Showing posts with label Africa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Africa. Show all posts

Wednesday, 28 January 2026

AllWays Explore Launches 2026 with a World of Stories Beyond the Ordinary

Cathedral Island (Ostrów Tumski) in Wrocław, Poland
The debut issue of AllWays explore arrives in 2026 with a clear promise: travel that goes deeper, slower and further off the beaten path. Created as a standalone publication from AllWays Traveller, AllWays explore Issue No. 1 is a beautifully curated journey across continents, cultures and experiences, designed for curious travellers who value storytelling as much as destinations.

From historic European cities to remote wilderness, island escapes and culinary traditions, this first issue sets the tone for a magazine that celebrates meaningful travel and thoughtful exploration.

A Global Journey Through Culture, Nature and Heritage

The opening issue takes readers to Wrocław, a Polish city layered with centuries of history, architectural beauty and cultural resilience. Its heritage streetscapes and evolving arts scene provide a compelling introduction to the magazine’s editorial depth.

Africa features prominently with Botswana Under Canvas, offering an immersive look at safari travel that blends conservation, comfort and raw natural beauty. This is paired with powerful storytelling that places sustainability and respect for the land at the forefront.

Europe unfolds through diverse lenses, from rural bliss in France’s Ardèche region to art and culture thriving along the Rhine. The Brittany American Cemetery in Normandy offers a moving reflection on history and remembrance, while Palma reveals itself as a scintillating city beside the sea, rich in Mediterranean life and architectural elegance.

Island Escapes and Seaside Sophistication

Island life features strongly in AllWays explore, with journeys to the islands of New Caledonia and the serene Setouchi region of Japan. These stories capture the rhythm of island living, where nature, tradition and slow travel come together effortlessly.

In contrast, the glamour of The Biltmore Hotel Miami brings readers into a world of timeless luxury, historic charm and art deco grandeur, showcasing how iconic hotels continue to shape destination experiences.

Food, Craft and Local Identity

Mudgee
Culinary travel plays a key role in the issue, with Discovering Gruyère AOP cheese offering insight into the craftsmanship, heritage and protected traditions behind one of Europe’s most celebrated cheeses. These food-led stories highlight how local flavours are inseparable from place and identity.

Closer to home, Mudgee oozes country charm, celebrating regional Australia’s blend of wine culture, community warmth and rural landscapes that continue to draw travellers seeking authenticity.

People, Passions and Personal Journeys

Personal stories add emotional depth throughout the magazine. Iggy, Frida and James of Donegal introduce readers to life shaped by place, creativity and community on Ireland’s wild Atlantic edge. Everything equestrian with Royal approval explores tradition, sport and heritage through a uniquely British lens.

For adventure seekers, dog sledding in British Columbia delivers a thrilling winter experience, while Iceland for the Solo Traveler speaks to independence, self-discovery and the growing appeal of solo journeys in dramatic landscapes.

A New Voice in Thoughtful Travel

AllWays explore Issue No. 1 establishes itself as a travel magazine for readers who want more than lists and itineraries. Its storytelling approach, global scope and focus on culture, nature and people make it a compelling addition to the travel media landscape in 2026.

For travellers planning future adventures or simply dreaming from home, this inaugural issue invites readers to explore the world with curiosity, respect and imagination.

AllWays Traveller
Website: http://www.allwaystraveller.com/

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, 3 December 2025

Rotana Joins WTTC: A Powerful Partnership Shaping the Future of Global Tourism

WTTC Members
A Major Hospitality Leader Becomes WTTC’s Newest Regional Membe
r

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has officially welcomed Rotana Hotel Management Corporation as its newest Regional Member, marking a significant step forward for the global Travel & Tourism sector. As one of the most influential hotel management companies across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and Türkiye, Rotana brings decades of expertise, regional insight and a strong commitment to innovation.

This partnership strengthens WTTC’s ongoing efforts to foster sustainable growth, accelerate digital transformation and develop future-ready workforces across the industry.

A Hospitality Pioneer With Global Ambition

Since opening its first property in 1992, Rotana has grown into a powerhouse of regional hospitality. The company now operates nearly 80 properties across 29 cities in 14 countries, representing more than 21,000 keys. With an ambitious development pipeline set to expand its portfolio to over 120 properties across 22 markets, Rotana continues to elevate the hospitality landscape with its service excellence and forward-thinking strategy.

Its diverse portfolio includes Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Centro Hotels, Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts, Arjaan Hotel Apartments, Edge by Rotana and The Residences by Rotana. Each brand caters to a wide spectrum of travellers, delivering memorable stays anchored in the company’s guiding philosophy of treasured time.

Driving Sustainable Growth and Industry Innovation

As a WTTC Regional Member, Rotana will contribute valuable experience to initiatives focused on sustainability, digital innovation and workforce development. Its operational achievements and commitment to responsible hospitality make it a key player in shaping the future of global tourism.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC Interim President & CEO, expressed her excitement at the new partnership, highlighting Rotana’s strength and ambition as defining elements of today’s Travel & Tourism industry. She noted the company’s important role in promoting sustainable operations, cultivating talent and supporting long-term resilience across the sector.

Rotana’s Vision for Global Collaboration

Rotana CEO Philip Barnes emphasised that joining WTTC marks an exciting new chapter for the company. He noted that Rotana is driven by the belief in the power of connection between people, cultures and ideas. Through WTTC’s global platform, Rotana will amplify its purpose, working alongside international industry leaders to champion sustainability, nurture hospitality professionals and support meaningful growth within the communities it serves.

A Strengthened Future for Global Travel & Tourism

Through this strategic collaboration, WTTC and Rotana aim to drive progress in some of the most dynamic tourism regions in the world. Their shared commitment to sustainability, technology and talent ensures a powerful alliance dedicated to shaping a more connected, innovative and resilient future for global Travel & Tourism.

For additional information, visit:
WTTC Website: www.wttc.org
Rotana Website: www.rotana.com
WTTC Facebook: www.facebook.com/WTTC
WTTC Instagram: www.instagram.com/wttc

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

Monday, 24 February 2025

Minor Hotels and HBX Group Expand Strategic Partnership to Include Hotels in Australasia, Africa, Middle East and Asia

Carlos Muñoz, Chief Commercial Officer of HBX Group (Left)
 Fernando Vives, Chief Commercial Officer of Minor Hotels Europe
 & Americas (Right) at MarketHub Asia 2025 in Macau, China
In an exciting development for the global travel industry, Minor Hotels and HBX Group have announced the expansion of their preferred distribution partnership, a move that promises to transform how the hospitality and travel sectors connect and operate. The announcement was made at MarketHub Asia 2025 in Macau, China, marking a pivotal moment for both companies as they enhance their collaboration on a global scale.

This new chapter builds on the success of Minor Hotels and HBX Group’s existing partnership in Europe and the Americas, and the expanded agreement now covers regions such as Asia, Australasia, Africa, and the Middle East. As part of the deal, Minor Hotels will integrate 181 properties from these regions into the distribution network, further extending the reach of its renowned brands, including Anantara, Avani, Elewana Collection, Tivoli, NH, NH Collection, nhow, and Oaks. Additionally, HBX Group will now be designated as a preferred B2B distribution partner, ensuring streamlined distribution, reduced operational costs, and enhanced control over rates and inventory.

The expanded partnership is set to give HBX Group’s vast global network, which connects 60,000 travel distributors in over 190 source markets, access to more than 560 Minor Hotels properties across 58 countries. As a part of this collaboration, Minor Hotels has also announced plans to add nearly 300 more properties to its portfolio over the next three years, which will also be incorporated into the preferred distribution partnership.

