TUI Blue Fieberbrunn makes its debut for the first Winter season, third TUI Blue hotel in Austria in final construction phase and further hotel openings in Gran Canaria and Morocco. TUI Group continues to expand the portfolio of its lifestyle hotel brand TUI Blue with the opening of the second hotel in Austria at the end of November 2019. The TUI Blue Fieberbrunn hotel is nestled in the mountains at the heart of the Kitzbühel Alps in Pillersee Valley in Tyrol. Alongside the TUI Blue Schladming hotel in Styria and the TUI Blue Montafon hotel, currently under construction, TUI Group will operate a total of three hotels of its flagship hotel brand in Austria from Summer 2020. By expanding the footprint of its TUI Blue hotels, the tourism group is consolidating its leading position in the international holiday hotel sector. FIRST TUI LIFESTYLE HOTEL IN TYROL The TUI Blue Fieberbrunn hotel, featuring 144 rooms, is located right on the ski slopes, just a few metres from the gondola valley station. From here, guests can plunge right into the skiing fun of Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn in the Winter, or discover the Alps during the Summer on an active holiday with 400 kilometres of hiking and mountain biking trails. The guests can also take advantage of the BLUEf!t concept for fitness, wellness and nutrition. TUI Blue Fieberbrunn thus offers both active holidays as well as relaxation at the Blue Spa featuring saunas, a steam bath and an indoor pool. Under the “For All” label, TUI Blue Fieberbrunn targets both couples, families and solo travellers. “TUI Blue targets experience-oriented holidaymakers looking for the right hotel to match their individual needs and preferences. I am delighted about the growing number of lifestyle hotels we operate in Austria. They perfectly complement our global portfolio of hotels in top beach locations and tap a range of new experiences for our guests”, says Artur Gerber, Managing Director TUI Blue. Over the past few weeks, the existing hotel was converted in the style of the flagship brand and has now reopened under the motto “An exhilarating alpine experience“. Around 200 guests, local inhabitants, partners, service providers as well as regional representatives from politics and the tourism sector took part in the opening ceremony and had a chance to get to know the comprehensive offering, philosophy and new design of the hotel. TUI BLUE ON A GLOBAL GROWTH PATH The month of November also saw the launch of two additional hotels in Gran Canaria and Morocco. The two hotels will be positioned as TUI Blue “For Two“ resorts, exclusively targeting holidaymakers aged 16+ placing the focus of their holiday experience on time spent together. TUI Blue will offer holiday destinations for more than one million guests and will start into the new season with 97 hotels in 18 countries in Summer 2020. TUI Group’s global flagship hotel brand clusters the tailored offerings of TUI Blue, TUI Sensimar and TUI Family Life under one umbrella brand.
Create: Dec 23, 2019 Edit: Dec 23, 2019 International NewsHilton announced the opening of Canopy by Hilton Hangzhou Jinsha Lake, a 10-storey, 179-room hotel that provides energizing, positive stays for business travelers and cultured vacationers. The waterfront hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Qiantang New District of Hangzhou East, offering a unique urban resort experience coupled with the city’s best views of Jinsha Lake. Canopy by Hilton Hangzhou Jinsha Lake marks the brand’s twelfth property and is owned by Vangoo Group and managed by Hilton. “With the rapid development of the high-tech and manufacturing industry and rich cultural heritage, Hangzhou Qiantang New District has immense potential in attracting leisure and business travelers,” said Qian Jin, area president for Greater China and Mongolia, Hilton. “Following the huge success of the brand’s Asia Pacific debut in Chengdu, we are thrilled to announce the second opening in the region in Hangzhou. The property underscores our commitment to maintain strong growth momentum in Greater China and continue to deliver positive experiences to our guests.” Once a wetland for farmers more than 2,200 years ago, the neighborhood where Canopy by Hilton Hangzhou Jinsha Lake resides has transformed into a hotbed for technological innovation and a growing destination for business events. Ideally located by the lake, the hotel is only a few blocks away from a shopping mall, dining outlets and the soon-to-launch Jinsha Grand Theatre, offering guests seeking local experiences the perfect base to discover local cuisine or enjoy a relaxing stroll along the lake’s shore. Guests can enjoy direct access to Hangzhou Metro Line 1 for quick connections to business districts, major scenic destinations and Hangzhou East Railway Station, and Xiaoshan International Airport is located only 25 kilometers away, just 30 minutes by car. “Through the neuroscience research we conducted in partnership with Nielsen earlier this year, we found that today’s Chinese travelers seek a taste of authentic local experiences during their travels, which is exactly what Canopy by Hilton offers at this new location,” said Gary Steffen, global head, Canopy by Hilton. “The hotel will immerse guests in Qiantang New District’s natural beauty and heritage with its architectural and design elements.” Canopy by Hilton Hangzhou Jinsha Lake has been carefully designed to incorporate the unique art culture of Hangzhou. Upon arrival at the hotel lobby, Canopy Central, guests will be greeted by a white ceramic centerpiece floating above the lobby inspired by the Osmanthus, the city’s flower, which is traditionally planted in front of local homes and known as a “golden welcome” to guests. The 3D-grafted decorative wall panels along the hotel corridors feature continuously changing illustrations of aquatic plants and marsh birds, immersing guests in the nature of Hangzhou.
