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    Hyatt Regency Partners with Future to Enhance Guest Wellbeing with Customized Virtual Workouts

    Building on Hyatt’s purpose of care and commitment to wellbeing, Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced an exclusive collaboration between the Hyatt Regency brand and Future, a personal training platform that connects users with an ongoing fitness coach to create customized virtual workouts, further complementing World of Hyatt members and guests’ wellbeing journeys.
    Launching at 26 Hyatt Regency hotels and resorts in the U.S., these Hyatt Regency hotels invite guests and members to enjoy complimentary guided workouts developed by Future trainers that are customized for each hotel and resort’s fitness center and equipment. With this new collaboration, Hyatt builds on its commitment to wellbeing and the Hyatt Regency brand’s recent refinement to further provide innovative offerings that help guests, members and customers live healthy, happy and fulfilling lives both during and beyond their stays.
    “With travelers continuing to seek ways to prioritize their wellbeing and find convenient and productive ways to exercise and maintain their routines while away from home, we understand the importance of seamlessly integrating this into the guest experience,” said Emily Wright, Vice President, Global Brand Leader, Hyatt. “As a global brand with five decades of rich history and a reputation for seamless care, the new collaboration with Future is just one example of how we’re evolving the Hyatt Regency brand experience with personalized touchpoints to address the ever-changing needs of today’s travelers.”
    Through this collaboration, guests at participating Hyatt Regency hotels and resorts in the U.S. can enjoy complimentary guided workouts in varying levels of intensity, designed with the equipment and activities available at each fitness center and virtually guided by expert coaches via the Future personal training app. The workouts were created to target all fitness levels and activity preferences, from a Surfside Strength Session in Huntington Beach to a Bridge City Circuit Session in Portland, allowing guests to choose the workout best suited for them.  Accessing the guided workouts is as easy as downloading the Future personal training app and scanning the QR code in their guestroom or at the hotel’s fitness center to access the hotel’s customized workouts.
    World of Hyatt members and guests who complete one of the custom on-property workouts via Future can enhance their wellbeing routine after their Hyatt Regency stay with a complimentary one-month membership with Future ($199 value). The one-month free trial is subject to Future Terms & Conditions, and will be converted to a paid subscription after the first month at $199 per month unless terminated in accordance with Future’s instructions. Members will be matched with a world-class fitness coach that will learn more about their schedule, routine and goals, and design personalized training plans that support their health goals alongside work, travel and life.ADVERTISEMENT“We built Future to incorporate fitness seamlessly into our members’ lives, and it works especially well for travel, where personalized attention and programming enable them to stay consistent outside of their daily routines,” said Rishi Mandal, CEO of Future. “Wellbeing is such an important pillar for the Hyatt Regency brand, and they are walking the walk here by offering customized workouts to their guests and members.”
    For more than 50 years, the Hyatt Regency brand has championed fresh perspectives driven by an evolutionary spirit to meet the needs of guests and members. As a foundational brand of Hyatt, Hyatt Regency hotels have led many firsts for Hyatt, including the first hotel opening outside the United States in 1969. The depth and breadth of this diverse portfolio, from expansive resorts to urban city centers, is a testament to the brand’s evolutionary spirit. The alliance with Future further complements the Hyatt Regency brand’s continued brand evolution and brand pillars by prioritizing innovation, agility and personalization.
    Access to the custom guided workouts via Future is now available at the 26 participating U.S. Hyatt Regency hotels and resorts, with plans to expand to more Hyatt Regency destinations later this year.
    Select hotels in major cities include:
    California:
    Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & SpaHyatt Regency IrvineHyatt Regency SacramentoHyatt Regency San FranciscoHyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMAColorado:
    Hyatt Regency DenverFlorida:
    Hyatt Regency Coral GablesHyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and SpaHyatt Regency Grand CypressHyatt Regency OrlandoHyatt Regency Orlando AirportHawaii:
    Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and SpaIllinois:
    Hyatt Regency ChicagoMassachusetts:
    Hyatt Regency BostonNevada:
    Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and CasinoNew York:
    Hyatt Regency JFK Airport at Resorts World New YorkOhio:
    Hyatt Regency ColumbusOregon:
    Hyatt Regency Portland at the Oregon Convention CenterTexas:
    Hyatt Regency AustinHyatt Regency DallasHyatt Regency Frisco – DallasHyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and SpaUtah:
    Hyatt Regency Salt Lake CityWashington:
    Hyatt Regency Bellevue on Seattle’s EastsideHyatt Regency Lake Washington at Seattle’s SouthportHyatt Regency SeattleTo learn more about the collaboration and a full list of participating Hyatt Regency hotels and resorts, visit future.co/hyatt-regency.