Carlos Muñoz, Chief Commercial Officer at HBX Group, expressed his excitement about the expansion, saying, "This global partnership represents a significant milestone in our collaboration with Minor Hotels. By consolidating distribution efforts and reducing operational complexity, we are enabling Minor to streamline its strategy and focus on reaching high-value markets where we can add real value. HBX Group becomes an extension of Minor’s commercial arm, bringing their brands to markets and customers that would otherwise be out of reach. Together, we are setting a new benchmark for what a true partnership between a hospitality group and a distribution tech platform should look like."

Ian Di Tullio, Chief Commercial Officer of Minor Hotels, echoed Muñoz’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of the partnership in fueling the company’s growth. "Our partnership with HBX Group has been instrumental in maintaining our agility and efficiency, allowing us to leverage best practices and insights from their network. This collaboration in Europe and the Americas has been invaluable in accelerating our growth and expanding our distribution. We look forward to broadening this successful relationship to encompass our global portfolio, ultimately delivering superior value to our customers."

Fernando Vives, Chief Commercial Officer of Minor Hotels Europe & Americas, further emphasized the success of the collaboration, particularly in the European and American markets. "Our collaboration with HBX Group has accelerated our growth in Europe and the Americas and provided us with the insights to refine our approach in the markets. As we expand our partnership globally, we are excited to build on this momentum and deliver greater value to our guests."

In addition to the business expansion, the announcement underscores Minor Hotels' ongoing commitment to HBX Group’s flagship event, MarketHub, a major gathering for the travel industry. Minor Hotels has played an instrumental role in supporting the event, having hosted MarketHub Europe 2023 at the nhow Amsterdam RAI, and will also host the 2025 European edition at the Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort in April.

As the travel industry continues to evolve, the expanded partnership between Minor Hotels and HBX Group sets a powerful example of how strategic collaborations can unlock new opportunities for growth, innovation, and efficiency in the global hospitality and travel sectors. With this expanded network, both companies are poised to offer more value to their customers, streamline their operations, and extend their reach into new and emerging markets.

For more information about HBX Group and its offerings, visit www.hbxgroup.com.

Thursday, 20 February 2025

Future Hospitality Summit Africa: Shaping Africa's Hospitality Investment Landscape

In an exciting new development for Africa’s rapidly growing hospitality sector, The Bench, a global leader in hospitality investment events, has announced the rebranding of the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF) to the Future Hospitality Summit Africa (FHS Africa). This change marks the next chapter for Africa's most influential tourism investment conference and aligns it with The Bench’s flagship Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) brand, which already includes successful events in Saudi Arabia and Dubai.

The rebranding of AHIF to FHS Africa represents more than just a name change. It’s a strategic move designed to broaden the event’s appeal and integrate it within the larger Future Hospitality Summit ecosystem, which connects major hospitality stakeholders from across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. This transformation will significantly increase the exposure of African hospitality markets, linking them with international capital, expertise, and cross-market collaborations that will help unlock Africa’s full potential as a global tourism and hospitality investment destination.

A Proven Catalyst for Investment

For over a decade, AHIF has been a cornerstone of hospitality investment in Africa, bringing together key figures from the hotel development, investment, and government sectors. It has been instrumental in facilitating discussions around the region’s infrastructure and investment opportunities, catalyzing billions of dollars in deals. The event has created a vital space for forging regional partnerships and securing deals that have spurred growth in the African hospitality sector.

The appetite for investment in Africa’s hospitality industry has never been stronger. With a rapidly growing middle class and a booming tourism sector, the continent is witnessing an unprecedented pipeline of hotel developments. Over 300,000 new hotel rooms are projected to open across Africa by 2030, with cities like Nairobi, Casablanca, Cape Town, and Addis Ababa leading the charge. Notably, Nairobi’s Average Daily Rate (ADR) has increased by 164% and Casablanca’s ADR by 141% compared to 2019, highlighting the growing profitability of African hospitality.

FHS Africa 2025 promises to showcase this transformation in all its glory. The event will be held from June 17-19, 2025, in Cape Town, South Africa, and will serve as a high-level platform where investors, developers, and key industry figures will engage in forward-looking discussions that address the opportunities and challenges facing Africa’s hospitality sector.

Key Themes for FHS Africa 2025

The 2025 edition of FHS Africa will delve into several key themes that are set to shape the future of African hospitality:

  • Financing Models: As Africa’s hospitality markets evolve, understanding how to structure investments to drive sustainable growth will be crucial for unlocking long-term potential.
  • Sustainable Investment & ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance): Making ESG considerations a profitable venture will be a key focus, with discussions aimed at integrating sustainable practices into Africa’s hospitality sector.
  • Cross-Border Collaboration: Advancing policies and infrastructure developments that can boost intra-African trade and tourism will play a central role in unlocking the continent’s potential.
  • Branded Residences & Mixed-Use Developments: These emerging alternative asset classes are gaining traction in African hospitality and will be explored in-depth.
  • Technology & Innovation: The role of AI, blockchain, and digital transformation in the hospitality industry will be a major theme, highlighting how innovation can drive efficiency, profitability, and guest experience.

Strengthening Africa’s Position in the Global Investment Ecosystem

By integrating FHS Africa into the broader FHS portfolio, The Bench is ensuring that Africa’s hospitality markets receive the attention they deserve on the global stage. With its well-established events in Saudi Arabia and Dubai, FHS World brings a wealth of international investment, expertise, and networking opportunities to the region. The integration will ensure that African stakeholders are positioned within a larger global context, attracting greater international capital and creating opportunities for strategic collaboration.

Located at the heart of the Middle East and Africa, Dubai serves as a global hub for business and finance, with its strategic proximity to African markets making it an ideal platform for international investors to engage with Africa’s growing hospitality sector. Dubai’s 50+ daily flights to key African destinations further enhance accessibility for investors, business leaders, and government officials.

The Future of Africa’s Hospitality Sector

Matthew Weihs, Managing Director of The Bench, explained: “This transformation marks a pivotal moment for The Bench and the African hospitality sector. With Africa’s investment potential gaining global attention, FHS Africa will provide a focused, high-impact platform, while FHS World ensures that African markets are showcased on the biggest investment stage.”

As Africa's hospitality sector continues to gain momentum, FHS Africa 2025 will be an unmissable opportunity for anyone involved in the African tourism and hospitality industries. The event will offer an exclusive environment to engage with top decision-makers, explore new investment opportunities, and understand the market dynamics driving the continent’s hospitality growth.

Why You Should Attend FHS Africa 2025

  • Unmatched Networking: Connect with key investors, developers, and decision-makers from across Africa and beyond.
  • Cutting-Edge Insights: Attend expert panels and discussions on the future of hospitality, with a focus on sustainability, technology, and investment strategies.
  • Incredible Investment Opportunities: FHS Africa will provide a platform to explore lucrative investment opportunities in the continent's rapidly expanding hotel market.
  • Global Exposure: As part of the FHS portfolio, Africa will benefit from global exposure to key international investors and hospitality brands.

Event Details:

  • Dates: June 17-19, 2025
  • Location: Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town, South Africa
  • Target Audience: Investors, hotel developers, government officials, and hospitality industry leaders.

For more information and to register, visit: www.FutureHospitalitySummitAfrica.com

Conclusion

With its rebranding to FHS Africa, The Bench is cementing its commitment to accelerating Africa’s hospitality growth and shaping the continent’s future as a major player in global tourism and investment. The 2025 event will serve as a vital catalyst for driving partnerships, facilitating deal-making, and showcasing Africa’s immense potential to investors from around the world.

