Hotels & Resorts
Hilton Expands Presence in Mexico
Hilton recently announced the opening of its new Hilton Garden Inn in Mexico – Hilton Garden Inn Monterrey Obispado. The 176-room hotel is located within Torre TOP, a new mixed-use project with LEED Gold Certification for sustainable buildings. Upon completion, Torre TOP will be recognized as Mexico’s tallest skyscraper. “As Hilton continues to expand its presence across the market, we are confident that our new Hilton Garden Inn property will elevate Monterrey’s travel and business tourism with our intuitive service and quality accommodations,” said Fernando Padilla,...
Sandals, Beaches Closing Resorts Until May 15
All Sandals and Beaches Resorts will be closing from March 30 to May 15; and, as a result, the company said it will be unable to accept new arrivals as of today (March 23). In a letter to customers, advising them of the decision, Sandals' founder and chairman, the honourable Gordon 'Butch' Stewart writes: "Never could we have imagined the impact the current global health crisis would have on the world. In these unprecedented times, and now more than ever, the safety and health of our valued guests is of paramount importance." Stewart explained that: "Recent global travel warnings,...
COVID-19 Update: Aeroplan, AMResorts and More
Aeroplan Responds Aeroplan has released details and adjustments it’s making to the Aeroplan Program in light of the COVID-19 situation. Cancel any Flight Reward free of charge, until March 31 To cancel any Flight Reward, the fastest way is at aeroplan.com. Until March 31, members can cancel free of charge and receive all of their Aeroplan Miles back in their account, plus a full refund of any associated taxes, fees and surcharges on the unused value of travel. Temporary pause to expiration of Aeroplan Miles, until May 14 Aeroplan has paused the expiration of any...
COVID-19 UPDATE: Flair, Sunswept, Brussels Airlines
Sunswept Resorts is advising that its BodyHoliday and Rendezvous Resorts will temporarily close effective March 20 until May 31; planning to re-open on June 1. Rebecca Platt, director of sales & marketing, advises that: “With this in mind, and in order to make the process as seamless as possible for our mutually valuable guests, we will offer a 12 month credit to rebook their stay with us or alternatively if this is not possible, issue a full refund without penalty.” Platt continues: “We also understand these are uncertain times so will also be allowing future guests with...
Atlantis, The Palm Ready For 2020
Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai is reporting a record-breaking 2019 with an upsurge in bookings and an average occupancy of 90%. The resort recently completed a three-year, $100-million renovation project. Last year, Dubai welcomed 16.73 million visitors with half of those visitors checking into the resort. The increase in visits is a result of a strong footfall from top source markets, as well as from diversified markets. Bookings from the UAE were up by 39%, while Norway went up by 24%. There was an increase of 16% from China, and a 14% increase from Russia. Bookings from Saudi Arabia...
Le Massif de Charlevoix Unveils New Base Camp
Le Massif de Charlevoix has unveiled plans to build a brand-new Base Camp. Once completed, the Base Camp will be the new headquarters and will include 400 housing units and several new facilities. Le Massif Group has partnered with Bourgeois/Lechasseur architects and BMD architects to complete this major project. This project will include construction of several facilities such as: a restaurant, a microbrewery, a café, a daycare, a snow school, a general store, an outdoors sports store, rental shop and a ticket office. Guests will have direct access to ski slopes, bike paths and...
Barceló Launches New Platform for Agents
As part of its ongoing efforts to provide travel professionals with the tools they need to succeed, Barceló Hotel Group has invested in and launched a new agent enablement platform for North America in partnership with TravPRO Mobile. The Barceló Hotel Group Sales Companion solution provides agents with the ability to access critical selling information anytime, anywhere – across web, tablet and smartphone’s for both iOS and Android. “The Barceló Hotel Group Sales is committed to investing in resources that help travel professionals do their jobs,” said Juan Perez Sosa,...
Big Things Happening In The Bahamas
Holistica Destinations -- a new joint venture between Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and privately held ITM Group -- has announced its first major project in The Bahamas: a development in Freeport, Grand Bahama with an initial investment of $300 million. The venture spans two locations including the enhancement and expansion of the port terminal, to be called Harbour Village, and the Lucaya Property, which will be situated at the current Grand Lucayan resort. The project includes plans for employment, job training, community investment and sustainable construction practices. Robert...