Beyond Baguettes And Macaroons: New Food Tours In Paris And Amsterdam Highlight Local Trends

Two new walking tours through some of the offbeat neighborhoods of Paris and Amsterdam were launched earlier this summer by Eating Europe.  Travelers in the small group culinary adventures can sample both favored classics and emerging trends, amid stories and stops that highlight local cuisine, history, and culture. The deep dive into the art and “serious business” of French pastries, for example, “will knock your béret clean off,” the tour operator said. “The food scene in Paris right now is so electric with influences from all over the world along with the culinary traditions that have made French cuisine the epitome of culinary excellence," Kenny Dunn, managing director of Eating Europe, said in a statement. "We want our guests to experience all the classic delicacies but also make sure they don't miss out on the many new local trends.”

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Hospitality Trends

Hotel del coronado announces more than $160 million restoration and revitalization of historic victorian building

PR Newswire | October 17, 2023

The legendary Hotel del Coronado, part of Curio Collection by Hilton, has announced plans to restore and revitalize the hotel's historic Victorian building with a more than $160 million investment, marking the next and final phase of Blackstone Real Estate's more than $550 million development plan to preserve and enhance the National Historic Landmark property for the enjoyment of guests, visitors and the community alike. The upgrades will encompass all Victorian guestrooms, suites and event spaces such as the iconic Crown Room, with a targeted completion date of Spring 2025. "We are thrilled to embark on this exciting and final journey of Blackstone's investment in this one-of-a-kind resort," said Harold Rapoza, managing director, Hotel del Coronado. "The Victorian building holds a special place in the hearts of our guests, and we are dedicated to preserving its historical significance while elevating the bespoke guest experience to new heights." Rob Harper, head of real estate asset management Americas at Blackstone added, "Since our more than $550 million investment plan began in 2018, we have worked diligently to preserve The Del as a National Historic Landmark while cementing the property's status as an iconic and timeless destination for generations to come. We are immensely proud of the thoughtful work completed to date and look forward to partnering with the local teams to make this next phase of the project a reality." For more than 135 years, Hotel del Coronado has welcomed travelers from all over the world to experience the best of Southern California coastal lifestyle. The Victorian building is the original, iconic beachfront hotel established in 1888, and is renowned for evoking a bygone era, with a star-studded legacy and magic of nearly two centuries. Led by Wimberly Interiors in partnership with WATG's California architecture studio, the design for the Victorian building celebrates the legacy of the property, ensuring the public areas remain truly Victorian with original finishes remaining intact, but with contemporary design enhancements to bathrooms, furnishing, artwork and state-of-the-art technologies to elevate the level of comfort and luxury. David Marshall of Heritage Architecture & Planning is leading The Victorian guestroom redesign effort with the same vigor and attention to detail that awarded the firm a "Preservation Project of The Year" honor from the Save Our Heritage Organisation, as well as a "Preservation Design Award" from the California Preservation Foundation following their extensive and diligent reconstruction of the hotel's front porch and lobby areas. Beginning in 2018, Hotel del Coronado embarked on a renovation and development plan, facilitated by Blackstone Real Estate, to ensure the resort remains a sought-after destination. Ocean Concierge Club — A modern and refined take on the classic concierge club experience, housed in the renovated historic Windsor Cottage, which has been preserved with historic elements dating back to its original conception in 1905. Debuted this summer. Beach Village at The Del — An enclave of cottages and villas, which is set to unveil a full makeover by the end of 2023. Shore House at The Del — The newest neighborhood inclusive of 75 new residential-style accommodations on the south end of the