8 best hotels on the Las Vegas Strip

The world comes together on the Las Vegas Strip.In just over four miles, this ribbon of concrete travels from ancient Egypt and medieval England to New York, Paris, the tropics and, eventually, modern-day Venice.The travel is easy and free of jet lag. You experience it all through themed hotels.Over the decades, these hotels have gone from simply grand -- think the Stardust Resort and Casino -- to ginormous (MGM Grand, Caesars Palace, Aria Las Vegas).By the end of 2018, 43 properties had a formal Strip address, according to data from the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority. Together these hotels have 86,833 rooms -- more than half of the 149,158 hotel rooms citywide.Most of these places are full-fledged resorts with multiple restaurants, pools, nightclubs, spas, fitness centers and more. Many also have theme park-style attractions. The scene in Las Vegas changes rapidly, and Strip hotels evolve constantly to set themselves apart.Here are eight of best Las Vegas Strip hotels where you can stay:

Spotlight

Hotel Du Vin

Synonymous with style and hospitality, Hotel du Vin offers exquisite accommodation for a relaxing atmosphere throughout our chain of hotels and sumptuous food and wine through our trademark Hotel du Vin Bistros.

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Hospitality Management

Gain Competitive Edge with 5 Latest Hospitality Management Trends

Article | July 19, 2023

Discover the top hospitality management trends in 2023 to elevate the travel and tourism businesses. Adapt to hospitality marketing trends that are reshaping the hospitality and travel industry. Contents 1. Introduction 2. Importance of Hospitality Technology for Hospitality Industry 3. Five Hospitality Management Trends Shaping the Industry 3.1 Hotel Work Spaces 3.2 Robots in Hotels & Restaurants 3.3 Hyper-Personalization 3.4 Holistic Hospitality 3.5 Digitalized Guest Experiences 4. Today to Tomorrow: Hospitality Management 2.0 5. Final Thoughts 1. Introduction The hospitality industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, leading to a need for businesses to gain a competitive edge. While some businesses couldn't withstand the challenges, others adapted swiftly, and innovative concepts emerged to cater to the new normal. In 2023, technology will continue to advance rapidly, and the trends in the hospitality industry will harness its potential in exciting new ways. Despite uncertain household budgets, consumer trends indicate a strong desire for hospitality and tourism. However, to thrive in this landscape, hospitality businesses must stay informed about the latest industry trends to optimize costs, maximize profitability, and ensure continued success in 2023 and beyond. 2. Importance of Hospitality Technology for Hospitality Industry The hospitality industry, characterized by intense competition, prioritizes staying abreast of the latest hospitality management trends. Embracing technology offers many benefits, including streamlined processes, cost reduction, decreased staff workloads, increased revenue potential, and enhanced customer experiences. By leveraging the latest technology, businesses can achieve work accuracy that surpasses what can be accomplished by human staff alone. Technology solutions make tasks more manageable and enable companies to meet the increasingly high expectations of today's customers. Keeping up with the latest hospitality technology trends is crucial, allowing businesses to stay caught up to their competitors. Failure to do so may grant rival companies, a significant competitive advantage, especially if they adopt technology that resonates with customers while others continue with traditional methods. 3. Five Hospitality Management Trends Shaping the Industry 3.1 Hotel Work Spaces The rise of remote work has become a prominent trend in hospitality management and is projected to have a lasting impact. Fueled by the global public health crisis, numerous notable companies, including tech giants like Twitter, Facebook, and Amazon, have announced their intention to adopt a hybrid or flexible approach to remote work. The industry's future presents a significant opportunity for hospitality venues to position themselves as remote working hotspots for locals and travelers. Hotels and F&B establishments can capitalize on this trend by adapting their offerings to cater to the needs and preferences of this emerging segment. Providing ample plug sockets, offering free high-speed WIFI, creating well-equipped meeting rooms, and serving great coffee are essential starting points to attract remote workers and cater to their requirements effectively. By embracing and accommodating remote work trends, hospitality businesses can gain a competitive edge, enhance hotel operations and successfully meet the demands of this evolving market segment. 3.2 Robots in Hotels & Restaurants An intriguing trend that has captured the attention of the hospitality industry is the growing integration of robotics and their application in tasks traditionally carried out by human personnel. A notable example includes the utilization of robots in the role of concierge within hotels, where they can warmly greet guests and provide them with essential customer information. Moreover, certain hotels have begun implementing robots for cleaning, including vacuuming floors and even employing germ-killing capabilities. This practice holds potential for widespread adoption throughout the broader hospitality industry, including restaurants and other establishments. Integrating robotics in these operational aspects presents an exciting opportunity to enhance efficiency, improve customer experiences, and explore innovative avenues for growth and optimization within the industry. 