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Jamaica ‘Next Big Thing’ for Nigerian tourists

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Jamaica is being hailed as “the next big thing” for Nigerian tourists by that country’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Geoffrey Onyeama, following the arrival of the first non-stop flight from Nigeria to Jamaica, which touched down at the Sangster International Airport last night (December 21).

“We really expect to see it (tourism) take off in a big way,” said Minister Onyeama, who was among some 140 passengers on the inaugural flight, which landed just after 10:00 p.m. and was welcomed with two jet streams creating a water arc, as the vessel cruised towards the terminal building.

The Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister said in that region of the world there was familiarity with Brazil, which has a large Nigerian population, but “we believe that Jamaica is the next big thing for us as far as tourism is concerned.”

Noting that “Nigerians are big travellers,” he said “we’re huge in tourism and travel.” Minister Onyeama said: “We just feel this is a gold mine, a gem waiting to be discovered by the majority of Nigerians and I think once Nigerians discover this you will see us in droves.” Among the passengers were travellers from Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa. Another direct flight is expected in two months.

While unavoidably absent, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett lauded the historic arrival of the flight. In stressing the flight’s significance, he said: “Historical and cultural ties between Nigeria and Jamaica date back to the days of slavery and many Jamaicans today have their ancestral roots in that African country.” He added that “we have been working together to bring this to fruition for some time and I am pleased that we have opened yet another gateway, which provides scope for the added growth of our tourism sector and the forging of greater bonds between both countries.”

There was a strong representation of Jamaican government officials on hand to welcome Minister Onyeama and the other Nigerian visitors. Minister of Transport and Mining, Hon. Robert Montague also saw it as an historic occasion. “For Jamaica to welcome Air Piece charter with a Minister and over 130 Nigerians is historic in so many ways.” He opined that “every single Jamaican is feeling good tonight that we have welcomed our first direct flight from Nigeria. It is going to be the start of many good things.”

Minister Montaque noted the collaboration of his ministry with the ministries of Tourism, Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, the Airports Authority and Jamaica’s High Commissioner in Lagos, His Excellency Esmond Reid, in making it happen.

The welcome party also included Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith; Executive Director of Jamaica Vacations, Mrs. Joy Roberts; Regional Director of Tourism, Mrs. Odette Dyer and Chief Executive Officer of MBJ Airports Ltd., Mr. Shane Munroe.

More news about Jamaica

MEDIA CONTACT: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Communications Division, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4924, Fax: 906-1729

Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Bartlett welcomes new Chukka $2M nature adventure park

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Jamaica’s attractions sub-sector has received a major boost with the addition of a new nature adventure park in Sandy Bay, Lucea, at a cost of over US$2 million by Chukka Caribbean Adventures.

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett declared the attraction officially opened yesterday (December 17), during a ribbon cutting ceremony, supported by Chukka’s Executive Director, John Byles and Chief Executive Officer, Marc Melville, after which he toured the seaside facility, which sits on 26 acres.

Chukka Ocean Outpost Sandy Bay, joins the list of attractions operated by the company in Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos, Belize and more recently, Barbados.

Mr. Bartlett said “the money spent on remodeling and reinventing this experience, to make it COVID-19 compliant and to put it in a positon where it could stand with other attractions of the world and where the new visitors would want to go, was well spent.”

Mr. Bartlett was particularly happy for the investment which, he said, came at a very difficult time but stated that: “As a destination, giving confidence to investors is what Jamaica is all about.”

Mr. Melville posited that: “In the middle of this, many people would have stopped investing,” adding that “investment comes out of hope and confidence and it is the hope and confidence that we received from the leadership at the time, thriving and knowing that we were going in the right direction, that allowed us to go against the tide, put our money where our mouth is and built out the investment that we have here today.”

Also of special interest to Minister Bartlett was that the park was enabling more of the island’s tourism workers laid off by the shutting down of the tourism industry some nine months ago, due to COVID-19, to return to work. He projects that the current winter tourist season will peak at about 40 percent of what it was last year and provide more jobs.

Following a tour of the property, Minister Bartlett commended the innovation that had gone into creating “a facility that will enable the very health conscious, social distance conscious visitor to be happy to enjoy the experiences that are being offered here.”

