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Sandals & Beaches Resorts Hold Sandals Select Runcation Reggae Marathon LIV+ Event

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Sandals Select guests turned their vacation into a “Runcation” for the 19th annual Reggae Marathon in Negril, Jamaica

The Luxury Included® resort company recently concluded their Sandals Select LIV+ Runcation event planned around the 19th annual Reggae Marathon on December 8, 2019, in Negril, Jamaica. Thanks to an exclusive LIV+ package, Sandals Select guests staying at Sandals Negril and Beaches Negril could participate in Jamaica’s premier marathon, half marathon and 10K race situated along Negril’s famed 7-mile white sand beach while enjoying Luxury Included® perks along the way.

The LIV+ Runcation event, which took place from December 5-10, kicked off with a special welcome cocktail reception for runners to mix and mingle while picking up their Reggae Marathon packets and Sandals Select Team swag. To carbo-load before the big race, guests indulged in a pasta party at Sandals Negril’s delicious Cucina Romana. After completing   the race, runners headed to the Finish Line Beach Bash & Award Ceremony hosted by the Reggae Marathon, before unwinding at a post-marathon massage and “Spa-ty” with Sandals and Beaches’ award-winning Red Lane® Spa. Guests were then treated to a special awards dinner at Sandals Negril’s Bayside Restaurant before enjoying a full day dedicated to rest, relaxation and recovery. With over a dozen participants from North America and Europe, Sandals Select guests ran in all distances – the full marathon, half and 10K – with one participant in her late 60s notably completing her 46th half marathon, inspiring and motivating the entire group.

Sandals Select Rewards – Sandals and Beaches® Resorts premier rewards program – offers guests the chance to earn points redeemable toward future and free stays, special recognition and VIP gifts, amazing discounts and access to exclusive LIV+ packages like the Sandals Select Runcation event. Sandals® Resorts recently made enrolling in Sandals Select Rewards Program more attainable than ever by allowing anyone to join without previous bookings, making these exclusive add-ons just a click away.

Next year’s Sandals Select Runcation Reggae Marathon LIV+ event will take place December 3-8, 2020, for the 20th annual Reggae Marathon on December 6. For more information on next year’s Sandals Select event, please click here. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Alexa Mechanic for additional information or to arrange an interview with a spokesperson. 646-935-3999. [email protected]

Seychelles shines as partner country at German Travel Show

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The Seychelles takes center stage as the official partner country of the major German Travel and Tourism Fair, ReiseLust. The fair ran from Friday, November 8, 2019, to Sunday, November 10, 2019, in the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, the second-largest city in Northern Germany.

The 15th edition of the fair featured around 550 exhibitors, showcasing their products, services and destinations to the 40,205 visitors who attended the three-day event.

Advertised as the partner country to the event, Seychelles featured on massive posters and billboard around the city, enticing visitors to attend the fair, giving the destination a definite advantage.

Visitors present at the fair were not only given access to information about the destination, but they could also book their next vacation on the spot, making the event an ideal one to conclude some direct sales to the paradise destination.

The Seychelles delegation was led by STB Director for Germany Edith Hunzinger, accompanied by STB Senior Marketing Executive Natacha Servina and Marketing Executive Rolira Young and Sören Teichert from the STB Office in Frankfurt.

Several partners, including tour operators and hotels were also present to market their product alongside the STB team in Bremen these were representatives from Acajou Hotel, Castello Beach Hotel, Le Duc de Praslin, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Lavigne Reisen, SeyVillas, Valmer Resort, and VPM Bestsail.

STB Director for Germany commented that the archipelago’s participation to the ReiseLust event as a partner remains a great honour, adding on to its value as a great holiday destination.

She mentioned that the Bremen is prospering economy and affluent citizenry makes it an ideal location to attract new visitors to the Seychelles.

“I am proud to have had again the opportunity to head an amazing delegation to represent our destination,” Ms. Hunzinger said “I am confident that the great teamwork with our loyal partners will bring yet another boost to the already impressive figure of German visitors to the Seychelles.”

