Category: Latest Travel News

Almancil, Portugal, January 9, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Quinta do Lago has enhanced its reputation as a global leader for golf sustainability after being named as the recipient of the 2021 International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) Sustainability Award for Resource Efficiency.

• Discover the Portugal’s and the World’s Best Golf Courses at TOP25 Golf Courses.

Europe’s premier golf and lifestyle resort claimed the honour for the first time in its prestigious history for the “significant strides” it has made in resource management across materials, water and energy.

Delivered in partnership with the Golf Environment Organisation (GEO) Foundation for Sustainable Golf, the awards recognise the sustainability work of golf facilities worldwide. Currently in their eighth year, they acknowledge the high performance and commitment across three core areas of sustainability – nature, resources and community.

Announcing this year’s winners, the judging panel singled Quinta do Lago out for special praise for its outstanding work in reducing its areas of maintained turf, investment in an upgraded irrigation system and its use of recycled water combine to maximise efficiency. In addition, the resort was further praised for its investment in a fully electric fleet of golf carts and hybrid golf course maintenance equipment and worked with local government to trial and develop renewable energy solutions.

Sean Moriarty, chief executive of Quinta do Lago, said: “The subject of sustainability in golf has never been more important, and to be recognised for the work that the resort is doing towards this is a great honour and very satisfying.

“We have always been a resort driven by nature with an environmental focus and have a long-term commitment to being a high-profile champion of sustainability.

“As a resort, we are united in our approach to supporting nature and our communities – conserving resources at the same time – and the great thing about golf is that it can be a leader in so many ways; from eco-system services, conservation of wildlife and health and well-being for all ages to creating jobs and adding value to the economy through local supply chains.”

Peter Walton, chief executive of IAGTO, said: “While the golf tourism industry was focused on coping with and recovering from pandemic-related travel restrictions, it was great to see so many golf courses take this time to review their sustainability programs, and in many cases take them to another level. This year, more than ever, I’ve been blown away by the ingenuity and real dedication that so many golf courses continue to demonstrate.”

Nestling in the heart of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, Quinta do Lago has always been passionate about the environment – only nine per cent of the resort has been developed with the rest devoted to golf, water and lakes and green spaces.

Working closely with the GEO and following its ‘On Course’ environmental stewardship programme, Quinta do Lago launched a multi-tiered eco-strategy with three key aims: to foster nature, conserve resources and support the community.

As well as improving sustainability on its three 18-hole championship courses, the acclaimed Portuguese venue adopted an enhanced approach to conservation across other business sectors of the resort including at its world-class sports hub The Campus, The Magnolia Hotel, its 13 bars and restaurants and general resort services.

At the forefront of Quinta do Lago’s green initiatives has been the €7m renovation of its South Course, an eight-time host of the Portuguese Open and recently named as ‘Portugal’s Best Golf Course’ at the World Golf Awards.

Among the improvements made, all of the layouts’ fairways, bunkers, tees and green surrounds received an upgrade, with subtle changes also being made to a number of holes to enhance the golfing experience.

Sustainability was a goal throughout the project, with Quinta do Lago golf course superintendent Mark Tupling and his team operating in tandem with the GEO and local non-profit company VitaNativa to record and enhance environmental stewardship across the golf courses. Water management was a key element of the changes made with new irrigation pumps being installed along with enhancements to the existing system – giving greater control and saving precious resources.

In addition, a planting scheme introducing native plants in and around the golf courses to control and remove invasive exotic species; building ‘bug hotels’ for insects – helping to control garden pests so reducing the use of insecticides – increasing the number of bird-nesting boxes and constructing bee houses; removing single-use plastics at its restaurants; and using a new fleet of electric golf buggies across the resort are among the other initiatives to be introduced to help conserve resources.

Quinta do Lago created its own farm in 2019 to provide its restaurants with homegrown organic produce, while further measures to help foster nature include the placing information boards on the golf courses and nearby nature trails advising people of the wildlife living nearby.

As one of the biggest employers in the Almancil area with more than 500 staff employed throughout the year, the resort also appreciates the importance of supporting the local community in its new eco-strategy.

As well as offering affordable golf to juniors taking up the game and support in playing regional and national tournaments, a series of other events and activities will be available including guided nature walks through the golf courses, educational trips to the resort farm and working closely with the animals living in and around the resort.