He observed that the architectural arrangement of the attraction provided for groups in the type of numbers that make it safe for visitors “to find their own bubble and to experience the beauty, the joy and the adrenalin rush that is required, as they seek to satisfy their own passions.”

Mr. Melville said the Ocean Outpost offered: the added attraction of a unique leisure infrastructure with catamarans sailing the Hanover seacoast; diving; snorkeling and riding in the ocean on horseback. There are also two rivers and springs on the property.

The project was undertaken by Chukka working in collaboration with the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), Hanover Municipal Corporation and the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), who provided guidance in ensuring a sustainable and environmentally friendly facility.

– eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

MEDIA CONTACT: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Communications Division, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4924, Fax: 906-1729

Minister Bartlett remembers Canadian Tourism icon Edith Baxter

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Jamaica’s Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has expressed deep regret at the passing of long-time friend and industry colleague Edith Baxter, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Canadian publishing group Baxter Media.

“I wish to offer my heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Baxter’s daughter Wendy McClung, along with her extended family and the entire Baxter Media management and staff during this difficult time. Ms. Baxter was a powerful voice within the Canadian travel industry for more than five decades and her legacy will be remembered for years to come,” said Minister Bartlett.

Edith, or Mrs. B as she was fondly known among friends, was an unparalleled leader in Canada’s travel industry. For more than 50 years, she served at the helm of Canadian Travel Press and Travel Courier – two of the country’s most respected and widely read weekly travel trade publications.

She founded the prominent media group in 1968 alongside her late husband and business partner William (Bill) Henry Baxter, who passed away in 2004.

Reflecting on Baxter’s passing, Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) John Lynch said, “She will be remembered fondly as a brilliant journalist, a savvy businesswoman and a true friend of Jamaica. She made dozens of trips to the island – particularly enjoying her time at Half Moon Resort – and she developed strong friendships with former JTB Regional Directors Pat Samuels and Sandra Scott.”

Under the leadership of Edith Baxter, Baxter Media has played an integral role in spotlighting Destination Jamaica in the Canadian market over the last five decades.

In 2018, Baxter was awarded the Order of Distinction by the Jamaican government in recognition of her contributions to the tourism industry and the important work she had done behalf of Jamaica.

For the last 25 years, Baxter Media has organized the popular Canadian Travel Industry Golf Tournament, hosted on island in partnership with Sandals Resorts. The annual industry event brings dozens of travel agents, tour operators, airline representatives and tourism partners together in Jamaica for a week of networking events, friendly competition on the links and vibrant island hospitality.

Jamaica has also been featured prominently as an award-winning destination and tourism board at Baxter Media’s annual Agents’ Choice Awards, the largest and most comprehensive survey of travel agents in Canada. For 15 consecutive years, Jamaica has been named ‘Favourite Tourist Board – Caribbean’ at the annual readers’ choice awards.

“Edith Baxter was a true trailblazer who made an enormous impact on the travel community here in Canada and beyond,” recalls Angella Bennett, Regional Director, Canada, JTB.

“Whenever I had the pleasure of meeting with her, I always found myself in awe as she spoke about her career and shared stories of her travels to Jamaica. She had a true love affair with the island and will be dearly missed.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Communications, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4926-30, Fax: 920-4944

The Islands Of The Bahamas announces updated travel and entry protocols

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The Islands of The Bahamas today announced streamlined entry protocols that will enable visitors to better and more seamlessly enjoy The Bahamas vacation experience.

Effective 1 November 2020, The Bahamas will require all travelers to:

1.     Obtain a COVID-19 RT PCR test five (5) days prior to arrival.

2.     Apply for a Bahamas Health Travel Visa at travel.gov.bs

3.     For the duration of the visit, complete a daily online health questionnaire for symptom tracking purposes.

4.     Take a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test on Day 5 of the visit (unless departing on day 5).

5.     Always wear a mask and always social distance in public places.

In addition, beginning 14 November 2020, all visitors will be required to opt-in to mandatory COVID-19 health insurance when applying for their Health Travel Visa. The insurance will cover travellers for the duration of their stay in The Bahamas.

Specifics of the new protocols are as follows:

Prior to Travel:

1.     COVID-19 RT-PCR Test

  • All persons travelling to The Bahamas must obtain a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) test taken no more than five (5) days prior to the date of arrival. 
    • The name and address of the lab, where the test was performed, must be clearly displayed on the test result.
  • Exemptions:
    • Children age ten (10) and under.
    • Pilots and crew of commercial airlines who remain overnight in The Bahamas.

