Hotels
Taking The Pledge
Expedia Group, in conjunction with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), are joining forces to further extend the UNESCO Sustainable Tourism Pledge. The strategic tripartite agreement will see 3,358 global Accor hotels join together to promote environmental sustainability and sustainable tourism worldwide. The UNESCO Sustainable Tourism Pledge promotes responsible practices, community resilience and heritage conservation, with the ultimate goal of changing the nature and impact of global tourism. Under The Pledge, parties commit to...
2020: A Year When The Sun Forgot To Shine
Across the Caribbean, the impact of COVID-19 on the travel and tourism industry has been more than apparent; in fact that impact was particularly evident during the April to mid-June period when there was literally no activity in some Caribbean destinations -- empty hotels and restaurants; deserted attractions; shut borders; laid-off workers; grounded airlines; and crippled cruise lines. While the region saw some fluctuations in the levels of visitors for the remaining months of the 2020, the Caribbean Tourism Organization's newly released 2020 Performance Review makes it clear that...
Playa, Hilton Expand Their Collection
Playa Hotels & Resorts N.V. has announced its newest all-inclusive resort with Hilton, adding The Yucatan Resort Playa del Carmen, Tapestry Collection by Hilton to its managed resort portfolio and entering the growing soft branded all-inclusive market. Playa first entered a strategic alliance with Hilton in 2018 and currently operates Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa in Jamaica, Hilton La Romana all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic and Hilton Playa del Carmen in Mexico. The adults-only Yucatan Resort Playa del Carmen will be the second Playa-managed Hilton...
An Anniversary No One Wants To Celebrate
One year. I have been thinking about the passage of time. In those early days, it passed like a dripping tap … drip … drip … drip … we left our offices, closed our businesses, abandoned our daily routines and barricaded ourselves in our homes because we needed to stay away from each other. As we scurried to our safe place, we searched frantically for toilet paper, paper towels, antiseptic wipes, masks, gloves and other supplies that we bought in bulk, believing by doing so we'd be protected from something that couldn’t be seen, but we all knew was out there. At home,...
Hello, Travel My Old Friend
Travel has the power to transform us, to move us, to change our point of view and expand our understanding of other cultures and ways of life. Travel allows us to grow and gain a deeper sense of appreciation for life back home. Some of the best moments in travel are unscripted and raw. While it’s true that people around the world miss travelling, for those in the industry, that void may feel even bigger after a year of being grounded. After all, connecting with locals, the excitement of exploration and experiencing the wonders of a destination were integral to being in this...
Roussin Is Back At Playa
After nine months of being on furlough, Christian Roussin is back at Playa Hotels & Resorts. Said Roussin: “I am very happy to be back. I missed our industry so much and it is a privilege for me to be back to restart our industry and the partnership with travel agent partners in Quebec, Atlantic and all across Canada.” Work begins today (March 8), with Roussin working three days a week (Monday, Wednesday and Fridays). His territory is Quebec and Atlantic. Rose Cosentino, VP Sales Canada, said: “Having Christian return from furlough is another positive indication that we...
Beaches Ocho Rios Now Open For Family Fun
Beaches Ocho Rios has officially reopened, welcoming guests back to the all-inclusive paradise that radiates with fun for multi-generational families and guests of all ages. With its warm turquoise waters, private white-sand beach, and expansive family suites, reconnecting with loved ones has never been more luxurious. Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, said: “Families have been through a lot over the past year. From navigating virtual school and work simultaneously to being away from loved ones, the Beaches team is here to give them the vacation they...
Marriott Has A Hybrid Solution For Meetings
As more meeting and event professionals look to plan hybrid virtual/in-person meetings and events as the meeting industry adapts to new ways of connecting during the global pandemic, Marriott International is offering innovative solutions to help Connect with Confidence and streamline the current planning process. With meeting and event professionals often require additional information about technology, health protocols, and logistics available to them, Marriott International will be making new resources for hybrid meetings and events -- including providers and pricing -- available...