Create: Dec 23, 2019 Edit: Dec 23, 2019 International NewsNews about InterContinental Hotel Group - IHGInterContinental Hotels Group announced that it will bring two hotels to Shanghai Pudong International Airport’s latest Terminal Complex, this means one of the world’s busiest airports will expect its first international branded hotels for the first time. It’s also the first time that the high-profile to-be-built complex reveals its details: four companies including IHG, Shanghai Yukong Hotel Management Co. Ltd., commercial developer Excellence Group and environmental-friendly facility provider MASTECK, signed an agreement on Monday with Shanghai International Airport Co., Ltd. They will work together to operate the complex, which consists of hotels, retails and offices. The two hotels – InterContinental Shanghai Pudong Airport and Holiday Inn Shanghai Pudong Airport, both within a few minutes’ walk distance from the arrival hall, are expected to open in 2024. Targeting luxury and mainstream segments respectively, they will be able to offer different options and world-class true hospitality experiences to more travellers from all over the world. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is the world’s largest luxury hotel brand with over 200 hotels globally and has been a pioneer in international luxury travel for more than 70 years, providing fascinating experiences for guests. The Holiday Inn brand, also the first IHG brand that entered China in 1984, has helped millions of travellers around the world discover the joy of travel. Jolyon Bulley, Chief Executive Officer, IHG Greater China, said: “IHG has been committed to the China market for more than 35 years, with our brands widely recognised among Chinese consumers for our global expertise and profound China insights. The Shanghai Pudong International Airport is one of world’s leading international airports, linking the gateway city Shanghai to the world. We are proud to be a part of the complex project, bringing two iconic brands as a flagship combo to a Chinese gateway airport. We believe that under the great collaboration of all parties, the Terminal Complex will become a name card of Shanghai and a model of modern airport complex worldwide.” Jia Ruijun, Vice President of Shanghai Airport Authority, Chairman of Shanghai International Airport Co., Ltd., said: “Shanghai Pudong International Airport have become made into ‘the Club’ of world's largest hub airports with more than 74 million throughputs annually, covering an airline network around the world. The airport strives for high-quality development and good business performance while ensuring safety of travellers and providing good services. We are delighted to introduce IHG’s well-known InterContinental and Holiday Inn brands that boast international branded standard to meet the growing demands from more travellers. Seen as the extended VIP lounge of Shanghai Pudong International Airport, the two hotels will also improve our competitive advantage and fuel the delivery of our strategy to build an international hub airport.” Due to the high convenience, airport hotels have enjoyed a rising demand from travellers who catch an early, late or connecting flight. After the two IHG hotels open, it is expected to see greater synergy generated by all the business sectors within the airport’s complex, meeting needs of accommodation, consumption, MICE and office space. As an increasing number of international and national conventions and exhibitions are expected to be held in Yangtze River Delta including Shanghai, the complex will further facilitate the development of Pudong Aviation Town as well as the demonstration plot of aviation economy.
