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Aloft Shanghai Zhangjiang Haike Hotel opens in China’s innovation hub

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Aloft Hotels, Marriott International’s innovation incubator brand for global travelers, today opens the brand new 191-room Aloft Shanghai Zhangjiang Hotel, bringing high-tech, modern style and a vibrant new social scene to Shanghai as the first Aloft hotel in the city.

Owned by Shanghai Tech University Hotel Management Limited, Aloft Shanghai Zhangjiang Haike Hotel is the first international hotel located in the central area of Zhangjiang Hi-tech Park Pudong. Ideally situated within a prime hub for innovation and technology businesses, the hotel is also located within a short drive from the New International Expo Center and Shanghai Disney Resort among other attractions.

“We’re excited to debut the Aloft Hotels brand in Shanghai, bringing the next generation of travelers to an up-and-coming tech and innovation hub in the city. The new Aloft Shanghai Zhangjiang Haike Hotel will become Shanghai’s newest social hub, where creative self-expressers can meet and mingle in a casual, friendly environment over cocktails at the W XYZ bar,” said Mike Fulkerson, Vice President, Brand & Marketing, Asia-Pacific, Marriott International. “What’s more, travelers and locals alike will be able to see emerging local bands at the Live at Aloft evenings held regularly at the hotel.”

“Our entire team is proud to be part of the first Aloft hotel in Shanghai and the first international hotel in Zhangjiang Hi-tech Park Pudong. Our hotel will definitely allow value-conscious travelers in pursuit of a smart travel experience to stay connected, network, and relax in style,” said Andy Shen, General Manager of Aloft Shanghai Zhangjiang Haike Hotel.

The hotel is located 25 kilometers away from Shanghai Pudong International Airport and close to nearby attractions, within a short walking distance from Chamtime Square, Greenland Being Fun Plaza and ZhongKe Road Station of Metro 13.

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Excellence Group Luxury Hotels & Resorts rebranded

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With a mission to exceed guests’ highest expectations in every aspect possible, Excellence Group Luxury Hotels and Resorts has become the Caribbean’s most trusted name in all inclusive luxury travel. The family-owned and -operated group, which owns and manages five-star, award-winning resorts in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica, will continue to deliver stunning properties and unmatched service as it enters its next chapter with The Excellence Collection.

The Excellence Collection will encompass the group’s three high end brands: the adults-only Excellence Resorts with all inclusive properties in Cancun, the Riviera Maya, Punta Cana, and Montego Bay; Beloved Hotels for boutique adults-only all inclusive escapes; and Finest Resorts offering modern all inclusive luxury for all ages.

With last year’s opening of Excellence Oyster Bay and plans for a Finest Punta Cana in 2020, the company has focused on new ways to meet the ever-changing needs of the market, and has created The Excellence Collection to do so. The Excellence Collection brings a new brand identity with modern, updated logos and dedicated hyperfocus on the unique offerings of each of group’s properties.

These new elements mark an important milestone for the hospitality group, which has been experiencing rapid growth in the last decade. With three key pillars of Bespoke Service, Extraordinary Moments, and Innovative Curation at the core of The Excellence Collection, the parent brand is a promise made to each and every Excellence Collection guest.

“The Excellence Collection is an evolution of Excellence Group Luxury Hotels & Resorts. Our three pillars have been thoughtfully defined, with the end goal to deliver an authentic experience that lasts well beyond the guests’ stay. We do so through a personal and curated approach to luxury,” said The Excellence Collection’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Mr. Domingo Aznar.

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‘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.

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Genting Cruise Lines welcomes Explorer Dream to its fleet

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Genting Cruise Lines welcomed the third member of its Dream Cruises’ fleet with the christening and inaugural homeport deployment of Explorer Dream in Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal. Explorer Dream is the first newly-launched cruise ship of the post-recalibration period in the Chinese cruise industry and her arrival also marks Dream Cruises’ debut in Eastern China, with the cruise liner purposely-built and recently renovated for the Asian and Chinese luxury market. Leveraging on the deployment of Explorer Dream, Dream Cruises’ first 200,000-tonne Global Class ship, set to debut in 2021, will also celebrate her inaugural deployment in Shanghai as the largest cruise ship to homeport in the Asia-Pacific.

