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3 Unique Places to Visit in London

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London represents a key travel location visited by many enthusiasts each year. It is also one of the most important cities in the world when it comes to the business world. However, most people visiting London for the first time are only aware of a few popular travel sights such as Big Ben, the London Eye, and, of course, Hyde Park.

However, London is a lot more than just the popular landmarks mentioned above. If you take the less beaten path and start emerging yourself in the English culture and the local communities, you will be able to discover a handful of unique places that must be visited while being there. We will cover three such places in this article.

God’s Own Junkyard

When talking about neon signs you might first think about the extravagant Las Vegas or some classic venues from the ’30s. London will never be your first thought. However, the city shows a passion for the classic neon signs that anybody can visit at God’s Own Junkyard gallery. The place provides visitors with a psychedelic experience and the ability to explore the depths of the neon world.

Located in East London in an industrial site, the gallery offers quite a unique and colorful experience. You can see anything from Soho signs to materials used in professional shoots and to classic English pub signs. The gallery also features a coffee place, The Rolling Scones Café in case you want to take a break and internalize everything. God’s Own Junkyard is opened every weekend with a free entrance, making this experience available to everybody.

Hippodrome Casino

London is famous around the world for many things but, gambling is not necessarily one of them. If you want to gamble you can go to the classics like Las Vegas and Macau. However, while you are in London you should still check out the Hippodrome Casino as this place it’s not just about gambling.

Situated in Leicester Square, this casino represents the go-to place for English gambling enthusiasts for more than 100 years. The venue features a 180-seat theatre that’s constantly featuring outstanding jazz, soul, cabaret and burlesque shows. You can also take a break at one of the 6 bars located on the premise of the casino or, to enjoy a good meal at the Heliot Steak House.

If you want to have a fully-immersive “Hippodrome experience” you can always try the casino tables. You can explore three floors full of casino games featuring something for anybody. Many of the games, such as the slots are reminiscent of the classic-looking games found in online casinos like Gametwist online.

Such online casinos can provide an entertaining experience close to the one you can find in the Hippodrome Casino. Whereas in the Hippodrome you have three floors full of gambling, online you have a library featuring hundreds of different games. The casino is a place worth visiting regardless if you want to gamble, enjoy a live jazz performance or to simply eat a great steak.

The Twinings Store

We’re all well aware that there’s a strong connection between Brits and tea, right? Tea is, of course, a well-recognized English symbol. This passion for tea can be understood by exploring the story of Twinings, which can be easily accomplished by visiting the 300-year-old Twinings tea store.

Twinings represents one of the first tea merchants that has been providing UK’s royal households with beverages for centuries. The Twinings Café located on the Strand first opened in 1706. Although many changed since then, people can still explore its story while enjoying a good cup of tea over at the store.

Conclusion

London has many landmarks recognized all around the world. They represent the first go-to locations for tourists. As great as these places might be, there’s still an unexplored English culture that many travelers miss out on. For that reason, everybody should visit the three places mentioned above at least once while being in London.

AG Boutique Journey a new reference for event organization in a growing Italy

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Two decades of experience at all levels of Incoming with a proclamation in the Luxury sector on the forefront for the ever growing demand for events from overseas to the Bel Paese.

AG Boutique Journey, the DMC & Tour Operator of AG Group, the first Tourist Group in Italy in a position to satisfy in-house all forms of demand. DMC/Tour Operator & Event Management, its very own Boutique Hotel selection and Consultants for independent Hotels offering support in Marketing, Revenue & Yield Management, Selection of fine Bistros with focus on eno-gastronomy excellence, and the opening of Retreats & Retirement Homes for the elderly.  All founded and Directed by Andrea Girolami who has more than twenty-years of experience on all levels of Incoming tourism. From leisure to corporate to MICE – Meetings Incentives Conferences Events – and with a department dedicated solely to the Elite luxury Sector. Today they are proposing further enhancement to the world public as a reference for the organization of events in an Italy which is increasingly growing and is highly preferred by overseas Corporate Businesses and  Associations.

