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Beaches Resorts Debuts the All New Beaches Negril

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Sandals Resorts International is excited to announce that Beaches Negril, voted the most awarded resort for families in Negril, has completed an array of enhancements, making it the newest and trendiest resort for families everywhere. The new Beaches Negril offers guests the most spectacular interior décor, furnishings and fixtures in all of its modern rooms, including the resort’s luxurious walkout suites: the Tropical Beachfront Three-Bedroom Walkout Grand Butler Family Suite and the Tropical Beachfront One-Bedroom Walkout Grand Concierge Family Suite.

The Walkout Grand Butler Family Suite features the most beautiful beachfront views imaginable, three bedrooms, four full bathrooms with a bathtub and shower, and a living room leading out to a private walkout patio for guests to bask in the tropical garden and beach views. The Walkout Grand Concierge Family Suite is conveniently just steps from the main pool, offering a king-size bed, spacious living room with French doors leading out to the patio, two pullout sofas, a trundle bed and two beautifully designed marble bathrooms. In addition to the reimagined walkout suites, Beaches Negril is also introducing its new and improved family rooms – the Grand Luxe Family Rooms. These rooms feature either a king-size bed and single pullout sofa bed or two double beds to choose from, while offering a beautiful tropical garden view for families. 

Just last year, Beaches Negril kicked off the cosmetic upgrades by introducing nine new luxurious rooms and suites for guests, giving them even more family-friendly accommodation options to choose from that each radiate sophistication. These new suites included: the Negril Luxury Double, which is situated near a variety of restaurants and the main pool, offering stunning views of lush gardens from a private patio or balcony; the Tropical Beachfront Two-Bedroom Grand Butler Family Suite, which boasts two bedrooms, three full bathrooms and a living room that leads out to a private balcony overlooking the resort’s tropical gardens, and seven equally other amazing suites to choose from.

Aside from its reimagined luxurious room accommodations, Beaches Negril offers more quality 5-Star inclusions than any other family-resort in the Caribbean. From 5-Star Global Gourmet™ dining at nine restaurants, including trendy Mexican cuisine at El Mariachi or delicious frozen yogurt at Yoyo’s, to nonstop action at the 18,000 square-foot Pirates Island Waterpark, to the Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street® themed activities, and to a wide variety of unlimited water and land sports, Beaches Negril has been named Jamaica’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort by the World Travel Awards for a reason.

Not to mention, Beaches Negril truly is the resort for everyone, as Beaches® Resorts attained the Advanced Certified Autism Center (ACAC) designation by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This certification allows Beaches Negril to offer families with children on the spectrum a myriad of specialized services, engaging activities and custom dining options so that all families can enjoy a memorable, Luxury Included® vacation experience.

To learn more about the fully renovated, all-inclusive Beaches Negril, please visit https://www.beaches.com/resorts/negril/. For a list of current deals and resort specials please visit https://www.beaches.com/deals/resort-specials/.

MEDIA CONTACT: Alexa Mechanic alexa.mechanic@ketchum.com 646-935-3999

Sandals & Beaches Resorts Launch Layaway & Playaway Program

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The Luxury Included® resort company is excited to announce their new Layaway & Playaway program, a no fees and no interest payment plan designed to break up the cost into three to 24 installments until the Sandals or Beaches vacation is paid in full. Sandals and Beaches are committed to making the all-inclusive vacation experience as worry-free and seamless as possible and are thrilled to offer guests more payment flexibility to foster a smooth payment process. 

Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ Layaway & Playaway program operates, as follows:

  • Book your Luxury Included® vacation and pay required deposit from $49 per person
  • Select payment installment option (3-24 months)
  • Automatically charge a card on file every 30 days
  • Pay off balance 45 days prior to travel
  • Enjoy paradise at one of Sandals and Beaches’ 18 resorts in the Caribbean!

To book a Luxury Included® vacation at any Sandals or Beaches Resort utilizing the new Layaway & Playaway program, please visit https://www.sandals.com/ or https://www.beaches.com/ .