Create: Dec 23, 2019 Edit: Dec 23, 2019 International NewsMandarin Oriental has announced that it has signed a management contract to manage, and ultimately brand, the iconic Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The Group will take over management of the property from 1 January 2020. It will be Mandarin Oriental’s second hotel in the United Arab Emirates following the opening of Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai in early 2019. The hotel will be rebranded as a Mandarin Oriental property, following a phased renovation over two years, during which time the hotel will remain open. The work will encompass significant upgrades to guestrooms and recreational amenities, as well as new food and beverage facilities. The Emirates Palace hotel sits on a 1.3-kilometre private beachfront, featuring 394 guestrooms and suites, 12 restaurants and bars, 40 meeting rooms, a concert grade auditorium and a ballroom that can accommodate up to 2,500 people. Leisure facilities include a marina, two swimming pools, a spa and two fitness centres. “This is a unique opportunity to manage one of the most high-profile properties in the Middle East and will be an excellent addition to our portfolio in the region. We look forward to bringing the Group’s exemplary service standards to Abu Dhabi and to introducing the brand to a new audience,” said James Riley, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. “The partnership with Mandarin Oriental represents an important milestone and aims to propel the property’s profile into a new era,” said His Excellency Sultan Dhahi Sultan Al Humairi, Managing Director of Emirates Palace Company (EPCO). “We look forward to a mutually prosperous and fruitful relationship with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group,” he added. Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi is centrally located in the heart of the city, conveniently situated for both leisure and business travellers. The Grand Mosque and the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre are a short drive away. The Marina Mall is nearby and the commercial centre of the city is also easily accessed. The hotel is 40 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and 90 minutes from Dubai Airport.
Create: Dec 23, 2019 Edit: Dec 23, 2019 International NewsAs a new decade begins, two of the most significant challenges for travel are climate change and overtourism. However, a Globetrender and YouthSight survey of young people within the Gen Z demographic shows a distinct sense of responsibility for the way they travel and a willingness to alter their booking decisions for the sake of the planet. The “State of Gen Z” travel survey was conducted by independent research agency YouthSight in August 2019 and polled 1,070 young people aged 16 to 24, both male and female, from the UK. Some were at school, some were at university and some were employed. The result showed that 44% of Gen Zs either agree (34.5%) or strongly agree (9.5%) with the statement “I think a lot about the environmental impact of my travel”. (38.5% neither agree nor disagree, 11% disagree, 6.5% strongly disagree.) Of those who said they think about the environmental impact of their holidays, 65% would consider taking a train instead of a plane to reduce their carbon footprint. 57% would book an eco-friendly hotel, 48% would use an ethical tour company and 48% would pay for carbon offsetting. Meanwhile, 49% either agree (36%) or strongly agree (13%) that UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Machu Picchu, the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Angkor Wat should limit the number of visitors allowed. (20% neither agree nor disagree, 3% disagree and 28% strongly disagree.)
Create: Dec 17, 2019 Edit: Dec 17, 2019 International NewsGetting dropped into a new city is disorienting, and all the more so when you need to ask for help but don’t know how to pronounce the name of the place you’re trying to get to. Google Maps now has a fix for this. When you’ve got a place name up in Maps, just press the new little speaker button next to it, and it will speak out a place's name and address in the local lingo. And if you want to continue the conversation, Google Maps will quickly link you to the Google Translate app. New cities are full of new buildings, new foods and even new foliage. But you don’t want to just see these things; you want to learn more about them. That’s where Google Lens comes in as a know-it-all tour guide and interpreter. It can translate a menu, tell you about the landmark you're standing in front of or identify a tree you’ve never seen before. So whenever you think, “I wonder what that building is for,” you can just use your camera to get an answer in real time.
