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GVB visitor center renamed to honor Mr. Guam Tourism

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(L-R) Antonio Muña, Jr. (Vice President – GVB), Nico Fujikawa (GVB Acting Director of Tourism Research), Milton Morinaga (GVB Board Chairman), Raphael Unpingco (son of Bert Unpingco), Pilar Laguaña (GVB Director of Global Marketing), Virginia Lujan Taitano Unpingco (wife of Bert Unpingco), Gloria Unpingco Santiago (daughter of Bert Unpingco), Iowani Unpingco (grandson of Bert Unpingco), Nathan Denight (GVB President and CEO), Rose Q. Cunliffe (GVB Director of Finance and Administration).(L-R) Antonio Muña, Jr. (Vice President – GVB), Nico Fujikawa (GVB Acting Director of Tourism Research), Milton Morinaga (GVB Board Chairman), Raphael Unpingco (son of Bert Unpingco), Pilar Laguaña (GVB Director of Global Marketing), Virginia Lujan Taitano Unpingco (wife of Bert Unpingco), Gloria Unpingco Santiago (daughter of Bert Unpingco), Iowani Unpingco (grandson of Bert Unpingco), Nathan Denight (GVB President and CEO), Rose Q. Cunliffe (GVB Director of Finance and Administration).

The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) has proudly renamed its visitor center to honor one of Guam’s pioneers in the tourism industry. The Norbert “Bert” R. Unpingco Visitor Center was unveiled during a special ceremony on December 18, 2018, at the GVB headquarters along Pale San Vitores Road in Tumon.

Fondly known as “Mr. Guam Tourism,” Unpingco assisted in developing Guam’s visitor industry since the 1970s. Upon learning Unpingco received the “Discover America Award” for his work in promoting tourism in the U.S. mainland, former Governor Carlos G. Camacho asked him to return to Guam to help in promoting the island. From there, Unpingco became the first GVB general manager, also holding other key positions within the public, non-stock and non-profit membership corporation. In addition, he helped to strengthen programs such as WAVE! (Welcome All Visitors Enthusiastically), which encouraged locals to embrace tourism.


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Senator Jim Espaldon authored a public law to initiate the formal change in renaming the visitor center to honor Unpingco’s work and commitment to the island community.

“I’m happy that the renaming took place to honor and celebrate Mr. Bert Unpingco – Mr. Tourism,” said Senator Espaldon. “He carried the håfa adai spirit wherever he went. The industry is where it’s at today because of him and we thank him for his decades of service to develop Guam as a world-class destination.”

Jim Espaldon (Senator of the 34th Guam Legislature), Dennis “DJ” Unpingco (grandson of Bert Unpingco), Pualei Unpingco (granddaughter of Bert Unpingco), Gloria Unpingco Santiago (daughter of Bert Unpingco), and Dennis Unpingco (son of Bert Unpingco).Jim Espaldon (Senator of the 34th Guam Legislature), Dennis “DJ” Unpingco (grandson of Bert Unpingco), Pualei Unpingco (granddaughter of Bert Unpingco), Gloria Unpingco Santiago (daughter of Bert Unpingco), and Dennis Unpingco (son of Bert Unpingco).

“When I first started as deputy general manager of the Bureau, Uncle Bert would stop by often and we would spend hours talking about tourism, as well as his ideas and contributions for Guam. His passion continues to live on in the work that we do,” said GVB President and CEO Nathan Denight. “Renaming the visitor center has a greater impact in honoring his memory and the role he played in Guam’s tourism industry.”

Unpingco passed away in 2017 at the age of 83. He is survived by his wife, Virginia Lujan Taitano Unpingco, his 9 children (Gloria, Bonnie, Dennis, Carlos, Therese, Jeanine, Evangeline, Billy, and Raphael), and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He resided in the village of Sinajana.

Seven hotels and resorts in Seychelles honored at Annual World Luxury Hotel Awards Gala Ceremony

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Once again, the Seychellois hospitality is fêted as seven establishments in Seychelles have been recognized for their excellence in the tourism industry at the Annual World Luxury Hotel Awards Gala Ceremony. The 12th edition of the award took place on November 10, 2018 at the Ayana Resort and Spa in Indonesia, Bali.

Amongst the hotels rewarded for their distinction were Eden Bleu Hotel, Cerf Island Resort, Constance Ephelia Seychelles, Constance Lemuria Seychelles, Denis Private Island, JA Enchanted Island Resort and Savoy Resort & Spa Seychelles; all rewarded for their World Class facilities and service excellence provided to their guests.

Seychelles Tourism Board Chief Executive, Mrs. Sherin Francis stated her great satisfaction to see many establishments rewarded for high quality standards.

“I do celebrate such good news with our hotel partners. Marketing the destination would not be an easy task if we could not count on the quality of their services. I do believe that it is because of their excellent work that we are able to sell Seychelles as a quality holiday destination,” said Mrs. Francis.

During the ceremony, Eden Bleu Hotel, located on Eden Island, walked away with the ‘Luxury Design Hotel’ award.

Upon winning the award, the General Manager, Mr. Manuel Policarpo, said that it was a great honor to be recognized as the continental winner in the Indian Ocean as the Luxury Design Hotel.

“There is a lot of other beautifully designed hotels around the continent which we needed to compete against. By winning this award we are also promoting Seychelles as a design and modern destination,” said Mr. Policarpo.

Other luxury hotels in Seychelles were also recognised and awarded on the night. Cerf Island Resort, a cluster of 24 spacious villas built to high standards and designed to blend into the surroundings, won the regional ‘Luxury Boutique Hotel’.

