Business Travel
prnewswire | July 11, 2023
With the significant increase in European travel from North America, Exodus Travels the award-winning leader in adventure travel, has launched a new Active Europe Collection. This expanded offering, including hiking and cycling trips, features more than 19 new itineraries across nine European countries. These new adventures are designed to bring travelers closer to Europe's hidden gems while enjoying new and unique experiences in the great outdoors.
The new Active Europe Collection encompasses active itineraries that have been meticulously crafted to cater to adventure enthusiasts, with options for every skill level and interest. From the Tuscan countryside and the UK's Lake District to Norway's Fjords and the Mediterranean Coast, each trip promises to deliver unforgettable moments and authentic encounters with Europe's natural wonders.
"We understand the growing desire for active travel experiences that go beyond traditional sightseeing, and the Active Europe Collection was designed to fulfill these aspirations," says Katy Rockett, Director of Growth, North America for Exodus Travels. "With our team of expert local guides and carefully crafted itineraries, travelers can revel in transformative experiences that have a lasting impact."
The new European collection includes a variety of memorable adventures including:
Tuscan Hills & Chianti Wines – Premium Adventure: On this eight-day guided tour, guests will enjoy an elevated experience as they explore the idyllic Tuscan countryside, with a stay in an exclusive villa complete with a pool and private chef. From this base, which is located close to the medieval town of San Gimignano, the trip features five days of gentle walking and sightseeing, including visits to Florence and Siena, as well as timeless villages and the quaint walled town of Certaldo. Activities includes three wine-tasting experiences, as well as a visit to Brolio Castle gardens, the birthplace of Chianti wine.
Castles, Hadrian's Wall & the Lake District Travelers can discover the forts, fells, and film sets of northern England on this new six-day guided trip that offers a wonderful combination of history and hiking. Highlights include a visit to beautiful Alnwick Castle, which stood in as Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter movies, the striking Bamburgh Castle on the Northumberland coast, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne to see the historic priory ruins, and much more. Travelers will also hike a section of Hadrian's Wall, hike Cat Bells for unforgettable views over the Lake District, and summit Helvellyn, a walk considered to be among the most beautiful in the UK.
Cycling the Mediterranean Coast in Spain Cycle between the vibrant cities of Barcelona and Valencia on this week-long guided adventure on two wheels. Travelling along the Mediterranean coast, with stays at a different seafront hotel each night, the itinerary features a fantastic mix of cycling lanes and quiet paved roads, with only four short transfers on the cycling days.
Cycling the Coastal Portuguese Camino: Following the Atlantic shoreline, the Portuguese Camino coastal route is perhaps the most scenic of the trails that comprise the iconic Camino de Santiago. On this eight-day culture-cycling adventure, guests start in Porto and head north, eventually crossing into Spain and to the final stop in Santiago de Compostela. Along the way, the tour visits a string of atmospheric coastal towns, and through the picturesque Galician countryside, while also collecting the stamps necessary to receive the Compostela certificate in Santiago, proof of completion of this historic pilgrimage.
Walking the Fjords: The Norwegian fjords are rightly ranked as one of the most stunning natural wonders of the world and on this nine-day guided hike, travelers will be immersed in the stunning landscapes that define this region, including snow-capped mountains, steep green hillsides, and powerful waterfalls plunging into calm, clear fjordic waters. By exploring by foot, travelers enjoy unique access to areas of stunning beauty and high panoramic viewpoints. In the fjords, guests stay in two locations – a cozy family-run guesthouse that looks towards the Feigumfossen waterfall, and another family-run hotel on the waterfront in the town of Fjærland.
Cycle the Loire Valley: On this gentle week-long cycling adventure, travelers ride sections of the Loire à Vélo, a scenic cycling route that tracks along the Loire River – from Blois to Saumur – past orchards, vineyards, and small villages. Highlights include visits to a magnificent chateau steeped in Renaissance history, stops at the world-renowned vineyards of Vouvray and Chinon, and much more.
In related news, Exodus Travels announced the "Join the Adventure" promotion with significant savings. This special promotion includes major savings on select trips in two ways:
Join the Adventure Together -- Book a trip with a travel partner departing in 2023 and the second person will receive 25% off the cost of their trip; or
Join the Adventure Solo -- Solo travelers can take advantage of 50% off the price of a single supplement. If no solo rooms are available or there's a preference to be paired with a roommate, Exodus Travels will pass along the equivalent savings.
As with all itineraries, Exodus Travels prioritizes sustainable and responsible travel practices, fostering a deep connection with local communities and minimizing the environmental impact.
