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Expedia releases summer travel forecast

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 25 April 2023: Expedia has released its Summer Travel Forecast, providing key insights to help Americans plan and save on their summer vacations.

According to Expedia data, flight searches are up 25% overall for June through August compared to last year, and interest is up triple digits for international destinations across Europe and Asia. In addition, average ticket prices dip USD125 from their peak in early July to August. *Based on Expedia flight demand as 1 April 1, 2023, for travel from June to August

Cancun.

“This summer, travellers are ready to dust off their passports and embrace jet lag as they set off overseas,” says Expedia Group head of brands public relations Melanie Fish. “The data shows the sweet spot for saving on summer airfare is right around the corner, but these days you can actually guarantee you’re getting a great deal by tracking flights on the Expedia app or adding Price Drop Protection to your flight, which automatically refunds you if the price drops after you book.”

Summer Destination Trends

While US travellers are returning in droves to popular destinations, including New York and Cancun, the biggest year-over-year increases are for longer-haul destinations, including Auckland, Hong Kong and Osaka. Despite average flight ticket prices sitting higher than last summer, strong demand trends indicate travellers are ready to make the most of their summer vacations.

Top five International

1. Cancun
2. London
3. Rome
4. Punta Cana
5. Paris

Trending destinations

1. Auckland, New Zealand
2. Hong Kong
3. Osaka, Japan
4. Danang, Vietnam
5. Hanoi, Vietnam

Since reopening its borders last fall, Japan continues to see incredible interest and is one of the fastest-growing international destinations year-to-date for US travellers. Flight searches for summer are up triple digits compared to the same period last year for Osaka (+592%), Tokyo (+290%) and Kyoto (+265%).

To save on airfares, travel during late August and avoid holiday weekends. Average ticket prices drop by USD125 compared to the peak in early July. Meanwhile, the 4 July holiday is the busiest and most expensive summer weekend for air travel. ATPs for the holiday weekend are 12% higher than average for the month.

According to Expedia’s 2023 Air Travel Hacks Report, departing before 1500 cuts your chance of flight cancellation in half, so take the early flight.

Demand is high, and airlines are still operating fewer flights than pre-pandemic. That means full flights are expected this summer, so arrive at the airport early and give yourself plenty of time to get through security.

Pack light and take a carry-on. That way, there’s less chance your luggage gets lost in delays or cancellations.

Check your passport expiration date and ensure it’s valid for at least six months past your travel dates.

Meanwhile, Expedia.com research shows travellers are ready to enjoy the hustle and bustle of cities and experience urban vibes. Among the world’s cultural capitals are cities rich with unforgettable experiences and celebrations.

Global data reveals must-see cultural capitals

1. Edinburgh, Scotland
2. Lisbon, Portugal
3. Tokyo, Japan
4. Dublin, Ireland
5. New York, USA
6. Sydney, Australia
7. Dubai, UAE
8. Montreal, Canada
9. Munich, Germany
10. Bangkok, Thailand

Set-Jetters turn to TV tourism

Adventure-seekers are turning to captivating TV locales for their next-big-trip inspiration. Two-thirds of global travellers have considered, and 39% have booked trips to destinations after seeing them on streamed shows or movies. Advice from friends and family topped streaming services by only 2% as the most influential source of travel inspiration.*

Top TV-inspired destinations

• Sweeping landscapes from famous fantasy thrillers inspire New Zealand adventures, though hobbit and elf sightings are unlikely.

• Travelers are ready to make their formal entrances into British society as historical TV dramas increase interest in Great Britain and its host of stately homes.

• Stunning resort sets, minus questionable hotel managers, have people eager to see Hawaii.

• Lively cosmopolitan scenes are inspiring trips to Paris and New York. Budding romances with beautiful locals are optional.

Follow Expedia on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Twitter and YouTube.

(Source: Expedia)

JW Marriott opens in Xian

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 25 April 2023: JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 hotel brands, announced the opening of JW Marriott Hotel Xi’an this week.

