Archives for June 2020

World first in air disinfection at AED Studios in Belgium

June 30, 2020 by PressEditor

This week, Studio 6 at AED in Lint was fully equipped with Luxibel’s “Mid-Air Disinfection System”. The installation ensures the disinfection of indoor air by means of UVC ventilation cylinders that take air circulation into account. This makes AED Studios the first event location in the world that disinfects the air in a room on a permanent basis using UVC light technology in the fight against COVID-19 and other viruses and bacteria.

Glenn Roggeman, CEO of AED group, launched the first UVC luminaires under the AED private label Luxibel as early as April. The system was further developed for larger spaces with an audience where air circulation needs to be taken into account. Roggeman used his knowledge of aerodynamics that he gained during his training as a helicopter pilot. “The main advantage of this system is ensuring that the air breathed out by guests is sucked upwards by the aerodynamically-patented system. Micro-organisms such as bacteria and viruses are neutralised and germ-free air is blown back into the room. Looking at the infection levels for coronavirus, I can only join those virologists who confirm that the virus can also be spread through the air. When we are able to meet up again in enclosed spaces with groups of people, air disinfection will contribute to reducing infection rates. I personally would also feel more comfortable and secure visiting locations that have this kind of system installed”.

Last week, the Dutch company Signify (formerly Philips Lighting) published the results of tests on UVC light on the coronavirus. According to researchers at Boston University. UVC has proven to be effective at eliminating coronavirus. Through scientific testing they concluded that UVC radiation is highly effective in neutralizing the coronavirus. There is no risk of harmful radiation to people, as Luxibel carries out the UVC disinfection process within a fully-enclosed device.

Roggeman emphasizes that UVC disinfection can be an important part of the multifaceted approach to combat COVID-19 and also hopes for a new perspective on the severely affected events and entertainment sector. “In addition to the measures relating to social distancing, hand hygiene and the use of personal protection equipment, I am convinced that technological innovations can also contribute to better protection. In addition to the ‘Mid-Air Disinfection System’, I’ve also developed scanners which we at AED Studios will use to check the body temperature of every visitor at the start of an event. In this way we want to provide our studios with technology to protect our visitors as much as possible.”
Source: MICE-Business.com

Marriott International Announces Redemption of its 3.375% Series M Notes Due 2020

June 30, 2020 by Forimmediaterelease

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) today announced that on July 30, 2020 (the “Redemption Date”) it will redeem all $350,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 3.375% Series M Notes Due October 15, 2020 (CUSIP No. 571903 AL7) (the “Notes”).

The Notes will be redeemed on the Redemption Date at a redemption price equal to the sum of 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but not including, the Redemption Date. On and after the Redemption Date, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes and the Notes will cease to be outstanding.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
All statements in this press release are made as of June 30, 2020. Except as required by applicable law, Marriott undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities laws, including statements related to the expected timing and completion of the redemption and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. Marriott cautions you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous evolving risks and uncertainties that Marriott may not be able to accurately predict or assess, including the risk factors that Marriott identifies in its Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including Marriott’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2020. Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations Marriott expresses or implies in this press release.

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 7,400 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 134 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy™, its highly-awarded travel program. For more information, please visit Marriott’s website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

Marriott may post updates about COVID-19 and other matters on its investor relations website at www.marriott.com/investor or Marriott’s news center website at www.marriottnewscenter.com. Marriott encourages investors, the media, and others interested in the company to review and subscribe to the information Marriott posts on these websites, which may be material. The contents of these websites are not incorporated by reference into this press release or any report or document Marriott files with the SEC, and any references to the websites are intended to be inactive textual references only.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Brendan McManus
Corporate Relations
(301) 380-4495
[email protected]

INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACTS:
Jackie Burka McConagha
Investor Relations
(301) 380-5126
[email protected]

Betsy Dahm
Investor Relations
(301) 380-3372
[email protected]

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Europe Companies Twice as Likely to Travel than North America

June 30, 2020 by PressEditor

A global survey of Uniglobe Travel corporate clients finds that companies in Europe are almost twice as likely as those in North America to have employees travelling now or expect to have travel within 3 months. Just 32% of North American companies indicated that they have employees currently travelling, will do so within a month, or within 2-3 months, compared to 61% of European companies. Globally, this number was 48.7%.

The survey was conducted by Uniglobe Travel from June 15-25, asking travel managers and decision makers from corporate accounts to answer 14 questions about how their travel policy was changing to reflect the Covid19 travel environment and their timing and expectations about the resumption of travel.

In line with Europe’s earlier expectations of travel, 56% of European companies had already made travel policy changes compared with only 41% of North American companies. The most common policy changes globally were limiting or banning travel for internal meetings (64.1%) followed by limiting participation at meetings or conferences based on attendee numbers or places of origin (54.1%).

“Looking at the travel policy changes, there is a discernable traveller-centric approach,” says Martin Charlwood, President & Chief Operating Officer for Uniglobe Travel International. “The least popular policy changes are those that impact traveller rights and privacy – such as requiring them to sign liability waivers, use a tracking app or restricting their personal activities including staying with friends and family during a business trip.”

