Como to reopen Maalifushi in The Maldives

COMO Maalifushi – tucked away among the Maldives' most remote atolls – re-opens on November ­16­th­ 2020­. It is a moment full of hope, our lagoon thriving with marine life as we welcome back guests familiar and new. Discover one of the greatest underwater regions on the planet with our new dive experience, where you can enjoy 20 dives per room across a week-long stay. We have more than 20 dive sites to explore within a 30-minute boat ride of our resort. From November, whale shark season also begins – an opportunity to snorkel at night with the ocean's most majestic creature. Immerse yourself in the healing journeys of COMO Shambhala, or retreat to our uninhabited island, Lavadhoo – a new private experience for couples and families: including a seafood BBQ, a movie beneath the stars and a luxury tent on the palm-shaded sands.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Named One of the Best Places to Work in New Jersey

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has been named among the Best Places to Work in New Jersey by NJBIZ Magazine, marking the first time the Parsippany-based global hotel company has been recognized by the ranking. The annual list recognizes the top places of employment in New Jersey that benefit the state’s economy, its workforce and its businesses.

“We know that providing great experiences for our team members is the foundation for the great experiences we provide for our guests,” said Mary Falvey, chief administrative officer, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “Based on our values, our Count on Me service culture and driven by our mission to make hotel travel possible for all, we create an engaging, safe and rewarding environment that attracts the best people to deliver value for our guests, franchisees, shareholders and communities.”

Grand Nikko Awaji to open on October 1st 2020

Okura Nikko Hotel Management Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Hotel Okura Co., Ltd., announced today that it plans to open the Grand Nikko Awaji on October 1st 2020. After being operated as The Westin Awaji Island and managed by Yumebutai Co., Ltd. and Marriott International Inc. for 20 years, the hotel will be rebranded as a Grand Nikko property and operated under new management.

Located on the northern tip of Awaji Island, the hotel opened in March 2000 as the core facility of the Awaji Yumebutai hotel and conference center complex. It is easily accessible from Honshu via the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, which boasts the longest central span of any suspension bridge in the world. As Japan's first hotel to feature a resort-style conference center, it quickly became popular among guests from Japan and overseas. Over the years, it has provided a next-generation space where people, nature and culture could interact.

Hyatt Place Boston/Seaport District Celebrates Official Opening

Hyatt Place Boston/Seaport District Celebrates Official Opening

 Hyatt Place Boston/Seaport District opened its doors this week, becoming the fourth Hyatt Place hotel in the Boston area. The new hotel features the Hyatt Place brand’s intuitive design, casual atmosphere and practical amenities, including free Wi-Fi and 24-hour food offerings, in addition to a curated art collection. Located just steps away from Boston’s Harbor waterfront, the 297-room Hyatt Place hotel is a collaborative effort with McWHINNEY, a national real estate investment and development firm. The project’s design team included local architect, Arrowstreet and interior design group, Group One Partners. Hyatt will serve as the hotel’s operator.

Because Hyatt’s efforts are grounded in listening and fueled by care, Hyatt Place hotels combine style, innovation and 24/7 conveniences to create an easy to navigate experience for today’s multi-tasking traveller. Hyatt Place Boston/Seaport District is conveniently located in the heart of the Seaport District overlooking Boston’s Harborwalk and Fish Pier. The pet-friendly hotel is surrounded by breathtaking harbour views, outdoor public art, green spaces and popular restaurants. Just minutes from Boston Logan Airport by boat, car or public transit, and a short walk from the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, this hotel is conveniently located for a business or leisure stay in Boston.  

Marriott International Announces Escape To Luxury With Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott International, Inc. announced Escape to Luxury with Marriott Bonvoy, a new offering for guests who book at participating hotels in North America, the Caribbean and Latin America, which includes up to a $300 credit available to be used toward a range of extraordinary experiences and exclusive specialty offers. Launching at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, and EDITION properties, Escape to Luxury with Marriott Bonvoy will be an ongoing offer available for a limited time each month to both Marriott Bonvoy members and non-members as a way to enhance their trips and vacations.

Radisson Hotel Group Extends its Longstanding Relationship with Atlantica Hotels

Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce it has signed a Master Franchise Agreement with Atlantica Hotels in Brazil. The two companies have held a longstanding relationship for nearly 20 years. Atlantica Hotels was previously a licensee for Radisson Hotel Group’s brands in Brazil, including Radisson Blu, Radisson RED, Radisson and Park Inn by Radisson. The Master Franchise Agreement will cover all seven of Radisson Hotel Group’s brands. The signing of this agreement will extend this relationship for another 20 years while growing Radisson Hotel Group’s presence throughout the country.

“After 20 years supporting the growth of our brands in Brazil, I am thrilled we have the opportunity to extend our relationship with Eduardo and his fantastic team at Atlantica Hotels,” said Jim Alderman, chief executive officer, Americas, Radisson Hotel Group. “Atlantica Hotels has brought our brands to life in vibrant cities throughout Brazil, playing a key role in our strategic growth plan for Latin America. We are excited for what’s to come as we continue our expansion and prepare to open three beautiful new hotels in gorgeous locations.”

