Officially launched at ISE 2022, PPDS’ exclusive, by invite, Global Partner Alliance (GPA) programme, was created to connect multinational businesses with PPDS’ top tier of regional integration specialists, for seamless execution of hospitality projects, of any scale, anywhere in the world.

Announced to members during the third global meeting for the PPDS GPA, hosted in Barcelona, Spain, the Alliance has grown by more than 50 additional partners – almost doubling numbers from 60 to 118 and now covering China and India – delivering enhanced specialist knowledge and support.

Each Alliance partner is selected based upon their capabilities, certifications, and ongoing relationship with PPDS. All GPA partners are trained and certified to deliver the best knowledge and performance across PPDS’ portfolio of products, services, and solutions.

Heading up the PPDS GPA, Simone Gagliardi commented: “We have been thrilled by the continued success and unrivalled relationships being formed within our Global Partner Alliance since it was officially launched. We are delighted to welcome new members to the community, bringing even greater strengths and wider reach to deliver seamless and consistent services to customers almost everywhere on the planet. With the GPA, we aim to remove the pain points traditionally experienced with multinational integrations, reaching through regional barriers to ensure projects are completed consistently, quickly and efficiently. There is nothing quite like the PPDS GPA.”

Franck Racape, VP Global Commercial at PPDS, concluded: “At PPDS, we strive for excellence in everything we do, from the products we are making in our factories through to the support we offer for installation and beyond. A significant and crucial part of that process is unquestionably our relationships with our partners. The GPA, together with our International Key Account Management approach, have allowed us to develop even closer relationships with the channel, aligning to bring ever greater value to our mutual customers.

“Since launch, the GPA has advanced from being a list of valued partners to a true global community. Far from being competitors, many of our GPA partners are now in regular communication, supporting each other where needed and, as clearly demonstrated at our GPA dinner in Barcelona and at other exclusive GPA events, they have become close business allies in the process. On behalf of PPDS, I welcome all our new GPA members and thank everyone for their continued devotion. Here’s to expanding into another successful year.”

The article PPDS Global Partner Alliance expands to deliver regional support and international expertise to hospitality industry across six continents first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Furthermore, Lindsay Morvan explained how Mauritius is dealing with the over-tourism crisis. He also mentioned the more sustainable plans, that will lead the industry into the future.

Lindsay Morvan participated in “Sustainable Coastal Destinations” panel discussion, along with Şadan Kaptanoğlu – Chairperson, TURMEPA, Rachel McCaffery – Director, Green Case Consulting / Chair, GSTC’s Destination Stewardship Working Group, Kevin Fsadni – Director of Product Development, Malta Tourism Authority and Luigi Cabrini – Chairman, GSTC as Moderator.

GSTC2023 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference was held in Antalya, Türkiye, from the 9th to 12th of May.

The article Lindsay Morvan (Mauritius Tourism Authority): “Our target is to make Mauritius a green destination until 2030” first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

To celebrate Global Day of Discovery’s 9th anniversary, Renaissance Hotels is featuring unscripted adventures that place the brand’s revamped Evenings at Renaissance program in the spotlight. With the hotel and travel industry back in full swing, guests traveling both for business and leisure are looking for authentic local experiences. Unforgettably unique, the brand’s signature Evenings program shifts Renaissance properties into curators of culture – embracing and expanding through surprise-and-delight bar rituals to unexpected collaborations on and off property.

“This year’s Global Day of Discovery and the reintroduction of our Evenings program highlight Renaissance Hotels’ passion to uncover the unique DNA of the neighborhood, in an unexpected way,” said Jennifer Connell, Global Brand Leader, Renaissance Hotels and Vice President, Distinctive Premium Brands, Marriott International. “Today’s travelers crave a genuine connection with the locale, and with our properties celebrated as cultural hubs of their community, we cannot wait to ignite the neighborhoods around the globe with moments that make you look and look again, and adventures you won’t forget.”

Discover This Way Night & Day: From an Unscripted Tea After Dark in London to Spotlighting Ecotourism Efforts in Bali’s Uluwatu, Local Neighborhoods Unite in Fresh Ways on Global Day of Discovery

Headlined by a cultural curator, four properties across the globe will offer immersive moments beyond the expected, showcasing the newly evolved Evenings at Renaissance program. These handpicked tastemakers each push the envelope of exploration while traveling, discovering more about their unexpected passions, not known by the masses. Together with Renaissance Hotels, the cultural curators serve as beacons of their neighborhoods, providing guests with unscripted experiences at Global Day of Discovery events taking place May 18.

• Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel will be restored to the properties’ historic Antiques Garage market on Global Day of Discovery. Frequented by the likes of Andy Warhol back in the day, guests will travel through the past, present, and future, on a whimsical exploration to the unexpected, as curated through the eyes of model-turned-fashion icon Lily Aldridge. Guests will discover antique treasures and vintage finds hand-selected by Lily from New York Vintage – one of the city’s finest stores – enjoy speakeasy-inspired bar rituals, and an intimate performance by soulful songstress Caroline Vreeland in the upstairs Somewhere Nowhere Lounge. Following the event, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, the Vintage Pop-Up Shop will be open for hotel guests and locals to shop, featuring fashion and accessories from New York Vintage hand-curated in partnership with Lily. The hotel plans to host monthly vintage store pop-ups with various local notable vintage shops as part of their Evenings at Renaissance programming. Limited tickets available here for an evening of antiquated vintage finds and musical guest appearances.
• Celebrating its 150th year anniversary, St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London will welcome guests to behind-the-scenes immersive tours of the iconic landmark property by day. By night, guests will experience a multi-course dinner with theatrical design and elevated bar rituals, curated by model-turned-mixologist, Portia Freeman, and author and podcast host Alexandra Dudley, featuring a new way to enjoy high tea: tea-infused cocktails in partnership with iconic London brand Fortnum & Mason. The hotel will offer the immersive historical tour of the property once per month, bookable via reception and open to the public, and Portia’s specialty cocktails will be featured on the hotel’s Booking Office menu.
• At Renaissance São Paulo Hotel, by day guests will enjoy a curated art walk to the renowned Batman Alley. By night, the hotel will spotlight the drumbeat of the neighborhood by blending music and art in partnership with Art Battle Brazil, featuring visual artist-turned-DJ, Mariana Mats. Four local talented artists will compete live in front of locals and guests, with the winner being awarded the exclusive title of “Artist-In-Residence” with their gallery of work to be featured and available for purchase on property through July 2023. The other participating artists’ final pieces will also be on display and available for purchase. The debuted specialty cocktail menu and bar ritual will complement the Evenings at Renaissance series, bridging mixology and art in an unexpected way.
• Guests of Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa will celebrate local traditions and shine a light on social impact and ecotourism, near and dear to the property’s surrounding area. Hosted by model and ecotourism advocate Veronika Krasnasari, the three-day celebration features an impressive line-up including engaging tours at the nearby ZeroWaste Center, elevated punchbowl rituals showcasing the flavor of Bali with rockstars in Indonesia’s bar scene like Kiki Moka, an in-depth discussion on Endek Bali – the island’s indigenous fabric with Agung Indra, followed by an Endek-themed fashion show by local designer Dwi Iskandar, and a traditional 12-course Balinese Dinner using all sustainably sourced, island-grown produce by Balinese Chef Wisnu Adiyatma, accompanied by an enchanting performance from Gus Teja, a Balinese flute maestro. Many of these moments will be incorporated into the property’s on-going programming following the celebration to encourage guests around the world to be immersed in the traditions of the Uluwatu region. Limited tickets available here for the celebration centered around fashion, sustainability, art, and rich Balinese traditions.

“It’s an honor to collaborate with Renaissance Hotels and New York Vintage to revive the concept of the historic Antiques Garage Market, situated in its same location now home to Renaissance New York Chelsea,” said Lily Aldridge. “This capsule collection of vintage pieces was carefully selected with the heart and soul of Chelsea in mind, a neighborhood that’s known for its vibrant self-expression and bold fashion choices that withstand the test of time.”

The article Renaissance Hotels revives “Evenings at Renaissance” program at Annual Global Day of Discovery celebrations first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

During Zuiderdam’s journey around the world, the ship visited 57 ports in 30 countries on four continents and cruised 35,651 nautical miles (39,875 land miles). Highlights included funds raised for Bernhard Nordkamp Centre in Namibia, Africa; blankets knitted by guests for Project Linus; and celebrating the company’s 150th Anniversary in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, with Holland America Line President Gus Antorcha.

“Like our guests, we have been eagerly anticipating the return of our Grand World Voyage, and the 2023 world cruise was an exceptional journey for not only the places we visited, but the memories made along the way,” said Antorcha. “A world cruise is more than just a travel experience; it’s building a community of friends and family. And our guests generously gave their time and funds for some worthy causes during the journey, for which I extend gratitude on behalf of everyone at Holland America Line.”

