Hotel, Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

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.”

Older
ENNISMORE SIGNS ITS FIRST LIFESTYLE HOTEL IN TURKEY WITH HYDE BODRUM

Newer
Fun family attractions overseas via flights with TAP, Finnair or Aer Lingus More

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.

Older
Successful Conclusion to IATA Wings of Change Americas 2023 in Mexico City

Newer
Trip.com Group Hosts Abu Dhabi Delegation More

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/.

Older
Explore Oman’s Bounty of Rich Flavours with Culinary Expert, Dina Macki More

A regional survey by global luxury hospitality leader Marriott International has coined a term to describe a new generation of travelers set to disrupt the industry over the next few years. ‘Native Explorers’ recognizes a tribe of affluent millennial and Gen Z travelers in Asia Pacific who are bucking the trend by traveling in reverse order to generations before them.While their predecessors may be saving up for more costly long-haul travel later in life, Native Explorers are already well-traveled at a younger age, with one in four notching up no less than two continents outside of Asia Pacific by the time they hit 26. Despite having the means, Native Explorers claim they will be spending their travel dollars closer to home for at least the next two years, as 85% believe that they have yet to fully discover all the region has to offer.
The survey across Australia, China, Japan, India, Singapore, and South Korea was commissioned to better understand the attitudes of affluent millennial and Gen Z travelers and help luxury brands meet their evolving aspirations.
With their sights firmly set on holidays closer to home, Native Explorers rank Japan (52%), South Korea (42%), and New Zealand (39%) as their top three travel destinations. They are also seeking out the new in familiar hotspots such as Australia (39%) and Thailand (32%) through a culture-centric lens. Although one in four Native Explorers would prefer to beat the jetlag and pick nearby, fuss-free holidays, their sense of adventure shouldn’t be underestimated: 43% look for nature escapes and wellness experiences and 36% are looking for hidden cultural gems they have yet to discover.
“Globally, we’re seeing an undeniable shift among travelers towards more meaningful, one-of-a-kind experiences in both new and familiar destinations. This is particularly evident in Asia Pacific from our findings on Gen Z and Millennials’ travel patterns and behaviors,” comments Bart Buiring, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Marriott International Asia Pacific “With young affluent travelers in Asia Pacific gravitating towards under-the-radar holidays and culturally-rich itineraries, we’re expanding our luxury portfolio in the region’s most sought-after destinations like Nara, Sydney and Jiuzhaigou in China with a target of opening 12 properties in 2023 alone.”
Luxury defined by authentic connections and experience, with craft still keyNative Explorers are redefining what luxury travel means – from elusive and exclusive to meaningful connection and experiences. As they transition towards understated and authentic holidays, one in three respondents (37%) called out human connection, genuine hospitality, and being part of a community as critical components of luxury travel.ADVERTISEMENTMajority (58%) believe once-in-a-lifetime experiences and pinch-me moments are what make the luxury travel experience. Top picks include VIP access to sold-out concerts of their favorite artists (52%) and exclusive culinary workshops with celebrity chefs (36%). Marriott Bonvoy Moments, a platform where Marriott Bonvoy Members can use points earned from travel and everyday activities to bid on exclusive packages, fulfills this desire by offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences, ranging from unrivaled access to the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team to closed-door sessions with celebrity chefs and artists.
Craftsmanship remains crucial to luxury travel, over 50% believe service excellence and state-of-the-art facilities are key tenets. Personalization remains a key deciding factor in choosing a luxury hotel, with 32% expecting bespoke services such as a dedicated travel advisor and 32% preferring to stay with hotels that offer tailored itineraries and customized amenities. The Ritz-Carlton elevated Club experience was launched recently to take guests into a world of personalized luxury experiences. From pre-arrival to departure, the elevated Ritz-Carlton Club experience is available across all Ritz-Carlton hotels in Asia Pacific, where guests will find unique indulgences, curated culinary journeys, and personalized encounters that create meaningful moments.
Explore destinations through luxury hotel comfortsCaught between their desires to discover and luxuriate, a staggering nine in 10 respondents prefer to explore the destination with assistance from their luxury hotel, rather than research and hire a local guide of their own. Almost half (45%) prefer to sample local cuisine through the property’s gourmet dining, 39% want to experience the local culture through the hotel’s curated programming, and 34% are keen to try local wellness rituals available at the hotel spa.
Native Explorers’ thirst for cultural discovery extends to their accommodation choices, with a majority (76%) of respondents opting for hotels and resorts with destination-inspired concepts. Brand affinity remains key for Native Explorers with approximately one in three opting for destination-inspired abodes under an established luxury brand. W Hotels’ evolved design direction takes a thoughtful approach through the lens of both the brand and its location, so no two W hotels look the same.
Marriott International’s luxury brands portfolio is poised to meet the demands of Native ExplorersMarriott International’s luxury brands portfolio is poised to meet these reimagined travel desires with hotel openings that inspire the modern traveler. The company plans to take its unrivaled portfolio of eight dynamic luxury brands to the region’s most popular travel spots such as Sydney and Bangkok and emerging destinations like Fukuoka, Japan and Jiuzhaigou, China.
A global leader in luxury hospitality, Marriott International today operates nearly 500 luxury hotels and resorts in 68 countries and territories, including 159 properties presently in Asia Pacific. The region contributes half of the company’s global development pipeline of nearly 200 luxury properties.
Please refer to appendix for Marriott International Luxury Brand’s top hidden travel gems for Native Explorers to uncover in Asia Pacific.