Set amongst 2,000 acres of the picturesque Ria Formosa Natural Park and just a 15-minute drive from Faro airport, Quinta do Lago has been at the forefront of Europe’s elite golf, sports and family destinations for nearly five decades and features a combination of world-class golf and lifestyle facilities.

As well as three 18-hole championship golf courses – the South Course, North Course and Laranjal – and outstanding practice facilities, guests can enjoy an array of sports at the state-of-the-art performance centre The Campus, a world-class sports hub designed for professionals and amateurs alike to train and live well.

Complementing the facilities is a choice of 13 first-class bars and restaurants that deliver a range of delicious world cuisines, including the acclaimed Bovino Steakhouse and UMAMI – the resort’s first Asian restaurant which opened in May – with accommodation at the boutique The Magnolia Hotel.

• Discover the Portugal’s and the World’s Best Golf Courses at TOP25 Golf Courses.

About Quinta do Lago
Since its inception in 1972, Quinta do Lago has been at the forefront of international golf, hosting eight Portuguese Opens as well as numerous other international tournaments. Home to three world-class golf courses, the resort also boasts a wealth of cutting-edge practice facilities.

– Quinta do Lago North Course – Opening in October 2014, the totally revamped North Course has been redeveloped by renowned American golf architect Beau Welling in close collaboration with 2014 European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley and is set to become one of the new stars of European golf. The new layout has been built to the highest specifications with a €9.6m investment programme and has been redeveloped with the emphasis firmly on precision and strategy. While many modern-day developments tend to focus on length, Welling and McGinley have been keen to design a golfing experience where accuracy and course management are the key factors, and a course that is playable and fun for golfers of all abilities.
– Quinta do Lago South Course – A favourite among European Tour professionals, the South Course calls for accurate drives and precise shots, but rewards players for their efforts with the stunning backdrop of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Regularly included in Golf World magazine’s ‘Top 100 Golf Courses in Europe’, the par-72 layout has received widespread praise for its strategically-placed hazards and varying difficulty across the 18 holes. Having hosted the Portuguese Open on no fewer than eight occasions, the South Course is regarded as one of Portugal’s premier golfing venues and was recently the subject of a €7m upgrade.
– Laranjal – Designed by Jorge Santana da Silva in the grounds of an orange grove, the par-72 course was named as Portugal’s Best Golf Course 2011 at the Portuguese Travel Awards, and poses serious tests for players of all abilities. Opened in 2008, Laranjal offers a pure golfing experience right next to the Quinta do Lago estate and features fairways sown with Bermuda grass, providing a challenging playing environment in a picture-perfect setting.
– Paul McGinley Academy – Quinta do Lago is home to the only Paul McGinley Academy in the world, founded in October 2011 by Europe’s 2014 Ryder Cup captain. With a strong involvement from McGinley himself, who is a regular visitor to the resort, the academy aims to cultivate and improve golfers’ play by providing them with the tools and techniques used on the professional Tours. The academy focuses especially on younger players, working in collaboration with local schools and is the perfect way to follow in the footsteps of the pros.
– TaylorMade Performance Center – Quinta do Lago’s TaylorMade Performance Centre is the only facility of its kind in Portugal and is located on the resort’s expansive driving range. Opened in May 2013, the centre is operated by trained TaylorMade technicians, offering golfers a custom-fitting experience testing hundreds of club and iron options, ensuring the best combination for every player’s swing. It also has a fully equipped Tour standard workshop and utilises FlightScope X2 radar technology to measure the entire flight of the ball from impact to landing whilst displaying its 3D trajectory in real time.
– The Campus – Launched in October 2018, The Campus is a unique €10 million training, fitness and wellness facility catering to elite, professional athletes and enthusiastic amateurs alike. The multi-sports hub has recently unveiled a brand-new high-performance centre fully equipped with a high-performance gymnasium with technical area, a new centre for active living and sports medicine, dedicated studios for cycle and group exercise, stadium specification locker rooms and 25-metre outdoor heated swimming pool. Offering an array of first-class facilities, it offers the ideal environment for golfers of all abilities to improve their fitness, with golf-performance conditioning programmes and golf-specific fitness classes among the services available.

Set amongst 2,000 acres of the picturesque Ria Formosa Natural Park and located just 15 minutes from Faro airport, Quinta do Lago offers residents and guests an unparalleled location benefiting from a year-round temperate climate, a variety of lifestyle pursuits and a strong sense of community.

