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AG Boutique Journey celebrates 20 years of operating

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AG Boutique Journey, the DMC within the AG Group, sole Tourist Group in Italy that is capable of satisfying internally any request for hospitality, whether Hotel or land services (DMC/Tour Operator & Event Management Company, Hotel Group, Hotel Consultants, Restaurateur and Retirement Homes), founded and directed by Andrea Girolami, is now celebrating its twentieth birthday.

Born under the name of RSI Travel, today known as AG Boutique Journey, offers highly professional solutions for all Travel solutions, Events, Weddings and Luxury Travel. Grown from a great love and passion for Italy by Andrea Girolami, the founder and his team, has today become a contagious addiction and reached out to its entire staff.

RSI soon established itself as a dynamic reality, becoming “RSI GROUP” with five separate divisions: RSI Communication, RSI Travel, Corporate & Events, Luxury Travel and Weddings. Today, integrated into the new group, it participates in the internationalization of a wide variety of brands and thanks to its customer base, which stretches from every corner of the globe, particularly the Americas, Europe and Oceania. The company today continues to offer five separate departments, embracing every segment of demand, Individuals-FIT Groups, MICE, Luxury and Weddings.

Statement by Andrea Girolami, President and founder of the AG Group

“We are proud to have adopted an advanced business module, unique in Italy and possibly also in Europe, by positioning ourselves as a one-stop-shop for anyone who wants to visit our country at its best.

“AG Boutique Journey is not just a DMC, it is the passport to an integrated Group which operates all-round in the hospitality world and offers its own Executive and Luxury hotels, 360° scope of Consultancy to hoteliers, Gourmet Restaurants, Bistrots, stunning rooftop Terraces and a solution to any dream request of every possible and imaginable trip.  Whoever contacts us will discover not “only” rooms, but unique and original ingredients for creating a boutique journey in all forms.

“Over the many years of operating, we have adjusted our organization several times over, always in accordance with changing demand and market trends and shifts, thus confirming our dynamic and competitive nature. Today, thanks to the excellent reputation which we have gained from continuously surpassing expectations, our high standards of service, our passion for Italy and our client oriented nature, we have created an efficient and competent  format that is in a position of writing a new chapter in the history of hospitality.

“To those who continue to ask me how we got here? I reply rather moderately, by our company motto to which we still stand by today. One of our secrets is to always be large enough and small enough, that is to efficiently manage all aspects of the journey but also by giving each and every program a personal touch. “Boutique” is not just a whim or a claim, it is the necessary element in supporting the Operators, particularly at a time when moderate sales are posing as a threat and are dangerous rivals to the professionalism of the Agents, who fortunately find in us, more than just service or a supplier, they find support, friendship and partners.”

Visit the website. 

AG Group–Your gateway to Italy is the first tourist group in Italy capable of satisfying all aspects of the incoming tourism demand internally. DMC/tour operator and event management, Hotel Consulting Company, Own Hotel Chain, Gourmet Restaurants and Retirement Homes.

Founded and directed by Andrea Girolami, an entrepreneur with over twenty years of experience in tourism and hospitality, includes:

  • AG Hotels, executive hotels in the centre of Rome, plus a deluxe property opening in Florence at the beginning of 2020.
  • AG Boutique Journey, tour operator, DMC, event agency and wedding planner with an important specialization in the luxury segment.
  • AG Hotel Consulting, consulting agency for hotels, which contributes to the marketing of many hotels in central Italy.
  • AG Foodies, bistrot in Rome and the Terraces of the AG Hotels as well as the Florence shortly, equipped with gourmet kitchens.
  • AG Domus Nova, the novelty of the Group: an important retirement home project, beginning in central Italy, to also meet the demand for hospitality for the elderly.

MEDIA CONTACT: Stefano Ferri, Press Officer, Mob. 349 5506421 [email protected]

Portland welcomes Underground Donut Tour

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Today, the Underground Donut Tour, Chicago’s Original Donut Tour, is expanding beyond the Windy City to the City of Roses – Portland, OR. The Underground Donut Tour was founded nearly 4 years ago in Chicago and is one of the most popular food tours there.

Hosting thousands of guests from around the world and showcasing the best donuts the city has to offer. The Underground Donut Tour recently expanded to Philadelphia, New York City and now Portland! With the addition of Portland, the Underground Donut Tour expands their delicious footprint from coast to coast.

“Portland is the home of donuts. When you talk about Portland food culture, donuts are one of the first things people mention. We had to come to Portland!” said Jeff Woelker, founder of the Underground Donut Tour.