resort, which debuted in 2022. Fitness Center — Expanded fitness center with a variety of equipment, certified trainers and a range of classes including Beach Spin, Yoga, Pilates, Paddleboard Yoga and more. Ice House Museum — Showcasing The Del's history with behind-the-scenes moments and legendary guests. Shops at The Del — A completely new comprehensive retail experience with specialty shops and apparel. Victorian Building Entrance — A completely reimagined front drive—reorienting the guest arrival experience to restore it to mirror The Del's original arrival experience at its grand Victorian Lobby. Vista Terrace — One of the hotel's most popular outdoor event venues that can host up to 900 guests, which re-launched in 2019. Serẽa Coastal Cuisine — The sustainable sea-to-table restaurant concept debuted in 2019, with James Beard Foundation's Smart Catch Leader Executive Chef JoJo at the helm. The Cabanas & The Views – Renovations of guestrooms in the Cabanas and Views neighborhoods, which added 97 and 217 rooms respectively Cabana Pool — New main pool, heated year-round, accompanied by shaded chaise lounges, umbrellas, Premium Cabanas and Cabanettes. Culinary Upgrades — Upgrades and re-concepting of multiple dining outlets including the Sun Deck, Babcock & Story Bar, and ENO Market & Pizzeria. Spa & Salon at The Del — Completely reimagined spa with ocean-inspired treatments that tap into the healing power of the sea. During the reimagination of The Victorian, accommodations continue to be available in The Del's other four neighborhoods: The Views, The Cabanas, Beach Village and Shore House. Exciting guest experiences will debut and The Del's popular signature programming will continue. About Hotel del Coronado Set on one of America's most iconic beaches, the legendary Hotel del Coronado and Beach Village at The Del have welcomed discerning travelers for more than 135 years to experience the Southern California coastal lifestyle at its best. Here, the magic and nostalgia of the property's storied past blends seamlessly with contemporary luxury in overnight and day experiences that offer every amenity imaginable. Hotel del Coronado offers five distinct neighborhood experiences, including Shore House at The Del, the hotel's new residential-style villas, which complement the luxurious Beach Village; The Cabanas, where refined coastal design complements the newly refreshed pool, serving as the social center of the hotel; The Views, the hotel's home-base for coastal adventure experiences and activities; and The Victorian building, which will re-emerge in Spring 2025. For more information please visit hoteldel.com. About Curio Collection by Hilton Curio Collection by Hilton is a global portfolio of more than 140 individually remarkable hotels hand-picked to immerse guests in one-of-a kind moments in the world's most sought-after destinations. Each hotel in the Curio Collection evokes a bespoke story through distinctive architecture and design, world-class food & beverage and curated experiences, while providing the benefits of Hilton and its award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors. Experience Curio Collection by Hilton by booking at curiocollection.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Curio Collection by Hilton at stories.hilton.com/curio, and follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. About Blackstone Real Estate Blackstone is a global leader in real estate investing. Blackstone's real estate business was founded in 1991 and has US $333 billion of investor capital under management. Blackstone is the largest owner of commercial real estate globally, owning and operating assets across every major geography and sector, including logistics, residential, office, hospitality and retail. Our opportunistic funds seek to acquire undermanaged, well-located assets across the world. Blackstone's Core+ business invests in substantially stabilized real estate assets globally, through both institutional strategies and strategies tailored for income-focused individual investors including Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust, Inc. (BREIT), a U.S. non-listed REIT, and Blackstone's European yield-oriented strategy. Blackstone Real Estate also operates one of the leading global real estate debt businesses, providing comprehensive financing solutions across the capital structure and risk spectrum, including management of Blackstone Mortgage Trust (NYSE: BXMT).