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    Jumeirah Appoints Chief Brand Officer to Lead The Evolution of its Brand

    Jumeirah Group, the global luxury hospitality company and member of Dubai Holding, today announced the appointment of Michael Grieve as its new Chief Brand Officer, responsible for spearheading the evolution of the brand as part of its Mission 2030 strategy. Formerly Vice President Brand and Client for Gucci, leading brand, communications, events and client development across Europe, Middle East and African marketplaces, Grieve will join Jumeirah in April.
    Originally from New Zealand, Grieve’s 16-year career has spanned roles for leading international brands including BMW Group, adidas, and Nike and most recently Gucci in Milan.  He comes with a proven track record of delivering business success across iconic international brands and will play an integral role in transforming Jumeirah’s brand, building a robust value proposition and experiential offering to secure Jumeirah’s position as a globally recognised hospitality group as it moves ahead with its plans to double the size of its portfolio by 2030. 
    Thomas Meier, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Jumeirah, spoke of the new hire: “As part of our Mission 2030 strategic plan, we are building on rich origins to shape a new brand expression of ultra luxury hospitality that will enable our growth in key destinations around the world.  As our new Chief Brand Officer, Michael is integral to that journey and brings an outstanding brand building pedigree with a luxury network that will help enable our transition from a regional success story to a global brand with international reach.  I’m looking forward to working closely with Michael as we embark on a new era for the Jumeirah brand.”
    Grieve’s impressive track record includes brand management for BMW and MINI in New Zealand; the development of global campaigns and retail strategies for the adidas running and basketball businesses; leadership of the Jordan Brand for Nike across EMEA and most recently driving all brand marketing, communications and client engagement activities for Gucci Maison across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
    Michael Grieve said of his new role with Jumeirah: “My passion lies in creating and delivering impactful brand strategies that resonate with diverse and discerning audiences, grounded in authenticity and the brand’s core values. The Jumeirah brand is built from exceptionally strong foundations, and I believe we now have an unparalleled opportunity to define an identity and ultra-luxury experience that sets Jumeirah apart and supports its global growth ambitions.  I’m very proud to join Jumeirah on this exciting journey.”ADVERTISEMENTGrieve is one of a number of senior hires made by Jumeirah in the last year as part of its Mission 2030 strategic plan. In 2023, Joanne Behrens was appointed as Senior Vice President of Architecture and Spatial Design, tasked with reshaping Jumeirah’s design philosophy. Niamh O’Connell also joined as Vice President of Wellbeing, focusing on enhancing the wellness experience through lifelong learning, longevity, and inclusivity. Additionally, Bryanne Tait came on board as the Global Senior Director of Sustainability to support ongoing efforts to minimise operational impact to protect people and planet.
    For more information visit jumeirah.com

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    More than 40% of UAE residents are not getting enough quality sleep