2.     Bahamas Health Travel Visa

  • Once in possession of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result, apply for a Bahamas Health Travel Visa at TRAVEL.GOV.BS
  • Click on the International Tab and upload test results and other required documents.
  • Fees for the Bahamas Health Travel Visa, inclusive of Day 5 Rapid Antigen Test and mandatory health insurance, are as follows:
    • $40 – Visitors staying up to four nights and five days.
    • $40 – Citizens and returning residents.
    • $60 – Visitors staying more than four nights.
    • Free – Children 10 years and under

Upon Arrival

1.     Comply with Monitoring Protocols:

  • Any visitor who exhibits COVID symptoms at any time during their stay will be required to take a Rapid Antigen Test and receive a negative result before being permitted to continue with their vacation.
  • If a person tests positive they will be required to follow up with a COVID-19 RT-PCR swab test.

2.     Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Testing (if applicable):

  • All persons who are staying in The Bahamas longer than four nights/five days will be required to take a rapid COVID-19 antigen test.
  • All visitors departing on or before five days will not be required to obtain this test.
  • The rapid tests are easy, quick and will yield results in 60 minutes or less with results being provided electronically via SMS text message and email.
  • Hotel properties will provide relevant information on testing arrangements, while others will facilitate the required rapid test for their guests.
  • All persons on yachts and other pleasure craft will be able to make arrangements for their required rapid tests at the port of entry or via the relevant website.
  • All other visitors, returning residents and citizens will be able to make arrangements for their required rapid tests at the port of entry or via the relevant website.

Notwithstanding any health restrictions that may be implemented from time to time, all travelers abiding by these new protocols will be permitted to move about and explore the beauty and vibrant culture of The Bahamas beyond the confines of their hotel or other accommodations.

The Bahamas is an archipelago with more than 700 islands and cays, spread over 100,000 square miles, which means conditions and instances of the virus can be different on each of the 16 islands available to welcome visitors. Travelers should check the status of their island destination before travelling by visiting Bahamas.com/travelupdates, where they can also review entry requirements applicable to each member of their party before booking a trip.

The Bahamas has remained diligent in its efforts to minimize the spread of COVID-19 throughout the islands, and these measures are imperative to ensure that remains the case. The health and wellbeing of both residents and visitors remain the number one priority of public health officials.  It is important to note, however, that due to fluidity of the COVID-19 situation, both in The Bahamas and worldwide, protocols are subject to change.

MEDIA CONTACTS: 

Anita Johnson-Patty

General Manager, Global Communications

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

ajohnson@bahamas.com

Weber Shandwick

Public Relations

Bahamas@webershandwick.com

Jamaica pursues wellness-focused tourism initiative

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Jamaica pursues wellness-focused tourism initiative

As the sun rises on the morning of October 2, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, Donovan White and members of the Jamaica Cycling Association will crank up the RPMs as they partake in the first leg of Discover Jamaica by Bike. A local event, this will serve as a pilot for a consumer cycling experience that will debut in spring 2021. The ride, which begins in Port Antonio and concludes in Kingston on October 5, will lay the groundwork for a new tourism initiative rooted in active travel and the development of outdoor programs that will allow visitors to embrace the island’s natural beauty while enabling physical distancing.

“Jamaica has always prided herself on delivering a tourism product that is ideally suited to deliver what visitors desire,” said Director White. “Discover Jamaica By Bike continues that legacy as it taps into our collective renewed focus on health and wellness coupled with safe, physically-distanced activities. We know that cycling has become a fitness activity of choice for many through this pandemic, and we are confident that development of a bookable experience around this itinerary will drive continued interest in the destination through a new lens.”

Discover Jamaica by Bike will kick-off with a press conference at Goblin Hill on Thursday, October 1. Officials from the Jamaica Tourist Board, the Ministry of Health & Wellness and the Ministry of Tourism will be on hand to share details about the event as well as possible marketing efforts to promote it to international attendees. From October 2 – 5, participants will trek along the Resilient Corridors through Port Antonio, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Negril, South Coast to Kingston, with the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel being the final stop.