3.3 Hyper-Personalization In today's hospitality landscape, guests have elevated their expectations to be recognized and treated as individuals, driven by the increasing demand for personalized interactions. Recent research indicates that 71% of tourists now anticipate personalized experiences. However, many businesses are still limited to personalizing at a segment level, while customer expectations have advanced well beyond that, reaching the realm of hyper-personalization in 2023. To achieve hyper-personalization, hospitality businesses can adapt trends in tourism industry and leverage technological platforms such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Customer Experience Management (CEM). These platforms utilize big data to create highly tailored one-to-one interactions between guests and hosts at scale. By drawing on data insights into customers' browsing and buying behaviors, hotels, travel providers and restaurants can customize their offers, promotions, and services to align with individual preferences and needs. 3.4 Holistic Hospitality The current preventive medicine and self-care trend is gaining significant traction in various industries. In particular, the wellness sector is experiencing exponential growth, evolving into a thriving trillion-dollar market. Hospitality venues, especially those equipped with spa facilities, can capitalize on this trend and secure a substantial portion of this lucrative market. While traditional beauty and relaxation spa services remain relevant, there is a rapid surge in demand for health diagnostic technology and customized treatment plans. Expert professionals are now offering personal or group sessions to foster vitality, facilitate healing, manage stress, achieve emotional balance, promote mindfulness, and enhance sleep quality. This evolving landscape presents a unique opportunity with trends in tourism and hospitality industry to expand offerings and meet the increasing customer demand for holistic wellness experiences. 3.5 Digitalized Guest Experiences The increasing significance of apps in managing hotel services is reshaping the hospitality industry and revolutionizing the guest experience. The digital and contactless services trend has gained significant momentum, leading to a comprehensive transformation of customer-facing operations. Technology-assisted options, such as mobile check-in, contactless payments, voice control, and biometrics, redefine how guests interact with hotels. Customers, who have grown accustomed to the convenience of unlocking their smartphones and laptops using facial and fingerprint recognition, will soon expect the same level of ease when accessing their hotel rooms. However, implementing these upgrades may pose financial challenges for establishments that provide these advanced services. To remain ahead of the curve and meet evolving customer expectations, hoteliers should invest substantially in adopting and maintaining the necessary technologies. 4. Today to Tomorrow: Hospitality Management 2.0 The future of the hospitality industry holds several key dimensions that hoteliers need to consider. First, shifting from standardization to personalized experiences is critical as travelers seek tailored services. Second, focusing on niche markets and value creation through customization and specialization lead to increased success. Embracing technology as a business accelerator is the third dimension, as it plays a central role in the hotel experience and enable innovative concepts. Fourth, social responsibility is a moral and economic obligation, with sustainability becoming a key focus. Developing responsive and resilient business models is the fifth dimension, essential for managing the risks and regulations associated with the growing tourist flows. While the consensus among respondents in recent survey emphasizes the need for the businesses to adapt to hospitality industry trends 2023 to evolve and adapt to the current environment, some participants expressed more extreme views, suggesting that traditional hotel rooms may become obsolete. These individuals point to the growing impact of the sharing economy and the inclination of today's customers to seek alternatives to conventional hotels. They believe that the adjustments in offerings mentioned earlier may not be sufficient and that the industry must undergo a true reinvention to remain relevant. This perspective highlights the importance of continuous innovation and staying ahead of evolving customer preferences. While personalized experiences, niche markets, technology integration, social responsibility, and resilient business models are key areas of focus, the industry needs to remain agile and open to further transformations. 5. Final Thoughts As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, businesses must embrace key hospitality management trends to gain a competitive edge and ensure future success. The integration of technology, such as robotics in hotels and restaurants, offer opportunities for enhanced efficiency and improved customer experiences. Hyper-personalization is becoming essential, with guests expecting tailored interactions and customized offerings. The growth of the wellness market presents a chance for hospitality venues to capitalize on preventive medicine and self-care trends. Digitalized guest experiences, including mobile check-ins and contactless payments, are reshaping customer-facing operations. Looking ahead, the industry needs to shift from standardization to personalized experiences, focus on niche markets, embrace technology, prioritize social responsibility, and develop responsive business models. While some experts suggest traditional hotel rooms may become obsolete, it is crucial to continually innovate and adapt to changing customer preferences to remain relevant in the dynamic hospitality landscape.

