Hotel, Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

The Cabot Collection, developer and operator of luxury resort and residential golf destinations, announces the grand opening of Cabot Saint Lucia, situated along one-and-a-half miles of breathtaking coastline with striking views of the Caribbean Sea.Set across one of the most dramatic sites ever selected for golf, Cabot Saint Lucia offers an unparalleled Caribbean golf experience, magnificent real estate opportunities and unique amenities on a spectacular 375-acre peninsula at the northern tip of Saint Lucia.
With cooling sea breezes, white sand beaches and exquisite ocean views from every corner of the site, Cabot Saint Lucia offers residents and guests exclusive access to amenities and experiences curated specifically for the destination. At the heart of the sprawling property lies Point Hardy Golf Club, featuring a show-stopping 18-hole Coore & Crenshaw golf course. In addition, comfort stations, a food and beverage experience, a retail shop and sports courts are currently available onsite. Additional amenities to follow include a beach club and restaurant, expansive clubhouse, luxury residences and world-class wellness and fitness facilities.
“When I first saw the land that would become Cabot Saint Lucia, I knew it was the perfect canvas to create something truly awe-inspiring,” said Ben Cowan-Dewar, CEO and Co-founder of Cabot. “Opening Cabot Saint Lucia and Point Hardy Golf Club has been a dream come true, and I am honoured to work alongside the dedicated, creative and talented team whose vision and hard work brought us here today.”
Golf:Perched above the Atlantic Ocean and designed to blend seamlessly with the unique topography of the magnificent Saint Lucian landscape, Point Hardy Golf Club is the crown jewel of the site. Renowned golf course architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw’s first Caribbean course is a masterpiece, winding through lush terrain, over rocky cliffs jutting into the ocean, and along meandering valleys and sandy beaches. With nine holes playing along the ocean and every hole showcasing mesmerizing views, the course capitalizes on natural beauty and playability at every turn. The closing stretch at Point Hardy embodies the pinnacle of drama: heroic holes in a jaw-dropping setting, with forced carries over jagged rocks and crashing waves on each of the final four holes. Special attention was placed on preserving the local habitat by transplanting existing cacti and native grasses.
Recently featured as the cover star of GOLF Magazine’s November/December issue, the course debuted as No. 76 in GOLF Magazine’s coveted “Top 100 Courses in the World’’ ranking. Point Hardy Golf Club is the first course in Saint Lucia to make the prestigious list and the highest ranked original design among the new courses on the list.ADVERTISEMENT“It’s very possible that Cabot Saint Lucia is the most visually stunning piece of land we have ever worked with,” said Bill Coore, co-principal of Coore & Crenshaw. “It was a privilege to work with the Cabot team on this one-of-a-kind site, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished. This project was truly a labor of love, and the initial feedback on this enchanting property as one of the world’s most sought-after golf destinations is very special to Ben and me.”
Real Estate and Design: Real estate opportunities at Cabot Saint Lucia range from turnkey residences to expansive, customizable single-family homes, hilltop lots and beachfront living opportunities across seven unique neighborhoods. The landscape features tropical hillsides, sweeping meadows and coastal promontories along with striking elevation changes. Homes hug the natural contours of the land, with building materials chosen for their organic style and ecological sensitivity. Designed to embrace the spectacular natural scenery, open-concept interiors are bright and breezy, complemented by plentiful outdoor living spaces to enjoy the peaceful Caribbean environment year-round.
To date, Cabot Saint Lucia has sold over $160 million in real estate sales, swiftly selling out of its Phase One offerings and much of Phase Two, priced from $2 million to $11 million. Cabot recently unveiled its latest real estate for sale, the four-bedroom Horizon Villas. The move-in ready residences stand perfectly positioned atop one of the site’s highest points at the heart of the property, with stunning views of Cas en Bas Bay and the majestic topography of the Saint Lucian coastline. With three bedrooms in the center of each villa and a fourth bedroom located in a private, detached casita, the experience seamlessly blends indoor-outdoor living and provides the perfect balance of connection and privacy. The main living space features an open concept kitchen, media room, living and dining area that spills out to an expansive patio featuring an outdoor lounge, infinity-edge plunge pool and picturesque views. Pricing will begin at $5.6 million USD and the first of the Horizon Villas is estimated for completion in December 2025.
Amenities:Fitness amenities cater to family members of all ages and include two meticulously maintained Har-Tru tennis courts, two clay tennis courts, four pickleball courts, padel courts and basketball courts. The beach experience promises a delightful treat with a wood-fired pizza truck curated by Cabot’s Michelin starred Executive Chef Esther Ha, offering a menu of local, ocean-inspired culinary creations. Future amenities such as the Beach Club will include a series of restaurants and lounges for toes-in-the sand, all-day dining, as well as a pool, cabanas and hammocks. 
The expansive clubhouse will span three levels and feature breathtaking panoramic views. The first level will include a welcoming bar with a terrace to unwind and enjoy drinks while taking in the serene surroundings, while the second level will be home to well-appointed men’s and women’s changing rooms and a club restaurant. On the third level, an array of entertainment options awaits, including a games lounge, a bowling alley, golf simulators and a theater. The clubhouse is estimated to be completed in 2026. Plans for the wellness center and spa include hydro circuits, massage therapy and an array of fitness offerings and locally inspired spa treatments. The facilities will also feature a full-length lap pool and state-of-the-art gym.
Activities:On-island adventures include hiking through the rainforest and to the iconic Pitons, birdwatching, horseback riding and embarking on unique excursions, including a mud bath, a volcano, a rum distillery tour, a chef-attended BBQ experience and a chocolate tasting tour. The Cabot Explorers program can design bespoke trips and exhilarating wind and wave adventures including snorkeling, deep-sea fishing trips, Hobie Cats, scuba certification, sailing lessons, kitesurfing, whale watching, kids’ camps and trips to neighboring islands.
Rich in culture and rare in mountainous beauty, the enchanting island nation of Saint Lucia reveals 238 square miles of lush rainforests encircled by gold- and black-sand beaches—a natural playground for a lifetime of adventures. The land is born of ancient volcanoes, its most famous being the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Pitons, a pair of twin volcanic spires that are among the most recognizable landmarks in the Caribbean. The island enjoys an average year-round temperature of 83°F (27°C).
To learn more about the world-class golf, real estate and amenities at Cabot Saint Lucia, visit www.cabotsaintlucia.com.