Honorable guests Mr. Su Ping, Vice Magistrate of Shanghai Baoshan District Government and Mr. Hui Lim, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Genting Hong Kong were joined by management executives and over 500 guests at the ceremonial launch event. The christening ceremony featured Ms. Grace Chen, the godmother of Explorer Dream and one of the most influential fashion innovators in China. The innovative christening was activated by her magic wand of dreams and aspirations and the spirit of exploration was symbolised by a majestic unicorn that led the iconic Dream Cruises’ mermaid out of the ocean and into a new realm, where she will embark on the quest to discover new horizons across the seas. With the traditional breaking of the champagne bottle against the bow of the ship, Explorer Dream officially begins her journey with Dream Cruises.

“Dream Cruises is the most recognized cruise brand in Southern China due to World Dream being positioned in the dual homeports of Guangzhou and Hong Kong. However, as we all know, the Eastern and North Chinese market is five times larger than the south and Dream Cruises will be building two 204,000 gross ton “Global Class” ships to be launched starting early 2021 in Shanghai and Tianjin to accommodate this market. These two ships, being built in our own shipyards Germany, are also designed to be the most advanced and intelligent cruise ships ever to be constructed,” said Mr. Hui Lim, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Genting Hong Kong. said, “In order to prepare the foundations and increase Dream Cruises’ brand awareness in East and North China, we are pleased today to welcome “Explorer Dream” in Shanghai as the third ship in our Dream Cruises fleet.”

Explorer Dream is the second cruise ship of Genting Cruise Lines to homeport in Shanghai, made possible by the tremendous support of the Shanghai Baoshan District Government. Mr. Su Ping, Vice Magistrate of Shanghai Baoshan District Government said, “In July 2017, Genting Cruise Lines launched the Golden Sea Route 7-night itinerary in Shanghai, which garnered the Best Itinerary Award during the Shanghai Cruise Tourism Festival. In October 2018, a strategic Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Baoshan District Government and Genting Cruise Lines to forge a new partnership. Now, the inaugural arrival of Explorer Dream, the newest member of Dream Cruises in Shanghai, will bring forth distinctive and premium cruise travel products to propel the optimal development of the cruise industry in China.”

After the inaugural ceremony, Grace Chen presented a spectacular fashion show at sea aboard the ship. Eighteen models showcased her Voyage collection and walked the runway on the Palace Pool Deck, where guests enjoyed a visual feast inspired by the spirit of exploration and discovery, both of which are the brand essence of Dream Cruises.

Since its launch two years ago, Dream Cruises has garnered numerous accolades for its two cruise ships, Genting Dream which debuted in 2016 and World Dream in 2017, including Star Performer Top Ten Ratings in the Large Resort Category, “Most Popular Family Cruise Brand in China 2018” by Global Times, Top 5 Cruise Lines in the Large/Medium sized cruise ship category by Conde Nast Traveler’s Gold List and more.

Built with German craftsmanship, Explorer Dream measures 268 meters in length and 32 meters in width. She has a total gross tonnage of 75,338 tons, 928 cabins and lower berth capacity of 1,856 passengers. The signature, luxury “ship within a ship” enclave of Dream Cruises – The Palace, provides an unprecedented “True Asian Luxury” experience to discerning travelers in China and Asia, boasting an industry leading staff to guest ratio, a majority of its suites at over 40 square meters, as well as Proprietary Butler Training endorsed by affiliated company Crystal Cruises – The World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line.

A generous variety of culinary options will also be available to cater for every taste – from inspired Asian flavours to exquisite Western delicacies. Acclaimed Australian Chef Mark Best will extend his influence on to Explorer Dream with his Seafood Grill by Mark Best serving up the ocean’s bounty in a spectacular al fresco setting. Signature Dream dining favorites will also take pride of place on the new ship including Umi Uma for Japanese delights, Silk Road for traditional Chinese fare, Blue Lagoon for Southeast Asian comfort food and Palm Court for informal refreshments and breath-taking views. For adventurous foodies, the all new Mozzarella Ristorante e Pizzeria will tantalize with a modern fusion of classic Italian dishes and pizzas with a Japanese twist.

Guests of Explorer Dream can also enjoy thematic programs on their journeys at sea including “The Connoisseurs Circle” bespoke enrichment program, featuring inspirational talks and events that are especially curated for guests of The Palace, such as a fashion talk by Grace Chen, the godmother of Explorer Dream.