Guests staying at the hotel can explore six UNESCO World Heritage cultural and historic sites in the ancient city of Xi’an.

“We are thrilled to debut JW Marriott Hotel Xi’an and expand the JW brand portfolio into a destination where history and culture combine with a forward-looking modernity,” said JW Marriott vice president and global brand leader Bruce Rohr.

“True to its brand DNA, JW Marriott Hotel Xi’an bears the legacy of our founder J. Willard Marriott and creates a tranquil, luxury space that offers many paths to well-being, where guests can nourish their souls while they explore one of China’s great ancient capitals.”

The group appointed Philip Kang as the general manager of JW Marriott Hotel Xi’an, who noted: “We look forward to welcoming our guests to explore and discover beautiful Xi’an, one of China’s Four Great Ancient Capitals with its fascinating blend of timeless culture.”

JW Marriott Hotel Xi’an is located in the central business district of the Xi’an Economic and Technological Development Zone, as well as a host of popular attractions such as the Daming Palace National Heritage Park and the Ancient City Wall. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Terracotta Warriors site is a 40km drive from the hotel and is easily accessible from the city centre. The Xi’an North Railway Station and Xi’an Xianyang International Airport are both approximately a thirty-minute drive away.     

The hotel features 333 rooms, including 13 suites located on the 25th to 37th floors. From the hotel lobby on the 38th floor, guests can enjoy panoramic views over the Qin Ling Mountains, known as the “dragon’s vein of China.”

S Hotels & Resorts names Samui GM

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TTR WEEKLY
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SAMUI ISLAND, 25 April 2023: Santiburi Koh Samui, S Hotels & Resorts on Samui’s north shore, has announced the appointment of Giulio Stix as its new general manager.

He joins the resort having almost two decades of experience in luxury hotels and resorts in Europe and Asia.

His career in hospitality began in  Milan in 2004 when he became a sales and marketing trainee with Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts. He then joined Belmond, the luxury travel company that operates world-class hotels, resorts, cruises and trains – including the legendary Orient Express. He spent 12 years with the company, rising to the senior position of area director of group sales for Southern Europe.

He worked for Minor Hotels, based in Bangkok, overseeing the group’s Anantara-branded residences across Asia before moving to a design company in his native Italy.

“As Thailand’s tourism industry returns to full strength, this is an exciting time to join the team. I look forward to guiding Santiburi Koh Samui into a prosperous future,” commented Stix.

Arival Activate event back in Bangkok

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 25 April 2023: Travel experiences in the Asia Pacific are in demand once more as the region reopens to regional and long-haul travel, according to new research from Arival, released ahead of its Arival Activate event in Bangkok. 

Tours, activities and attractions – travel’s third-largest and fastest-growing sector – will reach USD67 billion in 2024 and surpass the pre-pandemic peak to reach USD75 billion in 2025, according to The Outlook for Experiences 2019-2025 research.

“The Asia Pacific region has borne the worst of the pandemic, with a broad regional shutdown in cross-border travel well beyond other parts of the world,” said Arival CEO Douglas Quinby. “But demand for travel in the region is accelerating as many borders have reopened, encouraging travellers to return. As we saw when other regions reopened, travellers put experiences first in travel planning and spending. The challenge now will be for the global industry to prepare for the rapid influx of demand across the Asia Pacific.”

Online bookings will surpass 30% of all tours, activities and attractions booking worldwide in 2025, up from 17% in 2019, according to Arival research. However, online booking volume across Asia will more than triple during the same period as younger travellers shape travel’s rebound. Online marketplaces and mobile-ready operators across the region will be best positioned to benefit.

“The large, experience-hungry cohort of Gen-Z and millennial travellers in Asia are putting experiences first, and they are willing to pay for it,” said Arival’s Quinby. “But operators must be ready. This means more small-group, immersive experiences that get travellers off the beaten. And it must all be discoverable and bookable on mobile, with plenty of Instagram- and TikTok-worthy moments.”