Key elements from the October itinerary will be the basis for a consumer-facing itinerary that will showcase different components of the destination with a number of partners along the route. Biking enthusiasts will experience firsthand the rolling hills, beaches and many towns along the way that make Jamaica such a unique destination.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Communications, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4926-30, Fax: 920-4944

Fraport traffic figures – July 2020: Passenger traffic remains low in Frankfurt and at the Group’s airports worldwide

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In July 2020, Frankfurt Airport (FRA) served a total of 1,318,502 passengers, representing an 80.9 percent decline year-on-year. During the January-to-July period, accumulated passenger traffic at FRA decreased by 66.7 percent. Travel restrictions and lower passenger demand caused by the Covid-19 pandemic were still the main factors behind this trend. After the 90.9 percent passenger drop in June 2020, traffic at FRA continued to rebound slightly in July due to rising tourism demand. This was helped by the lifting of government travel restrictions for countries within the European Union and the start of the holiday season. However, Frankfurt Airport’s traditionally strong intercontinental traffic still experienced very weak performance in the reporting month.

Continuing the slide in aircraft movements, FRA reported 15,372 takeoffs and landings in July 2020 (down 67.4 percent). Accumulated maximum takeoff weights or MTOWs contracted by 65.6 percent to 1,003,698 metric tons. Cargo throughput, comprising airfreight and airmail, fell by 15.5 percent to 150,959 metric tons – still impacted by the reduced availability of capacity for belly freight (shipped on passenger flights).

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The ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic were also felt by the airports in Fraport’s international portfolio. Although all of the Group’s airports were operating passenger flights again by the month of July, some were still subject to comprehensive travel restrictions. At Slovenia’s Ljubljana Airport (LJU), traffic plummeted by 89.9 percent to 20,992 passengers year-on-year. In Brazil, the airports of Fortaleza (FOR) and Porto Alegre (POA) reported a total drop of 84.2 percent to 221,659 passengers. Peru’s Lima Airport, which continued to be closed to international flights, received only 69,319 passengers – representing a 96.7 percent decline year-on-year.

Fraport’s 14 Greek regional airports served a total of some 1.3 million passengers in July 2020, down 75.1 percent. The Bulgarian Twin Star airports of Burgas (BOJ) and Varna (VAR) registered a combined decrease of 81.9 percent to 226,011 passengers. Traffic at Antalya Airport (AYT) in Turkey shrank by 89.0 percent to 595,994 passengers. At Pulkovo Airport (LED) in St. Petersburg, Russia, traffic markedly rebounded. While still posting a 49.1 percent decline on the previous year, LED welcomed about 1.1 million passengers. Also Xi’an Airport (XIY) in China continued its recovery, serving some 3.2 million passengers in July 2020 (down 25.4 percent year-on-year).

#rebuildingtravel

Media Contact:

Yi-Chun Sandy Chen
Corporate Communications
Media Relations
Telephone +49 69 690-28779
y.chen@fraport.de

Bahamas Ministry of Health updates Protocol for Incoming Visitors

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The Ministry of Health wishes to advise the public that travelers must complete a Bahamas HealthVisa application and present a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test with a sample taken within ten(10) days of arrival.

Effective immediately, all travelers will be required to complete an electronic Bahamas HealthVisa application before departure from the place of embarkation. This can be found at travel.gov.bs. Travelers are required to upload a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test and provide contact information.

The Government of The Bahamas will accept the negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) test if thes ample was taken within (10) ten days of arrival. Tests over ten (10) days old will not be accepted. An automated response will be provided once the application is completed. The only persons approved to travel are those who have received a green color-coded response, as proof of approval.

This confirmation must be presented upon arrival in The Bahamas. The Health Visa application process will take twenty-four to forty-eight (24-48) hours and should be completed with adequate lead time.

Failure to comply with the stated requirements will result in denied entry. It is recommended that all travelers interested in visiting The Bahamas review requirements applicable to each member of their traveling party at www.bahamas.com/travelupdates before booking a trip. For more information, or to view the Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan, please visit www.bahamas.com/travelupdates. You may also contact the Ministry of Tourism COVID-19 travel hotline at (242) 502-0829 Monday to Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM, or via email at [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT:

Anita Johnson-Patty, General Manager, Global Communications

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

ajohnson@bahamas.com

Weber Shandwick, Public Relations

Bahamas@webershandwick.com

#rebuildingtravel

Centara moves ahead with more hotel re-openings in July as travel business rebounds

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Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, announces the reopening of eight hotels on 1 and 3 July 2020 in key destinations around Thailand as the government continues to ease travel restrictions nationwide.

