NJF named U.S. Public relations agency of record for the Costa Rica Tourism Board

NEW YORK - NJF, MMGY Global’s public relations, social media, and experiential marketing brand, announced that it has been appointed the U.S. public relations agency of record for the Costa Rica Tourism Board.

NJF will create and execute a comprehensive PR program to support the Essential Costa Rica platform, aiming to boost the country’s reputation as a leading tourist destination in sustainability and advocate the locals’ lifestyle that is all about enjoying life to the fullest while taking care of the mind, body and soul. NJF plans to promote Costa Rica through media relations, press trips, consumer activations and partnerships, and will manage crises, as needed. NJF will focus on the country’s vast number of activities and landscapes, which offer something for every type of traveler and make Costa Rica a top international destination. The account will be led by NJF's team in New York and Miami. 

“We’re looking forward to tapping into NJF's extensive destination experience and their deep relationships with national media and influencers,” said Ireth Rodriguez, Head of Promotion of the Costa Rica Tourism Board. “We're looking forward to working together to promote our unique country to the North America audience.”

“Costa Rica is a place where visitors can experience a distinct mix of culinary, culture, wellness and adventure travel - the true essence of the Pura Vida lifestyle. We're excited about the opportunity to bring a fully integrated and fresh approach to promoting the country’s vast tourism offerings through unique content and impactful consumer activations and partnerships,” said Julie Freeman, managing director of NJF.

According to MMGY Global’s Portrait of American Travelers, 43 percent of American travelers intend to take at least one international vacation during the next year. Costa Rica is the top Central American country that Americans are interested in traveling to for the fifth straight year. Visit Costa Rica’s partnership with NJF began on October 1, 2018.

NJF provides expert strategic counsel for leading travel and lifestyle brands and destinations around the world. MMGY Global, the world’s largest travel marketing organization, is renowned for its research on traveler trends including the annual Portrait of American Travelers. 

Tags:NJF,Costa Rica Tourism Board

Spirit Airlines connects Myrtle Beach to Indianapolis, Houston, and Kansas City

Spirit Airlines adds three new nonstop routes connecting Myrtle Beach to Indianapolis, Houston, and Kansas City.

The new routes start from May 2, 2019, just in time for a summer getaway.

Nonstop routes between Myrtle Beach and Indianapolis will operate three times weekly, while the routes to Houston and Kansas City will operate twice weekly.

Spirit is the largest carrier at the Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), with over half of all passengers flying on a Spirit flight.  The airline is now slated to serve 23 destinations from Myrtle Beach with their well-known affordable fares.  Between 2016 and 2019, the airline’s traffic in and out of Myrtle Beach International Airport is projected to grow by nearly 40 percent. 

“Myrtle Beach is an incredibly successful destination for Spirit Airlines and as the airline grows it only makes sense that we would continue our growth there,” said Matt Klein, Spirit Airlines’ Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer.  “Myrtle Beach has proven to be a highly desirable leisure destination, offering beautiful beaches and world-renowned golf courses.  Now even more of our guests can experience all of what the area has to offer.”

Scott Van Moppes, Director of Airports for Horry County said, “With this announcement of flights between Indianapolis, Houston, Kansas City and the Myrtle Beach International Airport, we welcome nonstop air service to our 50th market! When passengers travel they search for convenient and affordable flights. Now that you can fly from 50 different airports to Myrtle Beach, getting here has never been easier. Reaching the BIG 50 is a significant milestone, unmatched in the State of South Carolina, and we thank Spirit for its continued commitment to MYR and the entire Grand Strand.”

Myrtle Beach (MYR) to/from	Starts:	Frequency:
Indianapolis, IN (IND)	May 2, 2019	3x weekly
Houston, TX (IAH)	May 3, 2019	2x weekly
Kansas City, MO (MCI)	May 4, 2019	2x weekly

This latest expansion announcement comes just after Spirit announced it would be launching service in Indianapolis, Indiana, Austin, Texas, Jacksonville, Florida and Cali, Colombia, as well as expanding its Caribbean service throughout its network.  The airline is also in the process of installing state-of-the-art high-speed satellite-based Wi-Fi to its entire fleet.