Create: Dec 17, 2019 Edit: Dec 17, 2019 International NewsMargaritaville Hotel Nashville, the newest addition to the Margaritaville portfolio, brings an entirely unique lodging concept to the destination with a “no worries” casual luxury atmosphere. Developed by Safe Harbor Development LLC and managed by Davidson Hotels & Resorts, the 12-story hotel features 166 guestrooms, as well as 52 Margaritaville Vacation Club® by Wyndham suites, and is centrally located a half block south of the Music City Center, near Broadway. Amenities include a rooftop relaxation and entertainment area with an outdoor pool, sundeck, fire pits and live entertainment; a 24-hour fitness center; and two first-ever Margaritaville dining concepts – FINS Bar and JWB Grill. “We’re thrilled to offer a one-of-a-kind experience where guests can revel in the excitement of Nashville while simultaneously enjoying the Margaritaville state of mind,” said Jeff Webb, general manager of Margaritaville Hotel Nashville. “It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to welcome guests to the first urban destination Margaritaville hotel.” Situated in Nashville’s bustling South of Broadway (SoBro) neighborhood, the hotel is steps away from the Country Music Hall of Fame, Bridgestone Arena, Music City Center, Honky Tonk Highway and more. Drawing from Nashville’s vibrant cultural and entertainment scene and inspired by the lyrics and lifestyle of singer, songwriter and best-selling author Jimmy Buffett, Margaritaville Hotel Nashville offers an elevated design with a laid-back metropolitan attitude. Crisp white bedding and teak finishing create a sense of escapism within each guest room, while playful colors and tasteful tropical decor add to the island setting among the restaurants and bars. In addition to FINS Bar, JWB Grill, and with music and entertainment at its core, the hotel also includes nearly 11,000 sq. ft square feet of indoor and outdoor customizable space, setting the stage for corporate group events, weddings and celebrations in downtown Nashville. The 52 vacation club suites offer owners plenty of space to kick back and relax, with mini kitchens and separate living and dining areas in the apartment-style suites. The property is now home to Radio Margaritaville’s Nashville studio, heard worldwide on SiriusXM Channel 24. Live broadcasts, special guests and a mix of Jimmy Buffett, island, rock, reggae and country will hit the airwaves from a new state-of-the-art studio in the lobby, bringing the sounds of the tropics to Nashville. SiriusXM subscribers are able to listen to Radio Margaritaville channel 24 on SiriusXM radios, and those with streaming access can listen online, on-the-go with the SiriusXM mobile app and at home on a wide variety of connected devices including smart TVs, devices with Amazon Alexa or the Google Assistant, Apple TV, PlayStation, Roku, Sonos speakers and more. Go to www.SiriusXM.com/streaming to learn more. “We are excited to partner with Margaritaville and Davidson Hotels & Resorts to introduce Margaritaville Hotel Nashville, destined to be a destination of its own in the thriving city of Nashville,” said Darby Campbell, owner and president of Safe Harbor Development LLC, and lead investor on the project. “We’re proud that this property manages to convey a vibrant yet laid back attitude and there are no better partners than Davidson and Margaritaville to bring this hotel to life.”
Create: Dec 16, 2019 Edit: Dec 16, 2019 International NewsHilton’s efforts will feed more than 160,000 annually, while diverting millions of pounds of food waste from landfills McLean, Va. – As the holiday season approaches, Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is announcing the expansion of its innovative food donation initiative to all of its managed hotels across the United States and Canada, representing one of the largest hotel food donation programs to date. The company expects to donate nearly 100 tons of food over the next year — enough to feed more than 160,000 people — while also diverting millions of pounds of food waste from landfills. “We have a century-long tradition at Hilton of playing a pioneering role in the hospitality industry, and it is inspiring to see our Team Members taking that spirit out into their communities to address the serious problem of food insecurity,” said Chef Marc Ehrler, Vice President of Americas Culinary, Hilton. “What started as a pilot in a few of our hotels has become a movement because our Team Members are motivated by a desire to have a positive impact.” Approximately one-third of food is wasted worldwide, yet global food insecurity remains endemic. It is estimated that more than 41 million Americans, including 13 million children, currently suffer from food insecurity. Meanwhile, most food waste ends up in landfills where it produces nearly 10% of the global greenhouse gas emissions that contribute significantly to climate change. In response, Hilton included an ambitious commitment to reduce its food waste by 50% by 2030 as part of the company’s Travel with Purpose 2030 Goals