MEDIA CONTACT: alexa.mechanic@ketchum.com 646-935-3999

Celebrate the New Year with Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ Deal of the Decade

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Guests can kick off 2020 with offers that elevate the Luxury Included® vacation

Sandals® Resorts and Beaches® Resorts are excited to announce their New Year’s Sale, which will help guests Save More, “Sea” More and Relax More in the new decade. Now through January 3, 2020, guests who book a Luxury Included® vacation of six nights or more at any Sandals or Beaches Resort, for travel now through December 26, 2021, can receive bonus add-ons that will help couples and families make special memories together.

Qualifying Sandals bookings will receive a luxurious 30-minute couples massage at the award-winning Red Lane® Spa, which is inspired by the beauty and scents of the Caribbean, along with a Catamaran Cruise for two at select Sandals Resorts and Instant Savings based on room category. Qualifying Beaches bookings will receive a relaxing 30-minute massage, an exhilarating Catamaran Cruise for all occupants and Instant Savings based on room category.

Guests staying at Sandals Emerald Bay and Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa will receive an $150 Tour Credit instead of the Catamaran Cruise for two.

The Instant Savings by room category are as follows:

  • Sandals Resorts
    • $250 Instant Savings for Luxury Level Rooms
    • $500 Instant Savings for Club Level Rooms
    • $750 Instant Savings for Love Nest Butler Level Rooms
  • Beaches Resorts
    • $250 Instant Savings for Luxury Level Rooms
    • $500 Instant Savings for Club Level Rooms
    • $750 Instant Savings for Butler and Together Nest Butler Level Rooms

Guests must apply the code NEWYEAR20 to redeem the New Year’s promotion. Please note that this offer is valid for new bookings only, and blackout dates apply.

For more information on Sandals Resorts’ New Year’s Sale, please click here.

For more information on Beaches Resorts’ New Year’s Sale, please click here.

For more news about Sandals, please click here.

MEDIA CONTACT: Alexa Mechanic, alexa.mechanic@ketchum.com 646-935-3999

Sandals & Beaches Resorts Hold Sandals Select Runcation Reggae Marathon LIV+ Event

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Sandals Select guests turned their vacation into a “Runcation” for the 19th annual Reggae Marathon in Negril, Jamaica

The Luxury Included® resort company recently concluded their Sandals Select LIV+ Runcation event planned around the 19th annual Reggae Marathon on December 8, 2019, in Negril, Jamaica. Thanks to an exclusive LIV+ package, Sandals Select guests staying at Sandals Negril and Beaches Negril could participate in Jamaica’s premier marathon, half marathon and 10K race situated along Negril’s famed 7-mile white sand beach while enjoying Luxury Included® perks along the way.

The LIV+ Runcation event, which took place from December 5-10, kicked off with a special welcome cocktail reception for runners to mix and mingle while picking up their Reggae Marathon packets and Sandals Select Team swag. To carbo-load before the big race, guests indulged in a pasta party at Sandals Negril’s delicious Cucina Romana. After completing   the race, runners headed to the Finish Line Beach Bash & Award Ceremony hosted by the Reggae Marathon, before unwinding at a post-marathon massage and “Spa-ty” with Sandals and Beaches’ award-winning Red Lane® Spa. Guests were then treated to a special awards dinner at Sandals Negril’s Bayside Restaurant before enjoying a full day dedicated to rest, relaxation and recovery. With over a dozen participants from North America and Europe, Sandals Select guests ran in all distances – the full marathon, half and 10K – with one participant in her late 60s notably completing her 46th half marathon, inspiring and motivating the entire group.

Sandals Select Rewards – Sandals and Beaches® Resorts premier rewards program – offers guests the chance to earn points redeemable toward future and free stays, special recognition and VIP gifts, amazing discounts and access to exclusive LIV+ packages like the Sandals Select Runcation event. Sandals® Resorts recently made enrolling in Sandals Select Rewards Program more attainable than ever by allowing anyone to join without previous bookings, making these exclusive add-ons just a click away.