Tags:Spirit Airlines, Myrtle Beach 

Elaf Group organizes international roadshows to boost Saudi Arabia’s tourism

Elaf Group recently organized a series of promotional tours to several countries recently as part of its commitment to support Saudi Arabia’s efforts to increase tourism in the country, which aims to attract more than 30 million pilgrims by 2030. During the tours, Elaf showcased a wide range of services and tourism programs especially in the field of tourism for religious purposes and highlighted the various tourism attractions in the Kingdom.

The group is set to launch new roadshow tours to Turkey, Egypt, Morocco and Indonesia to promote key services and tourism promotions including the world-class facilities, hotels and exclusive packages for tourists visiting Saudi Arabia for religious purposes. Organizing roadshows periodically is part of the group’s efforts to contribute to the growth the Kingdom’s tourism sector and establish it as among the most preferred destinations in the world.

“Elaf continues to create unique and innovative services for visitors in all its hotels in Saudi Arabia to ensure they have the most comfortable experience during their stay, provided with the finest services whether it is business tourism as well as during pilgrimages, facilitating their performance of Hajj and Umrah and Umrah prayers” Mr. Ziyad Bin Mahfouz, CEO of Elaf Group, said.

“We constantly work on ways to develop and enhance the efficiency of the tourism sector in the Kingdom to enhance the services offered for tourists visiting for religious purposes as well as for business to advance the country’s position on the global tourism map in line with Saudi Vision 2030. We are committed to supporting the government efforts to develop the tourism sector, drive economic diversification and move towards the post-oil economy. These roadshows provide the platform for Elaf to highlight the unique tourism features of the Kingdom” Bin Mahfouz concluded.

Through its innovative and pioneering business practices, Elaf has established its international presence through a network of branches cross the Arab world as well as in the most important regions in Europe and the Far East hubs. The company benefits from its strategic partnerships with major airlines to ensure the comfort and satisfaction of its customers. Elaf plays an important role in supporting the tourism sector through its ambitious strategies and innovative plans that have made it one of the best companies in the tourism sector.

Tags:Elaf Group

ABTA: Over 4.7 million head for Christmas and New Year travel in UK

As per travel trade association ABTA more than 4.7 million UK passengers  will travel abroad over the Christmas and New Year period, 21 December will be the busiest day of travel and the quietest will be Christmas.

Major airports are reporting high numbers, 560,000 are departing from Stansted, 377,500 from Luton and around 235,000 leaving from Bristol.

Major airports will see millions leaving the country, on 23 December Gatwick Airport will see 73,000 passengers flying out  while Heathrow will be busy and will have  over a million departing during the festive period.

Mark Tanzer, ABTA’s chief executive said that Christmas and New Year are always very busy times for the travel industry as people head off to spend their well-earned holidays with family and friends.  The festive break appears to be a busy one and people were asked to keep extra time for their journeys and check for disruption if travelling by public transport.

The Scottish airports will have 262,184 travelling through Edinburgh alone and 33,615 from London Southend while large numbers will leave from other regional airports.

Across the English Channel a major number of people are travelling via ferry or through the Channel Tunner, while hundreds of thousands heading off on the Euroostar. However, the planes will still fly between the UK and EU.

Tanzer  said that over the Christmas period many people will be planning to book their summer holidays and they will be keen to know about the implications of Brexit on travel.

Regardless of the Brexit outcome  the EU and UK Government said that planes will still fly and travellers will not require a visa.

Tags:ABTA

The 2nd Fairfield by Marriott opens in South Korea: Fairfield by Marriott Busan

Marriott International announced the opening of the new 225-room Fairfield by Marriott Hotel in Busan, South Korea.

This is the second Fairfield to open in South Korea this year and is the latest addition to the more than 950 Fairfield by Marriott properties worldwide.

Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city, noted for being the country’s main commercial port, a popular destination for major conferences and home to the Korea Exchange. In addition to its reputation for being a trade hub, Busan boasts numerous seaside attractions and international festivals throughout the year including the Busan International Rock Festival in August and the Busan International Film Festival in October. Busan is also known to be a popular summer destination for domestic travelers visiting its beautiful beaches.

