Tourism News Page 551
World Famous Snow Festival Held in Sapporo Strives for Sustainability amid “Unprecedented Challenges
The 75th Sapporo Snow Festival will be held on February 4 - 11, 2025, in the City of Sapporo, Japan’s Northern Capital. As one of the world’s largest snow sculpture festivals, the city will be transformed into a winter wonderland featuring over 200 snow sculptures, some towering over 12 meters tall. With 2 million people from around the globe attending each year, the festival has become one of the most anticipated events on Japan’s calendar.
Jumeirah Announces New Global Collaboration With GROUND Wellbeing
Jumeirah, a global leader in luxury hospitality and a member of Dubai Holding, is delighted to announce a new global collaboration with GROUND Wellbeing, the Irish skincare brand recognised for its commitment to natural ingredients and sustainable wellbeing. GROUND Wellbeing will be introduced across Jumeirah’s global portfolio, initially launching in February 2025 at The Peak Fitness Club & Spa at Jumeirah Carlton Tower in London, followed by Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Dubai’s hotly anticipated 2025 opening, before being rolled out more widely in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
84th Daytona Beach Bike Week on Feb. 28-March 9
The motorcycle community will descend upon Daytona Beach area to kick off the new riding season with the 84th annual Bike Week on Feb. 28-March 9, one of the world’s largest motorcycle events. Visitors will have an unforgettable experience at Daytona Beach Bike Week, organized by the Daytona Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce. Every year this thrilling event attracts hundreds of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts from every corner of the globe.
Türkiye Sets Global Benchmark in Sustainable Gastronomy
Türkiye is setting a global benchmark in sustainable gastronomy by blending its rich culinary heritage with modern eco-conscious practices. With 10 MICHELIN Green Star-awarded restaurants achieved in just two years and a groundbreaking Sustainable Tourism Program set to include food and beverage service providers, the country is redefining the future of sustainable dining and travel.
Croatia Forecasts Strong UK Demand Bolstered by Largest Ever Tourism Developments
Croatia reports a successful start to year, upping world-wide appeal among travellers across continental and coastal regions. According to Google, Booking.com and Wanderlust data, Croatia wins a highly coveted spot among top ten most googled travel destinations worldwide, Osijek-Baranja County gains an upper hand within the most hospitable regions on Booking.com, while Dubrovnik flies high on the Wanderlust’s prestigious “Good To Go” list for 2025.
Manchagen - the World’s Biggest Eurovision Live Experience Festival Lands in Manchester in April
The world’s biggest Eurovision celebration MancHagen, outside of the official Switzerland live shows week, is set to land in Manchester this April. The global not-for-profit event, with concerts taking place to raise money for selected charities, is celebrating its 20th anniversary of the Manchester Eurovision Party in 2025. From 10th-13th April, the UK’s epicentre of inclusive culture, Manchester, will be taken over by a specially curated constellation of music, dance, fashion and LGBTQIA+ led events.
Tailor-made Experiences at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London
Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London, is delighted to reveal a series of tailor-made experiences, now available to guests, inspired by the hotel’s location in the heart of Mayfair, at the crossroads of art, fashion and culture. The ‘Tailor-made for You’ concept has been carefully curated to offer one of a kind, behind the scenes experiences and the best of British craftsmanship with some of Mayfair’s most sought-after brands, available exclusively through the hotel and its concierge team.
Hyatt Announces Plans for the First Alila Branded Resort in Latin America and the Caribbean
Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya will undergo a transformative renovation and debut as the first Alila branded resort in Latin America and the Caribbean in late 2025, offering a luxury sanctuary that serves as a steward of the natural environment and local Mayan culture
IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Luxury & Lifestyle Leadership Position Boosted by Strategic Growth
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) continues to build momentum across its Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio – one of the largest in the world. Buoyed by strong growth, IHG’s six acclaimed Luxury & Lifestyle brands represent 20 percent of its overall global pipeline – nearly double what it was just five years ago – and span more than 900 open and pipeline hotels, with over 260 of those in the Americas.
Hilton Hires Legal Expert Caroline Krass as Executive Vice President and General Counsel
Hilton has named Caroline Krass as executive vice president and general counsel. She most recently served as the general counsel for the Department of Defense (DoD) and has held senior leadership roles throughout her career including as general counsel for General Insurance and deputy general counsel at AIG, and as partner at Gibson Dunn. Krass will join Hilton on March 17, 2025, reporting to Christopher J. Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton, and serving as a member of the executive committee.
IHG Hotels & Resorts strengthens Essentials offering in Germany with Holiday Inn Ratingen
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, continues its growth in Germany with the signing of Holiday Inn Ratingen, in the wider Düsseldorf area, in partnership with multi hotel operator tristar GmbH. After a full renovation, expected to open in the second half of 2025, the hotel will further expand IHG’s presence in secondary markets across Germany by offering Holiday Inn’s warm welcome and consistent experiences in a new location. The hotel represents a conversion from an existing hotel showcasing the conversion-ability of Holiday Inn and its adaptability to changing market environments.
IHG Hotels & Resorts launches Garner brand in Japan with three new openings in Osaka
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues the rapid international growth of its newest midscale conversion brand, Garner hotels, with the opening of its first three hotels in Japan, marking a significant milestone as Garner expands into the Asia Pacific region. The three new hotels - Garner Hotel Osaka Honmachi Station, Garner Hotel Osaka Honmachi Midosuji, and Garner Hotel Osaka Honmachi Kita Semba, are now open to guests in Japan’s second largest metropolitan city, Osaka. Guests can immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of the city, all while experiencing the brand’s ethos of ‘easy going stays that get you on your way’.