Next year’s Sandals Select Runcation Reggae Marathon LIV+ event will take place December 3-8, 2020, for the 20th annual Reggae Marathon on December 6. For more information on next year’s Sandals Select event, please click here. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Alexa Mechanic for additional information or to arrange an interview with a spokesperson. 646-935-3999. alexa.mechanic@ketchum.com

Visa waiver leads to spike in bookings to Brazil

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Brazil’s visa waiver policy announced in March is already generating positive results. Recent data from a study done by Amadeus Group shows a significant increase in the number of reservations made in the United States, as well as in Canada, Japan and Australia, the other three other countries benefiting from the new policy. Amadeus is one of the 10 largest technology companies in the world and one of the three largest in the travel segment.

In the United States, the increase was 53% in the number of trips confirmed for June and 97% in July compared to the same period of last year. In Canada, growth was 86% for June, 54% for July and, expressive, 135% for August this year.

“The numbers show that visa exemptions for strategic countries are a good measure, which generates jobs and income in Brazil. It is time for the country to take advantage of all its tourism potential”, said Marcelo Alvaro Antonio, the Brazilian Minister of Tourism.

Here are some suggestions of amazing destinations in Brazil for all tastes:

• Historic Cities: If you like your vacations with a heavy dose of culture, Brazil should definitely be on your list. We have several historic cities, with a heritage dating back to its colonial period. In Minas Gerais State, you can find cities like Ouro Preto and Diamantina – the center of gold mining in Brazil in the 18th century. In the Northeast state of Bahia, you will find Salvador, the first capital of Brazil, and a city that also has a rich history of its African heritage. A few miles from Salvador, in the State of Pernambuco, you will find the city of Olinda. Founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century, the city is linked to the sugar cane industry, with gorgeous Baroque churches, convents, and views to die for.

• Sun and Beach: With more than four thousand miles of coast, its exuberant nature bordering the beaches with coconut trees, and tropical forests, Brazil has options for all travelers looking to spend time outdoors. Most know the famous urban beaches of Rio de Janeiro, Florianópolis or Fortaleza, but there are also small beach towns like Trancoso, Boipeba, and Jericoacoara that can offer unique spots to get a tan. You can even find a stretch of sand in the Amazon, in the beaches near Manaus, along the Rio Negro.

• National Parks: Brazil’s natural beauties go beyond beaches and forests. The country is also blessed with great diversity, which includes waterfalls, canyons, wetlands and many different types of ecosystems throughout its many national parks. Think- Iguazu Falls, one of the most important forest reserves in South America. Another highlight is the Pantanal, in the central region of the country, home to hundreds of endangered species. And of course, the Amazon Rainforest.

Travel News | eTurboNews

A new Tourism potential in Tanzania: The Southern Circuit

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A new Tourism potential is about to be unlocked In Tanzania. All roads and international air routes will in the near future, be leading to the Southern circuit, as the tour operators have major plans to open new tourism revenue streams.

Complimenting the Government’s drive to transform the Southern tourism circuit, the key tourism players are currently scouting for apt partners to invest heavily in accommodations as part of a strategy to open up the area for travel.

It is understood, the Fifth Government under President Dr John Pombe Magufuli is working overtime to put up hardware infrastructures as it seeks to unleash the full economic potential of the area.

Impressed by the government move to designate Iringa as the Southern circuit hub, Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) last week deployed a delegation led by its Vice-Chairman, Mr Henry Kimambo to identify new potential members in its effort to establish a chapter in the area to cater for the entire Southern circuit.

“We want to replicate the best practices from the northern tourism circuit to Southern shred,” Mr Kimambo told the tour operators in Iringa during the engagement meeting.

He revealed that TATO plans to bring its services close to its members in Southern circuit, comprising Morogoro, Iringa, Njombe and Mbeya anytime soon.

This implies that the 36-year-old advocacy agency for a multi-billion dollar industry, with its base in northern safari capital of Arusha, will soon have a liaison office in Iringa to take care its Southern circuit members.

Mr Kimambo said that his association was aware that the Southern circuit based tour operators not only have their own different issues but also need strong ties with their northern tourism circuit peers if the tourism potential is to be unleashed.

Presenting the benefits before the Southern Circuit tour operators, TATO Chief Executive Officer, Mr Sirili Akko said lobbying and advocacy is a core service offered by his association.