Older
EDITION’S FIRST CARIBBEAN PROPERTY MAKES ITS DEBUT

Newer
Birch takes up new marketing role with APT & Travelmarvel More

Hotelplan UK – the parent company of Explore Worldwide, Inghams, Esprit, Inntravel and Santa’s Lapland – has released its first Planet and People report, to follow on from its Climate and Biodiversity papers published early in 2023.The report, Protecting our Futures, tracks Hotelplan UK’s progress towards sustainability goals and incorporates elements of the group’s People strategy for the first time. It highlights where the group has surpassed targets – increasing investments in the planet and charity donations by more than 16% to £1.25 million, for instance – as well as addressing areas such as carbon reduction where efforts need further acceleration to meet Glasgow Declaration targets.
“It’s been an incredible trading year for our brands, but we’re publishing this report to show that healthy profits and passenger numbers aren’t our only objectives,” said Hotelplan UK CEO, Joe Ponte. “We’re focused on being a purpose-led organisation, meaning an equal focus on People, Planet and Profit is paramount. We’ve got a clear vision of the travel business we want to be and are excited to share the path we’ve mapped to get us there.”
Highlights of the report include:
Giving Back
Hotelplan UK invested over £1.15 million for the planet during its 2022/23 financial year – surpassing its £1 million commitment due to higher-than-projected passenger numbersInvestment went into carbon removal solutions with Klimate, biodiversity restoration with Rewilding Britan and environmental protection with Cool EarthIn addition, over £100,000 was given to charities and projects at brand level – up from £74,000 originally pledgedHotelplan UK will invest a further £1 million in carbon removal and rewilding projects, plus donate a further £100,000 to charitable causes in its 23/24 financial yearCarbon FootprintADVERTISEMENTThe group’s intensity carbon footprint – based on tCO2e per passenger, per night – has decreased by 5%, year-on-yearThe group’s absolute carbon footprint has increased by 42% due to uplifts in passengers and business travelGoing beyond GHG Protocol, Hotelplan UK’s absolute footprint includes estimated transport emissions for all passengers travelling to/from its trips – including those who booked land-only trips and arranged their own flights/transportTo specifically reduce flight emissions – which made up 75% of last year’s footprint – options for flight-free holidays have been increased and direct, economy flights are being sold by defaultPeople
Hotelplan UK’s board and senior managers have had bonus targets equally aligned against People, Planet and Profit targetsAccessibility was improved at the group’s HQ to support DE&I, with the addition of gender-neutral toilets, braille signage, a wheelchair-adapted kitchen and quiet spacesThe group offers sustainability-centred benefits, including a low-carbon travel policy where team members can earn extra paid leave by swapping flights for lower-carbon alternatives
Hotelplan UK’s director of sustainability, Prue Stone, co-authored the report. She commented: “We’ve made encouraging progress by reducing our carbon footprint per passenger this year; and the expansion of our sustainability team means each brand now has an expert scrutinising its activities and driving change wherever possible. We want to be clear on the challenges of decarbonisation, however. In 2024, along with focusing on the factors we can directly control, we’re determined to work closely with partners and the industry to turn the dial on key issues such as comparable measurement methodologies, low carbon transport, activism and advocacy.”
Nicky Lyle, Hotelplan UK’s group director of HR and another of the report’s authors, added: “Being an organisation that prioritises sustainability relies heavily on having a team that believes in the same vision; and strong internal commitment to recruiting people who share our values. We won’t achieve our planet goals unless we invest in our team – the two go hand-in-hand.  We’re pleased to share in this report how we’re bringing that to life and how we’re embedding sustainable behaviours and outputs across all areas of the business.”
“The road to a sustainable future for tourism is not an easy one, but we firmly believe that acting and communicating with transparency will speed the journey,” added Joe Ponte. “Witnessing progress inspires us all to do more – whilst being open about difficulties and vulnerabilities supports banding together to find solutions. This is the approach we’re taking at Hotelplan UK and we look forward to sharing further updates.”

Older
Experience One of Europe’s Most Intense Meteor Showers from the Canary Islands

Newer
Riu Palace Pacifico in Nayarit, Mexico, Reopens as Adults-Only Luxury Retreat with Elite Club by RIU More

