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Grande Lakes Orlando, the 500-acre luxury resort destination in the headwaters of the Florida Everglades anchored by The Ritz-Carlton Orlando and JW Marriott Orlando, invites guests to celebrate the summer in style with the introduction of “GLO Summer Nights,” an exhilarating seasonal celebration in honor of the resort’s 20th anniversary. Boasting signature weekly fireworks displays in addition to spectacular glow-charged nights at the recently debuted Grande Lakes Waterpark, alongside an abundance of activations fit for every traveler, Grande Lakes Orlando has crafted a truly unforgettable summer experience all season long.GLO Summer SaturdaysThroughout the summer, Grande Lakes Orlando will play host to an array of experiences perfect for families and guests of all ages including dazzling fireworks displays that will take center stage every Saturday evening. After a day spent exploring the Everglades or enjoying the Grande Lakes Waterpark, resort guests can look up from their balconies, lounge chairs, or poolside cabanas for an intimate yet larger-than-life fireworks show. Boasting a masterful explosion of color and light in the sky each week from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with additional special shows occurring over holiday weekends, these grand fireworks displays are complimentary for overnight guests of both hotels. Upgrade options are available that include food and beverage service at both hotels and a private in-room viewing package at The Ritz-Carlton, designed with families in mind.
After the sun goes down on GLO Summer Saturday nights between 7-10pm, guests can find their way to the illuminated Grande Lakes Waterpark and pool for an evening of illuminated fun. Float through the winding lazy river in glow-in-the-dark tubes, meander in the glittering pool lit with neon lights, and enjoy live DJ performances.
Younger guests will find no shortage of fun-filled activities from the array of classic kid-friendly summer activations, including waterproof face painting, caricatures, outdoor games and balloon animals. Meanwhile, adults can indulge in activities including lakeside mixology courses, a decadent dessert and champagne trolley and Fire & Ice, a live ice carving by the resort’s U.S. Olympic Champion Carver, Victor Dagatan and a mesmerizing fire dancing performance, along with numerous opportunities to enjoy live music.
Aquatic Adventures at Grande Lakes WaterparkFresh off the heels of multimillion-dollar renovations across the resort, guests and families can take advantage of the elevated Grande Lakes Waterpark. The ideal landing place for those of all adventure-seeking levels, the new Waterpark was inspired by the resort’s lush natural surroundings and prime location in the Everglades. The “grande” new waterpark experience features a signature Lazy River, Headwaters Slide Tower with three waterslides, Aquaventure obstacle course, a celebrated restaurant, and VIP firepit lounge, Oasis. While enjoying the waterpark’s newest attractions, guests can indulge in a new poolside dining experience, Knife Burger, from acclaimed Chef John Tesar of the MICHELIN-Starred Knife & Spoon, or visit the newly enhanced lobby bar, EvrBar, for specialty cocktails and panoramic views of the Waterpark and the resort’s namesake lakes.
Grande Lakes Waterpark’s 12 private cabanas offer varying levels of luxury, from options with simple loungers to high-end cabanas with furnishings, entertainment consoles, and private plunge pools. In addition to the enhanced waterpark experience at JW Marriott Orlando, guests of Grande Lakes Orlando can explore the recently enhanced aquatic options at the adajcent Ritz-Carlton Orlando. Debuting with its recent renovation, the property now showcases a new Solaire heated pool lined with luxury poolside cabanas. These 12 exclusive cabanas feature a private butler, wireless internet, HDTV, a refrigerator, and other amenities. For a quiet respite, grown-ups can escape to an adults-only lap pool and hot tub at the award-winning Ritz-Carlton Spa.ADVERTISEMENTReserve Your GLO Experience NowFor travelers looking to get ahead of summer savings, Grande Lakes Orlando will offer an exclusive, one-time advanced booking discount of 20% to guests who reserve their stay between April 17-30, 2023, applicable for stays from April 21 through September 30. They can use the online promotional code D3Q to lock in their savings.
For more information on Grande Lakes Orlando and its 20th anniversary celebration this summer, and to reserve a stay, visit www.grandelakes.com/.

