanting and idyllic, Saint Lucia welcomes newlyweds and honeymooners with open arms. Soak up her sun on golden-sand beaches, journey out on a spectacular sunset cruise, and experience views of the Pitons from the water. Revive yourself under rainforest waterfalls or soar through rainforest canopy on a zip-line. No matter how you choose to spend your honeymoon on our island, you’ll love experiencing all she has to offer.

    WEDDING PACKAGESSaint Lucia is blessed with an array of amazing resorts, many of which offer incredible wedding packages. Each resort’s romantic package is specially designed to make your dreams come true and create unforgettable memories on your special day. Discover what each resort has to offer to design your perfect Saint Lucia wedding.

    READY TO CELEBRATE YOUR ROMANCE IN SAINT LUCIA?Whether it’s for your wedding, honeymoon, or simply a getaway, prepare to indulge in the romantic adventure of your dreams in Saint Lucia. Plan your trip today to learn why Saint Lucia has been named as the “World’s Leading Honeymoon” again and again. When planning your Caribbean honeymoon or destination wedding, there’s no other island like her. Let her inspire you.
    The magical island of Saint Lucia will host the World Travel Awards Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony 2023 on 26 August 2023. The leading travel industry figureheads from across the region will attend the red-carpet reception at Sandals Grande St. Lucian.
    Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, says: “I am honoured to unveil Saint Lucia as the host of our Caribbean & Americas Gala Ceremony 2023, in this our landmark 30th anniversary. Saint Lucia is helping to spearhead the recovery of travel and tourism in the Caribbean, and I am delighted this captivating island will form a crucial part of our anniversary tour.”He adds: “World Travel Awards has maintained its position as the industry leader for the past 30 years, consistently proving its value as the global benchmark for recognising excellence in travel and tourism. I look forward to joining the most senior travel industry figureheads from across the Caribbean and The Americas for what promises to be a fabulous event, acknowledging those organisations spearheading the growth of the region’s travel and tourism sector.”

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    Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to be the Official Partner Hotel of ITB China for the third time

    Signing Ceremony: Mr. Joon Aun Ooi, President of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific and Mr. David Axiotis, General Manager of Messe Berlin (Shanghai) at the Wyndham Office in Shanghai
    ITB China, the leading B2B exclusive travel trade show focusing on the Chinese travel market, announces its strategic partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
    For the third time, the world’s largest hotel franchising company and leading provider of management services becomes the Official Partner Hotel of ITB China, which is set to take place in Shanghai from 12 – 14 September 2023.With over 9,100 hotels and 24 established brands in over 95 countries, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts(“Wyndham”) is appointed as the Official Partner Hotel of ITB China for the third time. The corresponding agreement was formally signed on 29 June at Wyndham’s Shanghai Office, by Mr. Joon Aun Ooi, President of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific, and Mr. David Axiotis, General Manager of Messe Berlin (Shanghai), the organizer of ITB China. The hotel industry franchising giant will once again have a strong presence at ITB China, introducing its brand-new products and innovative services to the industry, and delivering an inspiring speech at the opening session of the ITB China Conference, which will take place on the first day of the show, 12 September.
    Mr. Joon Aun Ooi, President of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Asia-Pacific, stated that: “We are honored to be the Official Partner Hotel of ITB China for the third time. As a professional B2B travel trade exhibition focused on the Chinese travel market, ITB China provides an effective communication platform for hotel operators, travel agencies, conference organizers, and corporate clients to explore potential business opportunities.This collaboration not only continues our long-term strategic partnership but also demonstrates Wyndham Hotels and Resorts’ continuous commitment to China as an important strategic market. We look forward to showcasing our diverse brand portfolio of distinctive hotel products in the Asia Pacific region to all attendees at the exhibition in September.”
    Mr. David Axiotis, General Manager of Messe Berlin (Shanghai), said: “Throughout the challenges of the past years, ITB China remained committed and connected to the Chinese travel industry. Therefore, in this pivotal year for China’s travel market recovery, ITB China is in the unique position to be spearheading that recovery offering its partners the right business platform at just the right time. Supporting them to once again unlock the full potential of the Chinese travel market. We are very proud and honored to be driving this recovery with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts by our side, heading this year’s partner lineupas ITB China‘s Official Partner Hotel.”
    The latest development of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in the Greater China regionADVERTISEMENTAt the beginning of this year, with China fully opening its travel policy, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts recorded a significant return of business and leisure travelers with an exceedingly positive development over the past months.
    “In the first quarter of 2023, we have signed 27 projects and opened 15 hotels in the Greater China region. During the same period, we signed 6 projects and opened 5 hotels in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rim region,” says Mr. Joon Aun Ooi. The upcoming months also point to further growth: “Looking ahead to the second half of 2023, we will launch more new brands and hotels to meet the ever-changing needs of international inbound and domestic tourism. With our strong direct franchising and managed hotel development scale in China, as well as our stable collaboration relationships with owners and partners, we are confident of the development momentum of the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in the Asia-Pacific region in 2023 and ahead,” he continues.