What Can Customers Expect

Walking between 4 of the best donut shops in Portland – we share the history of each location, local sights and history along the route including Pioneer Square, Chinatown, and the PSU Campus, but most importantly, lots and lots of the best donuts in Portland. Some of the locations include Blue Star, NOLA Doughnuts, and the one everyone wants to see Voodoo Doughnuts, where you can skip the line if you are on the tour.

“The Underground Donut Tour is a natural fit for Portland. We have the best donuts in the world!” said Beau La Fave, tour manager for the Underground Donut Tour Portland.

When Do Tours Run

Tours will start on Friday, April 19th. Tours run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9-11 with more days coming soon. Tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis, so don’t miss out.

Travel News | eTurboNews

‘Stable genius’ Trump to Boeing: Add ‘some great features’ & rebrand 737 MAX

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President Trump offered some unsolicited advice to aviation giant Boeing on how to tackle the problems with its Boeing 737 MAX model after worldwide grounding. The presidential wisdom fit into a single tweet.

The self-declared “very stable genius” bragged on Monday that his knowledge of branding helped him become president, and revealed what he would do if he “were Boeing.”

“I would FIX the Boeing 737 MAX, add some additional great features, & REBRAND the plane with a new name,” Trump said. “No product has suffered like this one. But again, what the hell do I know?”

Boeing is struggling to turn the tide for the popular model which was universally grounded after two crashes left a total 346 people dead and were apparently caused by the same faulty anti-stall system. The producer is accused of cutting corners to fast-track the passenger jet to the market and failing to properly train pilots on how to deal with malfunctions.

Trump complained last month about the level of automation on modern aircraft, saying the planes require “scientists from MIT” to pilot.

Travel News | eTurboNews

What smart travelers know

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A record-breaking number of Americans are traveling, but most are unprepared for the journey – more than 90% of US travelers don’t know their rights, according to AirHelp, advocate for air passengers.

For easy reference, they have compiled a brief overview of U.S. air passenger rights below, along with insider tips for smart travelers. Knowing your rights could make you eligible to claim compensation. These include what to do regarding:

  • Flight Delays
  • Cancellations
  • Bumping, Denied Boarding and Overbooking
  • Lost Luggage
  • Missed Connections
  • When to fly
  • How to pack
  • And more

Disruptions: If you are flying within the U.S. and you are denied boarding due to an overbooked flight, you may be eligible to claim 400% of the one-way fare to your destination in compensation, of a value up to $1,350. Also, for flight cancellations or lengthy delays, if you’re flying to the EU on an EU airline, or departing from an EU airport, you may be eligible to claim up to $700 per person in compensation under European law EC 261.

Lost Luggage: Did you know airlines that lose or damage travelers’ luggage are obligated to pay out compensation of $1,500 – $3,500 to impacted passengers and reimburse them for lost items? Many travelers are unaware of these rights. Whether a traveler is flying within the U.S. or to one of the other 120 countries that ratified the Montreal Convention, if that person experiences luggage issues while traveling, they may be entitled to compensation under air passenger rights laws, including U.S. national law and the Montreal Convention. In order to successfully get the compensation that they are entitled to, a passenger must file a claim before leaving the airport. Travelers should fill out a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) claim for misplaced luggage, including the case number of their bags. The more detailed the claim, the better off that passenger will be, including an itemized list of the contents of their luggage, including the value of each item.

Missed Connections: If flights are booked together under one reference code, passengers can claim $300 – $700 in compensation from the airlines if they miss a connecting flight due to an earlier disruption under EC 261.

Fly during off-peak days or times to avoid the largest crowds at airports. The late night flights are often the least crowded, which means that your flight may be less likely to be overbooked, and your wait time at security will be shorter.

Consider flying out of alternate airports, if your airport is known to have delays. If flights from one airport typically experience significant disruptions, you can anticipate the new screenings will create longer lines at security and additional delays. Look into flights through different airports that fit your travel needs.

Leave extra time for traveling to the airport. No matter when people are traveling, they should anticipate traffic near the airport and overcrowding inside, thanks to overtourism. Pack the car with your luggage the night before departing to help save precious time the day of. Schedule extra time for driving, plan to arrive at the airport at least three hours before takeoff, and be sure to leave ample time to get through lines at security in case of large crowds. If it is easy enough, travelers can also consider public transportation to eliminate parking fees and cut costs.