to cut its environmental footprint in half. Working with its environmental partner, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Hilton undertook pilots at 50 hotels around the world to better understand food waste reduction challenges and opportunities in the hospitality industry. The pilots resulted in a number of innovations in Hilton hotels, from “no-waste” catering menus to thoughtfully designed buffet presentations. “At Hilton, we have incredible potential to solve some of society’s most pressing challenges through our hospitality mission,” said Katie Fallon, Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs, responsible for Hilton’s corporate responsibility efforts. “We will keep at this until every one of our hotels around the world is diverting food waste to address the hunger crisis, so that our guests know that when they stay with us, they are traveling with a purpose.” Hilton also participated in the development of the Hotel Kitchen toolkit, a free tool developed by WWF and the American Hotel & Lodging Association with funding from the Rockefeller Foundation, which provides hotels with techniques to reduce food waste. Hilton has implemented the Hotel Kitchen toolkit and its associated trainings at all of its managed hotels in the Americas, while also making the toolkit available to its franchised properties. Now, Hilton is expanding its food waste initiative by encouraging its 300 managed hotels in the US and Canada to partner with local food rescue organizations to feed the hungry in their immediate communities. Each hotel will set a food waste diversion and donation goal for 2020 and report their progress so top performers can be recognized each month. Hotel teams will be able to select organizations to work with from a robust directory of food donation and diversion partners from across the country, as well as connect with one another to share best practices. Examples of existing partnerships include: 1. Hilton San Francisco Union Square has worked with Food Runners for nearly 15 years, providing nearly 2.5 tons of food to the organization annually. Food donated by Hilton is relayed by Food Runners’ volunteers to programs serving seniors, veterans and the homeless. 2. New York Hilton Midtown donates excess edible food to the Rethink Food Program, which picks up unused food from restaurants, farms, and other food purveyors to repurpose it into delicious and nutritious meals for under-served New Yorkers. 3. Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas donated nearly a ton of food over the last year to its partner Three Square, which distributes the food to local non-profit organizations. 4. Hilton’s food donation program is initially focused on the US and Canada because food donors in those countries are legally protected from liability under Good Samaritan laws, but the company’s goal is to expand these efforts globally. Donation efforts are already being driven at many of Hilton’s hotels around the world, including partnerships with groups like Scholars of Sustenance in Thailand and Indonesia, Oz Harvest and Addi Road Food Pantry in Australia, the Egyptian Food Bank, Equoevento in Italy, and Al Rescate, the first food rescue program created specifically for the hospitality industry in Mexico. Hilton measures its food waste progress using the company’s cloud-based corporate responsibility management system, LightStay. All properties are required to use LightStay to measure their environmental and social impact. So far this year, Hilton hotels in the Americas have diverted more than 6 million pounds of food waste from landfills, an equivalent of more than 11,000 MT of carbon emissions.
Create: Dec 16, 2019 Edit: Dec 16, 2019 International NewsHoteliers are always looking for ways to improve their digital strategies and turn every dollar into an even greater revenue-driving initiative. Every hotelier’s marketing mix should include metasearch — especially considering all of the new and exciting updates coming to existing metasearch platforms and search engines. Google and TripAdvisor are rolling out new optimization and targeting options that will allow advertisers to reach relevant audiences and maximize spend. Also, Bing is introducing Bing Hotel Ads, and NextGuest is one of the first agencies to offer connectivity and presence on this important search engine. Download the whitepaper to uncover metasearch fundamentals and learn about all of the new updates of today’s metasearch.NextGuest Digital uses the latest in digital marketing technology to assist hotel brands in crafting their digital presence. Through the agency’s smartCMS®, Content Personalization Engine, Smart Data Marketing, and other innovative initiatives, hoteliers see a drastic boost in direct bookings, as well as lower distribution costs and an increase the lifetime value of guests. NextGuest Digital is part of NextGuest, an all-encompassing partner that helps hoteliers acquire, engage, and retain their next guest. Based in New York City, the company is comprised of NextGuest Digital, CRM, Labs, and Consulting.