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Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has expressed optimism in the growth prospects for the sector stressing that “this is the biggest and best winter season Jamaica has ever had in the history of tourism” adding that the tourism industry was set on a path to continue the boom now being experienced
He said: “For the January to March 2023 period, it is estimated that Jamaica welcomed 1.18 million visitors, which represents growth of 94.4% when compared to the same period in 2022. This represents earnings of US$1.15 billion, 46.4% above the US$786.8 million earned for the same period in 2022.”
In reviewing the performance of the tourism sector as he opened the Sectoral Debate in Parliament yesterday, Minister Bartlett noted that arrivals for 2022 were up by 117% and earnings by 71.4% when compared to 2021. Jamaica welcomed 3.3 million visitors and earned an estimated US$3.7 billion in 2022 and projections for 2024 are for US$4.1 billion in earnings.

He told Parliament that: “If there was ever an industry that has the potential to transform our nation, our communities and the lives and livelihoods of the Jamaican people for the better, it is tourism” adding that real gross domestic product (GDP) for the economy is projected to “grow within the range of 3.0% to 5.0% during January – March 2023 when compared to January – March 2022.” This growth is expected to be led by strong performances by the hotels and restaurants, and the mining and quarrying industries.ADVERTISEMENTMinister Bartlett highlighted that in fiscal year 2023/24 GDP is anticipated to be driven by continued robust performance in stopover arrivals, facilitated by increased room capacity and intensified marketing efforts.
“Never before in the history of Jamaica has tourism made such a great contribution to the national economy and we are willing to contribute to that process and to make even greater contributions,” declared Mr. Bartlett, noting that “Jamaicans at all levels of society can enjoy a bigger slice of the tourism pie.”

Mr. Bartlett outlined that “investments continue to boom to drive the industry’s recovery (and) over the last five years tourism investment contributed 20% of the island’s total foreign direct investments (FDI) and over the next 5 to 10 years, there are multiple upcoming investment projects which will see the addition of 15,000 to 20,000 new rooms with investment of US$4 billion to US$5 billion.”
The Minister said stakeholders had been working together to build a tourism industry that was equitable, viable and which generates opportunities for all. He noted that “tourism will be the biggest driver of economic growth and prosperity in Jamaica for years to come and it is absolutely important that you are made aware of the work that we have been doing over the last year in repositioning the sector to achieve higher growth rates, a better spread of the benefits of tourism to each and every Jamaican and stronger linkages throughout the economic fabric of this beautiful island.”

Jamaica was named the Caribbean’s Leading Destination 2022, for the 16th straight year at last year’s prestigious World Travel Awards. Jamaica also picked up the the award for Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination 2022, Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board 2022, for the 14th year in a row and Caribbean’s Leading Nature Destination 2022.

Other winners on the night included Go Jamaica Travel, Half Moon, S Hotel and Spanish Court hotels, Jamaica Inn, Goldeneye, Rockhouse, Island Car Rentals, Island Routes, VIP Attraction’s Club MoBay, Sangster International Airport, the Montego Bay Convention Centre, Sandals Whitehouse, Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals South Coast, Beaches Negril and Hyatt Ziva.

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OLEADA Pacific Living & Golf, a brand-new 860-acre oceanfront resort community on the southern point of Mexico’s stunning Baja peninsula, has announced it will be the flagship location for World Golf Hall of Famer Ernie Els’ first golf course in Mexico.Els is designing an 18-hole links-style championship course, OLEADA GOLF LINKS LOS CABOS, situated just 15 minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas, set along OLEADA’s expansive one mile stretch of golden sand beach. With the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop for the breathtaking desert landscape, the resort community of OLEADA will offer a unique untamed luxury experience that melds an unparalleled collection of resort and residential options.“Alongside introducing OLEADA to the world, we are honored to announce a spectacular championship course by Ernie Els, one of golf’s greatest players,” said Federico Gaxiola, project director at OLEADA Pacific Living & Golf. “As we create a destination founded in responsible luxury, we selected Ernie because of his true understanding of sustainable development and sound environmental practices.”
Els, winner of 75 professional tournaments worldwide, including four major championships, has evolved into one of the game’s leading architects, with numerous award-winning courses dotting the globe. Based on decades of competing on different types of courses across four continents, Els has accrued a profound understanding of how to utilize the best elements for golf design. He believes in producing an aesthetically pleasing course, and one that’s challenging and enjoyable for golfers at all ability levels.
“Our goal at OLEADA will be to build a core golf course that harmonizes with nature,” Els said. “We envision a compact design that drapes naturally on the land, steps lightly on nature’s toes and functions as an environmental steward of the site’s indigenous flora and fauna. With its rolling dunes, elevation changes and majestic desert-meets-ocean setting, I believe we can produce a versatile test that will rank among the best and most beautiful courses we’ve ever built.”
The seaside site for the new course, a spectacular parcel of land on the Pacific Ocean near Cabo San Lucas, has an intricate maze of windswept dunes and sandy ridges. These natural landforms offer sheltered valleys and winding corridors ideal for the placement of golf holes. Els, a two-time winner of the Open Championship, has a special fondness for links courses and a deep knowledge of how seaside breezes dictate shot values and strategy.
“Because the native contours and dune formations are so good, very little earthmoving will be required to build the course,” said Els. “Shaping will be very minimalistic. Man cannot improve on what Mother Nature has created over the eons. The golf course that we create at OLEADA will be here long after I’m gone. That means something and it makes me feel very proud.”ADVERTISEMENTOLEADA will feature some of the most recognized names in design, including Vision Land Design, WATG, iconic Mexican architect Victor Legorreta and landscape architecture by Design Studio of Michael McKay.
Along with the 18-hole links golf course, OLEADA will offer: oceanfront living; world-class resorts; a nursery, orchard and garden; nature, fitness, hiking and biking trails; and much more. Every amenity will be created through a hospitality and wellness centered mindset aimed to provide opportunities to enjoy life at its fullest.
Phase One will comprise the golf course, three luxury beachfront resorts, and high-quality infrastructure to receive guests and golf enthusiasts. The gated community will feature 24/7 security to keep guests safe and provide peace of mind. The development broke ground in January 2023 and is expected to open in early 2026. OLEADA GOLF LINKS LOS CABOS will be open for public play in its first season.
To learn more about OLEADA Pacific Living & Golf, visit oleadaloscabos.com.