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States, January 9, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Dassault Aviation will display a full-scale cabin mockup for the new Falcon 10X ultra-long-range twinjet at the NBAA-BACE convention this week in Las Vegas. Ultra-long-range Falcon 10X on Schedule to Enter Service in 2025.

After the show, the mockup will remain in the US for individual customer tours. A second mockup will be available to customers at Dassault’s Paris-Le Bourget showroom.

“The Falcon 10X is not just another intercontinental contender, it’s in a league of its own and has to be experienced first-hand to be fully appreciated,” said Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier. “Because of its sheer size and imaginative layout, you’ll move about this cabin differently, much more easily, than in any competing business jet. The 10X will provide the ultimate in privacy and in collaborative workspace—indeed, it will be able to provide both at the same time.”

Compared to a flying penthouse due to its spaciousness and homelike ambience, the 10X cabin is endlessly customizable. The 10X cabin is 6-feet, 8-inches (2.03 m) tall and 9-feet, 1-inch (2.77 m) wide, a larger cross section than some modern regional jets.

Program Update
Detailed design for the 7,500 nm, Mach 0.925 jet will be completed before year-end, with parts production beginning in 2022. Many components and structures will come from Dassault’s new Factory 4.0 smart manufacturing facility in Seclin, France. A redesigned building at Dassault’s plant in Biarritz will manufacturer the advanced all-composite wing.

Rolls-Royce meanwhile is developing the latest and most powerful variant of its ultra-efficient Pearl engine series to power the new aircraft. The modules for the first Pearl 10X test engines are currently being assembled at Rolls-Royce’s center of excellence for business aviation engines in Dahlewitz near Berlin, Germany. The first engine test run is scheduled for next year. The Pearl 10X will be rated at more than 18,000 pounds of thrust and be 100% SAF capable.

“The Falcon 10X will be the new benchmark in business aviation,” said Trappier. “We’re eager to see industry reaction at NBAA-BACE, we anticipate a very positive response.”

About Dassault Aviation
Dassault Aviation is a leading aerospace company with a presence in over 90 countries across six continents. Dassault designs and builds the family of Falcon business jets as well as the Rafale fighter jet. The company employs a workforce of over 12,000 and has production facilities in both France and the United States, and a worldwide service network. Since the rollout of the first Falcon 20 in 1963, over 2,650 Falcons have been delivered. The tri-jet and twin-engine lines offer outstanding efficiency and comfort, with ranges from 3,500 nm to 7,500 nm. They include the flagship Falcon 10X, the pioneering Falcon 7X and 8X, the widebody Falcon 6X, and the versatile Falcon 900LX, 2000LXS and 2000S. Falcon Customer Service continues to hold the top spot in key business aviation surveys.
About Dassault Falcon Jet

Dassault Falcon Jet Corp., is a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Dassault Aviation, France. Dassault Falcon Jet markets and supports the Falcon family of business jets throughout North America and South America.

Rome, Italy, January 9, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Dorchester Collection announces the appointment of Mirko Cattini as general manager of Rome’s Hotel Eden, starting from 14 February 2022. He will be taking over from Luca Virgilio, who is moving to London in January 2022 as general manager of The Dorchester.

With over 20 years’ experience in luxury hotels and resorts in the UK, Europe and Asia, Italian-born Mirko is currently the hotel manager of The Dorchester, London – a position he has held for over three years.

Previous roles include executive positions at the Corinthia Hotel, London; Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore; Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa, Cebu; and Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok.

Mirko has diplomas in hospitality management from the Hotel and Catering International Management Association and Como’s Hotel School of Catering, and has completed both Cornell University’s and Cranfield School of Management’s general manager programmes.

Christopher Cowdray, chief executive officer of Dorchester Collection, said: ‘We are delighted to promote Mirko to manage one of Rome’s most renowned hotels near the top of the Spanish Steps with its spectacular panorama and authentic Italian charm. Mirko has proven to be an impactful leader at The Dorchester and we know that his skills and expertise will further enhance the legendary Hotel Eden.’

Commenting on his new role, Mirko said: ‘I am looking forward to returning to my home country and leading a team dedicated to elevated experiences in a hotel with such storied heritage and social vibrancy. We will work together to bring many memorable moments to our guests and employees.’

Savannah, Georgia, United States, January 9, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. announced the all-new Gulfstream G700 has made great strides in its flight-test program and is capping 2021 with additional accomplishments, including the use of a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blend on 83% of G700 flights launched from the Savannah-based Gulfstream Flight Test Center. Gulfstream anticipates G700 customer deliveries beginning in the fourth quarter of 2022.