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Business Travel

HotelREZ powers Elegant Hotel Collection

Business Wire | October 31, 2023

HotelREZ, one of the world’s largest and highly-awarded hotel distribution and representation companies, has been selected to power the newly launched Elegant Hotel Collection, a global soft brand targeting the luxury sector. Launched last week with a curated founding member portfolio of 25 hotels, Elegant Hotel Collection is on course to grow to 50 hand-selected properties by summer 2024. From the partnership, the new luxury hotel brand will benefit from HotelREZ’s worldwide distribution network, hotel representation services, GDS channel delivery and specialist sales and marketing support utilising the best in class technology for independent hotels. Mark Lewis, CEO and Founder, HotelREZ, said: “Elegant Hotel Collection has a distinct and fresh take on the luxury hotel sector. Hotels with generic GDS chain codes or tied to traditional legacy brands have been left behind questioning the value and returns from their distribution providers. Elegant provides a differentiation that will grow market share and drive incremental business at a realistic price point. “As a partner, we are thrilled Elegant will leverage our best in class distribution, technology and representation to support this group of aspirational and authentic hotels as it becomes a unique voice to thrive in the luxury soft brand sector.” Vice President Brand Development at the Elegant Hotel Collection, Catt McLeod added, “Elegant Hotel Collection will offer global representation and full channel distribution, supported by dedicated sales, marketing, account management and distribution strategies to drive incremental trade and consumer sales and revenue growth. Our members will be able to make the most of HotelREZ’s global reach, exceptional quality, commitment to excellence and incredible range of global luxury partnerships, while remaining a highly-individual group, guaranteeing the best of both worlds.” Olivia Byrne, Company Director, Eccleston Square Hotel, said, “The prestigious, and historically grade II listed Eccleston Square Hotel - previous home of the Prince of Battenberg, has worked closely with the HotelREZ technology platform and is now delighted to be part of Elegant Hotel Collection which will maximise its rich historic brand positioning with additional marketing exposure and additional revenue from the high-end leisure and corporate business channels. We are very proud to be part of the founding 25 prestigious hotels.” Membership to Elegant Hotel Collection is by invitation only, ensuring the flag’s commitment to feature only the finest hotels worldwide. Each property is selected for embodying the five core values of the Elegant brand: Hospitality, Authenticity, Inclusivity, Innovation, and Sustainability. Properties are handpicked and chosen to meet the desires of today's discerning, high-end traveller. About HotelREZ Hotels & Resorts HotelREZ Hotels & Resorts, founded in 2004 by Mark Lewis, an experienced hospitality industry professional and entrepreneur, is one of the world’s leading hotel representation companies, dedicated to connecting independent properties with bookers worldwide. HotelREZ is a SaaS enabled service company, providing distribution, web services, booking engines, revenue, sales consultancy and marketing services and support more than 2,800 independent hotels, apartments and hotel groups in over 100 countries, including private label GDS chain code solutions. Customers include The Zetter Group, StayCity, Dorint Hotels & Resorts, Queensway/Point A Group, Champneys, Exclusive Collection, Hastings, View Hotels Australia, Versace Dubai, and Resident Hotels. HotelREZ incorporates two hotel consortia: Best Loved Hotels, a collection of unique global individual properties, with a dedicated GDS programme and website, aimed at high-end leisure travellers and agents, World Rainbow Hotels, the world’s only GDS Enabled LGBTQ+ global hotel consortia, representing more than 1,200 hotels in over 230 destinations. HotelREZ also powers The Elegant Hotel Collection - a full-service luxury soft brand serving a curated global network of unique and inspiring luxury hotels

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Travel Technology

Interval International Releases Its Top Travel Destinations for 2024 – to Inspire Vacation Enthusiasts