The seven hotels and resorts ready to offer a warm welcome back to travellers on 1 July include: Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok; Centra by Centara Government Complex Hotel & Convention Centre Chaeng Watthana; Khum Phaya Resort & Spa, Centara Boutique Collection; Centara Hotel & Convention Centre Udon Thani; Centara Hotel Hat Yai; Centra by Centara Phu Pano Resort Krabi and COSI Pattaya Wong Amat Beach. Additionally, Centara Azure Hotel Pattaya will re-open on 3 July.

Centara moves ahead with more hotel re-openings in July as travel business rebounds
Centara Hotel Hat Yai (1st row, left), Centra by Centara Phu Pano Resort Krabi (1st row right), Centara Azure Hotel Pattaya (2nd row, left) and COSI Pattaya Wong Amat Beach (2nd row, right)

All the hotels are reopening with the Centara Complete Care hygiene and social distancing programme fully in place to ensure guests experience the most comfortable, safe, new normal stay possible, post Covid-19. As business and leisure travellers return to Centara properties they can stay confident with the 12-point action plan which provides complete reassurance to guests, covering social distancing, health, hygiene, and enhanced sanitisation through the entire guest journey.

These newly re-opened hotels add to the lineup of appealing Centara stays already available to domestic travellers eager to get away on short staycations and getaways. Centara Grand at CentralWorld, the group’s flagship property has remained open throughout the pandemic to provide support to healthcare heroes, whilst many other hotels outside of Bangkok are also already enjoying welcoming guests such as: Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya; Centra by Centara Maris Resort Jomtien; Centara Sonrisa Residences & Suites Sriracha; Centara Q Rayong; Centara Chaan Talay Resort & Villas Trat and  Centara Tropicana Koh Chang.

Domestic tourism confidence has helped Centara achieve occupancy rates of up to 100% at weekends, reflecting the robust local travel market which is leading the travel rebound. A number of Centara hotels and resorts in international destinations with low infection rates are also currently operating, including Centara Sandy Beach Resort Danang; Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa Sri Lanka, Centara West Bay Residences & Suites Doha and Centara Muscat Hotel Oman.

For more information, please visit the Centara website at www.centarahotelsresorts.com

ABOUT CENTARA

Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 77 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, China, Japan, Oman, Qatar, Cambodia, Turkey, Indonesia and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises seven brands – Centara Reserve, Centara Grand Hotels & Resorts, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centara Boutique Collection, Centra by Centara, Centara Residences & Suites and COSI Hotels – ranging from 5-star city hotels and luxurious island retreats to family resorts and affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology. It also operates state-of-the-art convention centres and has its own award-winning spa brand, Cenvaree. Throughout the collection, Centara delivers and celebrates the hospitality and values Thailand is famous for including gracious service, exceptional food, pampering spas and the importance of families. Centara’s distinctive culture and diversity of formats allow it to serve and satisfy travellers of nearly every age and lifestyle.

Over the next five years Centara aims to become a top 100 global hotel group, while spreading its footprint into new continents and market niches. As Centara continues to expand, a growing base of loyal customers will find the company’s unique style of hospitality in more locations. Centara’s global loyalty programme, Centara The1, reinforces their loyalty with rewards, privileges and special member pricing.

Find out more about Centara at www.CentaraHotelsResorts.com

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More news about Centara.

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For more information and media enquiries, please contact

Pornchanok Thongrungrot (Pao)

Corporate Public Relations Manager – International Media, Centara Hotels & Resorts

pornchanokth@chr.co.th                        Tel. +66 (0)2769 1234 Ext. 6733

Puntira Cherdboonmuang (Gam)

Corporate Public Relations Manager – Thai media, Centara Hotels & Resorts
Email: puntirach@chr.co.th                    Tel. +66 (0)2769 1234 Ext. 6922

Jerome Richard

VP, Communications – Delivering Asia Communications

Tel. +66 (0) 90 902 5407

Email: jr@deliveringasia.com

More news about Centara.