STB and their partners showcased the Creole culture at the stall, through live performances of music and dances by the “Lansiv” group and gave VIP guests a culinary experience with smoked fish and pineapple, tuna balls and mango salad and even a taste of the local rums and Seybrew beer.

Giving the Seychelles stand an artistic touch, local artist, James Agricole, joined the Seychelles delegation to display the vibrant colors of the Island destination and interacting with the public by giving them the opportunity to paint pictures with him.

The highlight of the fair was the raffle organized on the last day of the event. Visitors were given the chance to win a week’s holiday cruise for two in the Seychelles, with flight tickets sponsored by Condor and the week’s sailing experience by VPM Bestsail. In order to win, participants had to answer three questions related to the Seychelles on a postcard.

As part of its participation to the fair, Seychelles received extensive coverage by the local media, with Ms. Hunzinger giving numerous interviews.

Aside from the fair, a travel-agent dinner workshop was held on Friday evening for 21 travel agencies, giving the German market an insight on the latest developments in the Seychelles.

For more news about Seychelles, please click here.

MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, [email protected]  www.seychelles.travel

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation joins forces with VIP hotel and tour operator delegation for largest media blitz in BTO Canada history!

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The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation delegates lead by Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar, as well as numerous industry partners took media outlets and tour operators in Canada on a whirlwind tour of the Islands of the Bahamas, solidifying the messaging of the Bahamas being a viable destination for the Canadian tourists, despite the impact of Hurricane Dorian. “Following Hurricane Dorian, we felt that it was absolutely critical to come and let the Canadian market know that we are open for business and to introduce The Bahamas to new aspects of the Canadian market,” remarked Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Director General, Joy Jibrilu, “as far west as Vancouver, there is huge potential to market the country.”

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation joins forces with VIP hotel and tour operator delegation for largest media blitz in BTO Canada history
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation joins forces with VIP hotel and tour operator delegation for largest media blitz in BTO Canada history

Canada is the second largest country in the world and the second largest source market for visitor arrivals to The Bahamas next to the United States. Throughout the first seven months of 2019 an estimated 3.7 million Canadian arrivals to the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America representing a YOY increase of 4.3%. Canadian visitor arrivals to The Bahamas increased by 14% YOY in 2017-2018. During the months of January through September, Canadian arrivals paced 10.5% ahead of the same in 2018. “The tourism industry had an historic year in 2018 and has maintained momentum right up to Dorian’s arrival. International arrivals to the Bahamas increased by just over 13% in August, including 2.1% growth from Canada. Air capacity from Canada was up 7% and fall bookings were looking strong,” remarked D’Aguilar, “it’s not business as usual in the Bahamas- that will be years away but this is a major step to be present in the Canadian market to regain momentum.”

Joining this promotional expedition with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation included Fred Lounsberry, CEO, Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, Karin Salinas, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Baha Mar, Ana Cerna, Director of International Marketing for Rosewood Baha Mar, Bryan Gay Sr. Vice President of Sales at Atlantis Paradise Island, Sydney Engel, Director of Public Relations for Atlantis Paradise Island, Amy Mecl, Vice President Leisure Sales for Atlantis Paradise Island, Franco Pill Vice President of Business Development for Atlantis Paradise Island, Yasmine Strachan Director of Sales, Comfort Suites Paradise Island, Sobieda Feliz, Director of Sales Warwick Paradise Island, Phillippe Gringas, Associate Director of Sales, Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Lilly Carr, Leisure Sales Manager, Rosewood Baha Mar, Cristina Diaz, Leisure Sales Manager, Melia, James Burrows, Group Sales Manager, SLS Baha Mar, Robert Garzaroli, Principle, Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant, Elaine and Brent Carnegie, Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, Regia Knowles, Director of Operations Sunrise Beach Club, Hedda Smith, Sales Manager, Superclub Breezes, L’Oreal Sweeting, Out Islands Promotion Board, Jeff Todd, Communications Manager, Grand Isle Resort & Spa, Barbara Dirnberger, National Sales Manager, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Lines, Carmel Churchill, Sales Manager, Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board, Barbara Spychalla, Operations Manager, Valentines Resort & Marina, William Saunders Jr. Director, Majestic Tours Bahamas, Juan Moss, CEO Leisure Travel and Tours, Michael Symonette, CEO, Bahamas Experience Tours, Juan Carlos Ruiz, Sales Manager Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach, Craig Thomas Director of Sales and Marketing, Margaritaville Bahamas, Donne Nixon, Business Development Manager Sandals Resorts, Krista Cardona Sales Manager, Air Canada Vacations, Emily Spadafora, Andrei Losinski and Christopher Brothers, Sales Managers WestJet Vacations, Lorraine Brisbois corporate manager, Sunwing Vacations and Nancy Drolet Business Development Manager, Caribbean Tourism Organization.