Be ready for longer lines at security. With larger flights, waiting for luggage can take a lot of extra time at the airport. For short trips, travelers may consider using only a carry-on item, as long as all items fall under TSA requirements.

Strategically pack your luggage to have your ID and all liquid items at the top so that they’re easily accessible to TSA staff.

Pack larger electronics at the top. In July 2018, the TSA announced rules that require electronics larger than a cellphone to be placed in separate screening bins. If you’re one of the many travelers who are opting to bring bags on board rather than pay money to check them, pack larger electronics at the top so they’re easy to remove and place in a separate screening bin.

Consider wearing a pullover jacket or sweatshirt instead of a zip-up – this will allow you to quickly get through security without having to worry about removing articles of clothing.

Bring chargers and extra entertainment for the airport. Sometimes, flight disruptions are inevitable, so consider packing an extra phone charger and book to take on the flight.

Travel News | eTurboNews

What is so different at W Bali when it opens in Ubud?

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W Hotels Worldwide,  what is part of Marriott International, today announced the signing of W Bali – Ubud, the brand’s newest W Escape.

W Bali – Ubud will redefine modern luxury in the destination, taking inspiration from social, historical and physical insights and embedding elements of each into the rooms and public spaces. Upon entering the hotel, guests will be immersed in modern interpretations of traditional Balinese art styles with works from local artists, that lead to breathtaking lounges perfect for soaking in spectacular jungle sunsets as sounds of cool beats drift through the air.

The hotel will offer 100 inspired guestrooms, including 10 villas with private swimming pools and an EWOW suite (the brand’s take on the traditional Presidential Suite). W Bali – Ubud will weave the Balinese festival culture and aesthetic into the design of the hotel alongside carved stone and Pura (terra cotta) finishes throughout. When it comes to experiencing the destination through the W lens, W Bali – Ubud will embody the brand’s signature work hard, play hard philosophy, with FUEL-focused activities (fitness and wellness programming) including weekly workouts, poolside DJ performances, healthy and delicious cuisine and amazing adventures powered by the W brand mantra of DETOX. RETOX. REPEAT.

Guests will be able to soak up the sun at two pools – a WET Deck (pool deck) featuring terraced pools inspired by the rice paddles historically used in the region, and another a designated quiet pool for peaceful relaxation and downtime. The poolside Sunset Bar will serve up of the most breath-taking views on the island set beside reinterpreted Batik and Ikat (textiles) motifs. At W Bali – Ubud, the signature AWAY® Spa by W Hotels with a large open social deck will allow guests to hit pause, treat themselves and recharge with a selection of locally-infused treatments.

As the brand’s newest W Escape, W Bali – Ubud will bring a bold new take on international cuisine with a Balinese twist to multiple on-site bars and restaurants. Traditional Asian flavors intertwine with international influences at the stylish all-day dining restaurant Morinda, which will tempt guests with an in-house bakery, fresh-pressed juices, a strong vegan focus and a third-wave approach to coffee culture. Synn, a specialty restaurant featuring the finest of Balinese and world cuisines will be an underground sensation, literally. This new restaurant is partially underground, opening towards a jungle cliff and featuring cuisine as innovative as the locale including a progressive cocktail lab and digital artwork on display. Encouraging guests to detox and retox in true W style, the FIT (gym) bar will feature a pressed juice lab by day and a high-energy bar by night complete with UV-responsive, painted displays. Guests can indulge their wanderlust at Wanderbar, the hotel’s panoramic cocktail bar nestled on one of the hotel’s highest hills, offering 360-degree views from sunrise to sunset and inspired concoctions to match.

W Bali – Ubud will take meetings, weddings and other events to the next level with a 176-square-meter (577-square-foot) meeting room featuring bright natural lighting and outdoor lawn spaces. Both the outdoor and indoor event spaces utilize bamboo, shaping the landscape with live planting and indoor material used to accent the spaces with a natural touch.

Bali’s Denpasar International Airport is only an hour’s drive away from the new hotel, providing easy access for jetsetters. Nearby activities and attractions like Bali Swing Adventure Park, white water rafting along mountain rivers, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Bali’s famed rice terraces and temples, as well a thriving bohemian café culture and restaurants on par with the best of Asia are all within walking distance of W Bali – Ubud, offering guests endless possibilities for adrenaline-fueled play.

W Bali – Ubud is slated to join the brand’s robust portfolio of more than 50 hotels around the globe, including the recently opened W Dubai – The Palm (February 2019), as well as the soon-to-open W Aspen, W Ibiza and W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island.

For more information visit w-hotels.marriott.com.

 

 

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