Older
Hyatt Place Linyi People’s Square Celebrates Official Opening

Newer
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Arora Group announce agreement More

Driven by a sense of purpose to build a future where people and place enrich one another, Rosewood Hotel Group is proud to announce Rosewood Impacts, a groupwide roadmap for delivering positive impact on all its communities and the planet we call home.
With deeper commitments to empowering people across the brand’s entire ecosystem and a sustainability approach that puts circular hospitality at the core of business operations, Rosewood Impacts is both a recognition of the group’s ongoing programs and a strategic roadmap for future efforts. With tangible goals in the fields of sustainability, employment, partnerships and more, the comprehensive roadmap champions consequential policies and programming under two distinct pillars: Rosewood Empowers and Rosewood Sustains.
“At Rosewood Hotel Group, we are wholly committed to rooting ourselves more deeply in every place we are in. With Rosewood Impacts, we are not only championing the exemplary efforts being made across our organization but setting new benchmarks for positive impact that will propel us forward to a more sustainable and equitable tomorrow,” says Sonia Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of Rosewood Hotel Group. “We are proud of the work that our group has accomplished over the last forty-plus years of operations, but firmly maintain that we must do more.”
Rosewood Empowers
Rosewood Empowers encapsulates the group’s belief that equal access to opportunity is the key to uplifting communities. To this end, Rosewood is dedicated to:ADVERTISEMENTOpportunity Employment, seeking talent from underserved or underrepresented groups and working to lower barriers to employment.Uplifting livelihoods by strengthening local economies through local hiring, sourcing and partnerships.Education, investing in our collective future by empowering people through education and upskilling.Through all Rosewood Empowers programs and initiatives, Rosewood’s A Sense of Place® philosophy ensures that the brand’s efforts speak to and support the communities and environments where each property sits. An exemplary case study is Rosewood Mayakoba’s work with Centro Educativo K’iin Beh, a non-profit school in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. With a mission to support not only the hotel employees who needed adequate schooling for their children but the larger community, the resort’s leaders raised resources required to reopen the school in 2017, after a number of challenges threatened its ongoing operations and forced it to temporarily shut its doors. Today, the school welcomes over 400 students, all of whom receive economic support for tuition and supplies through Rosewood Mayakoba’s scholarship program. The resort brings guests into the impact journey through fundraising and a special volunteer and donation program, “Padrino,” that ensures the continued development of the students. In Fall 2022, guests’ donations contributed to the development and launch of the center’s new High School, allowing local youth to continue their education.
In Asia, Rosewood Hong Kong’s commitment to the local community is further realized through the BluHouse, Rosewood Hotel Group’s first restaurant inspired by the concept of a business-with-purpose. BluHouse is committed to co-creating neighborhood resilience through donations, employment, and impactful experiences in support of underserved groups in Hong Kong. The restaurant has pledged 1% of revenue towards this mission, and leverages the group’s Opportunity Employment program to partner with NGOs to offer employment to refugees and ethnic minorities and close the opportunity gap.
The groupwide Opportunity Employment program is building a new pipeline of talent from underserved groups not just in Hong Kong, but across its global portfolio in 20 countries. Properties from London and Vienna to Sao Paulo and Phuket are reaching out to the most overlooked groups in their neighborhoods, including minorities, people with disabilities refugees and others, and hiring from them. A newly launched program, Rosewood Bridges, is about connecting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds with internships at the group’s hotels. Starting with sending vocational students from the Hong Kong Vocational Training Council abroad for internships—an opportunity not typically available in vocational education—to partnering with local NGOs to give young people with autism a chance of a career at Rosewood Beijing or Guangzhou, the group is acting on its commitment to be a truly inclusive company.
Rosewood Sustains