“Getting this amazing aircraft in front of customers has been one of the highlights of 2021,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “We are also further demonstrating our commitment to SAF by using the fuel blend as much as possible on G700 test flights — five out of six test aircraft have used the fuel blend on every flight. We look forward to building on these successes in 2022 and accomplishing even more program milestones as we move closer to customer deliveries.”

The G700 has set city-pair records on all its major international trips for customer viewings. In September, the fully outfitted production-test aircraft set speed records from Savannah to Doha, Qatar; from Doha to Paris; and from Paris back to Savannah. The G700 then made record-setting flights from Houston, Texas, to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and returned in record time from Riyadh to Savannah. The city-pair flights were made using a combination of SAF and carbon offsets to minimize environmental impacts.

In addition to maintaining an industry-leading role in using and promoting the safety, ease and performance capabilities of SAF, Gulfstream also supports the industry’s overall efforts to decrease carbon emissions by providing SAF to customers and being the first business-aviation manufacturer to sign the World Economic Forum’s Clean Skies for Tomorrow 2030 Ambition Statement. To date, Gulfstream has purchased more than 1.6 million gallons of the SAF blend for company and customer use.

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.
Inspired by the belief that aviation could fuel business growth, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. invented the first purpose-built business aircraft, the Gulfstream I, which first flew in 1958. Today, more than 2,900 aircraft are in service around the world. Together with parent company General Dynamics, Gulfstream consistently invests in the future, dedicating resources to researching and developing innovative new aircraft, technologies and services. With a fleet that includes the super-midsize Gulfstream G280, the high-performing Gulfstream G650 and Gulfstream G650ER, and a next-generation family of aircraft including the all-new Gulfstream G400, the award-winning Gulfstream G500 and Gulfstream G600, the flagship Gulfstream G700 and the ultralong-range Gulfstream G800, Gulfstream offers an aircraft for every mission. All are backed by Gulfstream’s Customer Support network and its worldwide team.

Doha, Qatar, January 7, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Qatar Executive is excited to announce it has taken delivery of a further three Gulfstream G650ER aircraft, reaffirming its position as the largest owner-operator of the ultramodern jet, with a total of 11 in its fleet. All three aircraft will operate on strategic ultra-long-haul routes to Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe. Latest delivery brings the total number of Gulfstream G650ER aircraft in the private jet charter division fleet to 11.

• Premium Domain Name for Sale – First time on the market – Prefect for Executive Jets and Private Aviation business.

Qatar Executive is also scheduled to take delivery of its twelfth Gulfstream G650ER before the end of 2021. The aircraft is one of the most coveted jets among the global travelling elite due to its remarkable range capabilities, industry-leading cabin technology, fuel efficiency and unparalleled passenger comfort. The state-of-the-art aircraft can fly at a faster speed for longer distances than any other jet of its kind, with its incredible 7,500 nautical mile range.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Despite the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, we continue to invest in our fleet, operating the youngest, most fuel-efficient and technologically-advanced aircraft in the skies.

“We are excited to have taken delivery of three brand-new Gulfstream G650ERs and look forward to receiving our twelfth of the aircraft type in a couple of weeks, allowing us to meet growing demand, especially during the New Year period. This strategic investment in sustainable twin-engine jets has enabled us to continue flying during these challenging times. As global travel recovers, our customers can rely on us to fly greener and smarter.”

Qatar Executive’s G650ER aircraft can operate non-stop from Doha to New York in approximately 13 hours and from Doha to Seoul in just over eight hours. Flying faster and further than any business jet, the G650ER is ideally suited for those whose travel needs include flights halfway around the globe. Gulfstream’s innovative, clean-wing designs deliver a combination of record-breaking speed and range, exceptional comfort and better aerodynamic efficiency for a smaller carbon footprint.

Last month, Qatar Executive took an aircraft delivery flight, using drop-in certified Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), establishing another milestone for Qatar Airways Group and reaffirming its leadership to fly one of the most advanced fleets in the sky. As the global launch customer, Qatar Executive is excited for its planned deliveries of the brand-new Gulfstream G700 aircraft, which are capable of operating using 100 per cent SAF.