The property is comprised of 224 guestrooms that offer city and ocean views and one 485sqft family room that includes a separate living room. Designed to be smart and flexible, yet warm and comfortable, all guest rooms and bathrooms are well-appointed with features such as large 49” flat screen TVs, work areas with flexible ergonomic desks and chairs, minibars and safety deposit boxes. Wooden floors, natural wood and marble accents and large windows which let in plenty of sunlight create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere in every room.

The hotel features a modern restaurant that offers buffet-style breakfast of both local and international specialties. Meanwhile, a well-equipped fitness center is available for guests to maintain their fitness routines during their travels. For the business traveler, Fairfield Busan offers flexible workspaces in the lobby, and a fully-equipped meeting room that can accommodate up to 30 people comfortably.

The new Fairfield by Marriott Busan is located in the heart of Haeundae, a popular beach resort destination with a boardwalk in one of South Korea’s most scenic coastal regions. Ideal for both business and leisure travelers, the hotel’s location offers convenient access to major commercial, entertainment and cultural venues in the area. Nearby attractions include Moontan Road, MIPO railroad trekking course, Busan Aquarium and The Bay 101 Yacht Club shopping, dining and entertainment complex to name a few. Shinsegae Centum City, the world’s largest department store, is located less than two kilometers away from the hotel, and Haeundae Beach is only a three-minute walk away. The hotel is located 7 minutes’ walk from Haeundae subway station and is an easy 40-minute drive from Busan’s Gimhae international airport.

“I am delighted to welcome our guests to the new Fairfield by Marriott in beautiful Haeundae,” said Charles Lee, General Manager, Fairfield by Marriott Busan. “As a main destination for MICE, business and leisure travel, we look forward to welcoming both domestic and international guests to experience our warm hospitality and uplifting spaces. Here at Fairfield Busan, we are committed to ensuring that our guests can stay productive, balanced, and well-rested, all at a great value.”

Tags:South Korea,Fairfield by Marriott Busan 

AEGEAN’s international traffic from Athens grows by 15%

AEGEAN and Olympic Air report a 10% growth in passenger traffic in November 2018, welcoming 969 thousand passengers on board their flights.

Passenger growth was mainly driven frominternational network with the group carrying 555 thousand passengers, an increase of 18% compared to November 2017.

Passenger traffic in the domestic network remained at last year’s levels, despite the operation of five other carriers active in the domestic market (three Greek and two foreign carriers), given AEGEAN’s fare promotional activities as well as supporting connecting traffic.

AEGEAN’s international traffic from Athens grew by 15%, with the group maintaining for the first time during the winter season, routes and frequencies mainly in France, Italy and Germany (i.e. Nice, Marseilles, Bologna, Basil, Venice, Catania), thus contributing on the extension of the tourist season.

It is highlighted that international traffic out of the regional bases grew by 30% in November 2018, with Aegean operating for the second consecutive year direct flights during the winter season from Heraklion, Crete to 11 destinations in Germany, France, Austria, Sweden and Norway, in co-operation with German tour operators, which will continue until April 2019.

November 2018		November 2017	% Change
Total AEGEAN & Olympic Air Traffic
Domestic	413,842	409,204	1%
International from Athens	447,935	389,325	15%
International from other bases	107,037	82,432	30%
Total International	554,972	471,757	18%
Total Network	968,814	880,961	10%
Load Factor
Total Network	84%	83%	+1

Mr. Dimitris Gerogiannis, CEO of AEGEAN, commented, “Extending the tourist season in our country is crucial and requires investments in hotel accommodation, infrastructure and services, which could support also local employment. AEGEAN contributes to this effort by investing in its network expansion during the winter season at a cost. However, to ensure the effective results, coordinated efforts by the state and all interested parties in the sector are required”.

Tags:AEGEAN and Olympic Air 

Small Luxury Hotels of the World introduces five new hotels

Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) welcomes five new exciting additions, including three newly opened properties, to its portfolio of luxury boutique hotels this December.