Guests Raise Funds and Knit for a Cause

Zuiderdam guests raised $10,000 for The Bernhard Nordkamp Centre in Namibia, which was presented to the organization during the ship’s call at Walvis Bay. The BNC services approximately 150 kids in grades one through seven who come in after their school day to receive support, food, additional education and positive social interaction.

Continuing a tradition that began more than a decade ago on the Grand World Voyage, guests made 618 blankets for Project Linus throughout the sailing. Nearly 75 blanketeers and 20 non-knitting volunteers participated in the Project Linus endeavor this year. With yarn brought on by guests, donated prior to departure and funds given by Holland America Line, guests of all knitting and crocheting abilities made blankets for children in the United States who are ill, traumatized or otherwise in need.

Organized this year by guests Gail and Marty Gottlieb, the couple drove a U-Haul truck to Port Everglades for the start of the Grand World Voyage with one-million yards of yarn in over 40 different colors, along with hooks, needles and ball winders. The blankets will be picked up by the local South Florida chapter of Project Linus at the port.

Themed Events and Culinary Delights

During the voyage, guests dressed to the nines for events that featured a Grand Masquerade, Derby Night, Casino Royale, Mardi Gras Night of Music and “Once Upon a Time.” More than a dozen casual, themed evenings around Lido pool included a glamp out, Burgers and Beer, Grand Fair, surprise party with the ship’s team members, Biergarten Festival, “Let Them Eat Cake” and “An Evening in France.”

2023 Grand World Voyage Highlights and Fun Facts:

• Zuiderdam visited imaginary Null Island (0°N/S & 0°E/W) where the equator crosses the Prime Meridian and visitors became an Emerald Shellback, the rarest shellback (a sailor who has crossed the equator) designation.
• On April 18, Antorcha visited the ship in Amsterdam during an overnight call to celebrate the company’s 150th Anniversary.
• Guests indulged in 31,248 bottles of wine and champagne.
• 200,606 lbs. of fresh vegetables and 173,903 lbs. of fresh fruit were consumed.
• 40,905 fresh eggs were scrambled, poached and used as ingredients.
• Guests drank 133,293 soft drinks.
• The ship served nearly 200,000 lbs. of meat (beef, pork, lamb, poultry, veal).
• Guests enjoyed 56,306 lbs. of seafood.
• 7,793 tea bags were used to brew a cuppa, as well as 3,277 bags of coffee.
• More than $200,000 in foreign currencies were exchanged.

Future Holland America Line Grand Voyages:

• 2023 Grand South America and Antarctic Voyage — 73 days. Departs Oct. 7, 2023, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale aboard Zaandam.
• 2023 Grand Africa Voyage — 73 days. Departs Oct. 10, 2023, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale aboard Zuiderdam.
• 2024 Grand World Voyage — 128 days. Departs Jan. 3, 2024, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale aboard Zuiderdam.
• 2024 Grand Australia and New Zealand Voyage — 94 days. Departs Jan. 3, 2024, roundtrip from San Diego aboard Volendam
• 2025 Grand World Voyage — 124 days. Departs Jan. 4, 2025, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale aboard Zuiderdam.
• 2025 Grand Voyage: Pole to Pole — 133 days. Departs Jan. 25, 2025, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale aboard Volendam.

Bookings for the 2025 Pole to Pole and Grand World Voyage officially open May 24, 2023. Travelers interested making a deposited Future Cruise Request to get priority booking confirmation prior to May 24 can call Holland America Line’s World Cruise Reservations Desk or a travel advisor.

The article Holland America Line’s first Grand World Voyage since 2020 successfully concludes after 57 port visits first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

A driving concept behind HotelSlash is understanding that hotel rates are in constant flux. This creates an opportunity for HotelSlash to ensure that travelers don’t leave any money on the table when booking their hotel stay. Using its proprietary algorithm, HotelSlash not only seeks exact room matches at lower prices but also identifies opportunities for upgraded rooms and other auxiliary benefits. For instance, a customer who initially booked a standard room without breakfast might benefit from HotelSlash’s algorithm, which could uncover an equal or lower rate that includes breakfast or even an upgrade to a superior room.

Typically, when searching for hotel accommodations, people book a reservation and forget about it, inadvertently missing out on opportunities to save money or upgrade to a superior room or enhanced amenities as their travel date approaches. Just because someone has the best available deal today does not guarantee that the same rate will remain the best tomorrow, next week, or even right before check-in. HotelSlash bridges the gap between the reservation and the date of stay, ensuring that travelers capitalize on every opportunity to maximize their value without leaving any money on the table.

