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New General Manager named for The Nautical Beachfront Resort

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Benchmark has named Frank Casarez, Jr., general manager for The Nautical Beachfront Resort, a Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property located in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Greg Champion, Benchmark’s chief operating officer, made the announcement.

“It is with great pleasure that I formally welcome Frank to our company,” said Mr. Champion. “he has brought vast and successful leadership experience to our resort, and understands the property’s market well, having previously served in resort areas within Arizona.”

Frank Casarez, Jr., brings extensive senior property leadership experience to his new position with The Nautical Beachfront Resort. He was previously general manager and managing director of sales for the Sheraton Crescent Hotel of Phoenix, Arizona. Prior to this he served as area manager and general manager for the Resort at the Mountain in Welches, Oregon. Earlier Mr. Casarez held general manager, assistant general manager, and other leadership positions for hotels and resorts in markets across the country, including Portland, Houston, Los Angeles and Tucson.

Mr. Casarez attended Santa Monica Junior College and San Diego University where he focused in Graphic Arts management. He has relocated to Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

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Seychelles Tourism Board participation at EmQuest Cricket Mania 2019 – Dubai UAE

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The Seychelles has been seen on the Dubai Social scene this March as the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) participated in the EmQuest Cricket Mania 2019 which took place at the InSportz Indoor Cricket in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on March 22 and 29 2019 respectively.

The STB representative, Ms. Aliette Esther was present at the event on both days and seized the opportunity to showcase the beauty of the Seychelles Islands.

The EmQuest Cricket Mania 2019 – Dubai UAE, which is affiliated to Emirates, was organised for the 5th year and implicates cricket tournaments targeting the front staff/travel consultants of travel agencies across Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

The event, which provides the travel trade professionals with the occasion to compete against each other as well as participate in team building activities, is  attended by more than 50 teams, 500 players, comprising of the front-line travel agents and over 1000 guests.

Ms. Aliette Esther expressed her satisfaction to have been part of the event. She further explained that the STB’s participation in the Cricket Mania enabled the destination’s brand to be visible along other partners.

She reiterated on the importance of STB’s association with such events, as cricket is one of the biggest sports in countries like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, which are very important markets for Seychelles.

“The STB’s participation in the EmQuest event has contributed in providing a platform for the tourism board to interact directly with the players, their families, the other sponsors and exhibitors at the event. The event definitely profited the Seychelles by increasing its reach and exposure to new clientele in the UAE market,” said Ms Esther.

Visitors included the travel agents, exhibitors, sponsors, families and other guests, were all welcome to the Seychelles kiosk. A video of the destination was played throughout the 2-day event displaying enticing activities taking place in the Seychelles.

The STB participation to the EmQuest Cricket Mania 2019 has unquestionably enhanced brand awareness and increased media exposure for the destination.

Seychelles andEmQuest have collaborated in previous events to increase the destinations visibility and the last event together was the “Sell Seychelles See Seychelles “campaign with Ethiopian Airlines and Constance Group of Hotels.

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Brussels welcomes 24th Edition of the Belgian Pride

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As in previous years, Brussels will celebrate the LGBTI+ community with the Belgian Pride, in May. The theme for this new edition is “intersectionality”. Belgian Pride Festival will take place from 3rd to 19th May and will feature exhibitions, film screenings and conferences on the topic. For 3 days, the streets of Brussels will come to life as the festival culminates with its Pride Weekend and Pride Parade.

This will be the 24th edition of the Belgian Pride to date. It will open the European pride season. Thus, the gay-friendly capital of Europe will showcase its diversity and its openness to the LGBTI+ community, as well as its zest for life. The Belgian Pride will take place over 3 days during this new edition.

The traditional Pride Kick-Off on Friday, 3rd May 2019 will mark the beginning of the festivities. The parade will unfold in the streets of Brussels to the sound of the Fanfare du Meyboom. The march will then pass by the Manneken-Pis which will don a costume specially designed for the occasion.

For the next two weeks, Belgian Pride Festival will include various activities surrounding the theme of “intersectionality” (www.pride.be/allforone). Because, besides the festivities, the Belgian Pride Parade and its festival are the right occasion to give the community a platform to express its demands and to create a space for political reflection. All with the aim of creating a more equal and united society.

