Hot Off the Press
from ITB 2024
Here's what's been cooking up in the world of travel: at this year's ITB Berlin we were once again out and about digging up handfuls of gold, and this was certainly a year of movers and shakers. From sweet to spicy, LuxuryWise has every taste covered with all the hottest news served to you on a silver platter. Enjoy the best from ITB!
Saudi Arabia Opens First UNESCO Hotels
Rose tea and the scent of incense: the historic district of Jeddah is opening its first luxury hotels with UNESCO World Heritage status. The three listed properties, which were renovated in cooperation with local historians, artists, and architects, offer a total of 17 rooms. The Jokhdar has nine of them, as well as a roof terrace with a view of the old town of Al Balad. The Al-Rayess (pictured) is characterized by its high ceilings, while the small Kedwan with its two rooms can be rented in its entirety.
Australia Celebrates New Private Island
Pelorus Private Island in Queensland is a small oasis on the Great Barrier Reef that can now be booked. Accessible by helicopter or yacht, the residence with a private chef has five suites with sea views, a bar, and a pool on the beach. The surrounding World Heritage Site can be explored by diving, snorkeling, reef fishing, jet skiing, and seabobbing. There are also excursions to the spectacular Museum of Underwater Art and the rainforest of Hinchinbrook Island National Park.
Jayavarman Returns to the Mekong
News from Heritage Line: after years of renovation, the Jayavarman is sailing across the lower Mekong again. Vacationers setting off on the ship from Saigon to Siem Reap (or vice versa) can expect a renovated restaurant with an open kitchen, as well as a new cruise program with more ports of call, and optional themed excursions that offer insights into the cuisine of Vietnam and Cambodia. The region around the waterway can also be explored more actively by bike.
Big Changes at Consul Weltreisen
Consul Weltreisen has announced a change in management. Following the death of founder Dieter Forsen, Hans-Joachim Bischoff is taking over as Managing Director. He also welcomes many new members to the team, including Nina Lübeck (formerly TUI) and Kai Schepp (formerly Hapag-Lloyd cruise flights). But that's not all – the only German supplier of cruise flights by private jet is also relocating its headquarters. It is moving from Düsseldorf to Hanover in order to be able to operate even more efficiently in future.
Costa Rica Extends Its Tourist Visa
In order to become more attractive for long-term travelers like digital nomads who want to work from anywhere, Costa Rica extended the maximum length of its stay last year. Visitors who were previously able to roam the country for only 90 days with a tourist visa can now take twice as long: six months! Perhaps this will take you to the Guanacaste region, which is known for its beaches, national parks, and festivals? In 2024, many luxury hotels will be opening in this region, including the One&Only Papagayo with 161 rooms.
Cap Rocat Hosts Festival Again
The Cap Rocat Festival, which was launched in 2021, will once again mix classical sounds with the sound of the sea this year. Under the artistic direction of Ilias Tzempetonidis, who will be traveling from Naples, the summer of music will be happening on Mallorca. Great voices from all over the world have been invited, such as Nadine Sierra and Michael Fabiano. They will be accompanied by the Orquesta Simfònica de les Illes Balears. Further information as well as the program for the 2024 festival will be announced soon.
Sandals Saint Vincent to Open Soon
When Sandals Saint Vincent and The Grenadines opens on March 27th, the Lesser Antilles will have one more luxurious all-inclusive resort with 301 rooms. The 32 islands near St. Lucia and Grenada are characterized by their tropical landscapes, which also define the resort's 50-hectare (124 acre) grounds. There are 16 bars, restaurants, and beach clubs spread across the property, as well as several pools, a spa, and various villa categories – some of which are overwater villas, others are equipped with a gym and cinema.
Air Astana Now with Onboard-Cooking
The national airline of Kazakhstan is staying true to its course of aggressive expansion: the current fleet of 50 aircraft is set to grow to 80 by 2028. The aim is to operate only modern, fuel-efficient Airbus A320neo, A321neo, A321LR, and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft in the future. In that same vein, the network will also be expanded to include additional routes and transfer options. On top of that, the airline plans to introduce a completely new catering concept that offers fresh food preparation directly on board.
Mandarin Oriental Debuts in Muscat
The new Mandarin Oriental in Muscat is set to open this spring, and is located right in the heart of Shatti Al-Qurum – just a stone's throw away from the architectural features of the port city. In addition to various room and suite categories, guests will also have five restaurants, lounges, and a bar to choose from. Other amenities include spa treatments, a steam bath, two outdoor pools, and an extensive beach promenade. Regional aesthetic and design, as well as local craftsmanship are omnipresent.
South Africa Teases New Experiences
In order to attract even more travelers in the future, South Africa is investing large sums in cultural and economic tourism. For the expansion of the "Wild is our backyard" campaign, which starts in May, the Department of Tourism plans to invest a total of 700 million dollars. The goal is to develop 1,000 new experiences in the villages and townships across the country over the next three years, giving travelers authentic insights into local traditions. There are also plans for an admission program that entitles visitors to enter all national parks with one card.
Sri Lanka Launches Fam Trip Campaign
The Sri Lanka Tourist Board had some good news at ITB: the island nation in the Indian Ocean is launching a massive global campaign this April that includes fully sponsored fam trips, with air and rail tickets included! Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways will be involved as partners, bringing travelers to their destination in comfort. Once there, they will learn everything they need to know about marine tourism, yachting, and many other aspects of Sri Lanka with an emphasis on wellness and culture, as well as on adventure travel.
byDistinction Adds New Members
The hotel group The Pepper Collection (pictured), which is now represented by byDistinction, has a new member: The Barn, a chalet for up to 14 people with a spa area, private chef, and 24/7 butler service included. Another new addition to the portfolio is the women-run Hotel Saltus in South Tyrol, which offers vacations among the treetops. For the first time byDistinction represents the beach club provider Scorpios, which also has hotels, and offers travel agencies exclusive commissions that are not available through any other booking channel.