According to the company, early users of the service saved an average of up to 30% on their hotel rates if they book approximately one month ahead of their arrival date.

HotelSlash offers two primary methods for travelers to save money with the service:

• Users can book directly through HotelSlash, which will automatically keep tabs on their reservation, checking for price drops and identifying any available upgrade opportunities.
• Users can book a refundable hotel reservation through any website they like, and HotelSlash will monitor it on their behalf, continually searching for an improved deal and notifying the user as soon as one is discovered.

“We’re excited to take the wraps off HotelSlash and officially introduce it publicly,” said Jonathan Weinberg, co-founder and CEO. “HotelSlash provides exclusive, members-only access to exceptionally discounted rates, which are currently unavailable to the general public, for over one million properties worldwide. It’s like price protection for your hotel reservation.”

The team behind the newly launched company have a proven track record as innovators in the travel industry, with over two decades of experience helping travelers save money, including more than $100 million from online car rentals. HotelSlash, which has been in stealth mode since 2020 is led by Jonathan Weinberg, co-founder and CEO, who also co-founded and leads AutoSlash. Other key members of the leadership team include:

• Ludovit Pauliny: Co-founder, Chief Operating Officer
• Matthew Horne: Co-founder, Vice President of Software Development
• Michael Miller: Co-founder (also co-founder and CTO of AutoSlash)

The founders bring tremendous depth to this new hotel-focused venture, addressing a growing demand first noticed among AutoSlash customers and then in the larger consumer travel market particularly as inflationary pressures have elevated the average cost of a hotel stay.

HotelSlash is a subscription-based service, providing a no-questions asked, 100% refund guarantee. The company is dedicated to saving users an amount equal to or greater than the membership fee on their initial bookings. The membership model enables HotelSlash to present exclusive, deeply discounted rates not typically accessible to the general public. During this introductory period, HotelSlash offers a complimentary trial period without requiring a credit card, allowing travelers to experience the service firsthand and discover the potential savings.

The article Launch of HotelSlash, a premier platform for deeply discounted rates at over one million hotel properties worldwide first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Moreover, she explained how the company measure the impact and who are the most important KPIs.

Maya Sever participated in “Small Accommodations & Hostels Sustainability” panel discussion, along with Ayse Zeynep Sezerel, owner of No11 Hotel & Apartments, Istanbul, Abraham Group, Pegi Amarteifio, VP, Global PR & Communications, SLH and Catherine Gilvarry – Head of Supply Hostelworld, as Moderator.

GSTC2023 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference is held in Antalya, Türkiye, from the 9th to 12th of May.

The article Maya Sever (Abraham Group): “Tourists are looking for a more meaningful experience when they travel” first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Reflecting the overall economic slowdown, FRA’s cargo throughput (comprising airfreight and airmail) continued to decline by 8.5 percent year-on-year to 154,926 metric tons in April 2023. In contrast, aircraft movements rose by 9.8 percent year-on-year to 35,503 takeoffs and landings. Accumulated maximum takeoff weights or MTOWs climbed by 9.4 percent year-on-year to about 2.2 million metric tons.

The airports in Fraport’s international portfolio also reported ongoing traffic growth. Ljubljana Airport (LJU) in Slovenia registered 95,105 passengers in April 2023 (up 36.8 percent year-on-year). Fraport’s Brazilian airports of Fortaleza (FOR) and Porto Alegre (POA), saw combined traffic increase to 962,787 passengers (up 7,1 percent). In Peru, Lima Airport (LIM) served some 1.6 million passengers (up 13.2 percent). Traffic at the 14 Greek regional airports surged to a total of 1.6 million passengers in the reporting month (up 17.9 percent). The Fraport Twin Star airports of Burgas (BOJ) and Varna (VAR) on the Bulgarian Riviera welcomed 151,109 passengers overall – a gain of 57.5 percent year-on-year. Traffic at Antalya Airport (AYT) in Turkey grew by 38.1 percent to 2.1 million passengers. Along with Fraport’s Greek airports, BOJ and VAR in Bulgaria also surpassed the pre-crisis traffic levels of 2019 in the reporting month.

1 The Fraport Traffic Figures for the last ten years are now available in our digital TrafficSheet. You can use this tool to compare various data by different categories.