Web: https://www.futurehospitality.com/

Thursday, 25 July 2024

AmaWaterways Opens Reservations on all 2026 River Cruises

AmaWaterways 
Faced with strong demand for its 2024 and 2025 seasons, award-winning river cruise line AmaWaterways has opened reservations early this year for the 2026 season on all its cruise products: Europe, Egypt, Asia, Colombia, Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruises as well as pre- and post-cruise land packages. With the launch of nine new river ships over the next three years, and more than 40 different itineraries on four continents, early travel planners can choose from a variety of possibilities and lock in great savings opportunities and dates. Information on AmaWaterways as well as all of the itineraries and departure dates is detailed at www.amawaterways.au and www.amawaterways.nz.

New ships

After announcing plans to launch seven new ships (in Portugal, Egypt, Colombia and Europe) in 2024 and 2025, AmaWaterways will add two more in 2026. AmaSofia will sail the historical Danube River beginning May 24, 2026, on the 14-night Magnificent Europe itinerary, following the route of emperors, kings and queens as it journeys between Amsterdam and Budapest. And AmaMaya will join AmaDara on the Mekong, cruising the seven-night Charms of the Mekong and Riches of the Mekong itineraries, which are easily combined with pre- and post-cruise land packages to discover the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat near Siem Reap, Cambodia, or the bustling centres of Ho Chi Minh City Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, or Bangkok, Thailand.

New Land Packages in Europe

Two new land packages are being added as part of the AmaWaterways' seven-night Taste of Bordeaux sailings in 2026. Guests can book the new four-night pre-cruise option and spend two nights in Madrid, enjoying panoramic city tours and walking tours of the Royal Palace and the city's Old Town before heading to the romantic city of San Sebastián, where a stroll through the Old Town offers insights into the city's history. For guests looking to extend their food- and wine-focused cruise, where better than three nights in Paris? Wandering along Champs-Élysées with its cinemas, sidewalk cafes and luxury specialty shops; visiting the artist's refuge of Montmartre and finishing with an evening illumination tour of the “City of Light.”

New Excursions

Guests cruising on the Rhine and Moselle will enjoy some new excursions planned for 2026. The charming city of Utrecht has been added to the Captivating Rhine, Enchanting Rhine, and Christmas Markets on the Rhine itineraries. This medieval city, the fourth largest in the Netherlands, offers guests tree-lined canals, Christian monuments and a venerable university. Guests will be able to choose between a local beer tasting and a walking tour of the city. The stop in Strasbourg during Christmas season sailings has added two more excursion choices – a walking tour of the famous spa resort town of Baden-Baden or a visit to France's oldest Christmas Market in Strasbourg, started in 1570.

On AmaWaterways' seven-night Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle guests will be able to explore Wiesbaden, famous for its Sekt (German champagne), and its “Kochbrunnen” - a historic thermal hot spring dating back to Roman times.

Colombia

In January 2025, AmaWaterways will be the first major river cruise line to sail the picturesque Magdalena River in Colombia, utilising two new custom-designed luxury ships on this historic route—the intimate AmaMagdalena with 60 guests and the stunning AmaMelodia with 64 guests. Already booking up, 2026 will see the continued enhancement of its two immersive itineraries, Magic of Colombia and Wonders of Colombia. The seven-night itineraries cruise between Cartagena and Barranquilla and guests enjoy locally inspired Latin American cuisine, immersive excursions and a variety of lively entertainment representative of the country's colourful culture. Pre- and post-cruise optional land packages take in Medellín, Colombia and Panama City.

Egypt

AmaWaterways takes guests on an immersive 11-night Secrets of Egypt & the Nile itinerary on two sister ships, AmaDahlia and AmaLilia, offering unparalleled cruise and land experiences. A seven-night roundtrip river cruise from Luxor is paired with three nights pre- and one-night post-cruise stay in historic Cairo. Popular optional land packages paired with this destination include Dubai and Jordan.

Africa

Travellers can take a walk on the wild side and sail along Africa's Chobe River aboard the luxurious 28-passenger Zambezi Queen. With five distinct itineraries to choose from, such as Discover Africa and Stars of South Africa, guests can look forward to discovering Africa's vibrant culture, spotting some of the most prolific wildlife and exploring iconic destinations like Cape Town's Table Mountain and Victoria Falls. AmaWaterways' Africa itineraries combine the four-night luxurious river cruise experience with the choice of thrilling wildlife land safaris, city stays or the timeless grace of cross-country rail travel so guests can immerse themselves into the enriching cultural experience that is unlike any other.

AmaWaterways 
Cruising with AmaWaterways includes fine dining in multiple venues, including The Chef's Table specialty restaurant, unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, a daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour with wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks, a daily variety of small group excursions, including hiking, biking and special interest tours, high-quality Wi-Fi, a complimentary Wellness Program in Europe and on the Mekong with a variety of host-led fitness classes, and much more.

For more information or to reserve an AmaWaterways river cruise and land package, contact your preferred Travel Advisor, or contact AmaWaterways on 1800 867 126 (AU) or 0800 005 636 (NZ) or visit amawaterways.au or amawaterways.nz.

Tuesday, 16 July 2024

The Lux Collective wins Six Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Awards Best of the Best Hotels' titles

 SALT of Palma
Celebrating one of the highest level of excellence in travel. The Lux Collective is proud to announce that its harvest of six Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Awards Best of the Best awards. Its design-inspired and conscious-focused resort - SALT of Palmar has been conferred Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Awards Best of the Best Hotels' titles - #1 Luxury Hotel in Africa and #2 Top Hotels in Africa. Guests are immersed in above-and-beyond service and amenities for days in luxury at the resort.

In addition, TAMASSA resort in Mauritius has also been awarded Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Awards Best of the Best Hotels - #2 All-Inclusive in Africa and #9 All-inclusive in the World. With a private beach for recharging and sun-lounging, it has three inviting pools, dining options, spa, fitness centre, tennis court, water sports and bicycle tours for those who crave activity. An unhurried vibe and genuine care - in a resort that has it all.

At the same time, newly operating for just 10 months, the Group's first resort in East Africa - LUX* Marijani Zanzibar in Tanzania has been ranked Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Awards Best of the Best Hotels' - #10 Top Hotels in Africa and #18 Luxury Hotel in Africa. The stylish beachfront resort features lush gardens and amazing Arabian architecture with wooden carvings along with ocean views, an infinity pool and more.

Out of 8 million Tripadvisor consumer listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone. The Group's three exceptional resorts - SALT of Palmar, TAMASSA and LUX* Marijani Zanzibar lead with a handful of winning hotels that take everything to the next level. The prestigious Travelers' Choice Awards Best of the Best Hotels titles illuminates the highest level of excellence in travel. It is exclusively awarded to hotels which receive a high volume of above-and-beyond consumer reviews and compliments from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period.hote

Tuesday, 9 July 2024

Radisson Hotel Group bolsters African presence with 7 additional hotels and over 1,200 new rooms including a landmark entry in Tanzania

Radisson Hotel Group (www.RadissonHotels.com) is delighted to announce the addition of seven new hotels, adding over 1,200 hotel rooms to its African portfolio and its debut in Tanzania within the first half of 2024. With those additions, the Group’s footprint in Africa has grown to nearly 100 hotels in operation and development, placing the Group well on track to reach its goal of 150 hotels within the next five years.
 
