Hotel, Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

DidaTravel – a tech-driven global travel distribution company – has warned that western hotels have missed a great window of opportunity for capturing the attention of international outbound Chinese tourists by not actively promoting their properties ahead of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival currently taking place this week.
Historically the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the busiest outbound tourism periods as the period includes both the Mid-Autumn Festival and China National Day, both of which are national holidays. This results in many Chinese citizens combining the national holiday days with work holidays to take one week of holiday.
Whilst the China outbound tourism market, in general, still remains some way away from where it was in 2019, this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival could have provided an excellent opportunity for inspiration for Western hotels to actively market themselves to Chinese audiences currently – positioning themselves perfectly for the recovery.
Eric Zhuang, Chief Strategy Officer at DidaTravel, states “this Mid-Autumn Festival period has been a big missed opportunity for most Western hotels as generally speaking they haven’t yet reactivated their sales & marketing efforts when it comes to Chinese outbound travellers. By doing so they are basically risking missing out on the recovery which is already underway, allowing competitors to capture their market share.”
Reactivating China sales will require more than simply re-employing Chinese speaking sales & marketing teams however, points out Eric, “technology plays an ever increasing important role in reaching Chinese travellers via B2B2C sales distribution channels and such technology solutions have evolved significantly since 2019. This requires more than just switching back on your old tech solutions and it is important to point out that the nature of the local sales market has changed too. Many B2B2C sellers are now selling in a very different way and thus require different types of content and pricing.”ADVERTISEMENTp > 

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The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance has welcomed the sustainability management platform Weeva as an affiliate member to help drive collaboration on industry resilience and data-led sustainability.
Designed by sustainable tourism experts, Weeva champions small, sustainable actions, backed by consistent data management, to boost efficiency and, ultimately, profitability within the industry.
The Alliance has a wide reach in the hospitality sector, representing over 50,000 properties and 7 million rooms globally and is delighted Weeva can bring its expertise in addressing the many challenges the hospitality industry faces as it targets Net Positive Hospitality – a philosophy and approach that unlocks the hospitality industry’s potential to contribute to the world’s future.
With this shared vision, both the Alliance and Weeva are working within the tourism and hospitality industries to address the challenges of measuring GHG emissions and facilitating more transparent, credible reporting.
As an Affiliate Member, Weeva will be able to help shape and drive sustainable progress through having a seat at the Alliance’s Senior Advisory Council as well as access to the Alliance’s solutions and resources that are tailored specifically for the industry, by the industry.ADVERTISEMENTSustainable Hospitality Alliance CEO, Glenn Mandziuk, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Weeva as an Affiliate Member and look forward to collaborating and working towards our shared vision to improve the industry’s reporting and measuring standards.  Weeva’s focus on using sustainability to create more efficient and resilient businesses reflects the Alliance’s ambitions to put the industry on a sustainable pathway to Net Positive Hospitality.  Collaboration with our affiliate members is invaluable as we implement our bold 5-year strategy to help the industry give back more than it takes.”
Julie Cheetham, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Weeva commented:
“The pandemic brought home just how vulnerable the tourism and hospitality sectors were; and how connected they are to the natural world. Practically overnight, we went from being one of the world’s biggest employers to the brink of collapse. This sparked a fire in myself and Lindsey Walter; we wanted to build a tool to mainstream and democratise sustainable operations and enable even the most ‘green-averse’ properties to improve their impact. It’s our mission to ditch the jargon, greenwashing and marketing ploys to make sustainability work for profit, people, and the planet.”

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The first-ever license to allow casino operations in the UAE could be issued ‘imminently’ according to the boss of Wynn Resorts.
The Las Vegas major has the first and only casino resort confirmed in the country, in Northern Emirate Ras Al Khaimah.In the group’s Q2 2023 earnings call, CEO Craig Billings spoke about the upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Island. He said: “We have everything we need to operate gaming in Al Marjan. I expect that we will have our license for Ras Al Khaimah actually imminently.”
Billings touched on the current laws for gaming in the UAE, where gambling is not allowed.
He said: “I think there’s confusion here because there’s a lack of understanding regarding individual Emirates versus the UAE as a whole. It’s clearly a 10, as I think I’ve talked about before to a state and federal system.
“But there should be no concern that there is a legalisation process that needs to occur in order for gaming to occur in that property.”ADVERTISEMENTWynn Al Marjan Island will comprise 1,500 keys, including rooms, suites and villas, along with two dozen restaurants, a spa, an events centre, and a theatre for “unique production shows.” Wynn states the resort is designed for longer visits and “day trips” from those across the six other emirates. With this in mind, there will be nightly laser and light shows, much like in Las Vegas.
The US$3.9 billion integrated resort will be home to the UAE’s first confirmed casino when it opens in 2027. The casino will take up four percent of the hotel’s total space.
Source: Hotelier Middle East