Rosewood Sustains showcases a commitment to growing Rosewood’s lifestyle ecosystem responsibly and protecting the environment for future generations. From pursuing carbon neutrality, to engaging in regenerative practices, to driving the evolution of circular hospitality and eventually eliminating waste, the Group has set significant targets for environmental sustainability. These include:
Diverting 70% of waste away from landfills and incinerators by 2025.Reducing energy use and water consumption by 25% by 2025.Eliminating single-use plastics across the portfolio as soon as possible.Achieving 50% carbon-neutral status by 2035 and complete carbon-neutral status by 2050.An indisputable environmental steward, Rosewood São Paulo is the centerpoint of the Cidade Matarazzo Complex – the largest upcycling project of a century-old property in Brazil. Supported by a dedicated solar farm as well as collaborations with local government agencies, the hotel achieved its mission for 100% of its energy supply to be fully sustainable in early January 2023, less than a year after opening. This will amount to an estimated savings of 17.342 tons of CO2 emissions annually. Rosewood São Paulo also vows to run a waste management program where 100% of all solid and organic disposables will be recycled and reused, and the property houses a biodigester and glass crushing machine to minimize having to outsource these sustainable measures.
In The Bahamas, a nation of islands with 95% of its territory underwater, Rosewood Baha Mar is preserving the pristine marine environment off Nassau’s Cable Beach through its partnership with The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) and educating the next generation of Bahamians and visitors on how to protect coral reefs, which are critical both for ecosystem preservation and for supporting local livelihoods dependent on fishing. Guests are invited to take a hands-on approach through Rosewood’s Citizen Science Program, where they can enjoy a snorkeling adventure with experienced ocean guides, with 100% of the proceeds going to BREEF. They can also adopt coral fragments to plant within the surrounding waters and volunteer for local beach clean-ups with the organization.
At the forthcoming Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, opening on the Big Island of Hawai‘i this summer, the brand’s principles of circular hospitality, operational sustainability, and environmental stewardship come together in a way that ensures both the health of the environment and the longevity of culture. A commitment to the environment is evident throughout the entire property, which has been designed for LEED Gold Certification and is powered by 100% solar energy, while an on-site cultural center provides both visitors and locals with perspective into the rich natural and cultural significance of the surroundings.
Rosewood Sustains is being championed by the group’s outstanding restaurants as well. Caruso’s at Rosewood Miramar Beach has truly put sustainability at its core and been recognized for it through the award of a Green Michelin star. Helmed by Chef Massimo, who has built strong relationships with surrounding farms, the restaurant sources most of its ingredients from a 5–6-mile radius around the resort and is committed to giving all food waste to farmers to use as compost. Multiple properties including Rosewood Hong Kong, Rosewood Bermuda and Rosewood London have partnered with EcoSpirits, a low-carbon, low-waste spirits distributor, to champion circularity in the food and beverage space.
“Both Rosewood Empowers and Rosewood Sustains have been designed to work in harmony together,” Mehvesh Mumtaz Ahmed, Vice President of Social Impact for Rosewood Hotel Group, explains. “We are committed to doing business in a way that drives the hospitality industry’s evolution towards circularity and environmental conservation while simultaneously uplifting all our communities.” Expressing excitement about the group’s ambitions, she adds, “our actions today have a direct impact on the long-term viability of the planet. Being part of a company that’s making it clear that our efforts can no longer be secondary but must sit at the forefront of everything we do gives my hope for our collective future.”
Rosewood Impacts represents the overall principle that true impact is the most powerful when the social and environmental are considered holistically. Through this framework, the brand is able to measure its success and continue to set ambitious benchmarks. Rosewood is proud of the advancements the entire group has made towards the Rosewood Impacts mission, but recognizes that more must be done, and is evolving every part of the business and operational strategies with this in mind. With Rosewood Impacts at the leading edge, Rosewood Hotel Group looks to the future with optimism.