In August 2021, the private jet charter division of Qatar Airways Group showcased the world’s first Gulfstream G700 in Doha, Qatar. Equipped with the all-new Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines and an advanced high-speed wing design, the G700 is able to fly at record-breaking speed and range with outstanding environmental efficiency, promoting sustainable business aviation. The G700 will be the latest addition to Qatar Executive’s state-of-the-art fleet of long-range and ultra-long-range aircraft. The executive charter service provider has ordered 10 of the world’s largest business jets and will take delivery of the very first aircraft off the Gulfstream assembly line in Georgia, U.S., in 2022.

In addition to the Gulfstream G650ERs, Qatar Executive’s fleet includes three Bombardier Global 5000s, one Bombardier Global XRS, one Airbus A319ACJ and another Airbus A319 Air Ambulance aircraft, making the current fleet 17 strong.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the average monthly block hours reserved in Qatar Executive grew by 76 per cent year-over-year and the booking enquiries increased by more than a 100 per cent. This sharp growth came as a result of the new strategies implemented by Qatar Executive, which includes offering tailored flight hour packages to suit customer requirements.

• Premium Domain Name for Sale – First time on the market – Prefect for Executive Jets and Private Aviation business.

Qatar Executive remained agile, innovative and resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on its fundamental mission of taking people home safely and swiftly. Despite COVID-19 having a negative impact on the aviation industry and the business witnessing a global decline of approximately 48 per cent in block hours and flights in the ultra-long-range market, Qatar Executive stepped up to the challenge and used the pandemic as an opportunity to introduce operational and commercial changes that would minimise the business impact, while maintaining the same levels of luxury to which its customers are accustomed.

About Qatar Executive
Qatar Executive is the private jet charter division of Qatar Airways Group. Luxury jet services are available for worldwide charter on board the operator’s wholly-owned business jet fleet. Qatar Executive is the launch customer for Gulfstream’s G700, the world’s first commercial service operator of the Gulfstream G500 and largest commercial operator of the G650ER worldwide. Qatar Executive’s service portfolio also includes aircraft management, maintenance and Fixed Based Operator services.

About Qatar Airways
A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was recently announced as the ‘Airline of the Year’ at the 2021 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax. It was also named ‘World’s Best Business Class’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline Seat’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Onboard Catering’ and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’. The airline continues to stand alone at the top of the industry having won the main prize for an unprecedented sixth time (2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021).

Hamad International Airport (HIA), the airline’s home and hub, was recently announced as the ‘World’s Best Airport’ in the Skytrax 2021 World Airport Awards. HIA has been steadily rising in the ‘World’s Best Airports’ rankings since the start of its operations in 2014.

Qsuite, a patented Qatar Airways product, features the industry’s first-ever double bed in Business Class, as well as privacy panels that stow away, allowing passengers in adjoining seats to create their own private room, a first of its kind in the industry.

Qatar Airways was the first Gulf carrier to join global airline alliance oneworld, enabling its passengers to benefit from more than 1,000 airports in more than 160 countries, with 14,250 daily departures.

Oryx One, Qatar Airways’ in-flight entertainment system offers passengers up to 4,000 entertainment options from the latest blockbuster movies, TV box sets, music, games and much more. Passengers flying on Qatar Airways flights served by its B787, B777, A350, A319 and select A320 and A330 aircraft can also stay in touch with their friends and family around the world by using the award-winning airline’s on-board Wi-Fi and GSM service.

Qatar Airways proudly supports a range of exciting international and local initiatives dedicated to enriching the global community that it serves. Qatar Airways, the official FIFA partner, is the official sponsor of many top-level sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM, reflecting the values of sports as a means of bringing people together, something at the core of the airline’s own brand message – Going Places Together.

Qatar Airways Cargo, one of the world’s leading international air cargo carriers, serves more than 60 freighter destinations worldwide via its world-class Doha hub and also delivers freight in the belly-hold deck of passenger aircraft to an extensive network. The Qatar Airways Cargo fleet includes two Boeing 747-8 freighters, 26 Boeing 777 freighters and six B777-300ER mini freighters.

Qatar Executive is the private jet charter division of Qatar Airways Group. Luxury jet services are available for worldwide charter on board the operator’s wholly-owned business jet fleet. Qatar Executive is the launch customer for Gulfstream’s G700, the world’s first commercial service operator of the Gulfstream G500 and largest commercial operator of the G650ER worldwide. Qatar Executive’s service portfolio also includes aircraft management, maintenance and Fixed Based Operator services.

Ho Tram, Vietnam, January 8, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Best Western Hotels and Resorts breaks new ground in Vietnam with the signing of an exciting two new projects in Ho Tram, the vibrant beachfront resort area just 110km from Ho Chi Minh City, which is set to redefine the regions tourism and hospitality industry.