Belgian Pride, the climax of the two-week festival, will feature a colourful program:

• Pride Weekend will take place over three days, from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 May
• On Friday, Rainbow Village will open the weekend’s festivities. Institutions in the Saint Jean district will come to life with the sounds of DJ sets and other performances planned for the occasion.
• On Saturday, 18th the Pride Parade will fill the streets of the heart of the captial while Pride Village will welcome around 60 organisations as well as many DJs and artists who will delight the Mont des Arts.
• On Sunday, several activities will take place in Rainbow Village.

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Myanmar’s Thingyan water festival kicks off Saturday morning

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Traditional Thingyan water festival has kicked off in Myanmar’s regions and states in full swing.

Yangon Region Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein on Friday extended wishes to the people for a happy water festival and prosperous new year.

Thingyan water festival will last until April 16 and the new year will fall on April 17, in which Myanmar people decide to turn over a new leaf and leave misfortunes from old year.

Yangon region’s water throwing pavilion was unveiled Friday by the chief minister in front of the region’s City Hall located in downtown area of Yangon city.

The opening ceremony was followed by the performances by the Myanmar traditional dancer troupes in colorful dresses with Thingyan music.

Special celebrations featuring “Walking Thingyan Festival” was also being celebrated by people roaming around the city to receive the water-throwing from pandals where people throw water using hoses.

Meanwhile, Mandalay Region Chief Minister Dr. Zaw Myint Maung also ceremonially inaugurated a water-throwing pandal in the country’s second largest city Mandalay, calling for peace and socio-economic development across the country starting from the new year.

Among Myanmar’s 12 seasonal festivals throughout the year, the Thingyan water festival represents the grandest which is believed to bring peace and prosperity to everyone.

Myanmar people annually celebrate traditional Thingyan water festival to welcome new year as other Southeast Asian countries such as Songkran in Laos and Thailand as well as Chaul Chnam Thmey in Cambodia.

As part of celebration of the festival, people throw and douse water onto one another to wash sins and to make clear the moral impurities from old year.

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Date set for the opening of the Vatican secret archives

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On March 2, 2020, Pope Francis will open the secret archives of the pontificate of Pius XII on the Second World War.

The announcement during the audience to the staff of the Vatican secret archives was, “The Church is not afraid of history, indeed it loves it.” And on the reading of the Pontificate, he said: “In the criticisms against Pius XII prejudices and exaggerations.”

Pope Bergoglio’s Tweet from March 4, 2019 said, “I decided that the opening of the Vatican Archives for the Pontificate of Pius XII will take place on March 2, 2020, exactly one year after the eightieth anniversary of Eugene Pacelli’s election to the Soglio di Pietro.”

Thus the Pope in the audience with his superiors, as well as the employees and collaborators of the Vatican Secret Archives, whose “constant and not slight commitment,” said Francesco, “allows me today, in memory of that significant anniversary, to announce my decision  to open to the consultation of researchers the archival documentation pertaining to the Pontificate of Pius XII, until his death, which took place at Castel Gandolfo on 9 October 1958.

Regarding the Pope’s decision, “I assume this decision,” the Pontiff explained, “having heard the opinion of my closest collaborators, with a serene and confident spirit, confident that the serious and objective historical research will be able to evaluate in its right light, with appropriate criticism, moments of exaltation of that Pontiff and, undoubtedly also moments of grave difficulties, of tormented decisions, of human and Christian prudence, which to some may have seemed reticence, and which instead were attempts, humanly even much fought, to keep on, in the periods of more thick darkness and cruelty, the flame of humanitarian initiatives, of hidden but active diplomacy, of hope in possible good hearts’ openings.

“The Church is not afraid of history, on the contrary, she loves it.”

In explaining his decision, the Pope recalled that “the Church is not afraid of history; indeed, loves it and would like to love it more and better, as God loves it! So, with the same confidence as my predecessors, I open and entrust this documentary heritage to researchers.”

“While I thank you again for the work accomplished,” he added to the staff of the Vatican Secret Archives, “I wish you to continue the commitment to assist researchers – scientific and material assistance – and also in the publication of Pacellian sources that will be deemed important, as you have already been doing for some years.”