World-renowned international hotelier Kempinski Hotels has been named operator of a unique new luxury beachfront residences and resort, located on one of the last remaining pristine stretches of the award-winning Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. The project is being developed by JTRE, a leading European real estate developer and will be operated by Kempinski, Europe’s oldest hotelier – with more than 80 premium properties under management in 36 countries. The two companies signed an operating agreement and together will bring a new level of internationally renowned hospitality, contemporary design and elegant service to the Turks & Caicos Islands portfolio of vacation and ownership offerings.
The partnership of one of the world’s oldest and well-respected luxury hotel brands with a leading European real estate developer brings to the Turks and Caicos Islands a century of proven five-star hospitality delivered globally across the entire guest experience. Both Kempinski Hotels and JTRE’s global footprint in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East attract a loyal clientele that expands awareness for the entire destination beyond its traditional tourism markets while also appealing to North American visitors.
Kempinski Grace Bay
Discreetly set in a quiet, undeveloped 11-acre stretch of Grace Bay Beach, these luxury residences and resort feature 431 feet of white sand beachfront. The low-footprint design offers 4 beachfront villas and 72 condominium residences, creating a private sanctuary that blends into the natural landscape, creating a serene and secluded setting. Well-placed on the uncrowded eastern end of the world’s most beautiful beach, the property is just minutes from the Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club, shops and restaurants, and other attractions and conveniences, and a short drive to the destination’s international airport.
Along with graceful contemporary architecture set discretely against the breathtaking natural surroundings, Kempinski Grace Bay will feature a premium offering of luxury amenities as well as new-to-the island services for discerning guests and owners to enjoy. The design, the setting and the operator distinguish Kempinski Grace Bay as offering elegant seaside luxury with world-class hospitality.ADVERTISEMENT“We are pleased to add this magnificent property in a world-class destination to our international portfolio of luxury hotels and vacation residences,” said Bernold Schroeder, Chief Executive Officer of Kempinski Group and Chairman of the Management Board of Kempinski AG.  “Its location set directly on one of the most desirable beaches in the world offers our clients an unmatched experience to enjoy the beauty of this stunning seaside setting, embraced by the luxury and hospitality Kempinski is known for throughout the world.”
Christophe Piffaretti, Chief Development Officer, Member of the Management Board of Kempinski, added: “We embarked on our journey with JTRE nearly two decades ago, and today, with pride, we oversee two of their exceptional hotels. It’s a delightful honor to once again be chosen by these visionary developers for their upcoming venture in Turks and Caicos.”
“Less is More” Luxury experience
Utmost attention to detail and environmental sustainability are hallmarks of the development, which respects the landscape of native plants, sand and stone that borders the mesmerizing turquoise waters of the Princess Alexander National Park. The property offers both the privacy afforded by one of the few remaining undeveloped beachfront stretches on the island and the convenience of its close proximity to Grace Bay’s attractions, services and tourism amenities. In keeping with the Kempinski ethos of “less is more”, the property is purposely being developed as low density to ensure an exclusive and low traffic experience.
“The Kempinski brand sets a new standard for international service and luxury for Turks and Caicos visitors and investors. Its proven expertise in delivering exceptional and memorable experiences, combined with the casual elegance of this enticing architectural design and location, make this a treasured ‘best of both worlds’ destination for discerning travelers worldwide,” said Marek Baca, Chief Representative for the Americas for JTRE. Multiple vacation and ownership options
The three main condo-style residences on the property are stepped back from the beach to create a tropical oasis in the courtyard. They are configured as studio, one, two and three bedroom suites including four or five bedroom penthouse units. Four one-story luxuriously appointed villas, each featuring six spacious ocean facing bedrooms, grace the front of the property.
Premium level amenities will enhance the experience, starting with a grand arrival entrance area and lush lobby creating a garden oasis and spectacular bar with a view over the entire resort. The low-density property layout features ample space to dine, socialize, recreate, and relax. It offers three diverse dining venues including a beach club, two resort-style pools, an indoor luxury spa and fitness center, tennis and paddle courts, a kids club, as well as an indoor golf simulator, ideal for warming up for a round at the nearby championship caliber Royal Turks & Caicos Golf Club.
This unique ownership opportunity is presented in two scenarios: beach side condominiums under a strata regime and private villas offered as a land parcel with a construction contract. Pre-construction pricing and availability is to be announced in early 2024.

Older
Ryanair Calls on EU Commission President to Protect Overflights During ATC Strikes

Newer
Abu Dhabi International Airport Transitions All Airlines to State-of-the-Art Terminal A More