“Members enjoy the conducive business environment as TATO represent a collective voice for private tour operators in lobbying and advocate towards the common goal of improving the business climate in Tanzania” Mr Akko explained.

TATO also provides unparalleled networking opportunities for its members, allowing individuals tour operators or company to connect with their peers, mentors, and other industry leaders and policymakers.

As a member, one is in the unique position to attend conventions, seminars, award dinners and other related events with like-minded professionals in the field. These events are attended by the brightest minds and are a hotbed of ideas and collaborative efforts.

“An association’s annual General meeting represents an incredible opportunity for members to meet and network with the largest gathering of their peers during the year” Mr Sirili explained.

TATO also trains its members on key issues such as labour laws, tax compliance, corporate social responsibility, conservation issues, among others, he noted.

As if that was not enough, TATO members also enjoy the service of having a platform where they channel their operational or policy related challenges to the government for a solution.

Members are also bonded together as they advocate for their peers and share their challenges and triumphs with one another, TATO CEO explained.

“Indeed, TATO provides members with a competitive advantage because they become active, informed members of their industry” Mr Sirili said, stressing that his members also get updates on all issues on tourism and related sectors by providing resources, information, and opportunities they might not have had otherwise.

Thanks to USAID PROTECT Project for building the capacity of TATO, an umbrella organization with over 300 members, for it to become an efficient advocacy agency for the tourism sector.

Project coordinator, Mr Jumapili Chenga said the scaling up membership base for TATO is one of his scheme’s components.

Iringa Region Tourism Officer, Ms Hawa Mwichaga was grateful that at the long last a strategy to unlock the Southern tourism circuit has stepped up a gear.

Tour operators from Iringa, Mbeya and other regions namely Ernest Luwala, Nancy Mfugale, Modestus Mdemu, Serafina Lanzi supported the idea of joining TATO as a concrete step to spur tourism in southern circuit.

Natural Resources and Tourism Ministry’s officer-in-charge for Southern Circuit, Ms Tully Kulanya said her zone has a great potential for tourism business.

“The Southern Parks are the perfect destinations for travelers looking for plentiful and rare wildlife in a remote area of Africa” Ms Kulanya noted.

The national parks namely Mikumi, Udzungwa, Kitulo Ruaha, as well as Selous Game Reserve, have fewer visitors and give the feeling of being all-alone. Activities include game drives in open vehicles, boat safaris, and walking safaris. These safaris include flights between the parks.

Tanzania’s earnings from tourism jumped 7.13 percent in 2018, helped by an increase in arrivals from foreign visitors, the government has said.

Tourism is the main source of hard currency in Tanzania, best known for its beaches, wildlife safaris and Mount Kilimanjaro.

Revenues from tourism fetched $2.43 billion for the year, up from $2.19 billion in 2017, Prime Minister, Mr Kassim Majaliwa said in a presentation to parliament.

Tourist arrivals totaled 1.49 million in 2018, compared with 1.33 million a year ago, Majaliwa said.

President John Magufuli’s government said it wants to bring in 2 million visitors a year by 2020.

Travel News | eTurboNews

Vietjet launches Hong Kong-Phu Quoc route

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New-age carrier Vietjet has officially launched Hong Kong – Phu Quoc route, making it the first airline to operate the direct services between the two destinations, contributing positively to the promotion of air travel and trade between Vietnam and Hong Kong as well as across the region. This is also Vietjet’s second route to Hong Kong from Vietnam following its Ho Chi Minh City – Hong Kong route. Passengers on the special inaugural flights surprisingly received lovely souvenirs from Vietjet.

The Hong Kong – Phu Quoc route will operate return flights with a frequency of four flights per week, starting from April 19, 2019. With a flight time of 2 hours and 45 minutes per leg, the flight departs Phu Quoc at 10:50 in the morning and lands in Hong Kong at 14:35. The return flight departs from Hong Kong at 15:40 and arrives in Phu Quoc at 17:25 (all local times).