Ministry of Tourism officials are hopeful that the media blitz will strengthen sales efforts and add an intimate appeal to the Canadian tourist to visit the Bahamas. “We’ve had a record-breaking year with the Canadian market, and we are looking to continue that trend.” stated Jibrilu.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Rissie Demeritte

[email protected]
Senior Manager, Domestic Communications

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

London Travel Week debuts in ONE week

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London Travel Week will be taking place from November 1-7, 2019 and will bring together industry events to become the largest festival supporting the global travel and tourism industry in the world.

This will be an opportunity for the entire community to come together and shape the next 12 months of tourism.

During the week surrounding WTM London, over 50,000 travel professionals flock to London to take part in WTM London. London Travel Week has been designed to bring this huge number of visitors together and in the process, create a world-class travel hub.

There are now over 20, diverse and fascinating events for visitors to attend that form part of this celebration. From networking over moreish Mexican food to glamorous awards ceremonies, and everything in between, this event will demonstrate an array of new possibilities in the travel industry.

London Travel Week is proud to be hosting An Evening with Visit Rwanda on Tuesday 5 November. This is a special networking event with leaders from the Rwandan tourism industry, where attendees will be able to discover the country’s vibrant and remarkable tourist attractions and unique investment opportunities.

Hosted by Rwanda’s Chief Tourism Officer, Belise Kariza, this evening will also feature a screening of an exciting new Rwanda Royal Tour film, a cultural dance performance and a chance to meet Rwandan tourism experts, all organized in conjuncture with the WTM London team.

As well as this evening with Visit Rwanda, there are a plethora of other events taking place across the week.

The luxurious Mexican destination of Los Cabos will be hosting a VIP reception for commercial clients and partners on Sunday, November 3, while MXConnect will be hosting a networking session at the Good Hotel London on Tuesday, November 5, meaning these events will have a Central American theme running through them.

The food, travel and innovation summit FoodTrex will take place on Sunday, November 3, bringing innovative information on food tourism together with quality networking opportunities, allowing businesses and brands to be part of the evolution of food travel.

ENIT Italia will be taking over the Sky Garden from 19.00 on Tuesday, as they celebrate their 100th anniversary with food, entertainment and live music from DJ Albertino and the Black Box Band.

The TTG WTM Closing Party, on Wednesday, November 6, has also been incorporated into the London Travel Week program, providing an exciting finale to a great week as buyers, sellers, tour operators, airlines and the rest of the travel trade will come together for an exclusive party.

London Travel Week will also feature three awards ceremonies, marking it out as a week of celebration. The World Tourism Awards will take place at ExCeL London on Monday evening and then the WTM World Travel Leaders Awards and Panel Discussion will follow these on Tuesday, November 5.

The International Travel and Tourism Awards will be taking place on Tuesday, at a glamorous new location, Magazine London. The awards will be a true celebration of the global travel industry and provide a platform to honor the front-runners in 15 fascinating categories.

London Travel Week will unlock invaluable networking and business opportunities for those who journey to the UK during the first week of November. This one-stop-shop is a true showcase for the global travel industry and attendees will find all they need at this fantastic new event in the global travel calendar.