“2024 is the year to embrace the allure of the island of Milos and the majesty of the Olympus Riviera – two new gems that will be added to the Olympic Holidays portfolio” comments Michael Vinales, MD Olympic Holidays. “Being able to expand our offering in Greece and to continually bring new, exciting, and often ‘off the beaten track’ destinations on board is what makes Olympic Holidays the go-to operator for Greece and her islands” he continues. “Milos offers an unforgettable experience with its captivating blend of pristine beaches, rugged landscapes, and rich history whilst the Olympus Riviera is another spot just waiting to be explored. Olympic Holidays will also be expanding its Island-Hopping portfolio, with some new itineraries twinning Santorini & Milos, Athens & Poros and a multi-island hop combining Mykonos, Paros & Santorini. Cruise product, which was brand new this year is also set to expand in 2024 – more information on this to follow shortly.”
Milos
Seek solace on its secluded shores, uncover ancient myths or simply witness the mesmerising beauty of its volcanic terrain (it’s a great island for geology enthusiasts!), Milos offers a diverse range of experiences, making it a compelling destination to explore and enjoy. Spend some time discovering the island’s picturesque capital, Plaka, the colourful fishing village of Klima and the lunar-like terrain of Sarakiniko. Stroll through narrow streets, explore quaint shops and enjoy the local culture – Milos is also known for its excellent seafood and warm hospitality. Rich in history, visitors can explore ancient ruins and archaeological sites such as the ancient Roman theatre, early Christian catacombs and the site where the Venus de Milo statue was discovered.
Olympic Holidays is offering 7 nights at the Goldon Milos Beach Hotel from £1,439pp based on 2 people travelling on a B&B basis in a Superior Room Inland View Or Side Sea View with flights from London Gatwick. Based on 14th June 2024 departure. www.olympicholidays.com
The Olympus RivieraADVERTISEMENTHome to the awe-inspiring Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece and the 12 Olympian Gods, the Olympus Riviera is best known for its natural beauty and historical significance. The region boasts picturesque beaches, lush forests, deep gorges, and crystal-clear rivers making it a paradise for nature lovers, wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts. Explore ancient ruins, monasteries and Byzantine churches alongside local traditions and cuisine or simply enjoy the diverse flora and fauna within the Olympus National Park – a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. If you’re feeling energetic, there are numerous hiking opportunities with well-marked trails that lead to the summit of Mount Olympus and other scenic spots. There is also fantastic mountain biking, paragliding, and water sports opportunities.
Olympic Holidays offer 7 nights from £968pp based on 2 people travelling staying at Dion Palace on a half board basis including return flights from Gatwick. Based on 2nd September 2024 departure. www.olympicholidays.com
NEW Island-Hopping Experiences
Santorini & Milos
Milos and Santorini, nestled amidst the azure waters, beckon you to experience an Aegean escapade like no other.
Santorini is famous for its sunsets, crystalline beaches, and iconic, white-washed architecture clinging to dramatic cliffs – a destination that draws people back time and time again. But beyond its aesthetic wonders, this island carries a rich history, a vibrant culinary scene, and an inviting spirit, making it a must-visit destination. Twin this with Milos, just a 2hr ferry ride away, the island boasts dramatic landscapes, serene beaches, and traditional charm. Milos stands as a hidden gem within the Cyclades archipelago. Here, the sunsets paint the sky in enchanting hues, the crystal-clear waters are perfect for cooling down, and every corner of the island is steeped history.