Known as “the Pearl Island”, Phu Quoc is the biggest island in Vietnam. As one of the most talked-about tourism destinations in Asia with beautiful beaches and friendly local people, Phu Quoc has attracted strong levels of investment in hotels and resorts in recent years and become one of the most popular holiday destinations in Vietnam. Adding to the island’s appeal, international travelers are exempt from visas for visits of 30 days or less. Hong Kong people can enjoy the beach holiday in this resort paradise.

With a network of 113 routes, Vietjet operates safe flights with a technical reliability rate of 99.64% — the highest rate in the Asia Pacific region.

Travel News | eTurboNews

Top 10 sustainable places to stay around the world revealed

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Travel is not just about seeing the wonders of the earth but understanding our impact upon it. With increasing frequency, people are looking to make the shift from “tourist” to “conscious traveler” by finding ways to maximize positive impacts on the locations they visit. Making thoughtful choices about how, when, and where you go on a vacation can make a significant difference. So, this Earth Day, travel experts analyzed over eight million traveler reviews from last year to find the key hot spots for eco-travelers.

Delving deep into sentiment, the global data showed the 10 best places to stay around the world, as reviewed by Expedia travelers. From boutiques with beehives and resorts with rainwater recycling, to grand urban retreats with solar cell power, many of these amazing places show that luxury and sustainability are not mutually exclusive.
Additionally, the experts highlighted the top countries with the best reviewed eco-conscious accommodations, with the USA topping the charts.

Top 10 eco-friendly stays

1.Sandos Caracol Eco Resort, Mexico
2.Nomad Hotel Roissy CDG, Paris, France
3.Siloso Beach Resort, Sentosa, Singapore
4.Habitat Suites, Austin, Texas
5.Pakasai Resort, Krabi, Thailand
6.PARKROYAL on Pickering, Singapore
7.The Green House, Bournemouth, UK
8.Listel Hotel, Vancouver, Canada
9.Hotel Verde, Cape Town, South Africa
10.Sherwood Queenstown, Queenstown, New Zealand

Top 10 sustainable countries around the world

1.USA
2.Mexico
3.Canada
4.Australia
5.UK
6.Costa Rica
7.Thailand
8.New Zealand
9.France
10.Italy

Sustainable travel is the perfect opportunity to show Mother Earth and fellow inhabitants how much you care.

1. Sandos Caracol Eco Resort – Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Situated between dense jungle and the blue of the Mexican Caribbean coast, this Rainforest Alliance-certified destination is among the highest-rated by travellers for the multitude of positive impacts it offers.

•Extensive policies governing waste management, resource consumption and natural conservation

•Opportunities for guests to engage in ecologically sustainable practices: eco-tours, cruelty-free animal interactions and beach meditation

•A commitment to the community, reflected in celebrations of local indigenous culture, on-site markets that support local artisans, and local partnerships to improve area schools

2. Nomad Hotel Roissy CDG – Paris, France

Located five minutes by car from Charles de Gaulle airport, the Nomad Hotel Roissy CDG boasts Scandinavian-inspired design, tech-enabled customisable room layouts and a mission to “to reduce the ecological impact of these buildings to a minimum, at every stage of life, from design to operation”—making it the perfect accommodation for digital nomads with green leanings.

•Rigorous standards for creation/loss of heat and a low total annual energy consumption, supported by green (living) exterior cladding, solar panels, air handling units

•Proactive efforts to neutralize water impact through use of rainwater collectors

•Use of sustainable materials, including PEFC wood, carpets made from recycled fishing nets, recycled stone and glass shower units

3. Siloso Beach Resort, Sentosa – Singapore

Just off Singapore’s south coast lies Sentosa Island, a haven whose southwest coast is the home to the Siloso Beach Resort. Steps from the sandy beaches of the South China Sea, this award-winning eco-resort has taken special care to integrate the surrounding habitat into its design by prioritizing open spaces and preserving established natural features like mature trees and flowing springs. The result? A uniquely organic take on a luxurious beach resort experience.