Create: Dec 16, 2019 Edit: Dec 16, 2019 International NewsLord Nelson Hotel & Suites is an independently owned 262-room historic property with 12,500 square feet of meeting space in Halifax, Nova Scotia. In 2018 it completed a full renovation of its guestrooms, meeting space and common areas. The property benefited from a large increase in area tourism with new market segments and international guests. These factors made it clear to management that Lord Nelson’s legacy property management system (PMS) did not provide the functionality the hotel required and triggered its search for new hotel software. Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites is a locally owned historic independent that wanted to keep its historic heritage but move property operations into the 21st Century. “We took time to make the right decision,” said Kathryn Buttle, Lord Nelson’s Assistant General Manager- Revenue. “We wanted a cloud-based PMS that supported the specific hotel software modules we needed on one platform. Maestro’s suite of fully-integrated modules on a single-image database was ideal for the unique way we do business.” Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites installed Maestro’s Front Desk, Sales and Catering, ResWave Online Direct Booking engine, Mobile Housekeeping, SMS Messaging for guest and staff communications, Digital Registration for remote check-in, Travel Agency accounting, and Yield Management to optimize rates and occupancy all on the Maestro Web cloud-based system. They also recently added the integrated Online Payment Portal and are considering expanding to Maestro’s Loyalty Module and Business Analytics. “We recently discovered an unexpected benefit with Maestro,” Buttle said. “The property was hit with a power failure during a storm. When the power went out, the Maestro Web cloud-based system enabled us to continue operation using our tablets and mobiles. We ran our hotel on iPads. Maestro’s Mobile Housekeeping module even kept our housekeepers doing their job with tablets.” System selection guidelines for independent operators “I recommend that independent operators take time to list all the factors they need to make the right decision. They should bring their teams together to understand how each department does business,” Buttle said. “We began by listing the modules we wanted and reviewed each department’s processes. Our evaluation list included six PMS companies. We had numerous calls with each company and arranged multiple demonstrations over a six-month period. I worked with our IT manager to balance our property’s needs with what each system offered.” The property told vendors the issues it had with its current system, and explained what functionality was non-negotiable. “We created a firm baseline for functionality we had to have. We asked each company specific questions about processes and interfaces. We described our tasks and asked how their system handled them. We focused on the most important modules to our operation. For example, we are a 40-percent group property, so an integrated, full-function Sales and Catering system was essential.” Maestro PMS was the best system for Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites “Since we are an independent property, professional training and support were principal factors in our decision process,” Buttle said. “In addition, we wanted a cloud-based system to simplify our infrastructure requirements. Based on our functionality requirements and system evaluation we selected the Maestro PMS suite of modules on the Maestro Web cloud platform. It has been a good decision for our operation.” Maestro’s Sales and Catering System also proved itself to Lord Nelson’s operation. “We use an outside caterer,” Buttle said. “Maestro’s Sales and Catering system is flexible enough to let our third-party vendors update their event covers, menus, and billing details to keep our operation running smoothly. Our system installation and training went very well and Maestro’s support is excellent. Maestro online Live Chat Support lets our staff get answers to system use questions in real-time to be more productive. Plus, if we request an enhancement, Maestro evaluates our request and tells us when they can deploy it at our property.” The Maestro Property Management System is the preferred hotel software for independent hotels, resorts, conference centers and multi-property groups. It delivers flexible and scalable deployment options with an identical full-featured web browser or windows solution available in the cloud or on premise. Click here for more information on how to engage and socialize with Maestro PMS.
