HOSPITALITY TRENDS
Highgate | January 23, 2023
Highgate, a company involved in hotel management, investment, technology, and development, has announced the launch of HG Portugal, as well as the relaunch of the Dorsett City London Hotel. HG Portugal opens with a portfolio of 18 hotels in several Portuguese markets, including Lisbon, Algarve, and Porto.
The portfolio includes hotels under the Hilton and IHG brand families and many notable independent hotels, such as Salgados Palace, Cascade Resort, and Sao Rafael Atlantico. In addition, the portfolio spans urban full-service hotels, waterfront luxury resorts, lifestyle boutique hotels, and large convention facilities, all drawing from core competencies across Highgate's global footprint.
Highgate has selected Alexandre Solleiro as Chief Executive Officer of HG Portugal as part of its efforts to build a best-in-class operating capability in Portugal. Alexandre Solleiro brings more than 30 years of hospitality leadership expertise in Portugal, and he is supported by a dedicated leadership team from all disciplines. The team will leverage Highgate's existing resources and platforms in Europe, the Caribbean, the United States, and Latin America while also bringing specialized Portugal-based experience.
Highgate brings global experience as an owner/operator in leisure destination markets and lifestyle, branded, and city-center hotels to the Portugal market. It adds unique value to its managed hotels via a platform designed to optimize distribution, operational efficiencies, and hotel concept development.
The launch of HG Portugal follows the October 2021 announcement of two portfolio additions in the UK market: Grosvenor House Suites in London's Mayfair District and the Dorsett City London Hotel. As part of a more extensive repositioning, Highgate will also begin running the Dorsett City London Hotel using a relaunched concept on March 1, 2023.
Arash Azarbarzin, Chief Executive Officer of Highgate, stated, "The launch of HG Portugal complements Highgate's recent re-entry into the UK management space, furthering the application of our proven business towards strategic global opportunities." He added, "Honed over the last 30 years, we will apply our innovative approach to operations, distribution, food and beverage, branding, and positioning during a remarkable moment for Portugal, as more travelers are discovering its magnificence as a prime destination."
(Source – PR Newswire)
About Highgate
New York-based Highgate is a leading hospitality management and investment company. It is a prominent figure in the US gateway markets, which include Boston, Honolulu, Miami, San Francisco, and New York. It is also expanding its presence in Europe using properties in Barcelona and London. Highgate offers professional guidance at every stage of the hospitality property cycle, from development and planning to disposition or recapitalization. Highgate is a trusted partner for major hotel brands and top ownership groups, with an executive team comprised of some of the industry's most experienced hotel management leaders.
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TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY,AIRLINES AND AIRPORTS
Fareportal | December 30, 2022
The Dominican Republic's newest national carrier, Arajet, is now being offered for flights by CheapOair and OneTravel, the first online travel agencies in the US to do so.
Arajet is the newest low-cost carrier in the Dominican Republic. It began operations on September 15 and has already launched a route network that spans a wide range, with 18 destinations in 11 different countries. With plans to transport more than 7 million passengers over the next five years, the airline will contribute to an increase in tourism throughout the region, which will result in the creation of thousands of jobs in the area. There are currently flights departing from Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala, El Salvador, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Peru, Jamaica, Aruba, St. Maarten, and Curacao that arrive in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. More flights are scheduled to depart from other countries in the near future.
Fareportal is of the view that Arajet selected these brands as the OTA platforms to introduce their expanding route network to U.S. travelers, knowing that Fareportal will support them with industry-leading technology and an unwavering dedication to exceptional customer service.
Arajet stated that it is pleased to collaborate with Fareportal as well as its online travel agencies, CheapOair and OneTravel. In order to provide the Dominican diaspora with the most affordable travel options to see friends and family, the company plans to open 17 new destinations in the United States in the upcoming months. Additionally, the company thinks this alliance will propel its vision.
Experts in the aviation sector believe that low-cost carriers (LCCs) are ideally placed for growth. In 2021, three new carriers debuted in the United States, and more than 20 are anticipated to do so globally in 2022.
AboutFareportal
Fareportal, developing industry-defining technology since 2002, has emerged as a travel technology leader. With offices in New York, Canada, India, Las Vegas, Mexico, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom, the company caters to over 2,500 people across nearly five time zones.
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DESTINATION AND TOURISM, INDUSTRY OUTLOOK
Travelex Insurance Services | January 17, 2023
Travelex Insurance Services, one of the leading U.S. travel insurance companies, and Collette Travel Service, Inc., an award-winning premium tour operator, have announced a partnership that will allow Collette to offer Travelex travel insurance products and services starting January 3, 2023.
Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, President and Chief Brand Officer at Collette, expressed, "We're excited for this opportunity to provide our travelers with some of the industry's best insurance plans and services." She further stated, "Travelex's quality insurance products, superb customer service record and claims payment history convinced us to partner with them. We think our clients will be very happy with Travelex's offerings."
(Source- PR Newswire)
Travelex President and CEO Shannon Lofdahl shared that her company has collaborated with Collette for months to develop and roll out comprehensive travel protection policies for its clients. She remarked, "Our teams worked together to complete implementation and agent training for the launch. "We're ready to serve Collette's travelers as they explore the world,” Shannon Lofdahl concluded.
(Source- PR Newswire)
About Travelex
For over 25 years,Travelex Insurance Services has been the go-to for reliable and affordable travel protection in the United States. It is a well-known collaborator in the tourism sector, offering services that enable vacationers to make and safeguard memories. Customer service, technology, and innovation are just some of the categories in which Travelex has been recognized as a market leader.
About Collette
Collette, the oldest tour operator in North America, is trusted by visitors. It is distinguished by its customizable tour pacing, ties to the travel industry, and full travel protection coverage. The organization has focused on customer satisfaction since 1918 and offers 160 journeys to all seven continents via five types of travel, including small group tours and river cruises. The company's headquarters are located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, with divisions in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
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