•200 original trees preserved (and 450 planted) on-site; landscape pool fed by underground waters and built according to natural terrain formation

•72% of the resort is open-air—and activities including cycle tours, hikes and other eco-adventures

•Operations keep ecological impacts top-of-mind, emphasizing locally-sourced foods, limited use of plastics, and reduced energy consumption

4. Habitat Suites – Austin, TX, USA

Habitat Suites, a sustainable gem in the heart of Texas’ most progressive city, boasts a 30-year track record of forward-thinking environmental stewardship. Habitat Suites has been a charter member of the Green Hotels Association since 1991—and won an Austin Green Business Leader Gold Award in 2018.

•Widespread use of alternative energy, including solar panels, solar thermal and electric vehicle charging
•On-premises organic fruit and herb gardens; clean, local and organic food options

•Use of plant-based, zero harsh chemical detergents for cleaning; bio-safe guest shampoos and detergents; hypoallergenic suites that include live potted plants and windows that open for access to fresh air

5. Pakasai Resort – Krabi, Thailand

Spa treatments, boxing and cooking classes plus plenty of space for lounging by the pool—the Pakasai Resort delivers on everything you’d expect from a tropical Thai resort, then sweetens the deal with an impressive list of sustainability efforts. “Krabi’s Greenest Resort” was the first in the area to win an ASEAN Green Hotel Award (2014).

•Resource conservation efforts include rainwater capture and greywater recycling, energy efficient lighting, biogas production and reduction of plastic use

•Careful attention given to reducing carbon emissions through waste minimization program and collaboration with the local community and local organizations

•Guests are encouraged to make their stay even greener by joining the #GreeningPakasai campaign, which incentivizes visitors to make low-carbon choices around food, transportation, linen services and local activities

6. PARKROYAL on Pickering – Singapore

With 15,000 square metres of greenery and a cutting-edge design, the PARKROYAL is equally impressive in what it does and doesn’t do. This LEED-certified masterpiece saves 32.5 Olympic-sized swimming pools’ worth of water annually and could power an estimated 680 households with the energy saved by its conservation efforts.

•Highly regulated resource consumption through employment of light, motion, and rain sensors

•Solar cells and rainwater collection mean zero-energy maintenance of the 15,000 m2 sky gardens

•Thoughtful construction processes reduced concrete (and associated waste and energy expenditure) use by more than 80%

7. The Green House – Bournemouth, UK

Equally suitable for weddings, self-care weekends and romantic getaways, every detail of this eco-hotel has been designed to help guests feel great while doing good. That ethos touches every facet of The Green House, from the building’s renewable energy production and Forest Stewardship certified, UK-crafted furnishings to the on-site restaurant’s adherence to local sourcing and high animal welfare standards—the company car even runs on bio-fuel from the kitchen’s old cooking oil!

•The use of earth-friendly cleaning products and efforts toward energy conservation

•Staff are trained in the ethos of sustainability and are encouraged to find new ways to improve the Green House’s efforts

•Environmental efforts extend to the exterior grounds, including bird and bat boxes (to provide a safe place for breeding) and rooftop beehives that produce honey

8. The Listel Hotel Vancouver – Vancouver, BC, Canada

The Listel Hotel dedicates itself to both environmental responsibility and the arts. The hotel provides a location to elevate local and international artists—including a gallery dedicated to First Nations artists from the Northwest Coast—while participating in the city of Vancouver’s “Corporate Climate Leader” program, setting an example for sustainable tourism efforts across the globe.

•Responsible food practices including membership in Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise sustainable seafood program and a commitment to offering local and sustainable food and wine

•Conservation efforts including 20 solar panels, a state-of-the-art heat capture program (reducing the hotel’s natural gas use by 30%) and water reduction and air quality programs

•Adherence to a 100% Zero Waste policy since August 2011

9. Hotel Verde – Cape Town, South Africa

“Sustainable by design, stylish by nature” is the modest motto of Cape Town’s Hotel Verde. The first hotel in Africa to offer 100% carbon-neutral accommodation and conferencing, the Cape Town Verde has earned an extensive list of international accolades (LEED Platinum certification and a 6-star rating from the Green Building Council of South Africa) for its extensive adherence to sustainable practices.