Create: Dec 11, 2019 Edit: Dec 11, 2019 International NewsMarriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) announced that it has completed its acquisition of Elegant Hotels Group plc. The announcement from Elegant and International Hotel Licensing Company S.à r.l. was issued over London’s Regulatory News Service earlier today. Full text can be found below: On 18 October 2019, the boards of Elegant Hotels Group plc (“Elegant”) and International Hotel Licensing Company S.à r.l. (“IHLC”), a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (“Marriott“), announced that they had reached agreement on the terms of a recommended all cash offer to be made by IHLC for the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of Elegant (the “Acquisition“). On 6 December 2019, Elegant and Marriott announced that the Court had sanctioned the Scheme. Elegant and Marriott are pleased to announce that the Court Order has been delivered to the Registrar of Companies today and accordingly the Scheme has now become effective, in accordance with its terms. Elegant is now a wholly owned subsidiary of IHLC. Scheme Shareholders on the register of members of the Company at the Scheme Record Time, being 8.00 p.m. on 6 December 2019, will receive 110 pence in cash for each Scheme Share. Settlement of the cash consideration due to Scheme Shareholders will occur within 14 days. Dealings in Elegant Shares on AIM were suspended with effect from 7.30 a.m. today. The cancellation of trading of Elegant Shares on AIM is expected to take place at 7.00 a.m. on 10 December 2019. As a result of the Scheme having become Effective, share certificates in respect of the Elegant Shares have ceased to be valid documents of title and entitlements to Elegant Shares held in uncertificated form in CREST are being cancelled. Capitalised terms used but not defined in this announcement have the meanings given to them in the Scheme Document.
Create: Dec 10, 2019 Edit: Dec 10, 2019 International NewsDrury Hotels Company is bringing a bit of magic to its guests. The company is developing its largest property to date, the Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista, and will begin to welcome guests by spring 2021. The new property, located in the DISNEY SPRINGS® Resort Area in Orlando, Florida, is the company’s first Official Walt Disney World® Hotel and the fourth Drury Hotel in the state. The entire project – which includes 604 rooms and more than 12,000 square feet of meeting space – will be complete by the end of 2021, with the first 264 rooms available by spring 2021. The new hotel will feature a host of amenities and is in close proximity to the Walt Disney World® Theme Parks. The new property is located just steps away from DISNEY SPRINGS®: a walkable, 120-acre outdoor complex outside of the theme parks featuring an eclectic mix of unique boutiques, one-of-a-kind eateries and entertainment. The hotel will be able to be booked as part of a Walt Disney World® Resort vacation package. Drury also will offer transportation to and from the theme parks, as well as to other surrounding attractions. “This property has been a long time in the making, and we are delighted to see it take shape,” said Chuck Drury, president and CEO of Drury Hotels. “We’ll be able to give our guests an unforgettable experience as they visit the Walt Disney World® Resort and everything the colorful community has to offer. Being named an official Walt Disney World® Hotel means we have been entrusted to adhere to exceptional service standards. Given our track record of providing award-winning guest service, I know our top-notch team will make our new property a magical experience for our guests and visitors.” Mike Weihs, a 19-year veteran in the hotel and hospitality industry, has been named the property’s general manager. Drury team member Melissa Linkugel will serve as the hotel director of sales. Once open, the hotel will employ 150 full- and part-time team members. The hotel will feature a resort-style pool, splash pad and poolside cantina bar and grill; an extensive marketplace for grab-and-go food items and sundries; and a kitchen and bar concept, in addition to a wide range of complimentary amenities, including: Wi-Fi throughout the hotel Hot breakfast, including pancakes, biscuits and gravy, eggs, yogurt and more 5:30 Kickback® reception including appetizers and beverages 24-hour business and fitness centers Outside of the hotel, guests will be able to enjoy exciting new additions to the Walt Disney World® Resort including Star Wars®: Galaxy’s Edge – where guests can live out their own Star Wars story – and Toy Story Land – where kids and grown-ups alike can experience all-new adventures – only found at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®. Experience storybook wonder as favorite Disney classics come to life at Magic Kingdom® Park. For some big-time enchantment, take a ride into the mine “where a million diamonds shine” aboard Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Discover big fun and cultures from around the globe at Epcot®. And while there, take a sail through Arendelle on Frozen Ever After. Explore the realm of creatures that inhabit the world…and the imagination…and create a unique adventure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. Celebrate the magic of nature by soaring on banshees through the exhilarating Avatar Flight of Passage. From fantasy and discovery, to spotlights and adventure, the magic of Walt Disney World® Theme Parks comes alive around all who visit. Drury Hotels has been family-owned and operated since 1973. For a complete listing of all Drury hotels or for reservations, visit www.druryhotels.com or call 1-800-DRURYINN. For information about career opportunities at Drury Hotels, please apply online at www.drurycareers.com .
Create: Dec 10, 2019 Edit: Dec 10, 2019 International News