    A recent sleep survey conducted by Premier Inn Middle East in collaboration with Silentnight Arabia, UK’s most trusted sleep brand, has revealed new insights into the sleep quality and habits of UAE residents. The survey, which polled more than 950 individuals ahead of Sleep Awareness Week from 10 to 16 March and World Sleep Day on 15 March, shows that more than 40% of UAE residents are not getting the right amount of sleep and can improve their sleep quality significantly.
    Simon Leigh, Managing Director, Premier Inn Middle East, said: “Our survey findings underscore the massive opportunity for people to enhance their sleep quality. At Premier Inn, we are invested in sleep and understand the crucial role it plays in overall well-being. Through our partnership with Silentnight Arabia, we’re committed to providing our guests with cutting-edge sleep technology in our rooms and sleep tips to take home with.”
    Quality of SleepWhile the majority of respondents (80%) reported that they feel as though they get a good’s night of sleep with 56% sleeping 6 to 8 hours per night, a whopping 41% sleep less than 6 hours per night.
    Hannah Shore, sleep expert at Silentnight Arabia comments; “Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours of good quality sleep per night, 6 hours is on the lower end. We must allow our bodies the right amount of time in each stage of sleep to fully recover – 5 cycles of 90 minutes per night. Deep sleep repairs the body physically whereas light sleep benefits the brain function and emotional processing.”
    “Alarmingly, more than 40% of respondents sleep less than 6 hours per night. This substantial percentage questions the accuracy of self-perceived sleep quality. While most respondents rate their sleep as good or excellent, a high number is not getting the right amount of sleep and could improve their sleep quality significantly.”ADVERTISEMENTSleep DisturbancesA third (32%) of respondents indicated that they suffer from an irregular sleep schedule. Shore explains: “A consistent sleep schedule ensures a good night of sleep. Irregular sleep patterns, like late nights and weekend lie-ins, lead to social jetlag, making Monday mornings much tougher.”Sleep can be disrupted by many factors; stress being number 1 in the survey (48%). “Stress triggers elevated levels of cortisol, which disrupts the production of sleep hormones. This response originates from our primal instincts: we only sleep when we feel safe.”
    Temperature and climate also scored high on the survey (36%). “Maintaining a slightly cooler core body temperature is crucial for good quality sleep. While airconditioning is common in our hot climate, its noise and air drying effect can disrupt sleep.” Interestingly, almost 80% of people report that they sleep best in winter due to naturally lower temperatures, reducing the need for air conditioning.
    Using electronic devices before bedtime also ranks high on the list (26%). “They aren’t as bad as often thought. While excessive blue light exposure can disturb sleep, content like meditation, podcasts, or familiar TV shows can actually be soothing.”
    “Background noises at bedtime are beneficial, but they should be low in volume and have gentle tones to promote sleep. Noises like construction (25%) or traffic (24%) tend to alert us and cause wakenings.”
    Sleep Habits
    Sleep RoutinesAn effective wind-down routine helps the body and mind relax from the day’s activities. The most popular sleep routine among respondents is to watch TV before bed (35%). Shore elaborates: “This can be a great way to help your brain switch off from the day, as long as it’s something familiar and comforting, like a re-run of Friends.”
    Avoiding caffeine (34%) ranks second on the list. “Caffeine binds to brain receptors, telling us we’re awake. But if consumed too close to bedtime, its effects might linger due to its long half-life, which can last up to 10 hours! When opting for herbal teas and juices (18%), make sure they are caffeine free.”
    Evening routines should facilitate a decrease in body temperature. 23% of respondents actively lower the room temperature. “However, activities such as exercising (13%), hot baths and large meals can all cause spikes in our core body temperature, therefore we should avoid doing these too close to bedtime.”
    Listening to podcasts or music (23%), and reading a book (15%) are also popular hobbies before bedtime.
    Last thing before bed34% of people brush their teeth as the last thing they do before bed. “This can actually be quite stimulating, says Shore, with bright bathroom lights and strong minty toothpaste waking the body up again.”
    Checking social media before bed ranks second with 29%. “Having a quick glance or watching some random videos might help certain people switch off from the day. Set a timer so you don’t lose too many valuable hours of sleep time. A substantial 25% of people end their day by saying a prayer which compliments a calm and relaxing wind-down routine.”
    Going to bedThe majority of respondents (55%) reported going to bed between 10pm and midnight, while a significant number (27%) goes to sleep after midnight.“The time which we go to bed is unique to each of us”, explains Shore. “It depends on the circadian rhythm, our internal body clock, that regulates our sleep-wake cycle and chronotype; morning or evening person. Chronotypes may change, shifting towards later sleep in adolescense – this is why teenagers lay in bed all day – and towards more morning-oriented routines in later stages of life.”
    Waking upNearly half (47%) of the respondents wake up between 6am and 8am, and 36% between 4am and 6am. These wake-up times are most likely set by work and school schedules.
    The big driving force for waking up is the alarm clock (81%), followed by family members or roommates (30%), light exposure (27%) and bird song (7%). Other wake-up aids include the sound of a kettle boiling, the smell of breakfast, the body’s circadian rhythm, and the call to prayer.
    Shore comments: “If people had a more regular sleeping pattern, their body would have a natural time at which it wakes up. We shouldn’t turn all alarms off, however, waking up a few minutes before your alarm is a sign of a good sleep routine. Bright morning light also helps people to rise and shine as it supresses the production of melatonin making us feel more awake.”
    Hannah Shore’s Top 10 to sleep betterTV and devices: Tech isn’t always bad. If you are using a device before bed, use it in eye comfort mode to create calming sounds, listen to podcasts or breathing exercises. Music, pink and white sounds: Certain sounds can help you sleep such as ocean waves, rainfall and a buzzing fan.Airconditioning: Dry air from the airconditioning can lead to dryness within the skin, throat and nose which can increase snoring. Using a humidifier can help.Socks: Bed socks can increase the blood circulation which can help with cooling the body down. Earplugs: Invest in quality earplugs to block out construction and traffic noises if you live in an area prone to them.Sleep trackers: This a great way to monitor your sleep if used correctly.·      Pillows: Pick the right pillow to match your sleeping style: front and back sleepers require thin pillows, while side sleepers need thicker ones to support the gap between the ear and shoulder edge.·      Bright Light: Bright light at sunrise can easily wake you by halting sleep hormone production. Use blackout blinds, curtains, or an eye mask at home to block out this brightness.·      Work: Taking work to bed can overstimulate our minds, making it hard to switch off. If you must work in your bedroom, set up a dedicated workspace to create separation between work and sleep.·      Bed sharing: When sharing a bed, you’ll have to prioritise each other’s sleep. Separate mattresses, beds and bedrooms are more common than you think.
    For the complete overview of all sleep survey results, please click here. https://mena.premierinn.com/Admin/Content/UserFiles/Premier%20Inn%20x%20Silentnight%20Sleep%20Survey%202024.pdf
    At Premier Inn, we are all about sleep. Guests can rest easy at 11 hotels throughout Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. For bookings, please visit premierinn.ae or call +971 600 500 503.