AG Boutique Journey a new reference for event organizatin in a growing Italy
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Congress Italy and AG Boutique Journey

Released by the OICE only a few weeks ago, the Italian Observatory of Congresses announced that in 2018 Italy registered 421,503 Congresses and Events which were held for a total of 597,224 days and thus showing an increase of  +5.8% and +6.7% in comparison to 2017.  These are the gratifying results, in particular, International Events are consistently increasing from 7.9% in 2017 to 8.1% in 2018, with significant numbers of the participants arriving from abroad.

AG Boutique Journey has a dynamic and professional team and hundreds of collaborators and partners around Italy and GSA abroad. It has a background of numerous hugely successful events of all kinds including Political and Federal Congresses, Corporate Incentives which advantageously draw special attention by focusing their knowledge and know how in the luxury sector.

AG Boutique Journey a new reference for event organizatin in a growing Italy
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AG Boutique Journey a new reference for event organizatin in a growing Italy
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The recognized presence of AG Boutique Journey in the Americas and Australia as well as throughout Europe where it is particularly recognized and appreciated for its unique and unusually large range of Experiential Tours and Bespoke trips, they make AG Group today, a point of reference for the organization of important Events in Italy. Thanks to the very tested and experienced leisure know how it is able to offer niche exclusivity, Traditional ideas, Artistic-cultural visits, original team building and more…. something both Corporate and Affiliate customers appreciate and which are unique in their offers for MICE.

Visit the website www.aggroupitaly.it

AG Boutique Journey a new reference for event organizatin in a growing Italy

AG Group – Your gateway to Italy is the first tourist group in Italy capable of satisfying all needs in-house, DMC / Tour Operator and Event Management, Hotel Consulting, Own Hotels, Restaurants and Retirement homes. Founded and directed by Andrea Girolami, an entrepreneur with over twenty years of experience in tourism and in hospitality, which includes:

  • AG Hotels, five 4 star hotels in the center of Rome, with a sixth opening in September and shortly after a 5 star Hotel in Florence.
  • AG Boutique Journey, Tour operator, DMC, event organizer and Wedding planner with an important sector specializing in luxury travel.
  • AG Hotel Consulting, consulting agency for 4 & 5 star hotels, which contribute to make up the content of 30 hotels within central Italy.
  • AG Foodies, Bistro in Rome and the Rooftop Terraces of 2 of the AG Hotels with new openings soon in Florence with Diana’s Place Bistro and Rooftop Terrace. All Gourmet menus are creatively managed and directed by the well-known Michelin star chef Andrea Fusco.
  • AG Domus Nova, the novelty of the Group’s important Retirement Home project, already open in the centre of Italy, in response to the demand for hospitality for the third age.

Media Contact:  Stefano Ferri, Mob. +39 349 5506421, stefanoferri@aggroupitaly.it

Jetwing Symphony PLC set to launch new contemporary boutique hotel in Kandy

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As part of its luxury portfolio, Jetwing Symphony PLC, the investment arm of Jetwing, will launch Jetwing Kandy Gallery in the historical city of Kandy by the end of this year.

Spanning 1.9 acres, the hotel will feature 26 plush rooms and suites ranging from 52 sqm to 81 sqm with private butler service, exemplary amenities and elegant design with a local touch. The spacious rooms enjoy sweeping views of the Mahaweli River and the hill country and includes a secluded balcony or terrace affording a sense of privacy. Dining will be a gastronomical adventure, with a talented team offering a well-curated menu inspired by the local produce and freshest ingredients.

“As the last royal kingdom of our nation, Kandy has many stories to tell with cultural, religious and architectural significance. Launching in such a unique destination certainly complements Jetwing’s spirit, where we continuously aim to create novel luxury experiences for guests to immerse in our rich culture. We are looking forward to welcoming discerning travellers with the genuinely warming, traditional Sri Lankan hospitality synonymous with the Jetwing brand.” said Hiran Cooray, Chairman, Jetwing Symphony PLC.

The four-story hotel has been designed in collaboration with renowned architectural firm, Philip Weeraratne Associates and will be managed by Jetwing Hotels along with 40 resorts and villas across the island. The building is formed by two wings on either side, connected by a semi-public “Gallery Walk” dedicated to the arts and crafts of Kandy. Every element of this contemporary and elegant hotel has been exquisitely designed to complement the location’s natural surroundings. 

