Tourism News Page 651
Christmas in Lisbon: An Unexpected Gem for Festive Travellers
Lisbon may not be the first city that comes to mind as a Christmas destination, but through December it offers a mild climate, historic charm and a festive spirit that blends Portuguese traditions with modern attractions. From dazzling light displays to bustling markets and river cruises, the team at Visit Lisboa (visitlisboa.com/en) has picked out the city’s top Christmas attractions that make it an unexpected gem during the festive season.
Marriott International Announces Global Launch of Connect Responsibly
Marriott International, Inc. (Marriott) today announced the launch of Connect Responsibly with Marriott Bonvoy Events (Connect Responsibly), a program designed to help meeting planners embed sustainability into their events at participating hotels in the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. Connect Responsibly plans to offer meetings and events customers access to detailed Meeting Impact Reports to measure the environmental impact of their events and select options to purchase carbon credits. The program is anticipated to go live at managed and franchised properties from participating brands globally by the end of October.
Finnair strengthens summer network to America and Asia
Finnair is continuing to grow its global presence, adding extra long-haul flights from its Helsinki hub to America and Asia next summer. The news means the airline will boast its largest ever U.S. schedule from Helsinki in 2025, with flights to Asia also at their highest levels since 2019.
UK travellers now have another great-value alternative to south-east Asia
Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, will launch its new daily non-stop flights to Singapore on 27 October 2024, with guests able to enjoy the airline’s in-flight quality on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The launch is a significant milestone for UK travellers as journeys from both London Heathrow and Manchester to Singapore, via Bahrain, are made easier and more accessible. Gulf Air’s pricing also offers great value for both Business Class and Economy trips.
KILIMANJARO NATIONAL PARK
The management team are thrilled to announce that Kilimanjaro National Park has once again been crowned Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction at the prestigious World Travel Awards! Standing tall as the “Roof of Africa,” Mount Kilimanjaro is a beacon of adventure and natural beauty, attracting climbers, explorers, and nature enthusiasts from all corners of the globe.
The Hilton Kinshasa: Crowned Democratic Republic of Congo’s Leading Business Hotel
The Hilton Kinshasa has achieved a remarkable feat by being named Democratic Republic of Congo’s Leading Business Hotel at the 2024 Africa Gala Ceremony of the World Travel Awards. This prestigious event took place last week at the stunning Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort in Diani Beach, Kenya, bringing together industry leaders from across the continent to celebrate excellence in tourism and hospitality.
Baan Lao in Richmond, British Columbia: Crowned Canada’s Best Restaurant
In an impressive showcase of culinary excellence, Baan Lao, located in Richmond, British Columbia, has been awarded Canada’s Best Restaurant at the 2024 World Culinary Awards held in Dubai. This prestigious accolade recognizes Baan Lao’s exceptional dedication to authentic Thai cuisine, innovative dining experiences, and commitment to providing outstanding hospitality, further solidifying its reputation as a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.
Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club Voted Africa’s Leading Hotel
The Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club has been named Africa’s Leading Hotel at the 2024 Africa Gala Ceremony of the World Travel Awards, held last week at Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort in Diani Beach, Kenya. This prestigious accolade is a reflection of the hotel’s world-class service, luxurious offerings, and its unique setting at the foot of Africa’s second-highest peak, Mount Kenya. Known for its rich history, unrivaled hospitality, and breathtaking location, Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club continues to attract discerning travelers from around the globe. The win underscores the property’s excellence in delivering exceptional guest experiences and further cements its place as one of Africa’s most iconic hotels.
Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Voted Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction
In a moment of pride for Tanzania’s tourism industry, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park has been crowned Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction at the 2024 Africa Gala Ceremony of the World Travel Awards. The prestigious event, held last week at the breathtaking Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort in Diani Beach, Kenya, brought together leading figures in African tourism to celebrate the continent’s best destinations. This recognition of Mount Kilimanjaro, often referred to as the “Roof of Africa,” highlights the mountain’s unparalleled appeal and the enduring allure of Tanzania as a premier travel destination. Winning this coveted title reaffirms Kilimanjaro’s status as one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the world.
Swahili Beach Kenya Voted Africa’s Leading Beach Resort
Swahili Beach Resort, an iconic luxury destination on the Kenyan coast, has been honored as Africa’s Leading Beach Resort at the 2024 Africa Gala Ceremony of the World Travel Awards. The prestigious event, which took place last week, celebrated the best in African travel and tourism at the stunning Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort in Diani Beach, Kenya. Swahili Beach’s recognition cements its reputation as one of the continent’s top beach resorts, offering a unique blend of cultural heritage, luxury, and exceptional service. The World Travel Awards are widely regarded as the most esteemed awards in the global travel industry, recognizing and rewarding excellence across all key sectors of tourism. Winning the title of Africa’s Leading Beach Resort is a significant achievement for Swahili Beach, reflecting its dedication to providing world-class hospitality in one of the most beautiful locations on the continent.
Bonfire Adventures Voted Kenya’s Leading Travel Agency
Bonfire Adventures has once again solidified its place as a trailblazer in Kenya’s travel industry by being named Kenya’s Leading Travel Agency at the 2024 Africa Gala Ceremony of the World Travel Awards. The prestigious event, which took place last week at the stunning Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort in Diani Beach, Kenya, celebrated excellence in the travel and tourism industry, with Bonfire Adventures shining brightly as a leader in delivering memorable travel experiences. The World Travel Awards recognize and reward excellence across various categories in travel, tourism, and hospitality. Bonfire Adventures’ win is a testament to its exceptional service, innovation, and commitment to offering Kenyans and international travelers top-tier travel experiences.
Pollman’s Tours and Safaris Voted Kenya’s Leading Destination Management Company
Pollman’s Tours and Safaris has been awarded the prestigious title of Kenya’s Leading Destination Management Company at the 2024 Africa Gala Ceremony of the World Travel Awards, held last week at the stunning Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort in Diani Beach, Kenya. This recognition celebrates the company’s outstanding contribution to Kenya’s tourism industry and highlights its role as a trusted leader in providing exceptional travel experiences. The World Travel Awards, often regarded as the highest accolade in the travel and tourism industry, recognize excellence across the globe. Pollman’s achievement in this category is a testament to its dedication to quality, innovation, and service in the field of destination management.