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Hospitality Management

Rebuilding travel together: What we know and where we’re headed

Article | August 28, 2023

The past year has been one of the most challenging for the travel industry. We saw the end of the expansion of the sector replaced by uncertainty, but it has reinforced our mission to bring the industry together to respond to travelers’ needs. Our industry is famously resilient. Following the initial shock of the pandemic and the reduction of global travel volumes, the industry has rapidly adapted. Despite the challenges of this crisis, there is cause for much optimism because of two fundamental reasons: people’s innate love for travel and the creativity of our industry. Both will help to harness new opportunities for our industries as we rebuild.

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Hospitality Management

Top 7 Hospitality Management Certification and Courses

Article | July 18, 2023

Embark on transformative journey through top hospitality management certification in the tourism and hospitality industry. Elevate career prospects with industry-recognized hospitality certification. The hospitality industry is a dynamic and fast-growing sector that requires skilled professionals to deliver exceptional guest experiences and drive business success. Whether you are an aspiring hospitality professional or a seasoned industry expert looking to expand your knowledge and enhance your career prospects, pursuing a hospitality management certification or course can be a valuable investment. Hospitality management courses are short-term, specialized training programs designed to offer learner with a comprehensive understanding of hotel management and the hospitality industry. 1. Management Foundations in the Hospitality Industry Experience a transformative journey in hospitality management with the hospitality management certification, Management Foundations in the Hospitality Industry. This advanced course caters to industry experts, equipping them with a comprehensive understanding of motivation, leadership, communication, decision-making, and effective human resources management. Delve into service-driven excellence, ethics, social responsibility, and enhancing consumer experiences. This course consists of four modules covering resource allocation, talent recruitment, interviewing, employee training, performance appraisals, and liability avoidance. To solidify your knowledge, the course features curated readings, interactive discussions, and practice quizzes. Elevate your professional prowess and unlock new horizons in the dynamic hospitality industry. 2. Guest Service in Hospitality and Tourism Enhance your hospitality and tourism industry expertise with the exclusive certification in hospitality management, Guest Service in Hospitality and Tourism. This advanced course caters to industry experts, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge to excel in customer service. Dive into the intricacies of greeting guests with finesse, responding adeptly to complaints, and creating unforgettable experiences. From maintaining composure in challenging situations to demonstrating empathy, you'll master the art of exceptional service. With this course, you can learn and leverage practical strategies to handle common grievances, ensuring guest satisfaction at every turn. This certification program will unlock a world of opportunities in the dynamic field of hospitality management. 3. Introduction to Hospitality Management Embark on a transformative journey with a certificate in hospitality titled, Introduction to Hospitality Management. As you transition into a managerial role, renowned restaurant consultant Mike Ganino shares expert insights in this comprehensive online course. Acquire essential skills, from preparing for your first day as a manager to effective task prioritization, delegation, and confident leadership. This 30m 35s online course will help you to optimize staff rostering, master multitasking, and ensure exceptional service standards. Gain expertise in handling challenging situations with demanding customers and effectively respond to customer feedback. With this course you can unlock new possibilities and elevate hospitality management career. 4. Hospitality Management Cornell Certificate Program Uplift in the hospitality industry with Hospitality Management Cornell Certificate Program. As one of the premier hospitality courses developed by the renowned School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University, this advanced certification equips industry experts with the essential skills and best practices to excel in management roles. From finance and marketing to team building and guest loyalty, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of every facet of hospitality management. The course allows one to learn from renowned experts and participate in virtual Zoom sessions, exploring the industry's trending topics. This certificate program is for a duration of three months, divided into weekly modules of three to five hours per week. 5. Teamwork in the Hospitality Industry Embrace the power of effective teamwork in the dynamic hospitality industry with the comprehensive Teamwork in the Hospitality Industry course to improve your work experience. As a hospitality industry expert, one must understand teamwork's crucial role in enhancing work experiences and driving success. In this microlearning program, organized with four lessons to fit seamlessly into a busy schedule, you'll develop the essential teamwork skills required to thrive in the fast-paced hospitality environment. From understanding the significance of effective communication within teams to practical applications and navigating noisy environments, this course empowers you to elevate collaboration and deliver exceptional results. 6. Understanding Travel and Tourism One of the best hospitality and tourism management certifications, The Understanding Travel and Tourism, a course published by NuYew, is one of the best hospitality management programs to enhance expertise in the thriving world of travel and tourism. This course provides a platform for learners and industry experts to gain valuable insights into the travel industry's fundamentals, benefits, and terminology. Acquire the essential skills necessary for success in this dynamic field and discover renowned global tourist destinations and attractions. In addition, the course also includes the intricacies of business travel, hygiene standards, food safety, and event planning within the hospitality and catering industry. 7. Accounting and Financial Management for Travel Agencies Overcome the difficulties of managing the travel and hospitality businesses' accounting transactions or financial statements with Accounting and Financial Management for Travel Agencies. Designed to help industry experts boost their financial management skills, this course will equip you with the knowledge to navigate accounting transactions effectively, interpret financial statements, and make strategic decisions that drive profitability. With the combination of practical case studies and interactive simulations, the course has been created to develop a deep understanding of accounting principles and learn proven strategies for financial success. Whether aiming to meet investment requirements or comply with industry regulators like IATA, this course ensures you have the skills to manage the agency's financial health. Summing Up Learning has become more accessible and convenient than ever before thanks to the advancements in technology. By embracing the listed hospitality management courses, individuals can equip themselves with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of the hospitality industry. As we move forward, it is evident that continuous learning and upskilling will be crucial in staying relevant and competitive. The online hotel management certification allows professionals to adapt to the changing demands of the industry and stay ahead of the curve. By harnessing the power of digital platforms and innovative learning methods, individuals can unlock new opportunities and pave the way for a successful career in hospitality management.