Tanzania has been identified as a key market in the Group’s proactive expansion strategy, making its debut in the country with two hotel signings. This addition enhances the Group’s diverse African portfolio, spanning across 30 countries, further establishing it as the hotel company with the largest market presence in Africa.

In Nigeria, Radisson Hotel Group continues to hold a leading position with a portfolio of 13 hotels in operation and under development, including five new hotels signed in 2023. The new signing of the Radisson RED Hotel Abuja has further bolstered the Group’s presence in the city, bringing the total number of hotels under development in Abuja to four.

In Morocco, the Group has pursued the same efforts with a clear transformation plan, growing its presence from 1 hotel in 2020 to over 9 hotels in operation and 4 hotels in development today. Casablanca represents a strategic hub among multiple continents and the new signing of Radisson Blu Hotel & Apartments Casablanca Finance City and Radisson RED Hotel Casablanca Finance City solidifies the Group’s ambitions to reach over 25 hotels by 2030 across the country.

Ramsay Rankoussi, Vice President, Development, Africa and Turkey at Radisson Hotel Group, said, “The seven new hotels align with our expansion strategy, demonstrating significant growth in key African markets such as Morocco, Nigeria, Tunisia and Ethiopia as well as our highly anticipated debut in Tanzania. These hotels also highlight our conversion strategy and our commitment to diversifying our portfolio by introducing new brands and cementing our presence in these important markets.”

The six hotel signings include:

1) Radisson Blu Hotel & Apartments, Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)

Marking Radisson Hotel Group’s debut in Tanzania, this 138-room hotel, featuring 94 guestrooms and 44 three-bedroom apartments, is set to open in 2025 as part of a mixed-use development in Dar es Salaam's CBD. The hotel will occupy the top 14 floors of a 33-floor tower, one of the tallest buildings in the area, and is within walking distance of the ferry terminal to Zanzibar Island.

The hotel will offer a diverse array of dining facilities, including a lobby café, business class lounge, all-day dining restaurant, specialty restaurant, outdoor pool, and pool restaurant. Additional amenities include retail stores, a ladies' salon, indoor parking, a gym, steam room and sauna, kids' playroom, and eight meeting rooms.

2) Radisson Hotel Mwanza (Tanzania)

Supporting a strong market entry, this 196-room hotel, currently under construction, will debut the Radisson brand in Tanzania in 2025. Mwanza, Tanzania’s second-largest city, is renowned for corporate meetings and events and is the ideal starting point for tours to the Serengeti National Park. As the only branded hotel in Mwanza, it will feature a lobby café and bar, all-day dining restaurant, sports bar, outdoor pool bar, executive lounge, and two specialty restaurants, Balaustine, a 'casual-fine dining' experience inspired by the Barbary coast and the Levant and Filini, offering a delectable dining experience of fresh, simple, and delicious Italian-style cuisine.

The meetings and events space includes a triple-height ballroom, business center, boardrooms, and a conference room. The extensive wellness facilities will include a gym, spa, outdoor pool, and kids' playground.

3) Radisson Blu Hotel & Apartments, Casablanca Finance City and Radisson RED Casablanca Finance City (Morocco)

Enhancing the Group's Moroccan portfolio, which currently includes 11 hotels in operation and under development, is the addition of new two dual-branded hotels and a serviced apartment. These new builds, including the first Radisson RED hotel in North Africa will feature a total of 381 rooms, are set to open in late 2027. They will be located in Casa Anfa, at the heart of Casablanca Finance City, the city's new financial hub, recognized as Africa's leading financial center, on par with London and La Défense in Paris.

Providing guests with an array of dining and wellness facilities for an ideal stay, the Radisson Blu will offer guests an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty rooftop restaurant, and a rooftop bar. Meanwhile, the Radisson RED hotel, will feature a restaurant and a pool bar. The Radisson Blu's wellness facilities will include a spa, a fitness center, and an outdoor rooftop swimming pool. The Radisson RED will also provide a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and an outdoor rooftop swimming pool.

For meetings and events, in addition to the five meeting rooms at the Radisson Blu, there will be a 1,100-square-meter conference center comprising an auditorium, large ballroom and three meeting rooms, making the complex the future meeting destination.

4) Radisson Blu Hotel & Conference Center, Tunis (Tunisia)

This 305-room hotel, a conversion of an existing property, will soon debut the Radisson Blu brand in Tunis, complementing the Group’s footprint in Tunisia as its seventh hotel in the country and fourth in Tunis. Located just 10 minutes from the airport, the hotel will feature dining outlets such as a lobby bar, shisha bar, all-day dining restaurant, and three specialty restaurants.

The expansive convention center will include multiple meeting rooms, boardrooms, a VIP room, an executive lounge, a business center, and a 1,400 sqm ballroom, making it the largest conference center in the city.

5) Radisson RED Abuja (Nigeria)

The new-build 105-room hotel, set to open in 2028, will be Radisson Hotel Group’s 13th property in Nigeria and the second Radisson RED in the country, introducing the upper upscale brand to Abuja. Located in Wuse, Abuja’s main commercial and social district, the hotel will be surrounded by corporate offices, popular estates, shopping malls, and nightlife venues. The hotel will feature a bar and terrace, an all-day dining restaurant, and a pool bar and grill. It will also offer 238 square meters of meeting space, including three meeting rooms and a pre-function area, as well as a fitness facility.

6) Park Inn by Radisson Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)

Scheduled to open in 2025, this 120-room hotel will be the Group’s third hotel in Ethiopia, all located in Addis Ababa and introduce the Park Inn by Radisson brand to the country. Dining options will include a breakfast hall, restaurant hall, coffee shop, and four soft drink bars. The meeting and events space will consist of a large and medium conference room and four meeting rooms. Guests can also enjoy two gyms, a spa, business center, sport facilities, kids' entertainment area, retail space, and co-working space.

Since 2022, the Group has opened 14 hotels, including the debut of the Radisson brand in Morocco and Tunis with Radisson Hotel Casablanca Gauthier La Citadelle and Radisson Hotel Tunis City Center, solidifying its position as the largest hotel operator in Tunisia. The openings have diversified the Group’s portfolio with the first safari hotel in Africa, Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit, the first resort in Livingstone, Radisson Blu Resort Mosi-oa-Tunya, and the debut in Reunion Island with Radisson Hotel Saint Denis. This achievement has set a record for the Group in terms of realizing its pipeline into openings, translating into a commendable 15 percent annual net operating growth in its African portfolio.

“With a strong first half of the year, we plan to continue the momentum in the second half by focusing on expanding our presence in key markets such as Morocco and South Africa, where we’ve recently announced our ambition to reach 25 hotels by 2030, doubling the portfolio in both countries. We thank each of our partners for their valued trust in us and our brands,” concluded Rankoussi.

Sunday, 7 July 2024

Dream Hotels & Resorts and CityBlue Hotels Forge Strategic Partnership to Promote Pan-African Hospitality

Dream Hotels & Resorts (Dream) and CityBlue Hotels (CityBlue) (www.CityBlueHotels.com) are proud to announce a strategic sales and representation partnership aimed at fortifying their market presence across Africa.

Embodied by the tagline, ‘Collaborating for a Brighter African Hospitality Future’, the alliance marks a significant milestone in bringing together two renowned African hospitality companies with a shared vision of sustainable growth.

Considered a prominent player in South Africa’s hospitality industry, Dream’s portfolio comprises 23 mixed-used properties. CityBlue, Africa’s fastest-growing local hotel chain with properties across Accra, Dar es Salaam, Juba, Kampala, Kigali, Lamu, Mombasa and Nairobi plans to reach 50 operating hotels by 2028.