The Arival Activate event takes place in Bangkok from 12 to 14 June and is expected to bring together hundreds of tours, activities and experiences professionals from across the region.

Why attend Arival Activate

Arival Activate is an event designed for the Asian experiences industry, including suppliers and operators of tours, activities, and attractions.

This year’s primary focus is aiding businesses in navigating their post-pandemic recovery through targeted sessions on digital strategies, networking and connecting with leading distributors and OTAs in the APAC region.

There will be dedicated sessions on connectivity, channel management, dynamic pricing, generative chat, super apps, the guest experience, the future of distribution, sustainable tourism, and culinary travel trends.

More information about the event can be found here.

GT Travel builds luxury travel content

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 25 April 2023: GT Travel partners with the Paris Global Elite Chinese Association (International Institute of Well-Being, IIWB) and SKEMA Business School in France to offer outbound high-end travel experiences focusing on France.

GT Travel was established in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2013, focusing on developing high-end personalised travel services to overseas destinations. The strategic cooperation agreement with the Paris-based association will build a platform for cultivating outstanding Chinese talent and promoting cultural and high-end art tours.

GT Travel: A New Luxurious Travel Experience (Photo: Business Wire)

The travel firm is headquartered in the South Mansha MSC Multimedia Super Corridor, with strong support from the Malaysian government, which enables innovative digital technology to transform the traditional tourism model into high-end, niche boutique content.

GT Travel Sdn Bhd claims access to quality tourism resources in more than 20 countries worldwide, offering customised tourism, social, and business activities for high-end clients, making it a necessary choice for international business people and celebrities to expand their personal careers and social circles through tourism.

Developed by GT Travel, the Golden Lock Travel project creates an “immersive” travel experience allowing tourists to break away from the role of “onlookers” and the check-in-style travel process to experience the destination from a ‘local’ residency perspective.

It offers visitors a travel experience focusing on the host’s place of residence, friends, and leisure activities. It allows guests to immerse themselves in the local community to enjoy a more profound travel experience.

The Golden Lock Travel project has launched six travel routes spanning three continents, including three routes in North America, two in Malaysia, and one in Italy, catering to various travel needs. Golden Lock Travel has also formed an industry alliance with “Luxury Living Art Museum” and signed an industry cooperation agreement with 17 cities where the first batch of “Luxury Living Art Museum Flagship Stores” are located and connected with global luxury projects.

(Source: Businesswire)

GT Travel & Tour Sdn Bhd

https://gtraveller2020.com/wzsy

AirAsia speeds up automated check-in adoption

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TTR WEEKLY
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SEPANG, 25 April 2023: AirAsia presents its Airasia Superapp contactless features, including self-check-in and the e-boarding pass to passengers to streamline check-in procedures. 

The campaign encourages passengers to use baggage drop-off at self-bag-drop machines. It promotes a facial recognition system, FACES, for pre-security clearance and self-boarding for selected domestic flights.

The above features allow for faster, safer and more efficient check-in, pre-security, and boarding processes and guarantee peace of mind to all guests as they can skip the queue and proceed directly to the gate.

More than 90% of passengers departing from Malaysia successfully used the self-check-in feature in 2022. As the adoption of the contactless features is now fully operational in the enhanced Superapp, the airline will limit counter check-in service facilities in Malaysia, effective 1 May 2023.

A check-in fee will be collected in Malaysia for passengers who prefer to check in at the counter.

The airline argues that embracing digital initiatives ensures a more contactless and seamless experience and helps to reduce the costs of maintaining the additional check-in counters. Still, it may be an additional financial burden for parents travelling with small children who require constant supervision, particularly in crowded venues such as check-in areas. They often travel with more luggage items, such as strollers and are already stressed by the check-in process. They are not on the exemption list.