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    Hylla Vintage Hotel Joins The Leading Hotels of the World as First Member in Southwest China

    Hylla Vintage Hotel has been inducted into The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW), becoming the first property in Southwest China to join this exclusive network of luxury independent hotels.Nestled in the historic heart of Lijiang, a city renowned for its convergence of world heritage sites, the Hylla Vintage Hotel offers a unique gateway to the past. The hotel is situated at the base of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the southernmost glacier in Eurasia known for its perennial snow. Embracing the textures of natural wood and stone, the property resides in Jietuolin, the original domain of the Muwangfu family, who led the Nakhi people. This location is steeped in history, a narrative beautifully captured in the Ming Dynasty chronicle, “The Travels of Xu Xiake.”
    The property is a testament to the area’s historical allure and scenic splendor, making it an exceptional destination for international travelers in search of distinctive experiences. With a commitment to respecting the natural environment and local traditions, the hotel fosters a strong connection with the spirit of “village community living”. Notably, Hylla Vintage Hotel has garnered several prestigious international accolades, including AHEAD, DEZEEN, LILA, and LI Awards, reflecting its appeal among both domestic and international audiences.
    Guests can immerse themselves in a bygone era within the hotel’s interiors, which features a meticulously curated collection of modernist furniture dating from the 1930s to the 1960s, alongside an eclectic mix of vintage furnishings, literature, artworks, and artisanal objects from around the world. This blend of historical ambiance and modern luxury positions the Hylla Vintage Hotel as a living museum of vintage culture, offering a deeply authentic and enriching travel experience.
    For more information and reservations,please visit https://www.hyllahotels.com or call 0888-5155555.

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    The Leading Hotels of the World Welcomes Six New Luxurious Destinations to Its Prestigious Portfolio