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On the back of announcing daily transatlantic services to New York (JFK) and Boston from Amsterdam, JetBlue has expanded its partnership with Discover the World.The agreement will provide full GSA sales and marketing services supporting the Benelux travel trade with flights starting later this summer.
Aiden Walsh, Head of Airline Development for Discover the World commented, “We are delighted to grow our trusted partnership with JetBlue to now five European markets: Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, United Kingdom and France. The Discover team plays an integral role by offering our award-winning expertise to successfully launch and develop sales on the competitive transatlantic route network.
Our teams are in place supporting travel trade partners with five flights daily from London (LHR & LGW), daily flights from Paris (CDG) launching in June and Amsterdam (AMS) starting this summer!  It is truly an exciting time to be partnered with JetBlue while they expand internationally and bring their innovative product offering to European markets.”
Maja Gedosev, JetBlue’s General Manager for Europe said, “We are very excited to be launching Amsterdam this year.  Following the successful partnership in the UK and France, it was a natural step for us to expand our work with Discover the World in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg markets.  We are now focused on building a strong team based out of Amsterdam that will support our work in the region and have already started to reach out to the key industry and travel trade stakeholders to introduce JetBlue, our game changing transatlantic product and low fares.”
For Benelux travel trade enquiries email [email protected]ADVERTISEMENT