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Travel Technology, Airlines and Airports

Flight Chaos: Call Centers Turn to AI for Help

Article | July 19, 2022

In recent weeks, call centers have struggled to keep up with consumer complaints about a large number of delayed and canceled flights. As a result, some are turning to automation, specifically an artificial intelligence program based on advanced natural language processing (NLP). In April 2022 alone, the US Department of Transportation received 5,079 complaints about airline service, a more than 320 percent increase from the same month three years prior. Travel Industry Chasing Task Automation and Personalized Customer Service Customers cannot reach customer service representatives without struggling, waiting as long as eight hours because of cancelled or delayed flights. This situation makes call centers seek the help of conversational AI solutions that offer task automation and personalized customer service powered by NLP. NLP improves linguistic interpretation skills and response rate. In contrast to a traditional interactive voice response structure, which walks callers through a series of menus, modern conversational AI solutions immediately ask callers how they can help and quickly get them the right answer. With the help of an AI-powered solution, call center employees aren’t overwhelmed by lower-level, less complicated queries and can rely on AI to do mundane tasks that consume their time. In addition, customers can help themselves through the automation. Any complex, emotionally-driven conversations are directed to human contact centers automatically. An Airline Uses Mosaicx to Enhance the Customer Experience Intrado, a company that provides an artificial program called Mosaicx, helped an airline client decrease its call abandonment rates by 60%. The solution supports 20 languages, so global clients can be handled seamlessly. AI-powered Call Centers will be Common in the Travel Industry Businesses are swiftly adopting AI-powered conversational solutions to address the spike in flight cancellations and delays due to pilot shortage, the Great Resignation, and the permanent shift to remote working.

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Spotlight

Hotel Du Vin

Synonymous with style and hospitality, Hotel du Vin offers exquisite accommodation for a relaxing atmosphere throughout our chain of hotels and sumptuous food and wine through our trademark Hotel du Vin Bistros.

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Hospitality Trends, Hospitality Management

Sonesta Announces First Sonesta Es Suites Ground Up Development

PR Newswire | January 24, 2024

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation (Sonesta) today announced plans for the construction of a new Sonesta ES Suites in Port Charlotte, Florida. This new property, expected to open in Spring 2025, marks the first Sonesta ES Suites brand project developed from the ground up. "We are excited that Sonesta ES Suites Port Charlotte will be our first purpose-built location for the brand," said Brian Quinn, Sonesta's Chief Development Officer. "The Sonesta ES Suites brand stands out as an attractive choice for franchisees looking for an upscale option to capitalize on the continued dependable performance of extended stay hotels." "Sonesta ES Suites Port Charlotte will benefit business travelers and tourists who are looking for accommodations near the beaches, golf courses, parks and other attractions that Port Charlotte has to offer," said Alan Lane, one of Sonesta ES Suites Port Charlotte's owners. "The addition of Sonesta ES Suites Port Charlotte to our diverse portfolio reflects Commonwealth Hotels' unwavering commitment to providing an unparalleled guest experience through visionary development, ethical practices and a steadfast dedication to superior service," said Jennifer Porter, President of Commonwealth Hotels, the hotel's management company. To be located at 1321 Claburn Circle in Port Charlotte, Florida, the Sonesta ES Suites Port Charlotte will be an upscale extended-stay hotel spanning four floors and offering 117 rooms with amenities including breakfast and dining services, an outdoor pool, fitness room, market pantry, guest laundry, onsite parking and more. The location of the new hotel is close to over 20 colleges and universities, two hospitals, more than 70 parks and recreational spaces, more than 12 miles of beaches, 14 golf courses and numerous other attractions. Guests of this location will be able to earn or redeem points in the award winning Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program.