As the fastest cruise ship in Asia, Explorer Dream offers a great variety of itineraries and flexibility. Sailings from Shanghai homeport will take guests on cruises to popular destinations in Japan that range from 3-night to 6-night itineraries, such as the 3-night cruises to Kyoto, Osaka or Kobe, or the 2-night round-trip cruise to Okinawa. In the month of April, when cherry blossoms in Japan are in bloom, guests can enjoy the dazzling floral display on shore, complemented by authentic Japanese experiences on the cruise, such as specialty dishes featuring Japanese Wagyu beef and pork, tuna cutting performances, Yukata trials, poolside festivals and more.

Starting from 1 July, Explorer Dream will begin her homeport deployment in Tianjin with more summer cruise options for family travelers, who will enjoy the renowned stage productions of Kaixin Mahua at sea. Taking the first step to evolve Dream Cruises into “Asia’s Global Cruise Line” by sailing outside Asian waters, in October 2019, Explorer Dream will homeport in Sydney and Auckland where she will embark on a variety of seven-night weekly itineraries to “Down Under” destinations.

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Vietjet launches new service to Indonesia with Ho Chi Minh City-Bali route

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Vietjet today opens ticket sales for its new international route connecting the biggest city of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City with Bali (Indonesia). Vietjet is the first and only airline to operate this route, which will better link the two tourist-attraction cities to meet the increasing travel demands of local people and tourists as well as boosting the regional trade promotion and integration. Hongkognese will be more convenient to travel these two cities.

The Ho Chi Minh City– Bali route will operate five return flights per week, on every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday starting from May 29, 2019. Flying time is around 4 hours per leg. The flight departs from Ho Chi Minh City at 08:05 and arrives in Bali at 13:05. The return flight takes off from Bali at 14:05 and lands in Ho Chi Minh City at 17:05 (All in local times).

Vietjet Vice President Nguyen Thanh Son said: “Vietjet has the advantages of an expanding flight network and comfortable, friendly aviation services; therefore, I believe that the new route will not only create opportunities for people to travel by safe, civilized and modern air transport, but also connect two cities as known as two economic, cultural centers of Vietnam and Indonesia. The route will contribute to promoting tourism and economic integration in the region as well as introduce the images of Vietnam to the world.”

Bali – the popular tourist island of Indonesia and Asia is often called among travelholics as ––“Island of the Gods”, “Tropical Paradise” or “Dawn of the World”. Voted as the best tourist island in the world, Bali is a wonderful blend between the pristine, beautiful landscape with the local cultural, artistic and religious quintessence. Besides visiting Ubud Palace, discovering the famous town Bedugul with large Bratan lake, tourists can go surfing, ‘snorkeling’ diving or visiting endless terraced fields.

Vietnam, the country of thousand years of culture was always a favorite destination of many international tourists. If Hanoi capital is a representative of ancient culture, bold identity; Hue ancient capital is dreaming or Da Nang, Quang Binh are impressive wonders, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest economic, financial central, vibrant and modern travel destination. The culture exchange trend and retaining characteristics make image and beauty of one of the most dynamic cities of the S-shaped country.

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Celebrity Cruises orders fifth Edge-Class cruise ship

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Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. today announced that it has entered into an agreement with French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique to order a fifth Edge-class ship for delivery in the fall of 2024.

“Edge class made an immediate hit with Celebrity Cruises guests and is a state-of-the-art example of technical excellence and elegant design,” said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “We can’t wait to build the next one.”

“Celebrity Edge has delighted our guests and affirmed Celebrity Cruises as the leading modern luxury brand. Chantiers de l’Atlantique has been a brilliant partner and we look forward to creating another amazing vessel with them,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises.

“We are really proud and happy to have built such an outstanding relationship with our customer, based on mutual trust and driven by the spirit of innovation,” said Laurent Castaing, General Manager, Chantiers de l’Atlantique. “After the four Millennium-class ships at the beginning of 2000’s and the four Edge-class ships, this is the ninth ship ordered by Celebrity Cruises at our shipyard and it will be the 24th vessel built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique and operated by RCL. This is a real testimony of the exceptional level of cooperation we reached together.”

Celebrity Edge was delivered in 2018. Three other Edge-class ships were ordered earlier and are scheduled for delivery in 2020, 2021 and 2022. This new order is contingent upon financing.

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Lennox Hotels to opens its first US property this summer

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A new modern hotel, combining contemporary design with original Art Deco design, is on the horizon in South Florida hotspot, Miami Beach. Lennox Hotel Miami Beach will be a bold luxury boutique property offering stylish accommodation and an authentic Miami experience.