    Offering the largest collection of independent luxury hotels globally, The Leading Hotels of the World is pleased to welcome six new member hotels to its prestigious portfolio. This season’s collection includes five new hotel openings, demonstrating a boom in luxury hospitality openings worldwide. The openings include two new US properties, a new hotel concept in Madeira, a grand converted museum in Rome, and a collection of bungalows and casas just south of Tulum, Mexico.
    “The Leading Hotels of the World welcomes 2024 with an array of brilliant hotels joining the collection. We are delighted to welcome this outstanding group of new members to LHW, consisting primarily of recent openings.” said Deniz Omurgonulsen, Vice President of Member Experience, The Leading Hotels of the World. “This cohort includes LHW’s entrance into destinations such as Savannah, Georgia, and Tulum, Mexico, and further strengthens our presence in Europe. LHW is proud to champion independent hospitality and is excited to introduce new experiences to our curious travelers with these additions.”
    Discover LHW’s Spring Collection EUROPE
    The Reserve (Funchal, Portugal) NEW OPENING JANUARY 2024A new hotel concept with guest experiences at its core
    The Reserve is an exclusive hotel concept in Madeira, Portugal, situated within its sister property, Savoy Palace. The hotel encompasses 40 sea-facing rooms and suites on the top floors of Savoy Palace, all meticulously designed to deliver the utmost in comfort. The Reserve is host to a private members access and services team of dedicated GEPAs – Guest Experience Personal Assistants – who will ensure a seamless stay. Positioned near the main attractions of Madeira, The Reserve, beyond wellness and city access, offers guests elevated dining in the Jacarandá Club and private experiences from yacht tours to wine tastings. The Reserve guests benefit from all the facilities and services of the incredible Savoy Palace, from the Laurea Spa and four swimming pools to gardens, to beaches and numerous dining experiences.ADVERTISEMENTPalazzo Roma (Rome, Italy) NEW OPENING 2024A noble museum turned hotel in the capital
    Palazzo Roma is a three-floor museum turned contemporary and history filled hotel. Dating from the 16th Century, this historic building has been owned by several aristocratic Tuscan families and is a valuable heritage of the Roman nobility. Situated near the Spanish Steps, between Via del Corso and Piazza di Pietra, the property is adorned with coffered ceilings, original frescoes, timeless marble, and an outstanding original marble staircase. All 39 rooms and suites have been uniquely designed to the highest standards of contemporary luxury, while maintaining their original features. The spacious reception rooms and unique artwork pair with excellent service and attention to detail, making Palazzo Roma the perfect aristocratic hideaway in this vibrant city.
    Grand Hotel Alassio Beach & SPA Resort (Alassio, Italy)A long tale of elegance and hospitality on the Ligurian Riviera
    Founded in the 1897 and overlooking the grandest stretch of one of Italy’s best beaches, Alassio Beach & Spa Resort blends tradition with elegance and excitement. Catering to families, sport enthusiasts and art lovers, the property features a Kids Club, numerous active pursuits, a Talassio 4 Art collection and more. Placed perfectly on the Italian Riviera, the property offers historical tales from its previous life and weaves this culture into curated tours, sea excursions and magical moments for guests. For those looking to reset and recharge by the Ligurian Sea, the hotel’s private Grand Beach Club and Thalassio Medical Spa await.
    North America
    Case Chablé, (Tulum, Mexico)Beachfront luxury located on an untouched stretch of the Caribbean coast
    Nestled within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Mexico’s largest protected areas – lies Casa Chablé. Just 22 miles south of Tulum, Casa Chablé offers a complete nature-immersive experience – with 12 acres of tropical jungle and a 656-foot-long beach. With only five bedrooms in the main villa and an additional five bungalows dotted along the beach, guests will experience a sense of unique remoteness and serenity. The interiors reflect local traditions and the walls are dotted with colorful textiles. Similar to its sister properties, Casa Chablé’s spa and wellbeing experiences are at the heart of the hotel’s offering. The spa features treatments and programs inspired by local traditions the ancient culture of healers.
    Hotel Bardo (Savannah, Georgia, United States) NEW OPENING FEBRUARY 2024Converted Mansion in the gardens of Forsyth Park
    Housed in a former Savannah mansion in the lush green gardens of Forsyth Park is Hotel Bardo – an urban resort and neighborhood clubhouse. Making its debut this year, the hotel features 149 rooms and suites, all comfortably chic. An 80-foot pool, cooking school, spa and sport club invite guests to customize their ideal experience. Saint Bibiana, the main restaurant, offers timeless glamor, impeccable costal Italian food, effortless energy, and cooking classes with the Executive Chef. Also featuring a member’s club, the property will add value to the neighborhood locals and guests alike. When traveling with children, guests can enjoy Camp Bardo, the property’s exciting Kids Club.
    The Fifth Avenue Hotel (New York, New York, United States) NEW OPENING DECEMBER 2023Restored gilded glamour in New York’s NoMad neighborhood
    Thoughtfully restored in the central NoMad neighborhood is The Fifth Avenue Hotel, offering 110 rooms and 43 suites across the mansion and glass tower buildings. Each room is designed with bold, dramatic prints, dainty romantic touches, and vibrant colors. Every corner of the hotel promises a unique kaleidoscopic experience, with eclectic sourced individual art and furnishings, including the three event spaces, hallways and lobby area. The property has introduced two new social and culinary gems to the New York City scene – The Portrait Bar and Café Carmellini. The Portrait Bar offers sophisticated cocktails in a cozy, wood-paneled retreat with an exceptional art collection, and Café Carmellini, conceived by Andrew Carmellini, marries traditional Italian and French cuisine with a classic New York twist.
    Guests can experience enhanced stays at these new members by joining LHW’s complimentary loyalty program, Leaders Club. Richer rewards and uncommon experiences await!