IHG® Hotels & Resorts Deepens Commitment to Advancing Equality with Community Partnerships and Programs

IHG® Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announced further updates in its efforts to advance equality for all, through key partnerships and programs with the National Urban League, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and Jobs for America’s Graduates.

Elie Maalouf, Chief Executive Officer, Americas, IHG, said: “The hospitality that we offer to our guests, colleagues and communities is fundamentally underpinned by a culture of respect and inclusion for all people. We recognize and embrace the role that we can play in standing for justice and opportunity, and are honored to support the important work of these organizations. Through these efforts, we will extend the culture we have created at IHG – one where everyone can feel welcome, included and safe – into our communities.”

For nearly thirty years, IHG’s Americas headquarters has been based in Atlanta, a city with a profound legacy of civil rights. In the spirit of this heritage, and building on existing initiatives, in June, IHG announced a series of commitments in the Americas to drive more meaningful progress – both within the company and the communities in which it operates. IHG’s partnerships and programs with these three organizations will focus on driving action in education, employability and empowerment efforts across the U.S.

Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe Launches New “Back-To-School” Program Offering A Bespoke Remote Learning Vacation Experience

This fall, Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe invites guests to get away and combine school, work and play – with private casita “office” spaces; a new Resort “classroom”; and a series of curated experiences, fun programs and creative learning opportunities designed to engage kids and make it easy for parents to remote school while also enjoying vacation time.

Set amid 57 sprawling acres (23 hectares) in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountains just outside Santa Fe, Four Seasons Rancho Encantado is a luxury boutique retreat steeped in distinct adventure, culture, culinary and wellness experiences.

The Resort’s hidden location, surrounded by the outdoors, naturally spacious layout and private stand-alone casita accommodations offer an exclusive escape tailor-made for remote learning and working - coupled with fresh air, inspiring views and a relaxing, personalised home-away-from-home experience in a safe, comfortable environment. It’s back to school, Four Seasons Rancho Encantado-style.

New program highlights include:

eading Wellbeing Brand Exhale Teams up With Amazon for the Launch of Amazon Halo

This week the Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced a new collaboration between Hyatt’s Exhale brand and Amazon Halo, a health and wellness membership that uses technology to provide personal wellness insights and offers ways to improve users’ everyday health. Powered by a mobile app and accompanying wristband, the newly launched Amazon Halo service combines science-backed tools and Exhale’s streaming video platform, Exhale On Demand, to help users build healthier habits for life. Available for early access now, the Amazon Halo service gives users and Exhale members greater accessibility to Exhale On Demand’s fitness programs.

Exhale On Demand fitness-focused Labs offered on Amazon Halo are one-to-four-week trackable challenges—like a four-week event prep bootcamp ahead of a special occasion or a three-week challenge focused on core work. The Exhale On Demand labs in Amazon Halo help users build healthier habits and discover the fitness programs that work best for them. At launch, Amazon Halo members can experiment with and have access to seven Exhale On Demand fitness programs curated with specific goals, fitness levels and schedules in mind. In addition, Exhale On Demand users can receive highly accurate data via the Amazon Halo Band, a wrist band built to facilitate the insights in the Amazon Halo app.

BOUNTE Advances Hotels' Commitment to Cleanliness with a Low-Touch Lost and Found System Using AI to Identify and Return Items

BOUNTE Advances Hotels' Commitment to Cleanliness with a Low-Touch Lost and Found System Using AI to Identify and Return Items

BOUNTE Protect™ tracks lost property with a free smartphone app and stores items in a sealed BOUNTE bag for improved hygiene and security

BOUNTE, Inc., a leader in innovative lost and found technologies, today launched BOUNTE Protect™ for hotels. Powered by artificial intelligence (AI), the cloud-based platform transforms a venue’s inefficient lost and found into a high-tech solution that takes just seconds, minimizes touches and greatly enhances a guest’s experience when lost items are found and returned.

Airbus delivered 39 aircraft in August

THE MONTH IN REVIEW: AUGUST 2020   

Airbus’ 2020 gross orders by August 31st totalled 370 aircraft with net orders of 303,  after the year’s cancellations. The company registered 1 new order for an ACJ320neo and no cancellations in August. 

In August, Airbus delivered a total of 39 aircraft spread out between  35 A320 Family aircraft including the first A321neo to Gulf Air, two A330 including the first A330-900 to Portuguese carrier Orbest and two A350. 

Airbus’ backlog of aircraft remaining to be delivered as of August 31st stood at 7,501 comprising  524 A220s, 6,091 A320 Family aircraft (including 6,034 A320neo Family), 319 A330s (including 285 A330neo Family), 558 A350 XWBs and nine A380s.

LunaJets sees a perfect storm for the private jet industry

The industry enters a perfect storm.

The private jet market is facing unprecedented challenges as the COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated an already fragile industry. The private jet charter market is down 33.8% in volume year-to-date and even lower in revenue, with Europe doing worse than America. All charter market segments are impacted but the most affected are the long trans-continental and corporate charter flights. The current wave of new quarantine measures and travel restrictions will have an immediate and devastating effect on the market, predicts LunaJets.