Older
RYANAIR CELEBRATES 6 MILLION PASSENGERS AND 20 YEARS OF OPERATIONS AT NEWCASTLE AIRPORT

Newer
Walt Disney World Resort Celebrates America With Patriotic Fanfare This Fourth of July More

RCU CEO Amr AlMadani and Bouygues Construction Deputy CEO Pierre-Eric Saint-André
The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has begun construction of its Sharaan Resort and International Summit Centre designed by French architect Jean Nouvel.The project will be built directly into the mountains of Sharaan Nature Reserve and aims to meet ambitious sustainability goals for the construction phase and resort operations.In a ceremony at Sharaan Nature Reserve, RCU signed an agreement with Bouygues Construction, a French engineering group, which will manage construction of the resort through a joint venture with Almabani, a leading Saudi engineering firm. Bouygues Construction brings a unique combination of experience in tunneling and construction of ultra-luxury hotels, both required for this complex development.
RCU’s Development and Construction sector is spearheading this project with consultation from Canadian firm WSP and with program management support from Jasara, a Saudi firm. Together they will deliver the masterful vision which will immerse guests in the natural and cultural heritage of Sharaan Nature Reserve.
Just as the Nabataean civilisation carved structures into nearby sandstone more than 2,000 years ago, Sharaan resort will carve a new chapter in stone for AlUla’s living museum while preserving the natural scenery and native flora and fauna at the heart of RCU’s vision for Sharaan. RCU consulted with the world’s top experts in mining and excavation to engineer solutions in line with the architectural vision.
Built into a mountain dating back 500 million years, the Sharaan resort will offer a memorable and timeless experience with 38 suites, a spa and wellness center, kids club, sport centre, all-day dining restaurant and business centre. In addition, a signature fine-dining restaurant will sit atop the mountain with panoramic views of Sharaan. A unique glass elevator will connect the resort with a geologic and artistic experience, offering views of ancient sedimentary layers and niches filled with art and engravings.
ADVERTISEMENTInside an adjacent mountain, the Sharaan International Summit Centre will host events and leaders from around the world. With a completely secure and private environment, its design will enable chance encounters and private interaction for guests with shared leisure activities in an informal setting. Facilities will include an auditorium, meeting rooms, majlis (sitting room), library, and a sport and leisure area.
The Summit Centre will also have 13 total hospitality pavilions and two private villas will be constructed nearby, completing the project with 53 total hospitality keys.
Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Sustainability Charter for AlUla, the Sharaan Resort and International Summit Centre is designed in harmony with its natural environment. Discreet studies of the site have informed the design of passive strategies and natural geological heat transfer to efficiently cool the property in summer and provide warmth in the winter. The project also aims for zero wastewater by using potable water only when needed and by recycling all treatable wastewater for irrigation and other purposes.
Mohammed Altheeb, RCU Chief Development and Construction Officer, said: “Sharaan resort is our most ambitious project currently under construction. The resort was designed with complete reverence for the human and natural history of AlUla, and we are committed to sustainable building practices in line with this same philosophy. RCU and its partners are excited to unveil a new chapter in the story of these ancient mountains, where guests will experience the wonders of Sharaan Nature Reserve.”
Pierre-Eric Saint-André, Deputy CEO of Bouygues Construction, said: “We are grateful to be part of the ambitious cultural and tourism project of AlUla, and in particular to have been chosen by the Royal Commission of AlUla with our partner Almabani to build the iconic Sharaan Resort and International Summit Centre. The bold vision of Jean Nouvel’s architectural firm – with whom we have already had the opportunity to work on the Paris Philharmonic Center for example – is a great source of inspiration for us, since the technical prowess it requires are absolutely unique and incredibly stimulating. We are confident that we will be able to bring our passion for challenges and our state-of-the-art expertise acquired over 70 years on all continents to ensure that this great project becomes an iconic reference in terms of exclusive tourist experience, respect for the environment and harmonious integration within grandiose landscapes.”