•Restoration of the surrounding wetlands now supports indigenous water-wise vegetation and a healthy population of Cape honeybees—as well as an ecotrail, outdoor gym, and eco-pool for visitor use, plus on-site edible food gardens and aquaponics

•Energy efficiencies include photovoltaic panels on the roof and north-facing facades, wind turbines, energy-generating gym equipment and geothermal heat

•Commitment to social responsibility through sustainable procurement practices, waste management and community involvement

10. Sherwood Queenstown – Queenstown, New Zealand

Sustainability and connection with nature are behind every detail you’ll encounter at the Sherwood Queenstown, a boutique hotel perched on three acres of alpine hillside overlooking Lake Wakatipu. The Sherwood operates based on the belief that “a simple respect for nature lies at the heart of any sustainable practice”. The hotel’s orchards and kitchen garden supply its award-winning restaurant; most rooms offer sweeping mountain or lake views, and all are outfitted with South Island wool blankets and locally-sourced beverages. Mornings start with optional yoga sessions, followed by hiking, mountain biking, skiing or snowboarding.

•A focus on materiality selection that integrates the building with the landscape, while employing upcycled fixtures, fittings and furnishings

•Conscious choices about energy generation—the Sherwood is one of the largest private solar installs in New Zealand and currently generates enough electricity to return surplus to the grid

•Selection of food, wine, beer, spirits, and other consumable products that are local, natural, healthy, ethical, seasonal and sustainable in their production and use

Travel News | eTurboNews

Shopping at – where else? The Dead Sea Mall!

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When you think of the Dead Sea, do you think of a mall? What about a mall with luxury stores, an ice cream store, cafes, and even a spa?

A beautiful new mall at the Dead Sea, situated directly on the boardwalk and beach on the southern end of the salty attraction, offers both Israelis and tourists products at prices less the Value Added Tax amount. The cost of the rebate will be footed by the developer of the mall. Overseas tourists will be able to claim a double discount as they can still get a VAT rebate on many items.

The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth and is surrounded by the stunning landscape of the Negev Desert. The saline water of the lake gives lead to the name Dead Sea, because no fish can survive in the salty waters. The other result of the salty water of the Dead Sea is its renowned health and healing properties and the unique feature that one can float naturally in them.

There are a number of public beaches open along the shores of the Dead Sea. Popular beaches include the Ein Gedi Beach and the beach at the Ein Bokek resort where many hotels offer private beaches, and where some beaches charge an entry fee.

If for nothing else, tourists can always go in simply to enjoy the air conditioning.

Travel News | eTurboNews

United Airlines plans nonstop service between New York/Newark and Cape Town

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United Airlines today applied with the U.S. Department of Transportation for authority to begin new service between New York/Newark Liberty International Airport and Cape Town International Airport. United plans to operate nonstop three-times weekly flights to Cape Town starting in December 2019.

“We are always looking at ways to expand our industry-leading international route network to offer our customers more convenient options. We’re thrilled to announce the addition of Africa to our global route offering,” said Patrick Quayle, United’s vice president of International Network. “This new flight will provide customers with the only nonstop service between the United States and Cape Town.”

United’s nonstop service between New York/Newark and Cape Town will decrease the current travel time from New York to Cape Town by more than four hours and provide customers from more than 80 U.S. cities with easy one-stop access to Cape Town. If approved, United’s service between New York/Newark and Cape Town will be operated with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft featuring 48 seats in United Polaris business class, 88 seats in United Economy Plus and 116 seats in United Economy.

Proposed Flight Schedule, Beginning December 15, 2019*

From To Depart Arrive Aircraft
New York/Newark Cape Town 8:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. +1 Boeing 787-9
Cape Town New York/Newark 8:50 p.m. 5:45 a.m. +1 Boeing 787-9

*Subject to government approval

Cape Town is the oldest city in South Africa and the country’s center of trade and commerce. Located at the shore of Table Bay, the city is home to some of the most popular attractions in South Africa including Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Travelers to South Africa often begin their African journey in Cape Town before touring the Cape Winelands, viewing the African penguins at Boulder Beach or traveling beyond Cape Town to explore South Africa’s natural beauty including its many national parks, game reserves and beautiful coastlines and beaches of the KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape provinces.

Travel News | eTurboNews