Book your hotel in Ho Tram Vietnam and worldwide at HotelWorlds.com – Pay at the hotel and earn HolidayClick Points. Book now at HotelWorlds.com!

Best Western Hotels & Resorts has joined with Thien Binh Minh Joint Stock Company, a subsidiary of the Charm Group, the highly respected real estate company, to introduce two new Best Western branded properties to this dynamic destination. Charm Resort Ho Tram, BW Premier Collection by Best Western and Charm Resort Ho Tram, BW Signature Collection by Best Western will be unveiled in the first quarter of 2024, comprising more than 1,000 rooms, suites and villas – across two properties – all in a prime seafront setting. Together, these world-class resorts will cater to all types of travelers, including couples, families, friends and groups.

This important agreement marks another key phase of Best Western Hotels & Resorts targeted expansion strategy in Vietnam, identified as one of the most attractive markets in Asia – and the world.

Charm Resort Ho Tram, BW Premier Collection by Best Western will offer 458 upscale rooms and suites plus 90 luxurious villas, amid a landscape of lush gardens just steps from the sandy shore. Lifestyle-conscious guests will enjoy upmarket amenities and impeccable service, all influenced by local style and sophistication, in line with the high standards of the BW Premier Collection® brand.

Charm Resort Ho Tram, BW Signature Collection by Best Western will feature 470 rooms and suites with unique design, wrapped in an enchanting ambiance of tropical gardens, swaying palms and sparkling pools. BW Signature Collection® is dedicated to creating truly unique experiences that reflect the personality of their destination. Guests can expect warm, welcoming service and modern amenities.

Together, these two properties will offer a wide range of accommodations for international and domestic guests seeking stylish stays on the serene coastline of southeast Vietnam. When they are not unwinding on the beach, travelers can take advantage of many fantastic attractions in and around Ho Tram, including traditional fishing villages, temples, hot springs, golf courses and more. Ho Chi Minh City and Tan Son Nhat International Airport are just a short drive away, making the destination easily accessible.

Cyrill Czerwonka, Best Western Hotels & Resorts Senior Regional Director of Development – Asia, said: “We are delighted to be part of this landmark project, which will enhance Charm Groups status in the global hospitality sector, elevate the Vietnamese tourism industry, and strengthen Best Westerns upscale and luxury portfolio in this important Asian market.” He added, “Our new BW Signature Collection resort will provide home-away-from-home comfort and value, while the BW Premier Collection branded property will showcase authentic boutique hospitality, with premium rooms and suites plus 90 private villas that will attract discerning guests and honeymooners. We look forward to working closely with Charm Group as we bring this spectacular development to life.”

Book your hotel in Ho Tram Vietnam and worldwide at HotelWorlds.com – Pay at the hotel and earn HolidayClick Points. Book now at HotelWorlds.com!

This signing marks the latest phase of Best Western Hotels & Resorts expansion strategy in Vietnam. With four high-end hotels and resorts now operating, 16 new properties signed and ongoing discussions for more, including several in partnership with some of Vietnams most highly regarded real estate companies, the group is targeting over 20 branded hotels and resorts to be operational by the end of 2024.

About Best Western Hotels and Resorts
Best Western Hotels & Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a privately held hotel brand within the BWH Hotel Group® global network. With 18 brands and approximately 4,500 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*, BWH Hotel Group suits the needs of developers and guests in every market. Brands include Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, Executive Residency by Best Western®, Vīb®, GLō®, Aiden®, Sadie®, BW Premier Collection® and BW Signature Collection®. Through acquisition, WorldHotelsTM Luxury, WorldHotels Elite, WorldHotels Distinctive and WorldHotels Crafted collections are also offered. Completing the portfolio is SureStay®, SureStay Plus®, SureStay Collection® and SureStay Studio® franchises**.

* Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.
**All Best Western, WorldHotels and SureStay branded hotels are independently owned and operated.

Saint Lawrence Gap, Barbados, January 6, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The O2 Beach Club and Spa is a five-star, all-inclusive luxury boutique resort located on the island’s beautiful southern coast. Escape to a chic, tropical paradise set on a 1,000 feet of powder white beach fringing the glistening turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. The O2 Beach Club and Spa offers unparalleled comfort and personalized service throughout your stay. Unwind in luxuriously appointed guest rooms, suites, and residences featuring contemporary design and upgraded amenities.