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Travel Technology, Airlines and Airports

Trip.com Group and LATAM Airlines Group Partner to Enhance Travel Experience Through NDC Technology

PR Newswire | January 22, 2024

Trip.com Group, a leading travel service provider, announced today the signing of a new NDC agreement with LATAM Airlines Group. This agreement between the two companies aims to provide a contemporary and streamlined ticketing experience for global travellers. It also offers unparalleled connectivity to over 144 destinations covered by LATAM Airlines across 22 countries and regions, including Latin America, the Caribbean, North America, Europe, Africa, and Oceania. The key benefit of this agreement is the adoption of NDC standard technology. This technology gives customers access to a complete and more comprehensive selection of airline offerings and the option to buy additional products, services, and add-ons such as baggage allowance and seats. Moreover, customers can access a broader range of ancillary services and more detailed information by browsing the change and cancellation policy section during checkout, leading to improved Trip.com Group and LATAM Airlines Group's after-sales services. Juan Villanova, Sales Manager of Trip.com for Spain and Latin America, comments: "Trip.com is a cutting-edge online travel company that leads the way in technology. Our commitment is to improve our product offerings to guarantee the highest customer satisfaction. With this tech solution, our passengers will have access to an improved and more competitive selection of flights and products." The agreement will include integrating a shopping engine for ticket sales via some of Trip.com Group's leading brands, offering a cost advantage to both suppliers and customers. Henk Van der Velde, Regional Director for Southern Europe and Latin America for Trip.com Group's flight Department, adds: "We are delighted to collaborate with LATAM Airlines Group in the implementation of an NDC standard, and offer solutions for everyone via a shopping engine, which has yielded excellent results. I look forward to continuing this collaboration and bringing new features that positively impact our customer's travel experience." Andreas Schek, Vice President of Sales and Branding of LATAM Airlines Group, adds: "We are proud of this collaboration with Trip.com Group on the implementation of the NDC standard, as it allows us to explore ways to enhance its efficiency further. This is a significant milestone in the future of distribution that will benefit our global customers."

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Travel Technology, Destination and Tourism

Exodus Adventure Travels Announces New Trips in Partnership with Royal Canadian Geographic Society