London Travel Week Lead, Julie Therond, said: “London Travel Week has been a long time coming! We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive response from the global travel & tourism industry, including event hosts and attendees. By broadcasting the events happening around WTM London, we want to empower our visitors and encourage exploration beyond their existing networks. We are looking forward to a fantastic first edition of London Travel Week.”

Be the first to hear about the London Travel Week program, news announcements and more by going to the website.

About World Travel Market

World Travel Market (WTM) portfolio comprises eight leading B2B events across four continents, generating more than $7 billion of industry deals. The events are:

WTM London, the leading global event for the travel industry, is the must-attend three-day exhibition for the worldwide travel and tourism industry. About 50,000 senior travel industry professionals, government ministers and international media visit ExCeL London every November, generating about £3.4 billion in travel industry contracts.

Next event: Monday 4 – Wednesday 6 November 2019 – London #IdeasArriveHere

About Reed Exhibitions

Reed Exhibitions is the world’s leading events business, enhancing the power of face-to-face through data and digital tools at more than 500 events a year, in more than 43 countries, attracting more than seven million participants. Reed’s events are held in the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific and Africa and organised by 41 fully staffed offices. Reed Exhibitions serves 43 industry sectors with trade and consumer events. It is part of RELX Group plc, a world-leading provider of information solutions for professional customers across industries.

About Reed Travel Exhibitions

Reed Travel Exhibitions is the world’s leading travel and tourism event’s organiser with a growing portfolio of more than 22 international travel and tourism trade events in Europe, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Our events are market leaders in their sectors, whether they are global and regional leisure travel trade events, or specialist events for meetings, incentives, conference, events (MICE) industry, business travel, luxury travel, travel technology as well as golf, spa and ski travel. We have more than 35 years’ experience in organising world-leading travel exhibitions.

Media Contacts:

Julia Newbound – WTM Portfolio Press & PR Lead

E: [email protected]

T: +44 (0)20 8910 7056 / M: +44 (0)7775 036 858

Julie Thérond – London Travel Week Marketing & PR Lead

E: [email protected]

T: +44 (0)20 8910 7916

The St. Regis Atlanta and CURE Childhood Cancer Continue Partnership for Upgraded Third Annual Out of the Kitchen

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The Southeast’s Most Celebrated Chefs Provide Intimate Dining Experience at the Exclusive Culinary Event Benefiting CURE Childhood Cancer

The St. Regis Atlanta is thrilled to announce the enhanced third annual Out of the Kitchen dining event, taking place at the iconic, recently refreshed Buckhead property on October 30, 2019.  A collection of 20 illustrious regional chefs will prepare an interactive experience for discerning diners, with the event’s proceeds benefiting CURE Childhood Cancer, a local nonprofit dedicated to funding pediatric cancer research and providing meaningful support to children and families facing a cancer diagnosis.  

New to this year’s event, Out of the Kitchen will now include two special tables with different sponsorship levels that will present elevated experiences to VIP guests.  The first sponsorship level at $15,000 includes premium seating for 12 with Chef Philippe Haddad of Cape Dutch providing the meal, Nickel & Nickel Winery table service, a suite for the table host at The St. Regis the night of the event, access to the exclusive after party and chef reception, and name/logo recognition on all event materials.  The second sponsorship level at $20,000 includes premium seating for 12 with Chef Fuyuhiko Ito of Umi as the attending chef, Louis Roederer Cristal table service, five rooms for guests and a suite for the table host at The St. Regis that night, access to the exclusive after party and chef reception, an engraved bottle of Cristal for each couple to take home, and name/logo recognition on all event materials.

“This event brings together some of the most talented chefs and philanthropic individuals in the region,” said Guntram Merl, general manager of The St. Regis Atlanta.  “What truly makes this event one-of-a-kind is the charitable purpose behind Out of the Kitchen.”

Teaming up with culinary co-chairs Chef Jordan Barnett of The St. Regis Atlanta and Chef Philippe Haddad of Cape Dutch, The St. Regis Atlanta will continue to donate 100 percent of the event proceeds to CURE Childhood Cancer.  Since its inception in 2017, the event has raised a cumulative total of $446,000 for the cause.