Guests in the following exempted categories are eligible for complimentary counter check-in services

● Senior Citizens aged 60 and above

● Travellers affected by last-minute schedule changes and flight cancellations

● Self-checked-in guests but need to reprint boarding passes

● Persons with Disability (OKU) card

● Young Passenger Travelling Alone (YPTA)

● Those who purchased last-minute tickets beyond the check-in cutoff time

● Guests who perform seat upgrades and/or purchases add-ons at the check-in counter

● Guests who were not assigned a seat during self-check-in

● Premium Flatbed, Premium Flex and Corporate Full Flex passengers

● Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and Government Warrant (WAK) personnel

● Group bookings with 10 guests and more

Non-eligible guests may still check in at the counter subject to counter check-in fees of MYR20 per guest for domestic flights and MYR30 per guest for international flights.

AirAsia Aviation Group chief airport and customer experience officer Kesavan Sivanandam said: “Over the last year, we have seen a high adoption rate for our contactless travel features that were implemented primarily for the safety and wellbeing of our guests and the momentum continues this year too, with about 90% usage rate on average, for flights departing from Malaysia. As a result of our digital initiatives, we can offer our guests the option to skip the counter check-in process for a better travel experience and, at the same time, enhance our operational efficiency.

Guests departing from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) (Terminal 2) are highly recommended to enrol their details for FACES on the AirAsia SuperApp to pass through pre-security and seamlessly board the flight without having to display their boarding pass.

Singapore and Germany sign air traffic accord

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 24 April 2023: The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and DFS Aviation Services, the commercial subsidiary of the German air navigation service provider DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to improve air traffic management, as flights between Singapore and Germany recovers to pre-pandemic levels.

Both Singapore and Germany are major air hubs in Asia-Pacific and Europe. Pre-Covid, there were 42 weekly flights between Singapore and Germany. These have since recovered to 37 weekly flights or 88% of pre-Covid levels.   

Under the MOU, CAAS and DAS will collaborate to improve safety, sustainability, performance benchmarking and training.

On safety, CAAS and DAS will strengthen safety data collection and work on developing safe air traffic management (ATM) concepts, solutions and technology.

On sustainability, CAAS and DAS will exchange ideas and share their respective sustainable ATM initiatives, including the CAAS’ Sustainable Air Hub Blueprint that is being developed and DAS’s research into climate-friendly flight management, such as contrail prevention.

On performance benchmarking, CAAS and DAS will establish a set of common indicators for benchmarking Singapore and German airports and improving performance. The set of common performance indicators agreed upon between Singapore and Germany – which can include additional fuel burn, taxi-out additional times and additional time in terminal airspace – can provide a template which can later be extended to and adopted by airports worldwide.

On training, the Singapore Aviation Academy (SAA), CAAS, and DAS training arm will exchange training instructors and jointly develop new training pedagogy curriculums and programmes to strengthen their respective workforce capabilities.

Tea on a plantation terrace

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, 24 April 2023: Emirates Skywards, the award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, has partnered with Dilmah Tea to offer members an exciting opportunity to experience the lush tea plantations in Sri Lanka.

Members can bid Miles with Skywards Exclusives to win a stay at the Tea Maker’s Private Retreat. The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity includes a tea-making masterclass, a unique culinary experience inspired by tea, food pairing experiences with tea and a visit to explore the tea fields.

Ring in International Tea Day in the heart of a tea plantation

Starting from 200,000 Miles, Emirates Skywards members can bid and win an all-expenses paid trip to Sri Lanka, including:

Two round trip business class tickets on Emirates from Dubai to Colombo.
A three-night stay for two guests at Hilton Colombo.
A three-night visit to tea plantations at Ceylon Tea Trails, A Relais & Châteaux property consists of five restored historic tea planter residences in the Ceylon tea region.
A master class with Dilhan C Fernando, the son of the founder and CEO of Dilmah, to enjoy an educational session on how to taste tea and brew the perfect cup.
A special food pairing with tea-inspired gastronomy with the Dilmah family.
A seven-course tea-inspired dinner, “Camellia Epicurean”, where tea is used as an ingredient for all the dishes.