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JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, made its debut in Goa, India today with the opening of JW Marriott Goa.Set in an unparalleled location along the golden Goan coastline and close to landmark attractions, historic forts, churches, and pristine beaches, JW Marriott Goa is the perfect getaway and an embodiment of the JW Marriott principle of mindfulness. With thoughtfully crafted spaces, transformative experiences and sophisticated style, the new hotel is poised to be an oasis of luxury and warm hospitality, empowering guests to focus on feeling revitalized in mind, body and spirit.
“JW Marriott is at the forefront of the evolution of luxury, blending a legacy of extraordinary hospitality with a contemporary commitment to mindfulness and well-being that continues to be a priority for today’s luxury traveler,” said Bruce Rohr, Global Brand Leader, JW Marriott. “JW Marriott Goa embodies this modern approach to luxury through its thoughtful design, emphasis on serene spaces and connection to the natural world.”
“We are delighted to announce the opening of JW Marriott Goa. This opening marks a milestone for Marriott International’s 150th opening in South Asia. It solidifies our commitment in the region and signifies the trust our owners have in us,” said Ranju Alex, Area Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International. “We remain confident in the strength of our brands, our team, and we shall continue to pave the way for aggressive expansion with our strong pipeline of hotels.”
The new hotel is located along the picturesque coastline of Vagator, Goa, minutes from historic Chapora Fort and Chapora and Vagator beaches, famous for their dramatic cliffs and breathtaking sunset views. This popular travel destination is approximately 27 kilometers from the new Mopa Airport in North Goa and 43 kilometers from Goa International Airport.
Thoughtful DesignInspired by the rich culture and traditions of Goa, the 151-room JW Marriott Goa reflects the tranquility and beauty of its surroundings, with an architectural narrative featuring local artifacts such as wooden paneling, mother-of-pearl detailing, intricate glassware chandeliers and water fountains that accentuate the natural marble and stone throughout its serene spaces. The use of neutral color palettes of gray and light sand, along with soft ambient lighting, complements the abundant greenery of its natural surroundings. Goan cultural references and elements of modern design interweave to create a sense of place in a peaceful sanctuary. Guestrooms feature balconies that open to breathtaking ocean views, and luxurious suites offer private plunge pools. ADVERTISEMENTInspired Culinary CreationsJW Marriott Goa features four inviting dining venues to suit all occasions. JW Kitchen is the hotel’s all-day restaurant with a theater-style open kitchen, serving globally-inspired cuisine and exquisite local dishes, along with indulgent Sunday brunches and a special children’s selection. Pérola is an impeccably-appointed French-style lobby bar with a daily Afternoon Tea service, ideal for casual meetings and get-togethers over a glass of wine, signature coffee or tea, and light snacks. Guests can savor Mediterranean cuisine and exotic cocktails at the hotel’s sky-dining Água Bar and Café, perched atop the hotel overlooking the infinity pool and spectacular views of the Goan coast. The luxurious Heliconia serves modern Asian fine dining along with handcrafted cocktails amidst lush natural surroundings. Complementing the resort’s commitment to healthy dining, many of the seasonal vegetables and fresh herbs featured on the menus are grown in the hotel’s signature JW Garden. Guests can also harvest the fresh produce within the garden’s calming spaces as they reconnect with their loved ones in natural surroundings.
Serene SpacesFor guests seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, the hotel offers holistic treatments at Spa by JW, which features Goa’s first and only Turkish and Moroccan hammams, or steam rooms. The hotel’s modern gym, JW Fitness, showcases the latest cardio and weight equipment, and a stunning outdoor infinity pool with poolside cabanas where guests can enjoy a relaxing swim and lounge in the warm tropical sunshine.
The Family by JW program puts families first, offering an entertainment center with virtual reality games, a bowling alley and a children’s play area for quality family time together. Kids can learn the art of candle making, create pasta necklaces, enjoy board game competitions, and more, while adults can join Zumba classes, chakra healing sessions, and Gua Sha workshops. Fun-filled activities for all ages, such as water polo and pot painting, allow families to create unforgettable holiday memories.
Spaces For ConnectionThe hotel offers a total of 18,752 square feet of indoor and outdoor event spaces, including two well-appointed meeting rooms as well as the splendid 4,607-square-feet Grande Salão, an elegant ballroom with an outdoor terrace, complete with the latest audio-visual technology, Wi-Fi and a dedicated events team for seamless and memorable meetings, weddings and celebrations.
“Guests arriving at JW Marriott Goa step into a luxury oasis, set like a rare jewel in one of India’s finest tropical beach destinations. Our hotel is a haven of tranquility inspired by its natural surroundings where guests can seek well-being     as well as explore all the vibrant attractions of Goa and the genuine hospitality of its people. We look forward to welcoming travelers to discover all that beautiful Goa has to offer,” said Manav Malhotra, General Manager, JW Marriott Goa.
For more information or to make a reservations, please visit JW Marriott Goa.

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As part of its Journey Through Time master plan, the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) will further expand the accommodation offering in AlUla with Dar Tantora by The House Hotel, an immersive and authentic hospitality experience in AlUla Old TownDar Tantora will also house a pool and spa as well as a restaurant and café.
RCU is developing the 30-room landmark property by restoring several historical mud-brick buildings using contemporary engineering methods and time-honoured techniques. The development will showcase the Old Town village as a vibrant cultural hub. The rooms will be adorned with traditional décor, furniture and artistic accents, incorporating storytelling elements that capture the area’s intangible heritage. Local artisans received specialised training to participate in the restoration endeavours.
The project reflects RCU’s comprehensive efforts to revive AlUla Old Town with tourism as the engine of development and job creation. RCU is driven by an ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability in its comprehensive regeneration efforts, including the Sustainability Charter that governs each project’s economic, social and environmental impacts. For delivering on this vision, AlUla Old Town was recognised by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation as a “Best Tourism Village” in 2022.
John Northen, Vice President- Head of Hotels and Resorts, Royal Commission for AlUla, said, “Dar Tantora by The House Hotel will allow guests to live the rich heritage of the AlUla Old Town historical village. Steeped in the past yet embracing progress, this hotel encapsulates RCU’s vision for a diverse range of accommodations as we continue to deliver on our plans for more than 5,000 keys by 2030.”
“We take immense pride in operating Dar Tantora by The House Hotel, a location that seamlessly weaves AlUla Old Town’s cultural legacy with the comfort of modern luxury. At Kerten Hospitality, our dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences resonates with RCU’s objective of creating harmonious communities, and we eagerly look forward to playing a significant role in the region’s development,” said Marloes Knippenberg, CEO, Kerten Hospitality.ADVERTISEMENT