PR Newswire | January 23, 2024

Exodus Adventure Travels, the international award-winning leader in adventure travel, today announced its new 2024 RCGS Quests trips, a series of expert-led tours developed in partnership with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. These limited edition, small group trips are what travel legends are made of – adventures that are designed to offer travelers unparalleled opportunities to explore some of the planet's most awe-inspiring destinations and led by noted hosts in their respective fields. This year's line-up features such noted hosts as World Elephant Day co-founder, Patricia Sims; bestselling author, Robin Esrock; Indigenous education advocate, Charlene Bearhead, and others. "We are honored to partner with The Royal Canadian Geographical Society on these highly anticipated adventures," said Sam Seward, President at Exodus Adventure Travels. "This is our third year operating our RCGS Quests program, with continued demand to explore further and experience more, pushing these trips to new heights and featuring another stellar line-up of hosts to add even more depth to each itinerary." Exodus' 2024 RCGS Quests Series features the following six adventures: RCGS: Highlights of the Amalfi Coast with Scott Forsyth Discover the land of la dolce vita for a wondrous week on the Amalfi Coast led by an expert local guide and hosted by professional photographer and fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, Scott Forsyth. Explore one of Europe's most dramatic stretches of coastline and be spellbound by this land's natural beauty and cultural treasures. The Host: Scott Forsyth is an award-winning photographer who specializes in Canadian landscapes. Devoted to exploring Canada from the Atlantic to the Pacific and Arctic Ocean coastlines, Scott is a Fellow of both the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and the Explorer's Club and is Canadian Geographic's Photographer-In-Residence. Eight-day itinerary priced from $2,240 USD. Departing April 6, 2024 RCGS: Classic Kenya 4WD Safari with Patricia Sims No country, perhaps, is more synonymous with a classic African safari than Kenya. Step into scenes from 'Out of Africa' as you explore Kenya's best safari sites led by an expert local safari guide and hosted by award-winning Canadian filmmaker, Royal Canadian Geographical Society fellow and World Elephant Day co-founder, Patricia Sims. The Host: Patricia Sims is the co-founder of the annual World Elephant Day (Aug. 12), a global awareness campaign that brings attention to the critical threats facing elephants. From swimming with wild dolphins and whales in oceans around the world to getting up close and personal with monkeys in the jungles of Borneo and elephants of Thailand, Patricia is also an award-winning filmmaker who always has a passionate eye on conservation. Patricia is a Fellow International of The Explorers Club and a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. Seven-day itinerary priced from US$4,649 Departing August 10, 2024 RCGS: A Week in Jordan with Sarah Legault Explore the wondrous historical and archaeological highlights of Jordan on this week-long adventure. From the incredible history of the Wadi Rum Desert to strolling through ancient Roman cities and floating in the Dead Sea, this Jordanian adventure contains all the highlights of this fascinating country. It is led by an expert local guide and hosted by Vice President of Philanthropy for the RCGS, Sarah Legault. The Host: Sarah Legault has been the head of advancement at the Royal Canadian Geographical Society since 2018 and has worked at charitable organizations throughout her career. Her vast understanding of the Society, Canadian Geographic and all associated programs is extraordinary. As the current Vice President of Philanthropy and Fellow of the RCGS, Sarah's mission-aligned values of environment, people, culture, and geographical literacy support engaging and forward-thinking initiatives which she always is keen to share and discuss. Seven-day itinerary priced from US$2,550 Departing October 19, 2024 RCGS: Rome, Assisi & Magical Umbria – Premium Adventure with Robin Esrock Explore Rome and Assisi's historic landmarks and classical ruins. Walk through Italy's unspoiled countryside staying in a picturesque four-star resort in the hills of Umbria, led by an expert local guide and hosted by bestselling author, TV host, public speaker and Royal Canadian Geographical Society Fellow Robin Esrock. The Host: Dubbed "King of the Bucket List" by Travel + Leisure, Robin Esrock's success as a global adventurer, travel writer, bestselling author and international TV personality started with a one-year solo round-the-world backpacking adventure to 24 countries. During this year, Robin uploaded weekly reports, photography, videos, reviews, and interviews with every person he met. In doing so, he ushered in a new era of multi-platform, switched-on wired-in travel journalism, leading to adventures beyond his wildest dreams. Robin's stories have been published in noted publications worldwide, including National Geographic Traveler, The Guardian, Chicago Tribune, Toronto Star, Reader's Digest, and more. Eight-day itinerary priced from US$4,050 Departing October 19, 2024 RCGS: Egypt Nile Cruise with Charlene Bearhead Follow in the footsteps of the ancient pharaohs and ride the sands of time back thousands of years on this classic Egypt Nile cruise led by an expert local guide and hosted by Indigenous education advocate, author, Vice President of Learning and Reconciliation at Canadian Geographic, and a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, Charlene Bearhead. With ancient tombs and mysteries around every bend, unrivaled legacy and mind-blowing history await. The Host: Charlene Bearhead is an Indigenous education advocate and author with over 30 years of regional, national and international experience. Previously Charlene served as education days coordinator for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, education coordinator for the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, education advisor for the Canadian Geographic Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada, a member of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights Indigenous Education working group, and the first education lead for both the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba and the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre at UBC. She is also the co-author of the children's book series Siha Tooskin Knows. Eight-day itinerary priced from US$2,380 Departing November 16, 2024 RCGS: Highlights of Vietnam with Lynn Moorman Discover the complex culture and history of Vietnam on this intoxicating exploration of Vietnamese life highlighted by superb landscapes and amazing cuisine. Led by an expert local guide and hosted by Lynn Moorman, a lifelong geographer with a love for exploring remote landscapes and environments. The Host: Lynn Moorman is a prominent geographer and a professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Mount Royal University, in Calgary, Canada. Lynn's teaching and research interests lie at the intersection of geography, learning sciences and applied visualization technologies, including virtual and augmented reality. Her work has taken her to the highlands of northern Vietnam, to map agricultural productivity, to the frozen Arctic Ocean where she works with Inuit in Canadian Arctic communities to use near-real time satellite imagery to keep ice travel safe. Lynn is a Fellow, former Board member and current Chair of the Research Committee of the RCGS. 10-day itinerary priced from US$2,170 Departing November 17, 2024

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Hospitality Trends, Hospitality Management