About Exodus Travels
For nearly 50 years Exodus Travels has been the leader in active adventures and is known for "improving life through travel." Exodus Travels is the winner of the National Geographic Traveller Reader Awards and is a recipient of the Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Award, Wanderlust Magazine's Best Tour Leader of the Year, USA Today's Readers' Choice Award and the British Travel Awards.
Exodus Travels provides unforgettable journeys and expert insights through more than 500 active adventures to Europe and 100 other countries. Award-winning trips across seven continents include active adventures to the majestic peaks of Kilimanjaro, the agent wonders of Machu Picchu, the breathtaking beauty of Italy's Amalfi Coast, and other memorable destinations.
With an unwavering commitment to sustainability, Exodus Travels is dedicated to creating incredible, responsibly run adventures, and understands the importance of regenerative travel. Efforts include a "re-wilding" initiative that ensures for every traveler, 100 square meters of land is dedicated to preservation projects. Exodus Travels is dedicated to creating memorable and responsible adventures so travelers can book and travel with confidence.
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Destination and Tourism
prnewswire | August 18, 2023
Global luxury travel network Virtuoso reveals when, where and how the affluent are traveling for the remainder of 2023. Respected as an industry-leading trend forecaster, Virtuoso gathered data and insights from its network of travel advisors, preferred partners and high net worth/ultra-high net worth clientele based on its data warehouse of more than $63.6 billion in transactions and an ongoing series of surveys. The results were shared at luxury travel's leading event, the 35th annual Virtuoso Travel Week. Running August 12-18 in Las Vegas at Bellagio Resort & Casino, ARIA Resort & Casino and Vdara Hotel & Spa, the event is recognized as the Fashion Week of luxury travel for its presentation of the latest news and trends affecting the industry before thousands of industry leaders, as well as the multi-million dollars in travel sales it drives.
The lead story: travel shows no signs of slowing down, despite inflation and global economic challenges. In the first half of 2023, Virtuoso reported a 69 percent uptick in sales versus 2019 numbers, with hotel and cruise segments leading the way, up 173 percent and 122 percent respectively.
Luxury hotels in the U.S. have seen a 57 percent increase compared to 2019, while luxury international hotels have soared to a 58 percent uptick.
Future leisure travel sales leading into 2024-2025 are equally strong. When comparing sales leading into 2020 from 2019, considered to be luxury travel's highwater mark, 2023's future sales are pacing 107 percent higher. Future sales for 2023 into 2024 are also pacing 44 percent higher than they were in 2022 leading into 2023.
Likewise, 2023 future cruise sales are 44 percent higher than they were in 2022 and 106 percent higher versus 2019.
Travelers are heading abroad in record numbers. Paris, London and Florence ranking among the most-booked cities this fall. When it comes to the hottest travel trends, Virtuoso advisors have noted continued demand for exclusive-use experiences, such as private aviation and yachting along with itineraries that incorporate next-level stimulation and engagement (think scientific expeditions in Antarctica). The wellness sector continues to thrive, with 94 percent of travelers incorporating self-care into their travels and a rising interest in programs that incorporate creative and performance art. Iceland has emerged as a wellness destination, as has Thailand, as travel to Asia returns. What hasn't changed, but is even more pronounced following the pandemic, is the importance travelers place on genuine, personalized service and their willingness to invest in collaborating with a travel advisor to arrange VIP treatment and access, to have reassurance, accountability and save time, and to ultimately have the experience they want.
An overview of the information is below, with complete findings here.
Booking analysis is based on transactional data sourced from Virtuoso's travel agency members; wellness and culinary travel insights were based on surveys conducted with Virtuoso advisors; and sustainability findings are the result of a recent in-depth analysis of Virtuoso partners resulting in its Virtuoso Impact Report, Sustainable Travel, 2023.
AboutVirtuoso Travel
Virtuoso is the leading global network of travel agencies specializing in luxury and experiential travel, with more than 20,000 travel advisors. We partner with over 1,800 of the world’s best companies such as hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, and more. Our advisors use their personal connections and firsthand expertise to craft bespoke trips for clients, including unique experiences, special values, complimentary perks, VIP treatment and rare access.
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Business Travel
businesswire | July 13, 2023
Enjoy the Land of Enchantment in the newly redesigned guest accommodations at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque. Operated by award-winning Atrium Hospitality, our centrally located hotel in downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico, has completed a four-phase, multimillion-dollar transformation of all 261 two-room guest suites. Alpharetta, Georgia-based Atrium Hospitality, one of the nation’s largest hotel operators, manages a portfolio of more than 80 hotels in 28 states and approximately 3 million square feet of event space.
The Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque’s tastefully updated guest suites and bathrooms — including a presidential suite — feature new furniture and fixtures in a modern style. Attractive textile coverings and wall art in an inviting color palette of gray, white, and hues of apricot and brown complement Albuquerque’s natural beauty. Each two-room suite features new 55” televisions, luxurious bedding, a mini-refrigerator, a microwave, a large desk, WiFi, and a full-size sofa bed in a separate living area. This Embassy Suites offers a premium upgrade to Pure Wellness suites, which incorporate science and technology to treat the surface and air in rooms, creating a wellness environment.
“We’re excited to offer freshly renovated guest accommodations at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque as our full-service hotel continues to serve as a hospitality staple in downtown Albuquerque,” said Steve Ator, Vice President, Operational Strategies West Region, Atrium Hospitality. “Our guests and team members are enjoying the new, modern look of our hotel’s transformed spaces and appreciate the beauty and comfort of our redesigned guest suites.”
Plentiful Space to Gather
The Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque features 30,000 square feet of flexible event space comprised of 19 meeting rooms that are A/V capable. Our hotel’s more than 12,000-square-foot Sandia Ballroom, named after the area’s scenic Sandia Foothills Open Space, can accommodate up to 1,500 guests. Our experienced events team is ready to help plan the ideal gathering.
Our full-service Embassy Suites is one mile from the Albuquerque Convention Center and the University of New Mexico and three miles from the Albuquerque International Airport. Several popular area attractions are nearby.
Serving With Atrium SPIRIT
Atrium Hospitality’s six core values of Service, Perseverance, Inclusion, Respect, Innovation and Teamwork guide the Atrium SPIRIT for creating a welcoming environment for all, encouraging the personal and professional growth of the company’s Associates, and being a responsible community partner. Atrium Hospitality supports the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s (AHLA) Responsible Stay environmental initiative, which complements Atrium’s commitment to preserving the planet’s natural resources and being efficient in the operations of the company’s properties nationwide. The Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque participates in LightStay, Hilton’s award-winning, comprehensive platform to measure and manage energy, water and waste.
Atrium-managed properties nationwide are proud to take part in Project SEARCH, a school-to-work program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with numerous program graduates hired by our hotels. Five participants recently graduated from the Project SEARCH program hosted at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque, and six program participants are slated to begin at our hotel in fall 2023. In addition, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque conducts monthly volunteer service with a range of causes, including community cleanup projects and food drives for a local food bank, among others.
“For 18 years, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque has served as a collaborative community partner in New Mexico’s largest business center,” said Scott Cape, Area General Manager, Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque. “We strive to grow hospitality career journeys and are excited to have been recognized in the New Mexico Top Workplaces 2023.”
Scott continued, “The redesign of all of our guest suites was inspired by New Mexico’s remarkable beauty. Our renovated spaces create an inviting atmosphere to work or relax and offer views of Albuquerque’s wonders.”
Located at 1000 Woodward Place NE in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque all-suite hotel offers two-room suites; a free made-to-order breakfast; a complimentary evening reception with drinks and snacks; a business center; a 24-hour fitness center featuring a Peloton® bike; an on-site restaurant, lounge and café; room service; and an indoor pool. The Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque is part of the Hilton Honors award-winning guest-loyalty program, which offers Digital Key for accessing your guest room. For more information, to make a booking, or to schedule an in-person or virtual tour, call (505) 245-7100, go to the hotel’s website, or connect with the hotel on Facebook.
About Atrium Hospitality
Atrium Hospitality is ranked as one of the nation’s largest hotel operators. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, the company manages a portfolio of 82 hotels in 28 states, representing well-known brands such as: Hilton, Marriott, IHG, and Wyndham, among others. Atrium operates 20,463 guest rooms/suites and approximately 3 million square feet of event space. Atrium Hospitality’s six core values of Service, Perseverance, Inclusion, Respect, Innovation and Teamwork guide the Atrium SPIRIT for creating a welcoming environment for all, encouraging the personal and professional growth of the company’s Associates, and being a responsible community partner. Atrium is conserving the planet’s natural resources and being more efficient in support of the company’s commitment to sustainability, all while providing exceptional guest experiences. In 2022, Atrium Hospitality added another Atlanta Top Workplaces win to the company’s accolades and celebrated being recognized by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for a second year. Atrium supports a range of civic and community activities, and Atrium-managed properties nationwide are proud to take part in Project SEARCH, a school-to-work program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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