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Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel and Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group have teamed up to bring Honolulu residents and visitors a new multi-year resident show, exclusive to Hawaii. Executives from both organisations were joined by Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi to make the announcement on 10 April.
Anticipated to open in late 2024, the show will fuse the world-renowned acrobatics and innovation that Cirque du Soleil is known for with the natural beauty and unique culture of the Hawaiian islands. Native Hawaiian, Aaron J. Salā, PhD, has been retained as the creative cultural producer to assist in creating this show’s storyline along with other prominent Hawaiian artists, musicians and dancers.
A joint venture is being made by both parties to create this opportunity and transform the 20,000 sq. ft. (1858 sqm) showroom venue at Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, previously used by Magic of Polynesia. The necessary permits for renovation work to commence and create the nearly 800-seat theatre with state-of-the-art audio-visual system are being submitted. The venue architect is Hawaii-based G70, with project estimating done by RLB in Honolulu.
“Cirque du Soleil is an iconic company at the apex of entertainment,” said Jeff Wagoner, President and CEO of Outrigger Hospitality Group. “We are confident that the show created for Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel will delight and astound our guests and residents.”
ADVERTISEMENTMr Wagoner added: “This collaboration with Cirque was years in the making and perfectly aligns with Outrigger’s brand elevation strategy, which includes a promise to provide authentic live music and signature experiences in renowned beach locations.”
Mayor Rick Blanglardi, said: “In addition to bringing new vibrancy to Waikiki, this project will produce significant economic impact through job creations in redeveloping the theatre space and ongoing show operations. I’m honoured and excited to welcome Cirque du Soleil as the newest Honolulu resident.”
More details will be shared in the coming months regarding the partnership, the show’s name and creative concept, as well as on-sale dates, with a target of December 2024 for the show’s debut.

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Crystal Lagoons enters the largest country in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia, with a new mega deal to develop real estate, hospitality, and Public Access Lagoons™, also called PAL™, projects. The development plan consists of several luxury complexes, which will be located in coastal and inland cities such as Riyadh, as well as Jeddah, Dammam, Medina, and Khobar.
The multinational innovation company, founded by scientist Fernando Fischmann, has partnered with A’amal Group, a major holding company with interests in the investment, hospitality, real estate & energy development across the Middle East, Asia and Africa. The company’s Founder & CEO Yassin Al Suroor, is also the Founder & CEO of DANA investment, specialized in the digital economy. He is a board member of several regional and international companies, as well as nonprofit global organizations.
With the new partnership with A’amal Group, Crystal Lagoons consolidate its presence in the Middle East, where it already has ongoing projects in the UAE, Egypt, Israel, Palestine and Oman. In fact, the world’s two largest crystalline lagoons are located in the Middle East: District One in Dubai (30 hectares) and Citystars Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt (12.8 hectares).
“I am very pleased to announce this strategic alliance between A’amal Group and Crystal Lagoons, and the potential that it holds for Saudi Arabia. We believe that this partnership follows our vision for the future, and are confident that working in synergy will lead to the development of unique destinations throughout the country.” Said Yassin Al Suroor, President & CEO of A’amal Group
At the center of these PAL™ developments are large crystalline lagoons suitable for swimming and water sports, surrounded by white sandy beaches, which are open to the public for a fee. The complexes also have commercial areas, restaurants, weddings, hotels, concert venues, terraces, amphitheaters, etc.ADVERTISEMENT“Closing a strategic partnership like this for 10 PAL™ projects in Saudi Arabia is a milestone that validates our uniqueness and added value as a brand. It also shows that the Crystal Lagoons® concept and technology can bring idyllic beaches anywhere in the world, even to the middle of the desert, and create unique tourism opportunities,” said Alastair Sinclair, Regional Director of Crystal Lagoons.
Crystal Lagoons experienced record global expansion in 2022 with its PAL™ projects. The company entered over 15 new markets and closed mega business deals in countries including Japan, Australia, India, Israel, Palestine, among others.

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