With a host of dining, wellness, and relaxation options, our island haven provides the perfect setting for an indulgent Barbados holiday. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel like the newest VIP member of the coolest new beach club in Barbados.

Relax in any of the luxurious guest rooms, suites or residences all featuring contemporary décor and upgraded amenities. With almost every room offering a breathtaking view you’ll truly be spoilt for choice.

The resort features 130 luxurious rooms and suites, and guests can choose between three different service offerings, or “Collections”: Club, Luxury, and Concierge. Club Collection rooms are the resort’s standard offering with the option of king or twin beds. The adults only Luxury Collection includes ocean view and oceanfront suites, as well as swim-up rooms that access the resort’s adult-only river pool and swim-up bar.

Relax in any of our 130 guest rooms, suites or residences all featuring contemporary décor and upgraded amenities. With almost every room offering a breathtaking view you’ll truly be spoilt for choice.

All guests have access to the resort’s three scenic pools, including one of the only rooftop pools in Barbados. For the ultimate relaxation, guests can visit the Acqua spa with treatments that focus on healing through water. The spa also boasts the only Hammam room on the island.

London, United Kingdom, January 6, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and UKinbound have welcomed the government’s decision to remove pre-departure tests for travellers and replace damaging Day 2 PCR testing with antigen tests

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “The removal of pre-departure tests and replacing Day 2 PCRs with more affordable antigen testing will significantly boost the UK Travel & Tourism sector and help both it and the whole UK economy recover much faster than expected.

“The testing measures being removed never actually stopped infections coming in and were a blunt policy which only damaged the travel and tourism sector.”

Joss Croft, CEO, UKinbound said “The industry will be very pleased to see the removal of onerous pre-departure testing, and the replacement of the day 2 PCR test with a lateral flow test.

“However, this is not job done. January to March is a key booking period for inbound travel and if we are to ensure the successful revival of the UK’s valuable inbound tourism industry, our 5th largest export sector, worth £28 billion to the UK economy in 2019, then the government needs to provide a clear roadmap for the removal of all travel restrictions and to signal that the UK will be fully open for business.”

New York City, New York, United States, January 6, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The Aman New York is set to open on 57th Street in the Crown Building. It’s a new life for the landmark, built by the same architects as Grand Central Terminal and the Hemsley building which turned 100 in 2021.

Aman will unveils a new urban sanctuary with the rebirth of an architectural icon at the heart of Manhattan. Since 1921, the Crown Building has presided over the midpoint of Manhattan; the corner of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street, overlooking Central Park. Rising 26 storeys from the boutique-lined street, the building’s windows and terraces look out over the vast sweep of parkland and survey the world’s most recognisable skyline.

The rooms at the Aman are set to be stark yet spectacular: there’s a reason that the brand, with its Asian-Scandanavian minimalist sensibilities, is a haven for well-heeled—and often celebrity— travelers. But it will still have a dash of New York energy: there’s a jazz club, and each room will have a functioning fireplace.

Designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, Aman New York celebrates Aman’s philosophy of creating sanctuaries beyond commonplace notions of luxury, whilst paying homage to the building’s striking architecture and significant history.

Aman New York will consist of 83 hotel rooms, as well as restaurants, a Garden Terrace & Bar with 7000 square feet of outdoor dining space, private members club, three-floor Aman Spa, Jazz Club and Wine Room.

Phi Phi Island, Thailand, January 4, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / SAii Phi Phi Island Village, the free-spirited five-star resort on the pristine Thai island of Koh Phi Phi, is celebrating the launch of another important environmental project by inviting eco-conscious families to experience immersive escapes that will inspire young minds and educate all ages about the critical issue of marine conservation.

• Discover amazing Thailand during the Visit Thailand Year 2022 – Amazing Chapters

In November 2021, the resident marine biologist at SAii Phi Phi Island Village launched “SOS” (Save Our Sharks), an exciting new conservation project that will see the resort work hand-in-hand with experts from the Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC) to take care of bamboo sharks. From the incubation of eggs and larval rearing, to releasing the juveniles back into their natural habitat, this initiative will help to conserve this important species and boost the health of ocean ecosystems in the long-term.

This is the latest in a series of campaigns initiated by the Marine Discovery Centre, an innovative facility which serves as the nerve centre of SAii Phi Phi Island Village’s environmental efforts. This interactive hub houses indoor and outdoor exhibition areas, video rooms and aquariums, presenting a fascinating window into the underwater world and driving key projects such as coral propagation, mangrove planting, and breeding and release programmes for native species, including clownfish.

