Sandals is bringing an exclusive proposal package to the world’s most romantic building for Valentine’s Day.

Sandals Resorts International, the leading all-inclusive resort brand, has joined forces with the team behind the Empire State Building to create perfect proposals for couples in love.

The ‘Happily Ever Empire Engagement Package’ is bookable at the Empire State Building and includes priority access and a private tour of the Observatory with celebratory champagne. Those who book from February 10-14 will be gifted a four-night, five-day luxury all-inclusive stay at a Sandals Resort of their choice – including the all-new Sandals Dunn’s River which opens in Ocho Rios, Jamaica in May. What’s more, those who book will also receive a $250 credit at Kleinfeld Bridal, home to the most coveted wedding dresses in New York. The ‘Happily Ever Empire Engagement Package’ is limited to five bookings per day.

Couples not quite ready to ring the wedding bells can join in on the romance too. From February 10-14, visitors to the Empire State Building Observatory Experience can enter to win a four-night, five-day stay from Sandals Resorts when they post a photo from the special Valentine’s Day photo corner on the 86^th Floor Observatory and tag @sandalsresorts on Instagram.

“It’s the season of romance and as a brand founded on all things love, Sandals Resorts is here to remind couples of the importance of celebrating love.”

Luisana Suegart, director of public relations for the worldwide representatives of Sandals Resorts, added: “Recent studies from our Institute of Romance found that a key ingredient in thriving relationships is making the time for connection, with couples feeling closest to each other while on vacation and, forget the chocolates, most agreeing that a getaway is the most romantic gift. Gifting these special couples an idyllic Caribbean escape is our way of celebrating such an important milestone.”

“The reimagined Observatory at the World’s Most Romantic Building draws visitors from around the world for an authentic experience in the heart of New York City.”

Jean-Yves Ghazi, president of the Empire State Building Observatory, also said, “Our remarkable views provide visitors with the perfect backdrop for an over-the-top date or proposal.”

For added romance, visitors who purchase tickets to the Empire State Building online throughout the month of February will receive 10% off online orders from Magnolia Bakery, 25% off Valentine’s Day flowers from FTD Flowers, and 20% off online orders from Tony’s Chocolonely from Feb. 6-14. On Valentine’s Day 2023, the Empire State Building’s world-famous tower lights will shine in a pink heartbeat as a Valentine’s Day gift to New York City.

About Sandals® Resorts

Sandals® Resorts offers two people in love the most romantic, Luxury Included® vacation experience in the Caribbean. With 16 stunning beachfront settings in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, and a 17^th location coming to Jamica May 2023, Sandals Resorts offers more quality inclusions than any other resort company on the planet. Signature Love Nest Butler Suites® for the ultimate in privacy and service; butlers trained by the Guild of Professional English Butlers; the Red Lane Spa®; 5-Star Global Gourmet™ dining, ensuring top-shelf liquor, premium wines, and gourmet specialty restaurants; Aqua Centers with expert PADI® certification and training; fast Wi-Fi from beach to bedroom and Sandals Customizable Weddings are all Sandals Resorts exclusives. Sandals Resorts guarantees guests peace of mind from arrival to departure with the Sandals Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness, the company’s enhanced health and safety measures designed to give guests the utmost confidence when vacationing in the Caribbean. Sandals Resorts is part of family-owned Sandals Resorts International (SRI), founded by the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart, which includes Beaches Resorts and is the Caribbean’s leading all-inclusive resort company. For more information about the Sandals Resorts Luxury Included® difference, visit sandals.com. 

Media Contact:

The Decker/Royal Agency

[email protected]

Japan Association of Travel Agents working hard on returning Japanese tourists to international travel with focus on Guam, Taiwan, & Korea.

During their visit to Guam from February 4-7, 2023, the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) Chairman, Hiroyuki Takahashi, and 8 board members conveyed this message to Acting Governor Josh Tenorio and the Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB).

Guam is anticipated to receive over 130,000 Japanese visitors for Fiscal Year 2023. While those projections are conservative, the renewed commitment by JATA and Guam’s airline partners to promote Guam makes the return of the Japan market very promising. Guam is looking to see an overall increase in arrivals by the end of the fiscal year with 670,000 visitors (+104% from FY22) with airlines and travel agents working alongside GVB to encourage outbound travel.