Olympic Holidays is offering an 11-night holiday from £1419 per person based on 2 people travelling. The package includes a 1 night stay at the 4* Aria-Lito Mansion, Santorini on a Bed & Breakfast basis, a 5 night stay at the 3* Glaronisia Hotel, Milos on a Bed & Breakfast basis and a 4 night stay at the 3* Castro Hotel And Suites, Santorini on a Bed & Breakfast basis . The package includes return flights to London Gatwick airport, baggage & all connecting transfers. Departures are available on 14th May 2024. www.olympicholidays.com
Athens & Poros
Combine bustling Athens bursting with ancient history and the charming village of Poros and its beautiful surroundings.
Begin your island hop adventure in alluring Athens, where thousands of years of history is seamlessly mixed with the fun and comfort of the 21st century. Vibrant and historic, Athens is filled with delectable restaurants, from traditional tavernas to Michelin star dining, bustling markets, welcoming bars and cafes, and picturesque parks, which sit amidst awe-inspiring ancient monuments and breath-taking vistas. Then, just 1hr ferry ride away, your adventure continues on the beautiful island Poros where, on arrival, you’ll be greeted with the bell tower of a lovely white church on a picturesque hillside of cypress trees and red-roofed houses. This lush, green island is filled with beautiful bays and lovely beaches, and covered in both pine and olive trees, and beautiful lemon groves, with a charming town and a harbour lined with friendly tavernas and bars, offering delicious delicacies.
Olympic Holidays offer a 7-night ‘Athens & Poros’ island-hopping itinerary from £1,050pp. Price includes 3 nights in Athens and 4 nights on Poros departing Summer 2024 including flights from London Gatwick and all ferries and transfers. Other regional airports are also available. Island Hopping departures are available from May – October 2024. www.olympicholidays.com
Aegean Jewels: Mykonos, Paros & Santorini
Explore these iconic and beautiful islands.
Mykonos is the great glamour island of Greece and flaunts its sizzling St-Tropez-meets-Ibiza style. It is the perfect place to dance the night away at a beach party under twinkling stars. It’s a hedonistic island, offering fantastic retail therapy with the loveliest designer boutiques in the main town and superb bars, restaurants and hotels. Then why not hop on a 40min ferry to Paros, one of the best kept secrets of Greece, the island is purely Cycladic, with beautiful blue tables and seats on the walkways, white houses and the magnificent churches with blue roofs perched on top. Paros is home to 40 beaches, serene villages, countless restaurants, and trendy bars. If the nightlife is for you, you won’t be disappointed, with Paros boasting a fantastic atmosphere once the sun goes down. Away from the sea, there is a butterfly valley and mountain that offer unparalleled views of the surrounding islands. And to end the trip, head to Santorini (just under 2hrs on the ferry), renowned for spectacular sunsets, stunning beaches, and volcanic beauty – incredible Santorini curves around a giant, breath-taking lagoon in the Cyclades Islands. If you approach Santorini from the water, it’s hard not to be awed by the sheer cliffs that soar above a turquoise sea. Imagine a relaxing get away on an island of idyllic whitewashed villages, blue-domed churches, perfect blue skies, and the most incredible sunsets, and you’ll be picturing a holiday in Santorini.
Olympic Holidays offer a 9-night ‘Mykonos, Paros & Santorini) island hopping itinerary from £1,760pp. Price includes 3 nights on each island – Mykonos, Poros & Santorini as well as flights from London and all ferries and transfers, departing Summer 2024. Other regional airports are also available. Island Hopping departures are available from May – October 2024. www.olympicholidays.com