Older
Four Seasons Celebrates Global Michelin Star Leadership

Newer
Hyatt Announces Plans for First Hyatt Vivid Property to open in 2024 More

Belmond announces that Dan Ruff, who has been Chief Operating Officer of the brand since 2018, has been appointed as new CEO, effective 1st July 2023He succeeds Roeland Vos, who has been at the helm of the company for the past eight years. Roeland Vos will continue his role as Chairman of the board of Belmond Ltd and as such will be available to provide support to the organisation on specific projects or advisory topics.
“I’m very pleased to hand over the reins of the company to Dan. I have known him for a very long time. He will provide continuity in the journey for excellence that Belmond is on whilst pushing boundaries. I am convinced that he will succeed in taking the team and the brand to the next level.” Roeland Vos commented.
A proven leader with 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Dan has led Belmond’s strategic focus on operational, commercial and property excellence over the past five years, guiding the teams through the challenges of the pandemic from which Belmond has emerged stronger than ever.
Prior to joining Belmond, Dan held senior roles at Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Wyndham Hotel Group across operations, asset management, and mergers & acquisitions, and served on the Supervisory Board ofDesign Hotels AG. He began his career at Credit Suisse First Boston in the investment banking division.
“I’m truly honoured to become CEO of this extraordinary company, with its passionate and genuine people, and legendary properties. Together, we will continue to strive to offer incomparable travel experiences to our guests, and become the world’s most desirable luxury travel brand.” Dan Ruff commented.ADVERTISEMENTDan Ruff will be reporting directly to Stéphane Rinderknech, Chairman and CEO of LVMH Hospitality Excellence. He will continue to be based in London where he lives with his family. Originally from New York, he graduated from the College Scholar program at Cornell University.

Older
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS POTENTIAL OF HEALTH AND WELLBEING TOURISM

Newer
Daily Getaways Returns with Travel Deals, Offers from Top Brands More

S Hotel Jamaica, the all-inclusive boutique hotel in Montego Bay, and sister property Spanish Court Hotel in Kingston, have been recognized as Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2023 award winners. Celebrating businesses that have consistently received great reviews on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months, these winners are among the top 10% of all global listings. S Hotel Jamaica, listed in the Best of the Best among the top 25 All-Inclusive Hotels in the Caribbean, which is presented annually to those businesses that consistently earn excellent reviews and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
“The Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award is tremendous for not only S Hotel and our sister property Spanish Court but also for Jamaica,” said Ann Marie Goffe-Pryce, General Manager of S Hotel Jamaica. “We are also thrilled that S Hotel received the Best of the Best recognition and was included among the top 25 all-inclusive hotels in the Caribbean, especially after our recent shift to an all-inclusive property. While the hotels ranking among the top percentile is a testament to our warm hospitality, we share this award with our guests — we wouldn’t have won without their rave reviews and repeatedly sharing their wonderful experiences.”
“Congratulations to the 2023 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice winners,” said John Boris, Chief Growth Officer at Tripadvisor. “The travel resurgence we’ve seen throughout the past year has even further heightened the competition. Earning a Travelers’ Choice Award demonstrates that you have provided great experiences to those who matter most: your guests. With changing expectations, continued labor shortages, and rising costs, this is no easy feat, and I am continually impressed with the hospitality industry’s resilience and ability to adapt. Cheers to another successful year!”
S Hotel Jamaica welcomes ages 16 and over and offers an array of culinary options, wellness amenities, guest experiences and local excursions, and the 125-room Spanish Court Hotel in Jamaica’s culture capital, features the popular Rojo Restaurant highlighting a variety of Jamaican and international cuisine, The Sky Terrace and Bar with stunning views of the city, and more. Continually adding various offerings to successfully differentiate the properties in this very competitive market and creating a truly memorable experience for their guests is why S Hotel and Spanish Court Hotel are favorites among travelers.

Older
ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S ICON OF THE SEAS UPS THE ANTE AND APPETITE WITH NEW, REIMAGINED DINING

Newer
THE WESTIN SAVANNAH HARBOR GOLF RESORT & SPA COMPLETES $8 MILLION RENOVATION More