To celebrate the launch of SOS, SAii Phi Phi Island Village has created a new package that allows Thai and expat “inSAiiders” – including curious young explorers and budding marine biologists – to experience an engaging island adventure, with plenty of family-friendly activities and excursions into the mesmerising marine park.

Available for bookings made before 23rd December 2021, the “Marine Discoveries” package allows loved ones to stay together in style, with free accommodation and meals for up to two children aged 12 and under*. Guests will also be treated to a tour of the Marine Discovery Centre and an introduction to the SOS programme, plus a half-day longtail boat trip around the island and complimentary use of the fitness facilities, tennis court and non-motorised water sports, such as stand-up paddle-boarding and ocean kayaking. All guests will also enjoy daily breakfast, and a 25% discount on food, beverages and spa treatments throughout their stay.

Rates start from just THB 6,750 net per room per night, based on a Superior Garden Bungalow, and a minimum two-night stay is required. Other options include the Deluxe Sea View Bungalow (THB 8,000 net), Beachfront Junior Suite (THB 14,000 net), One-Bedroom Hillside Pool Villa (THB 18,000 net), Two-Bedroom Family Bungalow (THB 19,000 net) and the spectacular Two-Bedroom Hillside Pool Villa (THB 26,000 net). See package details here.

“Young people today care passionately about the environment and want to take positive action to help save the planet. At SAii Phi Phi Island Village, we can help them make a difference. Our Marine Discovery Centre provides a fascinating window into the underwater world; from keeping the beach clean to caring for baby sharks, we let our young inSAiiders play an active role in conservation, giving them a sense of achievement and perhaps even inspiring the next generation of conservationists and marine biologists,” said Nantiphat Saechao, Marine Biologist, SAii Phi Phi Island Village.

“We are also excited to unveil the SOS project, in partnership with the Phuket Marine Biological Center. Bamboo sharks are classed as ‘vulnerable’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), so this breeding and release programme will play a crucial role in protecting such an important species. We look forward to welcoming families to our resort in the coming weeks,” he added.

SAii Phi Phi Island Village is the Thai flagship property in the SAii Resorts portfolio, featuring a collection of spacious bungalows, suites and villas, five-star facilities and fresh brand concepts such as Mr. Tomyam, a casual poolside Thai fusion restaurant, Lèn Be Well, a standalone hillside spa, and M.I.Y Aroma Lab, where guests can create their own natural bathroom products. With its personalised approach and eco-sensitive ethos, this outstanding resort is ready to create truly immersive journeys for experience-seeking guests from around the world.

SAii Resorts is the free-spirited five-star lifestyle brand from S Hotels and Resorts PCL, the global hospitality company from Singha Estate PCL.

* Children stay for free in existing bedding, when sharing a room with their parents, and dine for free from the kids’ menu, when accompanied by an adult ordering from the regular menu.

• Discover amazing Thailand during the Visit Thailand Year 2022 – Amazing Chapters

About SAii Phi Phi Island Village
SAii Phi Phi Island Village is a free-spirited five-star resort nestled in 70 acres of lush tropical gardens with an 800-metre stretch of powder-soft beach on the pristine Thai island of Koh Phi Phi Don. The flagship of the SAii Resorts portfolio, this exclusive hideaway features a collection of 201 contemporary bungalows, spacious suites and luxurious Hillside Pool Villas, with intuitive services empowered by the SAii App. Guests can unwind with full-service facilities including freeform pools, signature restaurants, a watersports & dive centre, kids’ club, Lèn Be Well spa, and the Marine Discovery Centre, an innovative and interactive conservation hub. Amid a paradise of swaying coconut palms and fragrant gardens overlooking the azure Andaman Sea, SAii Phi Phi Island Village blends intimacy and luxury with a spirit of discovery.

About S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited
S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited, the hospitality arm of Singha Estate Public Company Limited, is a fast-growing, Thai-inspired company with an extensive international portfolio and world-class standards. Specialising in the management and investment of high-quality hotels and resorts in desirable destinations across the globe, S Hotels & Resorts has created a collection of its own distinctive lifestyle brands, whilst also partnering with the hospitality industry’s leading names. The company aims to set new standards for leisure and lifestyle through diversified business platforms and to enhance value for all its stakeholders based upon a philosophy of sustainable development and delivering benefits to local communities.