“The return of the Japan market is promising and was clearly underscored in our meetings with JATA leadership this past week,” said Acting Governor Josh Tenorio. “We are reassured by their commitment to prioritizing Guam and the work being done on their end to restore Japan arrivals to pre-pandemic levels. With a strong push for increased flights as well as programs and educational campaigns, we are optimistic for the next big wave of tourism to reach our shores from the Japan market.”

Aggressive recovery anticipated for Guam

In addition to Acting Governor Tenorio, JATA officials met with Consul-General of Japan Toshiyaki Kobayashi and held their first overseas executive board meeting, which has not been held since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Takahashi reinforced his organization’s commitment that Guam is being prioritized as one of the US destinations they will continue to promote for various tourism programs and campaigns.

“There are still several challenges ahead of us, such as a weaker yen, higher travel cost, soaring commodity prices in each destination, and the typical Japanese mentality of cautiousness about safety and security,” said JATA Chairman Takahashi. “Even though the speed of recovery for overseas travel in Japan has been slightly slower than we initially expected, we, JATA, will lead the recovery of Japan’s overseas travel market in order to achieve a rapid recovery in the number of travelers to Guam in cooperation with the Guam Visitors Bureau and its members.”

Return of JAL flights, student market on the table

The JATA board will look into developing the once-thriving Japanese student market for Guam, airline partnerships to include the return of flights from Japan Airlines in the spring, and sustainable development goals. They also spoke about travel restrictions in Japan lifting further on May 8, which would downgrade COVID-19 to be on the same level as the seasonal cold and flu.

“We thank JATA for deciding to visit us and having their board meeting on Guam. Along with Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio, we warmly welcomed Board Chairman Takahashi and the rest of the JATA board and feel their visit will gain good attention to help boost Guam’s tourism industry,” said GVB President & CEO Carl T.C. Gutierrez. “Our long-standing partnership with JATA to develop and grow the Japan market is evident through the last several decades as they also seek to improve the quality of services for travelers to and from Japan. We look forward to their continued partnership as we both work toward the full recovery of tourism in our respective destinations.”

About JATA

JATA is the association sanctioned by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism in Japan. The organization contributes to the development of the travel and tourism industry through a variety of activities including disseminating information, encouraging cooperation among members, and promoting the development of businesses and legislation that will benefit the membership and the industry at large.

SEEN IN MAIN IMAGE:  JATA Chairman Hiroyuki Takahashi and Acting Governor Josh Tenorio shake hands at Government House during JATA’s courtesy visit. – image courtesy of GVB

Media Contact:

JOSH TYQUIENGCO

Public Information Officer

GUAM VISITORS BUREAU

Office: (671) 646-5278 

[email protected]  

Uniglobe Travel is pleased to welcome 3 TMCs from UK, Canada (2 locations), and Turkey, to the Uniglobe global network.

“In today’s changing environment, TMCs are looking to be part of a dependable global travel network and brand that gives them a competitive advantage”, says Martin Charlwood, President & COO, Uniglobe Travel International, Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.  It’s about ensuring that our members offer the best local service, knowledge, and expertise in the countries they serve.  The market intelligence and trusted relationships they bring to Uniglobe Travel will be of great benefit to our members when coordinating business and/or leisure travel.” 

“The Uniglobe Travel network is designed for top performing Travel Management Companies (TMCs).”

“The program allows TMCs to enjoy the benefits of combining their own locally established and recognized brand with the global brand of Uniglobe Travel,” says Amanda Close, VP Global Operations, Uniglobe Travel International. “Some of the benefits include:

• access to leading edge technology, including Uniglobe Travel proprietary solutions – Website, Traveller App, Client Portal
• collaboration of multi-location corporate accounts
• access to technology that provides easy, fast, integrated and efficient access to, and comparison of, global published and private fare content and availability which provides significant fare savings for customers 
• Uniglobe Preferred Hotel programs that can access rates and benefits for hotels around the world
• collaboration with Uniglobe specialists in MICE, Marine and Sports   
• Preferred Suppliers and Vendors that provide products and services that enables members to grow their business  
• access to the Uniglobe Intranet which provides agencies with the ability to communicate and network with other Uniglobe members and access to a library of resources to manage and grow their business.”

About UNIGLOBE Travel

With global oversight, The Uniglobe Travel organization has locations in more than 60 countries across the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East operating under a well-recognized brand, common system and servicing standards. For more than 40 years, corporate and leisure travelers have depended on the Uniglobe Travel brand to deliver services that go beyond expectations. Uniglobe Travel was founded by U. Gary Charlwood, CEO and has its world headquarters in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. 