Another area of interest in the survey looks at environmental and sustainability considerations in corporate travel policy. “As companies have increasingly been prioritizing sustainability within travel programs, we know that balancing sustainability with physical distancing can be problematic,” says Andrew Henry, VP US Operations for Uniglobe Travel International. “Many forms of environmentally friendly travel – such as shared transport – are less popular or viable at this time. However, it was encouraging to see that amongst companies that had sustainability elements in their pre-Covid19 travel policy, well over half of those expect the sustainability policies to be strengthened or enhanced in the next 18 months.”

Uniglobe Travel agencies worldwide will continue to consult with their clients on their evolving travel policy and will now use this survey report and data, along with other Uniglobe resources, to do so.

See Uniglobe Corporate Travel Policy Survey results and key findings attached.

About Uniglobe Travel

With a global network of local travel agencies across more than 60 countries, Uniglobe Travel leverages current technologies and preferred pricing to deliver leading edge travel management services with a local, customer-centric approach. With a focus on small and medium business travel as well as leisure, our goal is to drive success through better travel.

Uniglobe Travel was founded in 1981 by U. Gary Charlwood, CEO, and is headquartered in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. It generates annual system-wide sales of circa $5 billion (pre-Covid19).

More news about Uniglobe.

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Media contact: [email protected]

Chai Nat takes visitors on a journey back in time

June 30, 2020 by Forimmediaterelease

At first glance, this spot in Central Thailand looks like any other town situated far from Thailand’s capital city. The roads are not as busy, and the buildings are not as tall and the noise is not as loud, but it is happy with the way it is, and with good reason. It played an important role in the creation of the nation, rightly proud of its history and its preservation of Thai tradition and culture.

Chai Nat takes visitors on a journey back in time

A visit to the Sapphaya Old Police Station Community Market, especially on the first week of every weekend, is a must. It is only then that the community’s riverside street is closed to traffic and local stalls are set up. Tourists can enjoy various seasonal activities and events, many of which revolve around food. If you happen to be a dessert-lover, try the ‘Kui Lee’ sesame seed snack, an old recipe handed down by generations since the reign of King Rama VI.

Chai Nat Bird Park features the largest aviary in Asia with over 100 bird species that live and flourish in natural surroundings. It is considered a major attraction and learning centre for bird species residing in or around Chai Nat province. Anyone driving into Chai Nat should immediately notice the numerous large bird sculptures on the road along the way. Chai Nat Bird Park is loaded with these bird statues that were part of a 1985 government campaign to rid rice fields of invasive rat-like pests.

The important history of the province is also on display at the Chai Nat Muni National Museum, an historical museum that houses many old artefacts and relics from the surrounding area. Exhibits includes celadon Buddha images, tools and ornaments ranging from the Dvaravati period to the Rattanakosin period and Buddhist votive tablets, which date from the same time. There are also Thai and Chinese ceramics on display at the museum.

The city’s Khun San statue depicts one of the heroic Bang Rachan folk leaders who fought against the Burmese during the Ayutthaya period. It is taken for granted that he was a Sankhaburi resident who came to volunteer for the fight with his image standing proudly in front of the Sankhaburi district office.

Chai Nat is also home to Thailand’s first large-scale dam, Chao Phraya Dam, located at the bend of Bang Krabian River. With a total length of 237.5 metres and a height of 16.5 metres, this reinforced concrete dam is built across flowing water and consists of 16 spillways.

Temple lovers can have a memorable day out in Chai Nat. The destination is rich in both living temples and ancient ruins.

Wat Patommatedsana Aranyawasi is tucked into a hillside offering panoramic Chai Nat town viewpoints that are beautiful both day and night while showcasing features of the stunning Phra Puttha Ariya Thammo, a large and beautiful Man Vichai Sukhothai-style Buddha image.

Wat Partumtharam was built in 1822 and was formerly known as Wat Nong Bua because the village area had a swamp and a lot of lotuses. The interesting attractions of the temple are a wihan housing Buddha images, lifelike statues of Luangpu Suk, Prince of Chumphon, and Luangpho Chat, a former abbot.

Wat Mahathat is an old temple located by the Noi River, 20 kilometres southeast of Chai Nat. The temple was part of an ancient city dating back to the Dvaravati period. It houses ruined chapels with seated Buddha images and a distinguish Lop Buri-style chedi with a fluted spire like the petal of a star apple.

Wat Phra Kaeo was likely first constructed around 1354 during the reign of Sukhothai’s King Li Thai (1347-68) when the area was under Sukhothai’s control. The temple was formerly the home of a sect of forest dwelling monks, who were commonly known as aranyawasi, or literally ‘forest dwellers’, as they sought dharma in quiet contemplation in natural surroundings.

Because of its rich history and links to the Burmese wars, temple ruins dot the landscape all around Chai Nat province. Some of the most interesting are Wat Tan Chan, Wat Singh Sathit, Wat Panich Wana Ram, Wat Thammikawat, Wat Song Phi Nong, Wat Khaotapra, Wat Bot, Song Sawoei, Thammamun Wora Wihan, Pak Khlong Makham Thao, Wat Klai Kangwon, Phra Borommathat Wora Wihan, Wat Intharam, Wat Don Tam Kamalawat, Wat Phichainawat and Wat Si Samoson to name just a few.