Business Wire | November 02, 2023

Interval International, a leading travel membership company, today announced its top destinations for 2024. For nearly 50 years, Interval has offered benefits and flexibility for vacation enthusiasts to explore the world's most desired destinations. Using data(1) from its nearly 1.6-million members worldwide, the company has compiled a list of its most in-demand destinations across its network of more than 3,200 affiliated resorts in over 90 countries and territories. While Interval members continue to seek out vacations in popular spots such as the Hawaiian Islands and across Florida, both known for their natural beauty and activities for all ages, member booking data indicates gained interest in international travel. European destinations such as Portugal and Scotland have increased in demand, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have also become a favorite among Caribbean destinations. Whistler, British Columbia is a newcomer to the list, joining top U.S. ski resorts such as Vail, Colorado and Park City, Utah. “Our members are clearly passionate about travel, and for 2024, it looks like newly discovered destinations are climbing towards the top of their list,” said Joanna Todd, senior vice president of global marketing at Interval. “Whether relaxing on a remote beach, visiting world-class museums and attractions, or skiing unexplored terrains, our travel savvy members are always looking for new places and experiences. And Interval offers them a multitude of incredible destinations and ways to enjoy their bucket-list vacations.” Below are Interval’s top in-demand destinations for 2024 travel. The Hawaiian Islands Orlando, Florida Aruba Florida's Gulf Coast Key West, Florida U.S. Virgin Islands Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Newport Coast, California Vail, Colorado Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada Park City, Utah Costa del Sol, Spain Phoenix, Arizona Breckenridge, Colorado Algarve, Portugal Cabo San Lucas, México Sint Maarten Whistler, British Columbia Glasgow, Scotland Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Interval’s travel membership products offer an expansive suite of benefits and tools to help create exceptional vacation experiences, including discounted hotel bookings and car rentals, special rates on cruises, and access to more than 300,000 tours and activities around the world. These, in addition to its vacation ownership exchange network made up of celebrated hospitality brands and unique independent resorts, help Interval’s members travel more often and to more destinations than they ever thought possible. Travel inspiration is delivered through Interval’s digital publication, where readers can explore a myriad of vacation ideas – full of places to relax, indulge, eat, shop, and make everlasting memories. About Interval International Interval International operates membership programs for vacationers and provides value-added services to its developer clients worldwide. Based in Miami, Florida, the company has been a pioneer and innovator in serving the vacation ownership market since 1976. Today, Interval's exchange network comprises over 3,200 resorts in more than 90 countries and territories. Through offices in 12 countries, Interval offers world-class products and benefits to resort clients and nearly 1.6-million-member families who are enrolled in various membership programs. Interval is an operating business of Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: VAC), a leading global vacation company that offers vacation ownership, exchange, rental and resort and property management, along with related businesses, products, and services.

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Business Travel

Discover the World Teams with BermudAir to Enhance US Travel Trade

Discover the World | September 25, 2023

BermudAir, the revolutionary all-business class airline headquartered in Bermuda, has partnered with Discover the World to enhance its presence and sales in the USA travel trade sector. This collaboration aims to introduce trade partners to the innovative airline, which will operate direct flights from New York's Westchester County Airport (HPN), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Bermuda L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA). These newly established routes provide travelers from these cities and neighboring areas with increased access to Bermuda, offering a premium travel option with an approximate flight duration of two hours. With a unique all-business class configuration on its Embraer 175 aircraft, BermudAir ensures up to 30 passengers experience the epitome of premium travel. Titus Johnson, Commercial Director at BermudAir, said, BermudAir has chosen to partner with Discover the World in the USA because of their deep knowledge and reach among the travel trade. In addition, they have the agility and resources to support BermudAir as we increase frequencies and future destinations. [Source – Cision PR Newswire] BermudAir acknowledges Discover the World's extensive expertise, dedication, and commitment to business development, which are crucial for ensuring the prosperity of this new partnership, expressed Aiden Walsh, Head of Airline Development. Additionally, BermudAir recognizes the pivotal role the travel trade industry will play in its future success. Aiden Walsh further mentioned that Discover the World has assembled an exceptional team, eagerly anticipating the implementation of their strategy to facilitate BermudAir's success. As BermudAir takes bold steps to solidify its presence in the airline industry, the strategic partnership with Discover the World is a testament to its commitment to effectively engaging the USA travel trade market. BermudAir's expansion plan includes launching direct flights from major US cities, marking a significant development, granting travelers seamless access to Bermuda and redefining the air travel experience. In addition, travelers can easily book their flights directly via BermudAir's official website, simplifying the reservation process and ensuring accessibility to a wider audience. About Discover the World Discover the World is the industry leader in global travel distribution and services. Discover is trusted by the leading brands in the travel industry to fulfill their global sales, marketing, business processing, and distribution requirements. The company continues to be the foremost innovator in the travel industry, at the forefront of assisting travel companies to expand beyond their network, resources, or core competencies. It helps bridge the gap between diverse cultures, languages, economies, currencies, and complex business practices to maximize our clients' investment and revenue returns.

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