Media Contact: Jetwing Hotels, Hashan Cooray (Manager – Marketing) – hashan@jetwinghotels.com ; Sanduni Kulatunga (Senior Executive- PR & Media) – sanduni.n@jetwinghotels.com

29th International Book Fair opens in Abu Dhabi

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Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is playing host to the 29th edition of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair that kicked off on Wednesday with more than 500,000 titles on display.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of the UAE Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan inaugurated the event, according to the state-run WAM news agency.

He emphasized the importance of the fair in supporting the UAE’s status in the publishing industry, being one of the most important book fairs in the region that attracts Arab and international publishers.

Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi, the fair features more than 1,000 exhibitors from 50 countries.

Running until April 30, the fair also includes several daily events for visitors such as seminars, workshops, author signings and entertainment activities.

With India as the event’s guest of honour, at least 30 Indian publishing companies are taking part.

This year’s book fair also sees the introduction of three new interactive zones: the E-Zone, Comic Corner and the Entertainment Zone.

Each of the three zones features unique experiences for learning, innovation and entertainment.

Travel News | eTurboNews

Puerto Rico Tourism: Out with the old, in with the new

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“Since our inception last July, we hit the ground running to accelerate the tourism economy,” said Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico. “This brand campaign follows a strong publicity effort that set up Puerto Rico as the top place to visit in 2019 and a recently revamped website, DiscoverPuertoRico.com.

“The creative highlights our two strongest assets – our culture and our people – and will help us strengthen traveler’s familiarity with what makes our Island one-of-a-kind.”  The campaign officially launches today across digital channels via digital banners, social, pre-roll and a follow-up TV spot that will launch in coming weeks in key markets. Additional marketing support is expected throughout the rest of 2019, to attract visitors to the Island during the summer travel season.”

Discover Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico’s newly-established Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), announced today the rollout of Puerto Rico’s brand campaign called “Have We Met Yet?” which draws inspiration from Puerto Rico’s cultural and natural offerings and at its essence, focuses on the hospitable and welcoming nature of its people. By posing the question “Have We Met Yet?” the creative re-introduces the Island to the world and brings to life the exotic yet familiar essence of Puerto Rico. As the U.S. mainland’s “neighbor to the south,” the new campaign showcases through Puerto Rico’s iconic doors how the Island welcomes visitors with open arms.

Following extensive research that showed that Puerto Rico’s brand identity was neutral in the minds of travelers, this new campaign is this next phase of Discover Puerto Rico’s brand repositioning process, enabling the Island to fully capitalize on its rich tourism product offerings and emerge as a leading Caribbean destination. The creative repositions the island as that neighbor that one dreams of – with the festive flair, the ocean view, the incredible art collection, the delicious food. Puerto Rico is the neighbor you’ll laugh with, celebrate with, and maybe even fall in love with.

“Puerto Rico’s people, its rich culture and unparalleled natural offerings, combined with the fact that it’s a U.S. territory and easily accessible, were key factors that led to this creative. We’re excited to debut this brand campaign as it opens the door, literally, to endless possibilities that showcase the spirit of the Puerto Rican people and everything the Island has to offer,” said Leah Chandler, CMO of Discover Puerto Rico.

Travelers exposed to the new brand campaign will be immediately drawn by the colorful vibrant doors and stunning imagery found throughout the Island. The creative highlights many aspects that make Puerto Rico a unique destination—ranging from its people, its cuisine, its festive spirit, its natural attractions, and much more.

“The campaign invites travelers to visit Puerto Rico and meet us, the neighbor that you can’t live without,” said Chandler. “Puerto Rico was named the #1 Place to Visit in 2019 by the New York Times and has topped over 20 other notable lists of places to visit this year,” she added. “We want to send a message to all travelers that this is THE year to visit Puerto Rico. The entire island is eager to welcome them.”

The creative was ideated and produced by Beautiful Destinations, with support from local production crews who traveled throughout the Island to capture the beautiful scenery, thousands of colorful doors, and welcoming faces of the Puerto Rican people.

To view the “Have We Met Yet?” creative online, visit YouTube.com/DiscoverPuertoRico and be on the lookout for additional campaign creative coming soon.