“Collaboration is a powerful force that brings together diverse perspectives,” says Nick Dickson, Director of Dream Hotels & Resorts. “By combining our resources, expertise, and extensive networks, we’re establishing a unified approach to market expansion, while delivering even greater value to our guests.”

According to Jameel Verjee, Founder & CEO of CityBlue Hotels, their East & West-meets- South partnership will include joint marketing campaigns, co-branded promotions, combined trade show representation, and the exchange of contracted agents, wholesalers, and clients to ensure a diversified market reach.

“A rising tide lifts all boats,” he adds. “By working together in complementary markets, we are endorsing the opportunities of pan-African collaborations, which ultimately leads to a more resilient, robust and unified industry.”

An official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Dream and CityBlue will take place at the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) in Windhoek the week of 25 June 2024. Their cohesive partnership aligns with AHIF’s mission of fostering investment, collaboration, and growth in African hospitality.

About Dream Hotels & Resorts:

Founded in 1988, our mission at Dream Hotels & Resorts is to deliver dynamic and exceptional hospitality solutions in Africa that connect local and global travellers to our communities in a sustainable and relevant manner. With a growing portfolio of over 23 properties, including exclusive membership and ownership opportunities, we have adopted a more purposeful approach to the guest experience, leading with greater compassion and intent, while creating a healthy balance between our actions, our communities, and the environment.

About CityBlue Hotels:

CityBlue Hotels, Africa’s fastest-growing local hotel chain, operates properties across some of East and West Africa’s major cities. Renowned for its modern, comfortable accommodations and strong focus on business travellers, CityBlue’s mission is to open African doors and extend care to everyone through the celebration of diversity. CityBlue aims to build the future of African hospitality by harnessing the power of technology to democratise travel.

Sunday, 21 January 2024

Chobe Game Lodge Botswana will be celebrating 50 years of operation in 2024

Chobe Game Lodge Botswana
Owned and operated by Desert & Delta Safaris, the lodge is set on the banks of the Chobe River, in the Chobe National Park, among the world’s highest concentration of elephants.

Two years after opening, in 1973, it welcomed Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor in a whirlwind reunion just a year after their divorcing. 

The Chobe Game Lodge is a trailblazer in female empowerment with Chobe’s Angels, Africa’s first all-female professional guiding team. 

Chobe also launched the first fleet of electric game-drive vehicles in Africa in 2014, and also has a fleet of three solarpowered electric boats. 

Its environmental plan encompasses all aspects of Chobe’s operations, from energy conservation, water stewardship, recycling initiatives, and waste management such as reducing food waste. 

Chobe monitors monthly energy consumption, and in addition to daily weighing, all organic waste is composted, and all inorganic waste is recycled through licensed waste carriers which eliminates the dumping of waste at landfills. 

Desert & Delta Safaris has a range of lodges and game reserves in Botswana in the Chobe National Park; the Okavango Delta and Panhandle; the Moremi Game Reserve and the Boteti River on the border of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. 

These are safari locations a wide spectrum of wildlife from impala and buffalo to wildebeest, elephant, and zebra, lions, and cheetahs. 

Wednesday, 27 December 2023

Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga Now Welcoming Guests

Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga
Reservations are  now open for the new luxury houseboat which offers a gateway to connect and explore Rwanda's treasures

The luxury houseboat, Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga, is now open for reservations and ready to welcome guests aboard for voyages along one of Africa's great waterways, Lake Kivu. This magnificent lake forms Rwanda's western boundary and is renowned for its fishing industry, preserving the traditional methods of the Rwandan people. The vessel is the first of its kind to sail the region, traversing the lake South Bound from Gisenyi to Nyamasheke and North Bound from Nyamasheke to Gisenyi, it serves as a gateway for travellers to explore Rwanda's treasures.

The houseboat offers 10 cabins, including two executive suites and two deluxe cabins. The vessel also has a restaurant and bar, a plunge pool and various outdoor spaces where guests can relax and enjoy captivating vistas.

“The Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga promises an extraordinary experience that marries luxury, exploration and conservation against the background of Lake Kivu, celebrated for its beauty and ecological significance. On their voyage, guests will have the opportunity to explore the region while immersing themselves in a range of activities that encompass Mantis' core values: celebrating locality, sustainable adventures and conservation,” said Craig Erasmus, Vice President Operations, Sub Saharan Africa for Fairmont and Mantis.

As the Kivu Queen uBuranga is part of Mantis, Accor's conservation and sustainability brand, the vessel has been created to add value to the environment and communities living along the lake. As part of an all-inclusive, two or three-night itinerary, guests will have the opportunity to take guided excursions to Kinunu (famed for its coffee plantations), visit local fishing communities to learn their traditional techniques and hike subtropical trails. Guests can also explore the smaller islands dotting Lake Kivu, including Napoleon Island, Teddy Bear Island, Monkey Island and Peace Island. One of the highlights of this journey is the unique opportunity to connect with nature by visiting the renowned mountain gorillas at the Volcanoes National Park or the chimpanzees at the Nyungwe National Park, pre or post sailing Lake Kivu.

Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga
Stephane Castell, Regional Manager for Mantis Rwanda, said: “We are thrilled that, for the first time, travellers to Rwanda will be able to see the mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park and the chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park without having to endure an arduous six-hour road trip. We are also pleased to connect travellers to our other three properties in the region: Mantis Akagera Game Lodge (within Akagera National Park, Eastern Province), Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel (in Rusizi, Western Province) and Mantis EPIC Hotel & Suites (in Nyagatare, Eastern Province).”

INSIDER TIP:

Plan your Rwanda adventure in the dry seasons between December - February and June - September. But for a more intimate experience, venture off-peak season to discover the serene beauty of the forests, lakes and mountains with less crowds.

HOW TO GET THERE:

There are daily international flights to Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. Once in the country, there are two ways in which guests can board the vessel: either a road transfer to Gisenyi (also known as Rubavu) or Rwesero (Nyamasheke).

RATES & INCLUSIONS:

Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga sails on scheduled departures every Wednesday and Saturday:
• Wednesdays: South Bound from Gisenyi to Nyamasheke (two-night itinerary)
• Saturdays: North Bound from Nyamasheke to Gisenyi (three-night itinerary)

The 2024 *all-inclusive rate for two or three-night stays starts from £1,180/ $1,500 USD per person, per night, based on double occupancy.

Exclusive charter of the Kivu Queen is available for a maximum group of 20 passengers in its 10 double cabins, POA

*All-inclusive: includes accommodation, all meals, soft drinks and local beer/ wine, and two guided tours.

CONTACT & RESERVATIONS:

● Email: kivuqueen.reservations@mantiscollection.com
● Website: https://www.mantiscollection.com/hotel/mantis-kivu-queen/
● The Mantis Travel Desk, a personal concierge service designed to cater for both traveller and agent enquiries, can assist with international and domestic flights and curate a bespoke itinerary. Contact central reservations on email: traveldesk@mantiscollection.com
* Mantis https://www.mantis
* Sharon Coleshill at  sharon.coleshill@spotlightcoms.com

Wednesday, 29 November 2023

Lepogo Lodges, in Limpopo Province, is one of Africa’s few entirely non-for-profit safari lodges

Vast, remote and serene, the Lapalala Wilderness awakens the senses with its deep valleys and spectacular cliffs echoing to the sound of tumbling streams. From crystal clear rock pools to wide open plains, this is an area rich in an abundant array of wildlife and largely untouched by man.