Located in what was once the Peter Miller Hotel, the property is a protected building in heart of the area’s Historic District. Lennox Hotels has undertaken a complete transformation of the building, maintaining its legacy by retaining its original Art Deco and Mediterranean Revival architectural style exterior and transforming it into a living landmark.

The hotel – located on Miami’s iconic Collins Avenue – will offer 119 contemporary guestrooms, each unique in keeping with the original form of the building. The rooms are enhanced by natural elements, handcrafted furnishings, and eco-friendly and upcycled materials meticulously curated by acclaimed Argentinian interior designer Juan Ciavarella. Soft neutral tones and unique textiles combine in rooms that will range in categories from Terrace Poolside with direct pool access, to Balcony King with private balcony overlooking the colourful streets of Miami Beach.

At the centre of the property’s four interconnected buildings, a Mediterranean-style courtyard features an intimate swimming pool and poolside bar offering al fresco dining and serving innovative cocktails.

Lennox Hotels is an Argentinian hotel group with properties in Buenos Aires and Ushuaia. CEO of Lennox Hotels, Diego Agnelli, said:

“We are thrilled to be expanding the Lennox Hotel brand to the U.S. with the opening of Lennox Hotel Miami Beach. Our reasons for choosing this area were as much because of the area’s vibrancy and liveliness as it was because of the welcoming spirit of its people and the friendliness they express toward travellers. Our vision for Lennox Hotel Miami Beach is to provide a sophisticated and inviting setting for travellers to live an authentic Miami experience, one that not only provides a place to mingle with the locals, but also allows them to feel like locals and enjoy the area, its culture and vivacity through the lens of a local.”

Transforming a historical landmark

The historic structure was designed by architect Russell Pancoast in 1934. Pancoast is known for much of Miami Beach’s most celebrated buildings, including the Surf Club, the Church by the Sea and the Miami Beach Auditorium.
The property has the notable distinction of being among the 300 Miami Beach buildings that were leased by the U.S. Army for the Air Forces Technical Training Command during World War II. The buildings returned to civilian use in 1943 and remained a military property until 1944. The structure is now part of the Historic District.
The transformation of the hotel’s original structure into Lennox Hotel Miami Beach is the work of veteran Miami architect Beilison Gomez.

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Luxury boutique cruise line launching coastal fleet

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Scheduled to begin full operations in November 2019, an explorer class vessel will serve three new destinations with year-round departures. The full announcement on vessel name, facts, destinations and itinerary details will be released globally on May 8, 2019.

Boutique luxury cruise line, Aqua Expeditions, is set to enter the coastal cruise market in the fall of 2019, after operating as an Amazon and Mekong River cruise line for the past twelve years.

A month ago, Aqua Expeditions finalized the purchase of a long-range 200-foot explorer yacht originally built for Britain’s Royal Navy; the vessel is now undergoing a complete refurbishment designed to transform it into an ultra-modern luxury expedition cruise ship catering to affluent explorers.

The May 8 announcement will also unveil a brand-new, state-of-the-art, luxury river cruise vessel to consolidate Aqua Expeditions’ position as one of the leaders in the river-cruise market. Once this and the recently-purchased expedition vessel are in operation, Aqua Expeditions will have doubled its fleet from two to four vessels by mid-2020.

“Even as we grow, as an owner, I remain deeply involved in every aspect of the new vessels – from the minutiae of the design details to the intricacies of the itineraries — just as we did when we started out in 2007,” says CEO Francesco Galli Zugaro, “and, as with all Aqua Expeditions vessels, we are partnering both with renowned designers and critically acclaimed chefs to provide a world-class experience.”

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Southwest Airlines: Nonstop from Silicon Valley to Long Beach

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Today, Southwest Airlines launched nonstop service to Long Beach Airport from Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC).

The flights are scheduled throughout the day to allow travelers more choices in departure and arrival time, and to support ongoing demand for travel between the Bay Area and Los Angeles Basin.

“Southwest has added important new service between Mineta San Jose International Airport and Long Beach Airport, a modern and accessible gateway to Southern California,” said Director of Aviation John Aitken. “The Bay Area to Los Angeles Basin corridor is the U.S.’s busiest air travel market, and Southwest’s four new daily flights give travelers more choices in airline, time-of-day for travel, and airport proximity to their business or leisure destination.”

 

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