Travel News | eTurboNews

Swiss-Belhotel brings special offers to Arabian Travel Market

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Swiss-Belhotel International has created exciting packages for wholesalers and tour operators that will be launched at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) taking place in Dubai from April 28 to May 1, 2019. Targeted at Middle East travelers, the group has put together a fabulous range of offers that will be available across its spectacular properties in New Zealand, Australia, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India, Swiss-Belhotel International, said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of these exclusive packages that have been designed to provide unique experiences along with greater benefits and value to our Middle East partners as well as customers. We have superb properties located in some of the most sought-after destinations that attract large number of travelers from our region. With the summer holiday season around the corner, ATM presents us the ideal opportunity to launch these. Moreover, this year we are very excited about the ATM Holiday Shopper that we believe is a great addition to the show.”

The Special Packages offer a diverse choice of experiences at unbeatable rates: These include the following:

  • Special Golf Packages in Indonesia at various destinations – Jakarta, Batam, Bandung, Bali, Tarakan, Belitung, Surabaya, Jayapura, and in Vietnam in Da Lat.
  • Discounted wholesale rates for hotels in New Zealand and for hotels in Australia.
  • Early Bird discounts in the busiest destination in Australia, the hotel in Sydney offers 15% discounts for booking within April with stays valid till August and 10% for bookings until August with stays valid all throughout the year.
  • In Philippines, book at Makati and get a free room upgrade; and when you book at Manila get to enjoy the amazing introductory offer including breakfast for two.

Visitors to ATM can find Swiss-Belhotel International on stand HC0825 located in Sheikh Saeed Arena in Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

eTN is a media partner for ATM.

Travel News | eTurboNews

MSC Cruises partners with Martha Stewart

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MSC Cruises – the Swiss-based world’s largest privately-owned cruise line – is partnering with internationally acclaimed home and lifestyle expert Martha Stewart on new, exclusive culinary and discovery experiences on board and ashore to make MSC Cruises’ guests vacation moments even more special and memorable. The partnership — themed Celebrate, Discover, Experience — includes specially curated shore excursions, celebration surprise gift packages, and onboard special holiday dinner menus and recipes.

“MSC Cruises is committed to developing enriching guest experiences and as such we partner with world-class experts in their field to create together something truly unique,” said Gianni Onorato, CEO, MSC Cruises. “Martha Stewart’s philosophy and passion for discovery is a perfect match for MSC Cruises and we are excited to bring her innovation, style and expertise to life in this special partnership designed to help our guests create memorable vacation moments with friends and family.”

“I’ve always enjoyed introducing people to new experiences, and I’m thrilled to be working with MSC Cruises on a partnership that embodies the true celebratory nature of travel, exploration and discovery,” said Martha Stewart. “The excursions showcase some of my favorite activities and help MSC Cruises’ guests discover some of the authentic and hidden treasures of destinations throughout the Caribbean. The holiday dinner menus and surprise gift packages encompass what I believe celebrations should include: good food, good company and commemorating great adventures and inspiration wherever we are.”

Travel News | eTurboNews

Dusit International makes its grand debut in Qatar

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With a view to capture major market share in Qatar’s hospitality sector, Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, is set to make its Qatar debut with the launch of Dusit Doha Hotel on 25 April 2019.

Located in the heart of Doha’s vibrant West Bay area, adjacent to the breezy Corniche, Dusit Doha Hotel is a five-star modern oasis only 20 minutes by car from Hamad International Airport, and just a five-minute walk from Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, the City centre Mall and The Gate Mall, making it a perfect stopover for business and leisure travellers alike.

Designed to provide luxury experiences at excellent value, the full-service property comprises 261 well-appointed guestrooms and suites and 96 elegant apartments for short- and long-stay guests. Dusit’s unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality, honed and developed over more than 70 years, ensures guests can expect memorable, personalised service delivered with genuine care, warmth and respect. Rooms and suites at Dusit Doha Hotel are designed to provide the utmost in comfort and convenience, with expansive living areas ranging in size from 41 sq m for a Superior Room to 131 sq. m for a Suite. Apartments are available in one-to three-bedroom configurations and provide spacious living areas ranging from 95 to 193 sq. m.