The package includes transportation to and from the airport, meals at the all-day dining restaurant at Hilton Colombo, and all meals and beverages at the Ceylon Tea Trails. Travel dates will be from 18 May until 24 May 2023. What better way to celebrate International Tea Day on 21 May than by being at the heart of a tea plantation?

More than 31 years of partnership with Dilmah Tea

Emirates and Dilmah Tea have enjoyed a successful partnership for over three decades, brewing the finest teas on board and in Emirates’ airport lounges worldwide. The airline continues to take the Dilmah brand name to 140 destinations across six continents through its extensive network.

Each year, the airline brews 33 million cups of Dilmah tea for its customers from a specially curated tea menu in all classes. More than 10 varieties of tea are available on board, including popular choices like Dilmah Ceylon Black Tea, Moroccan Mint, and Breakfast Tea.

Premium passengers can also savour the aromatic flavours of the Emirates Signature tea blend made exclusively for the airline by Dilmah and served only in first class. Inspired by the flavours of the UAE – the exquisite tea has rich aromatic notes of rose, almond and ginger.  

Live in the moment with Skywards Exclusives

Emirates Skywards continues to offer more than 30 million members worldwide unmatched rewards in the air and on the ground.

Skywards Exclusives is a distinctive airline loyalty programme initiative that provides access to exclusive experiences from Emirates’ expansive sponsorship portfolio. Members can bid and redeem Miles for some of the world’s most prestigious sporting and cultural events, including exciting events featuring Real Madrid, AC Milan, Dubai World Cup, SL Benfica, Emirates FA Cup, and other sports such as golf, tennis, and cricket.

For more information, visit exclusives.skywards.com

(Your Stories: Emirates)

Dusit debuts in Europe

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 24 April 2023: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, under Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has continued its global expansion with the opening of Dusit Suites Athens – the first Dusit-branded property in Europe – in Greece’s stunning capital.

Bringing Dusit’s unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, Dusit Suites Athens puts guests in the heart of Glyfada, a picturesque suburb in the Athens Riviera renowned for its beautiful sandy shores, vibrant shopping and dining scene, trendy bars and cafes, and a great location just 30 minutes by car from the city centre and only 20 minutes from Athens International Airport.

Set over four floors and offering stunning views of the sea and distant mountains, the luxury low-rise property is designed to meet the needs of business and leisure travellers seeking a highly comfortable base for short or extended stays.

Decorated with inspiring artwork and featuring high-end fixtures and fittings, each well-appointed suite boasts a private balcony, a king-size bedroom, a living room or seating area with a kitchenette, and a marble bathroom with a walk-in rain shower. The larger suites also have a bathtub and plush sofa bed ideal for guests with children.

Alongside Dusit’s highly personalised service, guests will find a wide range of five-star facilities to enhance their stay. This includes, amongst others, a stylish rooftop Mediterranean restaurant and bar with a stunning panoramic sea view called O Live; a distinctive pan-Asian restaurant named DAO; a heated Vitality Pool with adjoining sauna and steam room; and a signature Namm Spa, with six elegant treatment rooms. All guests receive one complimentary massage treatment per stay.

Designed to become must-visit destinations for food lovers, the hotel’s restaurants work with top local suppliers to source the finest and freshest ingredients. They aim to delight the eyes and palate with exquisite presentation and atmosphere. A carefully curated selection of the finest Greek wines adds to their distinct appeal.

Dusit Suites Athens’ location in the heart of Glyfada, close to the beach and marina, is another major draw. Numerous bistros, bars, cafes, and shops are all within walking distance from the property, and trips to nearby attractions, such as Piraeus Port, Glyfada Golf Course, Lake Vouliagmeni, the world-renowned Acropolis Museum, and other iconic sites, can be easily arranged, with recommendations from Dusit’s expert concierges.