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Guests staying at any one of Sandals three resorts in St. Lucia can enjoy a Sandals golf course perfect for play at any skill-level. The all-remastered 18-hole, par 71 Sandals St. Lucia Golf & Country Club at Cap Estate boasts a Greg Norman-designed championship caliber course layout that features 7,000+ yards and dramatic elevation changes with undulating greens.
Sandals St. Lucia Golf & Country Club at Cap EstateThis 18-hole, par 71 course features 6,744 yards of sprawling green slopes, dotted with attractive ponds and lush foliage. Featuring a practice range with putting and chipping greens, this magnificent golf course is ideal for any level of experience.18-hole, resort-style coursePlays to 6,744 yards, par 71Sprawling green slopes dotted with attractive ponds and lush foliage

FacilitiesFull-service golf pro shopClub storage facilitiesPractice range with full sized driving range and putting greensDriving rangeChanging facilities
ServicesADVERTISEMENT
Complimentary green fees for guests staying at any of the Sandals Resorts in Saint LuciaComplimentary transfers for all nearby resorts to/from golf courseFrom Sandals Grande St. Lucian – 5-minute transferFrom Sandals Halcyon Beach – 25-minute transferFrom Sandals Regency La Toc – 35-minute transferGolf carts are mandatory, but not included. Rate is as follows:US $50 (up to 2 persons per cart)Optional golf rentals & amenities (per round):FootJoy® Shoe Rentals available for men and women (adult sizes only). Rate as follows: US $20Titleist® Golf club rentals available for men and women (left and right-handed). Rates as follows:US $75.00 for 18 holes(Includes a complimentary sleeve of Titleist® Pro V1® golf balls (3-count for course play)Complimentary group golf clinic hosted weekly.Private golf lessons led by a golf professional are available for an additional fee. Rates as follows:30 minutes US $100.0060 minutes US $180.0090 minutes US $260.00

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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Milaidhoo Maldives, the pristine boutique private island paradise, is proud to announce the launch of its 7-day Multi-Sensory Art Retreat for guests to reset the mind, body, and soul. The one-of-a-kind retreat experience in October 2023, hosted by renowned artist Alena Lavdovskaya, aims to ignite creativity and self-expression through a series of immersive experiences that engage all five senses.
Alena Lavdovskaya is a renowned artist who brings glamour and elegance to life through her celebrated illustrations. With a career spanning two decades, Alena has collaborated with top models, hotels and celebrities, captivating audiences worldwide with her exquisite work. From fashion magazines to solo exhibitions, her artistic prowess shines through, making her a true icon in the industry.
The Multi-Sensory Art Retreat at Milaidhoo will take place in October 2023 and is designed to take guests on a captivating journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration. The retreat will focus on vision, sound, taste, smell, touch, and intuition and each session of the retreat focuses on a different sensory aspect, allowing participants to unlock their creative potential in unique and unexpected ways.
The retreat begins with the “Vision” session, where guests are guided through beginner’s techniques to gain confidence in putting their visions on paper and truly understanding new perspectives. The participants will be introduced to Alena, who will provide guidance and encourage them to share their desired outcomes for the retreat. Through brainteasers and a beginner’s art class, guests will shift their perspectives and gain inspiration for their artistic endeavours.
ADVERTISEMENTNext, the “Sound” session invites guests to listen to themselves and their surroundings at the spa. Serenity Spa will perform a sound healing session, and Alena will guide guests in illustrating the emotions and sensations evoked by the sounds on a canvas. This session opens new avenues of artistic expression, introducing participants to innovative techniques of depicting “sound” through visual art.
In the “Taste” session, participants embark on Milaidhoo’s culinary journey, collaborating with the Milaidhoo culinary team. Guests will put their senses to the test, tasting the chefs’ masterpieces in the wine cellar, while blindfolded. These creations will be in the form of hors d’oeuvres, bonbons, and canapés. After this session, the participants will learn the art of plating. The session focuses on creating culinary masterpieces as edible artworks, emphasizing presentation and plating techniques. After the plating session, guests will savour a delectable four-course meal specially crafted by Milaidhoo’s culinary team.
The “Smell” session invites guests to a rejuvenating aromatherapy meditation session led by Serenity Spa and Alena. Through this aromatic experience, the retreat participants will explore how different scents can inspire and enhance their creative mindset. Alena will guide them in capturing scents in their artwork, while the spa team will share valuable insights on the impact of scents with guests and provide them with a gift pack of small scent bottles for further experimentation.
Following a relaxing massage in the “Touch” session, guests will explore the sense of touch through finger painting techniques. Retreat participants will experience different textures brought about by paint and learn how to create tactile elements in their artwork. This session encourages guests to express themselves through the medium of touch and further enhances their sensory experience.
Finally, in the “Intuition” session, guests will reflect on their profound journey and work with Alena to create inventive and unconventional self-portraits. Drawing from all the newfound senses and experiences, the retreat participants will create a personal art piece that captures the essence of their transformative journey. Alena will also create small art pieces for each guest, providing her interpretation of their newfound selves.