The article Fraport traffic figures – April 2023: Passenger demand grows steadily first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

The journey will be as diverse as it is luxurious. Drawing on two decades of adventure travel as well as aviation and luxury hospitality expertise, the team have hand-picked each destination. Co-Founder and CEO of White Desert, Patrick Woodhead explains “These countries have been chosen because they are unusual, many are hard to reach destinations and they all epitomise the height of adventure without sacrificing a luxurious experience.”

Starting in Mexico City, guests will then travel to Colombia, Easter Island, Fiji, Borneo, India, Turkey, Namibia, South Africa and will finish the journey with White Desert’s signature trip – into Antarctica. In fact, guests will have the choice of two endings to this incredible journey. Guests can choose either White Desert Antarctica’s ‘Greatest Day’ trip into the 7th Continent where they will have a few hours on ice or a chance to extend their stay for a further five days in Antarctica before flying back to Cape Town (numbers strictly limited).

White Desert World will focus on offering authentic, local experiences and highlights will include Caribbean cooking in Cartagena, a graffiti street art tour of Getsemani and a sailing trip to Club de Pesca for a night of rum, chocolate and salsa music. Other activities will include sampling the best food and drink offerings, experiencing epic street parties and the opportunity to join in with local traditions. These will be coupled with off-the-beaten track city tours, bustling market visits, and collaborations with artisans and musicians; while expert guides will offer guests an adventure of a lifetime.

Guests will travel around the world in a unique Boeing 757-200 set up in a private configuration with 50 lie-flat seats. All air operations will endeavour to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) where possible and the White Desert World journey will be fully off-set. Indeed, White Desert have been carbon neutral since 2007 and this is an important tenet of all of their operations. White Desert are currently implementing a seagrass meadow planting project, which will help them be even more progressive in their sustainability and conservation efforts.

White Desert World’s 7 Continent Adventure is available for a maximum of 50 guests and will take place from 10th – 31st January 2024. White Desert World’s team will be travelling alongside the group and experienced local guides will be supporting on the ground in each destination.

The article Launch of White Desert World – blending unique adventures with iconic destinations first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Deal activity in the travel and tourism sector suffered a significant setback across several key markets and regions as deal-makers seemed to have become cautious amid recession fears, geopolitical tensions, and uncertain economic conditions.”

North America, the traditionally dominant region in terms of travel and tourism related deal activity, recorded a massive 50.4% decline in deals volume during January-April 2023 compared to January-April 2022.

Other regions such as Europe, Asia-Pacific and South and Central America also experienced a decline in deal activity by 48.1%, 28.9% and 66.7% during January-April 2023 compared to January-April 2022, respectively. Meanwhile, deal volume for the Middle East and Africa region remained unchanged.

Travel and tourism related deal activity also remained subdued across several key markets. The US, the UK, Japan, France, India, and South Korea saw deals volume decline by 51.1%, 39.5%, 47.6%, 18.2%, 55.6%, and 30%, respectively during January to April 2023 compared to January to April 2022. Meanwhile, deal activity in China and the Netherlands showcased some improvement.

Bose adds: “All the deal types under coverage also witnessed a significant year-on-year decline in volume during January-April 2023. The numbers of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), venture financing, and private equity deals declined by 41.4%, 36.2%, and 62.7% during January-April 2023 compared to January-April 2022, respectively.”

*Comprising mergers & acquisitions, private equity, and venture financing deals.

The article Travel and Tourism sector deal activity down by 43% YoY in January-April 2023, finds GlobalData first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

This will be the only direct flight connecting Scotland and China when it begins operating next month.

Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport, said: “The return of direct flights to Beijing is fantastic news as we gear up for a hugely exciting summer, and is further evidence of the strong recovery we’re seeing here at Edinburgh. This service will be the only one operating between Scotland and China when it is introduced and is a real show of faith in the market by Hainan Airlines. This important connectivity will provide a boost to Scotland’s universities and tourism industry, open up a wealth of new business opportunities, and enable better access to other parts of the world. We’re sure it will be highly valued whether it be by students travelling between the two countries to study, families reconnecting, or tourists travelling to visit new places.”

Transport Minister Kevin Stewart said: “I welcome the announcement of this direct service between Edinburgh Airport and Beijing, which is an important development for both Edinburgh and Scotland’s international connectivity. This direct connectivity is great news for people and businesses in both Scotland and China, building strong links for business and exports, as well as making it easier for visitors and students to come and experience Scotland.”

The article Edinburgh Airport welcomes direct route to China first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.