One final place of interest is Meuang Thao U Thong Island and Krachap Yai Swamp. It is considered a nature lover’s paradise located on 120 rai of land. It has become an important fish breeding habitat that is part of local legend and often referred to as a ‘holy land’ for its abundance of fish.

Located about two hours away from Bangkok by road, Chai Nat is reachable by train, taxi, minivan, and bus with buses leaving Bangkok’s Mo Chit 2 Northern Bus Terminal daily from between 5:00 a.m. to 5:50 p.m.

Emirates resumes on-ground services for premium customers

June 30, 2020 by Forimmediaterelease

Dubai, UAE, 30 June 2020 – From 1 July, Emirates’ premium customers can once again enjoy the airline’s signature Chauffeur Drive service (CDS) and airport lounge at its Dubai hub with the restart of these services following a full health and safety review.

Emirates has implemented a comprehensive set of measures at every step of the customer journey to ensure the safety of its customers and employees.

To start, Emirates will open one lounge in Terminal 3 Concourse B, Dubai International Airport (DXB) to serve First Class, Business Class and eligible Emirates Skywards members from 1000hrs on 1^st July. Lounge guests will enter through biometric gates using facial recognition to reduce contact. More Emirates lounges in Dubai and around the world are planned to be opened in the coming months.

The 9,209 square metre space in DXB will offer Emirates’ premium customers a quiet haven to relax and recharge prior their flights, operating with a reduced seating capacity and increased space between each occupied seat to aid social distancing. Masks are mandatory in the lounge, as in the airport.

Lounge facilities and amenities have been modified to ensure customer comforts are offered in keeping with the highest health and safety standards, reducing contact and risk of infection. Food in the lounge are now offered in hygienically sealed meal boxes, including vegetarian options, instead of a buffet offering. Complimentary beverages, including spirits, will be offered in single serve bottles. Wine and champagne, served from shared bottles, will be temporarily unavailable.

The lounge will be sanitised and fumigated at the end of each day. In addition, throughout the day, lounge employees will sanitise each seat and table after each customer leaves. Emirates Lounge employees will wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for the customers’, as well as their own protection.

On 1 July, Emirates will also resume its complimentary Chauffeur Drive service for First and Business Class customers in Dubai and other cities. The cars in Dubai are cleaned and disinfected inside and out at the end of each shift. The drivers in Dubai will wear masks and gloves, and stringent checks are in place to ensure the drivers are fit for work. The “high touch” points of the vehicle such as door handles, and the handles of each customer’s luggage will be sanitised at the end of the trip. Child car seats are available on request and are disinfected and then shrink wrapped after each use. Each car will be limited to 3 customers and masks are mandatory for passengers in Dubai. Larger vehicles, which can accommodate 4 passengers, are available on request.

At the airport, multiple measures have been put in place to ensure the health and safety of travellers including the distribution of complimentary hygiene kits containing masks, gloves, hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes to all customers. Dubai International airport also employs enhanced disinfecting and deep cleaning throughout the terminal.

On board, premium customers continue to enjoy luxurious privacy in Emirates’ First Class Suites and spacious comfort on Emirates’ Business Class lie-flat seats, with the assurance of the highest levels of hygiene. To mitigate contact in the cabin, onboard services have been modified and social areas including the A380 onboard lounge are closed. Cabin crew are dressed in PPEs and Emirates has also added a cabin service assistant (CSA) to the crew complement on flights over 1.5 hours to ensure lavatories are cleaned at frequent intervals.

Emirates’ modern aircraft cabins have been fitted with advanced HEPA air filters which remove 99.97% of viruses and eliminate dust, allergens and germs from cabin air for a healthier and safer on-board environment. After its journey and on landing in Dubai, each aircraft will go through enhanced cleaning and disinfection processes to ensure safety and proper sanitation.

For more information on these measures and the services available on each flight, visit: www.emirates.com/yoursafety

Network: Emirates currently serves over 50 destinations in its network, facilitating additional travel options through a convenient connection in Dubai for customers across the world, while undertaking extensive measures to ensure the health and safety of customers and employees.

Customers from Emirates’ network will also now be able to travel to Dubai as the city opens for business and leisure visitors from 7 July, with new air travel protocols that facilitate travel for UAE citizens, residents and tourists while safeguarding the health and safety of visitors and communities.

Travel restrictions: Customers are reminded that travel restrictions remain in place, and travellers will only be accepted on flights if they comply with the eligibility and entry criteria requirements of their destination countries. Visit: www.emirates.com/wherewefly. Visitors to Dubai should hold an international health insurance policy covering illness from Covid-19 for the duration of their stay. More information on entry requirements for international visitors to Dubai can be found here.

Returning Dubai residents can check the latest requirements at: www.emirates.com/returntoDubai

Archives for June 2020

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