The Perfect Storm

"Market summer figures are misleading! The industry benefited from commercial airlines dislocation, with a spike of 'leisure' clients and first-time private jet flyers, but September will be a back-to-reality moment," predicts Alain Leboursier, Managing Director at LunaJets.

"Corporate flight demand, representing 70% of our business from September to Christmas, is weak despite really low rates on same-day returns or trans-Atlantic flights," notes Leboursier. "It's a perfect storm situation considering the uncertainty caused by quarantines, lockdowns, weak corporate demand, structural overcapacity and the financial leverage of this industry. Some jet operators or competitors seem to live in Cloud-Cuckoo-Land, publishing over-optimistic figures. Private Aviation has a long track record of frauds, failures and bankruptcies, among manufacturers, operators and charter brokers. The wake-up call will be painful, the industry is much more fragile than during the past crisis."

Hyatt Announces Plans for Thompson Monterrey

 Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced plans for Thompson Monterrey, the first Thompson hotel in Mexico’s state of Nuevo León. The 150-room lifestyle hotel is expected to open in 2022 and will mark the fourth Thompson-branded property in Mexico.

“Thompson Monterrey comes at a time of significant growth for the Thompson Hotels brand and will represent the brand’s entry into a key new market,” said Alfredo Reynoso, director of  development, Mexico, Hyatt. “The Thompson brand aligns very well with Monterrey’s position as a business and entertainment destination, and we look forward to introducing a new lifestyle offering that will provide experiences that celebrate its destination in a sophisticated way for guests and locals alike.”  

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  Exterior of Thompson Monterrey; Credit: DUDA | PAINE Architects

Developed by Visa Desarrollos and Grow2, Thompson Monterrey will be located in the San Pedro Garza García, a contemporary financial and commercial area of Monterrey in the state of Nuevo León. Located near headquarters for many national and multinational companies and university campuses, the hotel will be part of Torre IKON, a new-build mixed-use complex with aproximately 215,000 square feet (20,000 square meters) of office space. Thompson Monterrey will occupy a portion of the 31-floor tower designed by Duda Paine Architects, which is set to be one of the most iconic high-rise buildings in the San Pedro Garza García.    

Hyatt Hāna-Maui Resort to reopen on 1st October

                                                               

                                                              Hyatt Hotels Corporation confirmed recently that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Mani Brothers Real Estate Group, a leading Southern California based full-service commercial property firm that owns and operates one-of-a-kind landmark properties, to rebrand the 75-room Travaasa Hāna into Hāna-Maui Resort, under the Destination Hotels brand. Offering a diverse collection of independent hotels, resorts and residences across North America, Destination Hotels properties are individual at heart yet connected by a commitment to embody the true spirit of each location.

“Hyatt is excited to welcome Hāna-Maui Resort to the Destination Hotels brand and Hyatt’s robust Hawaii portfolio,” said Katie Johnson, director of global independent brands for Hyatt. “With more than 40 years of operations in Hawaii, we are pleased to expand our footprint on the beautiful island of Maui. We appreciate all the Hāna destination has to offer and look forward to sharing its rich local culture with guests while providing immersive discoveries.”

The Hyatt Regency Sofia is now open.........

The first Hyatt-branded hotel in Bulgaria, the Hyatt Regency Sofia has now officially opened, creating a buzz of excitement in the local business community.  The 183-room hotel is ideally located in the heart of the capital on Vasil Levski Square and within walking distance of Sofia’s major tourist attractions and government institutions. The opening of the hotel marks an important milestone for Hyatt, thoughtfully growing its brand presence in Southeast Europe.

The Hyatt Regency brand is designed for productivity and stress-free stays by offering seamless and personalized, high-touch experiences. The full range of services and amenities include memorable culinary experiences, flexible spaces to work, collaborate or relax and expansive technology-enabled facilities for meetings and events, along with expert planners who anticipate every detail.

“We are thrilled to announce the opening of the very first Hyatt hotel in the beautiful city of Sofia,” said Laurent Schauder, general manager of Hyatt Regency Sofia. “The hotel’s central location is perfect for business and leisure travelers alike to enjoy this vibrant city, its vivid culture and rich history.”

Conrad Punta de Mita Officially Opens.................The stylish new property marks Hilton’s first Conrad brand resort in Mexico

Mexico’s coveted Riviera Nayarit welcomes a bright new era in hospitality with today’s official opening of Conrad Punta de Mita – Hilton’s first-ever Conrad brand resort in Mexico, and the second Conrad brand property in the country. Situated beside the sparkling blue waters of the Pacific on a two-mile-long beach, the highly anticipated opening of the 324-room property invites travellers to discover contemporary luxury.

“The opening of Conrad Punta de Mita marks an important milestone for Hilton, as we bring Conrad-level style, service and experiences to the shores of Riviera Nayarit,” said Jorge Giannattasio, Hilton’s senior vice president and head of operations, Caribbean & Latin America. “As one of Mexico’s most sought-after destinations, Punta de Mita is the perfect location for the newest addition to our luxury portfolio in the region – and we can’t wait for our guests to discover the inspiring experiences that await at Conrad Punta de Mita.”