Lepogo Lodges consists of 2 separate lodges, both of which can be booked in their entirety. Noka Camp is the first to open and sleeps 12. Melote House will be an exclusive use house, sleeping up to 16 and will open in 2023.

The group is opening its Melote House, its second lodge in January 2024. Melote House is built in tiers to maximise the views over the Lapalala Wilderness, and its design is carbon-neutral and features rammed earth walls built with earth taken out of the hillside it sits on. 

Suiting multi- generational family living, the exclusive-use lodge has a main house sleeping 12 and an adjacent separate cottage sleeps four. 
* Gina Eleftheriou at geleftheriou@mmgyglobal.com

Tuesday, 3 October 2023

Wilderness Moments

Wilderness is a leading conservation and hospitality company operating 60 camps and lodges in eight African countries. 

Eyckmans Kristol Wilderness is highlighting the power of photography in its conservation efforts to help ensure a positive impact on wildlife and cultural preservation. 

The Importance of photography for conservation Photography holds a crucial role in conservation efforts, as evocative images create emotional connections that help raise awareness and educate about the challenges faced by endangered species. 

Travellers have the opportunity to photograph and learn about endangered animals without negatively impacting their habitats. 

Smartphone photography in the wilderness Smartphones can capture spontaneous and candid moments effortlessly in order to take images of wildlife with minimal disturbance. 

Respectful Photography on Safaris 

The comfort of the wildlife is more important than the ambitions of the photographer on a Wilderness safari. 

This principal extends to photographing cultural setting, whether travellers are meeting the Himba people on a safari with Wilderness in Namibia, or capturing what life is like in villages surrounding their camps in Rwanda or Zimbabwe. 

Encountering wildlife can include a pride of lions on a kill, a herd of browsing elephants or a leopard in a tree. 

It’s important not to disturb the wildlife by inviting too many vehicles to join the sighting, and Wilderness has a strict three-vehicle policy. 

Dam Turley Tiann Wessels Wilderness hosts a yearly photography competition called Africa in Focus : www.wildernessdestinations.com/experiences/photography 

 Olivia Pascoe at opascoe@grifcopr.com

Friday, 21 July 2023

Great Plains in the Botswana wilderness

Sitatunga Private Island Camp
Conservation tourism organisation Great Plains has launched a selection of ‘romantic bucket-list-in-the-bush experiences’ across its Botswanan camps. 

These include : 

Magical Mokoro at Sitatunga Private Island Camp 

At the newly opened Sitatunga Private Island Camp, there is the chance to by ‘personally poled’ along the waters and channels, of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Sitatunga Private Island Camp also provides ‘the most authentic Robinson Crusoe experience’ at the new Réserve-Collection safari camp, made out of recycled materials. 

Private bushdDinner under the stars at Selinda Camp 

This Relais & Châteaux culinary experience, available at Selinda Camp, can be tailored to couples’ tastes by expert chefs. Located on the banks of the Selinda Spillway as it enters the Linyanti River, Selinda Camp is situated on the private 118,000-hectare Selinda reserve. This area is home to elephants by the thousands, wild dogs, and the famous Selinda Lion Pride. 

Floating Sundowners at Zarafa Camp 

Zarafa Camp 
Zarafa Camp in the Selinda Concession offers a private sunset cruise on the Zibadianja Lagoon Zarafa, Botswana’s first Relais & Châteaux property, is located on the private 118,000- hectare Selinda Reserve. 

Private Dining in the Wine Cellar at Duba Plains Camp (Also available at Zarafa and Selinda) Great Plains’ private dining in the wine cellar offers a chance to sample a gourmet tasting menu accompanied by wine pairings. Duba Plains Camp is located in the centre of the Okavango Delta among palm-dotted islands, flood plains and woodland on a 33,000-hectare private reserve. Great Plains also provides ‘Wildly Romantic’ experiences across all Botswana camps, Great Plains, offers 14 owned and partner safari properties in Botswana, Kenya and Zimbabwe. 

 Charlotte Rous at charlotte@charlotterous.co.uk

Sky’s the Limit: First Four Seasons Private Jet Itineraries for 2025 Revealed

Today's luxury travellers are looking to see and do it all – and to do so exceptionally. 

The Four Seasons Private Jet Experience is the ultimate opportunity to travel the world in luxurious style. 

All-encompassing itineraries invite families, friends and individuals to discover fascinating locales and cultures, and to see the world’s most popular destinations in new and unexpected ways – all seamlessly planned by Four Seasons experts and delivered with warmth and care. 

The 2025 Four Seasons Private Jet calendar begins with African Wonders (December 29, 2024 - January 10, 2025), a shorter itinerary with minimal travel across time zones perfect for families travelling with kids and equally enriching for couples and individuals. The itinerary begins in Greece and heads down the African continent with stops in Egypt, Tanzania, Rwanda, Mauritius, Zambia and South Africa, exploring ancient treasures, wildlife experiences and natural wonders along the way. 

Asia Unveiled (March 3-18, 2025) offers an exhilarating mix of southeast Asia’s pulsing cities and idyllic islands, and includes immersive experiences in five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These first two itineraries for 2025 are also shorter than most other Four Seasons Private Jet Experience itineraries, at 13 and 16 days, ideal for annual vacations, school breaks and coordinating busy schedules around honeymoon, anniversary or birthday celebrations.

“Each Four Seasons Private Jet Experience has been crafted with a singular focus on our guests, building itineraries that celebrate the journey as well as the destination, and ensuring that each moment can be personalised to make the experience that much more memorable.” says Alejandro Reynal, Four Seasons President and CEO. “With Four Seasons genuine heart on display each step of the way, there is truly no travel experience quite like it.”

Later this year, Four Seasons will roll out additional Private Jet Experience itineraries on the 2025 calendar.

A Lounge in the Sky All itineraries are now aboard the new custom-designed Four Seasons Private Jet that debuted late last year with more space to stretch out, move around and socialize, including in a Lounge in the Sky. This communal area acts as both a social gathering spot, and the stage for on-board programming led by Four Seasons craftspeople ranging from educational presentations to sommelier-led wine tastings, wellness workshops and other surprises. Additional features include spacious bathrooms, and an enhanced in-flight entertainment system, customized App for passengers, and multi-connectivity at each seat.

“So many of our past guests have talked about the friendships they made with fellow passengers and the special bonds formed with Four Seasons people,” notes Marc Speichert, Four Seasons Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. “All itineraries allow for real-time customization, personalization based on guest preferences, and plenty of time to enjoy every moment. It’s why our guests love this experience and continue to book with us time and time again.”

Every Four Seasons Private Jet itinerary includes all flights aboard the fully customized, 48-seat Airbus A321neo-LR plus luggage coordination and ground transfers; an onboard Four Seasons Executive Chef who creates meals inspired by itinerary destinations and celebrates the unique flavours to be found along the journey; accommodations in Four Seasons hotels and resorts, or, in more remote locations, at establishments carefully selected by Four Seasons; all planned excursions, activities and meals; and 24/7 service by an inflight journey team that includes a concierge, journey physician as well as on-the-ground Four Seasons local experts and dedicated Private Jet Guest Services Manager.