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    World-Class Construction and Financing Partners for the Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman

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    World-Class Construction and Financing Partners for the Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman

    Sterling Global Financial Group and Pageant Beach Hotel Ltd. are pleased to announce their partnership with world-class construction and financing partners for the highly anticipated Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Hotel & Residences. With the project well underway and the condominiums over 80% sold, only 22 prime condominium units remain available for sale at this remarkable development.With a long history of successful developments throughout the Caribbean, Sterling Global brings its expertise and financial resources to the Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Hotel & Residences project. David Kosoy, Founder and Executive Chairman of Sterling Global Financial Group, expressed his confidence in the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to join forces with Pageant Beach Hotel Ltd. to bring the Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Hotel & Residences to fruition. With our investment, we are committed to delivering a world-class destination that exemplifies luxury and unparalleled hospitality. This venture showcases our dedication to enhancing the local community and creating lasting value for our clients and investors.”
    The Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Hotel & Residences, located on a premium 7.1-acre site on 7 Mile Beach, is set to become a luxurious landmark. The property will offer a total of 190 hotel guestrooms, 88 condo-hotel guestrooms, and 76 one, two, and three-bedroom condo-hotel suites.
    The collaboration of world-class firms Americaribe LLC, a subsidiary of Bouygues Construction, in partnership with LG Contracting as general contractor; Sculptor Real Estate as construction lender; and Sterling Global Financial Group and Pageant Beach Hotel Ltd. as developer ensures the highest standards of construction excellence. Construction is well underway with completion on schedule for a mid-2025 opening.
    Designed to offer an extraordinary living experience, the Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Hotel & Residences will feature an extensive range of resort amenities. Residents and guests will have access to six restaurants, three resort-style swimming pools, including an in-ocean saltwater lagoon pool in a protected cove, a 12,000 sq. ft. destination spa and fitness center, and a 25,000 sq. ft. indoor-outdoor conference meeting space. Grand Social Clubs, a variety of shopping boutiques, and five-star concierge service will further enhance the luxurious lifestyle offered by the property.
    Tzvi Goder, Director of Pageant Beach Hotel Ltd., expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We have enjoyed a strong financial relationship with Sterling over the past several years. We are very excited to now have Sterling as our development partner and look forward to the extensive experience and resources they bring to the Grand Hyatt development.”ADVERTISEMENT

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    Trip.com sees 145% flight booking surge from US to UK

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    Trip.com sees 145% flight booking surge from US to UK

    Leading travel service provider Trip.com has seen remarkable flight and hotel bookings growth from outbound US travellers to the UK and the rest of Europe.Despite high global inflation, long-haul travel sentiment from US travellers to Europe is improving. Trip.com flight booking data reveals a remarkable year-over-year increase of 145% from the US to the UK in the first half of this year.
    This surge in air travel highlights the growing demand for transatlantic travel and the increasing interest of American travellers in exploring various European destinations.
    Trip.com hotel bookings for the UK reveal that London, Edinburgh and Manchester are the top three most popular destinations for US travellers.
    At the forefront of facilitating seamless travel experiences with its all-in-one app strategy, Trip.com’s impressive booking growth further solidifies its position as a leading travel service provider.
    Data on travellers from the US to the whole of Europe is further encouraging, with flight bookings growing 101% over the same period. London (UK), Barcelona (Spain), Paris (France), Rome and Milan (Italy), Athens (Greece), Lisbon (Portugal), Amsterdam (Netherlands) and Dublin (Ireland) are the most popular flight arrival cities for US travellers to Europe.ADVERTISEMENTMoreover, hotel bookings from the US to Europe have witnessed a 60% increase over the same period. 
    Demand from US travellers has bounced back fast following the pandemic. According to VisitBritian, more Americans are travelling to the UK and are spending more than in 2019.
    Andy Washington, General Manager EMEA at Trip.com Group, expressed his enthusiasm about the positive trajectory of travel bookings between the United States and Europe.
    He stated, “We are thrilled to witness a 101% growth in flight and 60% in hotel bookings for Europe, indicating a solid rebound in transatlantic travel.
    “At Trip.com Group, we remain committed to offering exceptional service and customised travel solutions via our mobile-first strategy, ensuring our customers, comfort and convenience.”

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