Belmond News

Grossniklaus takes up development role with Belmond
Belmond announced the appointment of David Grossniklaus as senior director of development Middle East, Africa and India. Based in Belmond’s newly-opened development office in the heart of the Dubai International Financial Centre, in the United Arab Emirates, Grossniklaus will focus on growing Belmond’s footprint across the region with new hotel developments and conversion opportunities.

Hatton takes up global development leadership position with Belmond
Belmond has announced the appointment of Kenneth Hatton as senior vice president, global development. He will take up the role on January 23rd, 2017. Hatton has over 18 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions and global hotel-related transactions.

Belmond welcomes La Résidence d’Angkor to Cambodia
Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor in Cambodia reopens as an all-suite hotel following a full refurbishment. Newly designed interiors inspired by the classical Khmer era juxtaposed with contemporary Cambodian art connect the past with the present. Nestled within lush landscaped gardens and surrounding a cooling saltwater swimming pool, the hotel offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city.

Champenois takes up top marketing role with Belmond
Belmond has announced the appointment of Arnaud Champenois to the role of senior vice president, marketing and brand, effective immediately. Champenois has over 20-years of experience in leading brands, marketing and communication in the luxury goods and services sector.

Belmond Grand Hibernian debuts in Ireland
Belmond Grand Hibernian started a new chapter in history earlier as the first luxury sleeper train to travel throughout Ireland. The inaugural journey departed Heuston Station at 14:20 taking 40 guests on a six-night grand tour of Ireland. The train’s contemporary interiors are elegant yet relaxed, evoking the sense of travelling in an Irish country house on wheels, with genuine and warm service provided by the train’s crew.

Breaking Travel News investigates: Belmond Hiram Bingham, Peru
For many, a trip to Machu Picchu is a once in a lifetime experience. The Belmond Hiram Bingham assures a magical journey, never to be forgotten. Here cameramen Anjjelo San Buenaventura and Mark Hakansson take a ride for Breaking Travel News.

Belmond Andean Explorer set for 2017 launch in Peru
Belmond has revealed it will launch South America’s first luxury sleeper train, Belmond Andean Explorer in Peru. The new train, expected to launch May 2017, is set to travel along one of the highest rail routes on earth traversing the Peruvian Andes from Cusco to Lake Titicaca and Arequipa, exploring natural wonders and ancient kingdoms on one and two night journeys.
New bar car on board Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
A new Bar Car christened ‘3674’ is unveiled aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. ‘3674’s’ new interiors feature vibrant blues and golds, reflecting the iconic livery of the historic carriages and patterns inspired by the train’s marquetry.

Belmond celebrates Myanmar anniversary with Ayeyarwady cruise
Belmond has announced a 20 year anniversary cruise on board the Grand Dame of the Ayeyarwady River, Belmond Road to Mandalay, on October 1st, 2016. Marking two decades of exploring the magical rivers of Myanmar, the special four night, five day journey follows the route of the inaugural cruise from Bagan to Mandalay.

First look at Belmond Grand Hibernian’s luxury carriages
The first images of Belmond Grand Hibernian’s carriages are released as the transformation into 20 luxury en-suite cabins, two dining cars and an observation car gets under way in Belfast, Northern Ireland. A team of 40 multi-skilled craftsman at specialist outfitters Mivan Marine, will undertake 35,000 hours of work at the world-class production facility in County Antrim preparing the train for its inaugural journey from Dublin in August 2016.

Kuhn to head communications department at Belmond
Belmond has appointed Maria Kuhn as corporate director of communications. Kuhn will be responsible for developing the global communications strategy, guiding and supervising the global PR team, and building Belmond’s brand reputation worldwide. She will oversee targeted PR campaigns for the upcoming launches of Belmond Grand Hibernian, Ireland’s first luxury touring train; and Belmond Cadogan Hotel in Knightsbridge, the company’s first London hotel.

New leadership for Belmond as expansion continues
Belmond has the appointed Philippe Cassis to the roles of executive vice president and chief operating officer. Cassis most recently served as chief executive at Sun Resorts, where he oversaw the successful growth of the company’s portfolio of luxury destination resorts. “We are delighted to welcome Philippe, an experienced business leader with strong organisational, strategic and business development skills,” said John Scott, president and chief executive and Belmond.