Terra Dominicata, Priorat, Spain - Opened August 2018

A sense of peace seems to arise the moment you arrive at Terra Dominicata. Originally part of a Dominican monastery, the hotel immerses you in the heritage of its ‘holy mountain’ setting. The calming colour palette of earth tones complements the minimalist furnishings in the spacious rooms and suites, including original stone walls that tie these spaces to their past. Outside, warm terracotta tiles lead you to the pool, where swims come with Montsant Natural Park views. To take a closer look at your surroundings, set off hiking through the rugged scenery or visit the ruined monastery in nearby Escaladei. Back at Terra Dominicata, the tables at Alma Mater are laid for dinner. Dine in the impeccably styled restaurant or choose a table out on the stone terrace and feast on modern takes on traditional produce and recipes.

Hotel Les Bords de Mer, Marseille, France - Opened December 1st 2018

Standing beside Plages des Catalans and just a short walk from the old town, this boutique retreat is immersed in Marseille life. Its gleaming white exterior complements the blue of the sea and the sky, which stretches out endlessly in front. Spellbinding Mediterranean Sea views are the star of Les Bords de Mer’s rooms and suites. Depending on your room, you could take them in from huge bay windows, or from your private balcony or terrace. Inside, pastel hues and pale, natural wood complement the clear Cote d’Azur light that drew so many painters to the region. Spend the day unwinding beside the rooftop pool or out exploring the city. The hotel is SLH’s first in Marseille and offers cultural tours of the old town, as well as excursions further afield – from boat trips to Calanques National Park, to wine tours of the Luberon.

The Frederick Hotel, New York City, USA

The Frederick Hotel is a glimpse of New York grandeur. This landmark gothic revival building has been welcoming guests since 1845. Now, a step through the doors reveals a luxury hotel immersed in TriBeCa’s culture. Rooms and suites fuse elements of mid-century-modern furnishings and art-nouveau inspired details set against a minimalist, neutral colour scheme. Beds are made up with luxurious Frette linens that beckon you to dive right in, C.O Bigelow toiletries and bathtubs all add an extra touch of indulgence. Unwind in privacy or step down to the hotel restaurant, Serafina, for all-day Italian dining. The handmade pasta and signature truffle-topped pizza is not to be missed.

Hotel Grand Powers, Paris, France - Opens January 4th 2019

At the heart of the bustling Golden Triangle in Paris' eighth arrondissement close to the Champs-Elysees, Hotel Grand Powers has been welcoming travelers from around the world for more than a century. Following a complete transformation, the new five-star hotel will officially open at the start of 2019. Original features such as moldings and marble fireplaces are complemented by bespoke furniture and striking contrasts between stone and fabric. Rooms and suites make the most of classic Haussmann proportions, with high ceilings and large windows – some even have balconies and Eiffel Tower views. Step out to explore the city and return for a massage or hammam bath at the Thala Spa. This peaceful haven comprises a huge jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, 24-hour gym with the latest Technogym innovation and a treatment room.

The Franklin, London, UK

A stay at The Franklin means a trip back in time to a bygone era, where designer interiors by Anouska Hempel seamlessly blend La Belle Epoque style with modern-day sensibilities.  Located in London’s leafy Knightsbridge neighborhood and sister hotel to SLH’s Hotel D’Inghilterra, The Franklin is just the right side of opulent with refined velvets and patterned wallpapers creating a sophisticated space. Whether you select a Deluxe Room with a mirrored four-poster or the one-off grandeur of the Presidential Suite, expect a bedroom that is as restful as it is refined. Upping the relaxation levels, downstairs a hammam is a blissful way to end a day spent walking the royal parks and galleries of London. Dinner is served in The Franklin Restaurant, where Italian influenced menus by Michelin-starred Alfredo Russo give seasonal ingredients star billing. For a pre-dinner experience to remember, you can even enjoy a cocktail masterclass with award-winning mixologist Salvatore Maggio.

Tags:Small Luxury Hotels of the World