Sonesta Announces First Sonesta Es Suites Ground Up Development

PR Newswire | January 24, 2024

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation (Sonesta) today announced plans for the construction of a new Sonesta ES Suites in Port Charlotte, Florida. This new property, expected to open in Spring 2025, marks the first Sonesta ES Suites brand project developed from the ground up. "We are excited that Sonesta ES Suites Port Charlotte will be our first purpose-built location for the brand," said Brian Quinn, Sonesta's Chief Development Officer. "The Sonesta ES Suites brand stands out as an attractive choice for franchisees looking for an upscale option to capitalize on the continued dependable performance of extended stay hotels." "Sonesta ES Suites Port Charlotte will benefit business travelers and tourists who are looking for accommodations near the beaches, golf courses, parks and other attractions that Port Charlotte has to offer," said Alan Lane, one of Sonesta ES Suites Port Charlotte's owners. "The addition of Sonesta ES Suites Port Charlotte to our diverse portfolio reflects Commonwealth Hotels' unwavering commitment to providing an unparalleled guest experience through visionary development, ethical practices and a steadfast dedication to superior service," said Jennifer Porter, President of Commonwealth Hotels, the hotel's management company. To be located at 1321 Claburn Circle in Port Charlotte, Florida, the Sonesta ES Suites Port Charlotte will be an upscale extended-stay hotel spanning four floors and offering 117 rooms with amenities including breakfast and dining services, an outdoor pool, fitness room, market pantry, guest laundry, onsite parking and more. The location of the new hotel is close to over 20 colleges and universities, two hospitals, more than 70 parks and recreational spaces, more than 12 miles of beaches, 14 golf courses and numerous other attractions. Guests of this location will be able to earn or redeem points in the award winning Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program.

Read More

Travel Technology, Airlines and Airports

Trip.com Group and LATAM Airlines Group Partner to Enhance Travel Experience Through NDC Technology

PR Newswire | January 22, 2024

Trip.com Group, a leading travel service provider, announced today the signing of a new NDC agreement with LATAM Airlines Group. This agreement between the two companies aims to provide a contemporary and streamlined ticketing experience for global travellers. It also offers unparalleled connectivity to over 144 destinations covered by LATAM Airlines across 22 countries and regions, including Latin America, the Caribbean, North America, Europe, Africa, and Oceania. The key benefit of this agreement is the adoption of NDC standard technology. This technology gives customers access to a complete and more comprehensive selection of airline offerings and the option to buy additional products, services, and add-ons such as baggage allowance and seats. Moreover, customers can access a broader range of ancillary services and more detailed information by browsing the change and cancellation policy section during checkout, leading to improved Trip.com Group and LATAM Airlines Group's after-sales services. Juan Villanova, Sales Manager of Trip.com for Spain and Latin America, comments: "Trip.com is a cutting-edge online travel company that leads the way in technology. Our commitment is to improve our product offerings to guarantee the highest customer satisfaction. With this tech solution, our passengers will have access to an improved and more competitive selection of flights and products." The agreement will include integrating a shopping engine for ticket sales via some of Trip.com Group's leading brands, offering a cost advantage to both suppliers and customers. Henk Van der Velde, Regional Director for Southern Europe and Latin America for Trip.com Group's flight Department, adds: "We are delighted to collaborate with LATAM Airlines Group in the implementation of an NDC standard, and offer solutions for everyone via a shopping engine, which has yielded excellent results. I look forward to continuing this collaboration and bringing new features that positively impact our customer's travel experience." Andreas Schek, Vice President of Sales and Branding of LATAM Airlines Group, adds: "We are proud of this collaboration with Trip.com Group on the implementation of the NDC standard, as it allows us to explore ways to enhance its efficiency further. This is a significant milestone in the future of distribution that will benefit our global customers."

Read More

Travel Technology, Destination and Tourism

Exodus Adventure Travels Announces New Trips in Partnership with Royal Canadian Geographic Society