The Multi-Sensory Art Retreat at Milaidhoo is a one-of-a-kind experience that combines artistic expression with sensory stimulation. It offers Milaidhoo guests a rare opportunity to discover their inner creativity and forge a deeper and more meaningful connection with themselves and their surroundings.
HOW
For more information and to book the Multi-Sensory Art Retreat, please visit https://www.milaidhoo.com/special-offers/multi-sensory-art-retreator contact Milaidhoo via emailing at [email protected] or dialling +960 660 7788.

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Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the world’s leading luxury hospitality company, together with Shahid Khan through Iguana Investments Florida LLC (Iguana Investments), today announced plans for a new Hotel and Private Residences in Jacksonville, Florida.
Anticipated to open in 2026, Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Jacksonville will play an integral role in the development of the Jacksonville Shipyards while ushering in a thrilling and historic next chapter for Downtown Jacksonville.
Blending imaginative urban design on the banks of the St. Johns River, Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Jacksonville will be the centerpiece of the Jacksonville Shipyards, ideally located adjacent to the Sports Complex and proposed Stadium of the Future – a renovated and reimagined EverBank Stadium that will serve as home to the Jacksonville Jaguars while playing host to national and international sports and entertainment events for generations to come.
“Four Seasons is incredibly proud to bring our renowned service and hospitality offering to one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States,” says Bart Carnahan, Executive Vice President, Global Business Development and Portfolio Management, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “As Jacksonville continues to enhance its offerings for people to live, work and play, we look forward to working with Mr. Khan to expand our presence in Florida and extend our long-time partnership together, contributing to the city’s bright future and achieving our shared vision of building communities and creating exceptional luxury experiences.”
About Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences JacksonvilleADVERTISEMENTFour Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Jacksonville will offer 170 luxuriously appointed rooms and suites, 26 Private Residences, and four dining and lounge outlets including a signature rooftop restaurant and bar, all-day restaurant, pool bar and grill, and lobby bar – all of which will be enjoyed by travellers and locals alike.
Serviced by the renowned quality and genuine care for which Four Seasons is known, the Hotel will also feature a world-class spa, multiple outdoor pools with cabana service, a well-appointed gym; expansive meeting and event space; and the widely celebrated Kids For All Seasons Program with activities dedicated to younger guests. Guests, residents, and locals will also have access to a redeveloped marina offering unique experiences along the St. Johns River.
Setting the stage for a new standout luxury destination in Jacksonville, the initial conceptual design for the project was created by Pininfarina America. HKS is the lead design architect, partnering with ODA Architecture for interior design and EDSA for landscape design, creating a modern yet timeless atmosphere. HKS has worked on Four Seasons projects in The Bahamas, Hawaii, Orlando, Denver and more.
Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Jacksonville will be joining an exceptional collection of properties in the Sunshine State that currently includes Orlando, Palm Beach, Surfside, Miami and Fort Lauderdale as well as an upcoming resort in Naples.
The property will be the second Four Seasons property for Khan, the owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League. In September 2016, Khan purchased full ownership of Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, regarded as the flagship property for the Toronto-based Four Seasons brand and universally heralded as one of the premier destinations in the luxury hotel segment anywhere in the world. The property, located in the fashionable Yorkville neighbourhood, is managed by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
About the Jacksonville Shipyards Development
In addition to Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Jacksonville, Phase One of the Jacksonville Shipyards will comprise a six-storey office building, a revamped full-service marina, a reinvigorated Metropolitan Park, a marina services building and a public park.
The project will feature ample park space and walking paths connecting to the riverwalk, which will span from Downtown Jacksonville to Metropolitan Park. Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ business staff will move into the adjacent office building.
Phase Two of the Jacksonville Shipyards will include a five-acre (two-hectare) property slated for mixed-use development. Initial plans include a medical component, which will add to the region’s thriving medical industry. Other potential uses include retail, residential, additional parking and green space. Khan has been singularly focused in recent years on making this vision a reality to create hundreds of new jobs, generate vital tourism revenue, attract residents and spark additional opportunities for emerging local businesses – all with Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Jacksonville at center stage in Downtown Jacksonville.
“I have immense love and respect for Jacksonville and Four Seasons alike,” Khan says. “So, for me, it’s always been about connecting the two, because they have so much to offer each other.”
“Four Seasons is an iconic brand that will redefine Downtown Jacksonville and provide a luxury destination that we have been unable to offer until now. Jacksonville, in turn, will offer the new Four Seasons Hotel a spectacular setting on the banks of the St. Johns River and provide our entire community a reason to rally around the Shipyards, the Stadium of the Future and the overall future of Downtown Jacksonville. I’ve said all along that Four Seasons will be a game-changer for Jacksonville, and the change begins now.”