“We are delighted to bring Dusit Hotels and Resorts’ Thai-inspired, gracious hospitality to Athens, Greece, and officially make our debut in Europe,” said Dusit International chief operating officer Gilles Cretallaz. “With its gorgeous rooms, atmospheric restaurants, bespoke wellness offerings, excellent location, and exceptional service, we are confident that Dusit Suites Athens will leave guests with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for the community we serve.

“This is another significant milestone in our journey for global expansion. We look forward to making this beautiful property a resounding success as we continue to open doors to new destinations in the months ahead.”

Dusit’s property portfolio spans 16 countries and comprises 48 hotels operating under Dusit Hotels and Resorts and more than 300 luxury villas under Elite Havens. More than 60 Dusit Hotels and Resorts are in the pipeline worldwide.

For more information and reservations, visit: dusit.com/dusitsuites-athens.

(Source: Dusit Hotels & Resorts)

BWH doubles down on sustainability

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 24 April 2023: BWH Hotel Group is doubling down on its commitment to environmental and social responsibility across its expansive global portfolio to mark Earth Day, celebrated on 22 April.

Alongside its engagement with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, BWH Hotel Group has created a new global sustainability strategic initiative called “Because We Care”, focusing on three important pillars: Earth, People and Community (EPC). 

Photo Credit Caravelle Saigon.

“With each passing year, the need for more responsible and sustainable travel increases in importance,” said

BWH Hotel Group president and chief executive officer Larry Cuculic. “We, as members of the global hospitality community, cannot afford to sit on the sidelines and wait for change to happen. That is why we applaud the significant efforts our hotels and resorts worldwide are already taking to enact sustainable-driven initiatives.”

BWH Hotel Group’s portfolio is dedicated to reducing its environmental footprint, and the following represents how individual properties are addressing sustainability.

Caravelle Saigon in Vietnam        

A member of the WorldHotels Elite Collection, Caravelle Saigon has upgraded stays with new and innovative environmental programs and practices. The property has secured its ‘Earth Check’ gold certificate and is Vietnam’s first and only property to achieve the certification. As part of this certification, the hotel implemented a glass and refillable water project to remove single-use plastics; outfitted newly renovated guestrooms with electricity-saving LED bulbs and double-glazed windows to reduce air conditioning workload. Caravelle Saigon won the Best Green Business Award from the European Chamber of Commerce in 2023.

Prestige Hotels & Resorts in Canada        

With nine hotels in British Columbia, Canada, recently joining the WorldHotels Collection portfolio of independent hotels and resorts, Prestige Hotels & Resorts is committed to the GreenStep Sustainable Tourism programme, with Sustainable Tourism Certifications across its properties. The chain’s numerous initiatives include its Go Green Programme, which encourages guests to opt out of housekeeping services in exchange for dining credits or reward points.

Best Western Premier Hotel Victoria in Germany           

Located in Freiburg, Germany has installed 200 square meters of solar panels and four wind turbines, environmentally friendly cleaning agents and reduced water usage, wood pellet heating and cold-water cooling systems.

BWH Hotel Group Properties in Great Britain partners with QIA Services, an industry-leading independent rating body for the service sector, for all of its hotels. The brand is working with them as its preferred partner for sustainability with its accreditation scheme, REST, which stands for Responsible, Ethical, Sustainable Tourism. Each BWH Hotel Group property in Great Britain is assessed and receives official accreditation from QIA Services, ensuring quality offerings for guests.

Best Western Hotel Mediterraneo in Spain          

Located in Castelldefels, Spain, Best Western Hotel Mediterraneo recently achieved the Biosphere Sustainable Certified distinguishment. Assessed through Spain’s Instituto de Turismo Responsible (ITR), this certification recognises the property’s dedication to sustainability through its green efforts, including its fight against pollution and water consumption.

Best Western Plus Westlands in Kenya         

Located in Nairobi, Kenya, Best Western Plus Westlands has implemented several community-focused initiatives to help improve the area’s sustainability. The hotel leads various Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, including giving back to a local children’s home and upcoming plans to engage with David Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage to adopt a baby Elephant and participate in tree planting this upcoming Earth Day.

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