The Union of Italian Jewish Communities (UCEI) is good to reconstruct the role of the Church during the Holocaust, stating, “We welcome with great appreciation the decision of Pope Bergoglio to open the secret archive related to the figure of Pius XII. It is positive that we want to make this opening, because it will give way to all those that deal with research to access material of unpublished interest to be able to reconstruct with even more clarity the position of the Church also in the period of the Shoah.”

This was underlined by the president of the Union of Italian Jewish Communities, Noemi Di Segni, and also the president of the Jewish community of Rome, Ruth Dureghello, who commented on the news: “The hope now is that we can clarify the role played by Pius XII during the Second World War.”

“Unfortunately we will have to wait for 2020, in a year and a half,” he underlined. “Better late than never. It is positive news from which we hope to obtain clarity on that historical period and on the role played by the Pope.”

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Four Seasons Hotel Madrid welcomes new General Manager

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In advance of the highly anticipated opening of the first Four Seasons hotel in Spain, Christoph Schmidinger has been appointed opening General Manager to oversee the new luxury hotel set to open in late 2019. Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Madrid will be located in the heart of the historical city center, converting several spectacular heritage buildings into a 200-room hotel and 22 Private Residences.

Schmidinger started his Four Seasons career 25 years ago, and after a series of international assignments in Singapore, Chicago, Atlanta, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur, he assumed leadership at the landmark Four Seasons Hotel New York in Midtown Manhattan, overseeing several other properties as Regional Vice President. His ascent in the company continued when he was appointed General Manager and Regional Vice President to the company’s flagship property in Asia, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, where he has been since 2014.

Under his leadership, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, home to the first Cantonese restaurant in the world to earn three Michelin stars, set the global record for the most Michelin stars at a single hotel. The Hotel has also been widely regarded as one of the finest luxury hotels in China, and around the globe.

“Christoph is an incredibly experienced and talented hotelier, and we are very lucky to have had him lead some of our most notable properties around the world,” said Simon Casson, President, Hotel Operations, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “His experience and expertise are what make him the perfect candidate for our new hotel in Madrid, a project that is incredibly important to Four Seasons growth as it will mark our entry into Spain in a thriving international city, and a key destination for luxury travelers.”

“I am very proud to be part of such a significant milestone in our company’s history, and to lead the team as we introduce the Four Seasons brand to Spain with this exquisite hotel,” said Schmidinger. “This project is exceptional in every way, from its location to the destination, the product and our partners at OHL Desarrollos and Mohari Hospitality, and I cannot wait to welcome guests to see for themselves and to experience this great city in a new way together with Four Seasons.”

Truly an international individual, Schmidinger has travelled extensively, starting at a young age with his family, and speaks four languages. Combining his love for travel and hospitality, he studied at the Certificate of Hotel and Tourism Administration Academy in Salzburg, Austria before holding managerial positions at renowned hotels around the world, and then joining Four Seasons.

Casson continues, “Christoph is already hard at work preparing for the upcoming opening of Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Madrid, and I have no doubt that he is the ideal leader to introduce the Four Seasons culture, brand, and people to this great city, positioning yet another iconic Four Seasons property for great success.”

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Genting Cruise Lines welcomes Explorer Dream to its fleet

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Benchmark names Angel Quiles Director of Facilities, The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark

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Benchmark hospitality company has named Angel Quiles, CEOE, director of facilities for The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark. The Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property is located in Monticello, New York, within the breathtakingly beautiful Catskill Mountains, and includes 1,600 wooded acres, the site of the Resorts World Catskills entertainment complex. David Kohlasch, general manager, made the announcement.

“It is a pleasure to welcome Angel to The Kartrite,” said Mr. Kohlasch. “He comes to us with a vast background in facilities management, having worked at leading brand properties. I am very pleased to have him as part of our leadership team.”

Angel Quiles most recently served as director of engineering for the Great Wolf Lodge of Scotrun. Pennsylvania. Previous to this he was the senior director of engineering at the Grand Hyatt New York, where he began in the role of director of engineering. Earlier in his career, Angel Quiles held engineering positions for properties within the Hyatt Regency, Park Hyatt, Crowne Plaza and Marriott brands.

Mr. Quiles is a graduate of the Technical Career Institute in New York, and of the American Hotel & Lodging Association where he earned his Certified Engineering Operations Executive designation. He resides in the Pocono Mountains in Eastern Pennsylvania.