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    Deutsche Hospitality rebrands to H World International

    Joint venture between Conduit House and H World International. To the left: Grant Healy, Chief Executive Officer Conduit House. To the right: Oliver Bonke, Chief Executive Officer H World International © Steigenberger Hotels GmbH
    Deutsche Hospitality, a well-known European hotel company with German roots, is rebranding to H World International to drive the expansion of its ownership group, H World, outside of China.
    All of H World International’s brands will be part of the H Rewards global loyalty program and online booking platform. The brand family includes Steigenberger Icons, Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels, Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts, Jaz in the City, House of Beats, IntercityHotel, Maxx and Zleep Hotels. New to the international brand family is Ji Hotel, one of H World China’s fastest-growing midscale brands with the recently opened Ji Hotel Orchard Singapore as the first of its kind outside of China.“The rebranding to H World International is ushering in a new chapter of international growth, complementing our vast presence in China”, says Jin Hui, CEO of H World. “It is an important step towards our goal to become a world-class global hotel group, with one global team.”Oliver Bonke will serve as CEO H World International alongside the established executive leadership team of the former Deutsche Hospitality. Oliver Bonke and Choon Wah Wong, CFO H World International, will remain Managing Directors of the Steigenberger Hotels GmbH. H World International includes Europe, Middle East, India & Africa (MEIA), as well as Asia Pacific (APAC).“We are excited to bring all of our distinctive brands to key global markets. With our compelling value proposition for owners and investors, we will be able to offer our employees career opportunities across the globe and 218 million H Rewards members more choice – an even more attractive hotel portfolio, in more destinations, and across more brands”, says Oliver Bonke.
    Joint venture with Conduit HouseTo kick-start its growth in APAC, H World International has entered into a joint venture with Conduit House, a fully integrated hotel operator and hospitality asset manager in Asia, for pre-opening support, technical services and operations. Bonke continues: “We are encouraged by the prospects of partnering with Conduit House, which is run by industry veterans Grant Healy and Achim Lenders whose Asian expertise, relationships and networks will be hugely beneficial for our ambitious growth plans.”
    Five new signings across H World International’s growth regionsH World International just signed an agreement with Tantakitt Company Limited for the Montien by Steigenberger, Surawong Bangkok. Having recently finished a complete renovation, it will be the first Steigenberger hotel in Thailand and carry the brand as of July this year. The legendary and stylish hotel offers 475 rooms, combining timeless Thai style with a contemporary attitude. Furthermore, an agreement was signed with Tai Xiang International Co., Ltd. for the Maxx Huay Yai Villa, Pattaya, Thailand comprising 108 spacious, state-of-the-art villas and with an expected opening towards the end of 2025.
    In the MEIA region, the company recently signed an agreement for the new build Steigenberger Resort Byoum Lakeside in Egypt, adding to the existing 16 Steigenberger Resorts in the country. The hotel features 90 luxury rooms and is located about 90 kilometers southwest of Cairo, close to Qarun Lake. It is expected to open in late 2025. Earlier this month, H World International announced the opening of the IntercityHotel Bawshar in Muscat, Oman – the fourth IntercityHotel in Oman and sixth in MEIA overall.ADVERTISEMENTIn Europe, the Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts brand announced the addition of the renovated and historical Bielefelder Hof in Germany. Furthermore, the economy brand Zleep Hotels, of Danish origin, is on the rise with openings in Horsens, Denmark as well as Lausanne and Zürich, Switzerland. Agreements for two further Zleep Hotels were recently signed for the Zleep Hotel Bern, set to open in late 2025, and the Zleep Hotel Göppingen in Southern Germany, which is expected to open in 2026.