Reservations Now Open: The First Two Four Seasons Private Jet Experiences for 2025 

African Wonders – December 29, 2024 - January 10, 2025

Athens – The Pyramids – Serengeti – Mauritius – Rwanda – Victoria Falls – Johannesburg
Highlights include dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant on the Athenian Riviera; ringing in the new year in Cairo as an Egyptologist unlocks the mysteries of the Pyramids and Temple of the Sphinx; a bush dinner by lantern light under the watchful eye of Masai warriors that takes guests deep into Serengeti National Park; a catamaran cruise to a secluded cove for a beach barbecue in Mauritius; a hike through the lush forests of Volcanoes National Park that leads to the natural habitat of rare golden monkeys and mountain gorillas, with an introduction to the important work of the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project; a special day trip to awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, the world’s largest natural waterfall; and exploration of the modern city of Johannesburg.

Asia Unveiled – March 3-18, 2025

Tokyo – Bali – Maldives – Hoi An – Bhutan – Angkor Wat – Bangkok
Explore the Meji-jingu shrine, a forest oasis of 120,000 trees followed by a visit to Senso-ji, the oldest temple in Tokyo; snorkel the crystal clear waters of the protected Baa Atoll and a turtle safari in the Maldives; sample street food while shopping the charming town of Hoi An in central Vietnam; go rafting in the rapids along Bali’s Ayung River and relax in the Sacred River Spa; a spectacular ascent to the Taktsang Palphug Monastery 10,000 feet above sea level in Bhutan; participate in a traditional Buddhist blessing and a private tour of the world’s largest temple complex of Angkor Wat; and a cruise among the stilt houses, floating kitchens and waterside temples of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River.

Limited Space Available on 2023-2024 Itineraries Can’t wait until 2025 to travel with Four Seasons? Limited space is available for Uncharted Discovery (November 30 – December 20, 2023), which includes a four-night expedition aboard a chartered private polar ship to explore Antarctic wildlife and glacier-sculpted landscapes, a private concert by South America’s most prestigious orchestra, the Bogota Philharmonic, stargazing in Costa Rica, and an up-close and personal visit to Iguazú Falls. Space also remains for Ancient Explorer (August 28 – September 20, 2024), which is highlighted by stops at Easter Island, the lost city of Petra in Jordan and a visit to Taormina the picturesque backdrop for season two of the hit TV series, The White Lotus. To find out more and begin planning a Four Seasons Private Jet Experience, click here.

The Four Seasons Private Jet Experience is operated by the industry leader in private jet journeys TCS World Travel, dedicated to delivering immersive, worry-free travel experiences for the globally curious and modern luxury traveller. The aircraft is operated by Titan Airways.

About the Four Seasons Private Jet Experience

Learn more about the Four Seasons Private Jet Experience and follow the #FSJet hashtag on Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and to continue exploring the Four Seasons Private Jet.

The Four Seasons Private Jet is operated by TCS World Travel, dedicated to delivering immersive, worry-free travel experiences for the globally curious and modern luxury traveller. For more information from the industry leader in private jet journeys, click here.

About Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts opened its first hotel in 1961, and since that time has been dedicated to perfecting the travel experience through continual innovation and the highest standards of hospitality. Currently operating 126 hotels and resorts, and 53 residential properties in major city centres and resort destinations in 47 countries, and with more than 50 projects under planning or development, Four Seasons consistently ranks among the world's best hotels and most prestigious brands in reader polls, traveller reviews and industry awards. For more information and reservations, visit fourseasons.com. For the latest news, visit press.fourseasons.com and follow @FourSeasonsPR on Twitter.

* Sarah Findlay,  Herd MSL,  sarah.findlay@herdmsl.com.au | www.herdmsl.com.au

Tuesday, 11 July 2023

Assiat Ingabare - first female accredited guide

Assiat Ingabare, a female ranger at Wilderness Magashi Camp, has become the first Field Guides Association of South Africa accredited female guide in Rwanda. 

Assiat worked as a freelance community guide in the Akagera National Park before joining Wilderness as a trainee guide. 

She now provides guest experiences as an expert on the wildlife that lives within Akagera National Park.

Wilderness Magashi is an eight-tented camp on the shores of Lake Rwanyakazinga. 

 Isabella Machin at imachin@grifcopr.com

Friday, 10 February 2023

Ultimate Safaris, Namabia

Ultimate Safaris, Namabia
Ultimate Safaris’ offering self-drive rental vehicles to guests arriving in Namibia for the wildlife has been increased with six more Toyotas joining the fleet. 

Namibia, a country in southwest Africa, has the Namib Desert along its Atlantic Ocean coast. 

The country is home to diverse wildlife, including a significant cheetah population. 

The capital, Windhoek, and coastal town Swakopmund contain German colonial-era buildings. 

In the north, Etosha National Park’s salt pan draws game including rhinos and giraffes. 

Ultimate Safaris’ is transferring vehicles based in the capital Windhoek to hybrid, with the first Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid vehicle, named 2022 Car of the Year by the South African Guild of Mobility journalists, now in operation.

These hybrid vehicles will be used to transfer guests around Windhoek and for transfers. 

Ultimate Safaris offers privately guided, naturalist safaris for individuals and small in Namibia. 

*Source: Becky Hampson at becky@storringtonpr.com

Tuesday, 13 September 2022

Wilderness Safaris : Africa in Focus

Wilderness Safaris has launched the sixth edition of its Africa in Focus Photographic Competition. 

The competition, which is run in partnership with OM SYSTEM (previously Olympus cameras), will see prizes awarded for images taken on the African continent. 

The judging panel comprises professional photographers Luke Stackpoole, Andrew Ling and Margot Raggett, alongside OM SYSTEM Ambassador Michaela Skovranova and Zimbabwean conservationist, Dr Moreangels Mbizah.

Non-profit Children in the Wilderness is the sole beneficiary of this year’s competition. 

The 2022 Africa in Focus competition closes on 15 September 2022, with winners announced 15 October 2022. 

Wilderness is inviting photographers, partners, travellers and wildlife enthusiasts to submit their favourite African images. 

There is an entry fee of R300 (USD25) per photographer. This enables a maximum of five entries permitted across the four categories. 
These are 
  • African Wildlife 
  • African Landscapes 
  • People, Cultures & Communities of Africa, and Conserving Africa’s Wilderness. 

All photographs entered will be displayed in an online gallery on Wilderness’ website. The overall winner, across all categories, will receive an allexpenses-paid eight-night safari for two people atone of Wilderness Classic camps in Botswana, Zambia or Zimbabwe. 

Thursday, 21 April 2022

BEYOND GREEN LAUNCHES PLAN YOUR TRIP PLATFORM WITH SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL LEADER &BEYOND

Beyond Green – a global portfolio of iconic hotels, resorts, and lodges that represent sustainability in action and impact – is pleased to announce the launch of a new travel booking platform with &Beyond – one of the world’s leading luxury experiential travel companies. Deftly designed to deliver the most sustainable, inspirational luxury vacation itineraries, Beyond Green’s new online Plan Your Trip itinerary program provides custom, turnkey booking and facilitation services for travelers seeking intentional getaways, with Africa and South America as its launch destination offerings.

Serviced by &Beyond’s expert team, which has more than 30 years of experience planning tailor-made journeys, Beyond Green’s new end-to-end itinerary planning services help travelers seamlessly book experiences that align with their sustainable travel values and aspirations. Inclusive of tried-and-tested, pre-set itineraries along with custom, one-of-a-kind global exploration opportunities across Africa, South America and Asia (coming soon), travelers can enjoy complimentary use of Beyond Green’s itinerary booking platform to confirm multifaceted trips that are created with respect for nature, communities, and culture. Keeping clients informed and inspired, the team behind the new service provides assistance with everything from arranging activities, transfers, reservations, and tours led by expert guides, while expertly addressing any related COVID-19 protocols or potential international restrictions.