Constance Ephelia Seychelles received two continental awards for the ‘Luxury Eco/Green Hotel’ and ‘Luxury Family Resort’.

Another Constance branch in Seychelles, Constance Lemuria Seychelles, located on the second island, Praslin, was honored with the ‘Luxury Golf Resort’ award. The resort will this month be in the limelight as it readies to host the final of the MCB-Staysure 2018 Tour Season.

Talking about the achievement, Mr. Bruno Le Gac, Constance Lemuria General Manager mentioned the hard work and dedication the respective teams have put to achieve the standards to welcome the MCB-Staysure Tournament at the golf Resort. He dedicated the award to our entire team, and particularly to Mr. Wilson Volcere Head Greenkeeper, Mr. Gary Pouponneau Golf Director and their team members.

“Constance Lemuria is delighted to have been awarded “Luxury Golf Hotel” of the Indian Ocean at the World Luxury Hotel Awards that took place in Bali on November 10th. The timing could not be better, as we are going to host the MCB Tour Championship from December 13th to December 16th on our beautiful golf course. This is the most prestigious golf event ever to take place in Seychelles, and we feel very proud to be welcoming all the champions, VIPs and visitors for this occasion,” said Mr. Le Gac

The ‘Luxury Boutique Retreat’ and ‘Luxury Romantic Hotel’ awards were given to Denis Private Island. The resort allows their guests to unplug from the outside world, as there is no signal for mobile phones, no in-room and no cable television. It is the perfect environment to reconnect with your loved-one.

The awards provide a certain validation for the island’s ownership, Denis Private Island PR, Branding and Communications Manager Nicole St Ange said, given the leap it took in developing a unique brand of sustainable tourism on the island.

“Denis doesn’t stake its claim to being a luxury property, but we strongly believe that luxury is a concept that can be applied in many different ways,” St Ange said. “On Denis, you have an incredible freedom combined with this immersion in both nature and isolation. We believe that’s a luxury in its own right and it’s great that others agree as demonstrated by these awards.”

JA Enchanted Island Resort and Savoy Resort & Spa Seychelles were awarded the regional ‘Luxury Boutique Resort’ and regional ‘Luxury Beach Resort’ respectively.

The Group Marketing Director for the World Luxury Hotel Awards, Mr. Michael Hunter-Smith, congratulated all winners for the 2018 Award Year, who through their tireless efforts and endless passion to elevate their guests experience, have received the honor.

“True luxury is not easily attained, it takes a team of highly efficient and dedicated staff willing to go the extra mile and stop at nothing to ensure that every guest feels cared for and no challenged not solved. This is the definition of luxury, this is what makes the winners shine at the World Luxury Hotel Awards event,” said Mr. Hunter-Smith at the award ceremony.

Coming out as a winner of a World Luxury Hotel Award not only inspire the confidence of guests and retain a loyal clientele in this highly competitive market, but it will also stimulate continuous growth and development of your hotel.

The 2019 World Luxury Hotel Awards will be organized at Arctic Circle in Finland in October.

MEDIA CONTACT: info@seychelles.travel

Malta celebrates Valletta, a 2018 European Capital of Culture

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As 2018 draws to a close, Malta will celebrate the culmination of a year of festivities honoring Valletta, a 2018 European Capital of Culture, with a final Valletta 2018 closing spectacle on December 15, 2018. For Valletta, 2018 set the stage for a more vibrant and welcoming capital city, and this special after party promises to keep spirits high!

The Valletta 2018 European Capital of Culture festivities comprised over 400 events and encompassed a yearlong celebration of the culture and history of the island nation of Malta. The success of any European Capital of Culture is rooted in the passion, imagination, support, dedication, enthusiasm and generosity of its communities.

As such, Valletta 2018’s Closing Spectacle is all about celebrating community, life and culture while forging new friendships. Only together can one truly celebrate Valletta 2018’s year-long program of incredible events, initiatives and activities with the same energy and love that’s gone into it.

The festive closing event will take place in the heart of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where visitors will experience an amazing celebration of Malta’s tenure as a European Capital of Culture 2018. Event-goers can expect to enjoy a spectacular line-up of live shows, music, tours, as well as a few unexpected surprises.

Highlights for the Valletta 2018 Closing Spectacle on December 15 will include:

• A contemporary performance from the Moveo Dance company
• Concert by the Valletta 2018 Chorus
• A colorful street performance featuring the Big Dancers’ signature giant marionettes
• Live painting by multidisciplinary artists, offering their own take on Valletta 2018
• Tours of the Old Abattoir (Il-Biċċerija) which houses the Valletta Design Cluster building

The Valletta 2018 Closing Spectacle will be a lively closing event, paying homage to the creative diversity that exists on the Maltese archipelago, in Europe and beyond. Visitors will join artists, curators, local residents, and the entire Valletta 2018 team in what will prove to be an exciting and memorable “after-party”!

“The amazing and diverse calendar of Events for Valletta 2018 generated great publicity and was a major factor for the dramatic growth in tourism from the US & Canada this year,” said Michelle Buttigieg, Malta Tourism Authority’s North American Representative. She added, “we want to congratulate Jason Micallef, Valletta 2018 Chairman and his entire team on their hard work to make the European Capital of Culture 2018 such a resounding success, not just for Valletta, but for all of the Maltese Islands.”

The Valletta 2018 Foundation is responsible for the planning of events for the European Capital of Culture program in Malta. Throughout 2018, they have partnered with various local and international communities to develop the programs for Valletta 2018.