#rebuildingtravel

More news about Centara.

#rebuildingtravel

Centara donates 10,000 room nights to medical heroes

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Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, continues its support of the country’s medical workers with the launch of its “10,000 Thanks” campaign dedicated to the heroes working tirelessly for the wellbeing of the people.

As a token of heartfelt gratitude for the healthcare heroes in the ongoing fight against COVID-19, Centara is donating 10,000 room nights for doctors and nurses to enjoy a complimentary one-night stay for two guests at any Centara Hotels & Resorts property in Thailand or overseas.

In recognition of their continuing hard work and the challenging circumstances in which doctors and nurses have been working, Centara is offering frontline medical staff across the country a chance to take a much-deserved break, completely free of charge, to recharge and reconnect with their loved ones.

“10,000 Thanks” can be redeemed across the group’s five existing brands – Centara Grand, Centara, Centara Boutique Collection, Centra by Centara, and COSI – in destinations across Thailand and overseas, including a number of resort destinations such as Pattaya, Hua Hin, Phuket, Krabi and Samui as well as urban destinations such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Udon Thani and Hat Yai.

The free night offer is reserved for medical front line professionals who are doctors and nurses with Thai nationality or currently residing in Thailand only.

Coinciding with Thailand’s lifting of all restrictions in July following months of phased re-opening, the “10,000 Thanks” offer can be booked between 1st July – 30th December 2020 for stays within the same period.

Centara is also extending appreciation to all other workers across the medical industry with an offer of 25% off every rate across the group’s entire portfolio spanning 18 destinations. “25 for heroes” bookings can be made on www.centarahotelsresorts.com between 1st July – 30th  December 2020 with no restrictions on travel period.

The “10,000 Thanks” and “25 for heroes” medical personnel campaigns are the latest in a series of initiatives launched by Centara Hotels & Resorts to help communities and individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since April 2020, the group has partnered with charities and government organisations to provide 1,500 food boxes to support at-risk communities, and offered hotel rooms in Centara Grand at CentralWorld and Centara Muscat Hotel Oman to host healthcare staff and people in need. Centara’s Help the Heroes’ campaign also aims to support those in need with donations going to the Chaipattana Covid-19 Aid Fund (and other pandemics) and Thai Red Cross Society.

“Thailand has not seen community transmission of COVID-19 for over a month now, and there’s no question of the importance the role our country’s healthcare heroes play in keeping us healthy and safe. As restrictions in the country start to ease, we invite doctors and nurses to enjoy a much-needed holiday on us, as a humble token of our immeasurable appreciation of their selfless efforts,” said Thirayuth Chirathivat, CEO of Centara Hotels & Resorts.

For more information on the “10,000 Thanks” & “25 for heroes” campaign, please visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com/10000thanks and https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/25-for-heroes/

ABOUT CENTARA

Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 77 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, China, Japan, Oman, Qatar, Cambodia, Turkey, Indonesia and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises seven brands – Centara Reserve, Centara Grand Hotels & Resorts, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centara Boutique Collection, Centra by Centara, Centara Residences & Suites and COSI Hotels – ranging from 5-star city hotels and luxurious island retreats to family resorts and affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology. It also operates state-of-the-art convention centres and has its own award-winning spa brand, Cenvaree. Throughout the collection, Centara delivers and celebrates the hospitality and values Thailand is famous for including gracious service, exceptional food, pampering spas and the importance of families. Centara’s distinctive culture and diversity of formats allow it to serve and satisfy travellers of nearly every age and lifestyle.

Over the next five years Centara aims to become a top 100 global hotel group, while spreading its footprint into new continents and market niches. As Centara continues to expand, a growing base of loyal customers will find the company’s unique style of hospitality in more locations. Centara’s global loyalty programme, Centara The1, reinforces their loyalty with rewards, privileges and special member pricing.

