Trade talk

Trade talk 42 / Show report

INDIAN OCEAN

Uniting the world

Selling Travel was the media partner at four of the annual Unite events this spring. Here’s the latest news from Unite Indian Ocean and Middle East and Unite Visit USA

Abu Dhabi debuts Conrad

The newly-opened Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers is the first of Hilton’s luxury portfolio to operate in Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital. Formerly one of Abu Dhabi’s Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, the rebranded property features 12 dining concepts, a luxurious spa, a private beach, three swimming pools and a conference and event facilities. Its 576 guest rooms, suites and residences offer incredible views of the Arabian Gulf, whilst also providing easy access to one of the world’s most exclusive retail collections at The Avenue at Etihad Towers.

H.H. Sheikh Suroor Bin Mohammed Al Nayhan commented; “Etihad Towers is the embodiment of modern and sophisticated luxury and I am delighted to be partnering with Hilton to open Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. Abu Dhabi’s global reputation will be further enhanced with the presence of the luxury Conrad brand – a suitable addition to the world-class retail and dining options available at this landmark development.” hilton.com

Mauritius flagship for LUX*

LUX* Grand Baie Resort & Residences is due to open in November this year in Mauritius. With a focus on indoor-outdoor living, the resort will offer 86 junior suites, 20 pool residences, seven pool villas and one grand beach pool villa. A highlight will be an adult-only rooftop with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and a 30-metre infinity pool surrounded by cabanas. A beach club, nightclub and multiple dining concepts will complete the resort. luxresorts.com

Ritz opens in the Maldives

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, a 100-villa resort built across four islands on the North Malé Atoll, is due to open in June. Each villa will have ocean or lagoon views as well as its own personal host. Guests will be able to dine at seven different restaurants as well as enjoy treatments at The Ritz-Carlton Spa. For families, the full Ritz Kids programme will incorporate a range of experiences designed to ‘protect and explore the ocean’. ritzcarlton.com.com

Sponsored by: Secrets of Ceylon and Ras Al Khaimah Supported by: Charitable Travel Fund

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Amari appeal for Onyx

Thailand-based Onyx Hospitality Group is developing a new Maldives project under its core brand Amari. Guests will arrive via speedboat to the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll before staying in one of the resort’s 120 villas – made up of 48 beach villas, 12 beach pool villas, 58 overwater villas and two overwater pool villas. onyx-hospitality.com

• JA Lake View opens

JA Lake View Hotel has opened its doors in Dubai. It is the first hotel in the Middle East to feature Amazon Alexa voice assistants in every guest room, enabling guests to adjust the comforts of their room by voice command. JA The Resort is 10 minutes from Dubai Parks & Resorts and 30 minutes from the Dubai Mall. jaresortshotels.com

• Hilton goes green

Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa has introduced a monthly ‘Sustainable Day’, with guests encouraged to get involved in a range of activities from beach cleans and meat-free meals to switching all power and water off for an hour a day. seychelles.hilton.com

• Anantara wows guests

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas has launched a new package with a trio of once-in-a-lifetime experiences unique to the destination. The offer includes snorkelling with manta rays, stargazing at the only over-water observatory in the Maldives and fine dining underwater at SEA, the world’s first oceanic restaurant and wine cellar. Anantara.com

Sponsored by: Visit USA Association and Top Network Supported by: Charitable Travel Fund

USA

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Visit Tampa Bay’s Travel Agent Academy

The Visit Tampa Bay Travel Agent Academy has been designed to keep agents updated on all the latest developments to help them sell the in-demand Florida destination.

Agents that qualify as Tampa Bay Specialist will learn about new attractions, such as the Iron Gwazi ride at Busch Gardens, Adventure Island’s Solar Vortex ride (new for 2021) and ZooTampa’s multimillion-dollar Manatee Critical Care Centre. They will also see a different side of Tampa, by learning about its Cuban culture, which they should recommend alongside its top-rated beaches, piratethemed attractions and outdoor pursuits.

“Travellers are relying on agents now more than ever and we are excited to bring them up to speed on Tampa Bay’s experiences and new offerings via our virtual Travel Agent Academy,” said Santiago C. Corrada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay.

To celebrate the launch, two agents that graduate from the academy will win a £50 shopping voucher. travelagentacademy.com

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Kentucky’s gambit

Visit Lexington has introduced a Queen’s Gambit Guide that will offer visitors a chance to connect with local landmarks and attractions from the Netflix show. Lexington’s 21c Museum Hotel has a new Queen’s Gambit-inspired ‘Harmon Room’, complete with chess-themed wallpaper, midcentury furniture and giant chess pieces mounted to the ceiling. Kentuckytourism.com

Alabama hosts World Games

The World Games 2022, an 11-day Olympic-style sports event where athletes from around the globe compete in 34 multi-disciplinary sports, will be held in Birmingham, Alabama in 2022. Taking place from July 7-17, the event will be staged at 25 venues around the city’s greater metropolitan area and will mark the 40th anniversary since the games began. alabama.travel • New opening in Austin

The Thompson Austin hotel is scheduled to open mid-2021. Located in the heart of downtown, the Texas capital’s music and entertainment district, the hotel will feature 212 guestrooms and suites and 17 residences. Also on offer will be a wellness center and pool deck with views of the city. austintexas.org

Fort Myers promotes natural Florida

The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel is inviting UK visitors to experience the ‘uncommercial, unspoilt’ side of Florida. Located in southwest Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico, The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel is positioning itself as a ‘naturedriven destination’ ideal for outdoor-lovers.

Made up of over 100 islands dotted around Pine Island Sound, just north of the Everglades, the region is home to manatees, dolphins and around 250 types of birds.

A representative from the destination’s tourist board said: “Being just a two-hour drive from Fort Lauderdale and Tampa, and three hours from Orlando, The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel is an ideal destination for any Florida holiday, especially for families.

“Renowned for their laid-back appeal, the islands conjure up barefoot getaways and abound with wildlife and nature, appealing to soft-adventure seekers and those looking to escape from day-to-day stress. It’s very different to typical perceptions of Florida.”

To further entice visitors while at the same time supporting local businesses, the destination has launched a Sun Saver Passport which offers exclusive deals on attractions, restaurants and experiences.

The free mobile-exclusive savings passport is available to locals and visitors. The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel has also relaunched its l trade portal, available at: island-findings.com