Older
Koubaa to lead Amadeus in EMEA in newly created role

Newer
2024: A Gastronomic Journey Through Argentina’s Culinary Delights More

Hailing from the idyllic shores and boundless horizon of the Indian Ocean, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is set to offer European and international travellers the best of Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
Boasting 15 properties in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is Sri Lanka’s largest hotel group. Located in some of the most picturesque locations in the region, including pristine beaches, lush forests, and historical sites, each property provides a bespoke and unique offering aimed to amplify and complement the guest experience as they discover and immerse themselves in the treasures of each locale. Combining modernity, culture, and heritage, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts offers a wide selection of properties, including luxury hotels, boutique villas, and eco-resorts, each designed to cater to everything a traveller needs to curate their own remarkable Sri Lankan adventure.
A formidable force in Sri Lanka and the Maldives’ sustainability efforts, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has been at the forefront of minimising environmental footprint while preserving the biodiversity and ecological community in the locations they operate in. Guided by the John Keells Group Environmental, Social and Governmental (ESG) policies, the ESG Framework of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is dedicated to being responsible stewards and engaging both locals and guests in ESG policies across the hotels. Due to these policies and practices introduced at protecting the environment, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has reduced its carbon footprint significantly. An achievement that was made possible due to the group’s efficient and proactive ESG policies spanning areas such as compliance with local and international regulatory requirements and conventions, quality monitoring and assessment of the environmental impact of the group’s operations, services and products, whilst striving to include supply chain partners and customers, where relevant and to the extent possible.
Looking ahead to the future, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts aims to reduce the group’s carbon footprint of 1,300 tCO2e at the end of 2025 and become a Net Zero hotel chain by 2030. The Company’s overall commitment to Sri Lanka’s biodiversity through the identification of endangered flora and fauna species in each property and the development of a biodiversity management plan. In line with this, the group will further amplify their practices in protecting fresh water and marine eco-systems from plastic waste and reducing single-use plastics by 50% at the end of 2025.
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is set to further solidify its mark as an industry leader in hospitality and sustainability with an announcement of its new strategic plan that will change and elevate South Asia’s tourism landscape. The exciting new project will be Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ crown jewel, bringing Colombo’s vibrant spirit to life as it emerges as the ultimate urban sanctuary, envisioned as the epicentre of modern South Asia.ADVERTISEMENT

Older
Experienciah introduces its innovative approach to hotel management and customer experiences

Newer
Survey Says: Event Goers Prefer In‑Person Over Virtual Gatherings More

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 > 

Older
England’s 2023 Halloween Events & Experiences

Newer
MGALLERY x POUR LES FEMMES More

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.”

Older
Rixos Bab Al Bahr appoints Dilara Atay as sales director

Newer
International Women in Travel & Tourism Forum to return to London next year More

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

Older
Aer Lingus receives IATA Airline Retailing Maturity (ARM) index recognition More