Find out more about Centara at www.CentaraHotelsResorts.com

Facebook                    LinkedIn                      Instagram                    Twitter

For more information and media enquiries, please contact:

Pornchanok Thongrungrot (Pao)

Corporate Public Relations Manager – International Media, Centara Hotels & Resorts

pornchanokth@chr.co.th                        Tel. +66 (0)2769 1234 Ext. 6733

Puntira Cherdboonmuang (Gam)

Corporate Public Relations Manager – Thai media, Centara Hotels & Resorts
Email: puntirach@chr.co.th                    Tel. +66 (0)2769 1234 Ext. 6922

Jerome Richard

VP, Communications – Delivering Asia Communications

Tel. +66 (0) 90 902 5407

Email: jr@deliveringasia.com

#rebuildingtravel

Marriott International Announces Expiration and Results of its Debt Tender Offers

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Mariott News first on FIR:

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is announcing today the expiration and results of its previously announced offers to purchase for cash any and all of the Notes listed in the table below (the “Notes”). The offers to purchase with respect to each series of Notes are being referred to herein collectively as the “Offers” and each as an “Offer.” Each Offer was made upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the offer to purchase, dated June 15, 2020 (the “Offer to Purchase”), and its accompanying notice of guaranteed delivery (the “Notice of Guaranteed Delivery” and, together with the Offer to Purchase, the “Tender Offer Documents”). Capitalized terms used but not defined in this announcement have the meanings given to them in the Offer to Purchase.

Title of Security CUSIP Acceptance Priority Level(1) Maturity Date Principal Amount Previously Outstanding (in thousands) Principal Amount Tendered (2)(in thousands) Principal Amount Accepted for Purchase (2)(in thousands) Total Consideration(3)
2.300% Series Q Notes due 2022 571903AR4 1 January 15, 2022 $750,000 $350,842 $350,842 $1,006.25
3.250% Series L Notes due 2022 571903AK9 2 September 15, 2022 $350,000 $176,337 $176,337 $1,018.75
2.125% Series DD Notes due 2022 571903BC6 3 October 3, 2022 $550,000 $325,637 $325,637 $995.00
3.125% Series N Notes due 2021 571903AM5 4 October 15, 2021 $400,000 $241,420 — $1,012.50

(1) Marriott accepted Notes in the order of their respective Acceptance Priority Level specified in the table above (each, an “Acceptance Priority Level,” with 1 being the highest Acceptance Priority Level and 4 being the lowest Acceptance Priority Level), subject to the terms and conditions described in the Offer to Purchase.

(2) Not Including (i) $103,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 2.300% Series Q Notes due 2022, (ii) $1,041,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 3.250% Series L Notes due 2022, (iii) $437,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 2.125% Series DD Notes due 2022, and (iv) $595,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 3.125% Series N Notes due 2021, in each case, tendered pursuant to the Guaranteed Delivery Procedures (as defined in the Offer to Purchase), for which delivery of such Notes must be made by 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 23, 2020.

(3) Represents the total consideration for each series of Notes (such consideration, the “Total Consideration”) per $1,000 principal amount of the Notes.

The Offers expired at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 19, 2020 (the “Expiration Date”). As previously announced, Marriott’s obligation to complete an Offer with respect to a particular series of Notes was conditioned on the aggregate Total Consideration for the Offers (which excludes the applicable Accrued Coupon Payment) payable in respect of all Notes accepted for purchase in the aggregate not exceeding $1,000,000,000 and was subject to the other terms and conditions described in the Offer to Purchase.

The Tender Offer Documents provided that if the aggregate Total Consideration (which excludes the aggregate Accrued Coupon Payment) for all Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn was greater than $1,000,000,000, then Marriott would, in accordance with the Acceptance Priority Levels, accept for purchase all Notes of each series validly tendered and not validly withdrawn, so long as (i) the aggregate Total Consideration necessary to purchase all validly tendered and not validly withdrawn Notes of such series, plus (ii) the aggregate Total Consideration necessary to purchase all validly tendered and not validly withdrawn Notes of all series having a higher Acceptance Priority Level than such series of Notes were equal to, or less than, $1,000,000,000.

Since the aggregate Total Consideration (which excludes the aggregate Accrued Coupon Payment) for all Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn was greater than $1,000,000,000, Marriott is announcing today that it has accepted for purchase all Notes of each series with Acceptance Priority Levels 1 through 3 validly tendered and not validly withdrawn (the “2022 Notes”), and has not accepted for purchase any Notes of the series with Acceptance Priority Level 4 (the “2021 Notes”).