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Baha Mar, the leading integrated resort in the Caribbean, proudly joins the nation of The Bahamas in commemorating 50 years of independence this July.
The golden jubilee, officially recognized on July 10, showcases the country’s resiliency, culture, and heritage after gaining independence from British rule in 1973. The resort is thrilled to introduce a series of events and activities for guests and locals, including live musical performances, Junkanoo Rush celebrations, cultural and artistic demonstrations, firework displays, and much more. As The Bahamas commemorates this significant milestone of freedom, Baha Mar stands proudly together with the country, paying tribute to the remarkable journey of the island nation and its people.Graeme Davis, President of Baha Mar, expresses his enthusiasm, stating, “As we celebrate 50 years of Bahamian independence, Baha Mar takes immense pride in honoring the nation’s achievements and vibrant culture. The establishment of The Baha Mar Resort Foundation reflects our deep commitment to preserving our heritage to the community. We look forward to welcoming guests from around the world to join us in celebrating this momentous occasion and experiencing the soul of The Bahamas.”
Baha Mar will offer an array of daily activities and celebrations, including a lesson in Bahamian sustainability at The Sanctuary, where guests can learn about past and current Bahamian Conservation efforts through an interactive art exhibition from local artists who have immortalized Bahamian history through their artistic expressions. As the sun sets, guests can look forward to an extraordinary lineup of celebrated Bahamian choirs, where local talent will serenade the crowd with enchanting musical selections and pay tribute to the nation’s rich musical heritage. The rhythm continues with a vibrant nightly Junkanoo Rush parading throughout the resort, filling Baha Mar with infectious rhythms, spirited dancing, and dazzling costumes.
Events throughout the week include Bands by The Beach, an outdoor, live-music event featuring the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band. Guests will be mesmerized with intricate routines, accompanied by the enchanting sounds of the Conch Shell Choir and local Rake ‘n’ Scrape musicians, showcasing the unique musical heritage of The Bahamas. History lovers will also have the opportunity to learn more about the culture of Junkanoo at the Junkanoo and You: Craft Pop-Up, featuring a one-of-a-kind experience to create breathtaking Junkanoo pieces and keepsakes.
All events lead to The Bahamas 50th Anniversary on July 10, where Baha Mar will host the ultimate Bahamian extravaganza at the Taste of the Islands Fair. Featuring native culinary delights, traditional island music, visually stunning art, live entertainment, and unmistakable hospitality that have made The Bahamas the Caribbean’s premier luxury travel destination for 50 incredible years.ADVERTISEMENTThe resort is steadfast in its unwavering commitment to the nation, ensuring the legacy of The Bahamas thrives for generations to come.
For more information on the Baha Mar 50th anniversary celebrations, please visit https://bahamar.com/ or follow along at @BahaMarResorts on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

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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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