Uniglobe Travel International LP is a subsidiary of the Charlwood Pacific Group, which also owns Century 21 Canada, Century 21 Asia/Pacific, Centum Financial Group Inc. and Real Property Management Canada. For more information about Uniglobe Travel, please visit Uniglobe.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: [email protected]

Rodeo season is back in Houston and Blossom Hotel Houston, a special Rodeo Package for pure down-home fun.

Conveniently located only a few miles from NRG Park, Blossom Hotel Houston, a luxury hotel offering guests an authentic Houston hospitality experience, has a unique Rodeo Package that includes a Lyft credit, so guests do not need to worry about parking at the stadium and can enjoy the show at ease.

Available to book during the duration of the rodeo, the package includes the following:

• Special room rate.
• Complimentary self-parking for duration of stay (for 1 vehicle).
• 2 complimentary cocktails at the Rendezvous Lobby Lounge.
• A $20 Lyft credit to travel between the hotel and NRG. The credit will be provided upon check-in for guests to use when reserving their ride via the Lyft app.

For guests who are looking for additional activities for after a day at the rodeo, Blossom is close to several of Houston’s other top attractions such as Hermann Park, the Museum District, and Rice Village. At Hermann Park, guests can explore the celebrated Japanese Garden and attend free performances at Miller Outdoor Theater. Additionally, there are many great restaurants around including Goode Company BBQ, Sixty Vines, Kata Robata, and the famous Breakfast Club.

Blossom Hotel Houston is proud to be in the Top 3 of all Houston hotels on both TripAdvisor and Expedia, demonstrating its commitment to excellence and exceptional hospitality.

Blossom Hotel Houston is the newest luxury property located in the heart of Bayou City. Whether traveling for business or leisure, you will enjoy the lunar-inspired property for its stellar culinary offerings, luxurious amenities and services, spacious guestrooms, a rooftop pool with expansive views, and a plethora of event and meeting spaces fit for every occasion.

Conveniently located, guests can enjoy the diversity of Houston by exploring via a complimentary Mercedes-Benz shuttle to nearby attractions such as NRG Stadium, Texas Medical Center, the Houston Zoo, Museum District, Rice University/Rice Village, and numerous world-class restaurants (within 3 miles radius and subject to availability).

MEDIA CONTACT:  Hwee Peng Yeo, Executive VP, Glodow Nead Communications, US: 415-394-6500, [email protected]

Sandals Resorts is the parent company of the Caribbean’s leading luxury all-inclusive resort brands, Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts.

Sandals Resorts International (SRI) has 24 properties in Jamaica, Antigua, the Bahamas, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, Curaçao, and Turks and Caicos.

Through the integration of GIATA DRIVE which specializes in automated hotel content management, in partnership with Unique Travel Corp, worldwide representative for Sandals Resorts International, SRI’s most up-to-date hotel content – including resort descriptions, images, and factsheets – will be further seamlessly showcased to international guests.

The content management system will help to support and enhance Sandals Resorts International’s extensive reach and promote their offerings to millions of holidaymakers who are searching for luxury Caribbean accommodations.

Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts, Adam Stewart, said: “With these specialized premium content solutions and distribution capabilities, the distribution of verified cleansed information accentuates the best customer journey possible and will help increase the visibility and accessibility of Sandals Resorts’ offering across an extensive global network of 20,000+ channels.

“For forty years, Sandals has created vacation experiences that match the most incredible moments of our guests lives.”

“You have placed your trust in us and you have our word, we’ll continue to earn it.”

Sandals Resorts International

Founded in 1981 by the late Jamaican entrepreneur, Gordon “Butch” Stewart, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) is the parent company of some of travel’s most recognizable brands. The company operates 24 all-inclusive properties throughout the Caribbean under four separate brands including: Sandals® Resorts, the Luxury Included® brand for adult couples with locations in Jamaica, Antigua, the Bahamas, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia and Curaçao; Beaches® Resorts, the Luxury Included® concept designed for everyone but especially families, with properties in Turks & Caicos and Jamaica, and another opening in St. Vincent and the Grenadines; private island Fowl Cay Resort; and the private homes of Your Jamaican Villas. Family-owned and operated, Sandals Resorts International is the largest private employer in the region. 

For more information about Sandals Resorts visit sandalsresorts.com.

For more information about Beaches Resorts visit beaches.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: 1-888-SANDALS, [email protected]