Leisure and recreation facilities include a rooftop swimming pool, children’s pool, and a sundeck area offering panoramic views of West Bay. Guests will also find a wealth of dining outlets to choose from, including three restaurants, a classic French café, and a relaxing rooftop lounge.

Ready to welcome guests by the hotel’s opening date is Taste, a contemporary all-day dining restaurant serving tantalising dishes from around the globe and also hosting regular theme nights. This will soon be joined by Dusit’s signature Thai restaurant, Benjarong, which serves Royal Thai cuisine made using the finest local and imported ingredients.

Other upcoming outlets include Antoinette’s Café, bringing a taste of Europe to Doha via fresh French pastries and other baked treats, and The House, offering premium steaks and seafood.

Ideal for weddings, corporate meetings, and memorable social gatherings, the hotel also offers a versatile 574 sq. m ballroom which can accommodate up to 500 people. Spacious and bright with abundant natural light, this atmospheric venue features its own private terrace and can be divided into two smaller venues, each with a separate entrance.

Dusit’s signature Devarana Spa is also set to open at the hotel, offering a wide range of luxury massage therapies and wellness treatments conducted in elegant, private treatment rooms. Designed to promote maximum relaxation, the elegant spa will occupy the entire 29th floor of the hotel, offering separate male and female sections.

“A modern oasis for people to meet, dine, stay and relax, Dusit Doha Hotel delivers the ultimate in luxury and comfort for locals and international visitors alike,” said Mr Gerhard Stutz, Cluster General Manager, Dusit Doha Hotel. “Qatar is one of the fastest growing countries in terms of tourism, and its reputation as a destination of choice is only set to be cemented further when the FIFA World Cup is held here in 2022. As such, there could not have been a more opportune time to launch Dusit Doha Hotel. We now look forward to delighting guests with our unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality while positioning the hotel as the market leader in Doha.”

Travel News | eTurboNews

Visa waiver leads to spike in bookings to Brazil

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travel News | eTurboNews

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi prepares to host World Travel Awards

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Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, the latest addition to Yas Island’s series of world-class attractions, is stepping up to host the World Travel Awards (WTA) Middle East Gala Ceremony 2019 on Thursday 25 April.

The gala ceremony will be the premier gathering of the Arabian hospitality industry, with the key players and VIPs from across the region attending.

Opened last summer, Warner Bros. World is the world’s first-ever Warner Bros. branded indoor theme park, and represents another milestone in Abu Dhabi’s remarkable journey to establish itself as one of the world’s leading tourist destinations.

Located on Yas Island, the 1.65 million sq. ft. indoor theme park features six immersive lands with 29 state-of-the-art rides, interactive family-friendly attractions and unique live entertainment shows, as well as a variety of themed dining and retail outlets.

The park is the latest addition to Yas Island’s award-winning theme parks, joining Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld.

The red-carpet evening will form the second leg of the WTA Grand Tour 2019 – a global search for the finest travel and tourism brands in the world.

Graham Cooke, Founder, WTA, said: “We are deeply honoured to host our Middle East Gala Ceremony at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, an enthralling new addition to Abu Dhabi’s incredible roster of tourist offerings.

He added: “WTA has maintained its position as the industry leader for the past 26 years, consistently proving its value as the global benchmark for acknowledging excellence in travel and tourism. I greatly look forward to welcoming the most senior decision-makers of the Arabian travel industry for what promises to be a most memorable evening at this phenomenal new attraction.”

Don Strickler, General Manager, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, said: “We are delighted and honored to welcome the prestigious World Travel Awards Middle East Gala Ceremony at Warner Bros. World for the first time this year. The choice of our Park as host for this coveted industry event is a testament to the growing appeal of theme parks within the leisure and entertainment sector in the region. We look forward to bringing together some of the world’s leading travel industry professionals and organizations for an evening full of many successes and celebrations.”

As part of the Grand Tour 2019, WTA is also hosting ceremonies in Montego Bay (Jamaica), Mauritius, Madeira, La Paz (Bolivia) and Phu Quoc (Vietnam), with the winners progressing to the Grand Final in Muscat (Oman).

Travel News | eTurboNews