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    Choice Privileges Named Among America’s Best Loyalty Programs for Fourth Consecutive Year

    Choice Privileges, the award-winning rewards program of Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), has been named one of America’s Best Loyalty Programs 2024 by Newsweek and Statista. This is the fourth year in a row that Choice Privileges has been recognized on this list that assesses rewards programs on six criteria: ease and enjoyment; benefit; overall satisfaction; customer support; trust; and recommendation.
    The 2024 study, by Newsweek and Statista, centered around the results of an independent survey of more than 4,000 US customers who are members of loyalty programs across 41 categories of US retailer and service provider segments. In total, over 17,900 evaluations were analyzed, which resulted in the ranking of 266 winning programs.
    Over the last year, as part of a continued reinvigoration of the program after the integration with Radisson Rewards Americas, Choice Privileges has expanded rewards and opportunities for guests including:
    Launching two co-brand credit cards – the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard and Choice Privileges Mastercard – to offer travelers more ways to accelerate the amount of Choice Privileges points they earn while staying at participating Choice Hotels and on everyday spending like gas, groceries and home goods.Expanding Choice Privileges Experiences that members can redeem points for with the additions of NASCAR races, and more college football, basketball, baseball and hockey experiences.Diversifying the types of hotels Choice Privileges members can earn and/or redeem points with including Preferred Hotels & Resorts; PENN Casinos & Resorts; BlueGreen Vacations.Offering complimentary breakfast for Diamond status members at Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, and Park Plaza hotels.Choice Privileges members can earn points by staying at over 7,000 Choice-branded hotels across a diverse portfolio of brands in 46 countries and territories. Choice’s family of brands range from upper upscale and upscale, full service, boutique and resort-like hotels including Radisson Blu, Radisson, Cambria Hotels and the Ascend Hotel Collection, to midscale, economy and extended Stay hotels including Country Inn & Suites, Comfort, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, Econo Lodge, Everhome and Mainstay Suites.
    For more information or to enroll in Choice Privileges, visit www.choicehotels.com/choice-privileges.ADVERTISEMENT

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    Design Hotels™ Partners with Weeva to Drive Sustainable Practices in Independent Hospitality

    Digital sustainability management solution, Weeva, establishes conscious collaboration with forward-thinking travel brand Design Hotels to help its portfolio of independent hotels build data-led sustainability initiatives.
    Weeva’s innovative, integrated platform enables hotels to manage their sustainability in one digital system. By tracking, informing decisions and reporting on their commercial viability and environmental and social impact, these businesses can experience the myriad of benefits that come with running a sustainable operation.
    Designed by sustainable tourism experts, Weeva champions continuous improvement actions, backed by consistent data management, to boost efficiency, reduce wastage and, ultimately, support profitability and business resilience within the industry.
    Renowned for establishing partnerships that keep its member hotels ahead of the curve, Design Hotels™ is currently hosting an ongoing series of online workshops and virtual roundtables to connect its members with partners, industry experts, and each other around actionable insights and forward-thinking ideas and practices.
    The first of these conversations, hosted by Elin Kann, Director Sustainability & Culture at Design Hotels™, and moderated by Dr Andrea Ferry, Head of Sustainability at Weeva, focussed on the importance of developing an internal culture of sustainability. A key takeaway was:ADVERTISEMENT“If ‘vision’ is where you are going, ‘culture’ makes sure you can get there.”
    Weeva’s reporting tools can generate tailored Impact Reports for hotels to share with their guests, tour operators and other suppliers. Reports show metrics such as the carbon footprint per bed night or an overall view of a property’s impact. It’s not about being perfect, but rather quantifying goals and showing improvement. Using a system like Weeva helps streamline internal management, sharing the load between departments, from HR employee wellness surveys for to showcasing your community projects. It is also an invaluable data aggregator for those wishing to gain certifications.
    Julie Cheetham, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Weeva commented:
    “We’re so excited to onboard many of the Design Hotels member hotels into our system in 2024, giving them access to all our best-practice educational guides, suggested improvements and easy-to-understand tools and dashboards that track results in real-time.  The travel industry has long needed affordable, accessible sustainability technology to measure and improve operations for the benefit of profit, people and the planet – so it is wonderful to see our software being adopted by hotels of this calibre globally.”
    Stijn Oyen, Managing Director of Design Hotels™, said:
    “We are delighted to collaborate with Weeva to share the exemplary sustainability efforts and successes of our member hotels in transparent, measurable ways.  By utilizing Weeva’s data-driven, science-backed approach, our aim is to learn more about the impact our hotels have on the planet, and apply these insights to develop new, meaningful initiatives that guide them towards a more conscious, sustainable future.”

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