PR Newswire | January 23, 2024

Exodus Adventure Travels, the international award-winning leader in adventure travel, today announced its new 2024 RCGS Quests trips, a series of expert-led tours developed in partnership with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. These limited edition, small group trips are what travel legends are made of – adventures that are designed to offer travelers unparalleled opportunities to explore some of the planet's most awe-inspiring destinations and led by noted hosts in their respective fields. This year's line-up features such noted hosts as World Elephant Day co-founder, Patricia Sims; bestselling author, Robin Esrock; Indigenous education advocate, Charlene Bearhead, and others. "We are honored to partner with The Royal Canadian Geographical Society on these highly anticipated adventures," said Sam Seward, President at Exodus Adventure Travels. "This is our third year operating our RCGS Quests program, with continued demand to explore further and experience more, pushing these trips to new heights and featuring another stellar line-up of hosts to add even more depth to each itinerary." Exodus' 2024 RCGS Quests Series features the following six adventures: RCGS: Highlights of the Amalfi Coast with Scott Forsyth Discover the land of la dolce vita for a wondrous week on the Amalfi Coast led by an expert local guide and hosted by professional photographer and fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, Scott Forsyth. Explore one of Europe's most dramatic stretches of coastline and be spellbound by this land's natural beauty and cultural treasures. The Host: Scott Forsyth is an award-winning photographer who specializes in Canadian landscapes. Devoted to exploring Canada from the Atlantic to the Pacific and Arctic Ocean coastlines, Scott is a Fellow of both the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and the Explorer's Club and is Canadian Geographic's Photographer-In-Residence. Eight-day itinerary priced from $2,240 USD. Departing April 6, 2024 RCGS: Classic Kenya 4WD Safari with Patricia Sims No country, perhaps, is more synonymous with a classic African safari than Kenya. Step into scenes from 'Out of Africa' as you explore Kenya's best safari sites led by an expert local safari guide and hosted by award-winning Canadian filmmaker, Royal Canadian Geographical Society fellow and World Elephant Day co-founder, Patricia Sims. The Host: Patricia Sims is the co-founder of the annual World Elephant Day (Aug. 12), a global awareness campaign that brings attention to the critical threats facing elephants. From swimming with wild dolphins and whales in oceans around the world to getting up close and personal with monkeys in the jungles of Borneo and elephants of Thailand, Patricia is also an award-winning filmmaker who always has a passionate eye on conservation. Patricia is a Fellow International of The Explorers Club and a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. Seven-day itinerary priced from US$4,649 Departing August 10, 2024 RCGS: A Week in Jordan with Sarah Legault Explore the wondrous historical and archaeological highlights of Jordan on this week-long adventure. From the incredible history of the Wadi Rum Desert to strolling through ancient Roman cities and floating in the Dead Sea, this Jordanian adventure contains all the highlights of this fascinating country. It is led by an expert local guide and hosted by Vice President of Philanthropy for the RCGS, Sarah Legault. The Host: Sarah Legault has been the head of advancement at the Royal Canadian Geographical Society since 2018 and has worked at charitable organizations throughout her career. Her vast understanding of the Society, Canadian Geographic and all associated programs is extraordinary. As the current Vice President of Philanthropy and Fellow of the RCGS, Sarah's mission-aligned values of environment, people, culture, and geographical literacy support engaging and forward-thinking initiatives which she always is keen to share and discuss. Seven-day itinerary priced from US$2,550 Departing October 19, 2024 RCGS: Rome, Assisi & Magical Umbria – Premium Adventure with Robin Esrock Explore Rome and Assisi's historic landmarks and classical ruins. Walk through Italy's unspoiled countryside staying in a picturesque four-star resort in the hills of Umbria, led by an expert local guide and hosted by bestselling author, TV host, public speaker and Royal Canadian Geographical Society Fellow Robin Esrock. The Host: Dubbed "King of the Bucket List" by Travel + Leisure, Robin Esrock's success as a global adventurer, travel writer, bestselling author and international TV personality started with a one-year solo round-the-world backpacking adventure to 24 countries. During this year, Robin uploaded weekly reports, photography, videos, reviews, and interviews with every person he met. In doing so, he ushered in a new era of multi-platform, switched-on wired-in travel journalism, leading to adventures beyond his wildest dreams. Robin's stories have been published in noted publications worldwide, including National Geographic Traveler, The Guardian, Chicago Tribune, Toronto Star, Reader's Digest, and more. Eight-day itinerary priced from US$4,050 Departing October 19, 2024 RCGS: Egypt Nile Cruise with Charlene Bearhead Follow in the footsteps of the ancient pharaohs and ride the sands of time back thousands of years on this classic Egypt Nile cruise led by an expert local guide and hosted by Indigenous education advocate, author, Vice President of Learning and Reconciliation at Canadian Geographic, and a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, Charlene Bearhead. With ancient tombs and mysteries around every bend, unrivaled legacy and mind-blowing history await. The Host: Charlene Bearhead is an Indigenous education advocate and author with over 30 years of regional, national and international experience. Previously Charlene served as education days coordinator for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, education coordinator for the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, education advisor for the Canadian Geographic Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada, a member of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights Indigenous Education working group, and the first education lead for both the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba and the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre at UBC. She is also the co-author of the children's book series Siha Tooskin Knows. Eight-day itinerary priced from US$2,380 Departing November 16, 2024 RCGS: Highlights of Vietnam with Lynn Moorman Discover the complex culture and history of Vietnam on this intoxicating exploration of Vietnamese life highlighted by superb landscapes and amazing cuisine. Led by an expert local guide and hosted by Lynn Moorman, a lifelong geographer with a love for exploring remote landscapes and environments. The Host: Lynn Moorman is a prominent geographer and a professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Mount Royal University, in Calgary, Canada. Lynn's teaching and research interests lie at the intersection of geography, learning sciences and applied visualization technologies, including virtual and augmented reality. Her work has taken her to the highlands of northern Vietnam, to map agricultural productivity, to the frozen Arctic Ocean where she works with Inuit in Canadian Arctic communities to use near-real time satellite imagery to keep ice travel safe. Lynn is a Fellow, former Board member and current Chair of the Research Committee of the RCGS. 10-day itinerary priced from US$2,170 Departing November 17, 2024

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