“With &Beyond a proven leader in travel based on its ‘Care of the Land, Wildlife and People,’ Beyond Green is particularly proud of this incredible new partnership to make planning a sustainable travel holiday easier than ever in two of the world’s great travel destinations – Africa and South America,” said Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Beyond Green.

“The Beyond Green platform aligns perfectly with our mission statement of striving to leave the world a better place through the delivery of extraordinary guest experiences,” says Joss Kent, CEO of &Beyond. “Having been one of the brand’s Founding Members, we are even more proud to partner with Beyond Green even more closely. With the world more focused on the need for preserve its wild places than ever before, we believe that this new partnership will be a powerful new outlet to convert ever more travelers to sustainable travel practices.”

Visitors to StayBeyondGreen.com/plan-your-trip will find a range of meticulously crafted, all-inclusive itineraries across Africa and select South American countries incorporating a mix of different hotels, including &Beyond properties and members of the Beyond Green portfolio that exemplify sustainable tourism leadership through actions and impact. Alternatively, travelers seeking a fully customized trip can submit a request form via the dedicated Plan Your Trip landing page and, in response, they will receive a meaningful itinerary recommendation that combines their interests in compelling guest experiences and great hotels committed to people and the planet, all tailored to their desires.

A selection of Beyond Green’s all-inclusive itineraries powered by &Beyond available for immediate booking via the dedicated Plan Your Trip platform includes:

· 9-day/8-night Journey Across Rwanda and Kenya with Gorilla Trekking and Safari Experiences

· 9-day/8-night Expedition Around Namibia Discovering the Country’s Most Unique and Iconic Places

· 12-day/11-night Adventure in Chile Exploring Antarctica and The Lake District

· 14-day/13-night Voyage Through South America Focused on Wildlife Conservation

· 15-day/14-night Beyond Green Southern Africa Excursion featuring four Beyond Green member properties across South Africa, Namibia and Botswana

The two brands launched their collaboration in 2021, when four &Beyond properties – &Beyond Bateleur Camp (Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya), &Beyond Mnemba Island (Zanzibar, Tanzania), &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge (Namib Desert, Namibia), and &Beyond Vira Vira (Pucón, Chile) – joined the Beyond Green portfolio as founding members, with a shared commitment to making travel a force for good.

Each journey available through Beyond Green’s new Plan Your Trip platform positively impacts nature, benefits local communities, and supports cultural heritage. Travel advisors and travelers alike are invited to access more information and book authentic, luxury travel experiences around the world by visiting StayBeyondGreen.com/plan-your-trip.

ABOUT BEYOND GREEN
Guided by a passion to embrace travel as a force for good, Beyond Green is a global portfolio of planet earth’s most sustainable hotels that represent sustainability leadership based upon action and impact. Offering travelers a more intuitive way to find and book authentic, conscious hotel experiences, each of Beyond Green’s member properties are required to adhere to more than 50 sustainability indicators that align with global sustainable tourism standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, all while delivering an exceptional guest experience. To learn more about Beyond Green and how the brand’s member properties are working to protect biodiversity, celebrate cultural heritage, and improve local people’s livelihoods in destinations around the world, visit www.StayBeyondGreen.com.

ABOUT &BEYOND
&Beyond designs personalized high-end tours in 13 countries in Africa, five in Asia and four in South America, offering discerning travelers a rare and exclusive experience of the world as it should be. We own and operate 29 extraordinary lodges and camps in iconic safari, scenic and island destinations in Africa and South America. This enables us to positively impact more than 9 million acres of wildlife land and 3,000 kilometers of coastline. Established in 1991, &Beyond strives to leave our world a better place than we found it through our care of the land, wildlife and people, and the delivery of extraordinary guest experiences.

Wednesday, 2 February 2022

Booking.com reveals Australia’s Most Welcoming Towns of 2022

Gorenjska (Slovenia)
Maleny , Queensland took out Most Welcoming Town in Australia for the 2nd year in a row, while Tasmania placed #3 in the Most Welcoming Regions globally
Holiday homes lead the pack for the most awarded accommodation type in Australia in 2022
More than 18,000 travel providers across Australia, are being recognised for their hospitality with a Traveller Review Award in 2022

Booking.com has today announced the recipients of its 10th annual Traveller Review Awards, where Tasmania has once again secured a spot in the top 10 most welcoming regions in the world, proving Australia’s southern charm still reigns supreme.

Drawing upon more than 232 million verified reviews from real travelers with over 18,000 awards delivered to deserving Australian partners, the Booking.com Traveller Review Awards include awards such as the 2022 Most Welcoming Places in Australia. A total of 1,261,273 accommodation providers, car rental locations and pre-booked taxi providers in 220 countries and territories around the world are being recognised with a Traveller Review Award 2022, with 18,663 in Australia.

In Australia, the sunshine state and its pristine beaches dominated once again, with four out of the Top Ten Most Welcoming Cities featuring from Queensland. Victoria and Western Australia destinations also rank highly, with scenic destinations and renowned beaches receiving a deserved mention in the top ten.

While Tasmania makes the list of welcoming regions, there are many other corners of the world who have received awards for their warm welcomes. The most welcoming regions on Earth for 2022 consist of the following:

2022 Most Welcoming Regions on Earth
Gorenjska (Slovenia)
Taitung County (Taiwan)
Tasmania (Australia)
Burgenland (Austria)
Seychelles (Africa)
Canterbury (New Zealand)
Santa Cruz (Argentina)
Nova Scotia (Canada)
Limón (Costa Rica)
La Rioja (Spain)

2022 Most Welcoming Towns in Australia*
La Rioja (Spain)
Maleny , Queensland
Mount Tamborine, Queensland
Halls Gap, Victoria
Denmark, Western Australia
Margaret River Town, Western Australia
Healesville, Victoria
Warrnambool, Victoria
Hervey Bay, Queensland
Montville, Queensland
Albany, Western Australia

Melissa Ellison, Booking.com Area Manager for Australia, said the country’s award achievements highlight the unwavering hospitality of Aussies, in the face of yet another year in the global pandemic.

“As the travel industry has remained vigilant and flexible in light of the continued uncertainty and travel restrictions we’ve seen over the course of the past year, the passion and dedication of our Australian partners to create safe and welcoming travel experiences for everyone across the nation has continued to shine through.

“For Tasmania in particular to be highlighted as one of the most welcoming regions in the world for the second year running, is such an outstanding achievement for Australian tourism” says Ellison.

Warm and welcoming staff make the difference
When diving into the individual aspects of their stays that guests valued most at the 1,259,594 properties receiving a Traveller Review Award 2022, staff (9.0) cleanliness (8.9) and location (8.9) received the highest average marks globally. This is well above other aspects evaluated, such as facilities (8.6) or value for money (8.5), demonstrating the importance of those welcoming, friendly interactions during the stay, as well as health and hygiene in light of the evolving status of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Holiday home and transport providers in the spotlight
Holiday homes are also top spot in Australia when it comes to the accommodation type category, with 4,991 being recognised, closely followed by apartments, receiving 4,626 awards.

For the third year in a row, rental car and airport taxi providers are also being recognised for their excellent service and smooth travel experiences, with Australia taking out the fifth most transport awards across 160 countries worldwide. Spain leads with 220 rental car pick-up locations receiving a 2022 award, followed by Italy (177), France (141), the United States (108) and Australia (98).

For more information on the Traveller Reviews Awards, visit https://news.booking.com/en-au/