The unconventional event will take place in the Astor Ballroom inside The St. Regis Atlanta, followed by an after party and chef reception, which will be hosted at the hotel’s new three-story meeting and event space, Maisonette.  The event will host 240 guests with chefs selecting the freshest and most divine ingredients to create a remarkable three-course tableside meal for 12 guests at each table.  Attendees will enjoy live entertainment and delicious food, while also having the privilege to interact with the thought leaders of Atlanta.  The evening commences with a champagne reception and concludes with an elaborate dessert reception presented by Pastry Chef Daniela Lea of The St. Regis Atlanta.

All chefs are contributing their time and talent to the fundraising event.  Returning chefs from 2018 include: Philippe Haddad (CapeDutch), Reinaldo Santosa (The St. Regis Atlanta), Gerry Klaskala (Aria), Piero Premoli (Pricci), Jaime Adams (Il Giallo Osteria & Bar), Fuyuhiko Ito (Umi), Pano Karatassos (Kyma), Deedee Niyomkul (Chaiyo), Cyrille Holota (Le Bilboquet), Peter Kaiser (Kaiser’s Chophouse), and Joe Schafer (Atlanta Hawks).  New chefs include: Freddy Money (Tavistock Restaurant Group), JiJi Lee (Heriloom Market BBQ), Gilles Schreiber & Alex Gut (AG at The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta), Hubert Keller (Fleur by Hubert Keller), Nick Leahy (AIX), Bernard Guillas (The Marine Room at the La Jolla Beach Club, San Diego), Ron Hsu (Lazy Betty, Atlanta), Ian Winslade (Mission + Market), and Casey Thompson (Top Chef Season 3 finalist, culinary instructor and entertainer).

“Supporting local organizations like CURE speaks to the values and beliefs of The St. Regis as a brand.  We are committed to making an impact within our community and supporting children and families that are part of CURE,” said Julia McKelvey, The St. Regis Atlanta’s director of catering and event management.  “We value the relationship that we continue to build with this incredible organization and feel incredibly privileged to be partnering with them for the third year in a row.”

About The St. Regis Atlanta

Combining timeless sophistication with an unrivaled luxury, The St. Regis Atlanta Hotel & Residences debuted April 14, 2009.  The 26-floor development features 151 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites, 53 St. Regis Residences, more than 24,000 square feet of contemporary meeting and event space, two exclusive bars, world-class culinary options, a state-of-the-art fitness facility that overlooks an exquisite 40,000-square-foot Pool Piazza and poolside Bar, a 7,800-square-foot Remède Spa, and Astor Court, the resort’s distinctive upper lobby restaurant offering compelling cuisine and an unparalleled ambiance. Each guest room and suite is attended by the signature St. Regis Butler Service, an ever present yet unobtrusive service dedicated to meeting the needs of discerning global travelers.  The property continues to be listed among the Top Hotels in the South by Condè Nast Traveler for its Readers’ Choice Awards, and in 2017 and 2018 it received a Gold Badge in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hotels in the USA. The St. Regis Atlanta Hotel & Residences is located at 88 West Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead.  For more information, please call 404.563.7900 or visit www.stregisatlanta.com.

About CURE Childhood Cancer

Founded in 1975, Atlanta, Georgia-based CURE Childhood Cancer is dedicated to conquering childhood cancer through funding targeted research while supporting patients and their families.  With cancer as the second leading cause of death in children, CURE dedicates more than $4.3 million annually to specific research projects aimed at curing cancers which affect children.  Through innovative programming, CURE Childhood Cancer also provides crisis oriented support to patients and their families, addressing their most critical and urgent needs. For more information, visit www.curechildhoodcancer.org.

Media contacts: Evan Nicholson, Grecia Corleto and Juliona Miller at Glodow Nead Communications, (415) 394-6500 or [email protected]

CURE Childhood Cancer Contact: Jennifer Grizzle, 404.291.1310 or [email protected]