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African Tourism Board Launch was a success: A new era just started for African Travel & Tourism

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The two arms of the African Tourism Board had their official launch event yesterday at the Cape Town International Convention Center Conference Theatre during World Tavel Market Africa.

The African Tourism Board Association and the African Tourism Board Marketing Association are joining under the brand African Tourism Board and are now seen as a new Chapter on how Africa becomes one tourism destination. Both arms have access to the “ATB friends of the media group”, and are coordinating activities and events whenever possible.

The Association is fully under African Leadership. It’s based in South Africa, and is forming an initial group of directors to work with newly appointed President Alain St. Ange from Seychelles.

On his team of supporters are Cuthbert Ncube, Regional Vice-Chair UNWTO Affiliate Membership and Chief Executive Director Kwela Fleet Management. The Hon. Minister or Tourism for the Kingdom of Eswatini, formerly Swaziland, Kwakye Donker, CEO African Tourism Partners in Ghana and South Africa, Francoise Kameni Lele, AFBS Cameron, the Hon. Minister Madam Memunatu B. Pratt, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs for Sierra Leone, among many others.

African Tourism Board Marketing Association is based in the United States and is providing overseas marketing support for Africa under the leadership of Juergen Steinmetz of the eTN Group in Hawaii, USA and Doris Woerfel in Pretoria, South Africa. Together with a team of global supporters, the marketing arm of ATB will explore new opportunities and cost-sharing projects for inbound tourism for the African Continent.

As a start at the ATB launch last night Dov Kalmann explained the potential of travelers from Israel for Africa and introduced the new African Tourism Board office in Tel Aviv.

Arjun Mukund from Delhi, India said 1.2 billion Indians are current and future potential travelers and he wanted to make sure the African Tourism Board in India will help to achieve growing interest for Indian tourists.

Additional ATB offices are planned in the United States and Germany to start with.

Chairman Juergen Steinmetz explained: “Sharing resources, going after potential niche markets, sharing costs and giving both destinations and stakeholders representation in key markets will help to raise awareness for the African continent. We like to open a window for large, medium and small businesses in a sustainable way.”

Newly appointed CEO Doris Woerfel sees huge potential for Africa from China and will be concentrating to build a broad membership base in Africa for ATB.

The launch was an action-packed event in Capetown hosted by Carol Weaving, Managing Director of Reed Exhibition Africa. She pledged the support of the World Travel Market for African Tourism Board.

Cape Town Tourism CEO Enver Duminy supported the need for an African Tourism Board in his welcome remark.

The highlight of the event was a 30-minute presentation by Dr. Peter Tarlow on security and safety. There is no tourism without security, he said in an engaging session last night. Dr. Tarlow was appointed as the new Travel & Security advisor for African Tourism Board Marketing Association. He is leading safertourism.com

The launch started with a dinner sponsored by Tony Smith of the HongKong based iFREE Group . The group also provided free ATB sim cards to everyone attending.

Professor Geoffrey Lipman introduced the African Lung initiative by video.

More information on African Tourism Board please visit www.africantourismboard.com 

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Benchmark appoints new Regional Director of Revenue Management

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Benchmark has appointed Michael Botha regional director of revenue management. Eric Gavin, Benchmark’s chief sales officer, made the announcement.

“I am very pleased to welcome Michael to Benchmark,” said Mr. Gavin. “He comes to us with an impressive revenue management pedigree, and vast experience with maximizing revenues of independent hotels and resorts. Michael is a terrific addition to our revenue leadership team.”

Michael Botha previously held the position of regional director of revenue management for Pyramid Hotel Group of Boston, Massachusetts. He has served as area director of revenue management for Nobel House Hotels & Resorts, and earlier in the same role for Dolce Hotels and Resorts.

Mr. Botha is a graduate of the University of Johannesburg Hotel School where he earned his National Diploma in Hospitality Management. He is the recipient of numerous professional honors including the Kyalami Castle Award for Best Experiential Learner; Southern Sun Award for Best Overall Experiential Learner; and Distinctions in Hospitality Management, Law, Financial Management, Operations, Food & Beverage. He resides in Cumberland, Rhode Island, where he will be operating out of a regional office.

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