Holders of 2022 Notes that have been accepted for purchase will receive on June 22, 2020 (the “Settlement Date”) in cash the applicable Total Consideration for each $1,000 principal amount of 2022 Notes, as set forth in the table above, plus accrued and unpaid interest from the last coupon payment date up to, but excluding, the Settlement Date.

$1,581,000 in aggregate principal amount of 2022 Notes were tendered pursuant to the Guaranteed Delivery Procedures. Acceptance of such 2022 Notes remains subject to the valid delivery, at any time at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 23, 2020, of such 2022 Notes, and corresponding documentation, pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions under the Offer to Purchase. Holders of 2022 Notes validly tendered pursuant to the Guaranteed Delivery Procedures and accepted for purchase by Marriott are expected to receive on June 24, 2020 (the “2022 Notes Guaranteed Delivery Settlement Date”) in cash the applicable Total Consideration for each $1,000 principal amount of 2022 Notes, as set forth in the table above, plus accrued and unpaid interest from the last coupon payment date up to, but excluding, the Settlement Date. Holders whose 2022 Notes are validly tendered and purchased pursuant to the Guaranteed Delivery Procedures will not receive payment in respect of any interest for the period from and including the Settlement Date.

All 2021 Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn (including all 2021 Notes validly tendered pursuant to the Guaranteed Delivery Procedures) pursuant to such Offer will be returned promptly to the tendering Holders, and such 2021 Notes will be credited to the applicable account maintained at The Depository Trust Company from which such 2021 Notes were delivered.

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC acted as the Dealer Managers in connection with the Offers (collectively, the “Dealer Managers”). Questions regarding terms and conditions of the Offers should be directed to Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. by calling toll free at (866) 627-0391 or collect at (212) 250-2955, or to Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC by calling toll free at 800- 828-3182 or collect at 212-357-1452.

D.F. King & Co., Inc. acted as information agent (the “Information Agent”) and tender agent (the “Tender Agent”) in connection with the Offers. Questions or requests for assistance in connection with the Offers or for additional copies of the Tender Offer Documents, may be directed to D.F. King & Co., Inc. by calling toll free 866-811-1442 or collect at 212-269-5550 or via e-mail at MAR@dfking.com. You may also contact your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the Offers. All documentation relating to the Offers, including the Offer to Purchase and the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, together with any updates, are available from the Information Agent and the Tender Agent, as set forth above, and are also available via the Offers website: http://www.dfking.com/MAR.

Neither this announcement nor the Offer to Purchase, or the electronic transmission thereof, constitutes an offer to sell or buy Notes, as applicable, in any jurisdiction in which, or to or from any person to or from whom, it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation under applicable securities laws or otherwise.

The distribution of this announcement in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. In those jurisdictions where the securities, blue sky or other laws require the Offers to be made by a licensed broker or dealer and the Dealer Managers or any of their respective affiliates is such a licensed broker or dealer in any such jurisdiction, the Offers shall be deemed to be made by the Dealer Managers or such affiliate (as the case may be) on behalf of Marriott in such jurisdiction.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
All statements in this press release are made as of June 22, 2020. Except as required by applicable law, Marriott undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities laws, including statements related to the expected timing, final terms and completion of the Offers and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. Marriott cautions you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous evolving risks and uncertainties that Marriott may not be able to accurately predict or assess, including those Marriott identifies in the Offer to Purchase and other risk factors that Marriott identifies in its Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including Marriott’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2020. There can be no assurance that the Offers will be completed as described herein or at all. Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations Marriott expresses or implies in this press release.

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 7,400 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 134 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy™, its highly-awarded travel program. For more information, please visit Marriott’s website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

Marriott may post updates about COVID-19 and other matters on its investor relations website at www.marriott.com/investor or Marriott’s news center website at www.marriottnewscenter.com. Marriott encourages investors, the media, and others interested in the company to review and subscribe to the information Marriott posts on these websites, which may be material. The contents of these websites are not incorporated by reference into this press release or any report or document Marriott files with the SEC, and any references to the websites are intended to be inactive textual references only.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Brendan McManus
Corporate Relations
(301) 380-4495
brendan.mcmanus@marriott.com

INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACTS:
Jackie Burka McConagha
Investor Relations
(301) 380-5126
jackie.burka@marriott.com

Betsy Dahm
Investor Relations
(301) 380-3372
betsy.dahm@marriott.com

IRPR#1

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